With her delicate face and slender waist, the royal uncle lost control.

Inside the cave, the warmth of the campfire was ultimately limited.

As the night wore on, a chill crept in.

Yun Nian curled up even tighter in her sleep, but was still woken up by the cold.

She opened her eyes groggily, feeling a sharp pain on her back from the straw mat and a chill running through her body.

Qiluo was fast asleep next to him.

She quietly sat up and walked towards the campfire at the cave entrance.

She paused slightly as she rounded the corner.

Qin Jiuchen sat in front of the campfire.

He had his eyes closed, his back still straight, as if he were ready to deal with any unexpected situation at any time.

Hearing footsteps, Qin Jiuchen opened his eyes. "Why aren't you asleep?"

Yun Nian walked to the fire, sat down next to him, and reached out her hand to the source of warmth.

"It's a bit cold, I can't sleep."

Qin Jiuchen glanced at her.

"Tomorrow, the King will try to contact the guards and bring you back."

He looked away, staring at the dying campfire.

"Yes," Yun Nian nodded, speaking sincerely, "Your Highness has already helped me a great deal and saved Qi Luo. Thank you, Your Highness."

Qin Jiuchen remained silent for a moment.

Suddenly, he reached out and took the black cloak draped over his lap, then spread his arms and wrapped it around Yun Nian, who was sitting next to him.

Caught off guard, Yun Nian found herself completely wrapped up in the cloak as it fell down, while the other side of the cloak remained draped over Qin Jiuchen's shoulder.

As a result, the two had to get closer together.

Yun Nian's heart raced uncontrollably.

Qin Jiuchen maintained his seated posture, his gaze returning to the campfire.

The space under the cloak was small but warm.

Yun Nian was a little stiff at first, but the warmth and exhaustion quickly made her relax.

She leaned her body closer and closer to the heat source.

"Did Your Highness eat this little when you were in the army?"

She started a conversation, her voice soft and gentle with sleepiness.

"Mm," Qin Jiuchen replied briefly.

"Is it because of a food shortage?"

"Sometimes."

"Will Your Highness find it bitter?"

"You'll get used to it." He paused, then added, "If you have a goal in mind and something to accomplish, external hardships won't matter so much."

His voice was low and calm.

As Yun Nian listened, her eyelids gradually grew heavy.

She mumbled an "Mmm," and her consciousness began to fade.

Qin Jiuchen said something else, but Yun Nian couldn't hear it clearly anymore.

Her head tilted to one side without her realizing it, and it rested right on Qin Jiuchen's strong arm.

The warmth and sense of security made her lower her guard. She unconsciously rubbed against his arm, found a more comfortable position, and fell into a deep sleep again.

Qin Jiuchen's words came to an abrupt halt.

He lowered his head and looked at the woman who was fast asleep in his arms.

The dim light of the campfire illuminated her peaceful sleeping face; her long eyelashes, like fans, cast adorable shadows beneath her eyelids; her breathing was soft, and her lips were slightly pouting.

His eyes darkened, and he adjusted the position of his arm so that she could rest her head more comfortably. With his other hand, he gently put his arm around her shoulder and tucked the cloak back in for her, which had slipped down a little.

As Yun Nian slept, she seemed to sense the subtle adjustment and the more secure embrace. She snuggled closer to him, wrapped her arms around his waist, pressed her face against his chest, and fell into a deeper sleep.

He held her like that, listening to her even breathing, and watching the morning light gradually appear outside the cave entrance.

-

The clear birdsong once again awakened the mountains and forests, and also the thoughts of the clouds.

She shifted comfortably, then suddenly realized something was wrong.

She suddenly opened her eyes, and what came into view was a piece of dark fabric, and the outline of a firm chest beneath the fabric.

She was shocked to find herself nestled in Qin Jiuchen's arms again.

And this time it was even worse than last time; she was practically half-lying on him, with one hand wrapped around his waist.

What's worse, the corners of his mouth seem to be wet?

Good heavens! Is she drooling again?!

Yun Nian was instantly wide awake.

She decided to quietly "escape the scene" first.

She held her breath and slowly, little by little, tried to move her arms off his waist, carefully shrinking back as if trying to escape from his embrace.

They were on the verge of successfully escaping.

"Miss Yun,"

A lazy, husky male voice sounded above her head, "You really like to kick someone when they've served their purpose."

Yun Nian's movements suddenly froze.

She gave a forced smile and turned her head away.

Qin Jiuchen had woken up at some point and was looking at her with his eyes half-closed.

"Your Highness, you're awake?"

Yun Nian chuckled twice. "What a coincidence! How come Nian'er fell asleep in your arms again? I'm so sorry, hehe..."

As she spoke, she tried to stand up completely and create distance.

Qin Jiuchen slowly sat up straight and moved his numb arms.

He chuckled softly, "Miss Yun always throws herself into my arms like this, it's hard not to cause misunderstandings."

Yun Nian's fake smile froze.

Forcing a smile, she explained, "Your Highness misunderstands. It was simply too cold last night, and Nian'er was just instinctively seeking warmth. It's only human nature!"

"Oh?"

Qin Jiuchen raised an eyebrow, his smile deepening. "I had no idea that I, this king, had become such a warm-hearted person?"

"Of course." Yun Nian quickly seized the opportunity. "Your Highness is cold on the outside but warm on the inside. You are such a good person! You have taken good care of Nian'er these past few days. Nian'er is very grateful and feels that Your Highness is indeed very warm and reliable."

Qin Jiuchen chuckled again.

He then stood up and picked up the black cloak.

He walked up to Yun Nian, unfolded his cloak, and draped it over her thin shoulders.

His hand went around her neck and tied the tie at her collar, his movements unhurried and deliberate.

After doing all this, Qin Jiuchen took a step back and looked at her calmly.

"I am merely fulfilling a promise."

Yun Nian was taken aback.

She immediately realized what was happening.

She did things for him in exchange for his help in saving Qi Luo.

So his care over the past few days was just fulfilling his promise?

Yes, what else could it be but that?

A secret, lingering hope in my heart, like a soap bubble in the sunlight, bursts without a trace with a gentle poke.

A man like him is a ruthless prince who emerged from the battlefield.

He is a high-ranking person who is deep in thought and does not show his emotions.

He has seen countless beauties and weathered countless storms.

How could I possibly fall for her so easily?

Having figured this out, Yun Nian became even more clear-headed and calm.

She was too naive and too easily deceived by appearances.

Seducing him, achieving her plan to annul the engagement, and seeking asylum is still a long and arduous journey.

Moreover, she changed "announce the engagement" to "save Qiluo". Now that Qiluo has been saved, she needs to find another opportunity and reason to bring up the matter again.

She quickly composed herself, raised her head, and met Qin Jiuchen's calm gaze. "Your Highness is right. Since I promised Your Highness, Nian'er will naturally keep my promise and would never dare to forget it."