Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

On the way back to their residence, Ning Rongrong grew increasingly uneasy.

"Qin Jian, the prince and princess have been raised in the royal palace all their lives, receiving extensive training in etiquette. What if we lose to them?" She tugged at Qin Jian's fingers as she spoke, her worry evident.

Qin Jian, however, seemed entirely at ease. "Don't worry, Rongrong. The final test in the etiquette examination will likely be a performance. We've got six months to prepare for it!"

With his wealth of knowledge from his past life, Qin Jian figured he could easily pick a song and outshine the princes and princesses.

"But they'll have just as much time to prepare! And they can even ask others for help..." Ning Rongrong tugged harder at his hand and pouted. "Qin Jian, are you sure you're not planning to get close to the princess?"

"Idiot!" Qin Jian playfully knocked her forehead. "Don't forget, we have the Tear of the Ocean. As long as it remains intact, it symbolizes that our hearts are connected."

"That's true... But what if we really lose?" Ning Rongrong still looked worried.

"This bet is just a game between kids. No one's taking it seriously—except you and Xue Ke. Even the prince joining in is a little strange..." Qin Jian said casually. "Even if we lose, you only promised to 'give me away,' but I never agreed to go along with it."

"Wow, Qin Jian, you're so shameless!" Ning Rongrong's eyes widened before her expression softened into a radiant smile. "But I like that about you, hehe..."

"Rongrong, when will you stop calling me 'Qin Jian'?" Qin Jian suddenly intertwined his fingers with hers. "Doesn't it feel a bit distant?"

"Huh?" Ning Rongrong blinked at him. "Then what should I call you?"

"Hmm..." Qin Jian rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Two-character names can be a bit tricky. They're hard to make sound affectionate."

Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled with mischief as she seemed to think of something. "Qin Jian, I know what to call you!"

"Oh? What is it?" Qin Jian's curiosity was piqued.

"Hehe, I'm not telling you!" Ning Rongrong giggled and bounced ahead, her hands clasped behind her back.

"Not telling me? Does that mean you're not going to say it at all?" Qin Jian was exasperated. "What's the point of knowing it if you won't use it?"

"If you help Rongrong win the graduation performance, I'll call you that!" she called back playfully.

"Alright, now you're just teasing me. Tell me already!" Qin Jian leapt forward, aiming to tap her on the head.

"Missed me! Missed me!" Ning Rongrong, prepared for his move, dodged deftly and sprinted ahead.

"Ning Rongrong, stop running!"

"Catch me if you can!" she teased, sticking out her tongue.

In the palace, a few attendants who witnessed the lively scene couldn't help but smile knowingly.

Youthful love, so pure and untainted, was a sight to envy.

"I thought Ning Rongrong might start doubting Qin Jian after this bet. Even if not immediately, it could have planted a seed..."

From the shadows, Xue Qinghe stepped forward, murmuring softly. "But it seems it hasn't affected their relationship at all. Where does this unshakable trust come from?"

Shaking her head, she sighed. "Forget it. They're just kids. If it doesn't work this time, there will always be other chances..."

"But Qin Jian... Why do I feel increasingly reluctant to scheme against him? Where is this inexplicable fondness coming from?"

She pressed her fingers against her temples, visibly frustrated. "There's no sign of soul power interference, so I can't be under a soul skill's effect..."

"Qian Renxue, are you actually developing feelings for a boy?"

Her gaze turned distant as she muttered, "But... he is undeniably good-looking..."

Later that evening, in their room, on the large bed...

Ning Rongrong lay sprawled beside Qin Jian, her lips pursed in a pout. "Qin Jian, you're so mean. Didn't I tell you not to hit a girl there?"

"But I only do that to you," Qin Jian chuckled softly.

Ning Rongrong's cheeks flushed red as she pulled a face. "Hmph! I'm ignoring you now."

She turned her back to him, crossing her arms.

Still smiling, Qin Jian leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her into his embrace. "Alright, let's think about what to do for the graduation performance. Okay?"

The faint fragrance of her long hair tickled his senses, and Qin Jian couldn't resist taking a deep breath, a contented smile spreading across his face.

Ning Rongrong leaned against him completely, basking in the warmth and safety of his embrace. Slowly, she grew drowsy.

"Graduation... performance... Rongrong doesn't know anything... Rongrong will just follow your lead..." she murmured, half-asleep.

Qin Jian couldn't help but laugh. He began to ponder their options seriously.

There were plenty of choices, but not many that felt suitable. His thoughts wandered to stories he had told Ning Rongrong, eventually recalling a drama from his previous life. While the plot was atrociously adapted, its soundtrack had been excellent.

Timeless Ink, Parting Sorrows, Ballad of the Azure Robe... Which one should he choose?

"Qin Jian... Qin Jian..."

Ning Rongrong's soft murmurs snapped him out of his thoughts. He glanced down, only to find her fast asleep, using his chest as a pillow. Even in her dreams, she called his name, never once using an affectionate nickname.

"This little troublemaker..." Qin Jian muttered with a helpless smile.

Gently, he lifted her petite frame and laid her down on the bed, tucking her in snugly under the covers.

"Qin Jian..."

Her delicate voice called out again. Qin Jian looked down to see her hands clutching his left hand tightly. Though still asleep, her grip was full of longing. "Qin Jian... I want to stay with you... forever..."

A surge of emotion welled up in Qin Jian's chest, his nose tingling as his eyes moistened.

He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her smooth forehead. "One day, we'll always be together. I promise!"

A determination burned within him, as if to defy the cruel hand of fate.

No one could have had a worse start to their reincarnation than him. Born as a flower for ten thousand years, unable even to die...

Then, transformed into a million-year soul beast, only to face the constant threat of being hunted...

Even after taking human form, he needed to experience nine heartbreaks to grow stronger—a cruel irony for someone whose essence as a Love Flower made him innately devoted.

"I guess I can take pride in having more romances than Tang San," he mused wryly.

With a soft sigh, Qin Jian slid under the covers, his arm draping around Ning Rongrong as he closed his eyes.

"If I could, I'd spend this lifetime loving only you..."

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