That day, Xiao Yan finally found a moment when Xiao Yi was absent and spent some time alone with Xun'er beside the flower beds in the back courtyard. The spring sunshine fell warmly over them, and the air carried the fragrance of earth and flowers.
Xiao Yan's gaze lingered over a clump of blooming roses before he carefully plucked the most brilliant pink blossom, its petals still beaded with sparkling morning dew. Scratching his head a little bashfully, he held the flower out to Xun'er.
Xun'er's eyes curved into lovely crescents as she accepted the flower. The girl's delight was pure and touching, and she brought it to her nose to inhale its fragrance. Yet just as the petals were about to brush her dainty nose, a faint tickle made her brows draw together.
"Achoo!"
A delicate, adorable sneeze rang out. A lovely blush instantly spread across the tip of Xun'er's nose, and reflexive tears welled at the corners of her eyes, making her look utterly endearing.
Xiao Yan couldn't help chuckling at the sight. "So our Xun'er is allergic to pollen." His voice held a hint of teasing and an abundance of affection.
Before his laughter had even faded, however, an equally fierce tickle shot from his own nose straight to the crown of his head. He had no time to react before an earth-shattering sneeze burst out uncontrollably-"Ah-CHOO!"
That thunderous blast was far more unrestrained than Xun'er's sneeze. Worse still, a glistening trail of snot shot out with it before he could do anything.
Xiao Yan's mind went blank. He spun around like lightning and clamped his hands over his face, wishing he could find a crack in the ground and crawl into it. It's over. My wise, mighty image is completely ruined!
What came from behind him