Chapter 285 - Visiting a shrine

Linfeng's eyes clearly held a warning for Gao Huan to not take a step any further.

"..."

Gao Huan's gentle smile gradually dissipated, his face slowly becoming expressionless. He glanced at Linfeng coldly.

Truly a shameless dog who kept sticking to its master.

"...I never knew a mere butler could answer for his master."

Xiong Zhi faintly frowned and was about to speak but Linfeng beat her to it first.

"Well, my Young Miss happened to have already informed me about it. As the Young Miss's butler, I believe I have every right to represent her, especially with refusing anything that could possibly conflict with her plans." He smiled indifferently. "Isn't that one of the most basic tasks of a butler?"

"...You have rather smooth tongue."

"Thank you for your praise."

Guan Gao Huan's eyes scanned the people in front of him. "It seems Young Miss Zhi is truly busy. How disappointing. Then I guess, I will just see you around, then." 

Linfeng gave him one cold glance before turning to Xiong Zhi. He offered his hand to the Young Miss and gently led her away.

Gao Huan suddenly spoke.

"It seems like you are not taking my advice, classmate Linfeng. I hope you don't regret it." 

The pair seemed to have not heard anything and simply walked away.

Guan Gao Huan watched as the Young Miss of the Xiong family did not even throw him a fleeting look before she left. He smirked. 

Apparently, his fiancée liked to play hard to get. If she wanted to play that game, then he would happily play with her. 

Seeing their figures about to disappear with the crowd, he took hold of the person nearest to him to 'accompany' him during this afternoon.

Of course, while following the pair of master and aide roam around during the free time.

Not far ahead, Xiong Zhi was silent while being led forward by Linfeng. Her mind was preoccupied by doubts. 

Why was that beast here? That bastard was not the type to join useless festivities like this for mere enjoyment.

That person would not come here without a reason. He must be planning something. 

And whatever it was that he was stirring up, it would never be good. This was something she had long learned from her past life.

Xiong Zhi began to feel anxious. Her brow faintly furrowed in distress.

The tall young man beside her observed her face.

"What are you thinking?" 

The young man's gentle voice brought her mind back again to reality.

Linfeng had been watching her this entire time. Looking closely at her expressionless face, he could fathom a few changes somewhat. It appeared that the Young Miss's mind was lost for a moment after meeting the young master from the Guan family. 

It always happened, whenever she meet that guy. 

Although, there was huge difference on her reaction from the Xiong's banquet to this day. He could say that his Young Miss was not too affected with the man's presence, unlike before.

But still, why was she so affected by that guy? Even if she obviously did not like that person surnamed Guan, he did not like the fact that another man could affect her so much.

Affecting her this much to the point that his own existence was drowned out with the surroundings... It was not a good feeling for Linfeng.

His lashes lowered, covering the darkness in his eyes.

He stared at the dainty hand on top of his own as he led her forward.

After a moment, he shifted his hold on her hand. He lowered their hands to their sides and intertwined his fingers with hers. Then, he put their entangled hands into his large coat's pocket. 

With this, they were no different from normal lovers holding hands in secret. If one looked at them closely, people would know. Fortunately, everyone was so excited and busy with their own plans that they did not notice this small detail.

Xiong Zhi was stunned by Linfeng's actions. He actually took the initiative today. This was rare. 

But it felt.... so good!

All her worries and doubts were blown away by Linfeng's warm hand enveloping hers.

The warmth traveled all the way to her limbs and straight to her heart. She felt her cold body slowly warm up.

And then, she began to notice how good the sun was again, how cool the breeze was, and how lively the laughers around them were. 

Such a beautiful day must be spent thinking of the good things only, with Linfeng as her company.

Linfeng was waiting for Xiong Zhi's answer, but it seemed like the girl beside him did not hear him or did not feel the need to say anything of this matter.

He gently squeezed Xiong Zhi's hand. It was alright if she did not want to answer. He had already made up his mind to protect her from the poisonous snake.

"Don't worry," he whispered. "I won't let him approach you or hurt you."

Xiong Zhi felt warm in her heart. In fact, she did not answer because she did not know what to say. Her earlier thoughts were intertwined with the memories from her past life. She was truly thankful that she was able to change her fate. 

A lot had changed.

Compared to the submissive, lonely, unfeeling, and lifeless trophy doll that she was in her past life, who did not care for anything, obeyed all orders, and swallowed all her grievances... She preferred what she had turned into now—assertive, ambitious, and capable. 

The Xiong Zhi now had good friends whom she could rely on. She now had her own power she built with her own hands, and people who believed in her. Most importantly, she had Linfeng right beside her, supporting her with all his might and treasuring her like she was the most precious pearl on the palm of his hand.

She gripped his hand back.

"Thank you," she whispered. She smiled at the protective man beside her, her eyes filled with warmth and affection as she stared back at her reflection within his eyes.

It was enough. It was more than enough to make Xiong Zhi forget those nightmares at this precious moment. 

Xiong Zhi was determined to spend this day joyfully with the man she loves.

As per Song Xuantin's suggestion, Xiong Zhi led Linfeng to visit a few stalls in the town sitting near the lake. Since F city was known for its shrines and temples, there were a lot of booths selling various types of incense, sacrificial offerings, as well as charms.

They were in front of a store selling incense. The vendor suggested various kinds, and highly recommended their best-selling incense which was of high quality and was blessed by monks. There were even small cards in every package detailing their fragrance, what they were made of, their lifespan, and their purposes.

Xiong Zhi was looking at every package seriously. She was now stuck between two packages. After reading the descriptions on the cards, she was troubled of which one to choose. Should she choose lavender or jasmine? Her mouth was slightly pursed.

Linfeng, whose interest fell on watching his Young Miss this whole time, could not help but laugh. 

'Can't she's just buy both?'

"Young Miss, are you having trouble choosing over these two?"

Xiong Zhi nodded, still with a troubled expression. 

Would Grandma Lu like lavender better, or jasmine? Xiong Zhi planned to visit the lady again. She was deeply indebted to her. Also, for some reason she could not fathom, she felt a close connection to the mysterious woman.

She unconsciously murmured, "I should have asked Yin Ze about this..."

Linfeng who stood smiling beside her froze. 

'That kid again.'

"...."

He decisively took a pack of basic joss sticks and handed it over to Xiong Zhi.

"You should choose this. It's up to him whether he likes it or not. The most important is your thought behind the gift." The last sentence felt bitter in his mouth.

Xiong Zhi took the pack of joss sticks and looked at the card on it. This was the cheapest and most common joss sticks with no specific fragrance. 

"..."

But she did not return it. After all, it was Linfeng's choice after 'careful' deliberation. She doesn't want to hurt his feelings and reject his offer. So, she bought it. She would just ask Lu Yin Ze another time.

Linfeng did not read the placard on the package that Xiong Zhi was hesitating over. The words written on the earlier packs were either 'to give a refreshing fragrance to relax the deceased's soul', or 'to make the deceased's soul happy'.

If he read these words, then he would not be wasting his vinegar tank over an innocent boy who was shot again even when lying down.