Zhu Zhuqing did not look around, nor did she look in the direction Zhu Zhan had left. She merely followed obediently as Lin Xia held her hand, her eyes lowered. With her other little hand, she unconsciously wiped away the tear stains on her face.
Then she tightly hugged the introductory astronomy picture book Lin Xia had previously "accidentally" left with her, that book had become the only comfort in her silent world over the past few days.
Lin Xia led the little Hell Civet girl, who looked as though she had lost her soul, while Larvitar rested on his shoulder, vigilant yet curious. Together, they walked out of the heavy and oppressive gates of the Zhu residence.
The afternoon sunlight was somewhat dazzling as it shone upon Zhu Zhuqing's pale little face, causing her to narrow her eyes uncomfortably.
The noisy bustle of the streets rushed toward them, carrying the lively atmosphere of everyday life, completely different from the suffocating cold rules within the Zhu residence.
Lin Xia stopped walking and turned sideways to look at her.
Zhu Zhuqing subconsciously raised her head. Those eyes, once clear and lively but now as still as a deep pool, met Lin Xia's gaze.
The innocence and carefree spirit of childhood were gone from them. All that remained was barren desolation that had withered far too early, along with a faint trace of confusion born from the uncertainty of the road ahead.
"Zhuqing."
Lin Xia's voice was very soft, carrying a calming power. He needed to confirm her own wishes rather than merely taking her away from that place.
"Do you know where I want to take you?"
Zhu Zhuqing almost did not hesitate. She simply shook her head ever so slightly.
Her black hair swayed gently with the movement.
She did not ask "why," nor did she ask "is it safe?" She merely stared steadily at Lin Xia with those silent eyes, as though he had already become the only driftwood she could cling to.
Her voice was quiet, yet carried a determination akin to staking everything on one final gamble.
"I don't know where we're going. But…"
She paused, her tone completely unwavering.
"I want to go with you."
Those simple words were like an invisible key, instantly unlocking some indescribably complicated emotion within Lin Xia's heart.
It was not pity, nor sympathy, but a heavier sense of responsibility a deep impact brought about by the trust she had placed entirely in him, mixed with anger toward the Zhu family's cold rules and concern for her future.
Looking at the seriousness and trust in her eyes that far surpassed her age, the corners of his mouth unconsciously curved into an extremely faint yet utterly genuine smile. There was no ease within that smile, only the weight of a solemn promise.
"Alright."
Lin Xia nodded seriously once more. He spoke the word clearly and firmly.
Since she had chosen to trust him, then he would bear the weight of that trust.
"In that case, I'll tell you."
His gaze turned toward the vast horizon beyond Star Luo City, his tone filled with certainty.
"I'm going to search for a type of ore. A very special and very rare ore. It's quite far from here."
He did not specifically mention that it was meant to replace the core of the Star Radiance Crown, nor did he mention the ore's name. For now, those details were unimportant. Instead, he deliberately emphasized:
"The scenery along the way should be nice. Far away from Star Luo City, far away from all those unpleasant things. Just think of it as going out to relax and get some fresh air. It's better than staying here and letting people disgust and bully you."
"Ore… relaxing…"
Zhu Zhuqing softly repeated those two words.
Deep within her lifeless eyes, it was as though a tiny spark had suddenly been thrown into darkness. An extremely faint yet genuinely existing glimmer of light flickered for an instant.
It was not pure joy. It was more like catching sight of a sliver of light through the cracks of an endless dark prison, a primal yearning for change itself.
She almost immediately nodded, her voice still soft, yet carrying a little more life than before.
"Mm!"
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing's reaction, Lin Xia finally felt somewhat reassured. He knew this journey would be far more than simple sightseeing, but at the very least, the first step had finally been taken.
Holding Zhu Zhuqing's slightly cool little hand, he did not head toward the bustling streets. Instead, he walked directly toward the guards stationed near the side gate of the Zhu residence.
The captain of the guard recognized Lin Xia, the honored guest of the Blacksmith Association, and naturally also recognized the Second Young Lady of the residence, whose fate had seemingly just been "pronounced."
Seeing the two approach together—especially Zhu Zhuqing, who was clearly dressed to go out, the captain's heart skipped a beat. A respectful smile immediately appeared on his face, though it carried extreme vigilance.
"Young Master Lin Xia, Second Young Lady. Are the two of you heading out? Would you like us to arrange a carriage and guards?"
Lin Xia released Zhu Zhuqing's hand and stepped forward. His expression was natural, even carrying the "matter-of-fact" confidence unique to a young man. His voice rang clearly enough for all the guards to hear.
"There's no need to trouble yourselves. I'm taking Zhuqing out for a while to search for a special ore needed for forging. The location is rather far away, so we may not return for some time. It'll also be a chance to relax and broaden our horizons."
"What?!"
The smile on the captain's face instantly froze, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets.
The guards behind him also erupted into an uproar, exchanging looks with one another, their faces filled with shock and helpless confusion.
Taking the Second Young Lady away from Star Luo City?
To search for ore?
And they might not return for quite some time?!
This was nothing less than a bolt from the blue!
How special was the Second Young Lady's status?
She had just been personally designated by the Emperor himself as the fiancée of the Third Prince!
No matter how useless the Third Prince might be, this was still an imperial marriage set in stone!
Her whereabouts and safety affected the sensitive nerves of both the Zhu family and the imperial family.
And although Young Master Lin Xia held an honored status, he was still ultimately an outsider and just a child!
How could he so casually say he wanted to take the Second Young Lady away?
"Young… Young Master Lin Xia, this absolutely cannot happen!"
The captain of the guard was sweating profusely with anxiety, his voice nearly cracking. He hurriedly stepped forward, wanting to stop them yet not daring to actually make a move. He could only stammer out his persuasion incoherently.
"The Second Young Lady's status is far too important. How could she casually leave the residence and travel far away? Th-this is too dangerous! Outside, Soul Beasts run rampant, and bandits lurk everywhere. If… if even the slightest mishap occurs, we would deserve death a thousand times over! Please reconsider, Young Master! Whatever ore you require, simply give the order and we will immediately send people to search for it. We will definitely—"
"There's no need."
Lin Xia cut him off directly. His tone was calm, yet carried unquestionable authority.
His dark golden pupils swept across the panicked guards before him. An invisible wave of spiritual power subtly trembled outward, causing the remaining words of the captain to become forcibly stuck in his throat.
"I'm the only one who knows the ore's location. No one else will be able to find it. Zhuqing also wants to go outside for a walk and see the world. Just fulfill your own duties and guard the residence gates properly."
He deliberately emphasized the words "your own duties."
After speaking, Lin Xia no longer paid them any attention. He turned and once again took Zhu Zhuqing's hand, his voice becoming gentle again.
"Zhuqing, let's go."
Zhu Zhuqing followed without the slightest hesitation. She even subconsciously tightened her grip on Lin Xia's hand, her steps becoming noticeably lighter, as though she wanted to completely cast off the enormous cage behind her.
"Second Young Lady! Young Master Lin Xia! Please stay! Please stay!"
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