After dinner, Chen Ping and Ying Huoxin bid farewell to the lively Children's Guard and left with Ying Huoxin. The night in Heart City was brightly lit, dazzling as day, dotted with stars, showing no sign of night.
The streets were bustling with pedestrians, creating a tranquil atmosphere on both sides.
Walking beside Chen Ping, Ying Huo felt a surge of nervousness amidst the tranquility. She recalled her sister Ying Xin's whispered words before she left, encouraging her to seize the opportunity, which made her cheeks flush slightly.
Her heart raced, her thoughts raced, and her gaze kept falling on Chen Ping beside her. His profile was calm and handsome, giving her a sense of security.
Chen Ping seemed to notice her unusual behavior, turned his head, and chuckled, "What's wrong? Ying Huo, do you think the night view of Xincheng is beautiful? I was also captivated when I first came here, especially after the Huanglong Festival costume, it was even more outstanding."
Ying Huo shook her head and said softly, "No, it's just a little chilly, but it's nice. The scenery in Xincheng is beautiful at night."
Chen Ping understood, and gently took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders: "Then, don't catch a cold. Come on, I'll accompany you to look around slowly."
This small gesture warmed Ying Huo's heart, and she looked at Chen Ping gratefully, her eyes sparkling. The two continued on their way, strolling through the night in Xincheng, their conversation gradually unfolding.
Chen Ping asked, "After Ice Valley, how was your time in the Dragon Sea? Did you encounter anything interesting?"
Ying Huo chuckled and began to share interesting stories about the domain, including her experiences in the Fulong Sea over the past few months. As they chatted and laughed, the distance between them gradually diminished.
As night deepened, the hustle and bustle of the city quieted down, and their voices became the background music, the harmony of their two hearts.
Chen Ping stopped, looked at Ying Huo, and said earnestly, "Your courage and wisdom in the Ice Valley impressed me deeply. I hope that, no matter what, we can support each other like friends."
Upon hearing this, Ying Huo smiled and nodded, but inwardly murmured, "Just...just friends?"
......
Chen Ping noticed Ying Huo's quietness, paused slightly, turned his head, and looked at her with a questioning gaze. After a moment of silence, he asked softly, "What's wrong, Ying Huo? Is something on your mind?"
Ying Huo bit her lip, her eyes darting around, as if she had made up her mind, and asked uneasily, "Chen Ping, I...I want to ask you, what kind of girl do you like?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Ping was taken aback and thought to himself. He hadn't expected Ying Huo to suddenly ask this question; her expression clearly showed that she had feelings for him.
This gave Chen Ping a headache. He did have feelings for Ying Huo, but he preferred a deep friendship. As for love, he hadn't thought about it yet, at least for now. Besides, Gabriel was already in his heart.
He slightly suppressed his smile and replied gently, "The kind of girl I like is kind, intelligent, has her own ideas, is independent, and can respect and understand each other, just like you."
He deliberately spoke in a broad tone, not wanting Ying Huo to misunderstand, yet also not wanting to hurt her feelings.
Upon hearing this, Ying Huo's eyes sparkled, her cheeks flushed slightly, and her heart felt both sweet and bittersweet. She understood what Chen Ping meant; in his heart, she was currently only a friend.
She forced a smile and said softly, "That's good. I hope you can find your ideal partner soon."
Chen Ping laughed, lightly tapped her head with his fist, and joked, "You little head, thinking so much. Let's enjoy the moment and go."
The two continued walking, their steps light and joyful under the starlight of the city at night. Chen Ping thought to himself, he knew that he had to be careful in handling emotions, so as not to hurt either party.
At this moment, all he can do is accompany his friends and offer his sincerest friendship. As for the future, he will leave it to time to answer.
Unfortunately, the two remained silent for the last period of time. Finally, Ying Huo forced a smile, said goodbye to Chen Ping, and left.
Chen Ping could only stand there and watch Ying Huo leave. Since he had no intention of pursuing her, it was best not to give her even the slightest hope. Besides, they hadn't known each other for very long.
Ying Huo was probably just acting on impulse. Once she calms down, she should recover.
......
Chen Ping's guess was correct; Ying Huo did indeed have a slight expectation of him, hoping that their stroll through the Heart City could lead to further development.
She unconsciously slowed her pace, almost waiting, hoping that Chen Ping could understand this silent hint and take the initiative to approach her, even if it was just a simple hug. But until they returned to their rented apartment, Chen Ping seemed not to have caught this delicate feeling.
A ripple of emotion stirred within her, her steps grew heavier, and her eyes involuntarily reddened, tears falling like broken pearls, wiping them away only to fall again.
Feeling wronged and disappointed, she couldn't understand why, even though she had hinted so clearly, she seemed to have been ignored.
"Chen Ping, do you... really not understand?" she murmured to herself, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz, trembling. The night concealed her emotions; her lonely shadow stretched long, as if telling a story of unspoken loneliness.
She forced back her tears, took a deep breath, and told herself that perhaps Chen Ping really only regarded her as a friend, and she shouldn't have too many expectations.
The city lights, to her now, were no longer a source of warmth, but a glaring irony, reflecting her lonely shadow and the unfulfilled tenderness she craved.
She quickened her pace; the rented house was just ahead. Her heart was already breaking; she decided to keep everything to herself tonight and not let Chen Ping find out.
She knew that sometimes, in the world of emotions, it's not enough to just take things slowly; courage and timing are also required.
Perhaps, it's not the right time for her and Chen Ping yet; she still needs to wait, or perhaps give them time and understanding.
But even with so many excuses and reasons, she couldn't stop the tears from flowing. She felt so bad, so very bad.
Ying Huo pushed open the door and entered. The house was empty. Obviously, her mother, father, and brother had not returned yet. The empty house made her feel even more upset, although she did not know why.
Ying Huo burst into tears and then began to cry silently, a heartbreaking sight to behold.
After an unknown amount of time, she staggered back to her room, then lay on the bed, her eyes bloodshot, staring blankly at the ceiling, silent.
After an unknown amount of time, Ying Huo gradually felt sleepy, but a second before falling asleep, she made up her mind that she would not give up so easily. Tomorrow, she would go to Licia to ask if Chen Ping had anyone he liked.
If, if...
Ying Huo then fell into a deep sleep, the tear stains on her eyes and face clearly visible, making her look pitiful.
......
Chen Ping was relieved to see Ying Huo return to her temporary residence.
When Ying Huo left in disappointment, Chen Ping began to follow her. After all, her condition just now made him really worried, so after thinking about it, he decided to secretly escort her home.
Seeing that Ying Huo had arrived home safely, Chen Ping left with peace of mind.
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