章 5: Chapter 5: I Can Help You
Zhu Zhuqing was held in Xu Ran's embrace. A hint of blush flitted across her usually cold face, and her heart was aflutter.
Since her childhood, she had very limited interactions with boys, let alone being held this intimately.
"Let go of me already," Zhu Zhuqing commanded as she forcefully pushed against Xu Ran's chest. Failing to free herself, her face grew even redder. The whispers from the surrounding crowd made her wish she could crawl into a hole out of sheer embarrassment.
After today, rumors about her and Xu Ran would likely circulate within the Zhu family.
Regrettably, she and Xu Ran weren't yet in a relationship where such an embrace could be openly accepted. Only after he successfully wins her heart could he hold her without any reservations.
And it wouldn't just stop at holding her. Once Zhu Zhuqing's heart belonged to him, he could do whatever he wished. Though she may appear aloof, she had a warm heart and was deeply committed in relationships. Winning her heart would mean gaining her complete devotion.
"Be more careful next time. Had I not been here, you would have fallen today," Xu Ran said, releasing her waist with a gentle smile.
"You don't seem to have much experience in real combat. Don't you have training instructors in your family?" Xu Ran wondered aloud. From what he could discern, Zhu Zhuqing's real combat experience was insufficient; she even struggled with the simplest disengagement techniques. In the original story, Zhu Zhuqing had risen to prominence only through constant training at Shrek Academy.
"I do have combat teachers, but they are all very stern," Zhu Zhuqing replied softly, looking down at her own legs. She still felt a bit self-conscious, aware that Xu Ran's masculine scent still lingered on her, causing her to feel somewhat flushed.
She stood there, her dainty toes lightly tapping on the ground, unsure of what to do next. A gentle breeze lifted her ink-black hair.
In the Zhu family, her unique status meant that even her own instructors would purposely act distant and maintain a professional relationship with her.
Thinking about all this, a slight pain tugged at Xu Ran's heart.
Zhu Zhuqing had silently endured a lot within the Zhu family, and he had observed it all. During the training sessions on the square, she had stood alone. If he hadn't been there, who knows how much more she would have had to endure?
As for Dai Mubai, he was indulging himself at Shrek Academy. Not only had he fled, but he had even betrayed Zhu Zhuqing, involving himself with other women.
The idea that such a person could eventually redeem himself was beyond preposterous.
If becoming a strong individual allowed one to write history, then from this moment on, he, Xu Ran, would be the author of this story.
In the original story, Zhu Zhuqing eventually accepted everything and ended up with Dai Mubai. However, now that he was in this world, he would not allow such a thing to happen.
From now on, Zhu Zhuqing would be under his protection.
Xu Ran took a step forward, looking at the girl before him, wanting to touch Zhu Zhuqing's hair strands.
"No one will dare to bully you as long as I'm here," Xu Ran said, his voice imbued with sincerity. In a few days, he would propose to the family head to annul Zhu Zhuqing's engagement with Dai Mubai. In this world, only he, Xu Ran, was worthy of having such a treasure of a girl.
Zhu Zhuqing sidestepped, avoiding Xu Ran's outstretched hand.
Listening to Xu Ran's audacious words, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but feel a bit flustered inside. Faced with this situation, no girl could remain impassive. Even if she was Zhu Zhuqing, she was still just a normal girl.
"I can protect myself. I don't need you to interfere," she responded, her voice softer than before but still avoiding his gaze.
"I already have a fiancé. It would be better if we kept our distance," she added, recalling her martial soul and casting her eyes into the distance.
There was also a sense of resentment in her heart.
Why was she engaged to someone else from the moment she was born?
Other girls could choose whom they liked, but she couldn't. Her fiancé was decided upon her birth.
Why?
Furthermore, Dai Mubai's character was flawed—womanizing, flirty, and he even abandoned her to run away. Why should she marry someone like that?
But what else could she do? The Dai and Zhu families had been allied for generations; that wouldn't change because of her feelings. Dai Mubai was also a prince; his marriage represented the dignity of the royal family. How could she possibly resist?
"I can help you," Xu Ran said softly, looking at Zhu Zhuqing. At this moment, all he felt towards Zhuqing was an intense desire to protect her. He knew that the girl standing before him had endured too much all alone.
"Mind your own business. Don't look for me anymore; I already have my own mentor for practical training. I don't need you to spar with me," said Zhu Zhuqing, a mist forming in her eyes. Her fate was already sealed; there would be no altering it.
She sensed that Xu Ran might harbor certain feelings for her, but she couldn't entertain them, much less drag him into her complicated life.
Unaware of the intricate relations between the Dai and Zhu families, Xu Ran couldn't yet fathom the risks he would encounter if he got involved. Zhu Zhuqing would not allow herself to be a burden on anyone else.
Over the years, even her own sister, who had always cared for her, had ceased to hold her in affection.
It's like drinking water; only the drinker knows if it's hot or cold. The unfair treatment she received within her family was known only to her. No one was there to converse with her, and no one was willing to lend an ear to her troubles.
But now things had changed; Xu Ran was there. Knowing that someone still cared about her was enough.
Nothing else mattered. She wouldn't allow Xu Ran's feelings for her to evolve any further. This was the only way to safeguard his well-being.
"Our sparring ends here for today. I'll leave first, and I'd prefer it if you didn't seek me out anymore," Zhu Zhuqing declared before dashing off into the distance, tears brimming in her eyes. This was how life was for her in the Zhu family—always alone. Even if someone genuinely wanted to treat her well, she would intentionally maintain her distance to avoid causing them any harm. Not even a hint of it was permissible.
Xu Ran watched Zhu Zhuqing's receding figure and sighed.
He understood that her heart was in turmoil and that she was not currently in a position to accept him. However, he hadn't expected to win her over so quickly. There was still plenty of time, and eventually, she would be his.
As Zhu Zhuqing gradually moved farther away, Xu Ran also promptly left the square. He knew that only by proving his own strength and demonstrating his ability to protect her would Zhu Zhuqing cease to repel him. Only then would she be willing to let him get closer.
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