So he took her hand and led her downstairs, across the path under the grape arbor, introducing his horses to her as they walked.
Little Bray was just under three months old, and Huangfu Jue had bought him only a month ago. The little fellow had been so thin when he arrived, almost all skin and bones. Standing in the stable and introducing Bray, pride resonated in Huangfu Jue’s tone.
"In one month, it has gained seven pounds. I believe it will grow up quickly, and then you can ride it."
She glanced at the hand still holding hers, then gestured towards another horse in the stable.
"May I ride that one?"
Having finished touring the stables, if she didn’t find something to do, she would have no reason to stay.
Even though she was still wearing the fancy dress from the masquerade, she didn’t mind riding at all.
So, he called someone to put a bridle on another horse in the stable.
After helping her into a side-saddle position, he led her by the reins toward the grassy slope.
Stopping on the hillside, he reached out, scooped her by the waist from the horse, and didn’t remove his hand from her waist.
Their eyes met, and the two naturally leaned in towards each other and kissed.
It was her first kiss with a boy, and his kissing skills were quite ordinary. At first, both were so awkward they didn’t know what to do.
Either masks bumped together, or noses collided.
But they swiftly learned to tilt their heads aside, so kissing became much easier.
From clumsy confusion to learning to respond to each other took only the duration of one kiss, a novel experience that seemed like they could kiss forever without ever growing tired of it.
Only when they were both nearly out of breath did they reluctantly end that kiss.
"Tell me your name, I’ll come find you tomorrow."
"I’m leaving tomorrow; you won’t find me."
"Then don’t leave, stay."
"I have no relatives or friends here."
She laughed, then leaned in to kiss him again.
From the maple trees on the grassy hillside to his master bedroom...
Everything happened so naturally. It was only their third encounter, and she still didn’t know his name, yet it felt as if she had known him for a lifetime.
That day was the most beautiful time in her memory.
But the good times did not last long.
His bedroom suddenly transformed into the Presidential Suite of a hotel, she rose from the floor, and could only watch as the killer aimed a gun at him.
She tried to run to him, but her legs were so heavy she couldn’t muster the strength. She screamed his name loudly, but he seemed not to hear, just standing there staring at her in stunned silence...
She desperately ran towards him, but her legs were weak and she couldn’t move.
"Huangfu Jue... be careful... Huangfu Jue... dodge... dodge it..."
She yelled until her throat hurt, but he just frowned and watched her, disappointment filling his blue eyes.
"So, this is the real you!"
The killer pulled the trigger, and the bullet pierced his chest, blood spraying out like a beautiful Red Spider Lily blossoming midair.
She cried out heart-wrenchingly.
Her body shook, and with a shiver, she was jolted awake from the dream.
Opening her eyes, she gazed at the handsome face before her, still a bit dazed.
"Don’t be afraid. It was just a dream," Huangfu Jue said with a frown, trying to comfort her as he carefully wiped the sweat from her forehead with a towel, his eyes focusing on the crystal droplets at the corners of her eyes, his brow furrowing, "Fool!"