Chapter 142

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Anna realized that every time she saw him, her heart would uncontrollably flutter. Wearing a delicate smile, she said, “You took the initiative to ask me out, I’m very happy, so there’s no need to apologize.” Yichen sat down, and Anna handed him the menu, but he pushed it back. “You order.” Anna grew even happier. “You used to love foie gras, so let’s have two orders of foie gras.” “Alright.” They ordered the main courses, two drinks, and desserts.

Yichen’s expression was calm as he said, “Earlier, when I saw Ye Xiyang at my place, today I specifically asked you out to say…” “Don’t apologize to me,” Anna’s gaze burned into him, “there’s no need for apologies between us. Besides, this is our first date; I don’t want to hear irrelevant names.” Yichen’s eyes darkened a bit, and he said no more. A long silence stretched between them.

“Do you know,” Anna finally spoke, “when I was with you before, you would just sit quietly without speaking, and I would quietly sit beside you all day. Even though you spoke little, I grew more and more fond of you, unable to extricate myself.” “Why do you like me?” Yichen suddenly asked, his tone cold and detached. “I don’t believe in unchanging feelings in this world, not even familial love. Even someone you want to remember will fade with time. Even if we loved each other deeply before, why do you still remember me after all these years?”

They had never truly loved each other, yet she had always loved him. Three years passed, and her love remained as steadfast as ever, even stronger than before. So he—she must have him. “Because we are the same kind of people. Whatever you have, I also have. Whatever you lack, I can help with. I’ve never met anyone as outstanding as you. I believe by your side, no one else can replace me. Don’t you think we are meant to be?” “I know. You don’t believe in illusory love, and neither do I. Love should be a partnership of equals; only the truly excellent can attract each other, right?”

Just then, the waiter brought their dishes. Yichen picked up his knife and fork, clearly not intending to reply further. Anna knew not to rush things. Since he agreed to try with her, he would follow through.

…

Xiao Qi was overjoyed. One: the matter was resolved. Two: she earned a tidy sum—not by unfair means, but through her own efforts. Although she had taken a slap, her cheek still hurt! Her phone rang; it was Auntie. Fang Yun asked how things went. Xiao Qi cheerfully declared a perfect ending. As she chatted happily, a couple walked past, mentioning going out to sea.

Out to sea? Xiao Qi pulled out her card. Now that she had money, why not go out to sea too? She casually chatted with Auntie, then followed the couple.

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After dinner, Yichen gallantly escorted Anna home. They remained silent the whole way. Upon arriving, neither said a word. Anna opened the car door; Yichen suddenly spoke, “Do you believe in love for a reason?” “Of course not,” Anna quickly replied. “If someone is utterly useless, no one will ever like them. If there is someone like that, they’re probably just as worthless.” Is that so? But why do some people, though clearly good, you avoid, while others, full of flaws, you’re drawn to? “Yichen, what do you think?” “Go inside!” He still didn’t answer. “Alright!” Anna took in his indifferent profile. Throughout the meal, he had seemed so detached, as if nothing could catch his eye or stir his heart. “Yichen, you could…” “Get out of the car.” His gaze was calm as he looked at her. Anna wanted to ask if he could kiss her, but thinking of the long road ahead, she smiled softly, “Drive safely.” Yichen gave a slight nod.

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As soon as she got out, the car sped away. It slowed near the street, and out of the corner of his eye, Yichen suddenly spotted a figure and instinctively slammed on the brakes.

Xiao Qi had been following the young couple for half an hour but no longer wanted to continue. They had stopped by a small creek, embracing and kissing! What? Weren’t they supposed to be going out to sea? Why here? Did she mishear? Were they here to play by the creek… or to kiss by the creek? Suddenly recalling someone kissing her, she quickly decided not to think about him. Her cheeks burned fiercely. She went to wash her face to cool down.

Though November was already quite chilly, Xiao Qi went to the creek to calm herself. After washing her face, the heat in her cheeks eased. Wow, the scenery was beautiful—sunset casting shimmering light across the creek. The cool breeze felt wonderful. Xiao Qi stretched out her slender fingers; her palm was translucent in the sunset. She tilted her face up, eyes closed, savoring the breeze by the creek. Her rosy lips glowed with youthful radiance in the dying light.

