As the car traveled farther and farther from the city center, Yan Ningke's hopes shattered completely. He watched one rice noodle shop after another pass by.
His mood rose and fell until there were no more shops along the road, and Yan Ningke saw his own expressionless reflection in the car window.
What on earth was he expecting from a capitalist!!
Yan Ningke withdrew his gaze and slumped listlessly in the back seat without a word.
Shao Ke caught sight of him out of the corner of his eye, and his lips curved upward.
Even when the car stopped, Yan Ningke never once looked up.
Oh, well. If it wasn't what he wanted, even the rarest treasure wouldn't make him hap...
"This is...!"
Yan Ningke's eyes widened slightly as he looked at the house before him, nestled in the suburbs, with a white wooden fence, a reddish-brown roof, and a yard filled with flowers and plants, a cobblestone path running through the middle.
It lacked a villa's exquisite luxury. From outside, the little courtyard looked natural, simple, and relaxing, yet Yan Ningke found it romantic.
Tenderness lingered in Shao Ke's gaze. "Go inside and take a look."
Still a little dazed, Yan Ningke let him lead him step by step to the gate, take his hand, and slowly push it open.
Despite the bitter cold of deep winter, roses swayed in the breeze in the courtyard, and green plants were arranged at varying heights beneath the covered walkway. Yan Ningke did not know why the flowers could still bloom in this season.
He felt as though he had stumbled into a secluded paradise and stopped, not daring to disturb its peace.
"Do you like it?"
Shao Ke wrapped his arms around his waist from behind and lowered his head close