Sensing her gaze, Shen Jianxi took down the food box from the table. Then, under his unconsciously mournful eyes, she spoke, "I've left some for you in the small kitchen. These are for others."
Hearing there was more, Qiu Tao felt a surge of joy, though he didn't show it on his face. "Thank you, A Ci." His expression gave away nothing of his true feelings.
Shen Jianxi's lips twitched. This person was too forward, calling her so intimately. Anyone else would think they'd known each other for ages.
Seeing that the appointed time had passed, Shen Jianxi blurted out, "Eat first, I'm going out," and hurried out the door.
She had arranged to meet Lin Xinglan in the apricot blossom forest where he resided. She hadn't expected to encounter him on the way, however. "Why are you here?"
Lin Xinglan had smelled the fragrance from the food box the moment she arrived. His gaze was fixed on her hand, tinged with a hint of grievance. "You didn't come."
Shen Jianxi hadn't anticipated that her slight delay would cause him to come looking for her. The power of these desserts was truly immense.
Looking at Lin Xinglan, whose eyes were solely focused on the food box, she sighed and led him back to the apricot blossom forest. She asked the shopkeeper for two stools and a table, and found a quiet spot in the grove.
Upon arriving, Lin Xinglan quickly set up the table and chairs. When Shen Jianxi turned back, he was already seated at the table, gazing at her motionlessly.
Shen Jianxi: ...
That pitiful look inexplicably made her feel guilty, as if not giving him the dessert immediately would be a grave offense.
No longer prolonging the suspense, she laid out the items one by one. During this, Lin Xinglan, though eager, sat patiently.
Only after she also sat down and said, "Eat," did he eagerly pick up a piece.
As the pastry entered his mouth, Lin Xinglan's eyes visibly brightened.
77: "Ding! Favorability +10, current Lin Xinglan favorability is 20."
Shen Jianxi sighed and took a piece for herself.
Her own charm wasn't as potent as a piece of pastry. It was disheartening.
...
Her days settled into a routine: taking care of Qiu Tao, then making desserts for Lin Xinglan.
She watched their favorability ratings climb.
Lin Xinglan's favorability had reached 47, but it had stagnated for a long time.
In contrast, Qiu Tao's favorability had reached 30. Although lower than Lin Xinglan's, it was still slowly increasing. She could focus on him for now.
Shen Jianxi sat in the courtyard, chin in hand, and sighed deeply. She knew that giving Lin Xinglan desserts could no longer earn her more favorability. It was time to change tactics.
"What's troubling our A Ci so much?" While she was lost in thought, Qiu Tao sat beside her, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at her.
During this time, he had discreetly investigated within the Shen manor. He had confirmed that her name was genuine and that she harbored no ill intentions, gradually letting down his guard.
However, he noticed that she went out every day, and always with a food box before leaving.
Once or twice was understandable, but after a while, he couldn't help but wonder who she was meeting.
Glancing at him, Shen Jianxi sighed again. "You wouldn't understand." She didn't want to say more. This man was like a fox; one slip-up and he could easily trick her into revealing information.
During this period, Qiu Tao's injuries had largely healed. His internal injuries were no longer as severe, a significant improvement from his near-death state earlier. The spiritual energy within him was also gradually recovering.
Seeing her world-weary expression, Qiu Tao chuckled. So much melancholy for someone so young.
"You..."
"Accompany me for a drink," she suddenly turned to him, her expression serious.
Perhaps it was the moonlight, or perhaps it was her captivating beauty. Qiu Tao, as if compelled, agreed.
It wasn't until he took his first sip of wine that he realized what he had done.
Looking at Shen Jianxi, who drank hers in one gulp, he wanted to stop her, but after a moment's thought, he let it be.
Never mind, let her drink. He was here, after all.
Qiu Tao could see she had something on her mind and sat quietly beside her, accompanying her. This demeanor surprised Shen Jianxi, who glanced at him.
This man was known for his carefree, almost debauched lifestyle, as if he were merely toying with life. Yet, deep down, he possessed a dominant and possessive nature. While he only had feelings for her now, he knew he wanted her, and thus, he wouldn't let go.
At this moment, Shen Jianxi let out a soft moan and turned over. Qiu Tao looked at her back, a sense of possessiveness flashing through his mind.
However, Shen Jianxi, facing the wall, saw her eyes completely shed their haze. They were clear and devoid of emotion.