Kissing someone, what kind of feeling is it? If that person is in your heart, seeing them makes you want to smile, and not seeing them makes you miss them, then when you kiss, your heart is filled with joy.

This was not a lingering kiss, but a brief touch of the lips. Tang Li was not skilled in such matters, and neither was Xun Nu, but as he gazed at her eyes, gentle as the spring light, and her red, upturned lips, his heart burned with a hidden fire in his dark eyes.

Before Tang Li could pull away, Xun Nu held her waist and kissed her again. They were so close that they could feel each other's breath and even see deep into each other's eyes. Xun Nu's kiss was like him, initially cold and steady, but then as sharp and unyielding as a blade, allowing no retreat.

The window shutters creaked in the wind as Xun Nu finally released the blushing Tang Li, letting her lean on his shoulder. Tang Li's lips felt numb and her hands weak as she leaned on Xun Nu's shoulder, slowly adjusting her breathing. Her breath blew a few strands of his loose hair, and Xun Nu turned his face slightly, his red ears fully visible to Tang Li.

Hugging Xun Nu's neck, Tang Li buried her red face in his shoulder, laughed a few times, then pinched his earlobe with her fingers and whispered, "It's hot."

Xun Nu shied away again, picked her up by the waist, and set her down on the ground.

"I was... unable to restrain myself just now and imposed on you." Xun Nu's voice was even hoarser now, like little hooks gently scratching at her heart, making her ears and the back of her head tingle as she listened.

He stared at her unblinkingly, his usually calm eyes filled with a lit-up brilliance. Tang Li saw his slightly red eyes and moist, thin lips, and for some reason, she couldn't help but look a few more times, not only wanting to look, but also to...

Faced with the person they like, whether male or female, everyone has impulses. Tang Li took Xun Nu's two fingers hanging by his side, "It's not an imposition, I like it. If you feel you've imposed on me, I can impose back."

Xun Nu was stunned for a moment, then suddenly turned his head, covering his rising smile with a fist to his lips. Tang Li laughed and pulled his hand down, "You look so handsome when you smile, I want to hide you away and not let anyone else see."

Xun Nu: "No one has ever said such words to me before." Because no one dared to tease a notorious assassin.

Tang Li's face was filled with an uncontrollable smile as she took his hand and kissed it, then picked up her skirt and ran quickly into the kitchen, leaving Xun Nu standing outside in a daze.

The two had expressed their feelings for each other and were both a little distracted. Occasionally, when their eyes met, Tang Li would subconsciously smile, and although Xun Nu did not smile, his gaze softened and he would stare at her for a long time without looking away.

The two were already together, and now they were practically inseparable. When there was free time in the kitchen, Tang Li couldn't help but reach out and hook Xun Nu's hand, and their hands, one large and one small, quickly intertwined, transmitting warmth to each other. Even if they said nothing, they felt content.

It was just hard on Tang Li when she applied medicine to Xun Nu's wounds at night. Before, she could resist being enchanted by the handsome young man's beauty, but now that they both understood their mutual affection and were a couple, seeing her boyfriend's beautiful back and long legs, it was very difficult not to have wild thoughts.

After all, food and sex are basic desires, and at the age of twenty-something, she knew what there was to know. She felt that compared to herself, the handsome young man probably knew even less.

Tang Li was uncomfortable, and so was Xun Nu. He sat there silently, taking off his upper garments and letting the woman he admired apply medicine to him. The wounds had scabbed over, and the small ones had begun to grow new flesh, causing some itchiness.

When those soft hands gently rubbed them, he couldn't help but tense his muscles, his attention entirely focused on the person behind him. It was the age of youthful vigor, and it took a lot of effort for him to endure without showing any abnormality.

Young people often only understand love after they know about human affairs. Xun Nu, however, first understood what love was, and only after having someone in his heart did he develop desire. Therefore, he had never felt that restraining desire was so difficult.

The person he loved was right beside him, her every expression and smile, every action, even a wisp of fragrance from her body, could evoke endless tender desires from the depths of his heart, coming on strong.

Passion burned like fire. It was the first time either of them had touched upon these things, but even if they were slow, they could sense that the atmosphere was unusual.

Slowly, even the air in the room seemed to become warm. Tang Li put down the small jar of ointment, "The wounds on your back are done, you can do the rest yourself. I'll go out first."

Xun Nu grunted in response, not turning his head. Only after Tang Li had walked out quickly did Xun Nu lightly inhale.

Perhaps he shouldn't have applied the ointment. He might need to use cold water to clear his head now. He sat there for a while without moving, but in the end, Xun Nu did not get up to take a shower. Instead, he picked up his sword beside him, put on his clothes, and jumped out the window.

It was better to practice the sword.

Tang Li couldn't sleep. She got up and went to the kitchen to make a decoction to dispel the heat, intending to bring it to the handsome young man, but when she knocked on the door, there was no response. When she pushed the door open, she found that he was not in the room, and only the window was open.

"I went outside to practice the sword." Xun Nu replied the next day.

Tang Li's heart was instantly filled with pity. Young man, you're not going to hold it in and hurt yourself, are you?

After staring at Tang Li for a moment, Xun Nu suddenly realized what her gaze meant and looked away, a rare look of embarrassment on his face. "It's not like that."

Tang Li: "I understand."

Xun Nu: "..."

Tang Li: "Your wounds, are they much better? Does practicing the sword not affect them?"

Xun Nu: "It's fine now, the external injuries have almost all healed. Many things can be done."

After saying that, he realized that something seemed off.

Tang Li blushed and hooked a strand of loose hair by her ear, "Mm."

Xun Nu: "No, that's not what I meant."

Tang Li: "Okay, I know, that's not what you meant. Don't be in a hurry."

