The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 79

What makes you say I don’t like Lin Xirui?

Lin Xizhao watched Qu Sheng sit to the side, clearly enjoying being waited on by Lin Xirui. While she wasn’t exactly jealous, a strange feeling arose within her, as if her most cherished possession was being snatched away.

She had never been one to fight for things. Ever since she was little, she would always yield to her two younger brothers if they liked something. But this time, she felt an urge not to give in, though the feeling only lasted for a few moments.

Hearing Lin Xirui’s question, Lin Xizhao glanced at her younger brother but didn’t answer. Lin Jianhai had called her over to ask about Qu Sheng’s mental state and whether her eyesight could be restored.

Qu Sheng had relied on others to serve her her entire life. He didn’t know what it was like for her in the Qu Marquis’s Residence, but here in his own residence, he knew it had always been his daughter who took care of her.

He had also heard from the Teacher¹ that Qu Sheng was a very good and intelligent student, but such intelligence didn’t necessarily mean she was qualified for the position of a family’s Matriarch.

Although his Lin Residence wasn’t large, he was still the Prime Minister of the Tiancheng Kingdom. If the woman his son wanted to marry was a fool, he would naturally never agree.

Lin Xizhao reported everything she had seen truthfully: Qu Sheng could take care of herself.

When Lin Xirui had told Lin Jianhai that he wanted to marry Qu Sheng, Lin Jianhai had rejected it outright. His reason was that Qu Sheng was a foolish person. If they married her into the family, it would bring misfortune upon their descendants. Furthermore, given the overbearing nature of the Qu Marquis’s Residence and their family customs, they would certainly never allow Lin Xirui to take a concubine after marrying Qu Sheng.

If Qu Sheng was naturally foolish and gave birth to a foolish child, his branch of the Lin family would end.

Lin Xirui had gone on and on about how clever Qu Sheng was, saying she was different from when she was a child. Back then, she just had few words and little speech², but in her heart, she was clearer than anyone. He even used Zhao Jiayu’s words, saying Qu Sheng was a clever imp³, with a mind of meticulous detail⁴ who knew the greater picture⁵. She spoke when she should and stayed silent when she shouldn’t. The last time Lin Xizhao had suddenly left, even he hadn’t known where his older sister had gone, yet Qu Sheng had guessed it immediately.

How could such a person possibly be a foolish person?

However, when Lin Jianhai asked about these things, Lin Xizhao didn’t say much about Qu Sheng’s intelligence. She only stated that Qu Sheng could take care of herself. As for how she managed, Lin Xizhao only said she could dress and feed herself.

Lin Xizhao took a few steps forward, extended her hand, and said, “Let me feed Sheng’er⁶.”

Lin Xirui subconsciously raised his hand to block her, smiling. “I’ll do it. Sheng-meimei⁷ is almost full.”

This was the first time Lin Xirui had fed Qu Sheng. Unfamiliar the first time, familiar the second⁸; he believed Qu Sheng would quickly get used to him. This way, they could have more opportunities to interact in the future.

Lin Xizhao’s raised hand froze for a moment. Seeing the happy expression on Lin Xirui’s face, she lowered her gaze, her expression sinking as she dropped her hand.

“Ajie⁹, you should eat too. I want to take Sheng-meimei to the Teacher’s lesson later.” As he spoke, Lin Xirui served more food for Qu Sheng and said softly, “Sheng-meimei, come on, open your mouth.”

Hearing this, Qu Sheng parted her lips slightly and ate the food Lin Xirui offered. Watching Qu Sheng eat in small bites, Lin Xirui was so happy he couldn’t suppress the upturn of his lips.

Lin Xizhao sat down, glanced up at the two of them, and said, “The doctor said Sheng’er needs to rest quietly. She can’t read right now, so it’s better not to go.”

“Sheng-meimei said it’s fine. She can go and listen to the Teacher speak. It’s better than being cooped up in her room.”

Lin Xirui’s words made Lin Xizhao’s expression fall again. Is Qu Sheng saying that my company is making her feel bored?

“Ajie, hurry up and eat. I have to listen to the Teacher’s lesson later, and there might be times when I can’t look after Sheng-meimei. I’ll still need Ajie to take care of her.”

Lin Xizhao was slightly stunned. When she looked at Qu Sheng, Qu Sheng was chewing her food slowly, her expression normal.

