Chapter 105: I Only Want You, Only You (Bonus Chapter with Red Envelope)

"Her name is Pearl. If you like her, I'll give her to you." It was rare to see her express such keen interest in anything.

"Pearl? Haha, what a lovely name. It suits her perfectly. But I don't know how to ride a horse. Would you teach me sometime?" Jin'er turned her head, looking at him with anticipation.

In truth, she had wanted to learn to ride for a long time; otherwise, traveling by carriage everywhere was agonizingly slow. Most importantly... what kind of heroine doesn't know how to ride a horse?

"Alright, I'll teach you as soon as I have time. But for now, we must hurry to the Red Maple Forest."

Jin'er nodded, stroked Pearl with a lingering touch, and turned to follow Mo Yan to the black horse.

Taking the reins from the attendant, Mo Yan placed his left foot in the stirrup, pushed off the ground, and vaulted onto the horse with effortless grace. Then, he leaned forward slightly and extended a large hand toward Jin'er.

Jin'er reached out and took it. Before she could react, she was already seated on the saddle in front of him.

Mo Yan pulled the reins, turned the horse's head, and gave its flanks a nudge. The horse let out a neigh and bolted forward.

Due to inertia, Jin'er fell backward, pressing firmly against Mo Yan's chest. Before she could straighten up, his arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her back, closing the distance between them to nothing.

Jin'er’s body stiffened, and she felt an unexplained tension, though she gradually relaxed after a moment.

Behind them, Shi Yuan followed closely on the white horse. Only Pearl could keep pace with Black Wind.

"What is the name of your horse?" Jin'er turned her head slightly, asking with curiosity.

"Black Wind," Mo Yan replied with a faint smile.

"Oh, haha, that's cool." Perhaps this Black Wind was one of those legendary horses that could travel a thousand miles a day? Its speed was truly extraordinary. In less than an hour, they arrived at the Red Maple Forest. Had they been on an ordinary horse, they likely wouldn't have reached it until nightfall.

They rode up a gentle slope to the summit and looked out over the vast expanse of red leaves stretching down the mountainside—deep red, light red, and orange-red. Under the glow of the setting sun, the scene reflected a kaleidoscopic brilliance so beautiful it took one's breath away.

"So beautiful..." Jin'er murmured involuntarily.

Mo Yan wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. His heart was filled with an indescribable sense of happiness.

He had been here alone many times, but this was the most beautiful visit yet. It was true that the scenery was secondary; who you shared it with was what mattered most.

At this moment, Jin'er also let her guard down, allowing herself to linger in the wonderful feeling of being held in his arms, silently admiring the sunset and the crimson leaves.

Suddenly, she wished time could stand still at this very moment.

From afar, two elegant horses stood atop the mountain. The figures on their backs remained perfectly still, both gazing at the slope below. If not for their hair and robes fluttering in the wind, one might have mistaken them for statues.

The sun gradually sank behind the distant mountain range, and the sunset glow faded from its initial brilliance into a dim, dark red.

"Shall we head back?" Mo Yan lowered his head, looking at Jin'er’s beautiful profile, and asked softly.

"Alright."

The sound of hooves echoed as the three of them descended the mountain.

Returning to the city, they passed the entrance of a bustling night market, where the sounds of vendors shouting and people laughing drifted out.

"Wow, it's so lively!" Jin'er leaned forward, peering inside. Seeing the steaming food stalls and smelling the appetizing aromas, she could almost feel her mouth watering.

"What a little glutton," Mo Yan chuckled, turning the horse's head and letting it walk slowly into the market, its hooves clicking against the pavement.

Although the street was crowded, it was wide enough for them to move through with relative ease.

"I want to get down," Jin'er said, turning to Mo Yan in a tone of playful coquetry she hadn't even realized she was using.

Mo Yan felt a tremor in his heart; his bones felt as if they were melting.

In the hazy night, the dim light from the street lanterns illuminated her face, making her perfect features appear both ethereal and incredibly alluring. Mo Yan stared, unable to stop himself from leaning down to kiss her.

Jin'er was startled. Seeing he was about to kiss her, she quickly reached up to block his lips. His warm, soft mouth pressed against her hand, a sensation that tickled from her fingertips straight into her heart.

