Xia Wan was also infected by their emotions. Her originally tired face gradually brightened, her eyes sparkled with laughter, and her fatigue gradually dissipated with the laughter.

Her laughter was clear and melodious, echoing in the air like silver bells, adding a bright touch to the joyful atmosphere.

While chatting with Xia Tao, Li Chengjun would occasionally turn to look at Xia Wan, his eyes full of tenderness and concern.

When passing a small puddle, he would carefully remind Xia Wan: "Wanwan, watch your step, don't step in the water."

As he spoke, he turned slightly to the side, using his body to shield her from the hurried footsteps of the pedestrians beside him, as if to build a solid barrier for her, keeping all dangers and inconveniences out.

As they walked, the sunlight became increasingly dazzling. He raised his hand again to shield Xia Wan from the sun. His palm was large and warm, like a protective umbrella, with each finger acting as a rib, providing her with shade.

Those seemingly unintentional actions warmed Xia Wan's heart, and a unique feeling quietly spread within her, like a tender sprout breaking through the soil in spring, growing little by little, starting from the deepest part of her heart, slowly climbing upwards until it filled her entire heart.

Xia Wan secretly glanced at Li Chengjun a few times. Every time their eyes met, she would shyly lower her head, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up.

Finally, they arrived at Xia Wan's doorstep.

Xia Wan looked at Li Chengjun with some reluctance, her eyes shimmering like a clear spring, filled with longing and reluctance. She said, "Brother Jun, thank you for bringing us back."

Her eyes were filled with gratitude and longing. Just as she was about to invite him in for a while, Li Chengjun smiled and said, "Why are you being so polite with me? Come in and rest. I have things to do at the factory, so I'll head back now."

His smile remained warm, but his words carried a hint of helplessness, and a fleeting, almost imperceptible, disappointment flashed in his eyes. That disappointment was like a shooting star streaking across the night sky; though brief, it was keenly caught by Xia Wan.

Xia Wan was slightly taken aback, a look of doubt flashing in her eyes. She thought Li Chengjun was alright, which was why she brought them back!

If I had known this person was so busy, I wouldn't have bothered to send them back, since they didn't have much luggage.

But she quickly regained her composure and nodded, saying, "Okay, Brother Jun, you go ahead and get busy. Work is important."

Her tone carried a hint of disappointment, which she tried her best to conceal, lowering her head slightly so that Li Chengjun wouldn't see the emotions in her eyes. Her hair fell down, obscuring her slightly reddened eyes, as if she were guarding the little emotion in her heart.

She thought to herself that she must thank him properly next time they met.

Xia Tao added, "Chengjun, come over for dinner sometime!"

His voice remained loud and enthusiastic, like a fire that could ignite the surrounding atmosphere and fill the entire space with warmth and vitality.

Li Chengjun nodded in agreement: "Definitely, definitely. I'll come over for a meal as soon as I'm done with this busy period!"

He watched Xia Wan and Xia Tao walk into the house, and even after the door slowly closed, he remained standing there, unwilling to leave for a long time.

His silhouette stretched long in the afterglow of the setting sun, carrying a hint of loneliness, yet also a touch of anticipation—anticipation of his next meeting with Xia Wan. At that time, he was determined to have a good chat with her, free from the distractions of work.

He silently envisioned their next meeting, imagining Xia Wan's smile, and before he knew it, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

He thought he would bring Xia Wan a small gift next time they met, perhaps a book she liked, or a delicate little trinket, so that he could properly convey his feelings to her.