Physical contact, it had to be said, was the most direct and fastest way to foster affection.
By the time the movie ended, the awkwardness between the two had completely vanished. While they weren't exactly intimate yet, their hands no longer recoiled from each other as if shocked when they brushed.
It was nearly eight o'clock when the movie finished. Despite not having had dinner, neither Feng Chuyao nor she felt hungry.
The restaurant they had originally booked had already been canceled when they decided to watch a movie.
They walked side by side along the road in silence.
The streetlights flickered, casting shifting patterns on them.
A gentle evening breeze stirred Shen Jianxi's hair. Though no words were exchanged, the silence wasn't awkward.
It was precisely the time when a city's nightlife was beginning. Food stalls lined the street, and the lively atmosphere made both of them feel a bit hungry.
Passing by a wonton shop, Feng Chuyao stopped. "Shall we eat something here?"
Shen Jianxi glanced at the crowded little shop and nodded. "Sure."
The shop owner added a small table for them outside. After Feng Chuyao ordered, he brought over two stools.
As soon as they sat down, the aroma of wontons filled their nostrils.
Their attire and looks seemed somewhat out of place in this street-side eatery, drawing a few extra glances from the surrounding patrons.
Noticing the attention, Feng Chuyao frowned. He took off his suit jacket and draped it over her legs. Meeting her questioning gaze, a faint smile touched his lips as he explained, "It's cool at night."
Feeling his thoughtfulness, she grasped the edge of the jacket and felt the lingering warmth of his body. A sweet sensation bloomed in her heart, and she didn't refuse his kindness.
"Thank you."
Just then, the owner brought over their wontons. Shen Jianxi took two pairs of disposable chopsticks from the holder, carefully smoothed out any rough edges, and then handed them over.
Feng Chuyao thanked her.
"Pfft!" She suddenly chuckled, then waved her hand sheepishly when she met his eyes. "It's nothing. I just think it's funny how we keep thanking each other."
Hearing her say that, Feng Chuyao also realized their conversation was a bit too polite.
Although the atmosphere had eased and they no longer addressed each other as "Miss" and "Sir," this ingrained habit of thanking each other was difficult to break.
A clear smile in his eyes, the man said with mock seriousness, "You're right. Since we've decided to pursue a relationship with marriage in mind, being this polite seems a bit distant."
"How about this: we'll stop thanking each other. Whoever says 'thank you' first has to grant the other person one request. What do you say?"
A bit of playful banter was essential between people who liked each other. Even if Feng Chuyao hadn't suggested it, Shen Jianxi would have thought of something similar. Since he brought it up first, she had no reason to refuse.
Neither of them was shy or hesitant, so she readily agreed.
After settling on this, Shen Jianxi prepared to lower her head and eat. By now, she was indeed quite hungry. Soudan Novels.
However, as soon as she put a small wonton into her mouth, the pendant on her chest suddenly emitted a scorching heat. It was so hot that she dropped the spoon she was holding, its handle clattering against the rim of the bowl.
"What's wrong?" Feng Chuyao looked at her with concern, seeing her discomfort.
The heat from her chest kept rising. Shen Jianxi forced a smile. "It's nothing. It's just that I suddenly remembered an urgent matter and need to leave."
Hearing this, the man immediately got up to pay, intending to escort her home.
"No need." Shen Jianxi stopped him. "I can go back by myself. I'll treat you to a meal next time."
With that, she stood up and walked away quickly, as if afraid of being caught.
After all, with the pendant malfunctioning, it would be difficult to explain if something happened in such a public place.
Her pace was too fast. By the time Feng Chuyao finished paying and looked in the direction she had gone, she was nowhere to be seen.
...
Shen Jianxi found a secluded public restroom. After confirming that all the stalls were empty, she took out the pendant in front of the mirror.
The pendant had lost its original color and had turned a vibrant red, the exact same shade as her dress.
Seeing this, Shen Jianxi felt a chill of fear. Fortunately, the pendant was long enough to be hidden beneath her clothes. If it had changed color right in front of Feng Chuyao, it wouldn't have been funny at all.
The pendant continued to radiate heat, and its temperature seemed to be rising.
Not knowing what else to do, she tentatively placed the pendant under the faucet, hoping to cool it with cold water.
The moment the water touched the pendant, it evaporated. Simultaneously, a blinding light emanated from her hand, enveloping her. As the light faded, she vanished from the spot.
...
"General, be careful!"
As soon as Shen Jianxi entered another world, before she could even grasp the situation, she felt a sharp pain in her right shoulder, making her mind go blank.
As her body tilted backward, a strong arm caught her waist.
She looked up and saw Qin Lang's ruggedly handsome face.
His face was covered in minor cuts and dust, which only enhanced his masculine charm.
However, Shen Jianxi didn't have the energy to focus on that now. She was in excruciating pain!
Qin Lang held her with one arm while using the other to fend off enemies. Fighting and retreating simultaneously, the jolting motion worsened Shen Jianxi's already precarious condition.
But the sounds of swords clashing around them told her this was no time to complain.
She endured the pain and curled up obediently in Qin Lang's arms. Lu Hao, Si Hao, and Ba Hao, who were in the distance, wanted to reinforce them but were held back by the unending stream of enemies.
Although Qin Lang was skilled in martial arts, he was now carrying a burden. He himself had sustained many injuries. In a moment of carelessness, he was forced to the edge of a cliff.
The enemies in front of him formed a widening circle, their gazes fixed on him. Qin Lang glanced at the woman in his arms, who remained silent, and decided to take her with him.
He decisively leaped off the cliff.
The sensation of freefall made Shen Jianxi want to curse. Just as she decided to go back and leave this scoundrel to die, she saw him forcefully swing his sword and lodge it into a crevice in the rock.
Qin Lang paused briefly, found a protrusion to step on with his feet, gathered his strength, pulled out the sword, dropped a short distance, and then lodged it into another crevice.
This repetitive action allowed both of them to safely reach the bottom of the cliff.
The moment her feet touched the ground, Shen Jianxi was speechless. Having lost so much blood, she could no longer stay conscious and fainted.