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But can such wishes really come true?

Lin Yuan knew in her heart that they could not.

Xia Zheng must have understood this too, right?

As far back as their time in Yecheng, they had already crossed paths with the Second Prince.

Maybe even earlier, when Xia Zheng decided to go into business to raise funds for Zhao Hongde, he had willingly stepped into that whirlpool.

Still, he wanted to pluck her out of this trouble.

Because he loved her and couldn’t bear to see her suffer even the slightest harm or the smallest grievance.

Lin Yuan bit her lip and ultimately did not voice the thoughts she clearly understood. Since Xia Zheng wished for her to be the little lady under his wing, why not try out this feeling of being protected? Having a man guard her at all times was indeed a blessing.

"Alright," Lin Yuan smiled sweetly, nodding, "I’ll listen to you."

Xia Zheng was somewhat taken aback to see Lin Yuan so obedient, it took him a moment to respond. Then, excitedly, he cupped Lin Yuan’s little face and planted a kiss, saying, "Good girl!"

Lin Yuan chuckled, rolling her eyes as if to say, treat me like a child, will you? Good girl, indeed!

"By the way, when I have some free time, I’ll take you to see the shop I’ve prepared for you," Xia Zheng suddenly said, his eyes shining, gesturing mysteriously to Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan was taken aback. A shop? When had he prepared a shop for her?

Seeing her adorably clueless expression, Xia Zheng lifted her chin and whispered something in her ear, causing her face to turn both red and white.

"You actually negotiated terms with your older brother?" Lin Yuan raised her delicate brows, her expression a mix of amusement and disbelief.

It turned out that the shop was acquired from Xia Zhen. No wonder when they entered the city gates that day, Xia Zhen had been looking at Xia Zheng with a face that was neither a nose nor eyes. So he was still holding a grudge about the shop taken from him a year ago!

But Xia Zheng didn’t feel there was anything wrong at all, his brows soaring in delight, "He doesn’t understand business anyway, keeping that shop would be of no use to him. It’s much better to make the most of it and give it to my future brother-in-law and sister-in-law as a first-meeting gift!"

Still, that was quite an expensive first-meeting gift.

It didn’t matter so much to Xia Zheng since they were blood brothers, but Lin Yuan was still an outsider. She hadn’t even married into the family yet, so was it really appropriate for her to accept Xia Zheng’s shop?

If it were the past Lin Yuan, she certainly wouldn’t hesitate as she did now — she’d be the first to jump at any benefit. But now, the person she’d be taking advantage of was her future uncle!

Xia Zheng, however, did not let these worries affect him, saying nonchalantly, "If you feel uneasy about it, when my brother and his bride get married, you can give them a unique and incomparable gift. With your clever little mind, you’re bound to come up with strange and wonderful ideas that will surely delight my brother and sister-in-law. "

That was indeed a good idea.

Lin Yuan knew Xia Zheng’s character better than anyone.

If he set his sights on something, not even the Emperor himself could sway him, let alone his own older brother.

Since the shop could no longer be returned, she might as well find another way to repay them.

After all, Xia Zhen and Tian Hui were not people driven by money and status; a small shop wouldn’t weigh on their minds.

After doting on each other for a while, Lin Yuan’s energy slowly began to fade. Having traveled from Zhuma Town to the Capital city for several days without rest, and having been out and about all day, she was indeed exhausted.

Xia Zheng kissed her forehead and draped his pink shawl over her, whispering softly, "You should rest soon, I’ll be heading back. If the old man suddenly goes to the temple to find me and sees I’m not there, he’s sure to blow his top!"

Lin Yuan blinked forcefully, glancing outside at the dark night sky. Indeed, the sound of servants moving about could no longer be heard; it seemed deep into the night already.

She nodded, tugging at the shawl on her body. Seeing Xia Zheng bare-chested in just his inner wear, she suddenly remembered that she hadn’t yet repaired the torn clothes!

"Oh dear, wait for me a moment, I’ll sew it up for you right away," Lin Yuan exclaimed, quickly putting the shawl aside and starting to mend the garment.

Watching her struggle to keep her eyes open, Xia Zheng felt a pang of heartache, snatching the clothes from her hands to set them aside: "Repair it tomorrow, I’m not wearing it tonight. Anyway, I’ll be locked in the temple, and no one will notice I’m not dressed."