CHAPTER 440: CHAPTER 440: PRESSING THE ADVANTAGE

So... although the earthquake will be devastating, everything will be different now.

Especially the recent dream, under the heavy rain, to evade the Tartar army, her brother had Luo Song drag her back to the valley.

Hua Jinchong suddenly realized this was important information. Could it mean the situation in the valley during the earthquake wasn’t too severe?

But... even if she knew, what could be done? There was still no clue about the exact date of the earthquake.

It seems there’s only one way.

But there’s time to wait until the intense heat passes.

"Jin’er, my little sister."

Luo Song... Just as she thought of him, his voice echoed in her ears. Hua Jinchong was startled and turned around.

"Brother Luo Song... What brings you here?"

Unless they were leaving, nobody usually came near the valley entrance.

Since her sisters-in-law were pregnant, her brothers were focused on them, and Luo Song sensibly reduced his visits to the Hua family. It had been many days since she last saw him.

Well, still as handsome as ever, thanks to their Hua Village, just as gentle and refined as before the disaster, a paragon of a gentleman.

This guy really looks good. Hua Jinchong had a high tolerance for handsome guys and was happy to take a few more glances.

Luo Song smiled gently: "I only came because I saw little sister Jin’er from afar. Jin’er, you were..."

"Nothing much, just suddenly thought of taking a look at the cave entrance. I plan to head back now," Hua Jinchong replied with a smile.

"How’s Grandpa Luo doing?" She hadn’t seen the old man for some time, Hua Jinchong asked, then nodded to Uncle Hua Dian guarding the gate and walked on with Luo Song following suit.

"Grandfather is doing well. Thank you for your concern, Jin’er. He mentioned you recently, saying it’s been a long time since he saw you." Luo Song quickly continued the conversation.

"Oh, I’ve been quite busy and it’s been too hot. Brother Luo Song, please tell Grandpa Luo that after it cools down, I’ll accompany him on a walk."

Hua Jinchong genuinely liked the kind and wise old man. She often chatted and strolled with him when she happened to meet him in the valley. So, Luo Song mentioning him wasn’t surprising to her.

"Grandfather will be delighted to hear that." Although it wasn’t the answer he desired, Luo Song couldn’t help but smile more widely, his eyes slightly brighter.

Hua Jinchong was momentarily stunned by the vibrant look in his eyes.

... Brother Luo Song seems delighted. A peculiar expression flashed in Hua Jinchong’s eyes.

Even though it was just a slight distraction, because the other person was Hua Jinchong, whom he cherished, even the smallest change in her expression did not escape Luo Song’s notice.

Although it was only for an instant, Luo Song was incredibly pleased, fixing his fiery gaze on Hua Jinchong. His eyes conveyed deep affection, as though intent on capturing her completely, unwaveringly. The profound eyes conveyed overwhelming affection, like a rich wine luring one forward, even though the path led to an abyss.

Does this mean that Hua Jinchong is starting to grow up, maybe wise up?

In that case, Luo Song no longer concealed himself and pressed on to let the girl more clearly feel his feelings for her.

Unreservedly emitting his potent male charm.

The strong male aura hit head-on.

It was the first time Hua Jinchong was looked at so openly, even with a hint of aggressiveness, by a man. It held an unexplainable allure, one she couldn’t ignore, no matter how obtuse she was.

When she realized something, Hua Jinchong cast an incredulous glance at Luo Song.

So... could it be what she thought?

Is this guy interested in her?

But... Hua Jinchong lowered her gaze to her own outfit, completely lacking in feminine grace, not an ounce of beauty.

A practical dark blue short outfit, her long hair tied back in a high ponytail as usual, swinging as she walked. It was a spirited style she favored, the simplest, fastest, and most convenient hairstyle.

Though she was naturally beautiful, this outfit was underwhelming, making her look less like a woman, more like a good-looking scruffy lad.

Hua Jinchong quirked an eyebrow at Luo Song, thinking his taste might be questionable. There were pretty girls in the village, so if she hadn’t misunderstood, why did he notice this tomboyish version of herself?

Thinking about the tomboy, Hua Jinchong quickly covered her mouth, eyes wide in surprise—couldn’t it be...

This guy especially liked to hang out with her brother, even visiting as often after her brother got married. It’s just that recently, her brother had no time for him.

... It couldn’t be true, could it?

This guy... likes men?

... So after her brother got married, he turned his attention to her, who was dressed like a tomboy.

The more Hua Jinchong thought, the more it made sense, her imagination running wild, remembering the BL novels she had been reading, especially those clumsy scenarios, involuntarily shivering.

Otherwise, who wouldn’t like delicate and pretty girls and instead go for someone like her, sometimes more of a man than a man?

So much so that her gaze grew increasingly strange, paired with the hand-over-mouth gesture, completely annihilating the ambiguous atmosphere Luo Song had carefully created.

Even Luo Song noticed something was wrong, though his gaze remained fiery, it restrained a bit, instinct telling him something was off.

Fixing his gaze on Hua Jinchong: "Jin’er, what are you thinking?"

Luo Song decided not to beat around the bush and asked his confusion directly.

Perhaps it was the fact that his friend was about to become a father, combined with Hua Jinchong’s faint signs of awakening, prompting Luo Song not to wait any longer.

The most important thing was that the opportunity to be alone with this girl was so rare, he had to seize it today.

"Nothing much..." Hua Jinchong brushed it off, couldn’t very well admit she was wondering if he was, well, you know.

Luo Song, meanwhile, was clearly not satisfied with Hua Jinchong’s answer, looking at her earnestly.

"If Jin’er doesn’t want to say, you don’t have to. Whenever you want to talk, I’m the best listener, always willing to hear you out."

Hua Jinchong: "Hahaha..."

Laughing awkwardly, while also feeling a bit uneasy.

"Jin’er, don’t you believe what brother Luo Song is saying? I can’t believe someone as smart as you can’t see that I..."

"Ah..." Hua Jinchong exclaimed, interrupting Luo Song, "... I suddenly remembered I have something to do. I apologize, Brother Luo Song, I can’t stay to listen to what you were saying. I... I... have to go first."

Afterward, she gave Luo Song an awkward smile, then planned to slip away. But Luo Song caught hold of her.

Hua Jinchong: "..."

She closed her eyes, not daring to look at Luo Song.

She wasn’t a fool; with Luo Song being so earnest, she could certainly sense what he wanted to do next.

Simply: "..."

Hua Jinchong had never been in a situation like this before, instinctively wanting to reject it.

"Jin’er..."

Hua Jinchong squeezed her eyes shut, realizing he didn’t even call her sister anymore!

For some reason, her heart felt a little panicked, which was why she didn’t immediately shake off Luo Song’s hand. But in the next instant, realizing it, she gently freed herself, even though Luo Song wasn’t prepared to step aside, instead blocking Hua Jinchong’s path.