Mother Lin had to work tomorrow. After chatting with the girl for a while, she went back to get ready for bed, and before she left, she reminded Lin Xinyuan over and over to go to sleep early.
But Lin Xinyuan was restless. After showering and lying in bed, she just couldn’t fall asleep for the longest time, her mother’s words echoing repeatedly in her mind.
“Don’t let yourself regret it, huh…”
Even with Qin Nanfeng’s promise, Lin Xinyuan knew deep down that one day, he would have his own family.
And by then? How could she shamelessly stay by that stupid blond’s side…
She clutched her chest. The ache there was sharp and sour. Just thinking about that scene made her feel waves of helplessness.
No…
Don’t leave me…
That night, Lin Xinyuan lay in bed with her eyes closed, not knowing how long she had been lost in thought.
Helplessness, hesitation, fear, unwillingness, longing…
All sorts of emotions surged in her heart, making her toss and turn restlessly.
Memories of moments with Qin Nanfeng played over and over in Lin Xinyuan’s mind. Gradually, her heart grew resolute.
Finally, at some point, she seemed to have figured things out and made a quiet decision…
She couldn’t give up. Even if there was risk, no matter how hard or painful it got, she had to try.
That stupid blond was hers—only hers—no one could take him away…
Only now did Lin Xinyuan truly see things clearly. The tangled threads in her heart straightened out quite a bit, and sleepiness washed over her at last.
The girl, filled with obsession, sank into a deep sleep…
That stupid blond… was hers…
After that night, Lin Xinyuan spent two more days with Qin Nanfeng in Lei City, touring nearly all the locally famous spots.
After three days, Qin Nanfeng was getting ready to head back to Tianbei City.
After all, Spring Festival was approaching, and the company would soon start Annual Leave. He had to finish up his tasks and make plans for the company’s development after the holiday.
“Goodbye…”
At dusk, the farmers were already returning home. By the roadside, the chirping of insects in the countryside only made the silence more pronounced.
Lin Xinyuan stood next to Qin Nanfeng, looking extra petite.
She had both hands clasped behind her back, her body swaying slightly, eyes lowered to hide the reluctance in her gaze.
Even though Lin Xinyuan had fought a thousand inner battles, when she faced Qin Nanfeng, she was still very shy.
She had always been introverted, and on top of that, she still had her worries. So even though they had been together these past two days, she never managed to muster the real courage to make a move on that stupid blond…
Lin Xinyuan… you really are useless…
You can’t do anything…
Just as the girl was feeling forlorn, a warm, familiar hand began to gently stroke her head, like soothing a little kitten.
“Yeah, we’ll see each other again soon, don’t be upset.”
Qin Nanfeng could tell the girl seemed a bit down, but thought she was just reluctant to part.
He couldn’t help but let a small, almost imperceptible smile tug at his lips. His gaze was gentle but tinged with a trace of bittersweetness, as he quietly watched the obedient girl letting him pat her head.
No matter how long he looked, it never felt enough…
Her dark hair was smooth and fluffy, pleasant to the touch, and he couldn’t help but love it.
“I’m not upset…”
Lin Xinyuan stubbornly muttered, her fair cheeks turning rosy, just staring at the tips of her shoes, not daring to look at Qin Nanfeng.
“So you’re happy that I’m leaving, Xiao Yuan? Is that it?”
Qin Nanfeng teased, his tone feigning disappointment, and as expected, the girl fell for it immediately.
Lin Xinyuan had just been racking her brain for ways to attract this guy, but now, hearing him say that, she panicked.
“Of course not, I just…”
She hurried to explain, but as soon as she looked up, her expression changed.
“You! Hmph…”
Seeing the smile on Qin Nanfeng’s face, Lin Xinyuan blushed even more. She pulled down the big hand on her head and turned as if to leave.
But she hadn’t taken two steps before Qin Nanfeng caught her little hand and pulled her back.
