Chapter 169

It wouldn't really matter if it were just two more hours; it would just be a chance to stroll around with Xia Yan a little longer. After today, there would never be another opportunity to walk with Xia Yan like this. "You're wearing too little; do you want to come upstairs with me to get some clothes?" "It's cold on a motorcycle." Xia Yan quickened his pace, his tone carrying a hint of seduction. Although he really wanted to walk with the girl a little longer, the weather was indeed too cold. "Can we take a taxi? Why do we have to take a motorcycle? A taxi is much warmer and has air conditioning." — Hua Xin, of course, only thought this silently in her heart, without saying it aloud. She knew exactly what Xia Yan was thinking. Wasn't he just trying to take advantage of her while riding the motorcycle?! (Taxi fare is a bit expensive...) She had seen through every move this scoundrel made; she didn't need to think or observe anything further. It was as if the girl had become a mind reader for Xia Yan, able to clearly know whatever his little schemes were. This strange feeling had started somewhere, probably from spending too much time with Xia Yan. Indeed, one is influenced by Xia Yan's company. "Hehe, why don't you just go get your clothes?" "Remember to get something thicker." Although Xia Yan was still holding the girl's hand, warming only one spot couldn't radiate warmth to her whole body. Don't try to trick her into going to his house. Hua Xin said, her voice trembling slightly. "That makes sense." Xia Yan nodded, feigning seriousness, without any regret. After all, what could happen even if the girl went home with him? They could just play Super Mario together. He quickened his pace and put the girl's hand in his pocket. He needed to warm her up quickly; it wouldn't be good if she got sick. ———————— "Squeak..." A soft sound of a door opening broke the silence of the dark living room. The living room was quiet, without a sound. Xia Yan could almost hear his own heartbeat and breathing. He slowly breathed a sigh of relief and gently took off his shoes and walked in. It's this late, Xia Fen should be asleep by now, right? Xia Fen's schedule is a little different from that of a typical night owl, but she's not exactly nocturnal either. She likes to get home from work around 8 pm and go straight to sleep, then get up around 3 or 4 am and play until 7 or 8 am before going to work again. This way, she doesn't stay up late, nor does she oversleep—clearly a brilliant idea. So, around 10 pm now, it's obviously Xia Fen's sleeping time. Where are the clothes? Xia Yan thought for a moment and remembered that his winter coat should be in his closet. He'd take out the nicer and warmer one for Xin Hua ... There's a really nice dark blue one that he hasn't worn much. A slight smile involuntarily appeared on Xia Yan's lips, and then he moved around his own house like a thief... "Slap!" "What are you doing, Xia Yan?" A woman's voice, three parts teasing, five parts mocking, and two parts surprised, rang out, and at the same time, the lights in the living room came on. Xia Fen and Xia Yan locked eyes, both remaining silent for a moment. Xia Fen was faking it, but Xia Yan didn't know that. For Xia Fen, who knew everything, her purpose in catching Xia Yan today was simply to see her older brother's embarrassed state. "Why didn't you turn on the lights when you got home?" she asked, arms crossed, somewhat puzzled. "Why aren't you asleep?" "I went home to get some things, and I'm going out with a friend," Xia Yan said calmly, walking back to his bedroom. He didn't intend to reveal to Xia Fen that he was going to spend New Year's Eve with a certain someone. Who knew if Xia Fen would have some other mischievous ideas... like stalking him. "Why should I sleep if you're not asleep?" "Waiting for New Year's Eve." "Go home later, okay? I'm leaving." Xia Fen didn't say anything more, but yawned and turned to go back to her room. Changed her personality? Xia Yan took two pieces of clothing from the closet, watching the obedient Xia Fen return to her room. And... he suddenly recalled Xia Fen's words from earlier, especially the phrase "coming home late"... uh, could she have discovered something? Xia Yan glanced at Xia Fen's tightly closed door, his heart calming down slightly. That makes sense... going out with friends on New Year's Eve, it's highly likely he's going out with a girl. He shouldn't keep the girl waiting too long. It's already 10:30, any further delay and he might be late. Hua Xin, in the hallway, looked up curiously. This was her first time at Xia Yan's place. She'd never heard Xia Yan mention it before; so their house was so close? No wonder he delivered barbecue so quickly last time... and it was convenient for her to go to and from school. The hallway was clearly cleaner and tidier than her own home. Xia Yan's financial situation was indeed quite good... otherwise, he wouldn't be able to go out to eat with friends so often, eating with Lin Qingyu or Liu Ruoyun. The girl, of course, remembered the time Xia Yan ate alone with Lin Qingyu. The sound of footsteps came from upstairs, making Hua Xin pull her head back. The curiosity on her face instantly turned into calm as she turned away, feigning nonchalance. "Put this on, it's very warm," Xia Yan's gentle voice rang out, making Hua Xin reluctantly put it on. Why ride a motorcycle so late at night...sigh. Wearing the down jacket, the girl didn't look bulky, probably because she was already quite slender. It actually fit her perfectly. Xia Yan also put on the down jacket and then flashed the car keys in his hand. "Shall we go?" "Miss Gu Xin Hua, please hold on tight to my waist for a moment." "My driving skills aren't very good, this is for safety." Xia Yan said with a straight face, while gently taking the girl's hand again. "Oh, oh..." Hua Xin followed Xia Yan out somewhat dazedly, replying subconsciously with a hint of confusion. Lost in thought, she didn't struggle, simply letting him hold her hand, as if it were already a habit. Wearing a cotton-padded coat, the cold air outside suddenly lost its previous power. A buzzing sound filled the air as Hua Xin skillfully sat behind Xia Yan, her hands, tucked into her sleeves, gently gripping the fabric around his waist. Having ridden Xia Yan 'Xia Yan motorcycle many times, the girl was quite familiar with it. Nestled against Xia Yan's broad back, the cold wind didn't sting her face too much, only making her hair flutter. Thankfully, she had thick black stockings to act as her bare-legged cotton pants... otherwise, she'd probably get rheumatism when she got older. However... the keychain on Xia Yan's keychain... had a barely noticeable gray acrylic wolf on it. Why did it look so familiar? Even though it was rusty and scratched, it didn't seem like Xia Yan's sunny and refined persona. She seemed to have seen it before when she went out with Xia Yan late at night. Hua Xin frowned deeply, but couldn't quite place it. She was very familiar with that Chibi Little Wolf; after all, she had previously owned a motorcycle with that wolf printed on it.