Chapter 33: She’s So Well-Behaved and Adorable

In less than two minutes, Qin Yichi had driven up to the top of the mountain behind the training base.

In truth, he hadn’t been driving particularly fast; it was just that the road up the mountain was steep and intimidating, and the experience always felt different for the driver compared to the passenger.

He was just about to step out of the car when he realized that the girl was still clinging tightly to his waist and abdomen, her soft body pressed snugly against his back.

Qin Yichi swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing, and he couldn’t help but pat her hand gently, his voice soothing: "It’s alright, we’re here now."

Qiao Zhen sat in the back seat, dazed and adorably bewildered, and only after a couple of seconds did she finally come to her senses and slowly let go.

Qin Yichi couldn’t help but smile, a deep, low chuckle welling up from his chest. With a helpless air, he reached out and lifted Qiao Zhen out, his movements gentle, and then pressed her head softly, ruffling her hair.

He stepped back, facing the sunlight. "Look."

Following his gaze, Qiao Zhen’s eyes widened, sparkling with a layer of shimmering stars.

Bathed in the sun’s affection, wildflowers bloomed extravagantly across the hillsides—pale blue, soft pink, golden yellow... all sorts of flowers weaving together in a kaleidoscopic oil painting, their fragrance lush and invigorating.

A gentle breeze swept by, setting waves rippling through the sea of blossoms in a romantic, healing scene, and butterflies fluttered gracefully among them.

A smile blossomed on Qiao Zhen’s lips, bright as spring flowers.

How beautiful...

She truly loved flowers, loved nature.

Just standing there, taking it in, filled her with serenity and ease, her whole body relaxing.

Qin Yichi slipped one hand into his pocket, turning to her with a lazy drawl, "Do you like it?"

"Yes." Qiao Zhen nodded, her smile curving, her eyes glued to the view as if she’d discovered a rare treasure.

Standing beside her, Qin Yichi’s dark eyes shimmered with an enigmatic light, the corners of his mouth lifting. "It’ll be even prettier at sunset."

Qiao Zhen’s eyes brimmed with anticipation, her whole being suffused with a honeyed sweetness.

So, he’d brought her here, just to watch the sunset together?

Suddenly, Qin Yichi reached out his hand to her, his slender fingers slightly curled in a beckoning gesture, his tone lazy:

"Give it to me."

Qiao Zhen snapped out of her trance, a hint of confusion in her eyes, a question mark hovering above her head.

But she obediently placed her hand in his palm.

Well, if he said so, he must have his reasons!

The moment their fingers touched, she felt his searing warmth.

Qiao Zhen’s mood turned oddly shy, her hand shrinking back a little, her lashes fluttering.

The next second, Qin Yichi raised his eyebrows in mild surprise, his expression complex, his gaze intent and teasing:

"I meant, give me my gift."

As soon as the words fell, Qiao Zhen’s eyes went wide, and she snatched her hand back as if shocked by electricity.

The gift… for him?

Not her hand?!

Her mind was a jumble, her ears burning hot. Oh, how could she have misunderstood again…!

She wanted to cry, but managed only a quiet complaint: "How was I supposed to know what you meant? You never finish your sentences."

Hmph, so aggravating, truly infuriating!

But it was his birthday today, after all, so she could only indulge him...

Qiao Zhen dug into her canvas bag and pulled out a brand-new pair of wireless earbuds for him.

Just days ago, she’d casually asked what he needed lately. Qin Yichi had thought for a long while before saying he’d lost one of his earbuds.

So Qiao Zhen had stayed up late to pick out a high-quality pair for him. The price was painful, but she’d gritted her teeth and bought them anyway.

Qin Yichi took the earbuds, gave them a little shake, and bent down slightly, a smile at his lips:

"Thank you. I really like this brand—just perfect."

Joy fluttered in Qiao Zhen’s heart, and she couldn’t help but smile as well.

Whenever someone liked her gifts, it made her inexplicably happy...

Next, after rummaging for a while, Qiao Zhen fished out a deep grey scarf from her bag, presenting it like a little animal offering its treasured find, her eyes blinking with hope for his approval.

She watched Qin Yichi’s reaction anxiously.

