For the next few days, Xia Yuqing barely left Lu Jinchen's side—not because she wanted to cling to him, but because he refused to let go of her even for a second.
Ever since the emperor's intention became clear, Lu Jinchen had been like a shadow glued to her waist. If he so much as blinked and she took one step out of sight, his heart would lurch in panic.
He was terrified that the emperor would show up in the blink of an eye and take her away. So he watched her, a little too closely.
They ate together, slept together, bathed together—well, tried to. The only thing Xia Yuqing managed to protect was her bathroom privacy, and even that came with conditions.
Every time she locked the bathroom door, Lu Jinchen stood right outside, knocking every few seconds:
"Yuqing, are you still there?"
"I'm here."
"You're sure?"
"Yes!"
"…Okay. Call me if something happens."
She didn't know if she should laugh, cry, or melt.
