Chapter 153 Do you like me?

"Are you sure?"

Ji Ling looked at Ye Fan in disbelief. Her store was not an ordinary boutique; nothing here cost less than a hundred yuan.

The starry headband on the counter was even more special—a custom-made item crafted entirely from platinum. It was called the "star headband" because it had seven 0.3-carat white diamonds embedded in it.

The cost price alone was over 20,000 Xia currency.

As for the selling price, it was set at 30,000.

It was the store's treasure!

Three-star headbands would total 90,000.

Although Ye Fan wore a mask, Ji Ling could tell he was not very old. For someone his age, it would be hard to come up with that much money.

"Of course."

Ye Fan nodded and took out his bank card, placing it on the counter. He asked, "How much for all three?"

"90,000."

Ji Ling quoted the price, hoping to see a surprise on Ye Fan's face.

But she was disappointed.

Hearing the price, Ye Fan's expression didn't change at all. He casually pushed the bank card toward Ji Ling and said lightly, "Swipe the card."

"…"

Ji Ling was stunned.

Is he serious?

Ning Xi froze for a few seconds, then quickly tugged at Ye Fan's sleeve. "This headband is really expensive, and I have money. There's no need for you to buy it for me…"

She began patting herself and then froze.

She had forgotten her bank card, which she had prepared last night, and it wasn't with her today.

Ye Fan seemed to ignore Ning Xi's words, and nodded at Ji Ling.

"Swipe the card, thank you."

"Alright."

Ji Ling took a deep breath. Today, she had learned what it meant to be financially powerful. She packed the three star headbands together and handed Ye Fan the bank card and receipt.

"You have a week to return them without reason."

"Thank you."

Ye Fan put the bank card away, grabbed the gift box, and smiled at the stunned Ning Xi.

"Let's go, we'll shop somewhere else."

"I…"

Ning Xi lowered her head, angrily walking out.

Ye Fan, feeling confused, was about to chase after her when he heard Ji Ling laughing.

"Looks like your girlfriend is worried about your wallet. It would be best if you held on tight. A girl as outstanding as her is hard to come by, and if you miss her, it'll be hard to find someone like her again."

Ye Fan grinned widely and quickly followed her out.

Once outside, he saw Ning Xi standing by a stone lion on the left side.

"Xiao Xi, what's wrong?"

Hearing the voice, Ning Xi turned around, her eyes full of anger. "Didn't I tell you? No spending money recklessly! It hasn't been that long, and you've already forgotten?"

"I didn't forget."

"Then you…"

Ye Fan interrupted her with a smile, "This isn't reckless spending; it's an investment. Don't speak without understanding."

"Investment?"

"Investment in my future girlfriend!"

With a single sentence, Ning Xi was silenced. She pointed her delicate finger at Ye Fan's nose, "You, you…"

Ye Fan chuckled, holding Ning Xi's other hand, and casually put the gift box in her hand. "Anyway, I've already bought it. These three headbands are now yours. Please do whatever you want with them. If you don't like them, just throw them away."

"…"

Before Ning Xi could think further, Ye Fan led her forward. After walking a few steps, she snapped out of her daze and bent down to bite his hand.

"Ah!"

Ye Fan cried out in pain, his face full of grievance. "Xiao Xi, why did you bite me?"

"I just did!"

Ning Xi blushed, furious. "If you speak recklessly again, I'll bite you again!"

Admiring the fierce yet adorable girl before him, Ye Fan smiled, and then playfully scratched her cute nose. "Alright, this is your first time shopping with me, don't be mad. It's important to have fun."

"Let's go, let's continue shopping."

"No more shopping!"

Ning Xi stamped her foot. "We've already been in one store, and you spent 90,000. If we keep going, you'll be broke!"

"It's fine."

Ye Fan walked up next to Ning Xi, gently bumped her shoulder, and joked, "Even if I become a broke man, I still have you."

"I?"

"You can support me."

"Pah!"

Ning Xi glared at Ye Fan through gritted teeth, her eyes full of questioning. "Do you think I didn't bite you hard enough just now?"

At this point, she noticed more than ten people staring at them.

If it weren't for the crowd, she would definitely have bitten him to death.

Always taking advantage of her…

Too much!!!

Ye Fan blinked innocently, completely giving in. "I'm sorry, can I just shut up now?"

"Hmph!"

Seeing Ye Fan's sheepish look, Ning Xi couldn't help but want to laugh, but she knew she shouldn't, and her face maintained a cold expression.

"Let's go back, I'm not shopping anymore!"

And so, their first shopping trip ended abruptly.

On the way back to Ning's house, Ye Fan protested unhappily, "You can't go shopping without spending money. You're wrong about that, I think spending money…"

"Shut up!"

"Oh."

While they were driving, Zhuang Li saw this scene in the rearview mirror and couldn't help but grin like a blooming lotus.

He had known Ye Fan for so long and had never seen him get so embarrassed before. It was truly satisfying.

So, you had your moment, huh?

Deserved!!!

But before Zhuang Li could enjoy the moment too long, Ye Fan casually asked, "Uncle Zhuang, how old is your child this year?"

Noticing Zhuang Li's earlier laughter, Ye Fan immediately countered.

"..."

Zhuang Li's lips twitched as frustration welled up, making him want to spit blood.

A child?

#￥#%@...

