"Wait a moment, Cai Qing, I have something I want to say to you."
Lu Shi quickly called out to Cai Qing as she was about to leave.
"What is it?" Cai Qing turned around when she heard the voice, her gaze falling on Lu Shi as she observed him, very curious about what he would say to her next.
"You... you sit down first." After hesitating for a long time, Lu Shi finally uttered these words.
"Oh..." Cai Qing nodded blankly, not understanding what Lu Shi was up to. She simply sat by the bedside and quietly waited for Lu Shi to say something.
Lu Shi awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. The words he had been preparing for so long were at the tip of his tongue, but he didn't know how to say them. After much hesitation, he stammered, "Cai Qing, actually... actually, there's something I... I've wanted to tell you for a long time..."
Cai Qing's eyes widened as she stared at Lu Shi. After a long while, Lu Shi still hadn't conveyed the general meaning. Watching him stammer, Cai Qing became even more anxious. Why was it so difficult for him to say something? It was as if his mouth were glued shut.
"I... I... actually, I... I've always... liked... liked you..."
With this one sentence, he had used all his strength. After saying it, his breathing became rapid, and he stared at Cai Qing's face, breathless. His heart was pounding in his throat.
Cai Qing was clearly taken aback by Lu Shi's words. She was completely unprepared and was momentarily stunned.
A long silence fell upon the air, and even their breathing seemed amplified with emotion.
Lu Shi became even more nervous. Had his words been too rash? But if he didn't say them now, he feared he would never have the chance again.
The assassination attempt this time, where his life was in danger, had made him realize how insignificant life was in the face of death. Especially for someone like him, who constantly walked on the edge of a knife, life was even more fragile. He could no longer keep these words hidden in his heart. This was the perfect opportunity to clarify things with Cai Qing.
He felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing he no longer had to carry this burden.
Cai Qing cleared her throat softly and quickly turned her face away, trying to hide her embarrassment. However, her pounding heart completely betrayed her nervous emotions.
After a moment, Cai Qing still said nothing, which made Lu Shi anxious. He quickly said, "Were my words too abrupt? But... but I was afraid that if I didn't say it today, I wouldn't have another chance. If anything I said made you uncomfortable, then please... please bear with me..."
"No... it's just that you said it rather suddenly, and I... I wasn't prepared for it for a moment..."
Cai Qing said softly, lowering her head at the end, a hint of shyness flashing across her face.
She had always seen Lu Shi as someone who dared not even speak a full sentence to her. For him to suddenly bring up this matter today, she naturally felt surprised, and it was understandable that she didn't react immediately.
Lu Shi let out an awkward, bashful laugh and reached up to rub the back of his head, "Then... then... what do you... what do you feel about me..."
Having already said those words, he felt embarrassed enough and didn't know how to ask Cai Qing about her feelings for him.
Sensing Lu Shi's intention, Cai Qing's face flushed, and she quickly lowered her head, clearing her throat softly, "I... I feel the same as you."
Lu Shi was instantly overjoyed, his current emotions indescribable. A wide grin spread across his face, and he didn't close his mouth for a long time, staring at Cai Qing's face and smiling foolishly. This was probably the happiest day of his life.
Cai Qing was amused by his silly, innocent demeanor. She covered her mouth and giggled, giving Lu Shi a playful, reproachful glance. She quickly stood up, "Then you should rest well. I'll be going back now."
As soon as she finished speaking, Cai Qing stood up in a hurry and walked quickly towards the exit.
After the door closed again and Cai Qing was no longer in the room, Lu Shi was still sitting there, smiling foolishly.
Cai Qing closed the door and leaned her back against a pillar, reaching up to pat her thumping heart to calm herself. She touched her flushed, warm cheeks and couldn't help but recall Lu Shi's words, a smile further spreading across her lips, impossible to conceal.
She looked up at the moon, then lowered her head, a coy smile on her lips, and walked towards her room. Even after returning to her room, Cai Qing's mind was still somewhat dazed, and she felt that what had happened tonight was somewhat unreal.
"Sister Cai Qing, did something good happen to you? You're smiling so much you can't even close your mouth."
Chu Qing immediately noticed Cai Qing's unusual demeanor. Something clearly great had happened, or she wouldn't be so happy.
She pulled over a chair and sat next to Cai Qing, wanting to join in the fun and share in the good fortune, perhaps such good things might happen to her too.
"You little rascal, at such a young age, you've already learned to pry into things."
Cai Qing was in a great mood, and even her tone when speaking to Chu Qing was very gentle.
"Looking at you, it's true that good news makes one's spirits soar. Sister Cai Qing, tell me, so I can be happy along with you."
Chu Qing became even more certain that something good had happened and grew more curious. She grabbed Cai Qing's arm and shook it, begging Cai Qing to tell her.
Unable to refuse Chu Qing's persistence, Cai Qing leaned in and whispered the events of the day with Lu Shi to Chu Qing.
"You mean Lord Lu personally told you... that he likes you?"
Chu Qing's surprised voice echoed throughout the room. Cai Qing's small face turned even redder. She reached out and covered Chu Qing's mouth, saying shyly, "Keep your voice down, don't let others hear."
If others heard this, she would be mortified. Cai Qing warned Chu Qing a few times, and only when she was sure Chu Qing wouldn't shout did she remove her hand from Chu Qing's mouth.
"I didn't expect Lord Lu to be so enlightened this time. After so long, he finally knows to confess to you. Sister Cai Qing, you can finally see the light after the clouds have parted."
Chu Qing teased Cai Qing with a laugh. It seemed Lu Shi had made Sister Cai Qing very happy. Just look at the smile on her lips since she returned; it hadn't faded at all. It seemed a happy event was imminent for the two of them.