Chapter 177 - 176: Specially brought chocolate

Words : 1160 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 177: 176: Specially brought chocolate Yu Xinman’s movements were incredibly natural, and her tone carried the playful charm befitting her age. The tips of her hair, falling in front of her, were kissed with soft golden sunlight, and her radiant face took on a gentle hue that caused Chen Yan to glance at her more than once. "Thank you." He accepted the small cake, took a delicate bite, and unknowingly, a smudge of cream clung to his lips. The man gazed at the scenery not far away while nibbling on the cake. His slender eyes curved slightly, as if reflecting a contented mood. Yu Xinman’s attention was entirely fixed on his captivating side profile. She stared at the dot of cream and smiled faintly, "Chen Yan, you’re so clumsy." "Hm?" Chen Yan turned his head, puzzled. Even a single syllable from his gentle voice was enough to make one’s heart race uncontrollably, like a startled deer. Yu Xinman pulled a napkin from a box on the round table, leaned closer, and gently wiped the corner of his lips. It seemed she was unaware of concepts like propriety between men and women, her round eyes as clear as a pool of emerald water—pure and untainted, just like her. "All clean now." Yu Xinman showed him the napkin under his slightly startled gaze. She grinned like a mischievous child, "Next time, don’t make such a mess while eating, you klutz." Chen Yan watched her for a moment before letting out a laugh. He pointed to the corner of her lips, "Who’s the real klutz here?" His tone was like a summer evening breeze—gentle yet carrying a soothing warmth. Yu Xinman blushed slightly from his teasing, reached out, and gave his shoulder a playful slap, feigning indignation, "Why are you like this!" She pouted, turning her head away with an air of mock annoyance, as though refusing to pay him any mind. "Come here." Chen Yan placed the unfinished cake back on the table and took the napkin from her hand with a smile in his eyes. Yu Xinman was still sulking. She pressed the button on her wheelchair, not only refraining from approaching him but even putting some distance between them. She let out a soft huff, waiting for him to come coax her, while a mix of nervousness and anticipation welled up inside her. Chen Yan sighed softly to himself before moving to her side. Carefully, he grasped her arm, and as she turned toward him, he leaned down. Using the napkin, he wiped the corner of her lips slowly, his warm breath brushing over her face, creating an unbearable tension. Yu Xinman stared at him in a daze, her heart utterly filled by the gentleness of this moment. The atmosphere grew increasingly amorous, and as he leaned closer again, her gaze inadvertently lingered on his enticing lips. "Silly girl, what are you staring at?" Chen Yan’s fingertips brushed lightly against her cheek, his eyes carrying a faint trace of indulgence. The tingling sensation made Yu Xinman panic slightly. She bit her lower lip, her cheeks flushing deep red, resembling a ripe tomato. "What else would I look at if not you?" Yu Xinman replied candidly without hiding her thoughts. No matter her reason for visiting today, at this moment, her mind was wholly consumed by the man before her. "Well, truly my honor." Chen Yan straightened up, restoring the distance between them. The romantic tension dissipated instantly as he moved away—had he not been smiling, Yu Xinman might have thought the previous scene had been mere imagination. She took a moment to steady herself, then pointed at the book on his knees, changing the subject: "What book is that?" "Do you want to read it?" "No, I prefer having someone read it to me." "..." The man’s voice reading the book floated gently in the breeze by the balcony. Facing the warm sunlight, the two basked in the tranquility of the moment. Without touching on the topic of marriage, they played their respective roles, letting unique emotions bloom during this ordinary afternoon. ** The onset of winter nights always arrived unexpectedly. As the last rays of twilight faded, the moon quietly ascended into the sky. Within Lanting Square, ethereal and melodic pipa music continued to flow. The lantern light cast across the colonnades made the reflected glow even warmer. A girl in a pale blue sweater followed the man, passing two carved redwood screens to reach a familiar old spot. Lin Qingyan rested one foot on a stool, her smile teasing as she looked at Xu Linchuan beside her. Without hesitation, she smacked him on the head. Crossing her arms in front of her chest, she adopted an air of authority: "Look at you all, daring to keep Brother Wei’s relationship a secret from me?" If not for the gathering she hosted today, she would still be in the dark. These people truly didn’t treat her as one of their own—it was too disrespectful. "Oh, I just forgot!" Xu Linchuan hastily took out the mirror from her bag, worried the lunatic had messed up his hair. His left-and-right admiration of himself made Lin Qingyan even more annoyed. She tugged at a lock of his hair, "Xu Linchuan, why are you acting like a woman?" "What nonsense are you talking about? I think you’re more like a man!" "Say that again, I dare you! Do you believe I’ll beat you up?" "Come on, you think you can beat me?" "..." Jin Yunzhi quietly watched the duo chase each other back and forth, suddenly sensing something amiss. Logically, it should have been him arguing with Lin Qingyan. Damn Xu Linchuan for stealing his spotlight! The young man pouted gloomily. But when the sound of the door opening reached him, his grape-like eyes brightened instantly. "Sister!" Jin Yunzhi jogged over to the girl and handed her two chocolates he had held tightly for so long. "Here, I brought these just for you." Upon learning his sister liked chocolate, he’d initially planned to bring her an entire box. But as her older brother, he couldn’t let her get cavities. After much deliberation, he picked out the biggest and roundest ones and resisted the urge to eat them himself during the entire trip—it had been tough. "Thank you, I really like them." Yu Zhi curled her lips into a smile, her almond-shaped eyes shimmering like rippling water, captivatingly beautiful. Shi Wei gave Jin Yunzhi a sidelong glance, then wrapped an arm around the girl’s waist and led her past him to the long table. He pinched the girl’s cheek, "You little glutton." The moment chocolate appeared, everything else was forgotten. Yu Zhi pursed her lips, her hand tightening briefly around the chocolates before relaxing again. She peeled off the wrapper, taking only a small bite before raising the remainder to his lips. After he ate it, she spoke softly, "You’re just as much of a glutton."

Chapter 177 - 176: Specially brought chocolate

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