"Why give it to me?" Su Jinli looked at the radiant phoenix, a ripple in her heart. Her fingertips gently twisted the hem of her skirt, a hint of shyness and curiosity in her eyes.

"The dragon you drew can fly," Jiang Yan's eyes were filled with a smile, and that smile seemed to be able to melt all the ice and snow in the world, "I, the phoenix, must naturally chase the dragon." His voice was low and magnetic, and the deep meaning contained in his words was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples in Su Jinli's heart.

These words made Su Jinli's heart jump. She quickly took the candy phoenix and took a light bite. The sweet taste melted instantly on the tip of her tongue. The sweet feeling seemed to spread along the tip of her tongue all the way to the bottom of her heart, and it made her cheeks redder, like a ripe apple.

The two of them walked slowly along the market. Jiang Yan, clutching the sugar paintings he had just bought, kept a close eye on the crowded crowds around them, occasionally stepping aside to shield Su Jinli from passing pedestrians. Passing by a fabric stall, Su Jinli's eyes were caught by a palm-sized purse in the corner—made of lake-blue soft satin, embroidered with a tilted-headed tiger. The tiger's eyes were two jet-black rice beads, like two sparkling black gems, set in the embroidery, appearing particularly lively. Its tail, tied with a bright red tassel, swayed gently in the breeze, as if the tiger were happily wagging its tail.

"Boss, how much is this purse?" Su Jinli asked softly, her eyes full of admiration.

"You have good taste, girl! This is a new style, one or two taels of silver." The stall owner replied with a smile, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

Just as Su Jinli was about to reach for the pouch at her waist, Jiang Yan had already paid. He gently slipped the tiger pouch into Su Jinli's hand, a teasing smile on his face. "Look at it, doesn't it look like that young marquis who slammed the table in the teahouse the other day?"

Su Jinli couldn't help but burst out laughing. Her fingertips gently stroked Xiaohu's round belly, her eyes full of smiles: "It's really somewhat similar." The appearance of Xiaohu's purse made her seem to see her younger brother, Su Xiaohouye, who was lively, cute and fearless.

Before they knew it, the afterglow of the setting sun stretched their shadows far out, like a warm painting. Jiang Yan suddenly stopped and slowly turned to face Su Jinli. The smile in his eyes gradually faded, transforming into a seriousness and deep affection that Su Jinli had never seen before. "Jinli," he called softly.

This gentle call was like the first thunderclap of spring, exploding in Su Jinli's heart. Ever since they met, he had always called her "Miss Su", and this intimate name, including her full name, made her feel a special feeling.

"I know you're smart and insightful," Jiang Yan's voice was low and clear, as if it penetrated the hustle and bustle of the market and landed steadily in her ears. "From the first time I saw you at the poetry club, when you overturned the teacup and fearlessly refuted the forgery, the determination and courage in your eyes at that time impressed me deeply. Later, when I saw you counting money in the account book, your eyes sparkled brightly, and that focused look made me see your unique charm. And then, to protect your brother, you dared to throw the storybook at someone without hesitation. That courage and responsibility made me admire you even more--"

As he spoke, a smile curled up his lips again. "I've never seen a woman like this. She's like the first willow buds sprouting in early spring, fresh and energetic, bringing hope to others. She's also like the lotus blossom in the heat of summer, rising from the mud untainted, proudly independent, and exuding a unique fragrance. She should have lived a quiet life in seclusion, but she chooses to live a prosperous and radiant life."

Su Jinli's fingers tightened slightly around the sugar phoenix. The syrup felt cool against her palm, yet it couldn't cool her scorching heart. She could sense the curious glances from those around her, yet her gaze remained fixed on the man before her. Sunlight streamed down his hair, gilding it with a golden edge. His ever-smiling eyes were now filled with a depth of affection she had never before understood, like a deep ocean that drew her involuntarily.

"I know you suffered a lot in your past life," Jiang Yan's voice became softer, with a subtle touch of tenderness, as if gently caressing her past life's pain, "but in this life, I don't want to see you shoulder everything alone." He paused slightly, as if mustering up all his courage, and looked at her firmly: "Su Jinli, I like you. It's not the kind of admiration that a top scholar has for a talented woman, but Jiang Yan's love for Su Jinli comes from the bottom of his heart."

The moment the words fell, it was as if time had stopped for this moment. The surrounding noise seemed to fade into a vague background sound. Su Jinli felt as if her heart was suddenly grasped by something, and then suddenly loosened. A dense itching quickly spread from the bottom of her heart. She looked at herself clearly reflected in Jiang Yan's eyes - the gardenia at her temples was a little crooked, her cheeks were as red as ripe peaches, and she was holding half a candied phoenix in her hand. At this moment, her heart was filled with mixed feelings. In her previous life, she had never been loved so frankly and passionately. Those so-called admirations were nothing more than calculations after weighing the pros and cons, full of hypocrisy and utilitarianism. But at this moment, the seriousness and affection in Jiang Yan's eyes were like the warmest spring water, soaking her hard-shelled heart bit by bit, making her feel unprecedented warmth and touching.

"I..." She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but her throat was too dry to speak. The emotions in her heart surged like a surging tide, leaving her speechless.

Jiang Yan smiled softly. He gently reached out and straightened the gardenia on her temple. His fingertips carried the cool scent of jade, and the moment they touched her skin, she shuddered, as if an electric current ran through her body. "Don't rush to answer me." His voice was like a spring breeze. "I just want you to know that from the first time you raised your chin to me in the poetry club, I have never taken my eyes off you. You are like a bright star, shining with a unique light in my heart."

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!