Chapter 115: Trying to Steal a Kiss from Her

Hometown was nothing more than an unwillingness to leave; even quietly sitting beside him stirred a gentle sweetness in her heart, filling her with contentment.

The charcoal fire in the room was warm and comforting, and Jasmine, noticing the sudden change in weather, had bundled her up in three layers inside and out. Before long, Gu Li felt the heat radiating from her body, making her so comfortable she grew drowsy.

Soon, she tilted her head and fell asleep.

Lie Chang’an was genuinely engrossed in the military treatise. Studying it thoroughly taxed his mind, and as he read, he became so absorbed that by the time he reached nearly halfway through, his strength waned and his eyes grew sore.

The room was silent, not a sound stirring.

Lie Chang’an had thought Gu Li was equally engrossed, but when he looked up, he found the little princess had once again fallen asleep by his bedside.

He couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the sight. It reminded him of the day he woke from his coma—her sleeping soundly by his bed, her small, delicate body curled up like a fluffy, lazy little pet.

Lie Chang’an quietly gazed at the woman before him, his eyes revealing an affection and longing that needed no concealment before anyone. His gaze was filled with an indescribable tenderness and unwavering focus.

Only in this moment did he dare to be so boldly unrestrained.

Entranced, he gently lifted his hand to caress her fair cheek. The touch was soft and smooth, a stark contrast to his rough, calloused fingertips. It involuntarily reminded him of the silky texture of fresh tofu.

Perhaps the fire was too strong, for she had grown warm in her sleep. Her exposed cheek, fair and tender, was flushed a rosy red by the heat, looking like a ripe, delicate apple—tempting enough to make one want to take a bite.

Lie Chang’an thought, with no one else around, if he leaned in to kiss her now, surely no one would know.

For some reason, his courage swelled. Perhaps it was his long-standing infatuation, the ache in his heart from missing her so deeply. With her right there, such a perfect opportunity, he yearned to taste her sweetness—to comfort himself.

His mind filled with the vivid image of her radiant face. His throat tightened, breath held, and he slowly inclined his head.

Just as he was mere inches from her cheek, already feeling her gentle breath, she unexpectedly opened her eyes.

Their gazes locked.

The air seemed to freeze.

Startled, Lie Chang’an snapped back to reality, suddenly sitting upright, his body stiff with tension. Unsure how to explain himself, his hands clenched tightly beneath the blanket.

Gu Li, still half asleep, blinked at the handsome face so close before her, thinking she must still be dreaming. It took her a moment sitting up to realize that the scene had been real.

What was going on?

Why had Lie Chang’an gotten so close just now?

Could it be that he had… tried to steal a kiss?

At the thought, her cheeks flushed and her heart raced. Bashfully, she lifted her eyes to him and stammered, “You… what were you just about to do?”

Lie Chang’an, having returned from his momentary blankness, regained his usual composure—calm and aloof. He replied quietly, “I heard the princess wished to read the military treatise, but found her lying on the bed. When I looked down, I realized the princess had fallen asleep.”