"There are so many people here, what are you doing?" Jin'er asked, her face flushing slightly with annoyance.

Mo Yan snapped out of it, sat up straight, cleared his throat, and offered a sheepish smile. Could he be blamed? She was just so tempting.

Jin'er ignored him, pushed off the horse's back with her palm, and leaped down, landing lightly. Nearby pedestrians and vendors saw the graceful white figure descend, and upon seeing her unparalleled beauty, they stood with mouths agape, momentarily thinking a fairy had descended from the heavens.

Mo Yan dismounted, tossed the reins to Shi Yuan, and followed. When the crowd's gaze shifted from Jin'er to Mo Yan, there was another collective gasp. Could this be a pair of celestial lovers?

"Does this taste good?" Jin'er stood before a small stall, pointing at some fried items on skewers, asking with wide, curious eyes.

"Delicious, delicious! You should buy two skewers, fairy," the young vendor said, staring at her in a daze, unconsciously calling her a fairy.

Jin'er giggled, her heart blooming with joy. Her laughter left the young man, as well as Mo Yan and the others, feeling completely dizzied.

Feeling the gazes of those entranced by her, Jin'er felt secretly pleased but ignored them. She picked up two skewers, brushed some sauce on them, and turned to hand one to Mo Yan.

Mo Yan paused, then came to his senses. He looked at the strange-looking snack in her hand, hesitated for a moment, and then took it. Although he had often traveled outside the palace, he had always dined in high-end restaurants; he had truly never eaten street food before.

Just as Jin'er was about to take out her purse, Mo Yan stopped her. "I'll pay." He asked the price and took out his own purse.

He appreciated his gentlemanly behavior, and Jin'er, not one to refuse, let him handle it.

Buying whatever she wanted, with a handsome man behind her responsible for paying and carrying things—this was a scenario she had fantasized about countless times while watching dramas. To think that after arriving in this strange world, she could enjoy such treatment! Hehe, the feeling was truly wonderful!

Taking a bite of the crispy, tender snack, Jin'er’s eyes curved into crescents as she nodded repeatedly. "Mmm! It really is good."

Mo Yan, having paid, saw how happy she was and, after a moment of hesitation, tried a small bite.

Seeing his cautious expression, Jin'er stopped chewing to watch him, waiting to see his reaction. Judging by his earlier attitude, this guy was just like the noble scions in the dramas—he had never eaten street food before.

Sure enough, after chewing twice, the hesitation in Mo Yan's eyes vanished. His lips curled upward as he said, muffled, "Delicious! Better than the pastries in the Imperial Kitchen!"

"That's right. Street food might seem low-grade, but it's affordable, and often we discover unique flavors. Come on, this young lady will take you to experience more of these delicious, budget-friendly treats. My treat!"

Mo Yan was about to insist on paying, but Jin'er, having swallowed her food, added, "You pay." Mo Yan was stunned for a moment, then laughed and shook his head before following her.

Jin'er walked in front, not missing a single stall, tasting almost everything. She had to admit, this was the first time since arriving in this world that she had the leisure to wander the streets and sample snacks so thoroughly. Overall, the food here was quite good.

From time to time, she would see vendors selling small trinkets like clay figurines or pendants. Whenever she saw something she liked, she would toss it into the paper bag she held, looking like someone on a shopping spree.

Shi Yuan followed them, leading the two horses, watching as the two of them—usually so composed—acted like children, happily buying a pile of things and eating until their mouths were greasy. It was so out of character that his eyelid couldn't help but twitch.

He never would have guessed that she, usually quiet and diligent, could have such a childlike side.

Just as he thought this, Jin'er stopped, looked back at him, and trotted over.

"Sorry, I almost forgot you. These are for you to eat." Jin'er smiled and stuffed several skewers, along with a paper bag containing meat pies, tea eggs, and a chicken leg, into his hands.

"I don't..." Shi Yuan started to refuse in a panic, but before he could finish, Jin'er exclaimed in surprise, "Oh my! Stone finally spoke!"

Shi Yuan clamped his mouth shut, looking extremely uncomfortable.

"Stone?? Haha! Why didn't I think of that? It's a very fitting name," Mo Yan said, walking up and laughing heartily.

Shi Yuan glared at him, his expression darkening. He picked up the food, ready to shove it back into Jin'er's hands.

