Chapter 342: Reward

“Sister Ning Xi, is this really okay? A lot of people are watching us.” Lin Xiao swept his gaze across the surroundings, speaking in a calm tone.

“Who cares? So what if they see? I’d like to see who dares gossip behind my back.”

Ning Xi had also noticed the unusual looks from the people around them, but she didn’t care in the slightest. She let out a soft hum and nestled into Lin Xiao’s embrace, refusing to move away. Since she wasn’t bothered, Lin Xiao didn’t say anything more, simply letting her be.

After a long moment, Ning Xi finally pulled away, seemingly satisfied. She then wrapped her arm around Lin Xiao’s, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

“Alright, Lin Xiao, take me away. For today, I’m all yours.”

“Where does Sister Ning Xi want to go?”

“Anywhere is fine. As long as I’m with you, I’m happy.” She blinked, her gaze teasing. “So, where do you want to take me? Are we heading straight to a hotel?”

They had barely reunited, yet Ning Xi couldn’t resist teasing him. She always found it amusing to see Lin Xiao’s awkward reactions.

However, after knowing her for so long, Lin Xiao had developed an immunity. Raising a brow, he played along with her provocation.

“Sure, let’s head straight to a hotel. Just don’t back out later, Sister Ning Xi.”

Ning Xi had not expected this response at all. Caught completely off guard, it took her a few seconds to process his words. Then, a deep crimson flush spread across her flawless, jade-like cheeks.

Even though she felt a little flustered, Ning Xi refused to admit defeat.

“Hmph! So you finally reveal your true colors.” She narrowed her eyes, smirking. “Be honest, how long have you been lusting after me?”

Their voices were low, meant only for each other.

Which was fortunate—if anyone overheard this conversation, it would shake Brilliant Aya Limited to its core.

In a verbal spar, Lin Xiao was no match for Ning Xi. After just a few exchanges, he was defeated and surrendered.

“Fine, you win, Sister Ning Xi. Let me think of a good place to relax.”

“Think carefully.” Ning Xi bit her rosy lower lip, her gaze sultry. “If you make me happy, I’ll give you a reward.”

“A reward?”

“Mm-hmm.” She smiled playfully, her tone alluring. “But not somewhere in the city. I don’t feel like shopping today. That’s too boring.”

Lin Xiao’s mind flashed with an idea.

“If you don’t want to stay in the city, how about the countryside?” He suggested without hesitation. “A farmstay trip. How does that sound?”

The moment he said it, Ning Xi’s eyes lit up.

“Perfect! That’s exactly what I want.” She clutched Lin Xiao’s arm excitedly. “No need to waste time, let’s go now.”

“But I don’t know any—”

“It’s fine! We’ll figure it out on the way.” Ning Xi didn’t give him a chance to refuse and dragged him along. “Also, since I finally have a day off, you’re not allowed to drive. Let’s take the public bus instead. That way, you can keep me company while we chat.”

“Alright.”

***

Two Hours Later.

A winding, narrow mountain road stretched into the distance. A public bus moved steadily along its path.

Outside, dense forests and rolling mountains stretched as far as the eye could see.

A dozen passengers sat in casual clothes, sunglasses, and sun hats. Many stuck their heads out the window, snapping photos of the breathtaking scenery.

“I never knew there was such a beautiful, untouched place near Jinghai,” one passenger exclaimed in wonder.

“The air here is amazing. If it weren’t so remote, I’d build a villa here.”

An elderly man with graying hair and a healthy glow took a deep breath, his face filled with contentment.

“This view, this air… truly worth the trip.”

Others around him nodded in agreement.

Lin Xiao and Ning Xi sat side by side at the back of the bus, listening to the conversations with amusement.

Ning Xi rested her soft, delicate body against Lin Xiao, her head leaning on his shoulder as she gazed out the window. Feeling the gentle vibration of the moving bus, the accumulated stress from the past few days slowly melted away.

“Lin Xiao…” she murmured.

“Mm?”

“Lin Xiao~” Ning Xi elongated his name, her voice playful.

Lin Xiao had been resting his eyes, but upon hearing her, he opened them and glanced at her.

“What is it?”

“Nothing. I just felt like calling your name.”

Ning Xi stretched her arms above her head, arching her back slightly.

“I’m in such a good mood right now. What about you?”

Lin Xiao smiled faintly. “I’m happy too.”

Ning Xi turned to face him, their gazes locking. Her eyes shimmered, carrying a subtle, inviting warmth.

“Close your eyes.”

Lin Xiao felt his heartbeat quicken slightly, and a dryness in his throat.

“What for?”

“You’ll find out soon.” Ning Xi’s lips curled into a teasing smirk. “If you don’t, you won’t get your reward.”

“Alright.”

Curious, Lin Xiao shut his eyes.

The next moment, he felt Ning Xi’s soft, warm lips press against his. She kissed him for several seconds before slowly pulling away.

Lin Xiao opened his eyes, meeting Ning Xi’s smoldering gaze. Even someone as composed as him felt a flutter in his chest. Without thinking, he wrapped his arm around her waist and leaned in to deepen the kiss.

Ning Xi shivered but did not retreat. Instead, she closed her eyes, tilting her head slightly.

Just as their lips were about to meet again—

Bam!

The bus suddenly jolted, coming to an abrupt stop.

A rough, aggressive voice rang out from outside, “Open the damn door. Now! Or I’ll blow your head off.”

Lin Xiao’s expression instantly sharpened.

The intimate atmosphere shattered, replaced by cold alertness. He turned toward the bus window, his gaze piercing.

“Lin Xiao, what’s going on?” Ning Xi had heard the shouting, but her tone remained calm. She was completely unfazed.

With Lin Xiao beside her, she felt zero fear.

“If I’m not mistaken… we’ve just run into a robbery.”

Even from the back row, Lin Xiao’s keen eyes had already taken in the situation ahead.

“Sister Ning Xi, don’t act rashly. Let’s wait and see what they do first.”

Ning Xi pouted slightly. “Ugh. What terrible timing.”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing~ I was just cursing those bastards.” Ning Xi giggled, then snuggled closer, clutching Lin Xiao’s arm. “Lin Xiao, I’ll leave my safety in your hands.”

Lin Xiao’s gaze darkened, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. “Don’t worry.”