“Alright,” Lin Xizhao could only agree.

The meal was like eating it has no flavor¹⁰. After finishing breakfast, Qu Sheng stood up and let Lin Xirui help her to the schoolhouse¹¹ in the rear courtyard. But when she heard the sound of Lin Xizhao putting down her half-eaten bowl of rice, she sat back down.

“There’s no rush. Sheng’er will wait for Jiejie¹² to finish eating.” Supported by Lin Xirui, Qu Sheng sat down again with a sweet smile.

Lin Xirui wasn’t in a hurry either. He sat to the side and took the handkerchief a maidservant handed him, intending to wipe Qu Sheng’s hands.

“I’ll do it myself.” The moment Lin Xirui’s hand touched her fingers, Qu Sheng subtly pulled away.

“Alright.” Lin Xirui suddenly felt that touching Qu Sheng’s hand was a bit too forward. Although it was to help her wipe her hands, he knew that men and women are different¹³.

Lin Xizhao sat to the side, looking up at them. The feeling of the meal being tasteless turned into an irritation at the sight of the food.

“I’m done eating. Let’s go together.” Lin Xizhao stood up, her tone betraying no change.

Hearing Lin Xizhao’s voice, Qu Sheng gave a soft “En¹⁴” and raised an arm. Seeing this, Lin Xirui quickly extended his own arm for Qu Sheng to rest hers on.

Lin Xizhao glanced over, her eyes darkening, and followed behind them.

The Teacher’s lesson was still in progress, but he hadn’t seen Qu Sheng in a long time. He had heard that the Eldest Young Master of the Second Branch¹⁵ of the Qu Marquis’s Residence had been murdered and that rumors were spreading in the capital about Qu Sheng going blind. Now, seeing her being supported by Lin Xirui, he stopped his lecture for Lin Xikuan, rolled up his book, and peered toward Qu Sheng’s seat.

Lin Xirui had brought her without any prior notice. He whispered to Qu Sheng, “Sheng-meimei, wait for me a moment.”

Just a moment ago, Qu Sheng could still hear the Teacher’s voice, but it came to an abrupt halt as she entered. She knew the Teacher had seen her.

Qu Sheng nodded. “En.”

Lin Xirui looked at Lin Xizhao behind him. “I’ll have to trouble Ajie.” He spoke as if taking care of Qu Sheng was already his responsibility.

Lin Xizhao nodded, took a step forward, and took Qu Sheng’s hand.

The moment her hand was held, Qu Sheng knew it was Lin Xizhao. Lin Xizhao’s hand was soft with a hint of coolness, and whenever she fed her, just the extension of her arm was enough for Qu Sheng to smell the faint, cool fragrance from her body.

Lin Xizhao held Qu Sheng’s hand, but Qu Sheng’s grip was limp; she didn’t squeeze back.

After handing Qu Sheng over to Lin Xizhao, Lin Xirui walked briskly to the Teacher and whispered a few words.

The Teacher nodded and gestured with his chin for Lin Xizhao to lead Qu Sheng to a seat.

Lin Xizhao understood and bowed in acknowledgement.

Since the four young ladies no longer attended the lessons, the seating arrangement in the room had changed. Lin Xirui and Lin Xikuan’s seats were in the front two rows, and because Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao also came to listen often, two desks and chairs had been left for them in the back.

But now, because Qu Sheng couldn’t see, Lin Xizhao sat with her.

Before Qu Sheng was even steady in her seat, Lin Xirui hurried over to support her.

Being touched without her permission, Qu Sheng frowned slightly.

“Be careful, Sheng-meimei,” Lin Xirui said in a gentle voice.

Lin Xirui’s appearance bore some resemblance to Lin Xizhao’s, but he mostly took after Lin Jianhai. Lin Xizhao resembled her mother more.

Qu Sheng sat down, and Lin Xizhao moved the books from in front of her. They were the books she used to love reading.

While everyone was fussing over Qu Sheng, Lin Xikuan also glanced back a few times. These past few days, Lin Xirui often had free periods. When asked where he went, he wouldn’t say. It seemed he had been going to see Qu Sheng.

“Alright, now that everyone’s here, let’s continue.” The Teacher stood at the head of the class and cleared his throat.

Everyone looked up at the Teacher and bowed.

The Teacher’s lessons were not boring, much like the man himself—very interesting.

