Chapter 50: My Life Has Been Like Walking on Thin Ice, Do You Think I Can...

  As the arrow appeared, successive whooshing sounds followed.

  Arrows came from different directions, their intent clear—to kill the two of them at any cost.

  Yun Rong watched the incoming arrows, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

  They were making a move again?

  But why didn’t they consult me first? This kind of tactic isn’t needed right now!

  Since this hadn’t been discussed beforehand, she was momentarily unsure how to react.

  Should she... save him?

  While the elegant woman hesitated, the arrows had already reached them.

  A cold gleam sliced through the air, heading straight for her!

  At this critical moment, a voice rang out.

  "Aunt Yun, watch out!"

  Su Qing stepped forward without hesitation, shielding Yun Rong with his body.

  He spread his arms as if he intended to block all the deadly arrows with his own flesh.

  This entire sequence of events had transpired in less than ten seconds.

  The bystanders on the street hadn’t even had time to react—faces frozen in shock.

  But for the skilled, this brief time span was more than enough.

  Yun Rong stared blankly at the boy shielding her, utterly stunned by his actions.

  Instinctively throwing himself in harm’s way—this was a subconscious reaction!

  There was no time to think, no hesitation… was he truly this sincere in his concern for her?

  A ripple of emotion spread in her heart.

  But this was no time to dwell on such feelings.

  For the first time in her life, someone was willing to risk everything for her. How could she allow him to die in her place?

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  Forget about concealing her strength—none of that mattered now. Her only thought was to get him out of danger.

  No longer suppressing her power, she released a formidable aura and surged toward the incoming arrows.

  To a true expert, these ordinary arrows weren’t even a minor inconvenience.

  In mere moments, the storm of arrows was deflected, clattering uselessly to the ground.

  Then, with a swift motion, she carried Su Qing to a safer location.

  She did not counterattack, worried that leaving might expose the boy to further danger.

  Only then did the street's bystanders finally snap out of their daze, screaming as they fled.

  From the direction the arrows had been fired, the mastermind behind the attack ceased their assault.

  A stunning woman clad in tight-fitting attire observed their escape, a slight frown on her face.

  Had the mission been completed?

  Honestly, the more she did these things, the more she felt like she was aiding and abetting an evildoer.

  Whether it was staging a heroic rescue or secretly recording everything with a shadow crystal…

  No matter how she looked at it, something felt off.

  But her conflicted thoughts didn’t last long—she quickly recalled Su Qing’s words.

  No, this wasn’t aiding a villain. It was merely upholding justice!

  That princess was clearly a dangerous person!

  For someone like her, using special methods to keep her in check was only natural.

  Sure, the methods might be a little unconventional, but as long as they worked, that’s what mattered.

  These were necessary measures—what they did today was no different.

  "Lord Su, are you alright? Are you hurt?"

  Only after confirming that their attackers had withdrawn did Yun Rong turn to Su Qing, her voice filled with concern.

  Her gaze held an unfamiliar light, as though she were seeing him for the first time.

  To stand in front of her without hesitation in such a moment—how many people would do that?

  "It’s nothing, just an everyday danger. I’m used to it."

  Su Qing’s expression was devoid of relief, remaining as composed as ever.

  As if these sudden life-threatening attacks were no different from casual greetings from passersby.

  "Huh?"

  Yun Rong, who had planned to comfort his possibly shaken heart, found herself at a loss.

  This reaction was completely different from what she had expected.

  "Aunt Yun, many in the capital know my identity and envy me."

  "But behind the seemingly glorious title, my every step is like walking on thin ice."

  "Countless people want me dead just to strike a blow against Her Majesty."

  "That’s why I have to maintain a fierce reputation—to intimidate those who would plot against me."

  Su Qing sighed, continuing his lament.

  When dealing with different people, different approaches were necessary.

  For a queen, he needed to be domineering. But for this gentle older woman, playing the victim was key.

  "You… you've suffered so much..."

  Yun Rong’s voice trembled slightly.

  A boy his age should never have to bear such a cruel fate. The thought of it pained her heart.

  Now she finally understood why people in the capital often spoke ill of him.

  Part of it was fabricated slander, but another part was simply because he had to project an image of ruthlessness.

  Without that fearsome facade, wouldn’t assassins come after him even more frequently?

  But he was just a boy. Why should he have to endure such cold and ruthless burdens?

  When she had been his age, she had at least lived in safety, even if she had few friends.

  The nearly emotionless calm on his face stirred something deep inside Yun Rong.

  She wanted to melt the ice in his heart with her warmth.

  Affection often bloomed in unnoticed moments, and having never been in love, she hardly recognized her own feelings.

  The gentle heroine simply followed her instincts, lifting the boy’s face in her hands.

  Without a moment’s hesitation, Yun Rong leaned in and kissed him.

  Unlike their unexpected first kiss, this one was given willingly.

  Brief but close, yet the intimacy remained unchanged.

  Su Qing looked stunned, his face filled with disbelief.

  "Xiao Qing, you don’t have to be sad anymore. From now on, you have me."

  Yun Rong’s voice was tender.

  Her way of addressing him changed naturally in that moment.

  Even though what had just transpired was undeniably intimate, she still radiated an air of pure sanctity.

  She knew she was using him, yet her emotions were genuine.

  "Mm!"

  Su Qing hesitated briefly before nodding firmly.

  Yun Rong reached out once more, pulling him into her embrace, as if trying to offer warmth and support.

  Clearly, she had no idea that everything just now had been part of an act.

  The pure-hearted heroine had completely fallen into the cunning villain’s trap, her feelings for him growing even deeper.

  Su Qing, feeling the softness pressed against his face, sighed inwardly.

  Ah, the plan was proceeding too smoothly—his conscience was starting to ache.

  Deceiving such a kind and gentle woman… was he truly a terrible person?

  Hmm… perhaps not.

  This wasn’t deception—it was guiding a lost soul back onto the right path!

  Even if it involved a few little lies, they were ultimately for the greater good.