169: Chapter 169 Xiaxia, I want a kiss too!

The next day, sunlight pierced through the thin mist, gently waking the earth.

On the tourist bus to Qingyan Ancient Town, Xia Ningle leaned against the window, watching the scenery speed by with a smile she couldn't hide.

Her fingers were carefully enveloped by another large, warm hand.

Xiao Wenhan sat upright, eyes forward, appearing fully concentrated on the tour guide's explanation, but his bright red ears and slightly sweaty palms gave him away.

He moved his fingers slightly, trying to find a more comfortable way to hold her hand.

Sensing his small movements, Xia Ningle playfully scratched his palm with her fingertip.

Xiao Wenhan's whole body stiffened, and he suddenly turned his head, meeting her teasing gaze.

"Classmate Xiao, are you nervous?" Xia Ningle asked in a low voice, smiling.

"I... I'm not." Xiao Wenhan cleared his throat, trying to make his voice sound calm and composed.

He explained, "I'm just afraid you won't be sitting steadily."

"Oh~" Xia Ningle drawled, intentionally leaning her head toward his shoulder.

"Then let me lean on you for a bit, and I'll be steady."

Xiao Wenhan's body stiffened even more, but his arm steadily supported her so she could lean more comfortably.

A faint, fresh fragrance belonging to her drifted into his nose, and he felt his heartbeat racing uncontrollably again.

Qingyan Ancient Town, North Gate.

As soon as they got off the bus, an ancient atmosphere rushed toward them.

The bluestone road had been polished smooth and warm by time, flanked by stone city walls and wooden residential houses with upturned eaves and hanging red lanterns.

"Wow, it feels completely different from the Miao Village!" Xia Ningle excitedly shook their joined hands.

"It looks like there's so much delicious food!" Xia Ningle's foodie nature was fully exposed.

"Yeah, I heard the Braised Pig's Trotters, Gaoba Rice Porridge, and Rose Sugar here are particularly famous." Xiao Wenhan smiled, infected by her joyful mood.

He said seriously, "Today's goal is to feed you until you're full."

"Hurry, let's go!" Xia Ningle pulled him and was about to rush forward.

After a few steps, they saw a shop with a long line. Steam rose from a huge pot, and a rich, braised aroma filled the entire street.

"It's Jinbixuan! The guide said this one is the most famous!" Xia Ningle's eyes lit up, but then she looked at the long line and hesitated.

"There are so many people..."

"Go find a shady spot to sit. Leave this kind of waiting in line to your boyfriend." Xiao Wenhan let go of her hand and gave her a gentle push.

He spoke so naturally that Xia Ningle felt a sweetness in her heart, though she huffed, "Hmph, you're quite aware of your role as a boyfriend now. Where's that dummy from yesterday?"

"He was scared off by a certain brave girl," Xiao Wenhan responded with a smile, turning to join the queue.

He was becoming braver and braver...

Xia Ningle didn't go far; she stood nearby and watched him.

He was very tall and stood out in the crowd. Occasionally, he would look back at her, and when their eyes met, he would quickly turn back in embarrassment.

Sunlight fell on the tips of his hair, dancing with golden specks of light.

Xia Ningle felt that at this moment, he moved her heart even more than he did under the starlight.

A moment later, Xiao Wenhan came over carrying a large paper bowl containing Braised Pig's Trotters that were stewed until soft, shiny, and reddish in color, served with a unique dipping sauce.

"Try it." He handed her a pair of chopsticks, his eyes full of expectation.

Xia Ningle blew on it and took a careful bite. The pig's trotter melted in her mouth, spicy, soft, and chewy. It was so delicious that she squinted her eyes. "Mmm! So good!"

Seeing that she liked it, Xiao Wenhan smiled even more happily and naturally used a tissue to wipe away a bit of sauce from the corner of her mouth. "Eat slowly, no one is fighting you for it."

This action was too intimate; Xia Ningle's face turned red, and she lowered her head, whispering, "You eat too."

"Okay." Xiao Wenhan took a bite using the chopsticks in her hand and nodded. "Yeah, it really is delicious."

The two shared a bowl of pig's trotters, the atmosphere so sweet it felt as if the scent of Rose Sugar was floating in the air.

After finishing the pig's trotters, they held hands and wandered aimlessly through the crisscrossing alleys of the ancient town.

They popped into interesting handicraft shops and stopped to buy snacks whenever they smelled something good—Rose Ice Jelly, Ciba, Tofu Balls...

They ate as they walked.

At a stall selling ethnic-style accessories.

Xia Ningle picked up a bracelet woven with colorful ropes, featuring a small silver bell that made a crisp sound with a gentle shake.

"Do you like it?" Xiao Wenhan asked.

"Just looking." Xia Ningle nodded and put it back down.

To her, it wasn't necessary to buy everything; she already had enough bracelets.

Xiao Wenhan, however, secretly made a note of it.

They walked to a back street, a stone alley that most embodied the charm of the ancient town. Pedestrians were scarce, and sunlight cast mottled shadows through the high walls.

The two slowed their pace in unspoken agreement, enjoying their quiet world of two.

"Xiao Wenhan." Xia Ningle suddenly stopped and called his name softly.

"Hmm?" Xiao Wenhan turned around.

Xia Ningle pursed her lips, a blush rising on her face, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. "Lower your head."

"What's wrong?" Though puzzled, Xiao Wenhan obediently leaned down slightly.

The next second, a soft and moist sensation, like a feather, lightly landed on his cheek and pulled away instantly.

Xiao Wenhan was completely stunned, his mind going blank. He only felt that the spot where he was kissed felt like it had been touched by a branding iron; a surge of heat instantly rushed through his body, and his heart drummed wildly.

After the kiss, Xia Ningle was also incredibly shy and turned to run.

But she had only taken one step when her wrist was caught by a gentle yet firm force.

She gave a startled cry and fell into a warm embrace.

Xiao Wenhan held her tightly, his chin resting gently on the top of her head, his voice slightly husky with excitement. "Trying to run after an ambush?"

Xia Ningle buried her burning face in his chest, listening to his heart beating as uncontrollably as her own, and said stubbornly, "I'll run if I want... so what..."

"No."

Xiao Wenhan's arms tightened further, his tone carrying an unprecedented dominance and a hint of a smile. "Did your boyfriend approve?"

Xia Ningle smiled secretly in his arms and reached out to wrap her arms around his waist.

They embraced in the silent, deserted ancient alley, as if they possessed the entire world.

After a long time, Xiao Wenhan finally let her go slightly. Like a magic trick, he pulled out that bracelet with the little bell from his pocket and carefully tied it around her slender wrist.

"Huh? When did you buy this?"

"While you weren't paying attention." Xiao Wenhan lowered his head, seriously tying the knot for her.

"It looks great. From now on, when you walk over, I'll know it's you."

The bell rang crisply, just like Xia Ningle's mood at this moment.

[So sweet! It's been even sweeter since they got together!]

[Is this what young people's love is like? It's so cloyingly sweet that my teeth ache.]

[Another day of envying young people!]

[Who knows the significance of this gift! This is what liking someone is about, this is what a surprise is!]

[Xiaxia, I want a kiss too!]