Yang Guo: I'm invincible in the opening battle against Aunt Guo!

In the pavilion in the middle of the lake.

Guo Fu remained nestled in Yang Guo's arms, her cheek pressed against his firm chest, where she could hear his steady heartbeat.

The faint masculine scent emanating from him lingered around her nose, making her feel somewhat intoxicated.

She had laughed until tears streamed down her face after hearing Yang Guo's jokes, but now that she was quiet, she felt a sweet and peaceful feeling in her heart.

She quietly raised her head and looked at Yang Guo's sharply defined profile.

His sword-like eyebrows slanted upwards towards his temples, his nose was high and straight, and his thin lips were slightly pursed, with the corners of his lips still bearing the curve of his earlier laughter.

So lovely.

An impulse surged within Guo Fu, and almost without thinking, she tilted her head back and quickly kissed him on the cheek.

Yang Guo was taken aback, then looked down at her, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes, which then turned into a mischievous smile.

"Fu-mei," he said in a low, husky voice, "ambush is not a good habit."

Guo Fu blushed and was about to speak when Yang Guo leaned down.

His warm lips covered hers, gently yet firmly.

Guo Fu's mind went blank for a moment, as if a "buzz" had gone off.

This wasn't their first kiss.

It happened when we were on Peach Blossom Island.

Later, when I came here, I did it once more.

Yang Guo's kiss was gentle yet firm, his tongue gently prying open her teeth and probing inside.

Guo Fu felt weak all over, and her hands unconsciously climbed onto his neck, responding awkwardly.

She could feel Yang Guo's hand slowly moving up from her waist, across her back, and finally resting on her chest.

Guo Fu trembled and let out a soft groan, but did not push him away.

She was even... somewhat looking forward to it.

The two embraced and kissed in the pavilion, completely unaware that a pair of eyes were quietly watching them from the distant corridor.

Guo Jing returned from Prefect Lü's residence and was about to go to Huang Rong to discuss the adjustment of city defenses.

As I passed through the garden, I overheard two maids sweeping the garden whispering to each other:

"...Young Master Yang and Miss have been spending the whole afternoon at the pavilion in the middle of the lake, chatting and laughing. They look so well-matched."

"Indeed, Miss is smiling so happily. I've never seen Miss smile like that at anyone before..."

Guo Jing paused, his brows furrowing slightly.

Fu'er and Guo'er?

Thinking of his conversation with Yang Guo that morning, and the boy's frank admission of his affections while also taking responsibility, Guo Jing felt a mix of emotions.

He hesitated for a moment, then changed direction and walked deeper into the garden.

As a grandmaster, Guo Jing's lightness skill had reached a state of perfection.

He did not deliberately conceal his presence; he simply moved with composure and restrained his aura, blending into the garden scenery like a gentle breeze.

From afar, he saw the two people in the pavilion in the middle of the lake.

Fu'er nestled in Guo'er's arms and tilted her head up to kiss his cheek.

Guo Jing raised an eyebrow slightly—this girl is quite proactive.

Then, he saw Yang Guo lower his head to return the kiss, and the two kissed passionately.

Guo Jing's face flushed, and he was about to look away when he saw Yang Guo's hand... reach into his daughter's arms!

"This..." Guo Jing paused, nearly crushing a fallen leaf.

He looked closely and saw that Yang Guo's hand was indeed on Fu'er's chest. Although there was clothing between them, the posture... was clearly...

Moreover, instead of pushing him away, Fu'er tilted her head back and wrapped her arms around Yang Guo's neck, looking as if she were ready to be taken.

Guo Jing's lips twitched, and a complex mix of emotions welled up inside him.

On the one hand, he was a father, and seeing his daughter so intimate with a man made him instinctively somewhat displeased.

On the other hand, he remembered what Yang Guo had said that morning.

"If I can give each of them happiness, why should I choose one and abandon the others?"

That brat, he talks a good game, but he's quick on his feet!

Looking at the couple in the pavilion, Guo Jing thought, "They are indeed a perfect match."

He shook his head and chuckled, the slight displeasure in his heart gradually dissipating.

That's enough.

Children and grandchildren have their own children and grandchildren.

Fu'er likes it, and Guo'er has promised to take responsibility. What can he, as her father, say?

As long as Guo'er doesn't let Fu'er down...

Guo Jing sighed, turned and quietly left without making a sound.

He decided that it would be best not to tell Rong'er about this for the time being.

Let the young people... take things as they come.

Inside the pavilion, Yang Guo and Guo Fu's kiss finally came to an end.

Guo Fu leaned softly against Yang Guo's chest, feeling utterly weak. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were brimming with tears, and her breathing was rapid and disordered.

Yang Guo's hand was still on her chest, feeling her rapid heartbeat.

"Fu-mei," he whispered in her ear, his breath hot, "you just said... that what happened last time didn't work out?"

Guo Fu trembled, recalling her initiative that night, but the act was thwarted by her sudden menstruation.

That was a regret in her heart, and something she had always wanted to make up for.

She bit her slightly swollen lips from the kisses and mustered her courage to say, "Brother Yang... let's... go to my room now, okay?"

The voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, yet clear and firm.

A burning light flashed in Yang Guo's eyes, and he lowered his head to peck her lips again: "Okay."

He helped Guo Fu to her feet, and the two of them, leaning on each other, stepped onto the winding covered bridge.

A gentle breeze caressed my face, dispelling the previous enchantment, but it couldn't extinguish the burning passion in my heart.

After taking a few steps, Yang Guo suddenly stopped.

"Fu-mei," he looked at Guo Fu with a serious expression, "there are some things I must say again."

Guo Fu's heart tightened: "What did you say?"

"I am destined not to have only one woman," Yang Guo said, enunciating each word clearly. "Li Mochou, Lu Wushuang, Wanyan Ping, Yelü Yan... they are all my women, and I will treat them well. If you cannot accept this, you can still turn back now. I will never force you."

He spoke frankly, his eyes clear, without the slightest hint of evasion.

Guo Fu looked at him, and a wave of sorrow welled up in her heart.

How could she not want to possess Yang Guo all to herself?

How could she not want him to belong to her alone?

But... she could see clearly that what Yang Guo said was true.

A man like him is destined not to stay for one person.

"I..." Guo Fu lowered her head, her voice choked with sobs, "I know. I...I accept it."

"You really accept?" Yang Guo cupped her face, gazing into her eyes. "Not reluctantly?"

Guo Fu bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes: "It's...it's a bit of a stretch. But...but I like you, Brother Yang. I don't want to leave you."

She took a deep breath, as if convincing herself: "As long as... as long as I don't see it, it'll be fine. Out of sight, out of mind."

These words sounded so aggrieved and pitiful that Yang Guo's heart softened, and he embraced her.

"Silly girl," he gently stroked her long hair, "I will never let you suffer. In my heart, you will always be special."

Guo Fu leaned against him, and tears finally streamed down her face.

Special... but not unique.

But what could she do?