Sensing his intent, Jin'er quickly ducked behind Mo Yan and pouted. "I don't take back what I've given. If you don't want it, just throw it away." With that, she turned and continued walking, losing herself in the variety of goods.

Shi Yuan frowned, looked at the items in his hands, and finally gripped them tightly before following with the horses.

Only after they finished the street did Jin'er finally prepare to return, clutching her spoils.

Mo Yan took out a handkerchief and wiped the grease from the corner of her mouth, smiling. "Did you have fun today?"

"Mmm. I'm just too full." Jin'er stuck out her tongue, two charming dimples appearing on her smiling face.

"Your appetite today was truly impressive," Mo Yan said with a smile. Seeing her hands were full, he suddenly leaned over and swept her into his arms.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" Jin'er exclaimed. Before she could finish, she was already soaring into the air with Mo Yan, landing on the horse. With a sharp cry, Black Wind bolted forward like lightning.

By the time they returned to the palace, it was nearly midnight. Little Die, who had been drowsily waiting, opened her eyes and hurried to greet them. "Your Highness, Miss, why are you back so late? I was worried sick."

Jin'er smiled and handed her a bag of food. "We went to the night market. Here, this is for you. Some of it is still warm; eat while you can."

"Thank you, Miss!" Little Die was a foodie too, and her eyes lit up at the sight of the variety of snacks.

Jin'er smiled and turned to Mo Yan. "You should get some rest; you'll be busy again tomorrow."

Mo Yan nodded. "You too." After a lingering look, he turned toward his own quarters.

Once he was gone, Jin'er entered her room and dumped the bag of trinkets onto the table.

Little Die, while gnawing on a chicken leg, stared at the chaotic pile of colorful knick-knacks, shocked and speechless.

After swallowing a large piece of chicken, she asked, "Miss, why did you buy these things? You didn't even seem to like the expensive jewelry and ornaments the Prince gave you."

Jin'er smiled, picking them up one by one to examine them, and replied nonchalantly, "I just find them novel. I've never seen these things before, so I wanted to buy them to play with."

Little Die blinked and said "Oh." She didn't know her mistress's background, but if her family was wealthy, it wouldn't be strange for her to find such cheap items interesting. Thinking this, she stopped asking and continued eating, leaning in to admire the spoils.

Only after Jin'er had looked at everything and given some to Little Die did she put the rest away and prepare to bathe.

She was exhausted from the day and decided to get some rest.

Deep in the night, in a room flickering with candlelight, Shi Yuan sat at the table, holding the food Jin'er had forced upon him. He stared at it silently for a long time before finally picking up a meat pie and taking a bite.

The food was cold, not particularly tasty, and some of it was even greasy and hard to swallow. Yet, he remained expressionless, eating it bite by bite. In the end, he finished every last bit of what Jin'er had given him.

Afterward, he frowned, ignoring the slight discomfort in his stomach, washed up, and went to bed.

Water Kingdom.

The night air wrapped around the imperial city with gentle coolness, and the most prestigious place—the Imperial Palace—was adorned with orange palace lanterns, making it look as hazy and seductive as a woman.

On the roof of a certain palace, if one looked closely, a pitch-black figure could be seen kneeling. Behind a black mask, deep eyes peered through a gap where a tile had been removed, observing the scene inside.

This person was none other than Liu Ye, who had come to the Water Kingdom to investigate his lineage.

After more than a month of investigation, he had made some progress, and the person inside was the very one he suspected.

Within his view, the room was decorated with extreme luxury; every item was a priceless treasure, indicating the owner's status was far from ordinary.

At this moment, there were two people in the room: a male servant was removing a magnificent and noble crown from his master and using a wooden comb to carefully groom his master's long hair.

The master, Duan Nantian, stared silently at himself in the mirror, a faint smile on his face, seemingly satisfied with his still-handsome appearance.

He had been facing away, but Liu Ye, through the reflection in the vanity mirror, could see his true face.

Although he had been mentally prepared, the moment he saw the man's face, Liu Ye’s heart tightened, and his fists clenched involuntarily.

The man in the vanity mirror appeared to be about forty years old, handsome and charming. Apart from the maturity that came with age, he looked remarkably like Liu Ye—one could say he was the mature version of him.

