Who Doesn't Know Who She Likes in Danyang City

"You're absolutely useless to me!" Evan Xiao snarled, murderous intent flashing in his eyes. "All I want is your life!"

As he spoke, he started choking her again.

He truly wanted to strangle her to death.

Grace's eyes reddened, tears brimming as she pleaded, "Evan Xiao! My spiritual root was dug out, my mother was poisoned, and now I’m about to be sent to the palace as cannon fodder. I had nowhere else to turn, that’s why I came to you. Please, spare my life!"

Seeing her pitiful appearance, Evan Xiao was still furious, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't bring himself to hurt her.

"And I really do like you," Grace sniffled, her voice trembling.

"Shut up! If I ever hear those words from you again, I'll kill you myself!" Evan Xiao spat, shoving her away forcefully.

Honestly, in all of Danyang City, who the hell didn’t know who she liked?

What a shameless woman!

His shove was a bit too rough, and Grace landed hard on her butt, pain shooting through her.

"Ah!" Grace gasped, her eyes red as she looked at Evan Xiao, feeling utterly wronged.

Evan Xiao glared at her, his expression dark and his gaze as sharp and cold as a knife.

"Huh? Is someone over there?" came a shrill voice from the direction of the latrine—definitely a eunuch.

"Go check it out," another man's voice ordered.

That voice... it was Colin Gu.

Evan Xiao hesitated for a moment, then quickly slipped behind the bushes to hide.

Colin Gu soon appeared. Spotting her, he asked in surprise, "Grace? What are you doing here? And why are you sitting on the ground?"

"It's nothing." Grace dusted herself off and stood up, saying, "I'm just not familiar with this area and got a little lost."

"Were you crying?" Colin Gu noticed her red eyes and frowned. "What happened? Did someone bully you?"

"No, I just tripped and fell. It hurt a little, that's all."

"Grace," Colin Gu said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You’re about to become my Imperial Consort. If anyone dares to bully you, just tell me. I’ll protect you."

Suddenly, Grace felt a chilling aura behind her. She quickly stepped back, dodging Colin Gu’s hand, and said, "Really, it’s nothing. I just got lost. Since Your Majesty is here, could you please escort me back?"

Colin Gu looked a little surprised.

Just now, if he wasn’t mistaken, she was deliberately avoiding him.

She actually avoided him?

Last time, she even snuck into his bedchamber and slipped a talisman under his pillow.

She’d listened to some random sorcerer, who told her that if she did that, he’d fall in love with her...

So what’s up with her now?

Could she be playing hard to get?

Interesting...

Colin Gu smiled and said, "In that case, come with me. I'll take you over."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Grace followed after him.

Behind the bushes, a tall, slender figure appeared, his gaze icy as he watched the two walk away side by side.

The once clear sky was now gathering dark clouds, turning gloomy.

......

Back at her seat, Grace noticed Evan Xiao still hadn’t returned.

Before long, Louis Lin arrived and informed the Empress Dowager and the Emperor that the General’s old injury had flared up, so he’d left early.

Naturally, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor approved.

After delivering the message, Louis Lin glanced at Grace—intentionally or not—then turned and left.

And just like that, Evan Xiao was gone...

He probably wouldn’t bother with her anymore.

Grace felt a wave of melancholy.

At that moment, she realized she truly liked Evan Xiao. Maybe... she’d actually fallen in love with him...