After finishing the day’s content, the Teacher went to find Qu Sheng. The two of them used to play chess¹⁶ often, but now Qu Sheng couldn’t see.

“Of all the students I teach, you’re the most intelligent. Now that you can’t see, who’s going to play chess with this old man?”

The Teacher sat opposite Qu Sheng, stared at her eyes for a moment, then looked at Lin Xizhao.

There was no pity or mockery in the Teacher’s words. Qu Sheng was used to it; because she didn’t like to talk, he used to tease her often.

“Teacher, if you want to play chess, Xirui can play with you,” Lin Xirui quickly interjected with a smile.

Hearing this, the Teacher glanced at the approaching Lin Xirui and shook his head. “It’s no fun playing with you.”

“Teacher, if you wish to play chess, we can do so right now,” Qu Sheng said, her voice steady.

“En?” The Teacher’s spirits lifted. He sat up straight and asked, “You can see?”

Qu Sheng chuckled. “There are so many pairs of eyes here. Any one of them can be Sheng’er’s.”

Lin Xirui was in the clouds and in the fog¹⁷, blinking in confusion at Qu Sheng. But Lin Xizhao said, “Then let Xizhao be Sheng’er’s eyes.”

The Teacher smiled as he looked at Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao, then told Lin Xirui to fetch the Go board¹⁸.

It wasn’t until the Teacher began to place a piece¹⁹ and Lin Xizhao verbally described its position that Lin Xirui understood what Qu Sheng had meant by “any eyes can be hers.”

But simply calling out the moves was easy; to view the whole board²⁰ was no simple feat.

Yet, with just one verbal description from Lin Xizhao, Qu Sheng could connect the pieces without a single mistake. She didn’t make a single error. After she defeated the Teacher three games in a row, he petulantly refused to play anymore.

“It’s time for the lesson, no more playing.” Seeing that he was about to lose the fourth game, the Teacher found an excuse and stood up.

“Teacher, it’s still early,” Lin Xirui said, not yet realizing that the Teacher’s game had reached a dead end.

Lin Xizhao sat by and smiled but said nothing. As Lin Xirui tried to persuade the Teacher to stay, Lin Xizhao smiled and said, “Xirui, listen to the Teacher.”

It was over before Lin Xirui had his fill of watching. He muttered a few things, but when he looked at Qu Sheng again, his eyes were full of stars. He could just imagine how much he could gild his own face²¹ if he were to marry her.

The Teacher went to the head of the class to teach, and Lin Xikuan and Lin Xirui returned to their seats. Only Lin Xizhao remained by Qu Sheng’s side, clearing the Go board in front of them.

“If Jiejie were sitting in the Teacher’s position, would there be a way to rise from the dead and return to life?” Qu Sheng asked softly when she heard Lin Xizhao clearing the board.

Lin Xizhao’s hands paused for a moment. She stared at the board for a few seconds and said, “Every step in this game leads into a trap. There’s no way out.”

“No, there is.”

Lin Xizhao was confused and looked up at Qu Sheng.

“Me,” Qu Sheng answered.

As long as she didn’t block the path, the game could continue.

The player is the one who solves the puzzle.

Lin Xizhao’s expression froze for a moment, not quite understanding what Qu Sheng meant. When Lin Xizhao didn’t speak, Qu Sheng remained silent as well.

The Go board was left there until a maidservant from outside came in to tidy up. Only then did Qu Sheng begin to listen attentively to the Teacher’s lesson.

After lunch and another afternoon lesson from the Teacher, Qu Sheng returned to her room to rest.

Lin Xirui had fed her breakfast. For lunch, he didn’t feed Qu Sheng out of respect for Lin Jianhai and Lin Xikuan. In the evening, Qu Sheng was to dine at Lin Xizhao’s, so he brazenly went over again.

Lin Xirui watched as the food was served and a maidservant handed the bowl and chopsticks to Lin Xizhao. He then said, “Ajie has worked hard taking care of Sheng-meimei. Why don’t I feed her?”

Lin Xizhao glanced at Lin Xirui, then looked up at Qu Sheng.

Qu Sheng’s expression was calm. She neither refused nor agreed.

Lin Xizhao couldn’t figure out what Qu Sheng was thinking. She said, “Sheng’er is used to me feeding her. I’ll do it.”

