Chapter 33: I Like You
As the sky gradually darkened, Xiao Yuan walked alongside Ya Fei.
"That little girl named Xiao Yu seems to have some interest in you," Ya Fei said with a slight smile, her red lips curving.
"Yes, we grew up together," Xiao Yuan nodded and responded softly.
"And you?"
Ya Fei raised an eyebrow, looking at Xiao Yuan with interest.
"Me? Well, I think Xiao Yu Jie is quite nice," Xiao Yuan paused for a moment before answering honestly.
Ya Fei couldn't help but shake her head at his answer.
This response, truly no one could match it.
"What I mean is, do you like her?"
Ya Fei directly asked what was on her mind.
"If you mean liking her, then yes, I definitely like her. After all, we've been playing together since childhood. But I'm not sure if it's the same kind of liking as what I feel for Ya Fei Jie," Xiao Yuan frowned slightly, shaking his head.
"Hehe, alright, Xiao Yuan, you're very honest."
Ya Fei looked at Xiao Yuan's serious expression and smiled, then stopped asking further questions.
On the Dou Qi continent, it wasn't uncommon for powerful individuals to have several beauties. From what she knew of Xiao Yuan, if she asked him to choose only her, he would likely be able to do so.
However, Xiao Yuan wouldn't remain in the Jia Ma Empire forever; he would eventually need to go out and forge his path.
When that time came, she naturally wouldn't be able to follow him. Rather than that, it was better to set her sights on something bigger.
With a shift in thought, she spoke softly:
"But, I also understand that we both have our own goals to pursue. I can't always be by your side, but when the day comes for you to leave the Jia Ma Empire to venture out, I'll look after the Xiao family for you."
Xiao Yuan was taken aback by her words. He detected the underlying meaning and smiled before replying earnestly:
"Ya Fei Jie, no matter what, since I've approached you, I won't run away. No matter what, you are the first woman I've truly come to like."
Ya Fei smiled warmly, nodding in agreement, her eyes showing appreciation.
"But, you should be the first and only man for me,"
Ya Fei's eyes grew soft with a hint of melancholy, and she spoke in a low voice.
Xiao Yuan paused for a moment, then, seeing her softening gaze, pulled her into an embrace.
As the sunset's last rays bathed them in gold, their figures intertwined, standing close to each other.
"Sorry, but you'll have to wait for me a few more years, Ya Fei Jie. Once I reach the Dou Wang level, I'll go to the Mittel family personally to propose."
Feeling the slightly stiff body pressed against his chest, Xiao Yuan whispered softly in her ear.
Ya Fei bit her lip, nodding slightly, and with a smile, she responded in a gentle voice.
"Alright, I'll wait for you."
After a long moment, the two slowly separated.
The guards from the Mittel Auction House, who had been waiting nearby, stood frozen. Damn, this kid actually managed to win Ya Fei over?
"Alright, sister really needs to go now, or that Xiao Yu sister will get impatient."
Ya Fei flashed a charming smile, her every expression full of allure, yet her eyes gleamed with playful mockery.
"Mm, alright."
Xiao Yuan smiled as he waved goodbye to Ya Fei.
After watching Ya Fei leave, Xiao Yuan stepped into his Dragon Step and hurried back.
At the location where the coming-of-age ceremony had taken place, no one was left now.
Xiao Yu stood alone, a solitary figure in the empty space, looking quite lonely and forlorn.
"Xiao Yu Jie, sorry to keep you waiting."
Xiao Yuan quickly approached and took out a white cloak from his spatial ring, draping it over Xiao Yu's shoulders.
Thanks to her long, slender legs, Xiao Yu's figure was quite tall, and with Xiao Yuan's cloak draped over her, there was no sense of awkwardness.
"You're back."
Xiao Yu smiled faintly, speaking softly.
?
Xiao Yuan frowned when he heard her and, with a serious expression, reached out to press the back of his hand to Xiao Yu's forehead.
"No fever?"
He then muttered to himself, as if in thought.
"Xiao Yuan!"
Xiao Yu's expression immediately changed, her eyes widened as she glared at Xiao Yuan and sternly scolded him.
"Hehe, just kidding. Let's go, I'll take you back."
Xiao Yuan smiled gently when he saw Xiao Yu return to normal and spoke in a soft tone.
"No, I'm not going back. You're coming with me to the back mountain."
Xiao Yu pouted, her eyes fixed on Xiao Yuan as she spoke.
"Alright, as you wish."
Xiao Yuan nodded, conceding.
"Hmph!"
At this, Xiao Yu's face softened, and she grabbed Xiao Yuan's arm, pulling him toward the Xiao family's back mountain.
That night, under the starry sky and with the moon shining brightly, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yu sat on the ground at a secluded spot in the back mountain. Xiao Yu's legs were soaking in the hot spring.
This was a hot spring Xiao Yu had discovered by chance. Whenever she felt like it, she would come here to bathe and soak in the hot spring.
After discovering the hot spring, Xiao Yu had shared it with Xiao Yuan.
Since then, whenever Xiao Yu bathed, Xiao Yuan would come along to keep watch.
"Since you took over the family's marketplace, we haven't come here in a long time," Xiao Yu said in a low voice.
"Yeah, it's been four years, counting the year you spent at Jia Nan Academy. But even during that year you were gone, I did come here a few times," Xiao Yuan nodded and said softly.
"Last year, on my coming-of-age day, you gave me a dress and a thousand gold coins for my trip to Jia Nan Academy."
"This year, for your coming-of-age, I didn't prepare anything for you. Are you disappointed?"
Xiao Yu's mood seemed to drop, and her voice grew a little bitter.
"Hehe, you coming back to see me is the best gift I could ask for," Xiao Yuan smiled and comforted her softly.
Xiao Yu froze for a moment upon hearing this, and instinctively tried to retort, "I didn't come back just for you..."
But as she looked into Xiao Yuan's eyes, filled with warmth and a smile, she swallowed her words, her heart stirring slightly.
But then, she quickly changed the topic, her voice filled with frustration:
"Wasn't it all for you? But you already have other women in your heart!"
Hearing Xiao Yu's sudden sharp tone, Xiao Yuan was left speechless.
Could it be this way?
Xiao Yuan shook his head helplessly, then said seriously:
"Xiao Yu Jie, although we might not have any real blood relation anymore, we're still considered cousins in name."
Xiao Yu suddenly covered Xiao Yuan's mouth with her hand, her gaze locking onto his as she spoke seriously:
"I don't care. Ever since we were little, I've only had you in my heart. You're not allowed to reject me! I've made up my mind now, if you don't act, some other woman will steal your heart! We grew up together, and we'll always be together in the future!"
(END CHAPTER)
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