Somehow, a trace of guilt welled up in her heart. Cai Qing coughed softly and cautiously eyed Lu Shi. She found that Lu Shi was also staring at her.
For a moment, their eyes met, and Cai Qing felt a blush creep up her cheeks. She hastily averted her gaze, looking away from Lu Shi, unable to meet his eyes.
"Um... I'll go take a look inside..."
With that, Cai Qing hurried into the house, feeling as though a scorching gaze was fixed on her, making her feel quite uncomfortable.
"Take a look, is there anything else you're not satisfied with? I'll find someone to fix it."
Lu Shi followed closely behind Cai Qing, not daring to slacken in the slightest. He noted down Cai Qing's opinions one by one and then thought about how to rectify them.
The layout of the room was excellent, and the courtyard was quite large. Most rooms were filled with natural light.
The furniture inside was all new, in the most fashionable styles of the time. There was truly nothing to pick fault with.
"Since the young madam personally selected it, it's naturally the best. What else could there be to be dissatisfied with? If I had to say, there is indeed one thing I'm not satisfied with..."
"What are you dissatisfied with? Just tell me, and I'll make sure to change it to your satisfaction."
Upon hearing that Cai Qing was dissatisfied with something, Lu Shi eagerly stepped forward to inquire, ready to jot it down.
Glancing sideways at Lu Shi, she wondered if she could say that the thing she was dissatisfied with was Lu Shi himself.
She didn't know why, but as the wedding day drew nearer, her heart had been in a constant state of unease, filled with restless thoughts. She couldn't quite figure out what was happening to her.
"What's wrong? Your complexion looks so pale. Are you perhaps too tired today? Quickly sit down and rest."
Seeing Cai Qing's pale face, Lu Shi's heart skipped a beat. He quickly helped her to a nearby chair and poured her a cup of hot tea.
"Are you tired?"
"No... I was just thinking... thinking..."
Cai Qing stammered for a long time, unable to articulate the matter weighing on her heart. Perhaps it was best not to say anything today, as she hadn't figured out how to express it.
"What is it? You're hesitating. Is there something you want to say? After we get married, we'll be husband and wife, one body. There's nothing we need to hide from each other. Just tell me directly."
Cai Qing's eyes slowly fell, and after a moment of hesitation, she finally revealed what was on her mind: "Actually... it's not a very important matter. It's just that I want to... I want to continue to stay by the young madam's side to serve her after we get married..."
As she spoke, Cai Qing's voice grew softer and softer, lacking confidence. She was worried that Lu Shi might not agree.
If he really disagreed, what excuse would she use to persuade him?
Her feelings for the young madam were even deeper than her feelings for Lu Shi, far surpassing familial or romantic love. It had become an inseparable bond.
If she didn't stay by the young madam's side to serve her, her heart would be restless.
Seeing that Lu Shi remained silent for a long time, Cai Qing finally voiced the matter she had been pondering for so long.
"If you really don't want this, then we won't get married for now. I've already decided that even if I remain unmarried for life, I will stay by the young madam's side to serve her!"
Cai Qing stated her position with great resolve. This was her only request. If Lu Shi didn't agree, then there was no point in getting married.
"I thought it was something terribly important, worth all this fuss and making your complexion so poor."
Seeing Cai Qing's serious expression, Lu Shi had initially thought it was a major issue, only to discover it was such a trivial matter.
Lu Shi sighed helplessly. He still felt that Cai Qing didn't trust him completely.
Perhaps, in Cai Qing's heart, his position was not as important as the young madam's.
"Then what exactly do you mean? Hurry up and say it, don't keep me in suspense!"
At this point, Cai Qing was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth. Yet, he was leisurely withholding the truth, continuing to play games. How unbearable!
"I naturally have no objections. You are marrying me, not selling yourself to me. Of course, you have the freedom to decide what you want to do. If you want to go back and attend to the young madam, then go back. But..."
"Why is there a 'but'? Don't leave me hanging, continue!"
Unable to bear Lu Shi's habit of stopping mid-sentence, Cai Qing, who had just been happy about his understanding, suddenly encountered another 'but.'
Wasn't this deliberately trying to make her anxious? Cai Qing hurriedly asked again, "Hurry and say it, you 'but'... but what!"
"It's nothing, just that you need to rest well and take care of your health."
Lu Shi lingered for a long time before finally saying what he intended to say, earning him a look of disdain from Cai Qing.
After all that, it was just a meaningless remark. She had expected Lu Shi to say something more profound.
"Alright, I understand. Then it's settled. After we get married, I will return to serve the young madam."
Fearing that Lu Shi might change his mind, Cai Qing eagerly confirmed, a wider smile gracing her lips.
"Alright, whatever you wish."
Lu Shi no longer argued with her. After all, even if he disagreed, Cai Qing would still go to attend to the young madam. Therefore, his agreement or disagreement was of no consequence.
Since the outcome was clear, it was better to go along with Cai Qing's wishes. This would also earn him a better disposition from her. Why not do something that served two purposes?
"Thank you, Lu Shi..."
She truly hadn't misjudged him. Lu Shi's understanding of her made her believe that their married life would be very happy.
"And thank you for being willing to marry me. From now on, I am no longer alone; my heart has found a connection."
He had been an orphan since childhood, growing up begging. If not for the young general rescuing him, he would have been beaten to death for snatching food.
In the past, he had only thought of practicing martial arts diligently and serving the young general faithfully to protect his safety.
He had never imagined that one day he would get married, start a family, and have someone by his side to accompany him. Perhaps in the near future, they would even have children of their own.
"Let's stop thanking each other..."