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Chapter 55: Fifty-Five Treasures ?

Keeping such a threat nearby was uncharacteristic for her.

However, as the saying goes, "Better to die under a peony than to live without passion."

She decided not to overthink it.

Xu Zhen didn't bother analyzing her emotions, relying entirely on instinct. She hugged Xun Qianchun tightly and confessed, "I've thought it over carefully, and I might really like you a lot."

Xun Qianchun responded with a simple sound.

Outside, the northern wind grew stronger, howling sharply, blowing dead grass into the air and rattling against the windows of the yellow earth house.

Inside, the lamplight cast a warm glow, spreading cozy warmth.

Xu Zhen continued, "Can you accept my feelings for you?"

Xun Qianchun softly replied, "Yes."

Just one word.

Xu Zhen felt both happy and frustrated. She patted Xun Qianchun's back and said, "You blockhead, can't you say more than that?"

Xun Qianchun released her hold and turned to face Xu Zhen directly. Her enchanting eyes were even more alluring now, reminiscent of a captivating fox spirit. Xu Zhen, having been mesmerized several times before, dared not look too long.

Xun Qianchun wouldn't let Xu Zhen off so easily. Locking eyes with her, she asked, "What do you think 'liking' means?"

Xu Zhen glanced at the swaying railings outside the window, unable to answer.

Xun Qianchun continued, "Every day, I reflect on myself-morning, noon, and night, and all I think about is you. I believe that must be what it means to like someone."

What was this?

Xu Zhen was taken aback by Xun Qianchun's sweet words. She thought to herself: Wasn't the villain supposed to be a Hu who wasn't fluent in Chinese? Where did she learn to speak like this?

Before Xu Zhen could respond, Xun Qianchun added, "And these past few days as well."

Xu Zhen was momentarily confused and asked, "What?"

Xun Qianchun said, "I've been busy-busy fighting and busy thinking about you."

"Xiao Chun," Xu Zhen found herself truly fond of this little beggar, finding her more endearing by the moment. Though her words made Xu Zhen shy, she couldn't help but smile.

She accepted that she was falling in love with such a person.

Gently, Xu Zhen leaned closer and gave Xun Qianchun a peck on the cheek. "There, I've stamped you. From now on, you're mine."

Xun Qianchun's eyes sparkled with laughter as she nodded.

Xu Zhen said, "I'll treat you well from now on."

Xun Qianchun replied, "Teacher, you've treated me well enough already."

Xu Zhen insisted, "Not well enough."

She began contemplating their future together, discussing the idea of staying in the frontier. Once Xun Qianchun earned her merits and accomplished her goals, they could find a more hospitable place to settle down.

Xun Qianchun listened quietly, taking it all in.

Xu Zhen was about to continue when Xun Qianchun suddenly reclined onto the bed.

Xu Zhen asked, "What's wrong?"

Xun Qianchun simply said, "I'm tired."

She pulled Xu Zhen down onto the bedding with her, and they lay there, much like they used to, though their feelings were entirely different now.