C19 Romantic

Qu Ningyuan had been waiting in the restaurant for quite some time before Yang Xue finally arrived, fashionably late. It appeared that after work, Yang Xue had taken the time to change her outfit and refresh her makeup before meeting Qu Ningyuan. When he saw her, he could tell she looked different than before; she had clearly made an effort to dress up. The fact that she cared so much about how she looked for him filled Qu Ningyuan with an inexplicable sweetness—it had been a long while since he'd felt the thrill of romance.

"I'm late. Have you been waiting long?" Yang Xue asked.

"It's okay. I'm willing to wait for you," Qu Ningyuan replied.

At his words, Yang Xue blushed slightly and turned her attention to the menu.

Qu Ningyuan observed Yang Xue, noting how her white dress accentuated her fair skin, giving her an ethereal, fairy-like quality. Her lips seemed to be touched with a soft pink lipstick, which was adorable and suited her perfectly. A brighter red would have been too bold. Her smile was sweet, her lips red, her teeth white, and her skin as smooth as porcelain—she was the epitome of beauty, as if she had stepped out of a painting.

"Xue, let's go out tonight. It's been too long since we've had some fun," Qu Ningyuan suggested.

"Where to?" she inquired.

"There's a lantern festival tonight. The riverbank will be adorned with lanterns. We can go boating and enjoy the lanterns as we glide across the lake," he explained.

"That sounds lovely. Let's do that tonight," Yang Xue agreed, her mood brightening at the prospect of spending the evening with Qu Ningyuan. Being with him always made her incredibly happy. This must be what love feels like, she thought. I think I've truly fallen for him.

"Ningyuan, do you really not know my female colleague we bumped into outside today? I felt like she looked at you in a peculiar way. Especially when she left and glanced back at you—that look seemed to carry a deeper meaning," Yang Xue suddenly recalled, a hint of confusion in her voice. Their relationship didn't seem as straightforward as it appeared.

Qu Ningyuan felt a pang of discomfort. How should he explain? He couldn't just come out and say that Chen Huan was his first love, his ex-girlfriend, and that they had been forced to part ways due to her family's misfortunes. Would Yang Xue believe such a story? Women can be quite perceptive, and sometimes the more you try to explain, the worse it gets. They had only been dating for a short time, and Qu Ningyuan was not ready to face a breakup just yet.

Qu Ningyuan took Yang Xue's hand and looked into her eyes with sincerity, saying,

"I've told you I like you, and it's only you I like. No matter what she feels for me, my feelings are solely for you. Do you understand? Trust me."

Yang Xue blushed. A confession had come so suddenly. She pulled her hand away, questioning what she was doing, making such a scene in public. It would be embarrassing if they were seen. Yet, Qu Ningyuan's fear of a misunderstanding and his evident anxiety over her feelings made Yang Xue secretly pleased.

"I'll trust you this time, but don't you dare lie to me. I'm warning you now, I despise being lied to more than anything, especially about something this important. Consider this a heads-up. Don't be surprised if I turn on you later."

Despite the joy in her heart, Yang Xue didn't hold back her stern words. She needed to caution him against any infidelity; she couldn't tolerate betrayal, which for her was the ultimate disgrace. Her first boyfriend had cheated on her with her best friend, so Yang Xue was exceptionally cautious with men.

Hearing her earnest words, Qu Ningyuan felt a twinge of fear, but it was fine. He understood her fears and her desire to keep a tight grip on their relationship. However, this made him somewhat uncomfortable. No man likes to be controlled by a woman, and Qu Ningyuan was no different.

Yang Xue appeared so delicate, yet her resolve was firm. Qu Ningyuan mused that if he ever truly wronged her, she would be the first to retaliate. He shivered slightly at the thought, realizing that Yang Xue, whom he had thought to be a delicate orchid, was actually a rose with thorns.

"Alright, enough of that. Aren't you hungry? Let's order something to eat."

"Let's eat this. Check out what you'd like."

"You choose; I'll have whatever you're having."

"Okay then."

After their meal, Qu Ningyuan and Yang Xue went their separate ways, returning to their respective workplaces. Back at the office, Qu Ningyuan noticed Zhang Zhiwen looking troubled. Using his Heaven's Eye, he saw the problem clearly: trouble at home. Though the couple appeared to be in a relationship, there was no love, just mutual exploitation. Sigh.

Qu Ningyuan didn't bother with what others were doing; he had his own plans, especially since he had a date with Yang Xue that evening.

After finishing work for the day, Qu Ningyuan headed home for dinner. Despite the sun having set, the residual heat lingered, making the evening uncomfortably warm. To make the most of the cooler late hours, he postponed the date, which also gave him the chance to share dinner with his sister.

The lantern festival that night wasn't particularly bright with lights, but it drew a crowd eager for leisure after a day's work. The evening was a welcome relief from the day's oppressive heat, which felt life-threatening without the constant hum of air conditioning.

Having had enough of artificial cooling, Qu Ningyuan and Yang Xue took a stroll by the lake to take in the scenery and enjoy the natural breeze. The stress and fatigue from the day's work melted away in the tranquil setting. Qu Ningyuan then took Yang Xue onto a small boat, designed to resemble the quaint vessels of ancient poets and propelled by human strength. Though slow, it offered a steady and charming ride along the gentle currents.

"Xue, don't we resemble those legendary couples from ancient times, floating on the lake? If only these modern buildings were replaced with thatched huts, the illusion would be complete," Qu Ningyuan mused.

"If you had to live in a thatched hut now, with the heat as it is, you'd probably be cooked alive just sitting inside for a bit," Yang Xue retorted.

"Well, it all depends on the company. If it's with you, I'd gladly brave any challenge," he replied, swiftly planting a kiss on her cheek.

Yang Xue responded with playful hits, and Qu Ningyuan pleaded, "Xue, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, stop hitting me. Any more and I'll be seriously hurt."

He exaggerated his pain with loud groans, but Yang Xue saw through his act and stopped, choosing to ignore his antics after a couple of light smacks.

Unabashed, Qu Ningyuan scooted closer and wrapped his arms around Yang Xue, who didn't resist and comfortably nestled into his embrace.

Qu Ningyuan wished time could stand still in that moment, free from life's worries, floating forever on the lake as an immortal couple. Deep down, he wasn't someone who craved fame or fortune; he pursued them out of necessity. Had his father's accident not happened, he would have followed his heart, doing work he truly enjoyed.