I stood in place, glancing at An Jin. “It…”
The corner of An Jin’s mouth slightly curved, then immediately pressed down, looking somewhat stiff. “On my way back, I passed your home and saw it sitting at the door looking this way, looking quite pitiful. So…”
I finally couldn’t help but cheer, bending down to hug Yuan Xiao’s big head. Yuan Xiao raised its front legs onto my shoulders, its white fur burrowing into my neck.
An Jin watched quietly, no longer hiding his smile, which was surprisingly gentle.
Yuan Xiao had been sitting at the door for days. I wondered why An Jin suddenly decided to bring it back. While stroking Yuan Xiao’s back, I speculated that An Jin might know about Madam Song’s marriage proposal and want to curry my favor to successfully introduce a concubine.
The more I thought, the angrier I became. Yuan Xiao sensed my mood change and whimpered questioningly.
“Zhuo Yi,” I said seriously, “This is non-negotiable. I absolutely, absolutely will not agree.”
An Jin was slightly stunned. “What?”
Yuan Xiao sat in front of me and growled threateningly at An Jin.
“Today, Madam Song came to propose marriage, wanting her third daughter to become your concubine,” I watched his expression carefully.
“I know,” he revealed a knowing smile.
I continued, “I refused.”
His smile deepened. The sunset’s afterglow shone in his eyes, making his usually deep black pupils look transparent.
I looked at him suspiciously, trying to find signs of embarrassment or anger, but found none.
He finally laughed softly, as if feeling very relieved.
“You’re not angry?” I tried to confirm again. “I offended someone on your behalf again.”
He walked towards me. “You did well, why would I be angry?”
I stood rooted to the spot, watching him come closer and closer.
An Jin stopped a step in front of me, lowered his eyes and softly said: “I’m happy.”
I slowly nodded, thinking he indeed did not like the third young miss of the Song family. But then another thought occurred to me.
“How did you know? About Lady Song’s visit.”
An Jin seemed to be reaching out to pull me, but upon hearing my question, his fingers froze midair, awkwardly withdrawing. “I happened to meet Lord Song on my way home, and he mentioned this matter.”
