Huang Xiaojue opened his eyes, gazing in surprise at the linen-colored, fine cashre scarf. "Xixi, did you knit this yourself?"
She blushed. "It’s my first ti knitting, so it’s not very good."
"Haha, not good? It’s incredibly beautiful. I love it very much."
She stretched out the scarf and pointed to so uneven spots. "Look, the stitches here in the middle are uneven, but you can’t really tell unless you look closely."
"Imperfections make beauty. Xixi, I adore this scarf. From now on, I’m going to wear it every day."
He hugged her waist. The delicate warmth of the cashre, the tender care she’d poured into every stitch—as gentle and warm as her smooth cheek against his—made his heart thump. "Xixi," he said, "I really want you to move in with right away. Although New Year’s is only a few days away, I simply can’t wait anymore..."
Her cheeks turned scarlet. She mischievously whispered, "Xiaojue, I want to enjoy being pursued by you for a little longer..."
He gave a dumbstruck laugh.
"Every day you pick up, looking forward to seeing . But if we live together and get used to each other, soon there will be no such anticipation..."
Deep within, the past she couldn’t bear to recall served as a stark reminder: back when she was with Wan Donglin, it had all been for money. She had to do whatever he wanted; being pursued was an unimaginable luxury. She spent her days treading on eggshells, watching his every mood, terrified of unintentionally offending him. But things were different now. Certain of his love, she could allow herself this playful coyness.
"Xiaojue, I want to be a little coy for a few more days... Every night, just thinking about you coming to pick up the next day makes incredibly happy..."
He gently stroked her black hair, a smile flowing from his heart to his face. "Alright, Xixi," he said, "you’re only allowed to act like this for a few more days."
Her voice was barely a whisper. "I’ve already terminated the lease for this apartnt. I told the landlord I’ll be moving out after New Year."
He was overjoyed, feeling instantly reassured, as if he’d swallowed a calming pill.
The breakfast was indeed sumptuous: hot brown sugar glutinous rice cakes, white rice porridge, a plate of grilled bacon, and a couple of side dishes.
"It slls amazing! I knew there would be a delicious breakfast today, so I only ate until I was about seventy percent full last night. And now, I’m really hungry."
"Then eat more."
She joined him, and together they devoured the breakfast, finishing everything in no ti. Huang Xiaojue, still savoring the taste, said, "Xixi, the food you make is the most delicious."
"From now on, I’ll cook for you every morning."
"That would be too much work for you. When we live together, we can just hire a maid."
She smiled, happy to go along with whatever he suggested.
As they were about to leave, she helped Huang Xiaojue adjust his scarf. He was tall, and his coat gave him a dapper appearance. Complented by the scarf’s well-chosen color, he looked incredibly stylish.
"Xiaojue, you’re so handso."
He blinked. "Do I get a reward?"
Before she could respond, he embraced her, gave her a gentle kiss, and then took her hand to lead her out.
As they stepped outside, a fine sleet began to fall. When the wind blew, she shivered slightly. He unbuttoned his coat and wrapped her inside it with him. She giggled. "Xiaojue, let’s run!"
Together, they ran towards the parking lot.
The wind whistled in her ears. Suddenly, Yan Xixi was transported back to her student days. She recalled a similarly cold morning many years ago. After handling her father’s funeral, she had hurried back to school. Xiaojue was already waiting for her at the gate. Her hands had been nearly frostbitten then. He had unzipped his down jacket to wrap around her and, at the sa ti, handed her a paper bag filled with warm stead buns...
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