Chapter 254: My First Kiss

“I understand.” Lin Xiao’s eyes gleamed for a moment. “I’ll be careful.”

“You don’t need to worry too much. In Jinghai City, our forces are dominant, and we’ve got people specifically monitoring Wan Shixuan. The moment he makes a move, he won’t escape our eyes. Besides, with your skills, even if they have bad intentions, they won’t stand a chance.” Ning Xi smiled.

Lin Xiao nodded, his gaze flickering with thought.

“Is there anything else, Sister Ning?”

“No, that’s it,” Ning Xi replied.

But then, as if suddenly remembering something, she added, “Actually, there’s one more thing I need to tell you.”

“What is it?”

Ning Xi bit her lip, her eyes glinting mischievously. “Come closer. I’ll whisper it to you.”

Without suspicion, Lin Xiao stepped closer and lowered his head slightly.

Suddenly, Ning Xi raised both hands, cupping Lin Xiao’s face. Before he could react, she stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his.

Her soft, warm lips landed on his, lingering for a few seconds before parting.

Lin Xiao froze, standing there stunned, staring blankly at Ning Xi. He could still feel the lingering warmth and sweetness of her kiss.

“That was my first kiss,” Ning Xi said, her cheeks flushed as her beautiful eyes sparkled. “Consider it a reward for you. So, how was it? Not bad, right?”

Lin Xiao snapped back to reality, unsure of what to say. He could only nod.

“Want another one?” she teased.

Lin Xiao didn’t respond, but his gaze heated up.

Ning Xi once again stood on her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her lips met his in another kiss—this time, more passionate and a bit clumsy.

Lin Xiao responded by wrapping his arms around her waist, holding her close.

The kiss seemed to stretch on for minutes until, finally, they pulled apart.

“Don’t overthink it,” Ning Xi said, slightly breathless as she leaned into his chest. “It’s just a reward for saving me last time, okay?”

Lin Xiao opened his mouth to speak, but Ning Xi quickly placed a finger over his lips.

“Don’t say anything. If you dare tell anyone about this, I won’t give you any more rewards in the future,” she warned, though there was a playful gleam in her eyes.

Reluctantly pulling away from his embrace, she put her hands on her hips, her cheeks still flushed. “But if you behave, who knows… maybe you’ll get more rewards.”

Lin Xiao could tell that Ning Xi didn’t want him to feel burdened. Thousands of words condensed into just a few.

“Alright, I got it.”

“Good, as long as you understand.” Ning Xi flashed a sweet smile and gave him a playful look. “Alright then, there’s nothing else. You can go now.”

“Okay, Sister Ning, I’ll be off then.”

By this point, Lin Xiao had finally calmed down, his mind returning from the warmth and sweetness of the moment, fully regaining his composure.

“Mm, be careful on your way.” Ning Xi puckered her lips and sent him a playful air kiss, then waved him goodbye.

Lin Xiao smiled, gave her a little wave in return, and turned to leave.

It wasn’t until Lin Xiao’s figure had completely disappeared from her view that Ning Xi finally started the car and drove off. But after just five minutes of driving, she pulled over, leaned her head against the steering wheel, and muttered to herself, “Why did I suddenly become so bold? I actually kissed Lin Xiao on my own… I’m so embarrassed! It must be because I’m grateful for what he did last time. Yes, that’s definitely the reason. But… it felt really nice… Hmm, should I reward Lin Xiao more in the future?”

Meanwhile, Lin Xiao walked leisurely through the quiet streets.

It was already past 7:00 p.m., and most people were having dinner, so the neighborhood was unusually calm and silent.

Oddly enough, Lin Xiao felt quite at ease in this stillness. After a short while, he chuckled to himself.

“They were right when they said that love’s warmth can be a hero’s downfall. The ancients weren’t lying.”

Shaking his head to clear away the lingering thoughts, he recalled what Ning Xi had told him earlier. A sudden sense of vigilance crept into his mind.

Lin Xiao realized that since Wan Shixuan’s last attack, everything had gone quiet, as if Wan had completely forgotten about the events in Jinghai City.

Although Lin Xiao hadn’t faced Wan Shixuan directly, through Wan Caixuan’s words and his brief clash with the man’s remote-controlled body double, he knew that Wan Shixuan was extremely proud and vengeful.

Last time, Lin Xiao had embarrassed Wan Shixuan greatly and caused him considerable losses. There was no way Wan would remain silent.

The current calm could only mean one thing: it was the quiet before the storm. Wan Shixuan was likely planning a deadly strike from the shadows.

Though Wan had suffered heavy losses last time, that didn’t mean his forces were completely wiped out.

For instance, there were still his mercenaries and the Dark Force expert he controlled.

Where had they gone?

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Lin Xiao’s gaze grew dark and contemplative.

***

In the living room, Yuan Yu was busy doing her homework when her ears perked up at the sound of footsteps coming from the staircase. A look of delight instantly appeared on her beautiful face.

“Big Brother Lin is back.”

She put down her pen and ran to the front door. She hid behind it, waiting for Lin Xiao to open the door.

Click.

As soon as the door unlocked, Yuan Yu jumped out from behind it and cheerfully called out, “Big Brother Lin, you’re back!”

Lin Xiao smiled, gently ruffling her hair, and put an arm around her shoulder as they walked into the living room. He casually shut the door behind them.

“How did you know I was back?”

“Hehe, because I heard your footsteps.” Yuan Yu pointed to her ear, proudly adding, “My ears are super sharp. I can recognize your footsteps right away.”

“Good girl.” Lin Xiao chuckled softly, never holding back his warmth when it came to Yuan Yu. “How was your day?”

“Not so great. The teacher gave us so much homework, and I’m still not done.” Yuan Yu pouted, her delicate brows furrowed. “I’m going to have to stay up late again. Senior year is such a grind. And the college entrance exams are brutal!”

“It’s okay. I’ll stay up late with you. Once you finish your exams, you won’t have to work this hard anymore.”

Lin Xiao felt a pang of sympathy as he looked at her scrunched-up face, but he knew this was a critical time for her.

Afterward, Lin Xiao ordered two takeout meals for dinner. Once they finished eating, he patted Yuan Yu’s slender shoulder.

“You should keep working on your homework. I’m going to take a shower.”

“Okay.” Yuan Yu obediently nodded and went back to her desk, picking up her pen to continue studying.

After his shower, Lin Xiao returned to the living room dressed in a simple white t-shirt and shorts. He glanced at Yuan Yu, who was deep in her studies and chose not to disturb her.

About 20 minutes later, Yuan Yu finally finished her homework and stretched her arms with a sigh of relief.

“Big Brother Lin, I’m done.” She walked over to Lin Xiao and sat down next to him, leaning her head on his shoulder, visibly relieved.

It was already past eleven.

Seeing how exhausted she looked, Lin Xiao said softly, “Now that you’re finished, you should get some rest.”

“Mm, Big Brother Lin, I’m going to bed.” Yuan Yu nodded, her voice heavy with fatigue after a long day.