As dawn broke, Lin Xihe quietly got up, made an excuse to go to the outhouse, and crouched down like a guilty thief to sneak under the grape trellis.
Clutching the large gemstones tightly in her hands, she looked around warily. After confirming that no one was watching, she hurriedly buried the large gemstones deep in the ground and carefully took out a small gemstone from them and put it in the pouch at her waist.
He then went out as if nothing had happened and hired Aunt Zhou's donkey cart to go into town that day.
Sitting on the bumpy donkey cart, Lin Xihe's thoughts were in turmoil.
She knew perfectly well that in the current situation, survival was the top priority.
Recalling the plot of the original book, Ji Zhuo would definitely leave before the New Year. Counting on my fingers, there were only two or three months left.
She figured that as long as she could keep Ye Yunfan calm during this period, they could be together without any obstacles once the New Year was over.
By then, according to the original plot, the female lead will probably be able to return to the capital. Moreover, even if I complete the first stage of the mission now, fate will still force the female lead and Ji Zhuo together, and I will ultimately be an insignificant passerby.
Lin Xihe arrived at Ye Yunfan's clinic with mixed feelings.
"Miss Lin, what brings you here?" Ye Yunfan's eyes lit up the moment he saw Lin Xihe. They had only parted yesterday, and he hadn't expected her to appear before him so early this morning.
"I was going into town today to buy some household items and food, so I stopped by to take a look," Lin Xihe said hesitantly. After all, there were some things that were difficult to say, so she could only try to find out step by step.
“I noticed you’re missing this and that at home. Today is perfect, I’ll go to the market with you and buy everything you need, then I’ll bring it back to you later,” Ye Yunfan said warmly, turning to instruct the boy to prepare the carriage.
"No need, I came here today with Aunt Zhou's donkey cart. If you have time, why don't we take a walk around the neighborhood?"
"I'm free, I'm free!"
Ye Yunfan hurriedly agreed, then turned and shouted into the house, "Father, Miss Lin is here. Please come out and keep an eye on her. I'll be out for a bit."
A moment later, Dr. Lin walked out with steady steps. When he saw Lin Xihe, his face was full of kind smiles: "Miss Lin has arrived."
"Hello, Dr. Lin."
Lin Xihe got nervous and subconsciously nodded and bowed like a modern person. As soon as she finished the action, she realized that it was wrong and quickly followed the etiquette of ancient women and gave a graceful curtsy.
"It's alright, no need for so much formality. We're all easygoing people. You young people should go out and have some fun. I'll take care of things here." Doctor Lin waved his hand, full of affection.
"Thank you, Father." Ye Yunfan replied cheerfully, turned around, grabbed some silver from the cabinet, and happily pulled Lin Xihe out the door.
The faint blush on Lin Xihe's face lingered for a long time after she stepped out of the clinic.
The two strolled side by side through the bustling streets.
"Don't be so nervous. My father has always been very easy to get along with," Ye Yunfan said gently, turning his head to comfort Lin Xihe, who was standing beside him, who seemed a little reserved.
"I've long heard of Dr. Lin's kind reputation, but for some reason, I still can't help but feel nervous when I meet him," Lin Xihe replied softly, her head slightly lowered.
"It's alright, as you spend more time together, things will become much more natural." Seeing Lin Xihe's cheeks becoming increasingly flushed, as if they could bleed, Ye Yunfan quickly and cleverly changed the subject. "What do you want to buy today? I can give you some pointers."
"I've come here today because I have something to say to you..." Lin Xihe hesitated, biting her lower lip lightly, her expression full of hesitation.
Seeing Lin Xihe's hesitation, Ye Yunfan's heart skipped a beat, and a hint of nervousness crept onto his brow.
“Yesterday, after you left, my brother mentioned that I am still young and should not be allowed to start too early…” Lin Xihe raised her eyes slightly, stole a glance at Ye Yunfan, and then quickly looked away.
"Is he dissatisfied with me?" Ye Yunfan frowned, his expression revealing his disappointment.
"That's not it. He just thought I was still young. As you know, an elder brother is like a father to his child, and he always treats me like a child," Lin Xihe quickly explained, her tone tinged with urgency.
The original owner is now sixteen years old. In this world, most women of similar age to her are already married. If it weren't for the sudden change in her family, she might have gotten married this year as well.
But at that moment, she racked her brains but couldn't find a more appropriate excuse.
“I know you are still young, but…” Ye Yunfan paused, his eyes full of affection and expectation, “I do not intend to get married this year, but I hope that you and I can settle our feelings for each other as soon as possible and pledge our true love to one another.”
"Dr. Ye, this is the current situation. If you are unwilling, you can start over..." Lin Xihe's voice grew softer and softer, almost inaudible.
"I'm willing, I'm happy to wait for you." Ye Yunfan was anxious and interrupted Lin Xihe before she could finish speaking, his words earnest.
"But I don't know what the future holds." Lin Xihe felt guilty and quietly lowered her head.
"But you have some dissatisfaction with me?" Ye Yunfan's gaze was fixed on Lin Xihe, as if trying to find the answer.
"I have no complaints. I know you are a person of excellent character. It's just that I have many difficulties."
Lin Xihe was unwilling to let Ye Yunfan pass her by, so she held back in her words and spoke evasively.
"I understand your difficult situation, but could you please not sever ties with me so easily?" Ye Yunfan's eyes were full of pleading, which made people feel sorry for him.
Lin Xihe dared not look directly into Ye Yunfan's burning and expectant gaze, and lowered her head slightly, nodding gently: "Mm."
Upon hearing this, Ye Yunfan breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Lin Xihe wasn't uninterested in him, there was still hope.
"May I still visit you in the future?" Ye Yunfan asked cautiously.
"My brother will be staying at my house until the New Year. It would be best if you didn't come during the two or three months before he leaves. I will go into the city to buy things every ten days, and I will come to find you then, okay?" Lin Xihe's voice was barely audible, but her words carried a hint of coquetry.
Ye Yunfan had never experienced anything like this before, and as if bewitched, he nodded in agreement without thinking.
“I’ll be waiting for you at the clinic. Could you come back a little later today? I know of many delicious dishes in the city. Shall I take you to try them?” Ye Yunfan’s eyes were full of anticipation.
Looking at Ye Yunfan's appearance, Lin Xihe found it hard to refuse and could only nod slightly.
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