Chapter 103: The Boy’s Smile Against the Light

They embraced the warm autumn sun and the gentle breeze, their youth blooming freely as they rode through the tree-lined paths of the campus, through the quaint Scottish-style town, and past the occasional passerby…

The boy behind her, though tall and imposing, was lighter than Anran had expected. She pedaled the bike with ease, making the ride seem effortless.

Along the way, Anran asked many questions that had piqued her curiosity, and Richard, in good spirits, answered them all truthfully.

For example, was Adam really a miraculous leopard? How had he recovered from his injuries so quickly that night?

Richard explained that Adam had been an ordinary leopard originally, a birthday gift when Richard was eight. Even as a cub, Adam had been aggressive, biting Richard's finger during their first encounter.

Later, Richard had a peculiar idea: he began feeding Adam his own blood regularly. To his surprise, as Adam grew, he developed the ability to heal like a bloodkin.

So, it hadn't been a trick of the eye that night!

Anran also remembered the medicine Richard had sent her. He had called it a family secret, but now she suspected it had contained his blood. How else could her wound have healed overnight, leaving no scar on her calf? A warm, indescribable feeling washed over her heart…

After riding for over half an hour, following Richard's directions, they arrived at the outskirts of town. Anran stopped by a narrow wooden bridge, beneath which a clear stream flowed. Around them, the trees swayed gently, and the scenery was breathtaking.

Richard hopped off the back of the bike and leapt onto the bridge. "Come on, we're almost there. Just a few minutes more. I'll lead the way."

Until he spoke, Anran had thought this was their destination. Could there be an even more beautiful place ahead?

Sure enough, after walking for a few minutes, the narrow path opened up to reveal a wide valley.

Inside the valley was a vast expanse of flatland, covered in a golden sea of wheat. Anran had read about "wheat fields swaying in the wind," but seeing it in person left her awestruck by its beauty and grandeur.

As the wind swept through, the wheat stalks bent low, creating waves of gold that rippled from near to far. The air was filled with the soothing scent of wheat. There, standing amidst the golden waves, was Richard, waving at her. Behind him, the golden wheat shimmered, casting a radiant glow that seemed to gild his figure. The sun behind him made his silhouette shine so brightly that Anran had to squint to see his smiling face.

Against the light, Richard extended his hand to her. "Come on, let's dance."

"Dance? Why?" Anran asked, puzzled.

Though she was athletic, dancing wasn't exactly her forte due to her lack of interest in it.

Richard smiled. "It's in preparation for Halloween at the end of the month. It's a major festival in Rosewood Town, and St. Celestine Academy will host a grand masquerade ball."

Unknowingly, it was already October. She had been in Rosewood Town for nearly a month.

Looking at Richard's smile, Anran walked toward him. He bowed in a proper gentlemanly manner and took her hand…