“The host’s traversal plot point is random. Please don’t judge a gentleman’s heart with a villain’s mind,” the system’s voice replied smugly.
Before Ruan Ning could respond, her hair was grabbed. The bloodied leader pulled her towards the trees, and she caught a glimpse of a wild man lying motionless in the distance, apparently dead.
“Let me go, I’ll give you money, lots of money!” Ruan Ning pleaded in terror.
The leader dragged her into a hidden space among the trees, tore off his blood-stained clothes, and lunged at her. Despite her desperate attempts to throw leaves to defend herself, he overpowered her, twisting her arm and pinning her legs.
Just as he was about to press down, a figure clad in black descended from the trees, piercing the leader with a sword and kicking him away.
Blood splattered on the fallen leaves. Ruan Ning screamed and covered her face, feeling a sudden lightness as the black-clad man lifted her into his arms. His cold voice, filled with a chilling intent, said, “Don’t be afraid. It’s me.”
Ruan Ning opened her eyes to see a distinct face, around 26 or 27 years old, with iron-hook eyebrows and silver lines. His well-defined muscles made her feel safe.
“Your father has paid tribute to Ji Guo and signed a peace treaty. The war is over,” the black-clad man said, his hand close to her hair, seeming to want to stroke it, but ultimately pulling away. “A Ruan, I’ll take you back.”
A Ruan? Was this her surname or name? Ruan Ning quickly recalled the text but couldn’t remember any female character named A Ruan. How could she deduce the plot with such limited information?
The man brushed her messy hair behind her ear, frowning: “No one can know you encountered bandits.”
Deep in the forest was a clear, shallow pool. The man ordered, “Wash and clean up before I take you away.”
His voice carried authority. Ruan Ning didn’t object. The girl A Ruan had likely suffered during her escape, with mud and bandit’s blood on her clothes. She wanted to wash away these unpleasant memories.
She looked at him. His gaze was clear and bright, without a hint of desire.
