Chapter 20

When Xiao Xixi warned Luo Qinghan to be careful of being ambushed, Luo Qinghan did not believe her.

Although later events proved that she was right, Luo Qinghan still failed to trust her.

He was still observing.

His caution was too strong.

Xiao Xixi knew that words alone could not move him, so she could only prove herself through actions—

That she could be trusted.

Risking her life to test the poison was a dangerous move, but high risk also came with high reward.

Xiao Xixi believed that after this incident, Luo Qinghan's trust in her should increase by a level.

Baoqin truly did not understand.

Why make things so complicated when it could be solved with just a few words?

Gurgle~

Baoqin asked, "What's that sound?"

Xiao Xixi patted her empty little stomach and said pitifully, "It's my stomach calling you, telling you that it's hungry."

She had vomited everything she ate last night and was now starving.

"Rest well, I'll go prepare your breakfast."

Baoqin turned and walked out.

When she reached the door, she saw two people standing outside and was frightened, hurriedly kneeling to pay her respects.

"I, your servant, pay my respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

When did the Crown Prince arrive? Why was there no sound at all?

Luo Qinghan said indifferently, "Go about your business."

Baoqin slunk away along the wall.

Xiao Xixi had planned to close her eyes and rest, but when she heard the commotion at the door, she immediately pulled back the covers and got ready to get up and pay her respects.

Luo Qinghan stopped her.

"You are still ill, I grant you permission to be exempt from the formalities."

Xiao Xixi was happy to have it easy and smiled, "Thank you, Your Highness."

She lay back down contentedly.

She didn't know how long Luo Qinghan had been standing outside or how much he had heard.

But even if he heard everything, it didn't matter.

Luo Qinghan walked to the bedside and looked down at her from above.

Xiao Xixi blinked her almond eyes, "Why is Your Highness looking at me like this?"

Luo Qinghan did not speak, his gaze heavy as if trying to see through her skin to her heart.

After a long while, he finally spoke.

"Do not do such things again. I do not need anyone's protection."

The light in Xiao Xixi's eyes dimmed, "Oh."

She didn't expect that even after going to such lengths, Luo Qinghan still wouldn't trust her.

So disappointing.

Luo Qinghan, seeing her dejected look, raised his right hand and gently placed it on her head, rubbing it.

Xiao Xixi was stunned.

She had been touched on the head before; in the past, her master and fellow disciples in the mystic sect often did so. But this was the first time Luo Qinghan had touched her head.

This intimate gesture seemed to instantly close the distance between them.

Xiao Xixi's heart stirred.

She lifted her head, her eyes regaining their sparkle, and called out hopefully.

"Your Highness."

Luo Qinghan said, "If you encounter such a situation again in the future, you can tell me directly. I will believe you."

Xiao Xixi felt as if she had been hit by a million dollars, her heart leaping with joy.

She nodded vigorously, "Yes!"

She paused for a moment and added,

"Whatever happens in the future, I will tell you."

Luo Qinghan's fingertips traced her forehead, eyebrows, cheeks, and finally rested on her chin.

He lifted her chin.

Xiao Xi did not flinch, her eyes bright as she looked at him.

Luo Qinghan gazed into her eyes.

These eyes were too clear, without a trace of impurity.

People who had lived in the palace for a long time would not have such eyes.

She was a unique presence in this palace.