Huo Jiayuan's small hands were restlessly moving up and down in front of him.

Meng Yan frowned and grabbed her small hand. He grabbed it too tightly, and she let out a soft cry. He quickly let go and turned to look at her.

Did I hurt you?

Huo Jiayuan pouted and turned her face away.

Meng Yan stood frozen in place, not reacting for a long time.

But a restless energy was surging within him, already rampaging wildly, making his last shred of reason seem fragile and laughable.

Huo Jiayuan lowered her head, her face growing hotter and hotter. Outside, the rain was pouring down, but the temperature inside the cave suddenly rose.

She could hear the pounding of a heartbeat in her ears.

“Meng Yan…” After a long silence, she moved closer to him again, put her small hand on his waist, and slowly rested her face against his strong chest.

Meng Yan panicked, afraid that she would sense something was wrong with him...

"Yuan Yuan, don't do this!"

"You...you don't want to..."

"Not now!"

Meng Yan grasped her shoulders.

How could he not want to? He just couldn't.

He was afraid of hurting her.

Her lack of self-control in this situation harmed her.

"Even if I want you, it can't be now!" He looked into her eyes, his voice low and deep. "I will formally propose to your parents after you finish your studies, and I will marry you through all the proper betrothal rites on our wedding night!"

"Yuan Yuan..." His Adam's apple bobbed, his voice growing lower and hoarse, "I have to take responsibility for you!"

Huo Jiayuan blinked her beautiful big eyes, which held a soft, warm light that illuminated the cave.

She gradually calmed down.

After calming down, she lowered her head and chuckled softly, her cheeks flushed, and muttered under her breath, "It's not like I'm shamelessly begging you to have me..."

"Silly girl." He gently pulled her into his arms and laughed.

"Even if you did something to me, I believe you will take responsibility for me."

Meng Yan smiled and stroked her long hair.

If he really wanted to do something to her, she would have been his back in Biandu.

But she was his precious treasure; he wanted her, yet he was even more afraid of hurting her.

"Meng Yan," she whispered, "you said it yourself, that you would come to my house to propose marriage as soon as I finish my studies!"

"Um."

"No taking it back!"

"When have I ever changed my mind about anything I promised you?"

What if my parents make things difficult for you again?

"As long as you don't marry someone else, I will marry you sooner or later," he chuckled.

Huo Jiayuan was taken aback. "You...you must have misunderstood something?"

"What?"

"About He Chen and me," she bit her lip, "I know the rumors are fierce lately, but about him and me..."

Before she could finish speaking, Meng Yan's burning lips pressed against hers. His kiss was domineering and possessive, enveloping her like a surging tide, leaving Huo Jiayuan momentarily confused and infatuated.

He only let her go when she began to breathe slightly heavily.

“I never believe anything that’s being said outside,” he whispered in her ear. “I only believe you.”

“Meng Yan…”

"The rain has stopped, I'll take you home."

Huo Jiayuan felt as if she were in a dream.

She was dazed as he led her by the hand out of the cave. The air after the rain was exceptionally fresh, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, and the fragrance of the earth was bathed in sunlight, spreading to every corner of the mountains.

She smiled foolishly and followed him, while the wildflowers by the roadside swayed towards her.

...

By the time Meng Yan drove back to the vicinity of the Grand Palace, night had already fallen. Huo Jiayuan lingered in the car, reluctant to get out. Meng Yan looked at her with affection, gently pinched her nose, and urged her to go home quickly.

"You can take that car back!"

Meng Yan handed her the car keys and gently shook her head.

"What's wrong?" the little princess asked, somewhat disappointed. "This was originally meant for you..."

“You earned this yourself,” Meng Yan said gently. “It’s what you deserve. Of course I’m happy that you gave me a gift, but I think your first gift should belong to yourself.”

"But……"

"Be good." He patted her head. Huo Jiayuan wanted to say something more, but she didn't.

Seeing her disappointment, Meng Yan felt a pang of pity. He took the car keys from her hand and said softly, "How about this, I'll drive off today. If you have time tomorrow, I'll come pick you up and we can go somewhere else, okay?"

Huo Jiayuan then smiled and nodded vigorously.

“Okay, I’ll do as you say. But when I earn more money in the future, I’ll have to buy you nicer things, and you’ll have to accept that then!” she said with a smile.

"Once you earn even more money, I might as well just live off you!" Meng Yan teased her. "Then you'll be responsible for earning money to support the family, and I'll take care of..."

Huo Jiayuan leaned closer, "What are you responsible for?"

"Responsible for taking care of the kids!"

Huo Jiayuan blushed and punched him, but he suddenly grabbed her hand.

How many children should we have in the future?

"Hey!" She glared at him. "You're all excited now?"

They were acting like complete cowards inside the cave...

Meng Yan laughed, released her, and told her to go back quickly.

Huo Jiayuan walked into the Grand Palace, turning back every few steps. After entering, she looked back again, reluctant to leave, until she could no longer see clearly, before jogging back to her residence.

Standing outside the palace gates, Meng Yan looked up at the majestic and imposing buildings, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him. The little princess's figure disappeared into the night, and he prepared to get into his carriage and leave, when suddenly a voice came from behind him.

"You're Yuan Yuan's boyfriend?"

Meng Yan stopped walking, but did not turn around.

The footsteps behind them grew closer and closer.

This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!