He froze for a moment, staring deeply at the scarf, his heartbeat suddenly unsteady.

His dark eyes sparkled with starlight, something unusual flickering within. "This… is for me?"

"Of course," Qiao Zhen replied, as if it were self-evident.

"You made it yourself?" His chest began to burn.

Qiao Zhen nodded, her "Mm" soft.

She genuinely loved knitting, crafting, baking—it was soothing and enjoyable for her.

She never felt it was a waste of time; on the contrary, her mind would relax, her whole body at ease.

Suddenly, echoes of her friends’ words from her previous life rang loudly in her mind:

—"He probably wouldn’t ever wear it, right?"

—"Ha, I wouldn’t even take something so cheap if you gave it to me for free…"

Each comment, though couched in jest, rang true, stabbing sharply at Qiao Zhen’s heart.

Her past sincerity had been trampled without care.

A wave of bitterness surged in her chest, and she lowered her eyes, quietly withdrawing her hand. In a muffled voice, she asked:

"You don’t like it?"

Qin Yichi immediately sobered, his expression serious as he answered earnestly, "I do."

"Qiao Zhen, I really, really like it."

A cool breeze drifted by, carrying the scent of earth and grass, caressing their cheeks with gentle affection.

Leaves rustled, flowers swayed across the hillsides, birds sang sweetly—everything was like a dreamscape.

Every word drifted on the wind, settling in Qiao Zhen’s ears.

Qin Yichi bent down a little, lowering himself to meet her gaze, something complicated rolling in his eyes:

"But I don’t know how to wear it."

There was a faint, inexplicable hint of pride to his tone, as if he was waiting for something.

Qiao Zhen: "?"

It was just a scarf—how hard could it be? Just wrap it around the neck a couple of times...

Oh, maybe he was a perfectionist, wanting to keep up appearances.

Qiao Zhen, still a little muddled, blurted out, "Then… should I help you put it on?"

The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them.

Why did it feel like she was falling into a trap?

But it was Qin Yichi’s birthday, after all—she had to spoil him. As long as he was happy…

"Mm, help me," Qin Yichi nodded, like a big dog wagging its tail—fierce and aloof to everyone else, but sweet and pure when facing its master.

Qiao Zhen was startled by her own mental image, drawing in a sharp breath.

She lowered her gaze and carefully folded the scarf, reaching around Qin Yichi’s neck.

The two stood close, their warm breaths mingling and entwining in the space between them.

Her fingers brushed against his hot skin, and suddenly, it felt as if electricity shot through her body.

His clean scent of pine and fresh grass lingered at the tip of her nose.

The atmosphere grew subtly charged.

Qiao Zhen glanced down, catching sight of his delicate, pale collarbones and, once again, the alluring movement of his Adam’s apple as it slid up and down, as if it were baiting her.

He really was attractive—no wonder he’d had so many female fans in his previous life…

Blinking, Qiao Zhen snapped herself out of it, banishing all improper thoughts.

Once she’d finished, she took a moment to adjust the scarf, checking it with meticulous care, a satisfied smile curving her lips.

The deep grey matched his temperament perfectly—an ideal pairing!

She smiled, and in the next moment, unexpectedly met the intense sincerity in his gaze.

Qin Yichi’s eyes were clear as obsidian, his lashes long and distinct, the beauty mark beneath his eye all the more captivating.

Tenderness lay hidden beneath sharp edges.

Through those eyes, Qiao Zhen could almost see her own bright reflection.

After a few seconds, Qin Yichi was the first to look away, lowering his eyes.

"All done," Qiao Zhen said, quietly taking a step back to put some space between them.

She lifted her fair fingers and made a small gesture in the air. "Actually, there’s another little gift. But I’ll give it to you tonight~"

She was learning to be mysterious, too.

Qin Yichi’s chest felt hot. "Alright."

The girl’s skin was pale and delicate, her thick, curled lashes fluttering like butterfly wings when viewed up close.

He imagined she must have spent a long time knitting this scarf.

In truth, just having Qiao Zhen by his side was already the greatest gift in the world.

And yet Qiao Zhen always treated him with such care, such warmth, such devotion…

Qin Yichi was sorely tempted to pinch her cheeks and ask how she could possibly be this sweet, this adorable.