He didn't even have a girlfriend yet, so where would the child come from?

This brat was absolutely doing it on purpose.

Damn it, so infuriating!

Ning Xi kicked Ye Fan lightly and whispered almost inaudibly, "Uncle Zhuang hasn't even gotten married yet; where would a child come from? Haven't I told you that before?!"

"I forgot."

Ye Fan responded with a faint smile, turning his head to speak to Zhuang Li, who was driving. "Uncle Zhuang, you're not getting any younger. Hurry up and find someone. Don't wait until I get married and you still haven't found a girlfriend. That would be embarrassing."

Zhuang Li: "..."

Shrimp and pig's heart!

If it were possible, he would've beaten Ye Fan up right there.

Unfortunately—

The situation didn't allow for it.

Ten minutes later, the car pulled into the courtyard of the villa.

Ye Fan got out, stretched lazily, and winked at Ning Xi, who had just stepped onto the ground.

"Xiao Xi, invite me in for a cup of tea?"

"No!"

"…"

Seeing Ning Xi's serious attitude, Ye Fan clicked his tongue and sighed helplessly.

Fine.

It seemed that the pleasant journey had officially come to an end.

"In that case, see you tomorrow."

After speaking, Ye Fan turned to leave.

"Wait a minute."

Ning Xi called after Ye Fan and handed the gift box to Zhuang Li, politely requesting, "Uncle Zhuang, could you help me put this on the living room coffee table?"

Accepting the box, Zhuang Li curiously asked, "Miss, aren't you going inside?"

"Mhm."

Ning Xi nodded, pointing toward Ye Fan. Her voice softened as she explained, "I… I'm going to Ye Fan's place for a bit. There's something I need to discuss."

Zhuang Li immediately offered, "Then let me drop—"

"No need."

"No need."

Two voices spoke in unison.

Ye Fan, stifling his curiosity, stepped beside Ning Xi and gestured toward Zhuang Li, nodding politely. "We'll just take a cab. It's still early. At five this afternoon, you can come pick up Xiao Xi."

"…"

Zhuang Li's eyelids twitched uncontrollably.

Was he… being dismissed?

Though frustrated, he still turned to Ning Xi and asked, "Miss, should we inform Madam about this?"

"Sure."

Ning Xi nodded slightly.

Once Zhuang Li entered the house, Ning Xi huffed softly and said, "Let's go to your place. I have something to say to you."

Exiting the gates of the Neptune Residential Area, the two of them stood by the roadside. Ye Fan naturally positioned himself on the outer side, shielding Ning Xi. He smiled as he asked, "Xiao Xi, why the sudden decision to visit my place? And earlier, you said you had something to tell me. What is it?"

"I'll tell you when we get to your house."

Ning Xi responded casually, her tone laced with a tinge of complexity.

Hearing this, Ye Fan grew even more curious.

What was going on?

But since Ning Xi clearly didn't want to discuss it now, he suppressed his curiosity and flagged down a cab in the distance.

Half an hour later.

The two of them arrived at Ye Fan's rented apartment. As soon as Ning Xi entered, she plopped herself onto the sofa without a word.

Sensing the odd atmosphere, Ye Fan rubbed his hands together and awkwardly said, "I'll grab you a glass of lemonade—"

"No need."

Ning Xi pointed to the sofa opposite her, her gaze deadly serious. "Sit down!"

Ye Fan shrugged, cautiously sitting across from her, and nervously laughed. "Xiao Xi, what's going on? Why so serious all of a sudden?"

"Do you like me?"

"Yes."

Without the slightest hesitation, Ye Fan answered.

But as soon as the words left his mouth, he realized something was off. He quickly looked up at Ning Xi, meeting her gaze.

In her eyes, there was a mix of shyness, complexity, and an indescribable emotion.

Ye Fan swallowed nervously and tentatively asked in a low voice, "Xiao Xi, why are you suddenly asking this?"

"Before the college entrance exams, the two of us are just friends."

A faint blush dusted Ning Xi's cheeks as she spoke softly, "During this period, things like holding hands and head pats are absolutely off-limits. Once we're in university, you can pursue me, and I'll seriously consider it."

"Ah?"

Ye Fan blinked, stunned.

Just friends before the college entrance exams… and in university, he could pursue her?

This sounded like… like…

"If you accept this, you can continue tutoring me. If not, starting tomorrow—"

"I accept!"

Before Ning Xi could finish her sentence, Ye Fan hurriedly interrupted, having already guessed what she was about to say. Without any hesitation, he made his stance clear.

"Keep your word."

Ning Xi bit her lip and extended her pinky. "Pinky promise. If you act shamelessly like before, even after we're in university, I won't accept your pursuit."

"…"

A pinky promise?

This method of sealing a deal was so… adorable!

Still, Ye Fan quickly understood the underlying meaning in Ning Xi's words. Mimicking her gesture, he hooked his pinky with hers and spoke in a deep, magnetic voice.

"Xiao Xi, does this mean that as long as I abide by the agreement before the college entrance exams, you'll accept my pursuit once we're in university? Is that what you're saying?"

"You're quite good at understanding, huh?!"

"Of course!"

Ye Fan displayed his thick-skinned nature to its fullest.

Ning Xi's face turned red as she averted her gaze. Her soft, sweet voice was laced with embarrassment.

"By then… it'll depend on… on your performance."

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