682 A Million Times for You 44 (1/2)

”It's not far from here, but not near either. Young Sir, rest early.” Fan Shixin turned and went out.

—

Meanwhile, at the Autumn Palace…

Lin Shishi pushed open the door of the study and glanced at the figure standing by the window. She then gently called out, ”Honey.”

Tuoba Gucheng turned. ”Why aren't you sleeping yet?”

”Since you weren't back, I came to see if you were still busy.”

He reached out to grab her shoulders before following her back to the bedroom.

The couple lay down on the bed, and Lin Shishi rested against his arms. ”Have you been too tired lately? You seem rather troubled.”

”I'm just too busy. If I've neglected you, please understand.”

”I don't feel neglected.” She laughed lightly. ”You're working hard, I know that. Danxue's wedding is taking place soon. Although wedding traditions usually call for the groom's side to take charge, Mother said that Danxue's wedding will take place here.”

”Umm, she told me.” Tuoba Gucheng continued, ”I saw the wedding invitation list as well.”

”I'm so looking forward to it.” Lin Shishi went on excitedly, ”I haven't seen my family for some time already. I'll be able to see them during Danxue's wedding. I really can't wait for that day to come.”

Tuoba Gucheng thought of a name on the list and added, ”I'm excited too.”

Lin Shishi merrily acknowledged his reply, ”You've been so busy during the day, you should sleep soon.”

He did not reply. Even after Lin Shishi had fallen asleep, he was still wide awake.

Since he still had his clothes on, it was easy for him to get out of bed.

Ever since he had taken over the position of president, he had moved to another residence.

The place he had lived in previously was now emptied out and had no one guarding it.

It was chilly outside late at night. He was wearing a leather coat and thick leather boots as he arrived at the place he had lived in previously.

After going up the stairs, he entered the room An Xiaoning had once stayed in.

His fingers flicked the switch on the wall, and the pitch-black room was instantly illuminated.

Tuoba Gucheng closed the door shut, his eyes landing on her suitcase.

He had not bothered to check such details in the past, but now that he noticed, the suitcase was a designer brand, and even all the clothes were from various established overseas brands.

He reached out and touched the clothes inside her suitcase, idly letting out a sigh.

It was no wonder that such a woman would make him interested even when she had an ordinary face.

In Tuoba Gucheng's knowledge, having pretty looks was the first step to making a man interested in a woman. But making a man fall deeply in love with her depended on whether the woman was knowledgeable. A woman who was pretty and smart at the same time was the most lovable and rare.

Some women had good looks but empty brains and questionable morals. Such flaws instantly eliminate the superficial beauty they possess, and anyone who interacts with them will eventually keep a distance from them.

Since he was young, Tuoba Gucheng had seen many of the latter kind of women.

Usually, these women would make him disgusted just at the thought of them. It was impossible for him to even like them.

An Xiaoning was by far the one woman who had made him the most surprised amongst all the women he had met in his life.

When he had grown interested in her, she only had an ordinary-looking face.

Later, when he found out her true appearance, he was beyond astonished.

He had always known that it was difficult for one to live according to their own will. But still, he could not help but stop for her.

Even just thinking of her name made him feel pleased inside for some time.

Lying on the bed she had once slept on, Tuoba Gucheng thought of the short period of time in the seventh lunar month when she was possessed by his favorite dog.

During that time, he was able to sleep on the same bed as her and could see her face the moment he woke up.

To him, that was the happiest time of his life.

That was then, and he would not be able to experience it again. Yet, he yearned for it desperately.

Since he was born to the Tuoba family, he was already fully prepared to not be able to be with the person he liked.

At the same time that he had gained power, he lost his precious freedom.