"Do you like it here!?"
The man strode over to the woman, wrapping his arms around the elegant girl in white, pulling her into his embrace.
He rested his chin lightly on her neck, inhaling the unique, subtle fragrance that surrounded her.
Being held by him made Xin'er, who had been as joyful as a little bird, feel her smile replaced by shyness.
Although he often liked to hold her, each time he drew near, it would make her blush and her heart race with nervousness.
At that moment, feeling his strong arms encircle her slender waist, holding her tightly against him, she felt a sense of security.
The faint yet pleasant scent of Magnolia enveloped her completely, bringing her comfort.
Warmth...
Thinking of this, Xin'er felt a flutter in her heart. She lifted her little face and smiled at him, nodding gently as she spoke.
"Yes, I really like it here; it's so beautiful! Xuan, look at the river ahead; it sparkles like a layer of jewels on the surface. It's truly lovely!"
Xin'er pointed excitedly at the river in front of them.
Her slightly blushed little face, glowing with joy and excitement just moments ago, now beamed like a blooming flower, captivating anyone who looked at her.
Seeing this, the man's long deep black eyes sparkled for a moment. Then, as if struck by an idea, he grinned and said with a teasing smile.
"Hehe, if you like it so much, I'll give you some jewels. How about that?"
"Ah?! You want to give me jewels? Xuan, are you confused? Those are just water; where are the jewels?"
Upon hearing Leng Yixuan's words, Xin'er was taken aback, thinking that he was joking, and couldn't help but laugh.
However, when Leng Yixuan heard Xin'er's response, he maintained a smile on his lips. His deep black eyes, filled with affection, gazed directly at her as he confidently said, "You don't believe I can give you the gem!?"
"Hehe, I don't believe it," Xin'er replied with a chuckle.
Although she believed in her heart that Xuan was capable of anything, she truly couldn't fathom that he would actually give her a gem. It was merely the sunlight reflecting off the river's surface.
Thinking this, Xin'er shook her head with a smile.
Seeing this, Leng Yixuan let out a heavy sigh, as if he were deeply disappointed by Xin'er's words.
"Do you really not trust me? I'm so hurt! But Xin'er, how about we make a bet?"
"A bet!? What kind of bet!?"
Upon hearing this, Xin'er was momentarily stunned and became curious.
"Let's bet that I won't leave your side. If you just close your eyes, when I tell you to open them again, I will have the gem ready for you. What do you say!?"
"Hehe, sounds good."
Seeing Leng Yixuan's enthusiastic demeanor piqued Xin'er's interest, and she readily agreed.
Then, she heard him speak again.
"Alright, now close your eyes. I'll count to three, and then you can open them."
Seeing the man’s serious demeanor, Xin'er found it amusing but still complied obediently.
She slowly closed her eyes, quietly listening to the man's hoarse yet gentle countdown, causing her heart to race uncontrollably.
"One, two, three..."
As he finished counting, Xin'er followed his instructions and slowly opened her Beautiful Eyes.
She initially thought the man was just playing a trick on her.
After all, he hadn’t left her side—how could he possibly give her a 'gem'!?
However, when Xin'er saw the Diamond Necklace hanging before her, she felt as if she had been struck by lightning, completely stunned.
Her once puzzled Beautiful Eyes widened in shock.
The Diamond Necklace was exquisitely beautiful, especially the Heart-Shaped Pendant dangling in the center, which was crafted so finely that it instantly captured one’s affection.
At that moment, the Heart-Shaped Pendant sparkled brilliantly under the sunlight, overshadowing even the golden glimmers of the riverbank behind it.
After a moment of astonishment, Xin'er couldn’t help but murmur in disbelief.
"This Chain... how did it end up in your hands!? I clearly lost it last time..."
Xin'er spoke, unable to believe what she was saying.
This Chain had gone missing when she was abducted; after that, she could never find it again.
At that moment, she felt an emptiness around her neck, as if a piece of her heart was missing, no matter how hard she tried to fill it.
Because this chain was the first gift Xuān had given her.
Moreover, Xuān had said that this heart-shaped pendant represented his heart...
His heart was placed upon her, yet she had accidentally lost it.
At that time, she didn't dare to tell Xuān. Who would have thought that this chain would end up in his hands?
Was it a coincidence or fate!?
In that moment, Xīn'er felt a mix of excitement and confusion.
