Chapter 628: One Step Away, Heart Racing

Cai Xiaotang had been busy back and forth for several days, and even the time she spent going to see Li Xiao had decreased significantly.

Li Xiao did not ask much either; seeing that the two of them could maintain some distance, he let her be.

Weekend—Cai Xiaotang finally finished all the preparatory work.

The garden here had originally been in a state of disrepair, and she spent a lot of time clearing away all the weeds, following online tutorials to carefully prepare a small patch of land, transplanting some flowers into it, and even specifically buying a set of exquisite small tables and chairs to place to one side.

Added to that were the small, star-like fairy lights that would turn on automatically at night, adding quite a bit of vitality to the entire garden.

"Mission accomplished!"

Standing in the garden, Cai Xiaotang looked over her "masterpiece" with satisfaction, but thinking of the plan for tonight, she suddenly couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.

How should she extend the invitation?

If she told Li Xiao directly that she had something she wanted to say to him, she didn't know if he would come...

Cai Xiaotang looked up toward the direction of the study upstairs, pondered for a moment, and suddenly thought of something.

She returned to her room, found the small cards she had specifically bought a few days ago from the desk, and spread them out on the table, but she found it difficult to put pen to paper.

Saying it in person would be better than just a card invitation... but how should she write it?

Cai Xiaotang propped up her chin, her mind filled with a jumble of words, unable to string them together into a complete sentence.

After thinking for a long time, she finally decided how to phrase it and tentatively set her pen to the card.

"Grand opening... invitation..."

Cai Xiaotang muttered to herself while carefully writing the words she wanted to say on the card, terrified of writing a single character wrong.

The sun slowly sank, gilding the room with a layer of golden light.

Cai Xiaotang wrote the last character just as she caught a glimpse of the sunset's afterglow.

Once it got darker, the lights in the garden would turn on automatically.

She took a deep breath, carefully tucked the card into the pocket of her pajamas, checked the time, and waited quietly.

Not long after—"Knock, knock, knock—"

Her door was indeed knocked on.

"Miss Cai, dinner is ready."

Someone said from outside the door.

Cai Xiaotang hurriedly replied, "Okay, I know."

Hearing her speak, the person turned and left.

Listening to him walk away, Cai Xiaotang cracked the door open and, sure enough, heard the person continue heading upstairs.

Before long, two sets of footsteps, one after the other, sounded at the same time.

It was Li Xiao and the subordinate who had just knocked on the door.

A flash of joy immediately crossed Cai Xiaotang's face.

She had wanted to take the opportunity to deliver food to Li Xiao and hide the card on the tray...

Since he had come downstairs himself, she would take this chance to sneak up there!

Thinking this, Cai Xiaotang tiptoed out of the room and quickly headed to the study upstairs.

The hallway was quiet, and she carefully pushed open the door; sure enough, there was no one inside.

"Phew..."

Cai Xiaotang took a deep breath and hurriedly took the small card out of her pocket, placing it in the very center of the desk.

After thinking about it, she worriedly used a cup from the side to press down on one corner, and only then did she leave with peace of mind.

The invitation had been sent!

Next... was to wait for a certain someone to keep the appointment!

She snuck back to her room and made an excuse that she wasn't hungry, so she didn't go downstairs to eat.

Then she quickly tidied herself up and picked out a pretty dress to change into.

Not long after, footsteps sounded on the stairs again; it seemed Li Xiao had returned.

Cai Xiaotang instantly began to feel nervous; she hurriedly opened the door and walked out, heading all the way to the back garden.

The small lights there had all turned on, and set against the surrounding flowers and other decorations, it appeared quiet and elegant.

Cai Xiaotang checked the time and sat down at the small table to the side.

On it sat a bottle of red wine and two wine glasses she had specifically left there earlier.

Cai Xiaotang decisively opened the bottle, poured herself half a glass of red wine, and took a small sip.

She couldn't drink too much today... just a little bit to bolster her courage would be enough!

Cai Xiaotang warned herself in her heart, sipping the red wine in the glass bit by bit, while the sound of her heartbeat grew faster in her ears.

Half an hour is too long...

If she had known, she would have written seven o'clock sharp!

The current time is just too hard to endure...

Upstairs.

As soon as Li Xiao entered the study, he saw the small card that had appeared on the desk.

He raised an eyebrow, walked straight over, and picked it up.

Did Cai Xiaotang put this here just now?

He looked at the little trinket in his hand with some amusement, flipped it over, and sure enough, saw a line of small characters on the back.

"Cai Shi Huayuan opens today; specially inviting Mr. Li Xiao to serve as the special guest for tonight. Time: 7:30 PM, head to the villa garden... Looking forward to your punctual arrival?"

Li Xiao read the text on the card aloud, feeling somewhat amused for a moment.

No wonder she had been busy running around the garden for the past two days; so it was all for this...

This card certainly had her style.

Li Xiao put down the card and walked straight to the window.

He happened to see the twinkling lights in the flowerbeds downstairs, but he did not see the shadow of Cai Xiaotang.

Since she had already extended an invitation so sincerely, would it be a bit too much if he didn't go?

Li Xiao thought for a moment, ultimately decided to attend the appointment, and turned to leave the study.

Passing through the living room, he arrived at the small door leading to the back garden.

Through the glass, Li Xiao finally saw Cai Xiaotang sitting beside the seat arranged under the tree.

He pushed the door open and walked out.

Hearing the sound, Cai Xiaotang immediately turned her head, and her expression became incredibly nervous the moment she saw him.

"You... you're here..."

Cai Xiaotang greeted him stammeringly and pointed to the seat beside her: "Sit."

Li Xiao nodded, sat down casually, and carefully admired the garden before him.

"How is it? Isn't it decorated quite well?"

Cai Xiaotang asked, making small talk.

"It is indeed nice, very beautiful, you've worked hard."

Li Xiao complimented her, then saw the wine bottle and the clearly used wine glass on the table, and asked with a smile: "You even drank?"

"Mm."

Cai Xiaotang's palms were sweating; she responded with a sound, then picked up the wine glass again and poured herself some red wine.

Seeing this, Li Xiao simply poured himself a glass as well.

Neither of them spoke, silently watching the scenery in the garden.

Cai Xiaotang gripped her wine glass, her peripheral vision constantly sizing up the person beside her, opening her mouth several times, but failing to make a sound.

Cai Xiaotang!

You are too cowardly!

He is already here; if you miss this opportunity, there won't be a next time!

Didn't you already decide that you'll get the axe whether you stick your head out or pull it back!

Cai Xiaotang took a deep breath, trying hard to calm her current nervousness.

But the more she wanted to be calm, the less she could calm down.

She pursed her lips, and a flash of determination suddenly crossed her eyes.

Go for it!

It's just a confession!