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Su Bin’s gaze met Qin Zhenzhen’s.

“It’s not as dire as it seems. Our circumstances differ significantly. Returning to the Jiang family would mean surrendering your autonomy and becoming a pawn for their schemes.”

At first glance, it might sound like Su Bin was downplaying the situation, but the turmoil within him was palpable.

Someone interjected, “You should reconsider your actions carefully! This isn’t just about disrespecting your father; it’s about how you’ll be perceived in the future.’

Another voice chimed in, “Indeed, acknowledging kinship with the Marquis Mansion isn’t that big of a compromise. You can’t eat face and dignity. If something terrible happens to Qin Zhenzhen, you’ll carry that burden for the rest of your life.”

Qin Zhenzhen still shook her head resolutely. “No!”

Su Bin’s irritation began to surface. “Weren’t we in this together? If something happens to you, what if it implicates us?”

“In the palace, one wrong move can lead to your entire family’s execution!”

When Qin Zhenzhen saw the earnest concern in Su Bin’s eyes, she struggled to suppress a chuckle. “Don’t worry; I believe I can alleviate the Empress Dowager’s headaches.”

Su Bin seemed to breathe a sigh of relief but then frowned. “So, was your suggestion just to assess my cleverness?”

Only then did Qin Zhenzhen reveal her true intentions. “I just wanted to see if you had any brilliant ideas.”

Su Bin realized that he was willing to set aside his pride and acknowledge his family for her. Had she already become so important to him?

As the realization dawned upon him, Su Bin understood that he had been playfully teased by Qin Zhenzhen. He glanced at her and turned to leave.

In a reflex, Qin Zhenzhen tugged at his sleeve. “Are you upset?”

Su Bin turned around and fixed his gaze on her. “I’m upset. Are you planning to appease me?”

Qin Zhenzhen clicked her tongue and released her grip. “How old are you? Do you still need me to pacify you?”

Su Bin replied, “You’re right. I’m a married man. I’m not exactly young anymore. I don’t require pacifying.”

With those words, he began to walk away.

Qin Zhenzhen felt compelled to stop him. “I apologize. Is that sufficient?”

Su Bin wasn’t inclined to accept her apology. He simply gazed at her in silence.

Qin Zhenzhen couldn’t help but mutter, “Are you really this sensitive?”

To her surprise, Su Bin nodded. “You’re just realizing now that I can be sensitive?”

Qin Zhenzhen was left speechless.

Su Bin’s tone turned chilly. “I wonder who’s more sensitive.”

Their agreement was built on complete transparency, and while he had largely upheld his end of it, he knew she hadn’t.

On the third day, he opted not to stay in a hotel in order to continue their journey.

They boarded a carriage bound for the capital. The sky remained shrouded in darkness, and the city gate had not yet opened when they arrived.

The guards accompanying them went ahead to negotiate with the soldiers guarding the gate, and the jolting carriage eventually came to a steady halt.

The carriage didn’t offer much in the way of comfort, lacking a proper bed. Grandma Qin, who hadn’t slept all night, appeared visibly fatigued. Qin Zhenzhen’s heart went out to her. “Grandma, you must be exhausted.”

She then poured a glass of water and discreetly added some spirit water. Handing it to her grandmother, she said, “Grandma, have some water to regain your strength.”

Aware that this glass of water had been enhanced, Grandma Qin eagerly consumed it in a single gulp.

Su Bin, seated across from them, stole a glance at Qin Zhenzhen and lowered his head, choosing to remain silent.

Throughout the day, he didn’t talk much.

Grandma Qin, unaware of the reason behind his silence, assumed Su Bin was simply tired from the long carriage ride, just like she was.

After drinking the water, Grandma Qin regained her vigor and couldn’t help but tug on Qin Zhenzhen’s sleeve, silently hinting for her to prepare another glass of water infused with special ingredients for Su Bin.

Qin Zhenzhen was determined not to prolong the awkwardness with Su Bin.

She took his cup, filled it with water, and discreetly added spirit water once more..