My Sickly Childhood Friend Is Acting Strange

Next book: "Dew on White from Last Night". Older woman and younger man, his secret crush comes true, everyday life, reunion after a long separation, healing. (Blurb at the end)

Blurb for this book:

[A scheming princess pretending to be delicate X a fallen general who says one thing and does another]

Qi Chuzhao doesn't understand why everyone likes Kong Jingyao.

She's all sweetness and softness, speaks in a coy little voice, and, most importantly, she's so frail that she's needed protecting every moment of her life. Whenever he's not by her side, something always happens to her!

Kong Jingyao doesn't understand why everyone dislikes Qi Chuzhao.

He's highly skilled in martial arts and well-read, and, most importantly, he's so gentle and considerate. Whenever she's been in danger since childhood, he's always appeared at her side right away!

After the Qi family is framed by villains, the family's last young general, Qi Chuzhao, is thrust into the center of a storm. The entire court keeps silent, and no one dares plead for him.

When Qi Chuzhao is sent to prison, his first thought isn't for himself. Instead, he worries that if he dies here, who will protect the frail and delicate Kong Jingyao from now on?

In the dungeon.

Holding a cup of poisoned wine, Eunuch Wei asks Qi Chuzhao if he has any last words.

Qi Chuzhao drops to his knees. "Eunuch, Kong Jingyao is in poor health. I hope you'll keep an eye on her safety from now on!"

As soon as he finishes speaking, the sounds of a fierce fight come from outside.

The men about to carry out the execution all turn their heads. There, at the front of a group of a dozen wandering martial artists, is Kong Jingyao, who has always seemed as if a breeze could knock her over. She holds a long sword and strolls up to the prison as if out for a leisurely walk.

Wandering martial artist A: "Master, is the man kneeling on the ground the master’s wife you came to rescue?"

Qi Chuzhao: ...

Bonus scene:

Five young thugs surround Kong Jingyao in a back alley. She gives them a chilling look and curls her lips into a cold smile. Unhurriedly drawing a small dagger, she swiftly drives it through one thug's hand and pins it to the wall. The rest of the thugs tremble in fear at what she has done.

Then a familiar voice reaches her from a distance:

Qi Chuzhao: "Princess, don't be afraid! I'm here!"

Kong Jingyao (quickly tossing the dagger over the wall, biting her embroidered handkerchief, eyes reddening as she holds back tears): "Brother Yuheng, hurry and save me! I'm scared!"

The thug waiting outside the wall to back her up stares at the boot pierced by a dagger that came flying out of nowhere. Miss, is that any way to treat someone?

A heartwarming story about someone who tries so hard to act delicate that she nearly believes it herself, until her childhood sweetheart is framed by villains and she has no choice but to step in, revealing her true self.

Reading notes:

1. This is not a detective story. Only the first part involves a serial murder case. There are no more unsolved cases in the rest of the story.

2. This is not a groveling-after-a-breakup story. It's a sweet, one-on-one romance with a lighthearted tone throughout.

3. Plot to romance ratio: 3:7. The early part leans more toward plot, while the later part focuses more on romance.

[Blurb for the upcoming book: Dew on White from Last Night]

Gorgeous, cool bar owner X taciturn top student

Older woman and younger man, his secret crush comes true, everyday life, reunion after a long separation, healing

Twenty years ago,

Bai Lu thought she was just feeling a bit too sympathetic for once

when she casually picked up an unwanted "stray dog" by the roadside.

Twenty years later,

Lin Yichuan kneels before Bai Lu,

his long, elegant fingers gently lifting her right hand as he places a warm kiss on her ring finger.

"In this life and the next, you are my one and only master."

Reading guide:

1. Both leads are virgins.

2. They have a five-year age gap, with the man being younger.

3. The confession happens after the male lead comes of age.

4. Some details about their professions are fictionalized. Please don't scrutinize them too closely.

5. If anything makes you uncomfortable while reading, please stop in time.

Theme: You have to fight for your own happiness.