Chapter 71 - Teasing
Bai Xia looked at his serious expression, the way his eyes softened yet trembled slightly with tension, and her lips curved.
She slowly leaned closer, her face only a few inches from his.
"So," she said lightly, "you want to date me?"
Fu Jian's heart tightened.
"…Yes."
"You're afraid someone will steal me away?"
His fingers tightened around hers.
"…Yes."
"You're insecure?" Her voice rose a little, almost playful.
Fu Jian inhaled, unable to deny, "Yes."
Bai Xia blinked once… twice… then lifted her chin proudly.
"Well," she said, voice slightly arrogant in that uniquely adorable Bai Xia way, "you should be insecure. I am very popular."
Fu Jian: "…"
He didn't know whether to laugh or hold her tighter.
Bai Xia lifted her chin slightly, her eyes narrowing with a hint of teasing arrogance.
"Besides," she added, tapping her finger lightly against his chest,
"why should I be your girlfriend?"
Fu jian blinked, momentarily stunned. "Why…?"
She huffed lightly, turning her head away in mock disdain.
"You don't even buy me anything. Not even a candy."
Her lips curved into a small pout — deliberate, exaggerated — just enough to stab his heart.
Fu jian looked completely defeated.
"…I— I didn't know that was the requirement," he muttered like a scolded child.
Bai Xia folded her arms.
"It is now."
He immediately straightened, determination blazing.
"Fine. I'll buy you things. I'll buy you everything. Tell me what you want."
She blinked slowly, hiding the laughter threatening to spill.
"I'll tell you when I think of it."
Before he could say anything, she suddenly stretched out her hand and pinched his cheek.
"But you…"
She smiled—bright, warm, and full of affection.
"I like you too."
Fu Jian froze.
Bai Xia coughed lightly and finally said it—soft but steady:
"So yes. I'll be your girlfriend."
For a moment, the world seemed to go quiet.
Fu Jian didn't move, didn't speak, didn't breathe.
Then—
He pulled her into his arms.
Not too tight.
Not too rushed.
Just enough for her to feel the warmth in his chest.
"Thank you," he murmured against her hair, voice low and trembling. "I'll treat you well. I'll do better than anyone else."
Bai Xia leaned into him comfortably, her tone teasing again:
"You better. Or I'll dump you."
Fu Jian laughed—helpless and deeply in love.
"I'll remember."
The restaurant lights glowed warm and soft, casting a gentle shine across the table.
The air was quiet now — most customers had already left — leaving only the faint sound of soft music drifting in the background.
Bai Xia and Fu Jian walked out together, side by side.
The night breeze was cool, carrying the faint scent of evening jasmine.
Streetlamps stretched long pools of golden light along the sidewalk.
Fu Jian didn't let go of her hand.
His fingers were warm, steady — like he was afraid that if he released her, she would vanish.
Bai Xia didn't pull away.
They walked slowly, not because the distance was long, but because neither of them wanted to reach the end too soon.
The road toward the villa residences curved gently, quiet and lined with small garden lights.
The night sky above them was dotted faintly with stars.
Fu Jian broke the silence first, voice soft.
"…So we're really dating now."
Bai Xia gave him a sideways glance, lips curling faintly.
"Mm. You asked. I agreed. That's usually how it works."
Fu Jian's ears reddened.
"…Just confirming."
They walked a little more.
As the villa gates came into view — tall, elegant, guarded — Fu Jian's steps slowed.
A small hesitation flickered in his eyes.
"When…" he started, then stopped.
He took a breath. Tried again.
"When will you introduce me to your parents?"
Bai Xia stopped walking too.
The garden lights cast a soft glow over her face, outlining the curve of her lashes and the quiet confidence in her expression.
"My father is… very protective," she said slowly.
"And my mother trusts his judgment."
Fu Jian swallowed.
"…So that means…"
"That means," Bai Xia continued, her tone calm but gentle, "if I say I'm dating someone right now, they will absolutely refuse. Without even looking at you."
Fu Jian went silent — not hurt, just absorbing the reality.
Bai Xia reached out and lightly poked his chest with her finger.
"That's why I said — I need some time to build myself up more. Make them look at me differently. Make them listen to me. Then, when I tell them I've chosen someone, they'll take it seriously."
She looked up at him — clear eyes, steady and certain.
"So, not yet.
But I will introduce you. Properly.
Not as a secret. Not as something I'm hiding."
Fu Jian exhaled — like the tightness in his chest finally loosened.
"…Alright," he said softly. "I'll wait. I'll improve too. So when the time comes… I'll be someone they have to respect."
A small, approving smile touched Bai Xia's lips.
"That's the right answer."
He looked at her — really looked — and his voice lowered.
"Goodnight, Bai Xia."
She stepped back slowly, toward the glowing entrance, her hair catching the light like silk.
"Goodnight," she said — warm, a little teasing.
Then she added, lightly over her shoulder:
"And remember — I like sweet things. Don't forget the candy."
Fu Jian froze.
Then laughed — helpless and completely lovestruck.
"…I'll remember."
She walked inside.
He stood outside the gate for a few seconds longer, hands in his pockets, heart full.
Then he turned and made his way down the quiet street — and the smile never left his face.