Chapter 655 Each With Their Own Thoughts

"Why are you here? Have you finished your tasks?"

Gu Beichen lowered his gaze slightly, only to meet Murong Jinyun's eyes, filled with deep concern. For a moment, he didn't know how to respond.

He then coughed lightly, unable to mask his embarrassment. "Yes, I'm done. It's windy outside, let's go inside."

"Okay." Murong Jinyun's lips still held a faint smile. She reached out, took Gu Beichen's hand, and walked towards the house.

Gu Beichen stared at their clasped hands, suppressing the urge to pull away. He let Murong Jinyun lead him inside.

After serving tea, the maid, with remarkable perceptiveness, withdrew, leaving the two of them alone.

Gu Beichen picked up the teacup and took a sip, finding the tea not to his liking. He then set the cup down.

"What's wrong? Does this tea not suit your palate?"

Murong Jinyun noticed the subtle shift in Gu Beichen's expression and asked with evident worry, afraid that something was amiss or displeased him.

She realized how anxious she had become lately, especially when facing Gu Beichen. Her heart would inexplicably race, and she found herself constantly worrying if he would ask her questions she couldn't answer. Consequently, every move he made could easily startle her.

"No, it's fine."

Gu Beichen replied with a distant tone. An awkward silence permeated the air. The truth was, after learning everything, he truly didn't know how to face Murong Jinyun anymore.

He knew Murong Jinyun approached him with hidden motives, yet he couldn't bring himself to hate her. He knew he shouldn't develop feelings for her, but he struggled to control his emotions.

He tried to deflect, constantly reminding himself not to overthink things, which would bring him some peace. This naturally led to him treating Murong Jinyun with a colder demeanor.

"The small kitchen made some pastries. They taste quite good. I'll go get some for you to try."

As Murong Jinyun finished speaking, she quickly stood up and walked out, as if fleeing.

Gu Beichen's hand, raised in mid-air, felt incredibly awkward. Once Murong Jinyun disappeared from his sight, he slowly lowered his hand.

He let out a helpless sigh, truly unable to comprehend why such a situation had befallen him. He wished he had never known the truth in the first place.

He understood everything clearly now, yet he was expected to pretend ignorance. Wasn't this intentionally making things difficult for him?

He didn't know how to interact with Murong Jinyun. If he got too close, he feared he wouldn't be able to guard his heart and would make another mistake. Yet, if he kept too much distance, he worried Murong Jinyun might notice something was amiss.

This could lead to further trouble, delaying Ling Mohan's important affairs, and he would become a sinner to all of Dong Chu and the Zhennan Prince's estate. He was caught in a difficult dilemma, having to carefully consider every word and action.

In less than the time it takes for a cup of tea to steep, Murong Jinyun returned, carrying several plates of pastries. She placed a delicate plum blossom pastry into Gu Beichen's hand.

"The plum blossoms in the courtyard bloomed early this year. I picked some and made plum blossom pastries. Try them and see if they suit your taste."

Gu Beichen lowered his eyes to the pastry in his hand. After a moment of hesitation, he finally took a small bite under Murong Jinyun's expectant gaze.

It melted in his mouth, the faint fragrance of plum blossoms spreading through his palate. Although a bit sweet, it wasn't overly cloying. Even he, who generally disliked sweets, couldn't help but finish the pastry.

"Is it good? Try this one too. This is pea cake. It's made differently from the way you do it in Dong Chu. Try our Xiliang style, see if you like it."

As soon as the plum blossom pastry was gone, Murong Jinyun placed another pastry into his hand.

Gu Beichen looked at the pastry in his hand, wanting to refuse, but Murong Jinyun's gaze made him uneasy. He still popped the pastry into his mouth.

"Is it good?" Murong Jinyun asked eagerly again, fearing it wouldn't meet Gu Beichen's taste.

"It's very good. Please, sit down. You don't need to fuss over me so much."

Being fussed over by Murong Jinyun made him incredibly uncomfortable. Gu Beichen reached out and gently pulled her to sit on a nearby chair.

"It's alright, I..."

"We are getting married soon. After we are married, we will be husband and wife. Husband and wife should support and respect each other, not just you taking care of me."

Gu Beichen spoke over Murong Jinyun. Since their marriage was a foregone conclusion, he had made up his mind. Regardless of the eventual outcome, he wouldn't mistreat Murong Jinyun now.

Moreover, he hoped Murong Jinyun could change her ways in time, not continue down a path of mistakes.

He certainly didn't want them to end up drawing swords against each other like mortal enemies. These were outcomes he wished to avoid.

He couldn't ascertain Murong Jinyun's true thoughts at the moment. He could only follow Ling Mohan's plan, take things one step at a time, and stabilize the current situation.

Murong Jinyun was slightly stunned. These were the first words she had heard from Gu Beichen like this.

Though she was a princess, a woman's status in society could not be compared to a man's. Even as a princess, she was expected to depend on her husband after marriage.

She had never heard words about equality, mutual respect, and support between husband and wife before. And these words came from her future husband.

For a fleeting moment, she wondered if she had misheard.

"Have you truly thought this through? Do you want to marry me?"

Murong Jinyun's sudden question made Gu Beichen's heart leap into his throat. He thought she had discovered something.

"Why do you ask? Our wedding is approaching. Are you saying this now because you've changed your mind and don't want to marry me?"

Gu Beichen used playful words to hide his embarrassment. Though his expression remained calm, his heart was filled with anxiety.

"Of course not. I've been looking for you for so long because I want to marry you and be your wife. I've waited for this day for a long time. Now that it's finally happening, I certainly won't go back on my word... I'm just worried about you. Do you truly want to marry me..."