The light was still on inside. Presumably, he hadn't gone to bed yet.
Driven by a certain curiosity, she mustered up her courage and quietly inched towards the window.
She had suffered a setback last time, but apparently she hadn't learned her lesson this time. She might not even have really cared, finding it both fun and a bit exciting.
The only sounds in her ears were the rustling of the withering leaves, and occasionally the chirping of a few birds.
It seemed completely quiet inside the room.
Just as she was wondering whether Helian Duo was actually in the room, the window suddenly flew open. A dark shadow flashed before her eyes in an instant. Then she was enveloped by this shadow, and her whole body was forced back against the corner of the wall by some force.
Then, a large hand propped up beside her head. She felt the chill emanating from Helian Duo's whole body.
It wasn't from his body itself. Cheng Xiran thought it was due to the environment.
"Why are you so cold?"
Seeing him dressed in black, she immediately understood: "You went out?"
But Helian Duo asked directly: "What are you doing here? Trying to peek at me furtively again?"
Facing him, she could clearly feel his breath, gently puffing on her face, which stirred up a ripple in Cheng Xiran's heart. She only felt a strange numbness all over her body.
Fortunately, the moonlight was dim tonight. She couldn't see Helian Duo's expression clearly, so she was sure that Helian Duo couldn't notice her blushing face.
"No, I really just happened to pass by this time."
She hurriedly tried to cover it up, but Helian Duo simply tore off her mask: "But I've been observing you from the roof for a while."
"Well... I just came to ask if you're missing anything."
Cheng Xiran was just about to turn her head when Helian Duo's cold hand suddenly stroked her face.
It was like the blend of cold and heat.
"Why is your face so red?"
Helian Duo asked with a half - smile. Cheng Xiran pushed him away and then pretended to be serious as she straightened her clothes: "I was dancing in my own yard just now, so I'm a bit hot. Since you're not missing anything, you should rest well so you won't oversleep tomorrow."
She fled in a hurry. Helian Duo didn't chase after her. There was just a hint of pleasure in his eyes.
Even after she returned to her own room, Cheng Xiran's heart still raced. It wasn't until the middle of the night that it gradually calmed down.
Early the next morning, Nanny Jin prepared the dry rations for their journey. She also added some freshly - bought pastries from the street and then saw the two of them off from the Cheng family's old mansion.
Nanny Jin bowed slightly to Helian Duo. After getting up, she handed the money bag prepared by the old lady in advance to Cheng Xiran and told her to take it.
"It's colder today than yesterday. The old lady is warming herself by the fire in the room. She asked me to come and see Miss and Young Master He off in person. I hope Young Master He will forgive her. Miss, this journey will be long and arduous. The old lady told you to take good care of yourself, eat well, dress warmly, and return safely. She's waiting for you here."
Cheng Xiran was a bit touched. Fortunately, she had visited her grandmother in the morning and found nothing wrong, so she could rest assured.
Nanny Jin watched their carriage disappear around the corner before turning around and entering the mansion.
Only then did Cheng Xiran notice that it was gray outside. She didn't know if it would rain today.
As soon as she got into the carriage, Helian Duo began to close his eyes and rest. Seeing this, Cheng Xiran couldn't help but feel curious: "Did you go out again after I left last night?"
Helian Duo didn't even open his eyes. He just replied casually: "Do you think everyone is as idle as you? I'm swamped with trivial matters. You can't understand."
Cheng Xiran murmured disapprovingly: "Oh, how amazing. How great."
Helian Duo didn't respond to her.
Cheng Xiran didn't dare to look at him. After all, this man was extremely meticulous. If he noticed, it would surely be embarrassing. She couldn't think of any suitable excuse, so she had to amuse herself.
For example, looking at the scenery outside or eating something.
When the carriage drove out of the city, there was a forest all around. Although it was lush, it was easy to get bored after looking at it for a long time.
She wanted to find someone to chat with, but besides her, there was only Helian Duo in the carriage.
So she coughed lightly twice. Seeing that Helian Duo didn't react at all, she softly asked: "Are you asleep?"
Unexpectedly, Helian Duo suddenly opened his eyes and gave her a resentful look: "With you making noise all the time, do you think I can fall asleep?"
"We can chat if you can't sleep..."
Seeing Helian Duo close his eyes again, she stopped talking halfway.
Finally, feeling bored and having not rested well last night, she leaned against the side and fell asleep. To avoid disturbing Helian Duo, she even deliberately moved one seat to the side.
But when she woke up, she was leaning on Helian Duo's shoulder. The two of them were almost snuggled tightly together.