The aftermath of hearing a thunderous piece of news meant she couldn't stop thinking about those words in everything she did, not even noticing when the basin of flour was submerged in water.
Qiu Tao walked in and saw exactly that scene.
The flour had turned into a batter, and water was still being added, flowing down the table onto her shoes without her even realizing it.
"What are you thinking about, Xiao Ci'er?"
From behind, he embraced her in a circle, took the bowl of water from her hand which was still being filled, set it aside, and turned her body to face him.
Seeing her dazed look, Qiu Tao found her adorable and couldn't resist leaning down to peck her lips.
Shen Jianxi, jolted back from her own world, felt her lips being ambushed. She looked up and glared at the charming man in front of her, "Don't touch me!"
Her expression was fierce yet cute, lacking any deterrent but instead making Qiu Tao's throat tighten.
Just as he was about to do something, Ling Rouhu suddenly ran in and began clawing and biting at Qiu Tao's leg, baring its teeth ferociously when he looked over.
Qiu Tao let go of her in pain, chased around the courtyard by Ling Rouhu. While it seemed like he was being chased, he was actually just teasing the little fox.
Shen Jianxi let out a chuckle. This little guy was now plump and fair from her care, its fur shimmering under the sun, exceptionally beautiful.
She didn't know what other people's Ling Rouhu were like, but hers seemed exceptionally intelligent.
Qiu Tao, being chased, leaped onto a tree. He wasn't incapable of fighting, but this little creature was her pet. If it got injured, she would be sad, so he could only dodge it.
Ling Rouhu continued to make fierce growls from under the tree. Shen Jianxi walked over, bent down, and scooped it into her arms.
Seeing it instantly become docile, she chuckled and lightly tapped its tiny black nose, saying dotingly, "Oh you, why are you so mischievous."
It chirped twice, as if acting spoiled, then buried its little head in Shen Jianxi's chest and nuzzled against her, making Qiu Tao's expression darken.
He grabbed it by the scruff of its neck and lifted it, warning it regardless of whether it understood, "You're a male fox, don't get too forward."
Seeing the two of them like this, Shen Jianxi felt helpless, wondering why he was arguing with a fox at his age.
Under Ling Rouhu's pleading gaze, she took it from him, "Are you not childish?"
Qiu Tao put on a wronged expression, "It bit me, and you're not scolding it, you're scolding me!"
Sighing, this kind of scene had been happening since Qiu Tao could walk. She even knew how to comfort him by heart: "Alright, alright, it was wrong. Don't be angry anymore, don't be angry."
Qiu Tao paused. This time, he genuinely felt a bit awkward. He had heard this sentence countless times, not a single word changed, not even the tone!
"I will be leaving for a few days," he suddenly said, looking at the young girl who was playing with the fox. "I'll be back by the end of the month, and I'll take you with me then."
Recently, the Qiu family had been a bit unstable. The demon race, in an effort to win over the Qiu family, had made many underhanded moves. Although there hadn't been any major losses, it had still had some impact, and these were things he couldn't ignore.
Shen Jianxi didn't reply about whether she would go with him. She glanced at him and said, "Have a safe trip."
This indifferent attitude made Qiu Tao grit his teeth. In a fit of pique, he cupped her face and bit her lip, only letting go when he heard her gasp of surprise.
He pressed his forehead against hers and whispered, "Wait for me."
Then, he summoned his sword and flew away.
She stroked the fur of the little fox in her arms, noting that she had seen his sword for the first time.
❤️
"How long do you intend to stare at me?"
A mournful gaze from beside her fixedly stared at her, her eyeballs constantly shifting with her movements. Shen Jianxi put down what she was holding and sat on a chair, looking at him helplessly.
Lin Xinglan remained silent, only watching her, not even sparing a glance at the table laden with pastries exuding an enticing sweet fragrance.
"Didn't I explain? I really had something to do yesterday." She then picked up a piece of puffed rice candy and offered it to his mouth, "Come on, ah—"
Lin Xinglan, contrary to her expectation, did not open his mouth but dodged to the side, "Where do you live?"
"Huh?"
Thinking she hadn't heard him clearly, Lin Xinglan turned to look at her and said earnestly, "Where do you live? I'll come find you later."
She placed the puffed rice candy back on the plate and meticulously wiped her fingers with a handkerchief, her mind racing, "I, I, I live in Sifang City."
This answer clearly did not satisfy Lin Xinglan. His lips pressed into a thin line, and he obstinately repeated the two words: "Where."
Seeing that she couldn't hide it anymore, Shen Jianxi reluctantly said, "I am a collateral descendant of the Shen family."
This statement made Lin Xinglan recall the fiancée of the senior disciple from the boat yesterday. They were indeed from the same family, and he felt a pang of regret for not having insisted yesterday.
"I understand."
That was all he said, lost in his own thoughts.
"Eat quickly, I made a lot today. See which kind you like."
Shen Jianxi propped her chin and watched him. The way he ate was different from his usual demeanor; he ate quickly but not rudely.
As he was eating, he seemed to recall something. Lin Xinglan put down the pastries and looked at her, "I'm leaving soon."
"Ah!? Where are you going?"
Her heart ached. This was the first time he had experienced such reluctance. "Back to the sect."
Recently, Mingxin Sect had not been peaceful. The demon race's influence had already infiltrated the sect. His senior and second senior disciples were both occupied, and he had to rush back. Sud an novel network.
"Can you come with me?"
Huh?!
What, everyone was saying the same thing...
She chuckled awkwardly, "It's probably not possible. My parents definitely wouldn't agree."
Lin Xinglan's head drooped in disappointment, and he suddenly lost his appetite.
Looking at the fluffy head in front of him, Shen Jianxi couldn't help but reach out and stroke it, "Don't worry, I'll come visit you."
Lin Xinglan looked up, his eyes meeting hers, which were full of gentleness. His fingers trembled, and then he looked at the tree branches swaying in the wind outside the window, and softly hummed in agreement.
Shen Jianxi walked around the table and stood in front of him, looking at him seriously. Recalling the random mission, she leaned forward and, under Lin Xinglan's confused gaze, gently hugged him, silently counting down in her heart.
Lin Xinglan's eyes widened. The scent of her enveloped him, and his heart inexplicably began to race.
Is he sick? he thought. Perhaps he should have the physician take a look when he returned.
77: "Beep! Random mission: Complete thirty seconds of physical contact with Lin Xinglan within 24 hours!"