Seeing Chu Xin'er's expression, Song Yan's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

She really liked it.

Without saying a word, he took Chu Xin'er's hand, took out the watch, and put it on her wrist himself.

His fingertips were warm and dry, with thin calluses. The moment they touched her wrist, it felt like a faint electric current ran through her, making Chu Xin'er's heart tingle.

She tried to pull her hand back, but he held it firmly.

The buckle on the watch strap made a soft "click" sound.

The size is just right, not too big or too small.

The silver watch chain complemented her fair wrist beautifully.

"Brother Song Yan, this is too precious..."

"Not valuable."

Song Yan interrupted, his deep eyes fixed on her: "Anything given to you is not valuable."

His voice was soft, yet it was like a pebble thrown into Chu Xin's heart lake, rippling outwards.

Chu Xin'er lowered her eyes, not daring to look into his eyes that seemed to suck people in, and muttered softly, "I really don't blame you. I know everything you did was for... for us."

"Especially for you."

Song Yan corrected him, his tone leaving no room for argument.

For the sake of the Chu and Ye families, it's a matter of affection and morality.

But the starting point for all of this, the most important point, was for her.

So that she can stand tall and live in the sunlight without any worries, instead of bearing injustice and rumors.

In order to clear her name, return to Haicheng, and once again... return to his side.

To have the opportunity to express your love passionately, to pursue her, to cherish her, and to protect her for a lifetime!

Chu Xin'er was deeply moved by Song Yan's affectionate gaze and resolute words.

I forgot to respond for a moment.

She could only stare blankly at the man in front of her...

This man has loved her for many, many years.

"Little Aunt! Song Yan Su Su!"

The childish voice called out, breaking the silence between the two.

The three little ones were laughing heartily, and how clever they were to have noticed Chu Xin'er's earlier embarrassment.

If Da Da hadn't shouted that, his little aunt would probably have been completely devoured by Song Yansu.

Chu Xin'er seemed to wake from a dream, her cheeks burning like the sunset. She quickly withdrew her hand, squatted down, and hugged the three little ones: "Look, Song Yan Su Su brought a beautiful watch for her little aunt!"

Wow! It looks so good!

Looking at her slightly flustered yet adorable appearance, Song Yan's eyes slowly filled with a smile.

"Thank you, Brother Song Yan."

After settling the three little ones in, Chu Xin'er raised her head again to meet his gaze, her eyes filled with an unprecedented seriousness and gratitude.

"Really, thank you for everything you've done for me."

She was no longer the naive young girl she once was; she knew how much trouble Song Yan had shielded her and the Chu family from, and how many problems he had resolved.

From Liangtian Township to Haicheng, he was like a silent mountain, always quietly providing shelter for her when she needed him most.

"fool."

Song Yan's gaze softened little by little. He raised his hand and gently wiped away the dust from the ends of her hair with his fingertips.

His movements were very gentle, as if he were touching a rare treasure.

"Your business is my business."

"Therefore, you don't need to say 'thank you' in front of me."

"Everything was done willingly by me."

Song Yan's tone left no room for argument. He suddenly took a step forward, his tall figure looming over her, enveloping her entirely in his aura.

The distance between the two instantly closed, so close that Chu Xin'er could clearly see her reflection in his dark pupils and smell the light, pleasant scent of cologne on him.

Her heart was pounding like a drum, and she couldn't help but slow her breathing.

The three little ones watched from the side, their mouths forming an "O" shape.

good……

How exciting!

What should I do?

Dada quickly stretched out her little hands and covered Er'er and San'san's eyes.

Do not look at what is improper.

But Da Da himself was really enjoying it!

Er'er and San'san quickly broke free.

Such a great storyline shouldn't be enjoyed by just one person! You bad guy!

However, Chu Xin'er and Song Yan, who drowned in it, had no time to consider that this was not suitable for children.

"My dear."

Song Yan suddenly called her name, with a bewitching magic.

He stared intently at the woman before him, his eyes as deep and dark as the sea, churning with emotions she couldn't comprehend, emotions powerful enough to drown her.

"I like you."

The four simple words, like a thunderclap, exploded in Chu Xin'er's mind.

She suddenly opened her eyes wide, even forgetting to breathe, and could only stare at him blankly.

What...what did he say?

He said he liked her?

Although they already knew all along.

Ye Nian'an had reminded Chu Xin'er many times.

But this is Chu Xin'er returning to Haicheng...

This was the first time I had heard Song Yan utter those four words.

It's a completely different feeling to hear something from someone else than to hear it directly from the person involved!

As Song Yan looked at her stunned expression, a smile slowly spread across his eyes, like the melting of the first snow and the gentle ripples of spring water.

He didn't give her time to react, leaning down slightly, his hot breath spraying onto her lips, carrying an irresistible force and declaration.

"It's been many years."

These four words are like a key, instantly unlocking the box of memories.

Those long-forgotten, blurry images suddenly surged forth.

When she was little, she was a tomboy, always leading a group of boys to run around, climb trees to steal bird nests, and go down to the river to catch fish and shrimp. Every time she got into trouble, there was an older brother who would silently follow behind her to clean up the mess.

Song Yan is the same age as Chu Yan, but a few years older than Chu Xin'er. He always has a serious face, like a little adult, but he will secretly slip her chocolates that he brought back from abroad.

He would beat up any boy who bullied her without saying a word.

Later, the Chu family ran into trouble, and she was sent to the countryside with her family, where she was gone for several years.

She thought they had long since lost contact.

But when she saw him again in Liangtian Township, the look in his eyes revealed a concern and worry that she hadn't been able to understand before.

And there was that solemn vow that he would definitely find an opportunity to exonerate the Chu and Ye families, and let them return to Haicheng healthy and safe.

turn out to be……

It turns out he's always been there.

It turns out that this feeling of liking someone had been buried for so many years.

My heart was filled with a bittersweet, throbbing emotion.

It was warm and hot, and the heat spread all the way to my internal organs.

Chu Xin'er's eyes suddenly welled up with tears, and a thin layer of moisture spread across them.

Seeing her reddened eyes, Song Yan felt a pang of guilt. He raised his hand and gently stroked the corner of her eye with his thumb, a gesture so tender it was almost unbelievable.

"Why are you crying?"

His voice softened further, carrying a hint of helpless indulgence.

"I'm confessing my feelings not to make you cry."

"I...I didn't cry!"