Beitang Rui refused to admit that he cared for Yuan Xin. He merely thought that it was his duty to protect his wife.

However, as he tried to convince himself, he found his gaze drifting back to Yuan Xin.

Now that her scar had been healed, her left cheek was as smooth as jade again. In contrast to how impatient she had been when facing him, she shone bright with energy and confidence as she walked alongside Lu Er.

His gaze continued to linger unconsciously on her for a long time.

Yuan Xin and Lu Liangwei visited all the famous shops in the capital city and bought heaps of accessories and makeup products.

Lu Liangwei had not planned to buy anything at first, but she and Long Yang were going to return to Great Shang after the Yan Emperor’s birthday. Since she was already in the Yan Kingdom, it did not seem right to return empty-handed—she had to get Lin Qingyuan and Long Qingzhi some souvenirs.

However, Yuan Xin ended up splurging the most.

Lu Liangwei was amused to see her ordering Beitang Rui around as if he was her servant.

The prince did not seem to notice that he was being bossed around by Yuan Xin; in fact, he seemed to be enjoying it.

Just when she was watching them, Long Yang inserted a hair stick into her hair.

Startled, Lu Liangwei lifted her hand and touched the hair stick, then looked at him with a smile. “Does it look good on me?”

Long Yang’s gaze fell on her lovely face, and the ends of his mouth curved upward in satisfaction. He put an arm around her shoulders and whispered in her ear, “It does.”

The man’s warm breath brushed her cheek with a hint of deliberate teasing, which earned him a bashful glare from Lu Liangwei. Could the Emperor not be a bit more restrained in public? To her relief, Long Yang soon moved away from her, though his gaze remained glued to her.

“What did you choose for me?” Lu Liangwei turned her head away in embarrassment to avoid his heated stare.

“You’ll see for yourself when we get back.” Long Yang then ordered Shi Yi to pay for the item.

Shi Yi had been following them all the way, and his arms were already loaded with shopping bags. Hearing Long Yang’s order, he stepped forward to make the payment.

Seeing all the bags he was carrying, Lu Liangwei graciously decided to spare him and said, “We’re almost done shopping. You can go back first.”

Shi Yi was greatly relieved. “Yes, Miss.”

Yuan Xin and Beitang Rui were both amazed to see how close Long Yang and Lu Liangwei were.

They did not think a staid man like Minister Lin would flirt with Lu Er in public.

Beitang Rui was stunned by the sight too. When he turned his head and saw Yuan Xin staring at them enviously, he felt something stir in him, but just when he was about to speak, Yuan Xin whipped around and said to him, “Since you’re carrying so many things, you can go back first too.”

Beitang Rui frowned. “You’re just going to kick me away after using me?”

Yuan Xin cocked an eyebrow. “When did I use you? Weren’t you the one who decided to tag along?”

Her retort left Beitang Rui at a loss for words.

Yuan Xin felt her mood lift instantly at the sight of his exasperated face. “Just go back first, all right? I want to hang out with Lu Er for a bit more.”

“They’re on a date; they don’t need you third-wheeling them. Let’s go back together.” Freeing one hand, he took hers firmly and started to walk away.

Yuan Xin wanted to break away, but eventually stifled the urge when she caught sight of all the bags lining his arms.

If she struggled, those bags would undoubtedly fall. Reluctantly, she turned her head and called out to Lu Liangwei, “I’m afraid I have to leave now, Lu Er. I’ll treat you to a meal another day.”

“Sure.” Lu Liangwei waved to her with a grin.

The absence of outsiders lifted Long Yang’s spirits, and he took Lu Liangwei’s hand and walked out of the shop.