After I transmigrated, the cold king clung to me every day.

Chapter 156 Lin Qianqian and Zhao Xiong meet again at the restaurant

In the flower-filled backyard of the Ninth Prince's Mansion, a gentle spring breeze caressed the weeping willows. Lin Qianqian and Wuming, holding kite strings, ran joyfully across the lush green grass.

A brightly colored kite, guided by them, danced freely in the jewel-like blue sky, like a graceful bird. Their laughter, as clear as silver bells, filled the vibrant courtyard.

Just as they were immersed in this joy, Xiaodie came running with light steps. Before she even arrived, her voice could be heard from afar: "Miss, good news!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Qianqian and Wuming stopped what they were doing and turned around.

Lin Qianqian and Wuming stopped what they were doing and looked in the direction of the sound. They looked at each other, their eyes full of doubt, and their smiles faltered slightly.

Lin Qianqian spoke first, her voice filled with a mixture of eagerness and curiosity: "Xiaodie, what good news is it?"

Xiaodie, slightly out of breath, said impatiently, "I just ran into Miss Shen on the street. I heard that the Emperor has decreed that Zhao Xiong be appointed as the Protector of the Nation General!"

"Really?!" Lin Qianqian's eyes lit up with surprise, her joy overflowing.

She clapped her hands unconsciously, as if cheering for Zhao Xiong, and murmured to herself, "Great! My brother's suffering is finally over! I knew he would be rewarded!"

The nameless man beside her simply smiled without saying a word, his eyes full of doting affection as he quietly watched the excited Lin Qianqian.

Xiao Die continued, "Not only that, the Emperor also gave him..." At this point, Xiao Die seemed to remember something interesting and couldn't help but chuckle, a blush spreading across her face. She hesitated, a little embarrassed, before stopping herself from speaking further.

Seeing this, Lin Qianqian frowned slightly, her eyes full of confusion. She pretended to be angry and said, "What else is it? You're so hesitant, it's driving me crazy! Tell me quickly!" As she spoke, she stomped her small foot.

Xiaodie pursed her lips before saying, "The Emperor has also bestowed a marriage upon him, and the wedding is set for the Mid-Autumn Festival!"

"Huh?!" Lin Qianqian couldn't help but chuckle softly upon hearing this, her eyes filled with curiosity as she quickly asked, "Which family's young lady is she?"

Xiaodie blinked and said, "It seems to be... the second young lady of the Su family!"

Upon hearing the words "Su Mansion," Lin Qianqian exclaimed, "Second Miss?" Her brows furrowed, and she froze, lost in thought. She pondered to herself, "Second Miss Su? Isn't that Su Wan'er's sister? What a coincidence!"

Seeing Lin Qianqian lost in thought, Xiaodie gently shook her arm and said, "Miss, what are you thinking about? Miss Shen said she's inviting you to the restaurant!"

Lin Qianqian then came to her senses and replied, "I understand!"

The scene shifts, and we soon arrive at a restaurant—

Lin Qianqian moved gracefully, stepping into the bustling restaurant. At a glance, she spotted that familiar, busy figure. A gentle smile curved her lips, then she pursed her lips and called out in a clear, sweet voice, "Big Brother~"

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Zhao Xiong trembled, his hands instantly halting as he hurriedly turned around. Seeing that it was Lin Qianqian, his eyes lit up with surprise, and he became so excited he practically danced with joy.

Without a second thought, like a child forgetting himself, he ran straight towards Lin Qianqian. The next second, he actually picked her up and spun her around happily, shouting, "Oh, my dear little sister, I missed you so much!"

Lin Qianqian was caught off guard and instinctively wanted to avoid it, but out of politeness, she couldn't resist too much, so she could only urgently call out, "Big brother, please put me down!"

Zhao Xiong then seemed to wake up from a dream, hurriedly put Lin Qianqian down, a hint of embarrassment on his face, and he scratched his head sheepishly, revealing a simple smile.

Just then, Wuming, seeing this, glared angrily, a sharp glint in his eyes. Without a word, he swung his fist, attacking Zhao Xiong like a whirlwind. Fortunately, Zhao Xiong reacted quickly, dodging the swift blow with a sidestep.

