She held the hand pinching her chin, her phoenix eyes angled at him, her voice hoarse: “Supervisor, save me.”
She realized how abnormal he was—like a mobile freezer, devoid of emotions. She tried to pull her hand back, but he gripped her forearm, preventing her escape. His thumb rested on her dark blue vein, seeming to feel her pulse. His nails were neatly trimmed; his long fingers and distinct knuckles were exactly her type.
Gu Lianchang’s hand rested on Ruan Ning’s forearm, gently caressing her delicate skin. His expressionless face revealed a hint of satisfaction, making her feel slightly ticklish. Ruan Ning laughed and pressed his hand softly, saying, “Don’t, it tickles.”
Surprised by her reaction, Gu Lianchang let her go and said flatly, “If you don’t want to die too quickly, there might be a way.”
“What do I need to do?” Ruan Ning asked, glancing at her arm with faint fingerprints, noting how easily it marked.
“Strip and let me see. If I’m satisfied, I’ll tell you,” Gu Lianchang replied without any emotional fluctuation.
Ruan Ning thought, You’re a eunuch; even if you look, you can’t do anything. But she remained silent, unsure of how to respond.
Gu Lianchang observed her, noting that her lack of fear was strange. Realizing he had stayed too long, he turned to leave, saying, “Let me know when you’ve decided.”
Ruan Ning pondered, sometimes thinking being seen by a eunuch wasn’t a big deal since he wasn’t a man, and at other times, worrying about losing everything in the process.
She had always been indecisive, and after pondering for over two hours, she still couldn’t make up her mind.
As the sky darkened, a eunuch from Qingqing Palace came with the same message: summon the Imperial Consort to attend to the sick.
Undoubtedly Wei Shu’s idea. Ruan Ning felt disgusted but had no choice. Wei Shu held her hand, about to sit her down, when another eunuch announced: “Your Highness, the Crown Princess has arrived!”
The Crown Princess? Ruan Ning was stunned, realizing that Wei Shu must be married, something she had overlooked.
She quickly withdrew her hand. Wei Shu whispered: “Don’t worry, the Crown Princess is gentle and magnanimous. It doesn’t matter even if she sees us.”
Ruan Ning: …
