Chapter 3, Hostage-taking

Caught up in conversation, I completely forgot that it is lunchtime! What, are you hungry?

He originally intended to tilt his head back and gently bump into something, hoping to shrink his body and escape his predicament. However, unexpectedly, upon seeing him lose his footing, the young lady behind him decisively abandoned her act of restraint and immediately reached out to steady him.

Upon exiting the hall, Zhang Shou quickly glanced at the front yard and noticed Old Liu, who was discreetly shrinking back into the corner of the wall, fully aware of the situation. At the kitchen door, Aunt Liu, the cook, and the servant A Liu were peering out curiously. In short, everyone wore expressions of eager anticipation, and he felt as if he was diligently cooperating with others in performing a one-man show.

Zhang Shou... Zhang Shou..." Zhu Ying recited it twice in one breath, then proceeded to scrutinize Zhang Shou a few more times

Zhang Shou, I only want to ask one thing, have you really never heard of our marriage contract?

This is truly a beautiful young man with a good character! Who would still consider the captor's feelings when suddenly taken hostage?

What marriage matter, I cannot acknowledge it

Zhang Shou only felt a breath like orchids blowing by his ear, followed by a delicate shout: "All of you, get out of my way!"

How unfortunate, I have been so upset by my second brother that I haven't eaten properly for several days, and now I am actually hungry at this moment

Zhang Shouzheng thought to himself that he had been so "open about his feelings," yet there was no response. However, he soon heard a considerable commotion. Initially taken aback, he quickly understood the situation when he saw the young lady before him suddenly become flustered

If Zhang Shou's appearance is repulsive, then after he said those words, since the bad news arrived, the situation at home changed drastically, and Zhu Ying, who is under considerable pressure, might feel a sense of relief. However, Zhang Shou's straightforward and simple expression made her feel as if she were being despised.

In the next moment, he heard her suddenly shout sharply, and then, like a butterfly flitting through flowers, she flashed behind him. Following that, his throat was seized by a hand. This sudden change left him utterly astonished, but soon after, he heard a whisper.

He ultimately did not resist, realizing that today was the most interesting day in these three years of calm.

Just at that moment, she, feeling somewhat gloomy, suddenly heard a sound of "guh"!

Help me out, put on a show to fool that annoying guy

Are you... are you okay? Did you twist your ankle? Is it serious?

When events occur in someone else's book, it is inevitable that one feels a sense of shared indignation due to the protagonist's plight, but when it happens to oneself...

After all, although the young girl in red before him is quite pleasing to the eye and is reasonable in her demeanor, Zhang Shou truly finds it hard to accept the idea of immediately considering her as a lifelong partner. Even though this young lady is more beautiful than any woman he has encountered in his previous life, and her beauty is of the pure, unadulterated kind that radiates brilliance.

She had just impulsively taken him hostage, actually to have a few private words with him, to inquire about the so-called marriage arrangement set by her father

Hearing Zhang Shou candidly speak about the importance of matching social status, and witnessing Zhu Gongquan's relentless pressure, even exposing the details of the family that had been supported by her father all along, Zhu Ying couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the elegant young man who had left her with a perfect first impression. The bold idea she had just entertained suddenly transformed into a firm resolve, and she stood up abruptly

As soon as she stood up, Zhu Ying noticed that Zhu Gongquan indeed revealed a hint of secret delight, clearly believing that his earlier words had successfully provoked her. She was also pleased to numb this blind servant of the Zhu family who acted as a lackey for her second brother, and walked straight up to Zhang Shou.

Just as Zhu Ying was racking her brains to change the subject, she unexpectedly heard her stomach betray her once again with a grumbling sound

Zhang Shou was originally lost in thought, but upon hearing a shout, he snapped back to reality and noticed that the light in front of him was suddenly blocked. When he looked up, he saw Zhu Ying standing in front of him, though he couldn't tell when she had arrived. Their eyes met, and he could even see the dark pupils in her eyes, feeling the surge of impulse within them.

It is imperative that she teaches him well in the future, and he must always be cautious of others; otherwise, he is likely to be easily deceived and taken advantage of

At that moment, standing firm, he smiled and shook his head: "I am fine, but what exactly does the young lady want me to perform this act for?"

He was both angry and amused. He could feel the warm touch of that hand on his neck, without any calluses or prominent knuckles, yet his eyesight was indeed sharp. Just by observing her swift movements moments ago, he could tell that this young lady from a wealthy family had practiced diligently. However, even without her reminders in his ear, he could sense that the hand merely brushed against his neck, without applying any force.

Upon exiting the courtyard, he glanced at the vehicles and horses, initially thinking she would attempt to seize a horse. However, unexpectedly, she did not pause for a moment; instead, while still gripping his throat, she continued to drag him forward. It was not until they reached a ridge in the fields that he could no longer contain himself and decided to feign a misstep.

Zhang Shou cooperated very tacitly with the young lady's grip on his throat, as if afraid of hurting him. As he followed her out the door, he suddenly caught a glimpse of the high threshold out of the corner of his eye and quickly reminded her in a very low voice: "Be careful of the threshold"

Zhu Ying had originally been solely on guard against Zhu Gongquan and the few guards who might try to stop her, and she truly had not noticed the threshold behind her. Upon hearing this, she quickly glanced back and, for a moment, felt a greater fondness for Zhang Shou.

Isn't it just a performance? Then I will accompany you in this act

Upon witnessing this scene, Wu was greatly frightened. Instinctively, she wanted to rush forward to rescue Zhang Shou, but unexpectedly, Zhu Gongquan suddenly stepped in front of her. In her panic, she looked to several guards for help, only to find that everyone had deep, inscrutable expressions and remained motionless. Zhang Shou was being held back and forced to retreat step by step, causing her to feel an overwhelming sense of urgency.

She immediately apologized, saying: "I just had to escape from the hostage situation, I had no choice, I truly apologize! You saw it earlier, that Zhu Gongquan's words were detestable. There are some things I do not wish to ask in front of him, but if I want to speak with you privately, he will definitely interfere. He hopes I will break off the engagement, so he is more than happy to see us in conflict!"

Zhang Shou did not answer the question immediately; instead, he looked up at his own house, which was very conspicuous in the countryside. Seeing that no one had come out to pursue him so far, he recalled the incident where Zhu Gongquan had used him as an analogy for Zhu Ying at the edge of the field, and an obscure thought began to form in his mind.

Regardless of whether free love is good or not, arranged marriage is a lifelong curse

Upon her introduction, Zhang Shou readily introduced himself: "I am Zhang Shou"

Thinking of this, he said with great composure: "I have lived here since childhood, have never been to farther places, and have never heard of having a fiancée. Therefore, this so-called engagement need not be mentioned any further, Miss."

He has not yet left the countryside to explore this unfamiliar world, so why discuss marriage at such an early stage

He is surprisingly looking forward to the subsequent developments

She wished she could find a crack in the ground to hide in, but Zhang Shou only smiled more cheerfully: "It seems you are really hungry. If you don't want to go back and see that annoying guest husband of yours, then let's go somewhere else to pay our respects to the temple of the five organs and have a good chat while we're at it"

Zhu Ying then put her hands down, stood up straight, and asked with a smile in her eyes: "I am Zhu Ying, the daughter of the Duke of Zhao. And you?"

So, I have also encountered a broken engagement in this time travel

Hearing the continuous questioning, Zhang Shou once again confirmed that this young lady truly harbored no malice whatsoever