One rested against a curl near her temple. Before she could sweep it away, Mingxi lifted a hand—slow, deliberate—and brushed it free. His fingertips barely grazed her hair, but she felt it like a warm pulse down her spine.
He lowered his hand immediately, respectful, careful.
“We can stay as long as you need,” he said.
Poppy swallowed, voice tender and small. “I’d like to… stay a little longer.”
He didn’t hesitate. “Of course.”
They stood together beneath the falling blossoms, wrapped in quiet and drifting light, the forest breathing calm around them. A moment where the world softened enough for her to stand without breaking.
And that was enough.
Chapter 48
The dining hall hummed with life long before they reached it.
Laughter, overlapping conversation, the soft clatter of porcelain bowls, and the fragrant perfume of simmering ginger broth drifted into the corridor. Poppy hesitated at the threshold, and then Mingxi stepped slightly ahead, a subtle reassurance.
The moment she entered, the lively noise softened into expectant warmth, and Xu Yunlian rose with gentle grace.
“Lady Penelope,” she said, voice kind. “Come. Join us.”
Poppy bowed. “Thank you, madam—”
Before she could finish, Minghua hurried forward, eyes bright but posture still respectful.
“Poppy, please, sit with us,” she said, cheeks flushed with eagerness. And then, slightly softer, glancing at her brother: “Sit beside Dà ge. He saved a place for you.”
Mingxi, who was clearly taken aback, as if he had not meant to look like he had saved a place, went still.
Poppy took the offered seat, their knees brushing under the table. Mingxi shifted an imperceptible fraction, attempting dignity. Mingjun hid a smile behind his teacup.
The meal before them looked like a celebration. Steamed fish with ginger and scallions, braised pork in a glossy sauce, bowls of white rice, garlicky greens… and one dish of noodles in a vivid scarlet broth.
Poppy tried to be brave. She reached for the scarlet noodles.
Minghua inhaled sharply—but politely.
Mingjun set down his chopsticks as if bracing for impact.
Mingxi opened his mouth, too late.
Poppy took a bite. At once, her eyes widened. Her spine straightened. Her breath caught.
Minghua’s hands flew to her lips. “Oh, dear,” she whispered. “That one has… considerable strength.”
Mingjun coughed into his sleeve. “A terrifying amount.”
Mingxi, already reaching for a pitcher, poured her a cool, milky drink with swift precision.
“This will help,” he murmured, offering it with both hands.
She drank gratefully. Relief eased the fire beginning to riot across her tongue.
Poppy pressed a hand to her chest. “That was… fervent.”
Minghua brightened. “A very polite description.”
