Just as Yan Qingqiu was trying to comfort herself, Gu Yan pulled her out into the yard.
Although it was the Frost Descent season, the direct sunlight from the high-hanging sun still made Yan Qingqiu feel warm.
Walking across the lawn, Yan Qingqiu felt a little dazed.
It seemed like she hadn't left her study for a long time.
Because to her, time is too precious—she had no time to rest.
But ever since Gu Yan appeared, in just a few days, all her carefully laid plans seemed to have been disrupted.
This yard still carried many memories of her and her family.
Gu Yan held Yan Qingqiu's hand as they walked along the path. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering mottled shadows across the two of them.
He felt that Yan Qingqiu was lost in thought, so he didn't disturb her, only quietly holding her hand.
A leaf drifted down. Gu Yan reached out and caught it. Looking around, he chuckled.
"Qingqiu, your yard is really beautiful. The greenery is planted just right."
Hearing this, Yan Qingqiu—who had been lost in her memories—snapped back to reality.
She tilted her face toward the sky. Smiling faintly, she said,
"Yes. I know it's beautiful."
"Because this was my father's favorite yard when he was alive.
All the plants and the landscaping here were designed by him.
After he left, I took it upon myself to care for it."
As she said this, her mood dimmed slightly.
Hiss… Gu Yan, you deserve to die.
Gu Yan took a deep breath, unsure of how to comfort her.
Yan Qingqiu noticed. She shook her head lightly.
"This has nothing to do with you. After all…"
She turned her face toward him, as if confirming something, and said in a strange tone:
"My father's death has nothing to do with you."
Although she was almost certain that what happened back then probably wasn't Gu Yan's doing…
But… who can guarantee that the Gu family wasn't involved? After all, there were multiple culprits behind the massacre back then.
That worry was precisely why Yan Qingqiu always kept her distance from Gu Yan.
Sometimes, she even thought… perhaps by using him, she might find out whether the Gu family was truly involved.
Gu Yan caught the unease in her voice.
Comparing it with the original plot he knew, he could more or less guess what weighed on her mind.
Because of what happened that year, Yan Qingqiu could not—and dared not—trust anyone.
Thinking this, Gu Yan gripped her hand tighter. His voice was serious:
"Qingqiu, please believe me. I'll always protect you. Always."
"I won't let anyone hurt you again."
Yan Qingqiu gave a faint smile at those words.
Protect her?
Thinking about her condition, her vengeance, the path she had already chosen… her life would never be ordinary.
How could Gu Yan—an ordinary man—possibly walk beside her until the end?
Only…
His tone was so firm, so sincere, that she couldn't bring herself to laugh at him.
Instead, she smiled faintly.
"Protection isn't something you can just talk about, but your determination to protect me is great."
"Um..."
After a pause, she reached out and touched Gu Yan's cheek. A small smile tugged at her lips.
"Anyway, thank you."
Wow, wow, wow~!
The autumn wind stirred the leaves, their rustling forming a gentle melody, as if nature itself was composing a song for them.
Time seemed to stand still in the yard.
Gu Yan felt the cool palm on his cheek, saw Yan Qingqiu's faint smile, and froze for a moment.
Plop! Plop!
Even after she pulled her hand back and turned away, Gu Yan pressed his chest where his heart thumped wildly.
This… this… oh no… I think I'm in love. This time, I've really fallen for Yan Qingqiu.
Meanwhile, Yan Qingqiu's cheeks flushed hot.
Damn it! Why did I say that? How embarrassing! How could I say such childish words?
Abominable. All Gu Yan's fault for spouting nonsense…
No. I need to go back to the study.
Just as she was about to ask Gu Yan to escort her back, his voice rang out.
"Qingqiu! I've got another inspiration!"
"Inspiration? What kind of inspiration?" she asked, puzzled.
"I just composed another song in my head! Qingqiu, do you want to hear it?"
His words made her curious.
Another song? Just now?
She had heard his "Confession" before, but that was something he composed long ago.
How could he possibly create something decent in just a few minutes?
Naturally, Yan Qingqiu didn't believe it. But since he was so eager, she couldn't bring herself to interrupt.
She sighed lightly and nodded.
"Then sing. But after that, I'm going back to my study."
Gu Yan grinned. "Okay."
Yan Qingqiu only pricked her ears, hoping to get it over with quickly.
The next moment, however—
A song that shook her heart flowed into the air.
"I hear raindrops falling on the quiet grass,
A distant bell echoes, yet your voice does not.
If only you would call my name—
Just once, just once, like you used to before.
Back then, I didn't know what love truly meant.
Only when distance grew did I feel the ache of longing.
Your shadow lingers—unforgettable, unyielding—
Even as time pulls us apart.
It turns out you were the luck I most longed to keep.
It turns out we were so close to love.
I was so fortunate to have met you…
And yet, unworthy now to shed tears for you."
The melody was soft and warm, like a gentle stream flowing through the heart. Listening, Yan Qingqiu felt as though she were sipping a cup of hot tea, its quiet fragrance filling her chest.
What is this feeling…?
Covering her heart, she realized this song, just like "Confession," spoke of love.
But unlike "Confession," which was light and playful, this song carried a deeper weight—it urged one to cherish the happiness in front of them, before it slipped away.
"…It's so beautiful," she murmured, unable to stop herself from sinking into the melody, listening quietly to Gu Yan's voice.
The song swelled toward its climax—
"It turns out you were the luck I most wanted to keep.
It turns out we stood so close to love.
I was so lucky to have met you…
But no longer worthy to cry for you."
The song ended.
Gu Yan stepped forward, gently taking her hand. His voice was soft, but filled with emotion.
"Qingqiu, I love you. I don't want to leave you. I don't want you to leave me, either. Please… let me protect you for the rest of my life. Okay?"
Yan Qingqiu, still caught in the lingering echo of the song, slowly returned to herself at his words.
She lifted her head. she could feel the sincerity of his love.
It was pure. Passionate.
Oh… forget it.
She sighed softly. "No."
"Ah?!"
Gu Yan froze, panicked.
But then Yan Qingqiu's calm voice followed:
"You're too weak. Let me protect you. Being my man… might mean you may die."
She wasn't joking. She carried hatred. Revenge. Her life's path was a thorny one with no return.
But Gu Yan… hearing her words, he didn't feel belittled. Instead, his heart soared.
Because if she said that—didn't it mean…?
"Q-Qingqiu… what do you mean by that?"
He swallowed, nervous, unbelieving.
Yan Qingqiu frowned, shook off his hand, and turned toward the house.
"I don't know! Guess it yourself!"
"Hey! Qingqiu! I was wrong! Qingqiu!"
Gu Yan hurried after her, sticking close.
She looked annoyed, but didn't push him away.
Sigh… fine. Just think of this as a little compensation for taking advantage of the Gu family behind him.