novelzi Chapter 19 Playing a fool
Chapter 19 Playing a fool
"Wen Ran!" Fang Jinyao ran to his side, her mystical aura dissipating and returning to normal. From Wen Ran's perspective, it seemed she wasn't even aware of her own power, which made him smile inwardly. Outwardly, however, he adopted a feigned vulnerability.
"I'm okay," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into a tight hug. His plan was simple—make her believe he needed her. "But... did I cause trouble for you?" His voice trembled slightly, feigning care and worry.
Fang Jinyao froze for a moment, stunned by his sudden embrace. But as she looked at him, relief washed over her, and her heart raced at his touch. Tears welled in her eyes as she shook her head. "No, everything will be fine," she said softly, though the doubt lingered in her voice. Her fingers gently stroked his short black hair, her love and concern evident. "Wen Ran, you must promise me... no matter what, you will stand by my side. Can you promise me that?"
"I promise," he said, his tone firm but hollow inside.
"Good," she said with a faint smile. Then her expression hardened, determination flashing in her golden eyes. "Now, listen to me. If anyone questions what happened here, you tell them you were too scared to move, that you hid in the corner. And that I killed them with this sword."
"B-But, I can't—"
"Wen Ran... please," she interrupted, her voice filled with urgency. "This is the only way. I'll be fine, but if they find out you killed them, you'll be executed. Even I won't be able to protect you then."
I guess luck truly shines on me in this life. Wen Ran chuckled inwardly. After realizing her true identity, he no longer cared for her. If she died a million times, he'd gladly kill her himself. But letting her suffer a little longer wasn't so bad either.
"If that's what it takes..." he murmured reluctantly, his voice carrying a tinge of fake sorrow as his arms tightened around her waist. "But I promise you this—one day, I'll grow strong enough to protect you."
The two of them stayed like that for a while. It was a moment that seemed touching—yet entirely fake.
"Well, more of a shadow," he clarified. "But through that shadow, I've learned a great deal. Please... can you keep this secret of mine?" He placed his hand over hers, his touch making her blush furiously.
"I... I promise," she stammered, nodding earnestly.
Wen Ran rose to his feet before the atmosphere could grow any more intimate. "If you don't mind, I'd like to step out and explore the city while I still have the chance. Who knows how long I'll survive, even with you taking the blame," he said, his voice heavy with an air of resigned melancholy. "Would you accompany me for a stroll?"
Fang Jinyao's heart ached as she watched him. I will protect him no matter what...
"We can go," she said after a moment, "but you need better clothes." She rushed to the wardrobe, pulling out a finely detailed white robe.
But Wen Ran shook his head. "I'm just a slave, and we both know it," he said, his voice steady but tinged with quiet acceptance. "Give me clothes meant for a servant. If I'm your personal servant, people won't question me as much."
This girl is too foolish. Does she want to kill me already? Wen Ran thought bitterly. If I go out there flaunting a new status, they'll tear me apart. Staying low-key is the smarter move. I like trouble—but I don't cause it without reason.
"But—" Fang Jinyao tried to argue, but after several minutes of back-and-forth, she finally relented. "Fine. I'll have the servants arrange some clothes for you," she said, clearly displeased.
A few hours later, Wen Ran dressed himself in the simple gray robe and pants the servants provided. His old, tattered clothes were discarded. Even though these new clothes marked him as a servant, they were far more comfortable than his previous rags. Besides, he didn't mind donning a disguise if it helped him achieve his goals.
"Shall we go?" Fang Jinyao asked, her eyes bright as she looked at him. He looked unexpectedly handsome in the plain servant attire, making her heart skip a beat.