Transmigrated into the body of a prematurely deceased beloved child

Chapter 43 Good Results and Bad Results 42

Zhao Zhao paused slightly, her mind preoccupied, and casually replied, "Okay."

Shi Qin smiled and said, "Then I'll have someone go and prepare. By the way, does Zhao Zhao have any dietary restrictions?"

Zhao Zhao paused, thinking it best to keep a low profile at someone else's house, and said, "I have no dietary restrictions."

Duan Yu chuckled behind him. Shi Qinian looked up and asked gently, "What's wrong?"

“Prince Shi, my lord has dietary restrictions.” Duan Yu didn’t want Zhao Zhao to compromise. She had watched her prince grow up and didn’t want him to suffer any hardship.

Shi Qinian understood, looked at Zhao Zhao, and chuckled, "Between you and me, there's no need to be so polite."

Zhao Zhao remained expressionless. Duan Yu knew he was embarrassed, so he didn't say anything more and followed the maid to the kitchen to give instructions.

A silence fell over the room as both men absentmindedly sipped their tea. Shi Qinian kept glancing at the stone, his brow furrowing involuntarily. Zhao Zhao had come to see him so excitedly today precisely because of this matter...

He didn't like Na Yue; his feelings for her were at most those of comrades-in-arms from missions they had gone on together.

As for this Life Stone...

Shi Qinian's expression was complicated.

Zhao Zhao couldn't see his expression, nor did she know what he was thinking. After drinking tea for a while, dinner was finally ready.

Shi Qinian looked gentle as he carefully served food to Zhaozhao.

Unlike when she was in her own temple, Zhao Zhao was not as casual when she was out and about, and she finished her meal very quietly.

Setting down his chopsticks, Shi Qinian asked reluctantly, "Are you leaving?"

No progress on the mission, don't want to leave, Zhao Zhao: ...

He was silent.

Shi Qinian didn't understand, but said, "Jun Si and the others will be coming to the Dan Ying Temple tomorrow. You haven't seen each other for a long time. Why don't you get together tomorrow?"

"Ah."

Shi Qinian smiled and asked, "Then, let's stay here tonight, so we don't have to come back tomorrow."

Zhao Zhao nodded; by a twist of fate, it suited his wishes perfectly.

Shi Qinian's eyes lit up with joy, and she eagerly grabbed his hand, "Then let's go, where do you want to sleep tonight?"

It seems like he would make room for Zhao Zhao even if she wanted to stay in his parents' bedroom.

Zhao Zhao was genuinely surprised by his enthusiasm and tentatively asked, "Can I sleep with you?"

Shi Qinian suddenly tightened his grip on his wrist, then quickly let go. He was easily embarrassed, and a blush rose on his face, but fortunately Zhaozhao couldn't see it.

He was both nervous and excited. "Of course!"

He slowed his pace, took Zhao Zhao's hand, and strolled through the garden of his temple. The moon was bright and the stars were few; the journey was exceptionally peaceful and beautiful.

Out of the ordinary, Shi Qinian suddenly thought of the crimson Life Stone. He thought, how wonderful it would be if Zhaozhao were the one whose soul was 100% compatible with his.

Coming to his senses, Shi Qinian suddenly stopped, his eyes widening in disbelief at the thought that had suddenly popped into his head. Why was he thinking of Zhao Zhao? They were both men, after all.

Utterly absurd.

"Shi Qinian?" Zhao Zhao called out, noticing that he had stopped.

Upon hearing his voice, Shi Qinian suddenly felt extremely guilty. "Wh...what's wrong?"

His eyes darted around, avoiding eye contact with Zhaozhao, even though he couldn't see her.

Zhao Zhao looked closer, puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Shi Qinian took a big step back, unable to contain his panic.

"Wait, let me take a moment."

His face was now bright red, and his flustered appearance was completely unlike the gentle and composed Tokiko during the day.

Something suddenly flashed through Shi Qinian's mind, and he suddenly understood his own thoughts.

He looked up abruptly, caught a glimpse of Zhao Zhao's face, then hurriedly looked down again. Shi Qinian thought, he's finished, he's finished.

As he was lost in thought, Zhao Zhao was already beside him, very close. He raised his hand, precisely lifting Shi Qinian's chin, and asked with a condescending expression, "Something's wrong with you."

She frowned, raised her other hand, and touched his face. "Your face is very hot."

Smelling the herbal scent emanating from Zhao Zhao, Shi Qinian's body temperature suddenly rose. He raised his hand to put it on Zhao Zhao's shoulder, wanting to push him away but also reluctant to do so.

Under the moonlight, their shadows were elongated.

Shi Qinian thought, "He seems to be..."

I've fallen for Zhao Zhao, not out of camaraderie, but out of genuine romantic love.