In contrast to the puzzled and excited Xīn'er, Léng Yixuān lowered his head, taking in the vivid expression on her face. Then, with a smile playing on his red lips, he softly spoke.
"This chain was found when I sent someone to search for it in the outskirts. This chain represents my heart. When I held it in my hands, it felt as if my heart was torn apart. Because my heart has already been lost to you; how could you lose it!? So now, it has returned to its rightful owner. My heart should be with you, this is..."
At this point, Léng Yixuān paused before continuing.
"It is destined! In this life and the next, you are the woman I have chosen! Xīn'er, I love you! I have loved you for a long time!" He had loved her since childhood...
"So, marry me!"
Because asking her to be his wife was a vow he made when he was young!
As Léng Yixuān thought about this, his tone became incredibly resolute.
However, he did not realize that his words struck Xīn'er like thunderbolts, relentlessly hitting her one after another.
In an instant, Xin'er felt her mind go blank with a loud 'bang,' unable to think of anything at all.
After a long while, she finally came to her senses, her heart racing with excitement and shock.
Oh my!
What did he just say!???
He said he loves her!? And that he wants her to marry him!?
She was in disbelief. Oh my!!! Did he say something wrong, or did she mishear him!?
Just as Xin'er was lost in her thoughts of shock and confusion, the man, perhaps sensing her turmoil, waited patiently for her to digest the news before speaking again.
"I didn't misspeak, and you didn't mishear me. I said, Xin'er, I love you! Will you marry me!?"
His voice was hoarse and emotional, like a fine vintage wine just uncorked, intoxicating and irresistible.
At that moment, his face was serious and determined, with a hint of nervousness as he looked into Xin'er's deep black eyes, filled with unwavering resolve and deep affection.
If it had been any other woman, she would have undoubtedly burst into tears of joy and immediately agreed.
After all, this man before her was high above the rest, immensely noble.
He had everything—power, fame, wealth, status, and looks.
Moreover, he was gentle in nature, treating people and things with kindness and generosity.
A man like him was truly rare in this world!
To receive his care and affection was truly a blessing that one could only hope to earn over several lifetimes.
However, it was precisely because he was so wonderful.
This man was simply too good, so good that Xin'er couldn't find a single fault in him.
Yet, despite being such a remarkable man, even though he said he loved her...
She felt unworthy of him.
Thinking of this, Xin'er couldn't help but feel a sharp pang in her heart, a deep and painful ache.
Because, in truth, she had gradually begun to like this man before her without even realizing it.
She enjoyed spending time with him; even when they sat in silence, she felt the atmosphere was pleasant and her heart warm.
When she couldn't see him, she missed him terribly.
Especially during the days when she had been taken away by others, all she could think about was him.
At that time, she deceived herself into believing that she didn't have feelings for him.
But now, upon hearing this man's proposal, she understood her own heart.
Unbeknownst to her, she had already fallen for this man.
After all, who wouldn't like such an exceptional person?
If it were possible, she truly wished to stay by his side for a lifetime, even if it meant being his maid forever, serving him.
However...
She knew exactly what her identity was!
To put it nicely, she had a wealthy father.
But she had seen clearly what kind of person her father was. She had long since considered herself as having no father at all.
At this moment, she had only one younger brother to rely on. The two siblings were alone in the world, so humble and pitiful.
How could someone like her ever be worthy of someone so high and mighty!?
Moreover, did this man intend to marry her as a concubine!?
Perhaps there were many who wished to be his woman, to be his concubine, but she was unwilling.
Others might scoff when they learned of her thoughts.
They would say that with her background, it was already a blessing for anyone to let her be a concubine.
But she truly did not want that.
Because once upon a time, she had a happy family.
Then, another woman intervened and shattered her family.
She had to admit that she hated that woman.
It was that woman who caused her parents to separate.
Her mother had to endure so much, raising the two siblings alone, ultimately feeling both melancholy and joy.
Therefore, she absolutely could not become a Concubine; she could not become someone she despised!
Thinking of this, Xin'er felt a pang of pain in her heart.
The little face that had lost its laughter hung low, too afraid to look at the man's face.
Because he could not see her expression, Leng Yixuan found it difficult to understand what was on Xin'er's mind.
He only sensed that after hearing his words, Xin'er seemed unhappy and distressed.
Seeing this, Leng Yixuan felt puzzled, and his handsome brows furrowed tightly.
"Xin'er, what's wrong!? Could it be... that you are unwilling!?"
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