Rejected by his own sister, Lin Xirui was anxious but couldn’t just snatch away this task—a clear way to show his affection and get closer to Qu Sheng.

For dinner, Qu Sheng ate an extra half bowl of rice. It was unclear if she was in a good mood or just tired from the day. Lin Xizhao took Qu Sheng to the washroom to bathe. Qu Sheng stood inside, listening to the footsteps of the maidservants. When Lin Xizhao had tested the water and found the temperature just right, she was about to leave and wait outside. But just as she turned, Qu Sheng grabbed her hand.

Lin Xizhao was gently pulled back. She turned around, looking at Qu Sheng in confusion. She watched Qu Sheng’s lips move again and again, but she never opened her mouth.

In the Qu Marquis’s Residence, it was always maidservants who served her. Could it be that here, she wants me to do it?

“Does Sheng’er want Jiejie to help you?”

Hearing this, Qu Sheng’s expression faltered slightly. “No, you don’t have to,” she said quickly. She had wanted to, but the words just wouldn’t come out. When Lin Xizhao suggested it, she immediately denied it. She just couldn’t get past that barrier of shyness in her heart.

Lin Xizhao heard Qu Sheng’s hasty denial, but she didn’t let go of her hand. She stared at Qu Sheng for a few moments, then said softly, “Let me help you take off your outer robe.”

Qu Sheng stood there without responding, so Lin Xizhao turned back and placed her hands on Qu Sheng’s waist. Layers of steam drifted through the room. As Lin Xizhao untied the sash at Qu Sheng’s waist, she looked up to observe her.

Qu Sheng’s intention just now was to have her stay, and she was also worried that Qu Sheng would feel insecure after coming here.

Lin Xizhao took off Qu Sheng’s outer robe. When she moved to untie her inner clothes²², Qu Sheng reached out and stopped her hand.

Her hand stopped, Lin Xizhao didn’t continue. She withdrew her hand and looked at Qu Sheng. “I’ll go out first. I’ll come back in after you get in.” Once Qu Sheng was in the bathing tub²³, she would re-enter the room.

Lin Xizhao had already guessed that Qu Sheng felt insecure here. And since Qu Sheng was easily embarrassed, she could only go out first and wait until she was in the bathing tub before coming back in.

After Lin Xizhao left, Qu Sheng’s expression grew a little tense. Even after the maidservant helped her remove her inner clothes and led her into the bathing tub, her expression didn’t relax.

A moment later, the door creaked. Qu Sheng listened intently to Lin Xizhao’s footsteps. When she heard Lin Xizhao speak, her tense body finally relaxed.

“Sheng’er, is the water temperature alright?”

“En,” Qu Sheng replied softly.

While the maidservant helped Qu Sheng wash inside, Lin Xizhao stayed outside and kept up a conversation with her. She only stopped talking when Qu Sheng got out of the bathing tub.

Qu Sheng came out dressed in her outer robe. Lin Xizhao looked her over for a few moments before leading her back to the room.

Lin Xizhao led Qu Sheng to the couch-bed²⁴ and spoke with her for a while before going to bathe herself. But when Lin Xizhao returned and tried to talk to Qu Sheng again, Qu Sheng was unwilling to speak.

Lin Xizhao got onto the couch-bed. Sensing Qu Sheng’s coldness, she lay down with a somewhat dejected expression.

As soon as Qu Sheng sensed Lin Xizhao lying down and looking at her, she turned over to face the inside of the bed.

Lin Xizhao couldn’t see Qu Sheng’s expression, so she moved closer to her. When she sensed Qu Sheng was about to move away again, she spoke.

“Sheng’er, I know you’re angry with me. But you clearly don’t like Xirui, so why are you letting him misunderstand?”

Qu Sheng hadn’t expected Lin Xizhao’s first words to be an accusation. Though her voice was gentle, she couldn’t control the surge of anger that flared up inside her.

She turned around, sat up to face Lin Xizhao, and said, “What makes you say I don’t like Lin Xirui? What, am I only allowed to like you? Besides, if you say I don’t like Lin Xirui, then why did you talk about adding a marriage to a kinship²⁵?”

Qu Sheng’s somewhat fierce expression didn’t frighten Lin Xizhao. Lin Xizhao knew very well in her heart that Qu Sheng would never hurt her.

