162: Chapter 162 Warm breath brushed against her lips

Libo Xiaoqiqong truly lived up to its reputation.

The waterfalls cascaded in layers, and the sound of gurgling water was incessant.

The lake water was clear and emerald blue, and on the shore, ancient trees reached for the sky, entwined with vines. The reflections were like a painting, beautiful beyond the mortal realm.

They rented a small boat, and Xiao Wenhan took the oars.

Xia Ningle sat at the bow, her fingers brushing against the cool lake water, stirring up fine ripples.

“Look at that tree! It looks like it's growing in the water!”

She pointed at a peculiar tree on the bank and turned around excitedly, causing the boat to sway gently.

“Sit still.” Xiao Wenhan slowed his rowing speed to steady the small boat.

Sunlight filtered through the dense shade, dancing in her hair. Her smile was completely clear, more dazzling than the lake and mountain scenery.

He suddenly felt that on this journey, the most beautiful scenery was right before his eyes.

The boat moved to the center of the lake, and the surroundings became increasingly quiet, with only the sound of the oars stirring the water's surface.

Xia Ningle quieted down, resting her chin on her hand as she watched him row.

Xiao Wenhan's movements weren't practiced, but they were steady. The lines of his arms tightened slightly from the exertion, and fine beads of sweat broke out on his forehead.

As if possessed, she reached out and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead with her fingertips.

When her cool fingertips touched his skin, both of them froze.

Xiao Wenhan's rowing motion stopped instantly, and the small boat drifted gently with the ripples.

He looked up at her, his eyes deep, reflecting the green water and blue sky, as well as her slightly flustered appearance.

Xia Ningle tried to pull her hand back as if she had been burned, but he freed one hand and gently grasped her wrist.

His palm was burning hot, with thin calluses from rowing, as he rubbed the delicate skin on the inside of her wrist.

The air seemed to freeze, leaving only their intertwined breathing and heartbeats, clearer than the sound of the water.

“I... I just saw that you were sweating...” she explained in a small voice, her cheeks flushed, her eyes darting away, not daring to look directly at him.

Xiao Wenhan didn't speak; he just held her wrist, his thumb unconsciously rubbing gently against the place where her pulse throbbed.

It was beating extremely fast, just like his.

After a long while, he whispered, “Yeah, it is a bit hot.”

But he didn't let go, nor did he continue rowing.

They just let the boat circle gently in the middle of the jade-like lake, as if floating in a dream isolated from the world.

It wasn't until the laughter of other tour boats came from behind that the spell-like silence was broken.

Xiao Wenhan slowly released her wrist and picked up the oars again, his voice slightly low and husky: “Sit tight, we're going to see the Xiaoqiqong Ancient Bridge.”

“Oh.”

Xia Ningle obediently sat back at the bow and lowered her head, her fingers constantly twisting the corner of her clothes, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl up secretly.

The place on her wrist where he had held her still retained a scorching temperature, burning all the way to her heart.

Shortly after, they reached that famous ancient stone bridge with seven arches.

The bridge, built of blue stone, was covered in vines, and the water of Hanbi Pond beneath the bridge was deep and tranquil green.

The ancient bridge was reflected in it, as perfect as a circle.

They stood side by side at the head of the bridge, looking at the quiet scenery.

“It would be nice if it could always be like this,” Xia Ningle thought to herself.

From her experiences these past few days, Xiao Wenhan was exceptionally reliable.

Xia Ningle quietly turned her head to look at Xiao Wenhan's profile; his straight nose and slightly pursed lips were particularly clear.

Her heart began to race uncontrollably again.

Xiao Wenhan seemed to sense something and turned his head as well.

Their eyes met, and it was as if small sparks were crackling in the air.

He slowly raised his hand, his fingertips gently brushing away a lock of hair that the breeze had blown onto her cheek.

The movement was as gentle as if he were handling a rare treasure.

Xia Ningle held her breath, her long eyelashes trembling slightly as she closed her eyes.

His breath slowly approached, carrying the scent of sunlight and green grass, and his warm breath brushed against her lips...

The bullet comments went wild—

[No way, no way, are they going to kiss?]

[Kiss! Kiss!]

[I'm too embarrassed to look! (*/ω＼*)]

Just at the moment their lips were about to touch!

A sudden clamor of a tour group's footsteps and a guide's megaphone came from the other end of the bridge.

The two of them separated quickly like startled birds, each turning to one side, unnatural blushes rising on their faces.

Xia Ningle subconsciously touched her hot lips, her heart pounding.

Oh my, how could I do such a thing?

Will Wenhan think I'm very forward?

Xia Ningle peeked at Xiao Wenhan.

Xiao Wenhan cleared his throat, his gaze fixed on the distant mountains, the tips of his ears bright red: “It's time to go back.”

“Okay,” Xia Ningle replied softly.

...

In the afternoon, they went to the Thousand-Household Miao Village.

Xia Ningle was full of curiosity about everything, pulling Xiao Wenhan to try various snacks, buying quite a few handmade silver ornaments, and insisting on trying on Miao ethnic clothing.

“You wear it too!” She held a set of men's Miao Clothing, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Xiao Wenhan.

Xiao Wenhan instinctively wanted to refuse, but seeing Xia Ningle's expectant expression, the words died in his throat.

When he finished changing and walked out, Xia Ningle froze for several seconds.

“Wow, I didn't expect you to suit the ethnic style so well!” She circled around him, clicking her tongue in amazement.

Xiao Wenhan's smile was a bit forced and shy, but after seeing Xia Ningle's brilliant smile, he actually relaxed.

“Haha, are you embarrassed?” A flash of mischief appeared in Xia Ningle's eyes.

It wasn't often she saw Xiao Wenhan like this; she had to tease him properly!

With a smile on her lips, Xia Ningle deliberately held up her phone and kept taking pictures of Xiao Wenhan.

Xiao Wenhan felt uncomfortable under her gaze and subconsciously raised his hand to block his face, the tips of his ears turning slightly red: “Stop taking pictures...”

“Oh, don't be shy!”

Xia Ningle leaned in giggling: “Such a good look, wouldn't it be a pity not to keep a souvenir? Come on, give me a smile!”

Xiao Wenhan helplessly lowered his hand and forced a smile, but it was as stiff as a marionette's.

Xia Ningle was doubled over with laughter at his appearance, tears even coming to her eyes.

Wiping the corners of her eyes, she teased, “Xiao Wenhan, your expression right now is just like a little kid being forced to perform on stage!”

Xiao Wenhan became even more embarrassed by her laughter, but he was helpless and could only glare at her crossly.

However, there was no trace of anger in that look; instead, it carried a hint of indulgence and doting that he hadn't even noticed himself.

After Xia Ningle had laughed enough, she finally put away her phone with satisfaction.

She tilted her head to look Xiao Wenhan over and said seriously, “Actually, it really does look good.”

Her tone became a bit more earnest: “It's very special, and it suits you very well.”

“You're very beautiful too.” In Xiao Wenhan's eyes, there was only one person's reflection.

“Then let's take one—no, let's take lots of photos!”

“Okay.” Xiao Wenhan's eyes were filled with a smile.

The sunlight spilled through the eaves of the ancient town, lengthening their shadows.

The silver ornaments glittered in the sun, accompanied by Xia Ningle's crisp laughter, as if everything was melting into this warm and beautiful time.