Chapter 26 Acknowledgment

Chapter 26 Acknowledgment

The air still carried a faint scent of cedar mingled with sandalwood, making one's nose sting with a stuffy feeling.

Xie Lin noticed that the little girl didn't hug him back. He didn't force her, but simply stepped back a little, gently stroking the corners of her reddened eyes with his fingertips. His voice was hoarse, but he coaxed her with a hint of roguishness: "Why are you crying? I didn't force you."

Lin Mianmian turned her face away, not wanting him to see her disheveled state: "Who's crying?"

"Oh?" Xie Lin chuckled softly, deliberately leaning closer, his warm breath brushing against her earlobe. "Did I see wrong? I thought our Mianmian had softened her heart and couldn't bear to part with me."

His tone was teasing, and Lin Mianmian's ears instantly turned red. She reached out and pushed his chest, saying, "What nonsense are you talking about?"

Xie Lin seized her wrist, his fingertips gripping her palm with a firm but not too strong grip, a force that left no room for escape.

His eyes, however, were full of laughter: "I'm talking nonsense? Then why didn't you push me away when you nodded in agreement?"

He paused, then teased with a hint of ambiguity: "Or is it that Mianmian was actually waiting for me to come to the rescue, waiting to throw myself into her arms?"

"Xie Lin!" Lin Mianmian was both angry and embarrassed, her eyes reddening even more. She couldn't break free from his hand, so she could only glare at him. "Be serious! This is a temple."

"What's wrong with the temple?" Xie Lin raised an eyebrow, speaking with self-righteousness. "Buddha is watching, watching me win my little girl back."

As he spoke, he suddenly leaned down and gave her a quick peck on the corner of her lips, like a cat stealing cream. After succeeding, he raised an eyebrow triumphantly: "Now, even Buddha has witnessed it."

Lin Mianmian was completely stunned, her face as red as a ripe peach, and even her breathing became erratic.

Xie Lin's heart melted at the sight of her.

He lowered his head, his nose brushing against the top of her head, and said with a slightly roguish seriousness, "Cute."

Just then, Jiang Nuan's voice came from afar again: "Mianmian! Where are you?"

Lin Mianmian snapped back to her senses and hurriedly tried to push him away, but Xie Lin pressed the back of her head down and gave her a gentle kiss.

"You can't escape now." He whispered with a chuckle as he pressed his lips to hers, "My darling princess."

Lin Mianmian's heart skipped a beat as she looked at the smile and deep affection in his eyes.

I felt a flutter in my heart without even realizing it.

Jiang Nuan's shouts grew closer, tinged with a frantic anxiety. Lin Mianmian snapped back to reality, her cheeks burning hot, and hurriedly pushed against Xie Lin's chest.

Xie Lin chuckled as he released her hand, but didn't step back. His fingertips were still hooked around her little finger, and his thumb gently caressed the soft flesh of her fingertip. He couldn't hide the smile in his eyes.

Lin Mianmian glared at him, trying to shake off his hand, but he gripped it even tighter.

He could only lower his voice and scold, "Let go, Jiang Nuan is coming."

"What's there to be afraid of?" Xie Lin raised an eyebrow, exuding a roguish air. "It's good that she sees it, so I don't have to go through the trouble of making it official later."

As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Nuan turned the corner of the corridor and saw the two people standing there.

She was stunned for a moment, then her eyes widened, she exaggeratedly covered her mouth, and could barely hold back her scream: "Holy crap! Lin Mianmian! You two are finally together! Aa ...

She rushed over, excitedly waving her arms and legs: "I knew it! Hahahaha, my dream of becoming a wealthy CEO is finally coming true! 20,000 a month, Mianmian!"

Lin Mianmian's face flushed bright red instantly, and she wished she could disappear into the ground.

She raised her hand to cover Jiang Nuan's mouth, her ears burning red, and whispered reproachfully, "Why are you shouting so loudly? Do you want everyone to know?"

But Jiang Nuan dodged her hand with a smile as she reached out halfway.

Jiang Nuan watched with great interest, laughing even louder: "Tsk tsk tsk, even when showing affection, you should be mindful of the occasion! Buddha is watching! But I like it!"

Xie Lin didn't care at all. Instead, he tightened his grip on Lin Mianmian's waist and raised an eyebrow at her: "Even Buddha witnessed our reunion. He would definitely be happy to see it happen."

He continued, "Let's go, I'll take you back. I'll also take you to see Grandma's doctor; I've already made an appointment."

Lin Mianmian was taken aback, looked up at him, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

Xie Lin ruffled her hair, his fingertips tracing the soft crown of her head, his voice deep and pleasant: "What are you standing there for? Do you want me to carry you away?"

He made a gesture to bend down, but Lin Mianmian hurriedly grabbed him, her cheeks flushed: "Don't be silly! I can walk by myself."

Jiang Nuan couldn't stop laughing, waving her hand: "You two can be lovey-dovey all you want, I'll take a taxi home myself, and make room for you two! Oh, and remember to treat me to a big meal! To celebrate your reunion!"

After saying that, she turned and ran, not forgetting to turn back and wink at the two of them and wave.

Only two people remained under the eaves, the evening breeze carrying the scent of incense.

Xie Lin looked down at Lin Mianmian's flushed cheeks, leaned closer to her, and nuzzled her nose against hers, his voice hoarse yet gentle: "Mianmian, from now on, I'm here for you. You don't have to carry this burden alone anymore."

Lin Mianmian looked at the deep affection in his eyes, but she didn't say anything.

She simply nodded slightly, reached out, and carefully grasped his hand in return.