nashuaworldcup Chapter 176 More Than Enough to Support You
Chapter 176 More Than Enough to Support You
However, in that instant, time seemed to freeze. He Mingning stared wide-eyed at Fan Junyu with intense tension. He saw Fan Junyu standing there silently, making no move to take the thick stack of silver notes. He Mingning's heart sank, as if gripped tightly by an invisible hand, instantly rising to his throat.
A sense of unease and fear welled up inside her. Countless thoughts flashed through her mind: Had she done something wrong? Was he angry? A series of questions left He Mingning somewhat at a loss.
She took a deep breath, composed herself, and then eagerly began to explain, "Um... please don't misunderstand! I really didn't mean anything by it! I just felt that if you spent all your money just to buy me these pieces of jewelry, it would be such a waste and a real pity! You know, although these pieces of jewelry are beautiful, they are ultimately just decorations, and they are not worth such a high price!"
As she spoke, He Mingning's expression grew increasingly anxious, and a fine layer of sweat even appeared on her forehead. Her beautiful and captivating eyes were now fixed on Fan Junyu, filled with worry and fear, as if she were afraid that he would blame her for this matter.
Upon hearing He Mingning's words, Fan Junyu's lips involuntarily curved into a smile, emitting a clear and melodious chuckle. He slowly reached out, his movements incredibly gentle, as if afraid of hurting the exquisitely beautiful girl before him, and gently pinched He Mingning's delicate, flawless cheek. At the same time, he said in an extremely gentle voice, "Silly girl, when I choose a gift for you, of course I choose the finest and highest quality." As soon as he finished speaking, he leaned forward slightly, almost touching He Mingning's ear, and then lowered his voice, whispering like a lover's murmur, "Ningning, in my heart, you deserve all the most beautiful things in this world."
Hearing such affectionate words, He Mingning's pretty face instantly turned bright red, as radiant and captivating as a perfectly ripe apple. She lowered her head shyly, unconsciously biting her rosy lips, a soft, mosquito-like hum escaping her lips: "But you..." However, before she could finish, Fan Junyu interrupted her. He chuckled teasingly, "What? Does our Ningning think that her husband is broke and can't afford to buy you anything nice?"
He Mingning's face flushed even more after hearing those words, as beautiful and dazzling as the colorful sunset at dusk. She kept her head down, not daring to look Fan Junyu in the eye, and gently bit her lip. Her shy and bashful appearance was truly endearing and lovable.
Fan Junyu gazed with interest at the shy and adorable girl before him, as delicate as a peach blossom in early spring. He couldn't help but find it amusing, a slight smile playing on his lips. He slowly reached out and gently stroked her small, exquisitely carved nose with his fingers, speaking with a touch of indulgence, "Silly girl, don't overthink it. Although I'm just a minor official, and my monthly salary isn't particularly high, I do own several properties. With those, supporting a little one like you is a piece of cake, more than enough!"
Upon hearing Fan Junyu's words, He Mingning suddenly realized her mistake and understood that she had wronged him. In an instant, her already flushed face turned even redder, like a ripe apple, so alluring and tempting that one couldn't resist taking a bite. At that moment, she felt unbearably shy and wished she could disappear into the ground and never show her face again.
Fan Junyu took in He Mingning's embarrassed and shy appearance, and his smile deepened. He looked at her gently, chuckled softly, and then said slowly, "Alright, don't be embarrassed anymore. Let's keep walking and enjoy this bustling market."
Upon hearing this, He Mingning nodded hastily, replying in a voice barely audible, "Um... okay." And so, the two walked side by side, continuing their slow journey forward. Along the way, He Mingning was like a cheerful little bird, looking around with curiosity and delight at everything around her. Whether it was the dazzling array of shops lining the street, the vendors' stalls with their calls rising and falling, or the occasional passerby, she would stop and observe for a long time, her face always beaming with a bright and innocent smile.
Not long after they started walking, He Mingning's bright eyes were suddenly drawn to a stall selling candied hawthorns not far ahead. Like a cheerful little bird, she hopped and skipped towards the stall, her face beaming with joy, and exclaimed excitedly, "Wow, candied hawthorns!"
Standing to the side, Fan Junyu took in He Mingning's innocent and carefree demeanor. A slight smile played on his lips, his eyes filled with doting affection and tenderness as he softly asked, "Do you really want to eat it?"
He Mingning nodded hurriedly, as fast as a chick pecking at rice, muttering, "Mmm, I really want to eat it!"
Seeing this, Fan Junyu couldn't help but smile. He then took He Mingning's soft little hand and strode towards the candied hawthorn vendor. Upon reaching the stall, Fan Junyu politely said to the vendor, "Please give me a skewer of candied hawthorn. Here's the money, please keep it safe." As he spoke, he took out a few copper coins from his pocket and handed them over.
After receiving the money, the vendor skillfully took a string of tempting, translucent candied hawthorns and carefully handed it to Fan Junyu. Fan Junyu took the candied hawthorns, examined them carefully to make sure there were no problems, and then gently handed them to He Mingning, softly reminding him, "Remember, you can only eat this one string, otherwise your teeth will rot."
He Mingning happily accepted the candied hawthorn, and just as she was about to enjoy it, she seemed to remember something. She looked up at Fan Junyu, a faint blush rising on her cheeks, and said somewhat shyly, "Oh, I know, I'm not a child anymore." After saying that, she playfully winked at Fan Junyu.
