“Why were you there that day?” he asked carefully, afraid that any word might upset her.
She put aside the emotions she had just shown and sighed. “I was thrown out like a stray dog on the way to marry into the Na De family. But honestly, I think things have turned out pretty well.”
“But I heard the Na De wedding procession is still heading to its destination.”
Lou Chaolan glanced back at him and said bluntly, “Are you asking who’s wearing the wedding dress now?”
Xiao Shen was a little embarrassed by her directness.
“She’s probably some girl the Na De family was keeping on the side. Who cares? I’m not the one being sent into that living hell. Let anyone else take my place.” Lou Chaolan’s eyes were fixed entirely on the man in front of her.
“What are you planning to do from now on?” he asked earnestly.
She hadn’t thought about it. Given her current situation, she had no family and nowhere to go. An idea suddenly struck Lou Chaolan. She sat down beside him on the step. Xiao Shen was clearly a little uncomfortable, but he didn’t move away.
“General Xiao Shen, can I come with you?” She turned to him with a beaming smile.
His throat tightened, and he dared not look at her. “Why would a young woman like you follow a soldier like me?”
“Hmm… If you don’t mind, I could be a general’s wife.” She was bright and carefree, utterly oblivious to Xiao Shen’s flustered discomfort.
“Stop saying such frivolous things. I, Xiao Shen, have no intention of taking a wife.” He tossed out the words stiffly, then hurried off.
Lou Chaolan watched him go and curled her lip. “Tch. If you’re embarrassed, just admit it. Why pretend you have no intention of getting married, acting all pure and aloof?”
