TSFLIP Chapter 553

“What do you mean… the road out of the town is gone?” Feng Guang tilted her head, looking genuinely puzzled.

Whenever she was confused, a hint of innocence would shine through her clear eyes. Combined with that helpless expression, it was enough to tug at anyone’s heart. Si Jia’s fingers twitched at his side, and for a split second, he felt the urge to pat her on the head. He hesitated briefly before saying, “As we came along this way, I realized the road we used to enter last night has disappeared.”

“Could it be that they rebuilt the road overnight?” Feng Guang rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “No, that can’t be right. Didn’t we see that new opera troupe that came into town? We could ask them how they got in!”

Si Jia said, “It might not help to ask them.”

“Why not?”

“I noticed their shoes were wet and muddy. But it hasn’t rained these past few days… unless they passed by the river…” He trailed off because she suddenly tightened her grip on his hand, trembling slightly. Seeing her pale face, he sighed inwardly and finally added, “Maybe they just stepped into a muddy pit on the way.”

Feng Guang’s face regained a bit of color, but she was still clearly on edge. “Then what do we do now… Si Jia, I’m scared…”

Her voice trembled as she called his name, like a frightened kitten seeking comfort. Si Jia’s expression froze for a moment, but he couldn’t stop himself from lifting his hand to gently rest it on the top of her head. His voice softened as he said, “I’m here.”

A man’s charm always seems to skyrocket in two situations: when he says, “Just buy it,” and when, no matter what happens, he calmly says, “I’m here.”

Feng Guang’s eyes seemed to sparkle. “Si Jia, has anyone ever told you that you’re handsome?”

“…You have.” This was already the third time he’d heard that from her. In the past, if women complimented him, they usually said something about his bearing or demeanor. But she was the first to keep stubbornly praising his looks over and over.

Thinking about that, Si Jia felt something subtle shift in his heart.

“Then I’ll just keep saying you’re handsome from now on.” She gave his hand a gentle shake. “Because you are just so incredibly charming!”

His ears turned a faint shade of red that no one could see. “If we’re talking about good looks, Prince Luo…”

“He’s all looks and nothing else!” she cut him off, grinning brightly at him. “You’re way better than him. You know what they say—everyone has their own taste, right?”

When she said the word taste (or love), Si Jia immediately turned around. “Let’s head back.”

“Huh? We’re going back already?”

“Didn’t you want to ask the troupe when their performance is? We can go ask them now.”

“But…” Feng Guang followed at his side, “I feel like something’s really off about this place.”

Si Jia, however, appeared much calmer, more composed. “Until we find a way out, we have no choice but to sit tight.”

“Alright, I’ll listen to you… But don’t you dare go far from me.”

After all, she was a princess who’d been protected and doted on by everyone in the palace. It was only natural that she’d be afraid in an unfamiliar place like this. Si Jia spoke slowly, “I won’t leave your side for these three days.”

After today, there would be only two days left. Once that time was up…

“Si Jia, you’re such a good person,” she said, beaming at him.