067 Neither Worthy...Nor Deserving

The sudden kiss was not part of anyone’s plan.

In that moment, the skin beneath his lips was delicate and warm, with a softness like cream—so tender that one never wished to part from it.

Yet, in just those ten-odd seconds, Mu Qingcheng’s breath grew ragged, and her hand holding the cup began to tremble.

Finally, as Si Qingchen tentatively brushed her fingertips...

Crash—

The half-cup of ginger tea spilled across someone’s trousers, and only then did the two awkwardly pull apart.

A faint pink mark still lingered on the girl’s forehead—a tiny impression left by his lips. In mere seconds, it faded entirely.

Si Qingchen finally drew back his gaze, looking at the clearly flustered young woman with a mixture of helplessness and amusement.

He had no time to wipe the moisture from his pants; he only wanted to take her hand again. But as he reached for her, Mu Qingcheng quickly dodged away.

“Qingcheng…”

Si Qingchen’s heart gave a jolt. His outstretched hand met only empty air, yet he did not withdraw it.

But the girl couldn’t care about any of that. She sprang to her feet, her entire being flooded with embarrassment, confusion, and helplessness.

This was the inexperience so typical of her age.

Yet why, in Si Qingchen’s eyes at that moment, did it make his heart ache so terribly?

Damn, I’ve frightened her.

Mu Qingcheng truly was scared.

But as soon as she realized what had happened, a wave of guilt crashed over her.

What was she doing?!!!

Ye Zi was still missing, her mother’s reputation yet to be restored.

“Traceless” was beset by threats from all sides.

There were so many, many things that had not even begun to be resolved.

And her?

What was she doing?

She was here, indulging in romance with a man!

Mu Qingcheng, you’re unforgivable!

Her eyes reddened in an instant, but she bit her lip fiercely, refusing to let herself cry.

Her trembling hands clenched tightly into fists. Gazing at the stunned man before her, she dug her nails into her palms, using the pain to force herself awake, making herself slowly retreat.

“Qingcheng, you…”

Si Qingchen had not expected this turn of events. His heart pounded in confusion, and for the first time in his thirty years, he found himself utterly at a loss.

Never had this happened to him before.

Yet, at the same time, it all felt so natural—for standing before him was the girl he had never imagined meeting…

A young woman he had decided, at a single glance, would be the one for life.

At that moment, Mu Qingcheng suddenly turned and ran with all her might out of the side hall.

Outside, Si Bei’s sharp voice sounded; the next moment, he burst into the room.

Seeing Si Qingchen unharmed, he was instantly relieved, but confusion soon followed.

“Boss, Miss Mu, she…”

Si Qingchen’s expression was as dark as stormy seas.

Facing Si Bei’s question, he closed his eyes and drew a deep breath, suppressing the urge to give chase. Gritting his teeth, he ordered,

“Go, take Qingcheng home. Don’t let anything happen to her.”

“Understood.”

Si Bei, suspecting nothing, immediately turned and hurried out the door.

On the other side—

Along the Si family’s narrow lane leading to the highway, Mu Qingcheng walked swiftly and alone.

All around her lay the woods belonging to the Si family estate. Occasionally, the distant clatter of hooves echoed, uneasy and restless.

Perhaps Caesar had heard her footsteps and wanted to find her.

But Mu Qingcheng was in no state to respond to the great creature. She had barely gone a few steps before tears streamed down her cheeks.

Mother, I’m sorry… I lost focus. I am unforgivable!

Again and again, Mu Qingcheng apologized to her mother in her heart.

She knew there would be no answer, yet she still craved forgiveness.

She should not have let her heart waver when nothing was resolved.

She should not have felt her pulse quicken for that man.

She should not have let him draw close so easily.

She should not have tolerated or permitted his actions.

She should not have… she didn’t deserve it.

In the next instant—

With a sharp smack—

Overwhelmed and suffocating from guilt and pressure, the girl raised her hand and slapped herself hard, desperate to sever all reckless thoughts.

Just then, the sound of a car horn blared behind her…