TSWPF -Chapter 405 I Love You

Liu Zhimou nodded and went to help Elder Xue and the others. Once all the townspeople were bandaged up, he personally had the guards escort them back home. Only after finishing that did he return to the courtyard to see Li Qingling.

“Why not take a break?” Liu Zhimou hurried over to her, slightly bending over, and gently touched her face. “Were you waiting for me? Hmm?”

Li Qingling looked up at him and smiled. “I just woke up. Are you done with everything?” She couldn’t sleep anyway, her mind busy with thoughts, so she simply got up.

Liu Zhimou sat down beside her and nodded. “All done.” He paused for a moment. “Where did you encounter the Black… Hero? How does Ningning know him?” If it hadn’t been for the man in black, he couldn’t even imagine what would have happened.

Hearing “the man in black,” Li Qingling’s expression became a bit complicated. After a moment, she recounted the events.

Their group had fled to Ninghua Mountain, pursued closely by the enemy. They dared not stop and kept moving deeper into the mountains.

Fortunately, they were familiar with the terrain and quickly lost their pursuers.

To avoid being found, they continued deeper into the mountains until they found a cave, where they finally stopped to rest.

It was then that they encountered the man in black.

No—more accurately, the man in black appeared before them, scaring them into thinking he was an enemy.

The guards nearly attacked him, but fortunately, Ningning called out “Uncle!” The man in black responded, revealing he was a friend, and a battle was avoided.

The man in black asked if they had encountered any trouble.

Ningning briefly explained everything and asked if he could help rescue her brother-in-law.

The man in black patted Ningning’s head, nodded, and told her to stay calm in the mountains; he would handle everything.

That was how the man in black saved Ah Huang at the critical moment, completely turning the situation around for Liu Zhimou and the others.

Had the man in black not arrived, no one knew what would have happened to them.

They were deeply grateful for his help.

“Liu Shi said they are Underworld Assassins.”

“What?” Li Qingling’s eyes widened as she stared at Liu Zhimou, not blinking. “They’re Underworld Assassins?”

Wasn’t Liu Zhimou chased by the Underworld Assassins last time? And this time…

She smiled wryly. Fate really loved to toy with people—one time to kill, one time to save.

She didn’t know whether to feel grateful or resentful.

Liu Zhimou gently touched her head and smiled reassuringly. The Underworld Assassins kill for money; they shouldn’t be blamed. This time, they saved them—they were their lifesavers.

One thing should be kept separate from another.

Li Qingling let out a small sigh and nodded, saying she understood. She just felt a little uneasy upon hearing the news suddenly.

She wasn’t unreasonable and wouldn’t confuse the two situations.

Liu Zhimou pinched her nose, changing the topic: “Are you hungry?”

Li Qingling shook her head. She had eaten after coming back and told him not to change the subject, instead asking about his situation there.

He didn’t want her to know the bloody details, which is why he tried to divert the topic, but he couldn’t hide it.

He smiled helplessly and briefly summarized the situation on his side.

Even though she already knew a little upon returning, hearing it in such detail still moved her deeply.

She remarked, impressed, that she hadn’t expected the townspeople to protect him so fiercely, even risking their own lives.

This proved that Liu Zhimou’s efforts for them were seen and appreciated.

As the county magistrate, Liu Zhimou felt very fortunate to have the people’s support.

“I will never fail the people’s trust. I will do everything I can to improve their lives.”

“Good, I support you.”

Liu Zhimou bent down and kissed Li Qingling on the forehead, saying, “Thank you, my wife.”

To have such a wife, what more could a husband ask for?

No matter how many times he said it, he still felt he must have accumulated a lot of good karma in his past life to meet such a wonderful woman.

He would definitely cherish her.

Li Qingling rolled her eyes at him. “Husband and wife, why be so formal?”

“All right, all right…” Liu Zhimou laughed and kissed her again. “I won’t say it next time.” He would show his love through actions instead.

Satisfied, she smiled and asked about his plans for dealing with the enemies.

Liu Zhimou said he didn’t know; everything depended on the emperor’s decree.

The matter was too important for a small county magistrate to decide.

Until the imperial edict arrived, he would have the guards closely watch the prison to prevent any escape.

Li Qingling nodded thoughtfully. She glanced at Liu Zhimou and frowned. “County Deputy Ma went to request reinforcements, right? Why hasn’t he returned? Did the Prefect refuse to send troops?”

Logically, even if the courier rode quickly from the capital, it shouldn’t take this long.

It was likely that the Prefect refused, causing the delay.

As if on cue, Nianxia hurried in. “County Deputy Ma has arrived.”

Hearing this, Liu Zhimou immediately stood and strode outside.

County Deputy Ma, seeing Liu Zhimou safe, let out a sigh of relief and stepped forward apologetically. “My lord, I am late.”

Liu Zhimou raised his hand slightly, inviting him in.

Li Qingling, sensing the situation, went inside, leaving the space for Liu Zhimou to host County Deputy Ma properly.

