Chapter 171.1: A Scream

However, shifting affection and whatnot, so be it. When you don't care about the other person, you naturally won't care how that other person sees you either, even if this person is someone you will be with day and night in the future. However, even if she's a substitute, for some things, the one benefiting in reality was still her. Jing Wan was never a cruel and unscrupulous person. As long as he doesn't cross her bottom line, and as long as he's good to her, no, should say, as long as he isn't particularly bad to her, she can all become a good wife. Moreover, the feelings one pays back doesn't necessarily need to be romantic love.

It was very clear, the incident just now had triggered this living Enma quite a bit, and now, he was tightly holding her and not letting go. Jing Wan just obediently let him hug her. Setting aside his occasional irritating side that made one angry and resentful, purely viewing as a lover, this one actually can be considered to really have nothing to nitpick over. Since that even more fiery scene was already seen by others, Jing Wan right now also didn't care about being hugged.

Also, if this way can let him not appear that scary, able to let him be pacified, then getting taken advantage of a little by him, Jing Wan also just gave in to.

Just, that one in his heart was already gone? Then again, according to this one's personality and power, if not separated by life and death, then how can it be considered as 'losing'. There's a saying called, 'the living is forever unable to compete with the dead'. Jing Wan was glad that she has never thought of wanting to compete before, else she didn't know what she would turn herself into.

Jing Wan continued to stroke his back, trying to comfort him, not saying a single word. Under the premise of not understanding the situation, it was usually the more one said, the more mistakes one made. Jing Wan also didn't want to be that 'consoling' flower[1].

However, for a certain person, who was well versed in the essence of 'being unsatisfied with small gains', after discovering that his turmoil and weakness made Jing Wan soften up, let go of hugging her. Since there was already a fiery start, then afterwards, it just became even more unrestrained. Aside from his hands not going too overboard, his mouth didn't settle down at all. Jing Wan was still fine, not hurt and not sick, in his arms, even if the fright and lingering fear still remained in his heart. The rationality that he nearly lost also gradually returned. Since they were already seen, there was no difference between one time and multiple times. And as the main culprit that 'caused' him to become like this, she naturally needed to compensate him. That's why, a certain person was even well versed in 'unreasonable counterattacks'[2].

Even if Jing Wan was muddled from his kiss, and temporarily didn't notice, but because she was worried about his condition, she maintained a trace of rationality from beginning to end. However, as the time drew out, how could she still not sense his situation. Just great, this 'giving an inch and wanting a mile' can be said to be done without the slightest restraint, and aside from him, there was no one that can achieve this. That's why, towards this kind of person, she really shouldn't have softened up. Would someone like him be weak? Would need someone to comfort? Don't joke. That's why, Jing Wan truly, without the slightest hesitation, ruthlessly pinched his waist

In any case, this wasn't her first time 'offending one's superior', and didn't see him do anything to her either. This bad habit was also because of his indulgence. —-Jing Wan had this kind of realization, and for a certain someone, this can also be considered worthy of celebration. And this can also be considered a historic progress.

(T/N: Trust me these last two sentences read the same way to me in chinese, and now you can also suffer with me because of the author's choice of words.)

Li Hong Yuan suddenly got pinched. Even if his skin was rough, his flesh thick, and Jing Wan also wasn't really being ruthless, that still would hurt. In fact, he even deliberately let out a hiss of pain to win her sympathy. Before Jing Wan could figure out whether it was real or fake, she already subconsciously lightened her strength.

Grabbing her hand placed at his waist, he pressed his forehead against hers, softly laughing, "This is my good darling feeling sorry for me?"

The three words 'my good darling' aroused the 'wound' in Jing Wan's heart, pushing him away with a dark expression. She would rather face that dark demon king, than this shameless bastard that seized every opportunity to tease her.

"Darling really is heartless, throwing me away after using."

Jing Wan gritted her teeth as she looked to him, "Even if you don't speak, no one would think you're mute."

Li Hong Yuan couldn't help wanting to touch her face again, but this time Jing Wan swiftly blocked with her hand. Li Hong Yuan didn't get angry either, still seductively smiling, "Your spirit still pretty good, looks like, didn't get frightened that badly."

Jing Wan paused, her complexion turning a bit pale again. Her lips moved, yet she didn't say anything.

Li Hong Yuan however used this opportunity to close in and kiss her again.

"Li Hong Yuan——-" Jing Wan couldn't help exploding, and then realized their current setting. This bastard!

"As expected, it's still best for you to be this way. ——This time, it's my fault. I promise, these dancing clowns won't appear before you ever again. Also, don't be scared of me." From carrying three part tease, to an indescribable loving tenderness, "After going back, drink a bowl of nerve calming soup, then take a nap, and have this matter forgotten."

