Forced to Love (GL) - Chapter 33

As soon as Zhao Qingsui moved away, a faint fragrance mixed with fresh air slowly drifted over, allowing Lingxi’s slightly curled fingers to relax.

She turned to the chest, took out the silk quilt, and when she turned back, Zhao Qingsui was already sitting by the bed, watching her. Most of the bright candle flames had been extinguished, leaving only one beside the bed.

Zhao Qingsui’s expression was calm, yet she seemed like a lone bright star in the corner of a dark sky, shining distinctly.

Separated by the beaded curtain, with the candlelight flickering between them, Lingxi’s vision wavered.

“Doesn’t my consort wish to sleep with me?”

“When we married, I was unaware of your true identity. Now that we are both women, there is no need for such restraint.”

When she spoke, Lingxi wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but she could almost detect a hint of amusement in her tone.

The crystal-clear beads of the curtain reflected Zhao Qingsui’s delicate brows and eyes, as if countless mirrors spread before Lingxi, occupying her entire vision.

“I appreciate Your Highness’s concern, but I fear I might disturb your rest.”

The silk quilt in Lingxi’s hands was smooth and cool, clearly meant to lower body temperature, yet at this moment, it inexplicably felt burning hot.

“Oh? How would you disturb me?”

“Your Highness might not know, but I have been a restless sleeper since childhood. When I was young, I often rolled off the bed in my sleep. Thus, it is better for me to sleep on the floor.”

Lingxi lowered her head, closing her eyes slightly, isolating herself behind the curtain and speaking words that sounded reasonable on the surface.

Zhao Qingsui looked at her in silence. The room fell into a quiet stillness, with the candlelight reflecting on the beaded curtain, shifting through various hues.

“Are you truly just afraid of disturbing me?”

“Yes, please believe me, Your Highness.”

The silk quilt in her hand retained its warmth. Lingxi subtly changed her grip, seeking the cooler side, but the chill quickly melted into her palm. The next moment, she heard a voice from behind the curtain.

“Then come closer.”

As she stepped forward, it felt like she was an arrow nocked onto a bowstring—both clear-minded and dazed.

Lingxi halted a step away from her. Zhao Qingsui reached out, causing Lingxi’s breath to momentarily catch.

Suddenly, cool fingertips gently touched her forehead.

In an instant, the chill transformed into a burning heat that surged from the fingertips into her skin.

With a slight press of her fingers, Lingxi met Zhao Qingsui’s gaze. She was so close, right in front of her, allowing no retreat, not even an escape for her eyes.

As if that wasn’t enough, Zhao Qingsui leaned in half a step closer.

“Your Highness…”

“Hmm? Didn’t you say I should verify your words?”

Her gaze remained unwavering, but the fingertip on Lingxi’s forehead slowly traced over her slightly raised brow bone, then moved along her temple in a slow, deliberate circle.

Like a breeze fanning a wildfire, setting the entire mountain ablaze.

Her breathing became erratic, her fingers unconsciously tightening on the quilt beneath them.

Lingxi’s shoulders tensed, her jaw clenched.

Yet Zhao Qingsui seemed oblivious, her fingertip moving from the outer edges inward, slow and careful, meticulous and unhurried.

The faint fragrance surrounding her enveloped Lingxi, trapping her in an inescapable center.

Her forehead gradually heated up, returning warmth to Zhao Qingsui’s fingertips, softening the temperature between them.

When her fingers finally returned to the center of Lingxi’s forehead, she did not immediately withdraw. Instead, she paused and murmured, “Hmm, I believe you now.”

Lingxi suddenly regained some clarity, struggling to hold her ground in this silent confrontation.

Zhao Qingsui tilted her head slightly, observing her.

“Your forehead is quite hard. I suppose it must be from many childhood injuries?”

Then, with a faint smile on her lips, she gently pressed down, as if to remind or conclude, before slowly withdrawing her hand.

“Extinguish the light.”

“Yes…”

Even after the candle was extinguished, the heat on Lingxi’s forehead did not fade in the slightest. The warmth lingered until she drifted off to sleep, where even in her dreams, it felt like she was basking under the scorching sun.

—

The next morning, the group prepared to depart, all dressed in casual attire, making a total of ten people, including Lingxi and Zhao Qingsui.

Su Rui and the carriage driver sat outside, leaving the interior solely for Lingxi and Zhao Qingsui.

Lingxi lifted the curtain. Zhao Qingsui was already inside, reading a book. When the sudden light filtered in, she lifted her gaze.

Though the elegant robes of royalty had been replaced with simple attire, every movement still exuded an undeniable presence.

“Your Highness.”

Lingxi lowered her head and greeted her respectfully.

“Mm.” Zhao Qingsui responded before calling out, “Su Rui.”

“Yes, let’s depart!”

As Su Rui’s voice came from outside, Lingxi had just sat down when the carriage started moving. They passed through the bustling city and briefly halted at the gate before continuing forward.

Inside, it was quiet, with only the occasional sound of Zhao Qingsui flipping pages. Lingxi sat upright, eyes fixed ahead, staring at the embroidered patterns on the curtain, lost in thought.

