Chapter 497

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Just like that, day after day, Qianqian waited patiently in Qingfeng Pavilion. To her delight, her persistence was finally rewarded.

On the third day, Ouyang Chenren, feeling irritable and stifled, decided to go to Qingfeng Pavilion to listen to storytelling to soothe his mood.

Ever since Qianqian left these two months ago, he would come here to listen to storytelling every few days, as if this place had become his only outlet for venting his longing.

Time flew by; gradually, he grew fond of the activity of listening to storytelling.

Whenever he listened to the storyteller's passionate narration, he would be deeply drawn in, as if immersed in the story itself, forgetting the vexation and worry in his heart.

Thus, he became a regular at Qingfeng Pavilion; the atmosphere here made him feel exceptionally comfortable.

Today, as usual, he strolled into Qingfeng Pavilion leisurely and picked a seat at random to sit down.

The old him preferred quiet, but the current him discovered that the hall being crowded and lively actually allowed him to immerse himself more in the world of storytelling.

He had barely settled when he ordered a pot of fragrant tea and a plate of melon seeds, waiting leisurely for the storyteller to appear.

However, before the storyteller showed his face, a familiar figure caught his eye.

He saw a woman clad in a pale blue dress, its hem adorned with tiny white flowers, looking like a fairy descended to the mortal world. Her every step was light and graceful, as if those little flowers swayed gently with her pace.

Ouyang Chenren's gaze was involuntarily drawn, trailing slowly up along that woman's figure, finally settling on that face he had longed for day and night — it was precisely Qianqian!

Ouyang Chenren's heart was like a vast, stormy sea; excited emotions surged like a tide, but he forcibly endured, not letting his emotions show.

He could only watch helplessly as Qianqian walked over step by step, as if time had frozen at this moment.

When Qianqian finally walked to his side, she seemed to only then notice his existence.

She was slightly startled, then the corners of her lips curled into a faint smile, like spring flowers blooming, captivating the heart and soul.

Immediately after, Qianqian sat down beside Ouyang Chenren without the slightest hesitation, as if this was the most natural thing in the world.

And the moment Ouyang Chenren saw Qianqian walk in, his heartbeat seemed to be clenched by an invisible hand, accelerating sharply.

This feeling persisted until Qianqian slowly sat down, as if time had frozen at this moment.

Just then, a waiter carried tea and melon seeds over.

Ouyang Chenren almost subconsciously pushed the melon seeds in front of Qianqian in one motion, then hurriedly picked up the teapot and carefully poured a cup of water for Qianqian.

Qianqian smiled and said softly, "Many thanks." That voice was like a heavenly melody, causing Ouyang Chenren to be momentarily lost in a trance.

He stared blankly as Qianqian elegantly lifted the cup and took a light sip; the movement was as natural as flowing clouds and water, yet revealed a unique charm.

Ouyang Chenren only felt all this was like a dream, so unreal it left one in a daze. He had waited this long, finally waiting for Qianqian's return; the excitement in his heart was indescribable.

After Qianqian set down the cup, Ouyang Chenren took a deep breath, striving to keep his voice calm, and asked, "When did you return?"

Although his heart was already surging with turbulent waves, his tone was like that of an old friend unseen for many years, casual and warm.

Qianqian smiled faintly and replied, "Just returned yesterday." Her voice was clear and pleasant, like the first wisp of spring breeze gently brushing past Ouyang Chenren's ear.

Ouyang Chenren immediately followed up, "When are you leaving this time?" His gaze locked tightly on Qianqian, as if wanting to see her inner thoughts through her eyes.

Qianqian hesitated slightly, then replied, "Not sure, might not leave for the time being."

Hearing this answer, Ouyang Chenren felt a surge of wild joy in his heart. He felt this was an excellent opportunity, a chance for him to win her over.

However, the two's conversation had just ended when the storyteller walked onto the stage.

Everyone's attention was instantly drawn over; the entire teahouse fell instantly silent, everyone staring fixedly at the storyteller, anticipating his brilliant performance.

Qianqian was no exception; her gaze likewise fell on the storyteller, listening attentively to his opening remarks.

Ouyang Chenren, meanwhile, listened to the story while secretly watching Qianqian; Qianqian had actually long since noticed Ouyang Chenren's gaze, but she chose to ignore it and continued listening to the storyteller's narration with full concentration.

Ouyang Chenren hoped time could stretch a bit longer, because he felt he hadn't looked at Qianqian enough, but in the blink of an eye the storyteller had already finished his narration.

Qianqian was clearly very interested in this story; even after the storyteller left, she was still unsatisfied, and even discussed the story's plot with Ouyang Chenren.

She asked curiously, "You say, do people who like each other always end up together in the end?"

Ouyang Chenren quickly snapped back to his senses and replied without hesitation, "Of course they can! Love can overcome all difficulties."

However, Qianqian did not fully agree; she retorted, "Maybe not necessarily. The endings in those picture books are often beautiful, but in real life it's not necessarily so."

Just as the two were discussing heatedly, the surrounding audience members began to leave one after another. Seeing this, Ouyang Chenren seized the chance to invite Qianqian: "It's about time; we should eat lunch. Let's go together, my treat."

Qianqian hesitated a bit; she felt it wasn't right to always let Ouyang Chenren treat, so she politely declined, "That's not too good, every time it's you treating."

Ouyang Chenren hurriedly explained, "Last time was just a bowl of noodles, how does that count as treating! This time I'll treat you to a good meal."

Having said that, he stood up first; seeing this, Qianqian also slowly rose, but her heart still hesitated over whether to accept Ouyang Chenren's invitation.

Ouyang Chenren took a deep breath, as if injecting himself with a measure of courage, then resolutely took Qianqian's hand and walked toward the door. To his delight, Qianqian did not resist in the slightest, but followed him obediently.

When Ouyang Chenren's hand held Qianqian's hand, he immediately felt a softness and warmth.

That small hand was like cotton, soft and delicate, as if boneless. Ouyang Chenren couldn't help but feel a stir in his heart, secretly wondering: Are all girls' hands this soft?

The two walked side by side, steps light, like a pair of lovers. Their destination was a Jiu Lou not far away.

The moment they stepped into the Jiu Lou, an enthusiastic waiter welcomed them, asking with a beaming smile, "Two Guests, what can this little one do for you?"