Chapter 44: Appreciating the Snow

Snow fell thick and fast as Xiao Ziyu tightened his cloak and stood at the entrance of the academy. His gaze pierced through the swirling flakes, resting on the gradually emptying street beyond. The brightness in his eyes slowly dimmed.

Forget it. There was never any reason to hold expectations for her. He sighed quietly within, his voice so soft it seemed it could be swallowed instantly by the drifting snow.

He turned slowly, each step steady and deliberate, leaving a trail of footprints, deep and faint, in the heavy snow.

“Darling!”

Before he had gone far, a familiar voice suddenly rang beside him—clear, urgent, and laced with a hint of anxiety.

Xiao Ziyu froze momentarily, then swiftly turned around to see Chen Xingmiao clutching an oil-paper umbrella tightly, hurrying toward him with quick, small steps.

The snowflakes settled on her shoulders and hair like tiny sparkling diamonds.

Just as she was about to reach him, disaster struck. Chen Xingmiao’s foot slipped sharply, and she lost control, falling backward, nearly dropping her umbrella.

Quick as a flash, Xiao Ziyu reached out instinctively and caught her arm firmly, pulling her into his embrace.

“Cold?” he murmured, leaning slightly closer. His voice was low and husky, his breath forming a white mist in the frigid air.

Chen Xingmiao shook her head gently, but the corners of her mouth dipped slightly in a faint pout, her eyes full of mild reproach as they locked onto his.

“Didn’t I tell you not to run off like that? I’ve said it countless times, but you never remember. And you claim you’re not a child.”

“I... I thought you weren’t coming.” Xiao Ziyu’s lips pressed thinly, a flicker of unease crossing his eyes as his voice dropped involuntarily.

“How could I not? Didn’t I promise you? Even if I am late.”

He didn’t respond immediately, instead reaching up to brush the snowflakes from her hair.

Then his large hand gently enveloped her small one. “Do you still have strength?”

Chen Xingmiao paused, then nodded firmly.

A faint smile broke across Xiao Ziyu’s usually stern face. “Come, I’ll take you to enjoy the snow.”

A spark of delight lit Chen Xingmiao’s eyes, and a smile tugged at her lips. She squeezed Xiao Ziyu’s hand tightly, allowing him to lead her into the shimmering white world.

They walked slowly along the winding path, the silence around them broken only by the soft falling snow, as if the entire world had narrowed to just the two of them.

Occasionally, she glanced up at him. His gaze was fixed ahead, calm and distant, his profile sharp and refined, emanating a cool aloofness.

For a moment, she truly wished to protect this fragile and lonely man.

She slowly shifted her gaze away from him, turning it toward the vast, endless sky.

Snowflakes drifted gently like willow catkins, landing softly on her face, bringing a faint chill.

Looking up, Chen Xingmiao whispered softly, “If one day we both get caught in the snow, then this life will be enough to grow old together.”

Xiao Ziyu shivered slightly and stopped walking. A faint smile touched his lips as his long, curved lashes lowered to meet her eyes.

“No need to speculate. I will grow old with you, my lady.”

His voice was tender yet resolute, causing Chen Xingmiao to blink in surprise.

Gathering herself, a gentle, clear light filled her eyes.

“Alright.”

She answered softly. Xiao Ziyu’s smile deepened, and he took her hand again as they continued their stroll.

Yet Chen Xingmiao’s smile soon faded, a crease of worry forming on her brow.

Had the little villain’s affection frozen over? Why didn’t he respond more? Was her acting not passionate enough?

Doubt crept in. As she pondered, she looked up to find that Xiao Ziyu had brought her to the foot of a tall tower.

“This is…” Chen Xingmiao stood amazed; the tower was taller than even a sturdy old tree.

“I found it by chance. It’s quiet here, the air is fresh, and few disturb this place. I used to sneak here to read,” he explained.

“How do we get up there?”

A mysterious smile curved Xiao Ziyu’s lips. “Close your eyes.”

Obediently, she did, suddenly feeling his strong arms encircle her waist. Her nose brushed against his chest, and she heard the steady beat of his heart close to her ear.

With a leap, Xiao Ziyu carried her up to the tower’s top, landing securely.

“Open your eyes.”

Chen Xingmiao slowly opened them, breath caught at the breathtaking sight.

All around was a blanket of pristine snow. Distant mountains rolled like a silver dragon winding across the earth.

The snow atop the tower glistened in the moonlight, sparkling like a constellation of stars.

“So beautiful...” she murmured, her voice full of wonder and enchantment.

Breaking free of Xiao Ziyu’s embrace, she hurried to the railing, hands gripping it as she greedily drank in the dreamlike scene.

Xiao Ziyu followed silently, watching her slender figure with a faint, elusive smile.

“Darling, when do you think the snow will stop?” Chen Xingmiao asked suddenly, curiosity coloring her tone.

Xiao Ziyu tilted his head skyward, pondering for a moment before speaking softly.

“Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps today, or maybe much later. The future is uncertain. Even many of the world’s beauties vanish in an instant.”

He raised his hand, a single snowflake landing on his palm, melting swiftly as if to confirm his words.

Chen Xingmiao stood quietly beside him, her gaze slowly shifting from the snow to Xiao Ziyu.

Her mind echoed with Han Yao’s words, and a trace of appraisal flickered in her eyes.

Though that was once his fate, hadn’t everything been turning for the better? The little villain was now just an ordinary person.

If everyone could have their happy ending, why must his end be tragic?

Stepping closer, she gently took his hand, her eyes curved with a radiant smile as she leaned in.

“Darling, is there anything you wish to do? I’ll be with you.”

Xiao Ziyu paused, a subtle emotion flashing in his eyes. He lowered his gaze to hers, his Adam’s apple moving slightly.

“Be by my side every festival, every day.”

His low voice entered her ears, tinged with a slight tremor.

Surprise flickered across Chen Xingmiao’s face. She slowly raised her arms, wrapping them around him.

She hadn’t expected his wish to be so simple—just to have someone to accompany him.

Xiao Ziyu’s hand gently cupped her head. His eyes, once indifferent, darkened with cold intensity.

Leaning close, he whispered into her ear, a low, eerie laugh rumbling from his throat.

“My lady, if you wish, we will grow old together. If not, we still can... grow old together.”