Chu Lian hadn’t expected that the arrogant woman would really follow him, and he was somewhat displeased. He felt that nothing good ever happened when he was with her: their hands had touched, they had even kissed, it was better to keep as far away as possible, so he quickened his pace.
Behind him, Wang Xiangxiang was even more displeased. This shameless man was trying to shake her off as if she were a nuisance. If there had been anyone else around, she would not have followed him so shamelessly; she would have preferred to keep her distance.
Chu Lian walked fast, and Wang Xiangxiang was not slow either, following closely behind him. This made Chu Lian somewhat spiteful, and he sped up his steps. When he sped up, Wang Xiangxiang didn’t show weakness either and started to jog to catch up with him.
Chu Lian was so annoyed that he sighed countless times in his heart. How could there be such a woman who he couldn’t shake off?
The two started competing in speed out of spite, when suddenly Wang Xiangxiang misstepped with a "Ouch."
Chu Lian heard the cry and reflexively looked back, just in time to see Wang Xiangxiang falling towards him. Without thinking, he reached out and caught her.
The two ended up in an embrace. After regaining their balance, they immediately separated like dodging the plague, both feeling utterly jinxed by the other.
Chu Lian spoke with clear irritation, "You, this arrogant woman, how can you be so clumsy, not watching where you’re going?"
After saying that, he glanced at Wang Xiangxiang, seeing her fall while trying to catch up to him, and thought that maybe he was being petty, actually holding a grudge against a woman. Just as he was about to ease the mood, he heard her say.
"It’s because of you, this rascal, walking so fast, leaving no time to watch the road."
Chu Lian’s veins bulged with anger, "Who are you calling a rascal?"
"Is there anyone else here? I’m talking about you."
"You!" Chu Lian was so infuriated by this woman that he was almost at a loss for words.
"What ’you’? You’re calling me an arrogant woman, did I say anything?"
Wang Xiangxiang was really irritated too. How could his words be so cutting, calling her arrogant?
Because of the atmosphere, both of them, in a show of pride, turned their heads away from each other.
Although angry, Chu Lian still slowed down his pace, fearing she might fall again if she couldn’t keep up. Both of them walked in silence, reaching the doorstep of the house where Yang Ming and Xiaoxiao were.
Xiaoxiao was afraid that closing the door would affect the air circulation in the room, which might affect Yang Ming’s recovery, so the door was always open. She sat inside, looking at Yang Ming, singing to him, "Would you like to be my husband?"
"If you don’t know which way to go tomorrow, just stay by my side, would you like to be my husband? Your not-so-broad shoulders will still be my warm embrace..."
Chu Lian stopped in his tracks because of Xiaoxiao’s singing, and Wang Xiangxiang bumped into him again as he came to a halt.
Wang Xiangxiang was truly exasperated. How could this man just stop abruptly? She was just about to yell at him when Chu Lian’s hand covered her mouth, signaling her to be quiet.
Wang Xiangxiang was puzzled but nodded obediently in agreement.
After Chu Lian let go of her mouth, he leaned against the wall next to the door, quietly listening to the lyrics coming from inside.
"Perhaps I can give you a bit of surprise, some laughter, a simple and reassuring nest, to accompany you from dawn till we grow old."
Such lyrics, such a voice, sung for Yang Ming. He hadn’t even confessed his feelings, had he lost already?
He leaned there, his dejected expression completely captured by Wang Xiangxiang.
Wang Xiangxiang revealed a sly smile. It seemed she had caught the rascal in a bind.