Lin Qianqian was shocked and quickly stopped him, saying, "Wuming, don't do this! Big Brother means no harm!"

Wuming, however, glared angrily at Zhao Xiong and said loudly, "Your Highness, this man has ulterior motives and dares to be so disrespectful to you. I will not let him off!"

Zhao Xiong looked completely innocent and resentful, and hurriedly explained, "What are you talking about? This is my sister. Of course I like her a lot! It's just that I... hehe, I was so happy that I forgot my limits..." As he spoke, a blush rose on his face, and he smiled awkwardly.

Wuming was about to say something more when Lin Qianqian quickly grabbed his arm, signaling him to calm down and stopping his impulsive behavior.

At this moment, Shen Wanqing also rushed over and helped to comfort him, saying, "Young Master Wuming, my elder brother was just too happy and had no intention of offending you. Please calm down."

Nameless was still furious. He let out a heavy "humph!" and turned his head away, his eyes still showing some dissatisfaction.

Lin Qianqian looked at Wuming's appearance with a helpless expression and gently shook her head. Then, she turned her gaze to Shen Wanqing and Zhao Xiong, her face instantly breaking into a bright smile, and said warmly, "Miss Shen, Brother, it's been a long time!"

Shen Wanqing quickly curtsied gracefully and said softly, "This humble woman greets Your Highness!"

Zhao Xiong seemed to snap out of a daze, and instinctively bowed deeply, his voice booming, "Greetings...Greetings, Your Highness!"

Seeing this, Lin Qianqian hurriedly stepped forward and gently helped them up with both hands, her face full of sincerity: "Don't do this, please get up! In the future, when we're together in private, let's not be bound by so many rules. Let's all be more relaxed, hahaha, just call me Qianqian!" As she spoke, she put her hands on her hips and laughed heartily.

Her candid and natural actions were like a spring breeze, instantly dispelling the awkward atmosphere.

Shen Wanqing and Zhao Xiong exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with affection and relief. They nodded slightly, their smiles becoming even more genuine: "Yes, yes!"

With a beaming smile, Shen Wanqing gestured warmly to Lin Qianqian and Wuming, saying, "Your Highness... uh... no! Qian... Qian~ don't stand there, come inside and sit down."

Lin Qianqian squinted and smiled, "Mhm!" The smile on her face never stopped as she swaggered in.

After they were seated, she turned to Zhao Xiong, her eyes filled with a playful yet urging look: "Brother, hurry up and get some of the best food and wine in the restaurant to entertain them. Don't neglect them."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiong immediately replied, "Oh, okay, I'll go arrange it right away." With that, he turned and strode quickly toward the kitchen, his hurried figure seemingly brimming with inexhaustible enthusiasm.

Lin Qianqian quickly waved her hand, saying sincerely, "Oh, there's no need to go to such lengths..."

Shen Wanqing, however, said resolutely and without room for doubt, "It's a must! You have done my elder brother a great favor, how can this small token of my appreciation be considered a big deal?"

At this moment, Zhao Xiong hurried over and quickly brought the wine. He walked briskly to Lin Qianqian's side with a simple and honest smile on his face: "Serve the wine first, the dishes will be ready soon." After saying that, he picked up the wine pot and skillfully filled everyone's cups with wine.

Then, Zhao Xiong raised a glass of wine with both hands, his expression solemn, gazing at Lin Qianqian with deep affection and gratitude. His eyes were filled with sincerity and respect as he softly said, "Qianqian, if it weren't for you pointing out the way for me, patiently comforting me, and overcoming all difficulties to plan a way out for me and help me escape that bandit's den, I'm afraid I would still be a stubborn bastard, still that despised and heinous mountain bandit. I, Zhao Xiong, will never forget your kindness. From now on, as long as you give the order, even if it means going through fire and water, I, Zhao Xiong, will not hesitate for a moment, and will definitely step forward without hesitation to go through fire and water for you! This glass of wine is for you!" After saying this, he boldly drank the wine in the glass in one gulp.

“Brother Zhao…” Upon hearing this, Lin Qianqian’s eyes reddened slightly, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She felt Zhao Xiong’s heartfelt gratitude and loyalty.