The feeling of Zhu Qingyue's hot breath upon her skin immediately gave her goosebumps. It became harder to think when he brought himself this close to her. With his handsome face practically touching hers, she couldn't help but notice the man barely had any pores showing. His face was as smooth as an eggshell. As for his eyes, they were truly golden. Not hazel or light brown colour, but an actual metallic shade of gold.

Mesmerized as she was by him, it took a few seconds for his words to sink in, prompting her to dump all of her careful calculations into the trash. Her misgivings all but forgotten, her nervousness kicked into high gear.

What did he mean by saying "you're my woman"?! His remark was so outrageous, she didn't even know how to counter it!

Clearly agitated, Li Meirong instinctively brought her arms forward and pushed against his chest, causing Zhu Qingyue to ungracefully collapse from his seat with his legs spread apart in an awkward position. The smirk on his face faded only for his mouth to draw into a thin line, lips pressing tightly together. Mortified by his undignified fall, he avoided making eye contact with her.

The situation had escalated so quickly, it took Li Meirong a moment to comprehend what exactly happened. Witnessing such an overbearing man falling so funnily backwards would have made her burst into laughter, had it been under different circumstances. That is, if he didn't just claim her as his woman and if her life wasn't currently hanging on the line...

Regarding him, wordlessly sitting on the ground like that, shoulders slumped and eyes cast down dejectedly made Li Meirong all the more stressed out. People died here for far less!

"I'm so sorry! Please forgive me." She exclaimed, abruptly rising from her own seat. Unsure whether to go and offer her hand or run away while she still had the chance. How was she even going to get out of this mess?!

However, she didn't need to contemplate for long. Zhu Qingyue pitifully held the stone bench in front of him for support and stood up, dusting his dark-coloured robes. Advancing a few steps with his hands clasped behind his back, his clouded eyes staring into the distance, brooding.

Stay calm. Don't stress out. Don't get mad. Li Meirong wordlessly chanted to herself as she faced Zhu Qingyue's broad shoulders from behind him. His back was covered by long silken hair cascading down his rear, resembling shiny gossamer threads, nearly touching the floor.

After what seemed like a lifetime, he finally spoke.

"No need to be so courteous. There should be no apologies between husband and wife" He politely answered. His gaze was mysteriously set upon the red fringe flowers in the nearby garden.

What the f*ck! Who's your wife?!

Li Meirong swallowed thickly, staring at his back. "This, uh…" her voice cracked, unsure of how to go about asking this question without offending the man, "Since when was it established that I'm your wife?"

Surely, there's a piece of information missing. Why would someone she hadn't even met for years suddenly make such a claim?

"I informed you back then that I will be your husband. You gave me your body, so from now on, I shall take care of you." Bai Qingyue answered calmly.

Upon hearing this her brows arched high and her mouth gaped open.

It wasn't even past noon but Li Meirong had already exhausted all of her energy today. There was only so much surprise a person could handle!

Every time this man spoke, she found herself confronting another revelation.

Now, it would seem she did lose her virginity all those years ago…

So, this whole misunderstanding had to do with ancient customs. To be precise, that of being held accountable for a woman after taking her virginity. She pondered thoughtfully, rubbing her eyelids in frustration.

The feelings of agitation consuming Li Meirong began to recede significantly after realizing there wasn't any big scheme nor devious plot to take advantage of her. He was simply trying to be honourable.

Pressing a palm to the heart, Li Meirong sighed in relief at finally resolving this peculiar conundrum. She went to stand by Zhu Qingyue's side, unable to suppress a peal of shaky laughter and assured him. "So that's what this is all about! Senior Zhu, you really gave me a scare for a second there. Don't worry about me. You don't have to take responsibility!"