{Chapter: 146 Yan Ruyue's initiative to give gifts!}
The two embraced each other for a long time, neither wanting to let go.
Qiu Wanxi felt that something was different about Lin Yuan today. He seemed more affectionate, more deliberate in his actions. Yet, she didn't mind.
She loved Lin Yuan no matter what.
Her world revolved around him, and in the dictionary of her life, every word was written with him in mind. There was no one else—only him.
After holding her close for a while, Lin Yuan became mindful of her frail physique and loosened his grip slightly, though his arms remained wrapped around her.
During this time, Qiu Wanxi's eyes shimmered with an intoxicating glow. They were filled with affection, almost as if peach blossoms were blooming within them.
Despite how enchanting the moment was, Lin Yuan gently interrupted, his voice carrying both warmth and seriousness.
"Wanxi, I want to talk to you about your treatment."
Qiu Wanxi, who had been lost in the bliss of their embrace, was brought back to reality by his words. She blinked, her delicate lashes trembling slightly, but instead of pulling away, she tightened her hold on him.
Resting her head against Lin Yuan's chest, she listened to the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat. It gave her a sense of security she had never felt before.
With a soft, almost pleading tone, she said, "Young Master, Wanxi isn't in a hurry. In half a year, I will definitely earn enough money on my own for my treatment. Then, I can stay with you for a long time."
Lin Yuan sighed internally. He had expected this response.
Qiu Wanxi had always been independent, always striving to stand on her own feet. No matter how much he had given her, she was hesitant to accept more. Her cake shop had been making good profits, and with time, it would generate even more revenue.
But Lin Yuan didn't plan to wait.
He reached out and gently patted her head, his touch filled with tenderness. "Half a year may not seem long, but aren't you afraid you won't be able to see me anymore?"
Qiu Wanxi's body trembled slightly.
Lin Yuan's voice was calm but carried an underlying weight. "A few million is nothing to me. I believe in you, Wanxi. I know you'll earn enough for your treatment one day. But I don't want to gamble with time, and I don't want you to, either. Some things can't be undone, you know?"
At that moment, memories surfaced in Qiu Wanxi's mind, hitting her like a tidal wave.
She thought of her parents.
Then she thought of her parents. There was a day in the past when she was young when her parents went out and promised to give her a super big cake. But that day, she sulked due to some trivial things and ignored her parents.
Then she watched TV alone that night. The next morning, she did not see the big cake. And what's even worse, her parents did not return. She never got to see her parents again since then.
Warm tears welled up in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.
Unable to hold them back, she buried her face in Lin Yuan's chest, clutching his clothes tightly.
Lin Yuan didn't need to ask what she was thinking. He already knew.
He silently soothed her, his hand gently rubbing her back in slow, comforting circles.
In his arms, Qiu Wanxi curled up like a small, fragile animal seeking warmth.
Through quiet sobs, she whispered, "Wuwu… Young Master… I like you."
Lin Yuan's heart softened even more. He caressed her long, silky hair and replied, "I like you too."
Qiu Wanxi sniffled. "Wu… I… I only have you. Young Master won't leave me… right?"
"Of course not," Lin Yuan assured her. "But will you proceed with your treatment at once?"
She hesitated.
Then, in a small voice, she said, "If… if you are going to help me financially, then… then I'll write you an IOU again. I don't want to be a burden to you." She buried her head deeper into his embrace.
Lin Yuan chuckled softly. "Alright. But you owe me much already. I won't make an IOU this time, just remember it. I will make the arrangements for your treatment." Lin Yuan smiled.
His warm smile was like the spring sun breaking through winter's chill.
Qiu Wanxi lifted her tear-streaked face. "Thank… Thank you, Young Master. Wanxi will work for you for as long as she lives."
She wiped at her eyes hurriedly, embarrassed by her crying. "And I… I'm sorry. I think I got your clothes wet."
Lin Yuan glanced down at his slightly damp shirt and chuckled. "It's fine. You can help me clean it up later."
"Okay." She nodded obediently.
After a while, Lin Yuan escorted Qiu Wanxi back to the Hope Cake Shop.
The weather was chilly, and her health was delicate. He didn't want her to stay outside for
too long.
Anyway, he had persuaded Qiu Wanxi to finally proceed with her treatment.
Lin Yuan had asked Qiu Wanxi to prepare and begin her treatment in a few days.
Before parting, Qiu Wanxi gave Lin Yuan a lingering kiss. She didn't care that Xiao Lian and Xiao He were watching with curious eyes.
But to her dismay shortly after the kiss, Lin Yuan returned to his car.
It was late, and he decided to go home.
Just as he was about to drive off, his phone buzzed with a message.
It was from Yan Ruyue.
Yan Ruyue: "I just went to your house but didn't find you. Are you not at home?"
Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow.
Lin Yuan: "Is something wrong?"
Yan Ruyue: "That… I just want to talk to you in person. When you go home, can you pass by my house? I'll wait for you at the door."
Lin Yuan pondered for a moment before replying.
Lin Yuan: "Okay."
A hint of curiosity flickered in his mind.
It was late at night, and the temperature had dropped. Why did Yan Ruyue suddenly want to see him?
Could it be related to the Mei Family's banquet?
Soon, Lin Yuan arrived at the gate of the Yan family's villa.
As expected, Yan Ruyue stood there alone, wrapped in a white plush coat. Her long, dark hair cascaded over the soft fabric, and her lower half was dressed in loose gray sweatpants. Despite the relaxed fit, the contours of her slender legs were still visible.
She looked around, her expression slightly anxious.
When she spotted Lin Yuan's car, her face lit up with undisguised joy.
Lin Yuan got out and approached her.
"What's the matter, Miss Yan? Why are you seeking this late at night? What can I do for you?"
Although the temperature is not so high, Yan Ruyue's pretty face is a little red.
Yan Ruyue hesitated, her cheeks tinged with an unusual blush. After a brief pause, she reached into the right pocket of her plush coat and pulled out an elegant-looking pair of gloves.
She held them out to him, her voice soft.
"Well… The temperature has dropped a lot recently, and I was worried it might affect your hands during my mother's acupuncture treatment. So, I thought I'd bring you these gloves…"
Lin Yuan took them and glanced at the brand.
A pair of Gucci gloves.
Judging by the craftsmanship, they were worth at least tens of thousands.
Yet, despite their luxury, Lin Yuan felt little excitement.
They couldn't compare to the handmade gloves Qiu Wanxi had given him earlier.
Still, he was polite scum.
"Thank you, Miss Yan. I appreciate it."
His words were simple, his expression indifferent.
Yan Ruyue immediately noticed.
The slight lack of enthusiasm in his tone made her heart tighten.
Lin Yuan's words were very brief.
It was just a simple thanks.
And Yan Ruyue could see that Lin Yuan's expression was flat which made her feel uncomfortable.