Hearts Aligned

Cool-Headed Assassin x Naive Gentleman

At the age of ten, Ying Shi’s life took a tragic turn when her father was convicted of a crime, leading to the execution of her entire family. Though she narrowly escaped, her survival came at a heavy cost—she was forced into the shadows, becoming an assassin who thrived in the dark.

Years later, Ying Shi returns to Tingzhou under orders to assassinate the newly appointed magistrate.

At the base of Yuanyang Tower, amidst a soft drizzle, the curtain of a dark green sedan chair lifts, revealing a face she vaguely recognizes.

In that moment, memories resurface—she had once been promised in marriage. Her betrothed, two months younger than her, was a crybaby.

His name was Lu Yuwu, courtesy name Qiurong.

Excerpts from Qiurong’s Memoirs

Jianhong Year 6, Autumn, Mid-Autumn Festival

“The Zhou family faced great calamity. My father dared not bury their bodies, so I used my New Year’s gift money to arrange their burial—thirteen in total. Ying Shi was not among them.”

Jianhong Year 7, Autumn, Mid-Autumn Festival

“The moon is full in the heavens, but perfection is rare in the mortal world.

Where is Ying Shi now? Has she eaten? Is she safe?”

Jianhong Year 8, Autumn, Mid-Autumn Festival

“Another Mid-Autumn Festival has passed. Ying Shi is still not here.”

Jianhong Year 9, Autumn, Mid-Autumn Festival

“Ying Shi is still not here.”

…

Yongjia Year 3, Summer, July 11

“Under the plum rains, I finally saw Ying Shi again. I will bring her home.”

“Thousands of miles apart, yet two hearts beat as one.”