Liu Ye looked coldly at the man, sneering to himself: *Heh, he really does look like me... more than I had anticipated.*

*Duan Nantian, you had better hope it wasn't you. If it was, enjoy your beautiful and noble life while you still can!*

The servant finished grooming his master, helped him stand, and removed his luxurious outer robe.

"Does Master wish to rest? You've had a long day; you must be exhausted." The servant spoke while hanging the robe on a screen. He turned, only to see his master already sitting at the table in the center of the room, pouring himself a cup of wine.

"Which palace did the Emperor visit tonight?" A deep, magnetic voice drifted lazily from Duan Nantian's lips.

"Qinghe Palace," the servant replied cautiously.

"Hmph, even at his age, he still doesn't know how to take care of his own body." A sneer of disdain appeared at the corners of his mouth.

The servant did not respond, and the room fell into silence. After a long while, Duan Nantian tilted his head back, downed the wine, and slammed the cup onto the table.

"I am going to rest. You may leave."

"Yes."

As the servant closed the door and left, Liu Ye, on the roof, rose silently and vanished into the night like the wind.

——————————————————

Time passed day by day. In the blink of an eye, Jin'er had been in the palace for nearly two months.

She could see that Mo Yan was busy almost every single day, but he never mentioned a word about the Fire Eye Stone. Although she was worried and anxious, Jin'er held back and did not ask.

One day, having not seen Mo Yan all day, Jin'er heard he had returned from outside and gone to his study, so she couldn't help but want to go see him.

Before she reached the study door, she heard a jarring crash from inside, followed by Mo Yan's angry roar: "Bastards! Forcing me! You're all forcing me!!" Simultaneously, the sound of things being smashed continued.

Jin'er frowned, quickened her pace, and reached the study door. At this moment, the worried-looking Eunuch Liu stepped up to her and whispered, "His Highness is in a temper. Miss, it would be better to wait a while."

Jin'er frowned and asked, "What is going on?" She had never seen him lose his temper; what could possibly make him so furious?

Eunuch Liu's expression flickered, but he only lowered his eyes and shook his head, saying nothing.

Seeing this, Jin'er stepped forward. Eunuch Liu reached out to block her, looking conflicted. Before he could speak, Jin'er's face darkened, and she glared at him coldly. He gave a slight shiver and obediently stepped aside.

*Heaven, this Miss is even more frightening than His Highness when she's angry...*

Jin'er pushed open the door. Just as she stepped inside, a wine pot flew over and smashed at her feet, startling her.

Before she could recover, a roar followed: "Didn't I tell you not to bother me?! Get out!!"

Mo Yan sat on the floor, looking drunk, his back against the desk. One leg was stretched out, and the other was bent, with his arm resting on his knee. In his hand, he clutched a small jar of wine that hadn't been opened yet.

There were many empty wine jars scattered on the floor around him. The center of the study was a mess, covered in shards and spilled wine.

"What's wrong with you?" Jin'er asked softly, scanning the room before closing the door behind her.

Mo Yan, who was about to lose his temper and throw the wine jar again, froze when he heard her voice.

He slowly looked up. Seeing Jin'er walking toward him over the debris, his hazy, drunken eyes cleared slightly. He set down the jar and struggled to his feet.

"Jin'er... why are you here?" Mo Yan's previous manic rage had vanished. His misty eyes were filled with doting affection, though a trace of lingering sorrow and helplessness remained.

Jin'er hurried forward, supported the unsteady Mo Yan, helped him up the stone steps, and guided him to the chair behind the desk.

Mo Yan sat down, pulling Jin'er along with him so she leaned back against the cushions.

Jin'er straightened up, intending to pour him some tea to sober him up. Before she could leave the couch, Mo Yan wrapped his arms around her slender waist and pulled her back into his embrace.

Before she could react, Mo Yan buried his face in the crook of her neck, his arms tightening around her as if afraid she might run away.

"Jin'er... I love you... I really love you so much... I only want you, only you..." Mo Yan closed his eyes, breathing in her scent, murmuring constantly, his voice filled with pain and helplessness.

Jin'er’s heart tightened inexplicably, and she felt a sense of sadness. She didn't know when it had started, but he had begun to influence her emotions as well.