"I don't care about what happens to me. But Old Madam would never accept our relationship. And I don't want her to hurt you out of anger or spite. That's why I always stepped back. And...I thought that there are much more suitable men for you who can give you a comfortable life than me," he chuckled as a tear slid down his cheek.

"I am just a servant of the Jiang family. My position, status and money is way too low as compared to all the rich heirs out there. I cannot compete with their assets, and I don't want you to live a hard life with me. You deserve the best of everything, and I am not the one who can give you that. But…tonight was the worst possible night for me to know that you will be engaged to someone else. And he is not even a good man!"

Jiang Ruiling burst into a chuckle. She leaned and softly kissed his lips.

"You are truly an idiot."

He pursed his lips.

"Do you think I care about status and all that stuff? Do you think I am that shallow?"

He quickly said, "Of course not! You are the kindest woman I have ever met who respects everyone, even the maids and butlers. But-"

"You don't have to worry about a hard life for me. Nothing is hard when I am with you. In fact, when you are with me, things feel much simpler and colorful. I don't want to live a fancy life, attending flashy parties and mixing with the socialites. I want to live in your world. Shen Yang, if I wanted a comfortable life, then I wouldn't have fallen for you. I want a life where my husband loves and respects me. I don't care if the house might be small or if there would be less money than the Jiang family. I simply want us to be together. Is that too much to ask?"

Shen Yang pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her hard. She was surprised to see him initiate it, but she felt happiness surge in her chest to see this day finally come. She kissed him back and softly moaned as the passionate kiss trembled her with pleasure and bliss.

He parted away a minute later, both breathless with their cheeks flushed red. He couldn't express how overwhelmed he was to hear her words. It felt as if a burden lifted off his chest.

"Thank you, you- Jiang Ruiling…"

"Call me just Ruiling," she whispered.

He blushed that she found cute. "How can I-"

"What do you mean? You are my lover so what's the issue in calling me by my name? I will call you Yang too."

He blushed even more furiously.

"R-Ruiling…"

A bright smile bloomed on her lips. "En. I love you, Yang."

He wanted to faint with happiness but somehow, he held it together.

Suddenly, they heard someone clapping and they were startled.

They turned to see Lihua standing at the room's entrance, beaming at them with happiness and joy.

"Congratulations! Shen Yang finally confessed."

Jiang Ruiling widened her eyes. "You…"

Shen Yang straightened up. "Madam Lixue."

She grinned. "Hehe, I came to look for Lihua. It is so dark and I was worried for her. Then I remembered that Wei told me that Lihua was with Shen Yang so I came here."

*Meow*

Lihua, the cat purred in relief.

Finally this stupid human is here. Seeing this couple so lovey-dovey was so difficult, she snorted.

"Right, Wei?"

Wei glanced at her and dotingly nodded. "En."

"But I was so surprised to hear Shen Yang confessing his feelings! What happened that made him-"

Suddenly, her eyes fell upon the stranger who was lying on the floor with his face beaten all black and blue. Her jaw dropped wide open in shock. "Who is this man!? And why is he lying unconscious in Jiang Ruiling's room?"

Wei had already noticed him the moment his eyes fell on the room, but he said nothing.

Jiang Ruiling stiffened.

Shen Yang got up and his gaze burned in fury. "We don't know who he is but he came to," he balled his fist, "he came here to ruin young mistress…"

Her eyes widened. "What!?"

Lihua quickly rushed to her side and checked on her and worriedly asked, "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

Seeing the concern in her expression softened her gaze. "I am fine thanks to Shen Yang and... Lihua."

She was surprised and so was Shen Yang. "Lihua?"

"En. Before Shen Yang barged in the room to save me, Lihua had attacked the man to protect me. The scratches on his face are because of her."

They both were dumbfounded and looked at Lihua, the cat in shock.

She arrogantly stared at them with a sense of haughtiness in her eyes.

What are you looking at, you peasant humans? I know that I am cool and awesome. Now bow before me.

Lihua, the human, jumped to hug Lihua, the cat and squeezed her hard. "Ahhhh our cat is so awesome! Lihua, you did a good job! I am proud of you, muah!" She kissed Lihua's forehead. "You protected Jiang Ruiling!"

Lihua, the cat was extremely pleased by her coddling and spoiling.

Good, good. This is how you should treat the Queen. I am glad you know your place.

Jiang Ruiling smiled. "Indeed. She wasn't any less of a hero- I mean a heroine for me."

Lihua grinned and petted Lihua, the cat to her heart's content.

She looked at Jiang Ruiling and asked, "I am really glad that you are safe but how did this happen? Why will this man suddenly come out of nowhere to attack you? And why did Shen Yang have to barge in? He must be standing on guard outside your room, right? Then how did this man get the chance to enter?"

Jiang Ruiling bit her lower lip. "That…"

She fidgeted with her dress. She took a deep breath. "It's all my fault. It's because of my plan that went wrong that this happened…"

Shen Yang blinked his eyes in confusion.

Plan?

Lihua glanced at Wei. He nodded at her.

As expected, this was a part of her plan. But how did it go wrong?

"What was your plan?"

Jiang Ruiling clasped her hands and slowly said everything from the beginning.

As Lihua heard it, she was shell-shocked to know what Jiang Ruiling had planned.

There was a beat of silence after she finished.

A few moments later, Lihua finally got her words.

"You...are you an idiot!?"