Xun Nu: "..."

After he left, Tang Li's expression changed. She buried her face in her knees, her shoulders shaking as she laughed silently, almost unable to breathe. How could the handsome young man be so cute? She wanted to cherish him more and more.

That night, Tang Li knocked on Xun Nu's door. Xun Nu opened the door and saw her standing outside with two red candles, immediately sensing something in his heart.

"Can I come in?" Tang Li tied up her hair, resting it on one shoulder, her eyes gentle and her face full of tenderness. Even a cold, iron-like man would melt into gentleness at this moment. Xun Nu took two steps back, letting her into the room.

Tang Li placed the candlestick on the table, nervously tidying her hair, and glanced at him sideways, "Tonight, shall we use that wedding quilt?"

Xun Nu's gaze was burning hot as he stood motionless in front of the table. Suddenly, he asked hoarsely, "Are you really sure you won't regret it? Perhaps I won't be able to always give you a stable life and a peaceful lifetime."

Tang Li replied, "At this very moment, this is what I want. Xun Nu, you don't know, sometimes I think that perhaps I was meant to be here for you."

Her expression was slightly different from usual, inexplicably reminding Xun Nu of a reed. A reed, supple as silk - perhaps she was not a pear blossom easily falling from the branch.

Taking a step forward, Xun Nu said, "Then tonight, I once again vow that I will protect you with my life. No matter what we encounter in the future, I will never change. Even as time passes, my heart will remain steadfast."

He reached out his hand, and Tang Li placed her hand in his, gripping tightly. "Although I'm not as capable as you, I also swear that I will protect you with my life. No matter how long it takes, I will always love you." After saying this, she smiled softly and pulled Xun Nu to the bedside, sitting down and touching the red twin-lotus pattern on the quilt.

Xun Nu actually seemed a bit awkward. "Should we drink the wedding wine?"

Tang Li blinked. "No, your internal injuries haven't healed yet. The doctor said you can't drink alcohol."

Xun Nu: "..."

Thinking it over, Tang Li also found what she said amusing. She could feel Xun Nu's palm, pressed against her own, burning hot. Her heart also felt a flash of heat. Casting aside shyness, she reached up to pull out her hairpin. Instantly, a curtain of black hair cascaded down like silk, spilling over her shoulders. She set the hairpin aside and reached out to caress Xun Nu's cheek.

"Even without wine, one can still get drunk."

Xun Nu felt that he truly was intoxicated by those smiling eyes. When the one you love opens their arms, displaying myriad charms, anyone would be moved. Xun Nu lowered his head and kissed Tang Li, bringing her down to lie on the wedding quilt.

In between kisses, Tang Li untied the band in his hair. As his black locks fell loose, she ran her fingers through them, stroking his hair with utmost gentleness.

"I never thought of becoming anyone's wife, but becoming yours - I do so willingly."

Xun Nu hovered over her, whispering in her ear, "It really is like a beautiful dream."

Tang Li held him tightly, tracing his brows and eyes with her fingertips. "Then let us share this beautiful dream together."

Red candles and a wedding quilt - though lacking a grand hall, with vows as the matchmaker, they were joined as husband and wife. Wishing only that this blissful night would last year after year, morning after morning.

......

Xun Nu still woke very early. Outside, the sky had not yet brightened. The person in his arms was still fast asleep, looking a bit tired from staying up so late the previous night, her long hair in disarray over her shoulders. Even in sleep, she held one of his hands.

The red candles on the table had burned out, the red wax pooling and dripping onto the ground in two red dots. The window was not tightly closed, allowing a cool breeze to slip in, bringing a hint of chill to the room.

Xun Nu held Tang Li even tighter, completely enveloping her in his embrace. The warmth of another body dispelled the cold of the autumn morning, making time itself seem tranquil and peaceful. All that could be heard was the soft sound of her breathing.

When Tang Li woke, it was already an hour and a half later. She opened her eyes, still a bit drowsy, and let out a small yawn before realizing she was still in Xun Nu's arms.

Looking up to meet his gaze, Tang Li recalled her boldness from the previous night and instantly blushed bright red. Her courage seemed to have burned out along with last night's candles. She buried her face in Xun Nu's chest.

Touching the two scars on his chest, her face grew even redder. She covered her burning cheeks with one hand. Last night she must have been out of her mind, heartbroken over all the wounds covering his body, and then... Best not to think too much. Any more and she wouldn't be able to get out of bed.

Xun Nu held her waist under the covers, exposing her head from beneath the blanket. His expression was calm, but with a hint of intimacy. The initial coldness had vanished like melted frost. With his hair loose, he looked even younger than his age, with a touch of innocence.

"Let's rest today and not open the shop."

"Mm." Tang Li gazed at him intently.

Xun Nu glanced at the sunlight filtering through the window paper and sat up. "I'll get up first."

As soon as he sat up, Tang Li grabbed his hand.

Xun Nu turned his head and held her hand. "What is it?"

Tang Li didn't say anything, just lifted her face and closed her eyes. Xun Nu paused, then lowered his head and kissed her gently.

"You're so smart, knowing what I meant." Tang Li lay back on the pillow, pulling the quilt up to cover half her face as she smiled.

Xun Nu sat on the edge of the bed, shaking his head. "I didn't know what you were thinking, but what I did just now was what I wanted in my heart."

The woman lying amidst a sea of red had rosy cheeks, as enchanting as a begonia. On her neck were two faint red marks. Xun Nu paused again at the sight. He reached out to brush aside the black hair tangled on the pillow, lowered his head, and brushed his lips against her skin like a dragonfly skimming the water, there and gone in an instant.

Author's note: It's so sweet even I'm a bit scared, and it's only Chapter 8. 
I really want to hurry up and write the most exciting parts!