Wang felt wronged but also said very seriously, "Thank you."
The Queen was finally satisfied. "Miss Shen, he's just like this. He actually has a good heart. He misunderstood you before, but now it's resolved. From now on, you are a benefactor of our royal family. If you have any requests, just tell us."
She said this with sincerity on her face.
Shen Qingqing was also direct. "Don't worry, I'll tell you if I have any requests."
Except for the King, everyone else enjoyed this meal. The Queen and the three Pei brothers were truly grateful to Shen Qingqing and the others.
Knowing that she and her husband wouldn't be staying long, they treated the poison doctor and King as honored guests.
The two of them appeared indifferent.
After the meal, everyone returned to their respective rooms. Shen Qingqing and Fu Jingshu lay on the bed, looking at the night sky outside the window.
"It's so good to be able to go home. I wonder how Xixi is doing."
There had been so many things happening these past few days that she hadn't called home. But since no one had called from home, it meant things were alright.
She was just worried that Xixi and Chenchen might miss them.
Fu Jingshu hugged her, his deep voice sounding, "We'll be back soon. They'll be very happy to see you."
The two children had always loved their mother the most.
Shen Qingqing couldn't help but smile. "That's true. With a mother as beautiful and talented as me, how could they not like me?"
The man chuckled, his chest vibrating slightly.
Shen Qingqing's heart stirred. Suddenly, a mischievous thought arose. She sat up, placed her hand on his chest, and leaned her head up, closing the distance.
Her bright eyes were alluring, her red lips tempting.
Fu Jingshu's Adam's apple bobbed. His thin lips parted, but he was met with a gentle touch. He subtly pulled her closer.
"Are you sure?"
Shen Qingqing licked her red lips, as if savoring something. "Can't I?"
Her gaze, full of implication, swept over a certain area, as if questioning his virility.
If a man could endure this, he wouldn't be a man!
Fu Jingshu didn't say another word. He pulled her into his arms, pressing her onto the bed. The quilt was yanked over their heads, covering them both.
Only clothes were thrown out from under the quilt.
The night was deep, but the room was filled with growing warmth.
In the early morning, Shen Qingqing went for a walk in the garden. The air here was fresh and invigorating, making her feel refreshed and comfortable all over.
Pei Ji's voice came from behind her. "Up so early?"
Shen Qingqing turned back. "Yes, I'm leaving soon, and I wanted to see the scenery here."
Pei Ji couldn't help but say, "Can't you stay a few more days? We didn't get to show you around properly before because of all the troublesome things."
Shen Qingqing raised an eyebrow. "You'll show me around?"
"Of course," Pei Ji said seriously. "I'm the host. In your China's words, I'm one of the landlords."
Shen Qingqing chuckled and walked over to pat his shoulder. "I'll come back if there's a chance. I really have to go now; there's something urgent."
"I know, that's why I haven't kept you here before." Pei Ji knew he couldn't persuade her, so he sighed and changed the subject. "By the way, your plane tickets are booked for noon today. I'll take you to the airport then."
"Actually..."
Before Shen Qingqing could finish speaking, she saw guards approaching and had to swallow her words.
A guard said, "Third Prince, a message has been sent from the prison. The Fourth Prince has requested to see Miss Shen."
Pei Ji immediately refused. "No."
"Did he say anything else?" Shen Qingqing asked thoughtfully.
The guard hesitated. "He didn't say much, just that he wanted to see you before he dies, but the reason... he didn't say."
Pei Ji observed Shen Qingqing, sensing she might be inclined to go. "You absolutely must not go. He definitely has ill intentions and might cause more trouble."
"Just now, you mentioned 'before he dies.' What did you mean?" Shen Qingqing asked.
"Oh, right. You don't know yet." Pei Ji was clear about this matter. "I don't know what got into Father last night, but he suddenly ordered that Pei Xi be executed. It's scheduled for noon today."
"Then I'll go take a look."
Shen Qingqing was very curious about what Pei Xi wanted to say. At this point, he was already at his wit's end.
Could seeing her give him a way out?
She still went.
She arrived at the dungeon again. It was still the same damp and cold place. She didn't know if it was a coincidence, but even the dungeon where Pei Xi was locked up was the one she had lived in before.
Pei Ji accompanied her. Seeing the scene, he averted his gaze. "I'll wait for you outside. Come out when you're done. Call me if anything happens."
"Okay."
As soon as Pei Ji left, the prison became even quieter.
Pei Xi was still in the same clothes, but they were now dirty and wrinkled. He looked at Shen Qingqing, showing no fear even with death looming over him.
"I thought you wouldn't come."
"A dying man's request, I have no reason to refuse." Shen Qingqing glanced around. "How does it feel? Being in the dungeon isn't pleasant, is it?"
"It's alright."
Shen Qingqing snorted. "Putting on a brave face."
Pei Xi deliberately teased. "What, are you concerned about me?"
Shen Qingqing glanced at him, losing interest in conversing. "Tell me, what did you want to see me for?"
Pei Xi asked softly, "Do you think I've lost?"
"Can you really escape this predicament?"
She didn't think so.
This dungeon was heavily guarded, even if he could fly, he couldn't escape. Moreover, his death was imminent; there was no path to survival.
Pei Xi stood up, leaning against the wall with one hand. "The reason I asked you to come today is to tell you that I won't die."
"What do you mean?"
"Just you wait and see. I won't die." Pei Xi's face showed a strange smile. "Our competition isn't over yet."
Shen Qingqing snorted and delivered some news. "Then that's a shame, because I'm leaving."
Pei Xi's smile vanished instantly.
Shen Qingqing said gleefully, "Whether you live or die is none of my concern. That so-called competition is also irrelevant to me. I'm going home."
"You can't leave!" Pei Xi said sternly.
"I should listen to you?" Shen Qingqing rolled her eyes, feeling that coming here today was a mistake. There was nothing much to say to him, so she turned to leave.
Pei Xi's voice drifted from far behind.
"You can't leave, come back here! Shen Qingqing, if you dare to leave, I will never let you off. Our competition isn't over yet. If you dare to run, I will never let you off!"
Shen Qingqing didn't look back.
At noon when they were leaving, the Queen and several princes came to see them off. Shen Qingqing said goodbye to each of them, especially the old man and King.
The two of them were very reluctant to see her go.
But they also knew that Shen Qingqing had to leave and insisted on seeing them off.
Before getting into the car, Shen Qingqing glanced at the time. The sun was shining brightly, it was exactly 12 PM, the time of Pei Xi's execution.
Suddenly, guards rushed over. "Bad news, Pei Xi... has escaped."