CHAPTER 224: CHAPTER 224: DIDN’T WE AGREE NOT TO CONFESS?

If Lin Shiyi really managed to record a video of her having dinner with him, should she start practicing how to bark like a dog? And fork over another fifty thousand for that woman?

No way, absolutely not!

She had to stop this tragedy from happening. She wasn’t going to bark like a dog, wasn’t going to pay the money... and certainly didn’t want to see Lin Shiyi’s arrogant face.

So, she had no choice but to find Huo Yanting and discuss this matter with him.

Late at night, when all was silent, Lin Banxia walked alone along the garden path of the pear garden.

The sound of chirping insects echoed in her ears. In the distance, the gentle murmur of streams intertwined with the melody of tinkling bridges, as if music played in the air.

Lin Banxia was only wearing a loose nightdress, hugging her arms tightly, step by step, head bowed as she walked.

Aunt Lan had already gone home. Her son was passing through on business, and the mother and son wanted to spend some time together.

Now, Lin Banxia was left as the sole keeper of the pear garden. She didn’t feel lonely, nor afraid. Instead, she relished the tranquil atmosphere.

But the shadow looming in her heart refused to fade.

She wasn’t brave enough to confront death head-on, but the test of this earthquake had proven that certain things were bound to happen, one after another.

She still would have to die again.

Lin Banxia sighed like an old soul battered by the vicissitudes of life.

Suddenly... a stone rolled to her feet from ahead. In the depth of the night, it carried a faintly eerie vibe.

Startled, Lin Banxia jumped back in fright, her beautiful eyes scanning forward. She saw a flash of something red flickering ahead.

The wind swept over, carrying the scent of cigarette smoke.

"Who’s there? What are you doing?" Lin Banxia’s first reaction was to think of a thief.

"Guarding this entire garden alone? You’ve got guts!" A deep, familiar male voice momentarily startled Lin Banxia.

She quickly ran forward, only to see Huo Yanting leaning against a faux rock, one hand holding a cigarette. In the dim light, his intense gaze was fixed firmly on her.

"Huo Yanting? When did you get here? Are you trying to frighten me to death?" Seeing him, Lin Banxia was both shocked and angry, finding it hard to believe.

"Climbed over the wall to get in!" The man was shockingly straightforward.

"What? When did Mr. Huo turn into a thief? Why did you come here?" Lin Banxia was a little annoyed, feeling like her private sanctuary had been ruthlessly invaded. She found it rather humiliating.

"Steal someone!" As he spoke, Huo Yanting casually flicked the cigarette butt to the ground and crushed it beneath his leather shoe.

Lin Banxia was furious at his words, practically livid. He really dared to say such things!

"Steal who? President Ji, please watch your mouth! I won’t allow you to sully this peaceful place." Lin Banxia immediately warned him with righteous indignation.

"Didn’t you call me a thief? Aside from you, what else in this garden is worth stealing?" Huo Yanting replied, arrogantly holding his ground.

Lin Banxia bit her lip in frustration. "I thought you’d never want to see me again in your life."

After all, she had been lying in the hospital for three days, and Huo Yanting hadn’t shown up once.

She naturally assumed this man hated her and disliked her.

Huo Yanting’s gaze pierced through her as he stared intently at her. His deep, mocking tone followed: "I wish that were the case."

Lin Banxia: "..."

"Lin Banxia, I’ve fallen for you!" Huo Yanting abruptly confessed, his words direct, bold, and carefree.

"What?" Lin Banxia’s mind buzzed, leaving a moment of blankness before she thought she’d misheard: "Did you say you like me?"

"Yes!" Huo Yanting admitted with courage. "You’ve surely felt it already. Why don’t you respond to me?"