Chapter 93: I Like Your Cold and Noble Demeanor

Chapter 93: I Adore Your Aloof and Distinguished Demeanor

"What do you suppose it is?"

At such a pivotal moment, Xia Xian still had the presence of mind to joke!

She watched Quan Ruifeng with a half-smile, deliberately withholding a straightforward answer. Quan Ruifeng was beside himself with impatience, gripping her shoulders tightly.

"I don’t know, just tell me! I can handle it!"

"Xia Xian, I won’t force you into marriage, but I still hope you’ll give me a chance. I will fulfill every promise I make to you; I won’t let you down."

"If I ever fail to keep my word or disappoint you in any way, then you’re free to leave me, and I’ll have no complaints. But I won’t accept you abandoning me without cause!"

Quan Ruifeng spoke earnestly, his gaze fixed intently on Xia Xian. Though he stood much taller, looking down at her, his posture, which might have seemed imperious, conveyed nothing but sincere entreaty.

Perhaps this was what it meant for love to humble the powerful.

His words were so poignant that Xia Xian couldn’t bear to tease him any longer. She gave him a clear, affirmative answer.

"I’m serious. I’m willing to get engaged to you, to be in a relationship with you—with marriage as the ultimate goal."

Xia Xian shed her playful demeanor and spoke solemnly to Quan Ruifeng.

When love arrives, no particular stage matters, because the moment you fall in love is the most perfect stage.

It was only today that Xia Xian realized she harbored no resistance whatsoever to the idea of getting engaged, or even married, to Quan Ruifeng. That was why, when trouble arose, she had proposed engagement without hesitation. It wasn't merely to resolve the immediate issue; she had simply chosen the most time- and effort-efficient solution within her comfort zone. She just hadn't anticipated Quan Ruifeng's refusal.

However, despite the seemingly absurd reason for his rejection, his genuine sincerity had deeply moved Xia Xian, further solidifying her resolve.

Why not give it a try with Quan Ruifeng? After all, there was nothing to lose by trying. And truthfully, they had already been "trying" for quite some time—they had done everything couples, even spouses, would do. The only difference was that she had been stringing him along, withholding official recognition. How was she any different from those manipulative players?

She shouldn’t keep Quan Ruifeng living in constant apprehension, fearing she might abandon him at any moment.

Why not open her heart and truly give this relationship a real shot with him? Not everyone was like Chu Sheng—and even Chu Sheng couldn’t compare to Quan Ruifeng.

Besides, she had already met Quan Ruifeng’s family. They were wonderful and had no objections to their relationship. With no familial obstacles and genuine feelings between them, there was no longer any reason to resist. At worst, if their feelings changed later, they could always part ways gracefully.

Quan Ruifeng might change his heart one day, and so might she. There was no need to worry about what might happen in ten, twenty, or even fifty years. As long as they truly loved each other now, they could always part amicably if things changed later. It would still be a unique and valuable experience; there was no need to suppress herself.

In this second chance at life, Xia Xian’s greatest desire was to live freely and happily. Yet, suppressing her emotions had paradoxically made her feel less free. Freedom meant following her heart—and she would do just that!

Xia Xian had now completely made up her mind!

Quan Ruifeng never thought he’d live to hear Xia Xian say such words—and for this day to arrive so swiftly! He still rubbed his ears in disbelief.

"Xia Xian, are you serious? You won’t go back on your word?"

He repeated, uncertainly.

Xia Xian knew she had given him too many warnings before, making him unable to trust her sudden change. She could only nod again, offering him reassurance.

"It’s true, truer than gold."

"If you don’t accept my proposal soon, I might change my mind. It’s already a big deal for a girl like me to propose to you, and here you are, questioning everything. What, don't I have any dignity?"

"Even if I’m technically a widow, in reality, I’m still a pure and untouched maiden. The fact that I’m saying all this to you is already a huge deal. If you don’t hurry up and agree, I’ll—"

Xia Xian babbled on, trying to mask her embarrassment.

Quan Ruifeng, captivated by the starlight in her eyes, couldn’t resist silencing her chattering lips once more.

But this time, it was out of pure, unadulterated joy!

Finally! Xia Xian was willing to be with him!

He was finally being promoted from a mere "tool" to a fiancé! It had been such a hard-won victory! His persistence had truly paid off!

Persistence might not guarantee success, but giving up certainly guaranteed failure!

In his excitement, Quan Ruifeng accidentally bit Xia Xian’s lip hard enough to draw blood.

"Ouch—"

Xia Xian let out a muffled sound of pain. Quan Ruifeng immediately released her, looking at her anxiously.

"Are you okay? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—I got too carried away—"

"Let me—"

He was filled with regret. How could he have hurt Xia Xian?

"It’s fine."

It was just a small wound. Xia Xian didn’t mind. She stood on her toes and pressed another kiss to Quan Ruifeng’s lips, leaving a tiny smear of blood on them. Against his fair, handsome face, it only made him look more captivating.

"I know you were just happy."

"But can we go back now, Comrade Quan Ruifeng? You’re being so uncomposed—nothing like your usual self."

"I much prefer the cold, noble expression you had when we first met."

Xia Xian deliberately provoked him, and just as expected, Quan Ruifeng retaliated with a light smack on her backside.

"And whose fault is that?"

"You’re the one who turned me into this! The first time I ever felt this kind of insecurity was because of you!"

Quan Ruifeng gritted his teeth, only for Xia Xian to tease him further.

"Fine, I admit I’m wrong, okay?"

"But I’m only agreeing to get engaged for now. When I’ll be willing to marry you—that’s still up in the air. It depends on your performance. If you don’t do well—"

She deliberately trailed off, letting the implication linger.

"Don’t worry, there won’t be any ‘poor performance.’"

"Come on, let’s go home. I need to discuss the engagement plans with my family."

After being teased by Xia Xian so much, Quan Ruifeng finally regained his composure. He brushed imaginary dust off his white shirt and, with a smile, prepared to take Xia Xian home.

Back at home, Gao Shuang and the others were still waiting anxiously. If Quan Ruifeng and Xia Xian didn’t return by the afternoon, she planned to go to Quan Ruifeng’s father!

She didn’t care about making a scene—she just wanted Quan Ruifeng and Xia Xian to come back safe.

But what she didn’t expect was that not only did they return unharmed, they even came bearing great news.

Quan Ruifeng and Xia Xian were getting engaged!!!

"Seriously???"