Chapter 014: A Familiar Feeling

“Did you know? You remind me very much of someone I once knew. That’s why I was so surprised when I first saw you,” Nangong Che said suddenly in a quiet tone, his voice carrying a hint of indefinable emotion.

Jin’er lifted her head to look at him, a little lost as she replied with a faint “Oh.”

Someone he once knew? Could he be talking about her? Princess Jin’er? But she couldn’t recall ever meeting him, and for the past four years, she’d been confined to the Cold Palace with no opportunity to see outsiders. Wait—could it be someone the princess met as a child?

He chuckled softly, then said, “Never mind, it’s all in the past and not worth mentioning. By the way, where are you heading?”

“The capital of Mu Kingdom,” Jin’er blurted out nervously, unable to think of anywhere else on the spur of the moment.

“The capital of Mu Kingdom?” He repeated in surprise, then said, “That place hasn’t been called a capital for a long time. It’s called Jun Prefecture now. Haven’t you heard?”

“Jun Prefecture?” Jin’er echoed in confusion, then nodded as if suddenly understanding. Of course, Mu Kingdom had perished two years ago; how could it still be called a capital?

“What a coincidence. I’m heading there as well. Why don’t you travel with me?” he offered with a gentle smile, as radiant as a thousand blossoms in spring, utterly captivating.

Jin’er was nearly dazed by his charm, and only after a long moment did she remember herself and nodded, saying, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. It’s no trouble at all. Are you tired? If you are, lie down and rest.”

Jin’er nodded, turned to lie on the soft cushion, and exhaustion quickly overtook her. Not long after, she fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Jin’er awoke early. Opening her eyes, she saw Nangong Che reclining nearby, still sound asleep.

His silky black hair fell naturally on both sides, his gentle features tinged with a hint of strength. His nose was high and straight, his brows well-shaped, his eyelashes long and thick. Even his perfectly shaped lips curled slightly in sleep. His handsome appearance was in no way inferior to Ye’s; in fact, the two men were of completely different types.

Suddenly recalling that long-lost name, Jin’er felt a pang in her heart. Two years had passed, and she still remembered? Thinking carefully now, she realized she could no longer recall his face—just a vague impression remained.

“You’re awake?” As she was lost in thought, a gentle, melodious voice came from across the carriage.

Jin’er snapped out of her reverie and, seeing that he was awake, nodded lightly and sat up.

“What’s your name?” Nangong Che reclined nearby in a relaxed manner, smiling warmly at her.

“Jin’er.”

“Jin’er? What a lovely name. Somehow, I feel as though I’ve heard it somewhere before.” His smile was warmer than sunlight, more enchanting than moonlight, stirring a genuine fondness in her heart.

“There are many people with the same name,” Jin’er replied. Though she no longer felt wary of him as she had at first, she couldn’t easily reveal her true identity.

“That’s true,” Nangong Che laughed softly.

“And you?” Jin’er couldn’t help her curiosity. After all, he had saved her life—it was only right to know his name.

“Me?” He smiled. “Nangong Che.”

“Nangong Che?” Jin’er repeated softly, only to hear him laugh and say, “I’m quite a bit older than you. Shouldn’t you call me brother?”

She gazed at him blankly for a while, then, embarrassed by his teasing, turned away, lifted the carriage curtain, and poked her head outside. “It’s getting late,” she said.

Seeing her deliberately change the subject, Nangong Che merely chuckled and said nothing more. As soon as Jin’er spoke, the others outside awakened as well, and soon they were all setting off on their journey once more.