Back at the chair, Liu Zhimou gestured to the seat beside him, inviting County Deputy Ma to sit, and personally poured him a cup of tea to quench his thirst.

County Deputy Ma respectfully cupped his hands, adjusted his robes, sat, and drank the tea.

Seeing the cup empty, Liu Zhimou refilled it, telling him not to rush.

After two cups, his thirst was quenched. He looked at Liu Zhimou guiltily. “I lacked the ability to return in time.”

When he returned and found the situation resolved and Liu Zhimou safe, his worry finally lifted, though he still felt guilty for not being of help.

“How many men did you bring back?”

“Two… two hundred.” He had begged and pleaded for them.

Thinking of the Prefect’s attitude made him furious.

If the Prefect had agreed to send men, it wouldn’t have taken so long.

Fortunately, his lord was safe; otherwise, he would not have forgiven the Prefect.

Liu Zhimou patted County Deputy Ma’s shoulder. “Thank you for your effort.”

County Deputy Ma shook his head. “It’s nothing. I failed to help, how could I say it was hard?”

“Tell me about your situation here so I can know what’s going on.”

County Deputy Ma nodded and detailed the situation.

After hearing it, Liu Zhimou snorted coldly. He didn’t believe the Prefect was unaware; he simply didn’t want to send reinforcements.

In that case, he wouldn’t be merciful.

“County Deputy Ma, please tell them to return to the capital themselves. You should also go home and rest. We’ll discuss this at the office tomorrow.”

County Deputy Ma left as instructed.

Liu Zhimou sat, gazing deeply outside, lost in thought.

Li Qingling came out, seeing this scene. She paused, then cleared her throat.

He turned to her, instinctively smiled, and extended his hand.

Li Qingling walked over, took his hand, and asked what he was thinking so deeply about.

He shook his head. “Nothing.” He then touched her belly, resting his head against it, and whispered, “Baby, are you being good?”

At once, a small bump appeared on her belly.

He chuckled, touching the bump. “Baby, I’m your father. Can you feel me? I’m your father.”

Li Qingling looked down at him tenderly. This silly father…

After speaking to the baby, he looked up at her. “Baby says she knows I’m her father.”

“…Truly a silly father…”

Li Qingling laughed helplessly, tugging his ear. “How did you hear that? I didn’t!” She worried he’d get even sillier after the baby was born.

He gave her a proud look. “I have a secret way of communicating with the baby. How could you hear it?”

“…She’s definitely a real fool.”

Liu Zhimou stood, cupped her face, and pressed his forehead to hers. “You don’t believe me?”

She wasn’t a fool, of course she wouldn’t just believe him.

“Then tell me your secret communication method.”

“I can’t. It’s our secret. I can’t tell you.”

Li Qingling rolled her eyes, making him laugh heartily.

She covered his mouth, glaring at him to stop laughing.

“What’s so funny?” This guy…

Liu Zhimou’s eyes curved as he looked at her. He licked her palm, startling her, and she pulled her hand back, rubbing it on his robe.

“You’re being naughty!” she accused.

“Naughty to whom?” Liu Zhimou looked innocent. “I’m openly kissing my wife—can’t I?”

His boldness often left her speechless.

Li Qingling glared, trying to remove his hands and sit down.

He refused, holding her tight.

“My wife…”

“Hmm…”

“My wife…”

“What?”

“My wife…”

“Speak, don’t keep repeating this.”

“I love you…”

“Hmm…” Li Qingling replied instinctively. Then, realizing, she stared at him in disbelief. “What did you say? Say it again.”

Liu Zhimou smiled. “If you didn’t hear, forget it.”

Impossible. She couldn’t miss it again.

“Husband, please say it again, okay? Please?”

“No…”

He enjoyed her playful coaxing, deliberately turning away.

Li Qingling cupped his face, turning his head to hers. “Husband, say it again, please? Please?” She genuinely wanted to hear those three words again.

Though she knew he loved her, she still wanted to hear him say it.

Seeing the time was right, Liu Zhimou no longer teased her.

He looked at her solemnly. “Xiao Ling, I love you. When my life was threatened, my greatest regret was not saying it to you. I love you deeply and will love you for life. Do you hear me?” If she didn’t, he would repeat it.

Seeing her moved expression, he realized he should have said it sooner.

Actions can show love, but words felt different.

Perhaps he would say it more often in the future, to make her happy.

Nothing mattered more than her happiness.

Li Qingling blinked rapidly, offering a tender smile. “I love you too.”

She loved him deeply, truly, deeply.

Hearing her, his heart melted, and he lowered his head to kiss her lips.

Li Qingling rose on tiptoe, wrapping her arms around his neck, returning the kiss.

They kissed passionately until Li Qingning’s voice interrupted, and they pulled apart.

“Ouch! I didn’t see anything! Nothing! Carry on!”

Li Qingning had rushed in like a little calf, shocked to see her sister and brother-in-law kissing, turning away shyly.

She wasn’t embarrassed to look, just afraid of being punished by her brother-in-law.

So she wisely turned away.

