Caught in the Arms of a Puppy-Killer

[Brave princess who is delicate but not weak x lovestruck, loyal puppy-like boy assassin]

Princess Jiang Shutong was born just as the emperor recovered from a long illness. From childhood, she was revered as a lucky symbol of the Southern Dynasty, precious and pampered, innocent and vivacious.

But ever since her eldest sister was sent south to Ling to suppress bandits, more than a month ago, Jiang Shutong has had the same dream every night.

In it, her sister mysteriously disappears, her third brother murders the emperor and seizes the throne, and she is married to the brutal heir of the Zhangtai Marquis, enduring endless torment before ending her life with a cup of poison.

After waking, Jiang Shutong spends her days distraught. She packs a small bundle and resolutely leaves the palace where she grew up, heading to Nanling to find her sister.

But before she can reach Nanling, assassins come after her.

In her panic, she turns into a narrow alley and sees a handsome young man at the end of the dim lane, a bloodied sword in his hand and a corpse at his feet.

"Anyone who knows my identity is either my employer or a corpse."

*

He said he worked for money.

He said he never gave credit.

He said the deal was done once the money and goods had changed hands.

But later, kneeling amid a mountain of corpses and a sea of flames, he returns her lucky charm and places the short sword he never let out of his sight in her hand.

"Here's your deposit back. I don't want the rest of my payment."

"From now on, I'll be your sword and shield, Princess. May every year of your life bring you peace and joy."

*

Shi Wuci lived a lonely life, his heart as cold as ice.

The little warmth he had came entirely from that high-maintenance girl.

He was willing to be a thorn, as long as he could protect the princess and keep her free from worry for the rest of her life.

A few reading tips ovo

1. One-on-one, both chaste, happy ending, a sweet historical romance.

2. Focused on romance, with lots of couple interactions. The political intrigue is only a side plot.

3. Not a strong female lead story!! But it does mention the careers of several female supporting characters.

Next up: The Black Cat I Killed Came Back for Revenge. Please add it to your favorites, dears!

[Fragile beauty and genius spirit mage x a big cat who's in denial and hopelessly in love]

They say the Xie family ancestors were chosen by the Lunar Disk, able to glimpse fate and command demon beasts.

Of course, this came at a price. The Xie family had short lifespans, and no one in any generation lived past twenty-five.

Xie Shiyun was the exception. She had lived for three hundred years.

The price was losing her beating heart and the black cat who had been her childhood companion.

To extend her lifespan, on the day the black cat came of age, Xie Shiyun plunged a dagger into his dantian and cut out his life pearl with her own hands.

*

Three hundred years later, Wen Qin gathers his soul and comes back to life. He opens his eyes, hating Xie Shiyun and swearing to make her pay with her life.

But when they meet again, the girl is frail and sickly, paler than snow.

Wen Qin: ...I'll let her get a little stronger first. This is no challenge.

In a secret realm, Xie Shiyun is no match for a demon beast and is badly wounded, coughing up blood.

Wen Qin: A gentleman doesn't take advantage of someone in distress.

As he watches her grow weaker by the day, a panicked, unwilling feeling rises in Wen Qin's heart:

Xie Shiyun can't just die like this.

After three hundred years, the life pearl has run out of spiritual energy. In that case...

He'll use his own blood to keep Xie Shiyun alive.

The red curtains are warm, and the wedding candles glow with fragrant light.

Amid the mingling shadows, Xie Shiyun sits in Wen Qin's arms and lowers her head to bite his neck.

"Hiss..." Wen Qin groans, but tightens his arms around her. "Go easy on me."

Xie Shiyun ignores him, biting even harder.

Wen Qin pants softly. As his fingers move, he draws a drop of heart's blood from his chest.

The girl takes his fingertip into her mouth, blood staining the corner of her lips.

"You keep saying you want revenge, yet you use your heart's blood to keep me alive."

"Wen Qin, can you tell the difference between love and hate?"

A few reading tips ovo

1. One-on-one, both chaste, happy ending, two strong leads.

2. Romance-focused and sweet, no angst~

3. A mountain of made-up lore.

Theme: There are always thorns along the road to growth