Looking at the clever and mischievous little girl in front of him, Fan Junyu couldn't help but reach out and gently pinch her rosy cheeks, his eyes full of smiles. Afterwards, the two of them continued to stroll hand in hand through the bustling streets, enjoying delicious snacks and admiring the scenery along the way. Before they knew it, an afternoon had quietly passed by.
As the sun set and night fell, the two, still wanting more, found a restaurant for dinner. After their meal, Fan Junyu personally escorted He Mingning back to the palace. When they arrived at the palace gate, He Mingning stopped, turned around, and looked at Fan Junyu hesitantly. After a long while, she finally mustered the courage to speak, "Fan Junyu, I..." However, just then, the sound of a night watchman's drum suddenly rang out, interrupting her. Upon hearing that familiar yet slightly unfamiliar address, Fan Junyu's heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, he reached out and tightly grasped He Mingning's slender wrist. He gently pulled her into his arms, his movements so tender as if afraid of hurting her. Caught off guard, He Mingning's delicate body involuntarily leaned forward, instantly falling into Fan Junyu's warm and broad embrace.
Fan Junyu deliberately lowered his voice, and his deep, magnetic voice rang in He Mingning's ear like a gentle breeze across a lake: "Ningning, what did you call me just now?"
He Mingning was still immersed in the sudden hug and was a little dizzy. When he heard Fan Junyu's question, he was even more confused and replied without thinking, "Fan Junyu, what's wrong?"
Upon hearing this, Fan Junyu's narrow eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of disappointment and sadness flashing within them. He spoke slowly, his tone tinged with resentment: "Fan Junyu... Ningning, are you planning to distance yourself from me again and become estranged?"
Upon hearing this, He Mingning was startled and hurriedly shook her head to explain, "No! I absolutely did not think that!" However, faced with Fan Junyu's seemingly hurt expression, her words seemed so pale and powerless.
Seeing this, Fan Junyu's face showed a hint of grievance, and he continued to ask, "Then why doesn't Ningning call me 'Brother Yu' as affectionately as before? Doesn't this show that you want to distance yourself from me?" After saying that, he lowered his head and gently rested his chin on the top of He Mingning's head, quietly waiting for her response.
Feeling the warmth emanating from Fan Junyu and seeing his pitiful appearance, He Mingning's heart melted instantly. She quickly looked up at Fan Junyu with a firm gaze and said urgently, "No, I really didn't mean that! Please believe me!"
Fan Junyu looked at He Mingning, who seemed a little nervous, with a smile on her face. A faint blush rose on her delicate face, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up. She teased softly, "Then, Ningning, may I call you?"
Upon hearing this, He Mingning was startled. Her beautiful eyes widened as she stared at Fan Junyu in astonishment, stammering, "Here? This...this is in public! If others hear us, it might not be good!" As she spoke, she lowered her head shyly, her cheeks as red as ripe apples.
Seeing this, Fan Junyu couldn't help but feel a pang of pity. He slowly lowered his head, gazing tenderly at He Mingning, and said softly, "There's no one else here! Is it really not allowed?" As he spoke, a hint of disappointment flickered in his eyes.
Seeing Fan Junyu's expression, He Mingning's heart melted instantly, and her firm refusal vanished. After hesitating for a moment, she finally mustered her courage and said in a voice barely audible, "I...I didn't say no!" Then, blushing, she looked up and softly called out to Fan Junyu, "Brother Ayu." As soon as she finished speaking, she quickly lowered her head like a startled fawn.
Upon hearing He Mingning's sincere call, Fan Junyu's face immediately lit up with a radiant smile, as warm as the spring sun. He happily reached out and gently stroked He Mingning's hair, then bent down and placed a deep kiss on her smooth forehead, softly asking, "Ningning, can you call me again?"
A gentle breeze ruffled He Mingning's silky hair. This was the fourth time today that He Mingning had called out that incredibly affectionate name with such deep emotion. And at this moment, all around was quiet and deserted, with only the occasional birdsong punctuating the tranquil and beautiful atmosphere. Calling out that name again no longer seemed to make her feel as shy and embarrassed as it had at first.
The moment He Mingning heard Fan Junyu's gentle words, her emotions surged like a tidal wave. She composed herself slightly, took a deep breath, and slowly raised her head. Her beautiful eyes shone with a burning light as she gazed tenderly at the handsome Fan Junyu before her. Then, her luscious lips parted slightly, like a blooming flower, and she once again softly called out in a sweet voice, "Brother A-Yu."
The call seemed to possess a magical power, filling the air with a sweet and romantic atmosphere. Hearing the soft, sweet voice, Fan Junyu couldn't help but smile contentedly. However, he knew he couldn't push his luck and upset the lovely girl. So, he gently took He Mingning's soft, slender hand, gazed into her eyes, and said earnestly, "From now on, you can only call me that, okay? You can't call me anything else, remember?"
Upon hearing this, He Mingning blushed and said shyly in a soft voice, "But... if others hear this, it might not be good!" She lowered her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, secretly wondering what kind of gossip would arise if such an intimate address were to spread.
Looking at He Mingning's shy demeanor, Fan Junyu felt a surge of pity. He knew that with He Mingning's introverted personality, asking her to call him by that name in front of others might make her feel burdened. It was better to let her get used to it first. So, after a moment's thought, Fan Junyu said softly, "In that case, when there are other people around, you can still call me Fan Junyu. But when we're alone, you can call me Brother A-Yu, okay?" As he finished speaking, a slight smile appeared on his lips, and a sly glint flashed in his eyes.