After leaving the city, the uneven road occasionally caused the carriage to jolt. Only then did Zhao Qingsui set down her book.

The steam from the hot tea swirled before her eyes. Through the mist, she looked at the figure sitting opposite her.

Her gaze moved slowly—from the forehead she had traced the night before, down the bridge of her nose, until it landed on her slightly parted lips. An inexplicable sensation traveled through Zhao Qingsui’s fingertips, and her fingers instinctively curled back from the edge of her cup.

The carriage jolted slightly again, causing Zhao Qingsui to sway, yet the person before her remained perfectly still, maintaining a straight posture.

Her shoulders were squared, smooth and defined, the fitted clothing highlighting her lean and refined figure.

This was an outfit Zhao Qingsui had specifically asked Su Rui to acquire—tailored to fit more snugly and allow for easier movement.

Pressing her lips together, Zhao Qingsui took a sip of tea. The subtle fragrance filled her throat.

Just then, the outline of a character she had seen before resurfaced in her mind. Her gaze instinctively followed Lingxi’s poised back.

In that moment, it was as if an invisible mist seeped into her heart. An intangible hand seemed to trace down, lingering at her fingertips, wrapping around her in a way that refused to dissipate.

Sensing the gaze, Lingxi turned slightly, but Zhao Qingsui had already closed her eyes.

The two remained silent throughout the journey, until the carriage slowly came to a stop, and Su Rui’s voice rang out.

“Miss, we’ve arrived.”

Zhao Qingsui opened her eyes, her gaze clear and focused.

“Mm.”

Since they were dressed casually, their forms of address also changed accordingly.

Zhao Qingsui ordered one person to watch over the carriage at the inn while the rest dispersed into the crowd, leaving only Lingxi and Su Rui by her side.

When getting out, Ling Xi jumped down first, then quickly turned to lift the curtain for Zhao Qingsui. She even used her other hand to steady her in case the road was uneven.

She did it smoothly and naturally, without a second thought.

As Zhao Qingsui placed her hand on Ling Xi’s arm, she suddenly looked up and smiled faintly.

Ling Xi looked away awkwardly, but her hands didn’t move.

Zhao Qingsui noticed everything but said nothing.

They walked along the field ridge. The soil was still a bit soft from the rain a few days ago and the cloudy weather.

Zhao Qingsui walked ahead alone. Ling Xi was worried she might slip, so she stepped forward to help.

But Zhao Qingsui soon realized what she intended and pulled her hand back.

“Your Hig—”

The word had just come out when Ling Xi quickly stopped herself.

Zhao Qingsui looked at her without speaking.

Ling Xi moved her eyes to the ground near Zhao Qingsui’s feet and said softly, “Miss, the ridge path is slippery…”

Zhao Qingsui suddenly interrupted her. “Su Rui.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Su Rui walked a few steps closer, stopping behind Ling Xi, keeping her head down, silent and still.

“If Su Rui calls me ‘Miss,’ then what should you call me?”

Zhao Qingsui’s voice was calm. Her expression gave nothing away, like she was simply stating a fact. But her words cut
like a sword.

Ling Xi froze. She hadn’t expected the question.

After a pause, Zhao Qingsui turned and kept walking along the ridge. After a few dozen steps, they reached the water
channel. Zhao Qingsui followed the path, checking it carefully.

Soon, her shoes were covered in yellow mud.

The channel had been newly built. Zhao Qingsui checked its structure and flow to see if the slope was effective.

Ling Xi followed closely, careful not to fall behind.

Not far away, a farmer stood by the channel, wearing rough clothes and holding a hoe. Zhao Qingsui walked over and
casually chatted with him, asking if the channel was helpful.

The farmer laughed heartily and said it was.

Zhao Qingsui kept walking. But in the next second, as she stepped onto another ridge, her foot slipped.

At once, a hand reached out from behind to catch her.

A soft voice said, “Careful, my lady!”

The silk cloth brushed against her skin, warm and smooth. Her body heat passed through it, and her breath added
another layer of warmth.

Ling Xi helped her to a safe spot and finally relaxed.

Zhao Qingsui tilted her head and looked at her, but neither of them spoke.

Then, the farmer who had just spoken laughed and said, “Miss, it’s good you have your husband with you! Otherwise, a fall like that could have been serious—maybe even a twisted ankle!”

“Ah…”

Ling Xi turned toward the farmer, feeling a bit uneasy.

“Hiss.”

Zhao Qingsui let out a sharp breath, pulling Ling Xi’s attention back.

“Are you hurt?”

Ling Xi crouched down to check. Just as her hand was about to touch Zhao Qingsui’s ankle, she suddenly stopped.

Zhao Qingsui stood there quietly. When Ling Xi looked up, she saw Zhao Qingsui also looking down at her.

The shadow from above blocked half the light.

Even though the sky behind Zhao Qingsui was bright, in that moment, Ling Xi could see only her.

“It doesn’t hurt?”

Zhao Qingsui narrowed her eyes, thinking. “It hurts.”

Ling Xi frowned. After a moment, she turned around and said, “Then I’ll carry you.”

Her normally straight back bent down, shown in front of Zhao Qingsui—just because she said one word: “It hurts.”