Lin Xinyuan made a token struggle, but deep down, she had no intention of breaking free and quickly gave up.
“What are you doing… I need to go back…”
Her gaze flickered, but the little thoughts in her heart slipped out anyway, eager to see how that stupid blond would react.
“It’ll be over a month before we see each other again, won’t it? Why rush off?” Qin Nanfeng toyed with her small hand, gently kneading it.
Her hand was a little cool, soft and fluffy like cotton candy, just like her personality. The feeling was so good he never wanted to let go.
“Um… No, dinner’s about to start at home, I have to hurry back or my grandma and the others will come looking for me…”
Lin Xinyuan’s words didn’t match her feelings, her breathing a little uneven.
The young man’s actions were ambiguous. Sure, they’d held hands before, even played with each other’s hands…
But it had never felt quite like this—her whole body went weak…
All she could feel was how hot Qin Nanfeng’s hands were, kneading hers over and over. It was like the flirting of lovers, filled with lingering ambiguity.
“Then let them come find you. And I have to say… Xiao Yuan’s hands feel really nice. So soft. I really like them.”
Somehow, Qin Nanfeng’s lips curled into a mischievous grin. He could tell Lin Xin wasn’t repulsed, so of course he wasn’t going to waste any chance to take advantage.
He didn’t know why…
But ever since that night, Qin Nanfeng could vaguely sense the girl was much less guarded around him, maybe even close to that final step, yet there was still a thin veil he couldn’t break through…
It was a pleasant surprise, beyond his expectations, but he didn’t rush, simply waiting for the girl’s next move…
“You’re such a pervert!”
Listening to Qin Nanfeng fondle her hand and describe how it felt right in front of her, Lin Xinyuan’s shame reached its peak, and she couldn’t help but snap at him.
“Then just think of me that way.”
“You…” Lin Xinyuan’s feelings were a mess right now—embarrassed and happy, both tangled together, and then suddenly sad and aggrieved, her mouth going a little dry, “Did you say this to your ex-girlfriends too…”
The moment she said it, Lin Xinyuan realized what she’d let slip and instantly regretted it.
That tone… What was she thinking?
Was she interrogating him? Was this the tone of a jealous girlfriend…?
But since it was already out, she could only duck her head, pretending to be an ostrich, her body trembling lightly, flustered yet expectant.
Qin Nanfeng’s eyes grew even gentler, the laughter in his eyes about to spill over: “I’ve only ever said it to you. And I’ll only ever say it to you.”
His answer was simple, but for Lin Xinyuan it was like a shot of courage. Then she heard the second half of his sentence.
Her eyes went blank for a moment, then joy swept through her so strong she almost couldn’t contain it.
Even though Lin Xinyuan tried hard to restrain her emotions, she’d long since come to terms with her feelings for the person beside her, even gradually accepting this love. At this moment, she could barely suppress her excitement.
She could only bite her lip lightly, trying to tamp down the heat in her heart, and used a retort to cover up her true feelings: “I don’t believe you…”
Lin Xinyuan’s voice trembled slightly at the end, tinged with nervousness.
Under the twilight, the girl’s small hand was held by the young man, her expression tense and shy, so adorable that he wanted to tease her even more.
A glint flashed in Qin Nanfeng’s eyes. He reached out, gently caressed her little face, then slowly lifted Lin Xinyuan’s delicate chin.
Their gazes met. His eyes were blazing, while the girl’s were filled with shame, wanting to look away.
But his big hand held her firmly, and deep down, she had no thought of resisting.
Stupid blond? What is he doing…
Could it be…
Lin Xinyuan’s heart was pounding, her eyes misty. She felt so weak that she was practically leaning into Qin Nanfeng’s embrace.
“We…”
Qin Nanfeng’s voice was low and magnetic, his tone gentle, making Lin Xinyuan’s legs feel like jelly.
But just as he started to speak, footsteps suddenly sounded on the path by the roadside, accompanied by two familiar voices chatting as they drew closer…