Chapter 25: A Dragonfly-Light Kiss

Driven by a sudden, inexplicable impulse, Shi Zhaodi leaned forward and pressed a fleeting, dragonfly-light kiss to Jiang Hao'en’s lips.

Jiang Hao'en stared at her, stunned.

"Um, I... I’m going to do my homework." Realizing what she had just done, Shi Zhaodi’s face turned scarlet. She grabbed her schoolbag, ready to make a run for it.

Jiang Hao'en caught her arm. His brows were slightly furrowed as if he were deep in thought, and he asked with a look of genuine confusion, "What are you doing?"

"Brother, I’m sorry! I won’t do it again!" Shi Zhaodi stammered. She had completely forgotten that Jiang Hao'en abhorred being touched by others.

Instead of pulling away, Jiang Hao'en leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. He seemed puzzled by the sensation, testing the contact with a tentative lick before pulling back, his expression still filled with bewilderment.

Shi Zhaodi stood frozen, staring at him, unable to move.

"Is it like this?" Jiang Hao'en asked with earnest curiosity.

"Brother—"

"Does this mean we won't be separated?" he asked again.

Only then did the realization hit her. Shi Zhaodi couldn't help but wrap her arms around him, sobbing softly as she whispered, "I don't want to be separated from you, Brother. I want to stay with you forever."

***

Later, Shi Zhaodi sat at the desk working on her assignments, stealing glances at Jiang Hao'en as he sketched. She found herself wondering if it were truly possible for them to never be apart.

That weekend, Madame Jiang summoned her. Shi Zhaodi rarely ventured into this part of the estate; not only because of the strict divide between servants and masters, but because the main house always felt so solemn and cold.

She stood to one side, head bowed, not daring to speak until Madame Jiang addressed her.

"Zhaodi, come here and sit. Why are you standing over there?" Madame Jiang gestured for her to sit nearby.

"I’m fine standing, Madam," Shi Zhaodi replied hurriedly.

"Come, sit. It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to talk. Let’s spend some time together today."

Shi Zhaodi had no choice but to walk over and take the empty seat beside her.

"I hear you are doing very well at school, Zhaodi. You are such a bright, clever, and endearing child."

Shi Zhaodi blushed, unsure of how to respond.

"Zhaodi, you’ve been here at the Jiang estate with your mother for eight years now, haven't you?" Madame Jiang said, taking her hand.

Shi Zhaodi nodded.

"Do you like it here at the Jiangs'?"

Shi Zhaodi nodded again. After all, Jiang Hao'en was here.

"Then, would you like to keep living here?" Madame Jiang asked.

Shi Zhaodi looked up at her, eyes filled with confusion.