Listening to Qu Sheng’s questioning, Lin Xizhao sat up but didn’t answer. She had never said such a thing. But seeing Qu Sheng frown several times today at Lin Xirui’s touch, she felt that there was absolutely no possibility between them.

And even if Qu Sheng no longer rejected Lin Xirui, her father was still a major obstacle. Lin Jianhai had promised Lin Xirui that he would find a matchmaker and go to the Qu Marquis’s Residence to propose marriage²⁶ after he passed the imperial exams²⁷, but his questions today made her understand that his words were merely words of delay²⁸.

Who knew if Qu Sheng would have a chance to marry during the three years Lin Xirui was preparing for the imperial examinations²⁹? And after Lin Xirui passed, he would have many more choices of families with doors that match and households that align³⁰. By then, his eyes would be blurred by the sights³¹—who would still remember a foolish person³²?

When Lin Xizhao remained silent for a long time, Qu Sheng suddenly understood something. How could Lin Xizhao have said something like that to Lin Xirui? I know her best; how could such baseless words have come from her?

“Those were Lin Xirui’s own words, weren’t they?” Qu Sheng’s tone softened.

Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng and still said nothing. What if they were? What if they weren’t? Lin Jianhai won’t even allow Lin Xirui to marry Qu Sheng, so how could he possibly permit me to be with Qu Sheng?

“Say something!” Qu Sheng’s voice suddenly grew louder, startling Lin Xizhao. She helplessly called out, “Sheng’er…”

Qu Sheng stared blankly at where Lin Xizhao was, let out a breath, and scoffed. “Fine, I get it.”

After speaking, Qu Sheng fumbled around and lay back down. Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng’s back, her heart aching. But what could she do? She couldn’t just throw all caution to the wind and be with Qu Sheng.

Lin Xizhao stared at Qu Sheng like this for a long time, until Qu Sheng suddenly turned over again, using her ears to locate her position.

Lin Xizhao hadn’t moved at all, so Qu Sheng hadn’t heard any sound. She gazed toward Lin Xizhao’s position, but her eyes were just staring into space.

Seeing Qu Sheng like this, Lin Xizhao’s furrowed willow-leaf eyebrows³³ relaxed slightly. In a gentle voice, she said, “Sheng’er, I’m right here.”

Qu Sheng couldn’t see, and she had left the Qu Marquis’s Residence. She was worried that Qu Sheng wouldn’t be used to this place because of her blindness. The way Qu Sheng had just been staring in her direction, that feeling of wanting to see but being unable to, made her heart ache terribly.

Hearing her voice, Qu Sheng’s anxious expression softened, and she slowly lay back down.

Qu Sheng had been worried that Lin Xizhao was crying. She couldn’t bear to see Lin Xizhao sad, much less see her cry. Hearing that Lin Xizhao’s tone was normal, her worries lessened.

Not long after Qu Sheng lay down, Lin Xizhao lay down as well. Qu Sheng was still facing the inside of the bed, and a moment later, Lin Xizhao moved closer and pulled her into an embrace.

Qu Sheng was angry, but she still couldn’t refuse Lin Xizhao’s embrace. The moment Lin Xizhao held her, all the anger in her heart dissipated.

She scoffed at herself in her heart. She had no backbone³⁴ at all. As long as Lin Xizhao so much as beckoned, she would do anything to make her happy.

The next day, since Lin Jianhai was not at the residence, Lin Xizhao instructed the servants that they would eat in their own courtyard to save Qu Sheng the trouble of walking around.

Lin Xizhao was helping Qu Sheng wash up. Before the dishes from the kitchen had even been brought over, Lin Xirui was already waiting outside the courtyard. When a servant came to report, Lin Xizhao was in the middle of pinning up Qu Sheng’s hair.

“Xirui is here?” Lin Xizhao’s tone seemed a little worried.

Qu Sheng, however, sat calmly. Her good mood from the morning wasn’t ruined by Lin Xirui’s arrival.

The maidservant curtsied and said, “He has been standing there for quite a while. He said he was worried the Eldest Young Miss and Young Miss Sheng weren’t awake yet, so he didn’t dare have anyone announce him.”

The temperature outside was still cold. Standing out there for so long, she was afraid he would freeze. Lin Xizhao glanced out the window and said, “Go ask the Second Young Master to wait in the side room³⁵.”

The maidservant curtsied and left. When she returned, she said, “The Second Young Master says he’s healthy and it’s fine for him to stand for a while.”

