"They also said I was going to marry you and move to the northwest," Gu Yangjin whispered, her brows knitting faintly as if the words themselves left a lingering discomfort in her chest.
"Oh?" Qiao Zhi arched an eyebrow, her lips curving into a half-smile. "Is my Yangjin suddenly inspired by some strange desire to prove them wrong?"
Yangjin huffed, but her tone was still soft. "Didn't Master say we could stay in the Central Plains? And didn't we agree—if we had time—we'd travel, see different places, and learn how the local governments and martial arts alliances work?"
Qiao Zhi's fingers gave hers a reassuring squeeze. "Exactly. And with me here, your father and mother won't have to worry about your safety. I'll protect you."
