In the novel "Joy of Life," the protagonist wakes up at Li Chengze's residence.

“Jingyang, aren’t you afraid? As a prince, everything I’ve done is treason.”

Li Chengze said this with a faint smile on his face.

Under Li Chengze's watchful gaze, Tao Jingyang actually put on a "deeply thoughtful" expression.

After a short while, she stood up, looked down at Li Chengze who was sitting in the round chair, and solemnly answered the question:

"Li Chengze, haven't you ever heard the saying?"

Tao Jingyang's mysterious demeanor piqued Li Chengze's interest: "What?"

Seeing that he was really listening attentively, Tao Jingyang tidied his hair and said:

"Husbands and wives are like birds in the same forest; when disaster strikes, they fly away separately."

After speaking, he tilted his head and looked at Li Chengze with a smile.

The latter laughed after hearing this, lowered his head and chuckled twice, his shoulders shaking slightly. He only grasped the two most crucial words: "husband and wife".

Feeling happy, he raised his head and looked up at Tao Jingyang standing in front of him, his tone revealing a hint of "relief," and said:

"If that day ever comes, I sincerely hope you can live a good life."

On the surface, it appears selfless and devoted, a "sacrifice" made entirely for you.

What I was really thinking was:

[Me? Facing imminent disaster? Now... even if I fight to the death, I will not let such a thing happen.]

Anyone who gets in my way, I'll kill.

Tao Jingyang was surprised to receive such a response from him for his seemingly provocative words.

Tao Jingyang sighed inwardly and said to him:

"You're so good, this day will never come."

After saying that, he suddenly realized that the room was too dark, so he walked to the candlestick and wanted to pick up the tinderbox next to him to light the lamp.

But before she could pick up the tinderbox, Li Chengze noticed her movement and promptly spoke up to interrupt her:

“Hey, Jing Yang.”

Upon hearing the sound, Tao Jingyang stopped what he was doing and turned to look at him.

"what happened?"

"Don't use the tinder on the table to light it."

Tao Jingyang looked at the candlestick, then at the conspicuous tinderbox lying on the table, and asked:

"Why?" Is there something wrong with this tinderbox?

"That tinderbox contained a sleeping potion," Li Chengze said, then paused before continuing to explain.

"Just a small device to keep thieves away."

Upon hearing this, Tao Jingyang withdrew his hand and gently patted his chest, still feeling a lingering fear.

Li Chengze was amused by her reaction and reassured her not to worry.

This inhalation is just a matter of taking a nap; it's not a big deal.

------------

Looking at the moonlight outside the window, Li Chengze said:

"It's already midnight, we...should head back home."

As he was speaking, he casually tidied up the pile of paper contracts on the table, put them back into the wooden box, and held them in his hands.

"Has our trip back and forth in Kyoto been a bit too 'ostentatious'?"

Actually, I found it strange earlier. Changing lanes midway through the night after the banquet should easily arouse suspicion.

Li Chengze pulled the person downstairs, answering as they walked:

"I had one ready in advance."

"By the time I boarded your carriage, the two empty carriages had already returned to the manor."

Tao Jingyang turned to look at him and saw a face with a somewhat smug expression, secretly seeking praise.

But soon, Li Chengze realized something was wrong.

What do you mean "early"...? How did I end up saying that...?

Tao Jingyang smiled helplessly at his seemingly "misspoken" reaction and did not delve into the matter further.

"Emmmm..." She thought about it carefully for a while and felt that she really should "praise" him.

After searching my mind for a while in "Building Self-Confidence: A Complete Guide to Praising Young Children," I confidently began:

Wow~ Chengze is so amazing!

How come you even prepared this? You're really amazing! Who can compare to our Chengze?

Not only is she good-looking, but she's also talented, even... oh, she's...

After a barrage of colorful language, Li Chengze was left somewhat bewildered.

Li Chengze couldn't help but chuckle; these compliments made him a little embarrassed.

But they couldn't help but smile, and for a moment, they were both at a loss for words.

"Is that impressive? Then why don't you guess how we're going to get back to the manor tonight?"

While keeping an eye on the steps beneath their feet, Li Chengze took a deep breath and straightened his upper body.

"Aren't we... going back by carriage?" Tao Jingyang asked, voicing his confusion.