Lin Xizhao was about to say something else when Qu Sheng spoke up: “If he wants to stand, then let him stand.”

She wasn’t angry at Lin Xizhao anymore, but she remembered every single word of Lin Xirui’s lies.

Lin Xizhao didn’t argue with Qu Sheng’s words. She looked at the maidservant and shook her head. The maidservant was also clever; she curtsied and went out to ask Lin Xirui to wait in the side room.

When Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng came out, breakfast had just been set up in the room. Lin Xizhao glanced outside; Lin Xirui hadn’t left yet.

Seeing Lin Xirui constantly rubbing his hands, Lin Xizhao sighed and had someone call him into the room.

The moment Lin Xirui entered, his gaze sought out Qu Sheng. He couldn’t take his eyes off her light yellow dress and the simple ornaments in her hair.

“Sheng-meimei looks beautiful in anything,” Lin Xirui couldn’t help but praise.

“My Jiejie dressed me. I can’t see,” Qu Sheng’s words were not as gentle as yesterday.

Hearing this, Lin Xirui smiled. “Ajie has always had excellent taste, but it takes a beautiful girl like Sheng-meimei to bring out the beauty of the clothes.”

Qu Sheng let out a light, scoffing laugh. “Is that so?”

“It is.” Lin Xirui didn’t detect the displeasure in her words.

“Xirui, sit down,” Lin Xizhao said. She knew Qu Sheng too well. Seeing her like this, she knew Qu Sheng was starting to dislike Lin Xirui.

But the fact that she could suppress her anger like this without lashing out left her a bit puzzled.

Hearing her, Lin Xirui glanced at Lin Xizhao, said “Ai³⁶,” and sat down with a broad smile, his eyes still fixed on Qu Sheng.

Lin Xizhao picked up the bowl to feed Qu Sheng, and Lin Xirui immediately hurried to place food in the bowl³⁷ she was holding.

Lin Xizhao should have been used to this by now, but today, Qu Sheng’s attitude toward Lin Xirui…

Lin Xizhao glanced at Lin Xirui but said nothing. She hoped he would also keep quiet, otherwise, this meal probably wouldn’t be finished.

Qu Sheng would never accept food served by someone she disliked.

Perhaps sensing Qu Sheng’s bad mood, Lin Xirui didn’t say another word throughout the meal, aside from serving her food.

After breakfast, Qu Sheng tilted her head up slightly towards Lin Xizhao, asking her to wipe the grease from her lips.

Lin Xizhao put down the bowl and chopsticks, took the warm, damp handkerchief from a maidservant, and helped wipe the corners of Qu Sheng’s mouth. “Why did you eat so little today? Are you full?”

Qu Sheng nodded, looking well-behaved. Seeing her so docile, Lin Xizhao couldn’t help but smile as she carefully wiped the specks of grease from her lips.

“Sheng-meimei seems to be in a very good mood today,” Lin Xirui remarked from the side, his own mood lifting as he watched.

Lin Xizhao glanced at Lin Xirui, then looked down at Qu Sheng. If Qu Sheng was always this obedient, I would probably… No, I’ve always liked Qu Sheng, whether she was happy or not.

Lin Xizhao finished wiping Qu Sheng’s lips and was handing the handkerchief to a maidservant when she heard Qu Sheng say, “Jiejie, you didn’t wipe it clean.”

Lin Xizhao turned to look at Qu Sheng, leaned down to inspect her closely, and said, “I did wipe it clean.” Her movements had been gentle, but she was sure she had wiped it clean.

The moment Lin Xizhao opened her mouth to speak, Qu Sheng confirmed her position. As soon as her words fell, Qu Sheng quickly leaned up and kissed her on her soft lips.

Their soft lips met with a sound.

“There, now it’s clean,” Qu Sheng said, a little smugly.

Lin Xizhao was frozen in place by Qu Sheng’s sudden kiss. And Lin Xirui, who had been watching them eagerly when Qu Sheng said her lips weren’t clean, was also stunned.

Right now, the corners of Qu Sheng’s lips were curled up, her smile all too obvious. She could guess what kind of expression Lin Xizhao had, but this was exactly what she had planned since this morning when she heard Lin Xirui had arrived.

What she wanted was to catch them completely off guard.

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “Only with kisses can I be truly full.”

Lin Xizhao: “……”

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