He pulled the book from her hands, lifted her chin with his finger, making her look into his eyes.
"I will reward the chef who cooked today, he did a splendid job. From now on, let him cook for you, what do you think?"
"Whatever you want is fine." Lin Xinlan’s voice was still indifferent.
"Xinlan, I know you’ve been unhappy lately, and that’s because you’re unwilling to forgive yourself. Try to open your heart, let everything go, and get along with me, will you? I promise, you’ll be happier and more joyful than before."
Lin Xinlan blinked but said nothing.
Qiao Yiyang’s gaze began to turn intense. Seeing her face, his heart and mind couldn’t stay calm.
The more she rejected him, the deeper he seemed to fall.
Slightly lifting her delicate chin, he slowly leaned down, his gaze darkening as he looked at her rosy lips.
Lin Xinlan didn’t move; he felt a surge of joy, thinking she wasn’t rejecting him. In a moment of impulse, he leaned in for a kiss, but a book blocked him.
"Xinlan... you really are mischievous..." Qiao Yiyang was stunned for a moment, then let out a laugh.
She casually pushed him away and stood up, saying, "It’s getting late, you should go to sleep soon, I need to rest too."
"Alright, but shouldn’t there be a goodnight kiss?" He asked with a smile, waiting for her to take the initiative.
Lin Xinlan silently looked at him, her expression unreadable.
Qiao Yiyang had no choice but to give in, "Then you should sleep soon, goodnight."
He stretched out his hand and tenderly caressed her head, his fingers lingering on her face with a touch of affection.
His handsome face carried a smile, a man of his stature watching a woman with such tenderness, anyone would be moved.
But Lin Xinlan wasn’t.
Qiao Yiyang tasted defeat once more, his eyes slightly dimmed, but he still smiled warmly at her, "Then I’ll leave, you should rest early."
After he left, Lin Xinlan hurriedly locked the door.
She leaned against it, her breath somewhat ragged.
Since noon, she had been unable to think clearly. She had truly worried that Qiao Yiyang would notice her abnormality.
Hand gently resting on her chest, she looked out at the moonlight and murmured, "Shaoze, is that you?"
"It’s me." A deep voice suddenly resonated.
She was startled, seeing a figure emerging from the bathroom; the man was George, the chef who had made fried rice for her today.
When did he sneak in?
The man watched her intensely, saying nothing, nor moving closer.
Lin Xinlan also looked at him, trying hard to find Shaoze’s shadow in his figure.
In just two seconds, she was certain it really was Rong Shaoze.
She threw herself at him with force, and the man opened his long arms, catching her body, holding her tight.
"Is it really you?" Lin Xinlan hurriedly held his face, asking urgently.
Her eyes filled with eagerness and anticipation, the man’s gaze was deep as he nodded lightly, yet his response was certain.
Lin Xinlan suddenly kissed his lips, holding his head, kissing him deeply.
Rong Shaoze kissed her back, immediately taking control.
They were like lovers separated for thousands of years and now reunited, so excited that only through their kisses could they confirm the other stood before them.
The kiss lasted a long time, over and over, tirelessly, until at last both were out of energy and parted, breathless.