Chapter 13: Peerless Elegance

Upon hearing the voice, the fierce man who had just been so intimidating immediately changed his expression. He turned respectfully and replied, “Master, a little beggar appeared on the road, asking us for food. I’ll drive her aside right away.” As he finished speaking, he raised his whip, intending to strike Jin’er.

“Wait.” Just as Jin’er lifted her hand to shield her face, preparing to face the lash, a voice sounded again from within the carriage.

At the sound, the man had no choice but to halt, turning back in confusion. Jin’er also followed his gaze. At that moment, a folding fan gently lifted the curtain, revealing a face of unparalleled beauty as the first thing she saw.

He wasn’t smiling, yet there was a faint trace of amusement on his features, the corners of his lips seemingly curved upward by nature, charming beyond description.

“Master, you...” The man began, but Nangong Che raised his hand in a silent gesture, prompting him to fall silent at once.

Jin’er stared, transfixed, as that figure in a silver brocade robe drifted toward her like a cloud.

“It’s you?” Nangong Che approached slowly, and upon seeing her clearly, spoke in astonishment.

Jin’er looked at him in puzzlement, unable to understand why he would ask such a thing. She was certain it was the first time she had ever seen him.

While she was still confused, Nangong Che quickly suppressed his surprise, tapping his forehead in mild annoyance and muttering to himself, “How could that be?”

“Where is your home?” he asked, leaning down to look at Jin’er, a hint of expectation in his eyes.

“I have no home,” Jin’er replied quietly. Seeing his handsome face so close, she couldn’t help but feel her heart stir.

Nangong Che hesitated briefly, then gazed deeply at her, reaching out as if to take her hand.

Jin’er instinctively drew back, her eyes instantly wary.

His hand hung awkwardly in midair for a moment, then he smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I’m not a bad person. You’re hungry, aren’t you? I have food in my carriage. It’s dangerous for you to be alone out here so late—why not let me give you a ride?”

His smile was warm and reassuring, but Jin’er had learned to look at the world through guarded eyes. She glanced at the fierce man from before, who still wore a sullen expression, clearly displeased with her.

Jin’er raised an eyebrow, shot him a glare, then turned back and nodded to Nangong Che, following him toward the carriage. After all, a starving soul is the most pitiable—she should fill her belly first.

Too weak to climb onto the carriage herself, she found herself in an awkward situation. Just then, a slender, fair hand reached out to her.

She looked up at him, bit her lip in hesitation, and placed her small hand in his palm.

Warmth spread from his touch, and in the next moment, she felt herself lifted effortlessly onto the carriage.

Once inside, Nangong Che gave a command, and the procession resumed its journey. He handed Jin’er some dry rations; before he could offer her the water flask, she had already begun eating ravenously.

“Slow down, or you’ll choke,” he cautioned, but no sooner had he spoken than Jin’er did indeed choke. He quickly twisted open the flask and held it to her lips. “Here, drink some water.”

After a few gulps, her breathing eased. She wiped away the tears that had sprung to her eyes and continued eating with her head down.

The wheels of the carriage rattled as it rolled along, bouncing over the uneven road, but none of it bothered her.

Nangong Che watched Jin’er eat, unable to suppress a smile. He had never seen anyone eat with such earnestness, such relish.

In no time at all, Jin’er’s belly was round and full.

Ah—the feeling of being satiated is truly wonderful...