Chapter 274: Chapter 274: At That Time, I Didn't Like You Yet

Jiang Ning asked, "What am I then?"

"You are... the one in my heart."

Li Hongyuan spoke clumsily and with difficulty, but he still managed to get the words out.

He had never felt this kind of emotion for a woman before; even with Jiang Ning, his initial feelings were mostly of dislike. This fondness grew slowly over time, in their day-to-day interactions.

He was afraid that if he remained as cold as before, he would push her further away.

He had to face his own heart.

Jiang Ning raised her hand, pinching a corner of his sleeve: "Do you know what the Emperor told me before?"

"He wants you to bring the two children back to the imperial palace."

"You know."

"I have been his son for 18 years, after all. I know him well," Li Hongyuan said, "I know how you met him, don't just think of him as an ordinary old man. He's an emperor, with a heart of iron and blood. He won't treat you with any extra warmth and affection."

"I know."