"Alright, let me take care of a few things first. We can leave after I'm done."

Bai Zhongtian chuckled, "I'll see you tomorrow morning."

He then turned and left without another word.

...

The setting sun casts an afterglow through the shutters and onto the woman's green robes.

Gu Ruoyun was deep in thought when an arm suddenly reached out from behind her and pulled her firmly into a warm embrace. Gu Ruoyun's heart slowly softened as she felt the sensation of that familiar embrace.

"Xiao Ye, how did you get in?"

Qianbei Ye pointed to an open window behind her. He then realized that Gu Ruoyun had her back to the window and explained, "I came in through the window."

The window?

The corners of Gu Ruoyun's mouth twitched. Why was I not aware that Xiao Ye has taken a liking to entering through windows?

"Wait, do you mean that you've been outside the window all this while? You never left?"

Qianbei Ye nodded. He lowered his red pupils and surveyed the woman in green robes who was nestled in his arms. His lips moved, "Yun'er, your enemy is far too powerful. I couldn't stop worrying about you which was why I had stayed outside the window. I had been unable to protect you once before and I had to watch you leave. I'll never let any tragedy befall you in this lifetime."

Gu Ruoyun was shocked. She turned to face the man's peerless features and detected a twinge of guilt and sorrow on his face. She raised her brows in distress, "Xiao Ye, what do you mean by this? How had your inability to protect me caused me to leave you? Besides, you should understand that I'm not the kind of woman who enjoys hiding behind others, especially if that person is you!"

Qianbei Ye was shaken.

How could I have forgotten? Even though my memories have returned, she is still unable to remember everything which had happened in the past and I don't dare to let her find out...

"Xiao Ye," Gu Ruoyun raised her head as her eyes bore into Qianbei Ye. At this moment, her delicate features displayed a determined light, "I'll only say this once; I don't wish to hide behind you, I only want to fight alongside you. I also hope that you'll be able to trust me."

Trust her?

Qianbei Ye grabbed Gu Ruoyun's wrist in a tight grip and gently lowered his eyelids. After a long pause, he lifted his eyelids again and stared at Gu Ruoyun. His silver hair set off his features in such an incomparably beautiful manner that one would find it difficult to breathe.

Even after they had known each other for so many years, this man still has the ability to sway Gu Ruoyun and her heart would soften automatically.

"Xiao Ye, I..."

Suddenly, a pair of warm lips landed on hers, causing her to lose all sense of her words.

"Yun'er, I trust you. You are not the kind of person who requires the protection of others. In fact, it's quite the opposite. You've been protecting your loved ones all this while but as your man, I hope that I can be someone you can rely on and provide you with enough sense of security."

The man's confession caused Gu Ruoyun's body to tremble. She slowly closed her eyes and kissed him on his lips.

His kiss was warm and tender. He moved with such care as if he was afraid of hurting her.

"Yun'er, may I?"

Qianbei Ye gently loosened his embrace. His warm breath, followed by his soft and gentle words caressed Gu Ruoyun's face. As a result, her heart clenched and she gently closed her eyes.

I've already accepted this man long ago, what difference will it make if I give myself to him?