Chapter 152 Choice

Entering Huaxing Ancient Street.

The road was paved with bluestone slabs, complemented by ancient buildings, and enhanced with modern restoration techniques. The entire street seemed to blend ancient and modern architectural craftsmanship, exuding a harmonious beauty.

The shops here were not large, with wooden plaques hanging above their entrances, radiating a simple yet distinctive charm.

Ning Xi clutched Ye Fan's sleeve as they walked. She explained, "Girls usually come here more often. The shops on the left are boutiques that sell various small accessories for girls, while the ones on the right are more diverse, with clothing stores and snack vendors."

Her eyes sparkled as she softly said, "Let's stroll around for a bit. If you don't like it here, I'll take you somewhere else."

"No need, this place is nice."

Ye Fan stopped, lightly tapping Ning Xi's flawless forehead with his finger. "For me, it doesn't matter where we stroll. Having you with me is enough."

"Th-There are people watching. You… be mindful."

Ning Xi's gaze shifted evasively, and her small head dipped slightly.

Saturdays were always crowded, and the ancient street was bustling with people. Just as Ning Xi said, most visitors were young women, though there were no shortage of couples as well.

However, because of their striking presence, the two immediately drew attention as soon as they stepped in.

Not far away, a young couple caught sight of Ye Fan's earlier gesture. The girl's eyes showed envy, and she glanced at her boyfriend, muttering, "Look at how romantic other people's boyfriends are, and then look at you!"

The guy's face stiffened as he mumbled in a low voice, "Why don't you look at their girlfriend? If I had a girlfriend with such a great temperament and figure, I'd…"

"What? Are you saying I'm ugly?!"

The girl stomped her foot in anger and stomped hard on her boyfriend's foot before storming off.

The guy grimaced, enduring the pain in his foot as he quickly chased after her.

Several meters away.

Ye Fan chuckled, leaning closer to Ning Xi to teasingly whisper in her ear, "Did you see that? Even with a mask on, your deadly charm is unstoppable!"

"You're no different."

Ning Xi muttered softly, "You look so good, yet you didn't wear a mask. Do you like other girls looking at you?"

"Ahem—"

Ye Fan raised his brows in surprise, then broke into laughter. "Miss Xi, your point is well taken. I'll be sure to wear a mask in the future whenever I go out, and I promise not to flirt around."

As he spoke, he took the last mask from his pocket and put it on. "How about now?"

"Suit yourself. What does it have to do with me?!"

Ning Xi huffed and walked ahead in small steps, but beneath the mask, a faint smile tugged at her lips.

Ye Fan followed leisurely behind, his gaze lingering on the graceful figure ahead, a hint of affection flashing in his eyes.

After walking about a hundred meters, Ning Xi stopped in front of a shop. She turned back to look at Ye Fan trailing behind her and softly said, "Um…"

"Let's go in and take a look."

"Huh?"

"I want to take a look inside. Would you mind accompanying me, Miss Xi?"

Ye Fan looked up at the wooden plaque hanging above the entrance. It bore five characters: Seven Apertures Linglong Pavilion.

It was undoubtedly a boutique shop.

Ning Xi covered her mouth and chuckled, her crescent-shaped eyes radiating sweetness. She wasn't naive; she knew Ye Fan was saying this to make her feel at ease, which filled her heart with an involuntary sense of sweetness.

"Fine, I'll reluctantly accompany you."

"You cheeky girl."

Ye Fan couldn't help but laugh, raising his hand to gently ruffle her hair before taking her hand and walking inside.

"Welcome."

A sensor emitted a greeting as they entered.

Stepping into the Seven Apertures Linglong Pavilion, Ye Fan's lips curved into a smile. As expected, the interior was filled with items for girls.

Bracelets, earrings, necklaces, hair clips…

It was practically a paradise for girls.

"Hello, is there anything I can help you find?"

As soon as they entered, Ji Ling came forward to greet them.

Ye Fan gently squeezed Ning Xi's hand and asked softly, "If there's something you want, just tell the owner and let her help."

"I…"

Ning Xi's eyes fluttered shyly. Ye Fan's small gesture flustered her, but with someone else present, she couldn't say anything. She suppressed her embarrassment and softly said, "Miss, do you still have the star hairbands from your shop?"

"It's you?"

Hearing the familiar sweet voice, Ji Ling instantly recalled a beautiful face. Ning Xi had visited the shop last month, and despite the time that had passed, she hadn't forgotten this girl, who left a deep impression.

"Yes."

Ning Xi nodded, asking, "Miss, didn't you say last time that the star hairbands would be in stock this month?"

"You came just in time."

Ji Ling smiled warmly. "They arrived an hour ago. Come, I'll show you."

"Okay."

Ning Xi blinked at Ye Fan. "Wait for me here. I'll go take a look inside."

"Go ahead."

Ye Fan nodded in agreement.

Ji Ling gave Ye Fan a curious glance before leading Ning Xi to the storage room. She asked with interest, "Little sister, is that your boyfriend outside?"

"No, no, no!"

The question instantly made Ning Xi's face turn red, and she hurriedly clarified, "We're just good friends, not what you think…"

Ji Ling covered her mouth with a laugh and said meaningfully, "That boy is quite something. The way he looks at you is clean and sincere, and he has a great temperament. I wonder how he looks. If he's good-looking too, you'd better hold on to him."

As she spoke, Ji Ling bent down to retrieve the goods, continuing, "Though with your qualities, you can find any boy you like. But it's also important to cherish what's in front of you…"

"Miss."

Ning Xi blushed and quickly changed the subject. "What colors are the star hairbands this time?"

Ji Ling smiled knowingly, recognizing that Ning Xi was trying to shift the topic. She didn't press further and took out three delicately wrapped boxes from a carton. "Come on, let's look outside. The lighting here isn't great."

"Okay."

Back at the counter, Ji Ling placed the three boxes down and introduced them. "We have white, red, and pink. Take a look and see which one you like."

Ning Xi rested her arms on the counter, cupping her cheeks in her hands. She looked left and right, muttering to herself, "I like pink, but white is nice too. It'd probably go well with dresses. Red is also great…"

The girl wrestled with her decision, unable to come to a conclusion.

"Ye Fan, you… come here for a second."

"Sure."

Ye Fan, who was idly browsing the shelves, walked over to the counter upon hearing her.

Standing beside Ning Xi, she pointed to the three boxes on the counter and shyly said, "There's pink, red, and white. I think they all look good and can't decide. C-Could you help me pick one?"

"Of course."

A look of indulgence flashed in Ye Fan's eyes. Turning to Ji Ling, he said, "Miss, wrap all three of them. We'll take them all."

Only children make choices.

His girl deserved everything!

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