A sudden gust caused Xiao Qi to stumble on the muddy bank, and she fell forward into the creek with a splash. She inwardly scolded herself. No way—how could she fall like that?

Nearby, President Lin, who had been following her, saw her fall and immediately dived into the creek without hesitation. The couple nearby shouted, “Ah, someone’s fallen into the water!”

The cold creek water pricked Yichen’s skin like needles. His agile form parted the water swiftly until he saw Xiao Qi struggling, limbs outstretched, face pained as she sank. Her seaweed-like hair floated around her like a fallen fairy—both stunning and forlorn.

Xiao Qi, who couldn’t swim, hadn’t expected the creek to be so deep. Oh no, was she going to drown? She thought about how she, a dignified alien, might perish on Earth by drowning. She felt herself suffocating, then vaguely saw a strong, slender figure rapidly swimming toward her.

As her head lost oxygen, Xiao Qi fainted.

Yichen’s long arms wrapped around her waist, swiftly pulling her from the depths, then he swam quickly toward the shore. He surfaced with her, cradling her in his arms, and laid her on the bank.

“Ye Xiyang?” The young couple ran over, seeing her unconscious and instinctively asked, “Is she going to die?”

Hearing this, Yichen’s heart clenched, panic flashing across his face. He knelt, leaning over her, hands pressing expertly and methodically on her chest, occasionally stimulating acupressure points. Then he gently pressed his lips to her forehead.

One of the men said, “Looks like her life hangs in the balance.” The girl urged, “Handsome, you need to give your girlfriend mouth-to-mouth!” Yichen hadn’t thought of that. Without hesitation, he bent down.

But then—Xiao Qi suddenly spat out a mouthful of water right onto his handsome face. Yichen’s deep, cold eyes fixed on her; time seemed to freeze. His perfect lips softly called three words: “Ye Xiyang?”

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Actually, Xiao Qi immediately opened her eyes upon spitting out the water. Her large eyes felt refreshed, but seeing the handsome face so close, she froze. Yichen was the one calling her. The nearby couple broke the silence. “Miss, you’re okay now—you almost scared your boyfriend to death.” Seeing she was fine, they left. Xiao Qi wanted to say he isn’t my boyfriend. Yichen, who had been staring at her, stood and started to walk away.

He just left? Leaving me alone? She quickly stood up and called after him, “Hey, Lin Yichen, what am I supposed to do if you leave?” She was soaking wet, and night was falling—he was truly heartless. His steps paused; he slightly turned his head. “I saved your life. That’s as much as I owe you.” With that, he resumed walking.

“Lin Yichen!” Somehow, her voice sounded clear and warm. His steps slowed, and he slightly turned again. From a short distance, Xiao Qi stood still, watching his figure. The dimming sky made him seem even more striking, yet cold and lonely. That back alone made her heart race. Nervously, she said, “Thank you for saving me.”

Yichen’s narrow eyes narrowed slightly. His deep gaze held her for a few seconds before he turned and left again. Xiao Qi watched until his tall silhouette disappeared. She pouted—he really left her all alone here. As the sky darkened, a cold wind blew; she immediately crossed her arms, sneezing. She sniffled, realizing a cold was coming. She wondered if her powers would work. Trying to teleport, she failed again. Sigh, looks like she’d have a high fever tonight, and Auntie would worry.

She took out her phone, but it was soaked and useless. So miserable. Why did she even follow that couple? Almost drowned because of it.

Suddenly, she wondered: why was Lin Yichen here? And why did he just happen to save her?

“Get in the car!” Huh? She glanced sideways to see Yichen turning around. He just told her to get in? But hadn’t he left? “Did you drink too much water and go deaf? I told you to get in.” “…” Fine, she got in. Why so fierce?

Once inside, it felt like slipping into a warm quilt—the heater was on. He was surprisingly thoughtful! Now she wasn’t cold anymore. The car started moving. Sitting in the passenger seat, Xiao Qi stole glances at the driver. His expression was cold and calm, his handsome face emotionless. His sharp profile was proud and aloof, his knuckles gripping the steering wheel, focused yet with a hint of casual indifference as he drove.