CHAPTER 18: CHAPTER 18: EYES LIKE A KISS

Later, Su Lingzhi returned to the shed with three children and instinctively sat beside Fu Yinli.

Fu Yinli fixed his gaze on her, suddenly raised his hand, and helped her adjust the lavender crown on her head, "Tired?"

Su Lingzhi shook her head.

Fu Yinli asked, "Tea or water?"

"Water."

Then, Fu Yinli opened a bottle of mineral water and handed it to her, his attentiveness made Su Lingzhi feel a bit overwhelmed, as if she was being treated like a child.

After a brief rest, Elsa, still not satisfied with playing, set her sights on the horses in the distance.

She walked over to Su Lingzhi and leaned against her, "Sister, can you take me horse riding?"

Su Lingzhi looked troubled, "I don’t know how to ride."

"The horse trainer will lead the horse for us, he will protect us."

Su Lingzhi didn’t want to spoil Elsa’s fun, but...

At that moment, the manor owner picked up Elsa, an idea flashed in his mind, "Mr. Fu, why don’t we go horse riding together, and perhaps teach your friend how to ride?"

Fu Yinli asked her, "Do you want to learn?"

Su Lingzhi hesitated, but under everyone’s expectant gaze, she nodded lightly.

Seeing their agreement, the manor owner made a phone call, and the horse trainer brought the horses over.

Elsa then held Su Lingzhi’s hand, "I want to ride with sister."

The manor owner crouched down and coaxed, "Sister hasn’t learned how to ride yet, let’s wait until she learns, okay?"

Elsa hesitated for a moment, but eventually had to follow her father.

The other two children each rode ahead on their own horses.

Finally, it was just Su Lingzhi and Fu Yinli left.

Looking at the strong brown horse in front of her, Su Lingzhi hesitated, "Maybe I should just wait here for you all to return."

"Do you fear when I am here?"

Fu Yinli introduced the purpose of each piece of equipment on the horse and personally demonstrated how to mount it.

She knew the equipment well and how to handle it.

Su Lingzhi held the horse’s mane and saddle, hesitating to get on.

Noticing her unease, Fu Yinli patiently asked, "What’s wrong?"

"I fell off a horse when I was a child and have never ridden since, I am a bit scared."

Though embarrassing to admit, she really didn’t dare ride again.

Later, a double saddle was used; once Su Lingzhi sat securely, Fu Yinli mounted behind her, controlling the reins with both hands, nearly enveloping her body.

"Relax," his deep and gentle voice fell from above.

Su Lingzhi’s heart tightened, not from childhood fear, but because of the man behind her.

Fu Yinli steered the horse towards the flower field.

He moved very slowly, as if offering her a chance to adjust to the pace.

Actually, with him behind her, she wasn’t afraid.

"Sister, hurry up!" called the children ahead, their voices resonating across the vast lavender field, bringing freedom and joy.

They went far, only their tiny figures visible.

Fu Yinli then asked, "Do you want to catch up?"

Su Lingzhi shook her head.

She didn’t want the children to see her being so timid.

Said she would learn to ride, ended up sharing a horse ride.

Su Lingzhi’s thoughts drifted back to last night.

She glanced back at him and asked, "Did I say anything strange to you last night?"

"What would count as strange?"

"Like..." Su Lingzhi hesitated, afraid he’d see through her feelings, "If I said anything or did anything without being aware, it doesn’t count."

"Even confessing affection for me doesn’t count?"

At those words, her heart seemed to explode, leaving Su Lingzhi momentarily off balance.

She turned to meet his gaze, trying to discern truth from falsehood, but as their eyes met, an invisible force seemed to pull her closer to him.

She snapped back to reality, feigning nonchalance, "Stop joking, I wouldn’t say something like that."

Fu Yinli lifted his eyes, smiled, but said nothing.

Gradually, Su Lingzhi’s body relaxed.

They rode together through the gentle breeze, surrounded by an endless purple sea of flowers, the lavender scent lingered in the air, its sweetness permeated her body, reaching her heart.

Something seemed to occupy space within her heart.

After a loop, they returned to the shed, with Fu Yinli lifting Su Lingzhi down.

The manor owner invited them to stay for dinner before returning.

As they departed, Elsa handed Su Lingzhi a bouquet of lavender.

"Thank you, little Elsa." Su Lingzhi held the flowers and crouched to hug her.

Elsa’s sister approached and whispered something in her ear.

Su Lingzhi’s eyes flickered, cheeks reddened, fortunately, the dim lights hid her reaction.

However, midway through the drive, Fu Yinli suddenly asked, "What did that child say to you?"

Su Lingzhi recalled Elsa’s sister’s words, the translation being: "The way uncle looks at you, it’s like he’s kissing you."

Su Lingzhi feigned nonchalance, "She said I’m pretty."

"Wouldn’t she openly say you’re pretty?"

"Children’s thoughts are hard for us adults to fathom."

Amused by her words, Fu Yinli’s mouth involuntarily twitched.

The car glided through the night into the city, the bustling lights gently danced on Su Lingzhi’s sleeping face.

With her presence, the quiet of the car had a touch of vitality.

Fu Yinli gazed at her lying beside him, took the lavender bouquet from her, placing it aside, then took a suit jacket from behind, covering her.

Upon reaching their destination, Su Lingzhi woke up, confused by her surroundings, "Are we here?"

"Yes."

Su Lingzhi glanced at the suit covering her, thanked him and got out.

Halfway down, she remembered something she forgot, and turned back.

At that moment, Fu Yinli stood by the car, holding the lavender bouquet.

Su Lingzhi took the flowers from him, more awakened by her nap than ever when she met him.

Thus, standing before him, she abruptly asked, "Do you have a girlfriend?"

Though abrupt, it was a question she pondered deeply.

There were things she wanted clarity on, rather than allowing herself to be lost in the mire of desire.

Fu Yinli’s eyes deepened, his gaze like a river in the night, seemingly tranquil, yet hiding turbulence.

In the silence, he speculated her thoughts.

"No."

Such a quiet voice, yet it brightened the night somewhat.

Su Lingzhi continued, "Then who was the woman sitting on you last time?"

Fu Yinli recalled for a moment, spoke lightly, "I’m not interested in her."

This reply didn’t quite satisfy Su Lingzhi.

Breaking the silence, Fu Yinli asked, "Is there anything else you want to know?"

Su Lingzhi’s mind raced, quickly said goodbye, then ran away.