The sky had darkened slightly, and night was swiftly approaching.
Qu Tan'er let out a deep sigh and slowly stepped into the carriage.
Just as she alighted from it—
"Ah!..." Qu Tan'er felt that she had barely registered her surroundings when suddenly her feet left the ground, and she was lifted into someone's embrace. The moment she detected that familiar scent, her startled heart instantly calmed, and any will to resist dissipated.
"Where have you been?" Mo Liancheng asked softly, unable to hide the tension in his voice.
Qu Tan'er's cool heart warmed, and she said with a slight smile, "I went to see an old friend."
"Next time you go out, have Shi Xue accompany you."
"Mhm." Qu Tan'er responded with an 'mhm', sounding like she was agreeing, yet also as if she didn't wish to say more.
Mo Liancheng carried her and turned back toward the manor.
Along the way, the two remained silent, neither attempting to start a conversation.
