It was quite late when they came out of the hotpot restaurant.
After He Li dropped Miao Xiaoyu off at her place, he and Wu Gang each headed home. At this hour, He Li’s parents were sitting on the couch, soaking their feet and watching TV.
In the afternoon, He Li had already told them he’d be back late, so they weren’t worried. But perhaps something crossed her mind, because He’s mother suddenly asked, “Son, are you having a fight with that Liu girl these past two days? You used to walk her home every day, but now you’re both going your separate ways. What’s going on?” She looked suspicious.
He’s father, He Weiguo, also got interested and turned to look at him. They were well aware of He Li’s feelings for Liu Yuyan. His recent indifference toward her made his mother sense that something must’ve happened between them, which is why she couldn’t help asking. He Li, however, seemed to have expected this and didn’t look surprised.
He simply shook his head, “What could possibly be going on between us? We’re not related—going our separate ways is normal.”
The two elders were stunned for a moment. Judging by He Li’s tone, he had given up on pursuing Liu Yuyan?
He’s father sighed, “Li‑zi, your mother and I saw how you used to treat her. Now that you’ve graduated high school, we won’t stop you from dating anymore. Just don’t end up regretting it.”
“Dad!” He Li said, laughing helplessly. “What are you thinking? There’s really nothing between me and Liu Yuyan. Besides, I already like someone else.”
“Huh?” The two parents were even more confused now.
He Li continued, “Mom, you’ve met her too. She’s way better than Liu Yuyan. I’ll bring her over to visit sometime.”
With that, he got up and went to his room. He’s father looked suspiciously at his wife, “Do you know who he likes?”
“How would I…” She was about to shake her head when the image of Miao Xiaoyu suddenly popped into her mind. Could it be her? If it was that girl, she really wasn’t inferior to Liu Yuyan. In fact, in terms of personality, she might be even better! She just wasn’t sure about the girl’s background.
After a moment of thought, He’s mother nodded, “I think I know.”
“By the way, aren’t you off work tomorrow?”
“Yeah, why?” He’s father asked, puzzled.
She grinned, “Then tomorrow morning, tell Li‑zi to bring that girl over for lunch. You and I can take a good look and see what she’s like.”
“Alright!” He’s father agreed immediately.
Unaware of his parents’ little plan, He Li finished washing up, returned to his room, and pulled out his phone. Staring at the wallpaper of him and Miao Xiaoyu, he smiled to himself for quite a while before getting back to planning his next move.
“My current funds are too limited. I can’t do big deals, and small ones don’t bring much profit. But over at Hongyun Street, there’s a business opportunity…”
…
“Hongyun Street? Sounds great, I’m in!” Early in the morning, Miao Xiaoyu, curled up in bed like a kitten, brightened up when she got He Li’s call inviting her out. Then, in a shy voice, she asked, “Is it just the two of us this time?”
“Should we bring Wu Gang along?” He Li teased.
Immediately, Miao Xiaoyu shook her head like a drum, “No…” Then she realized how that sounded and quickly added, blushing, “He might have other things to do. We shouldn’t bother him if he’s busy, right?” Even she felt her excuse was a bit shaky. She didn’t really care about Wu Gang’s schedule—she just didn’t want him tagging along as a third wheel. Read the latest chapters at novelping.com.
“It’s rare for He Li to invite me out. Even if it’s for business, this still counts as a date, right? After all, it’s just the two of us!”
She smiled sweetly at the thought.
Meanwhile, He Li could already picture Miao Xiaoyu’s shy and adorable expression in his head. He didn’t expose her feelings, just smiled and said, “Alright, just the two of us then. Call me when you’re ready. I’ll come after breakfast.”
“Mm-hmm!” After hanging up, Miao Xiaoyu hugged her blanket and rolled on the bed twice with a grin. But then she suddenly jumped up, “No, I need to change into something nice!”
“Let’s see… what should I wear?”
“And… should I prepare some lunch?”
“We might be out for a long time, and if he gets hungry, I could take out the lunch I made myself…”
“Hehehe, he’d definitely be happy!”
“Ugh, there’s not much time. Gotta hurry!” She got out of bed in a rush, washed up, started cooking, and then used her spare moments to pull out a pile of cute clothes to choose from.
By the time she had everything ready, it was already past nine. She quickly called He Li.
They met at the entrance of the residential area.
Today, Miao Xiaoyu wore a simple T-shirt with a pleated skirt. Her slender legs were wrapped in black stockings, and her fair little hand waved as she approached. She looked like a character straight out of a manga—beautiful, lively, and brimming with youthful energy.
Passersby couldn’t help but stare. Some were amazed, others blushed and lowered their heads, not daring to look too long.
Even He Li found himself staring uncontrollably.
Maybe sensing his gaze, Miao Xiaoyu asked timidly, “What’s wrong?”
He Li shook his head, “It’s just… you’re so beautiful today, I couldn’t help but look a few more times.”
Such a direct compliment from her crush hit Miao Xiaoyu like a critical blow. If she had a health bar, that one line would have emptied it. But her counterattack began immediately…
“T‑then… can I dress like this for you more often?”
She lowered her eyes, voice soft and shy.
He Li’s heart, which had been calm moments ago, started pounding wildly. He glanced at the girl beside him, who wasn’t even watching the road, and was just about to nod—
When she tripped on a raised tile and instinctively fell forward.
Without thinking, He Li reached out and pulled her close—
Holding her warm and soft frame, He Li’s face even turned slightly red. Miao Xiaoyu, overwhelmed with shyness and panic, leaned weakly against him, unable to get up.
People passing by looked at them with all kinds of expressions…
“Kids these days are so bold?”
“Back in my day, I didn’t even dare hold hands in public!”
“Ah, my heart’s broken. Just found a new goddess and she’s already in someone else’s arms!”
“Isn’t it a perfect match though? Goddess and god. Didn’t you see how handsome that guy is? Way beyond your level.”
“…Do you have to crush me like that?”
“Mommy, they’re so big and still want cuddles!”
…
With stares ranging from surprise, envy, heartbreak, and jealousy—even a curious child’s—He Li reluctantly let go of Miao Xiaoyu and helped her stand. But her face was still flushed like fire, ears red, burning hot.
Despite her embarrassment, Miao Xiaoyu felt sweet as honey.
He Li had hugged her. She was thrilled to the core.
“His chest is so broad… so secure.”
“And he smells so nice. I wish… I wish I could stay in his arms forever.”
Then she scolded herself internally, “Miao Xiaoyu, be satisfied! One hug is already amazing, and now you’re shamelessly wishing for more?”
He Li glanced sideways at her. Though he couldn’t hear her thoughts, he could tell she didn’t dislike being in his arms just now.
But after what just happened, the air between them turned awkward. Neither knew what to say.
Thinking quickly, He Li chuckled to ease the mood, “Xiaoyu, does what you said earlier still count?”
“Mm!” Miao Xiaoyu nodded, her blush still lingering.
He Li smiled even more, “Then I’ve got something to look forward to. After all, our goddess Miao is so beautiful~”
“Hehe~” Miao Xiaoyu’s beautiful eyes curved into crescent moons.
The two of them walked off toward Hongyun Street, laughing and chatting all the way.