Ji Yu sighed inwardly, sensing that Gu Shengyin was deliberately avoiding the subject.
His eyes softened as they focused on her—the woman in front of him, clearly flustered but trying her best to appear indifferent. She reminded him of a small, cornered animal, its fur bristling defensively. This stirred something protective and tender in his heart, even as he fought the urge to push her for more.
Reaching out, he gently ruffled Gu Shengyin's hair.
"I know more than just your name, Ah Zhen. I also know that your mother is Princess Wencheng, and your father is the renowned War God, General Jiang."
Gu Shengyin's eyes widened in shock, and Ji Yu's smile grew as he observed her reaction.
"That makes me your older cousin," he added lightly.
Gu Shengyin was startled, her thoughts racing as she consulted the system. Why would he reveal his identity? Isn't the First Prince confined to his residence by imperial order? If he's caught outside, wouldn't the consequences be severe?
The system replied calmly, Perhaps he's confident that you won't betray him.
Meanwhile, Ji Yu watched her expression shift from blank confusion to growing realization.
"You're...," Gu Shengyin began, but he quickly pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her.
"Shh," he said softly. "Now is not the time to say my name out loud. Promise me, Ah Zhen. Not even your mother must know."
After a brief hesitation, Gu Shengyin nodded.
Satisfied, Ji Yu lowered his hand. Then his tone turned serious as he asked, "Has the Crown Prince tried to approach you?"
Gu Shengyin's expression darkened immediately.
Indeed, the Crown Prince had visited her twice in recent weeks. Both times, his words had been carefully chosen to convey concern and affection. He claimed that she had always been the one in his heart, urging her to wait for him. He assured her that once he ascended to the throne, she would become his Empress.
Of course, the Crown Prince couldn't easily accept the sudden change in their relationship. Gu Shengyin, once his fiancée and someone he believed belonged to him, had now become his cousin. His arrogance and possessive nature couldn't handle such a blow.
However, Gu Shengyin was no naïve young girl. If the body she inhabited belonged to someone else—perhaps a sheltered 12-year-old—they might have been swayed by the Crown Prince's honeyed words. But Gu Shengyin saw through his insincerity with ease.
Ji Yu studied her expression, his own darkening as he realized the truth.
"So, he has," he murmured, his tone laced with displeasure.
Without warning, he reached out, grabbing Gu Shengyin's hand and pulling her closer. His sudden action caught her off guard, and before she could react, his lips descended upon hers.
Gu Shengyin froze, her eyes widening in shock. The soft, warm sensation against her lips rendered her thoughts incoherent.
For Ji Yu, the kiss was everything he had imagined and more—sweet and intoxicating. Reluctantly pulling back, he looked at her dazed expression and couldn't help but chuckle softly. His low, seductive laugh sent shivers down her spine.
Before she could fully process what had happened, Ji Yu raised a hand to cover her eyes.
"Don't look at me like that," he murmured. His voice was gentle, yet it carried an undercurrent of something much deeper.
Gu Shengyin sat silently in the carriage on her way back, replaying the events of the evening over and over in her mind. Her cheeks burned as she remembered the kiss. She hadn't been able to focus on anything Ji Yu had said afterward. All she remembered was the arrival of one of his subordinates, who had informed him it was time to leave.
Before departing, Ji Yu had personally escorted her back to the bustling streets, where the people sent by her mother were anxiously searching for her.
"County Lord!" Hu Zhu, her maid, spotted her first. Relief washed over the woman's face as she hurried forward.
Gu Shengyin turned her head, instinctively seeking Ji Yu, but he had already vanished into the crowd. His parting words echoed in her ears:
"Ah Zhen, wait for me. Within the year, I will come to your home openly, with dignity, and ask your mother to let you be my wife."
Her heart fluttered as she silently repeated his promise.
System, what am I supposed to do? she asked helplessly. I think I've fallen too deeply.
The system paused before replying, its tone unusually calm. Host, this system does not forbid the host from forming emotional connections with individuals in these worlds.
The system left unspoken what Gu Shengyin already feared: feelings as deep and sweet as these could never fade. They would linger, binding her heart and soul, until the end of time.