I will protect Jojo.

Just as the two were still anxious, a familiar figure slipped into the room. Qiao Wei, alert, glanced at the shadow darting towards her, and when she recognized him, she called out with delight, “Brother Luo Xuan!”

Luo Xuan gently stroked Qiao Wei’s head, his crimson eyes filled with apology and concern. “Sorry, Qiao Qiao, I’m late.”

Qiao Wei couldn’t help but think of that day, a faint pain stirring in her heart as the light in her pearl-black eyes dimmed.

Luo Chen looked at the two, their intimate address unsettling him for reasons he couldn’t explain. Irritated, he said to Luo Xuan, “Why do you always follow me?”

Luo Xuan smiled indifferently and turned to Qiao Wei, his expression tinged with ambiguity. “Did I ever say I was following you? I’m here to accompany my Qiao Qiao.” He emphasized the word “my,” making Luo Chen even more anxious. Luo Chen’s face grew cold, and his tone was icy. “Well then, I won’t disturb you two.” With that, he strode out of the room without looking back.

Qiao Wei watched Luo Chen’s retreating figure, then shifted her gaze to Luo Xuan. Worried, she tugged him to sit beside her and spoke, “Brother Luo Xuan, Rhine is here too, and he’s seriously injured. Luo Chen said it might be someone powerful behind it. Do you think we’ll be able to get the Box of Secrets and lift the curse?”

“Don’t worry.” Luo Xuan smiled reassuringly at Qiao Wei. “We still don’t know what intentions the mysterious person who hurt Rhine has. Worrying won’t help. So don’t be too anxious—I’ll protect you, Qiao Qiao.”

Qiao Wei let out a soft sigh, gazing at an ancient vase on the table in confusion. “Brother Luo Xuan, after the curse is lifted… will I still be able to come here?”

Luo Xuan looked into Qiao Wei’s clear, black-and-white eyes, seeing the flicker of fear for the future. He lowered his head, his gentle voice subdued. “Once the curse is broken, the passage linking the two worlds will disappear. Whether you stay or leave… is a choice only you can make, Qiao Qiao.”

Qiao Wei smiled sadly. “I see.” She was silent for a moment, then changed the subject. “Brother Luo Xuan, I can’t concentrate on searching for the Box of Secrets. Do you have any way to help me?”

Luo Xuan brightened, mischievously winking at Qiao Wei. He took her hand, his smile graceful and his voice full of tenderness. “Of course I do. Qiao Qiao, close your eyes now. Imagine a soft sandy beach, a gentle breeze brushing over the sea, a bright blue sky dotted with soaring gulls—you can clearly hear their calls… Now you’re relaxed, so relaxed…”

The image conjured in Qiao Wei’s mind soothed her, and for the first time in days she felt joy and peace. Eyes closed, she said to Luo Xuan, “Thank you.”

Luo Xuan watched as a rose-like sweet smile blossomed on Qiao Wei’s delicate face. He couldn’t help but say, “You’re so different from Su Mo. If she’s a red rose, then you’re like a white rose, pure and untainted.”

Realizing Qiao Wei was silent, Luo Xuan understood she had fallen asleep. For reasons unknown, he slowly leaned closer to her and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

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Yu Ning begs for your favorites and recommendations—shower Yu Ning with flowers, diamonds, purses, anything you like!

(P.S.: When will my favorites reach four hundred TT)