Li Qingling’s face flushed, unsure if from embarrassment or the kiss.

She gently pounded his chest, playfully blaming him for embarrassing her again.

Liu Zhimou comforted her, patting her head, and glanced at Li Qingning. “Ningning, is something wrong? Don’t disturb us if not.”

Oh no, oh no… Was she going to be punished?

Li Qingning wriggled her fingers and giggled. “I have something important to say. Can I turn around?”

She was being cheeky, wanting to spy on what her sister and brother-in-law were doing.

Liu Zhimou hummed, letting her turn.

Li Qingning peeked at him and Li Qingling, trying to stifle her giggles.

Her laugh made Li Qingling blush and Liu Zhimou frown.

He smiled to appease Li Qingling, then frowned again at Li Qingning.

“Ningning, if nothing’s wrong, go outside.”

“No, no, I really have something to say.” Li Qingning eagerly lowered her hands, tapping her head. “Brother Ming, can he stay at our house for a few days?”

Brother Ming?

Liu Zhimou and Li Qingning exchanged glances. Could it be who they thought?

Li Qingling cleared her throat. “Ningning, is the Brother Ming you mentioned the man in black who saved my husband?”

“Yes! Yes! That’s him!” Li Qingning replied excitedly. “Can Brother Ming stay at our house for a few days?” She wanted to continue flying around with him. Flying felt amazing.

If only she were as skilled as Brother Ming, she could fly anywhere.

But she had just started martial arts and couldn’t fly yet.

Could she say no?

Li Qingling sighed inwardly but reluctantly agreed.

She didn’t want Ningning interacting too much with the man in black, afraid something might happen.

Yet he was their lifesaver; she couldn’t refuse his small request.

Not agreeing would seem ungrateful.

Unaware of Li Qingling’s concern, Ningning cheered, eager to tell Brother Ming the good news.

After Ningning ran off, Li Qingling worriedly asked Liu Zhimou, “Is it really okay for Ningning to spend so much time with the man in black?”

“Don’t worry. He’ll only stay a few days and then leave. She’ll forget about him over time.”

“Hopefully…”

When the man in black saw Ningning run excitedly towards him, he knew it was good news.

Without waiting, the little girl started chattering.

“Brother Ming! Brother Ming! My sister and brother-in-law said you can stay for a few days! Where will we play?”

He picked her up, smiling. “Where do you want to go?”

He never expected to indulge a little girl like this, letting her cling to him, boss him around.

He couldn’t explain why; he just loved seeing her bright smile. It made all troubles disappear.

Perhaps someone as dark as him loved being near pure light.

Ningning whispered in his ear that she wanted to play at Ninghua Mountain.

She had been cooped up at home and hadn’t been there yet; she wouldn’t miss this chance.

With Brother Ming there, her sister and brother-in-law wouldn’t worry.

“Okay…” The man in black nodded decisively.

“Really?” Ningning covered her mouth, afraid she’d scream in excitement.

He tapped her nose and smiled. “Really.”

He never lied.

She loved playing on the mountain so much?

“Your family doesn’t allow you to play on the mountain?”

She nervously nodded. “There are wolves. My sister forbids me to go alone. Last time I went alone, she punished me for a month.”

Recalling that punishment made her shiver.

She’d never want that again. She’d rather write fifty big characters than stay indoors for a month.

Her sister had hit her weak spot perfectly with that punishment.

The man in black’s expression darkened. “Are you talking about the time you saved me?”

She nodded.

“Brother Ming will take you to the mountain to play to your heart’s content, okay? But you absolutely cannot go alone. Understand?”

Although upset about her sister’s punishment, he knew she was protecting Ningning.

Other things could be indulged, but not this.

If the daring little girl went alone and something happened, it would be disastrous.

Seeing his serious expression, Ningning nodded obediently. “I won’t go alone. I promise.”

For her safety, she wouldn’t risk it.

The man in black pinched her cheeks. “Good girl.”

He thought about sending people to drive the dangerous beasts to another mountain, just in case she really went up there.

His subordinates felt a chill as a cold wind brushed past.

They exchanged glances, sensing a plot approaching.

And the one sending this signal was a man with a little girl, moving through Ninghua Mountain.

The little girl clung obediently to the man in black, her laughter tinkling like tiny bells.

So much fun. Really fun.

If only they could play here every day.

“Brother Ming, why don’t you just live at my house?” She could then play on the mountain every day without worrying her sister.

She thought it was a win-win.

Little did she know her sister was worried sick she’d be abducted.

The carefree little girl had no idea.

The man in black laughed heartily, patting her head. “You want me to take you to the mountain every day, huh?”

Despite her young age, she was full of clever ideas.

Ningning grinned, counting off the advantages of him living at her house.

The man in black laughed uncontrollably. The little girl was hilarious.

“Brother Ming, why are you laughing? What’s so funny?” She wasn’t lying; there were real advantages.

He hadn’t laughed like this in a long time. Wiping tears, he patted her head. “I’m done laughing. Go on, I’m listening.”