Her hand didn’t hover like before, but landed firmly on the gentleman’s waist. Seeing his discomfort, her mouth seemed to be filled with honey, speaking softly and gently, “Why are you still so afraid of water?”

She was too close, their breaths intertwining, adding a touch of ambiguity.

Shen Yuan’s face turned pale as he struggled free from Gu Zhi’s arm. His thin lips were pressed white with teeth marks, barely managing to stand steady.

After thinking for a moment, he stepped back again, lowering his eyelids, slightly hiding those affectionate eyes, “It’s an old problem.”

Gu Zhi followed closely, looking up to see his uncomfortable expression.

For a beauty, discomfort and restlessness often look the same.

She was no longer the innocent child of the past, and knew the wonders between men and women. Various thoughts arose in her mind, instantly making Gu Zhi’s mouth dry.

Just as she was about to reach out to grasp his sleeve, to hold that wrist she had yearned for for years.

“Young Master!” Huai An called out anxiously. Seeing Gu Zhi stop in surprise, he hurriedly squeezed past the dazed Gu Zhi with a tragic expression, standing between the two to support Shen Yuan.

Gu Zhi stumbled back from his push, her willow eyebrows raised, about to scold and punish him, when she saw Liu Ming’s meaningful smile and suddenly lost her anger.

She only stood with a grim face, boarding the boat to stand shoulder to shoulder with Liu Ming.

The big red sleeves fluttered, like entangled red threads, messily mixed together.

Only when the fingers in the sleeves were caught did Liu Ming’s expression soften, “So Young Master Shen is afraid of water. This was my oversight.”

“It has nothing to do with Young Master Liu. It’s just that my body is really unwell, I’m afraid I’ll spoil the two of you’s elegant mood today.”

Five years’ time still couldn’t erase the fear of water.

Even if he was curious about what trick Liu Ming had up his sleeve, at this moment he had the intention to retreat.

However…

With Gu Zhi present today, given her temperament, it would be difficult to get away for a while.

Just as he was thinking.

Several people walked out from the small path surrounded by green leaves. Liu Ming raised an eyebrow, looking at the pine-green outfit, his smile deepening, “Don’t worry, Young Master Shen. This painted boat sails smoothly, Young Master Shen can just pretend you’re riding in a carriage. Moreover, Young Master Song has also arrived. I’ve also invited a theater troupe to the island in the lake. When things liven up later, Young Master Shen definitely won’t be bored.”

He gave a meaningful glance at the listless Shen Yuan, then suddenly asked in confusion, “Oh, whose young lady is that?”

Shen Yuan looked up, and as soon as he opened his eyes, he saw that bamboo green.

Why would she come?

The one following Song Zhi was Su Jin, who should have been studying at home.

She took big steps, still carrying a bag of books in her hand. As she hurriedly approached the group, she bowed to the Fifth Princess, her gaze quickly passing over Shen Yuan as she lowered her eyes.

“Are you Su Jin?”

Gu Zhi smiled, pretending to help the bowing commoner woman up, “I heard that Grand Tutor Shen values you highly. Now that I see you, you are indeed refined and elegant, with a good appearance.”

“The Princess overpraised me,” Su Jin said politely.

“I’ve long heard that the Princess is talented in literature. Today, hearing that the Princess was enjoying the spring scenery here, I specially asked Young Master Song to bring me. This book ‘Wen Yu Ke’s Studies’, I hope the Princess can give me some guidance.”

Her expression was calm, and she knew how to seize the opportunity, finding a clever excuse.

After all, it was just a commoner trying to connect with the powerful.

Gu Zhi appreciated her directness, and moreover, the more outsiders today, the more beneficial it would be to accomplish her grand plan.

Furthermore, those old foxes in the court were extremely cunning. Since Su Jin was valued by Grand Tutor Shen, she must have some extraordinary qualities. If she could be recruited, it would be a good addition to her forces.

Gu Zhi’s eyes brightened slightly, “In that case, you can come aboard with us.”