Chapter 119: Nervous and Shy

“Princess, my injury has healed quite a bit,” he said.

Upon hearing this, Gu Li guessed the next words would be something like, “I should return to my residence now; staying any longer would only trouble you more.”

Gu Li was already thinking of excuses to keep him a few days longer, when he added, “I feel my leg is strong enough today; I’d like to try standing and walking a bit.”

She was stunned, looking up at him in surprise.

Seeing her dazed expression, Lie Chang’an’s face grew slightly uneasy, worried that she might see through his pretense. Unexpectedly, she suddenly smiled, the shadows on her face clearing away. She immediately stood up, her excitement palpable as she said, “Then I’ll help you.”

“No need, no need,” Lie Chang’an began to decline, but she had already come over and naturally took his arm in her delicate hand, which made him feel quite uncomfortable instead.

With Gu Li’s support, Lie Chang’an stood and stepped down from the bed, one step at a time beginning to walk. Sure enough, as his wound healed, his leg grew stronger, and though his steps were still a little unsteady, he managed well enough.

Lie Chang’an was delighted; after being bedridden for so long, recovering was truly a blessing. He longed to regain his former vigor and vitality.

His happiness naturally spread to Gu Li.

Of course, she wished for his swift recovery, but with both his hand and leg healed, the day he would leave the palace to return to his residence was drawing near…

Gu Li’s spirits sank, her feelings difficult to express.

She lowered her head, and because she had to support his arm, their bodies were very close, almost pressed together in mutual reliance.

If Lie Chang’an bent his head slightly, he could catch the faint, sweet scent of orchids in her hair; if he glanced sideways, he could see her rose-colored lips soft as a baby’s skin, her cheeks flushed with a blush as lovely as spring blossoms. Pressed close to her supple, fragrant body, with a slender waist and perfect curves, she fit against him like a flawless companion.

Lie Chang’an’s body tensed unconsciously; his breath grew heated, his throat tightened, and his mind was flooded with wandering, improper thoughts.

He inwardly chided himself—why did he have to use this excuse? Surely tonight those long-forgotten dreams would haunt him again.

Gu Li led him in circles around the room, finally into the study, and as they walked, she increasingly felt a scorching breath warm the back of her neck. The heat made her skin prickle with goosebumps.

She looked up in puzzlement and caught sight of Lie Chang’an’s flushed, handsome face.

“What’s wrong with you?” she asked, blinking her curious eyes.

Caught red-handed, Lie Chang’an stammered, “I… I think perhaps the fire is too strong, making it hard to breathe.”

But Gu Li wasn’t so easily fooled. She blinked again, suspicion clear in her gaze. “Really?”

Then why, after supporting him for two full laps, did she not feel any breathlessness?

Her mind raced, carefully studying Lie Chang’an’s expression. Seeing his nervousness and obvious guilt, the scales that had burdened her heart for a day and night suddenly tipped.

Good heavens, could Lie Chang’an truly be developing feelings for her?

So, his nervousness and shyness were due to their close contact?

The more Gu Li thought, the more convinced she became. Her cheeks flushed a rosy red, her eyes glistening like autumn waters, and she lowered her head, shyly smiling to herself.