Tightly covering one's mouth and not mentioning, perhaps one would forget, but it can also take root in the heart, and might even sprout in the future. That's why, it was better to cut it open now, telling her, it was nothing, telling her that she didn't need to mind.

He didn't know, in his past life, her first time killing someone, how she'd managed through it. In any case, it definitely wouldn't have been pleasant. He also didn't know whether the impact of him killing someone for the first time was greater, or the impact of seeing others killing someone for the first time was greater. He was unsure. Those all happened in his past life. The time was too long ago, and he was already unable to remember this kind of trivial matter.

He clearly knew she was watching, and clearly knew that it might scare her, but he still unhesitantly did it. Perhaps not just because of his extreme anger and fear, but also because he wanted to let her see the complete him. If he was willing, he can completely let her just see his good side. But what's incomplete, no matter how perfect, it was still deception and lies.

That's why, Wan Wan, please don't be scared of me. Your fear, your rejection, will make me do something uncontrollable, and perhaps might even hurt you. And that will be the same as asking for my life.

And speaking of where he was wrong, it was probably just having given them the chance to harm her. Fortunately she was fine, otherwise Li Hong Yuan definitely would've immediately exterminated the entire Ruan family up to the ninth relation, disregarding all consequences, and having a certain few skinned alive, shredded in pieces, crushing their bones and tossing their ashes.

After looking to her momentarily, he turned his head, the tenderness in his eyes disappearing without a trace, "Yu Zhong Qing, send her back. If there's the slightest mishap, bring your head to see me."

The Commander of the Imperial Guards didn't dare slight, hurriedly appearing, "Asking wangye to please rest assured." Regardless whether Jin Qinwang wanted to send him away, or some other reason, just based on his formidable martial art skills, in addition to his several bodyguards also not lacking, he indeed didn't need protection. Moreover, this kind of last minute planned assassination most likely won't happened a second time.

Li Hong Yuan looked towards Jing Wan once again, "You go back first, I'll have the matters here taken care of. Remember, today's assassination attempt, you were just involved because of this prince, and the person behind this, this prince will definitely get to the bottom of."

This person was precisely like so, just a moment ago still flirting, then immediately becoming completely serious with a turn of his head, with all things in consideration of you, making you lose all your anger. And if you really were to insist on being angry with him, then the one to collapse in anger in the end would probably still be just you. Thus she nodded, "Wangye, be careful."

Li Hong Yuan nodded, "Don't worry, this prince still haven't married you back yet."

Jing Wan directly ignored him, walking past him and directly leaving. However, it wasn't like when she came, relaxed and carefree, but rather like wanting to quickly avoid him, this god of plague.

It can be seen, Li Hong Yuan's shameless 'healing method' really was very effective. However, in the end, did Jing Wan comfort him more, or did he comfort Jing Wan more? This really was hard to say.

Jing Wan's servant girls rapidly packed up the things and followed after.

The Commander of the Imperial Guards led along the imperial guards, and prior to leaving, naturally still needed to bow to Li Hong Yuan.

With Jing Wan's departure, the cold air around him once again returned. Li Hong Yuan looked to the Great Commander, "Yu Zhong Qing, you're a smart person. What should be said, and what shouldn't be said, shouldn't need for this prince to teach you, right? ————You all have credit in killing assassins today, this prince will request imperial father to recognize your meritorious deeds for you all."

"This was just where our duties resided to begin with, and isn't worthy of being called some meritorious deed."

"Meritorious service ought to be rewarded, and negligence ought to be punished, this is only right and proper."

Yu Zhong Qing's breathing stopped, feeling a bit stressed inside. He merely just followed the no power, no influence wangye out for a walk, yet how come he just had to see something he shouldn't see. Even if he was loyal to his Majesty, for the sake of the lives of these brothers he brought out, he still wasn't able to say what he shouldn't say.

"Isn't Sir Yu thinking too much? This prince is talking about the Luo family's third miss."

Alright, this was not caring about what one should care about, and for what one shouldn't care about.............well, still can't say he shouldn't care about. It should be the kind where no one would casually make careless remarks about. They were the Imperial Guards, not a bunch of gossiping women. Besides, that was just Jin Qinwang's private matter that can't be more private. They, as the ones being forced to watch, were further embarrassed, alright! "To have let Luo third miss be frightened is our negligence."

"Since that's the case, quickly follow after."

"Yes."

[1] 解语花 - also can be translated as an 'understanding' flower; basically a beauty who listens to your worries and gently consoles you.

[2] 倒打一耙 - literally translates to 'striking with the muckrake'; this idiom is referencing Pigsy from the Journey to the West. Describing someone who has done something wrong themselves but end up attacking or criticizing the other party.