Beijing Colors Lingering

After finishing her lunch, He Zhenzhen went upstairs to her study to begin her writing work for the day.

He Zhenzhen could usually write a five-thousand-word draft in one go, but now she would stare blankly at the computer screen from time to time, unable to concentrate on her work.

She couldn't help but think of Qi Mingyuan's image, recalling his words and the roses and gift he had given her that day.

A few minutes later, He Zhenzhen sighed softly, raised her hand and scratched her hair in frustration. Men really do affect her career.

He Zhenzhen shook her head slightly, quickly banishing Qi Mingyuan from her mind, and then focused on typing on the keyboard.

After a long time, the sun slowly set, and the sky was gradually bathed in a soft golden halo.

The sound of typing echoed through the spacious and quiet study, while the sky outside the French windows was already dark.

Just as He Zhenzhen finished typing the last word, there were several knocks on the door.

Seeing this, she saved the document, shut down the computer, got up, walked to the study door, and then opened the door.

The housekeeper bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Miss, Mr. Qi Mingyuan has arrived and is waiting for you downstairs."

He Zhenzhen nodded slightly, and after considering for a while, replied, "Then tell him to wait a bit, I'll be down in a little while."

"Yes, Miss." The butler turned and left upon hearing this.

He Zhenzhen pursed her lips, pondered for a few seconds, and then went to the bedroom.

She changed her clothes and quickly applied a simple, light-colored nude makeup.

He Zhenzhen stood in front of a huge dressing mirror, carefully checking her clothes and makeup. She nodded with satisfaction, then left the bedroom and went to the living room.

When Qi Mingyuan saw He Zhenzhen, a flash of amazement quickly crossed his eyes.

Qi Mingyuan walked up to her, a slight smile playing on his lips, and handed her the cardboard box, saying without any politeness, "I'll be having dinner at your house tonight."

He Zhenzhen took the item and glanced at it; it was a dessert she usually liked to eat.

She immediately looked up at Qi Mingyuan, blinked, and teased with a smile, "I didn't know you were coming to my house for dinner tonight, so the chef didn't prepare any for you. You should go home and eat."

The housekeeper, standing not far away with a motherly smile, spoke up at the right moment: "Miss, don't worry, I'll tell the chef to prepare dinner right away."

He Zhenzhen: "..."

Qi Mingyuan's lips curled into a gentle smile as he casually said, "Now it's my turn."

He Zhenzhen snorted and said arrogantly, "Then I'll reluctantly let you eat here."

"It is my honor to have dinner with you tonight. Thank you, Miss He," Qi Mingyuan replied gently, his eyes softening.

The moment the words left her lips, He Zhenzhen froze for a few seconds.

Qi Mingyuan's tone was different from his usual casual and lazy manner; it was quite gentle, and he also became a bit glib.

He Zhenzhen snapped out of her daze, pouted, ignored him, picked up the box, and went to the restaurant, placing it casually on the table.

Qi Mingyuan calmly followed and walked beside her.

-

After dinner, He Zhenzhen thought Qi Mingyuan would leave soon, but he said he would take her for a walk.

He Zhenzhen was slightly suspicious, and followed Qi Mingyuan toward the garden behind the villa.

She froze as soon as she reached the front of the garden, stopping in her tracks.

The garden was filled with vibrant red roses, and white balloons hung around it.

A path was left in the middle of the garden, covered with rose petals.

At the end of the road was a magnificent crystal carriage and a hot air balloon, both adorned with strings of glittering colored lights.

There were several small, exquisite pumpkin lanterns and wooden houses on one side, and a claw machine on the other side, filled with delicate gift boxes.

One of them was a glass box containing a cute and sweet cartoon character figurine.

This ingenious and thoughtful decoration has transformed the originally vibrant garden into a dreamy, beautiful, and romantic space, as if one were in a fairy tale.

The more He Zhenzhen looked at the cartoon character figurine, the more familiar it seemed, so she walked over out of curiosity.

She looked closely and suddenly realized that it was a cartoon character customized according to her appearance and figure.

Qi Mingyuan stepped forward and came to He Zhenzhen's side.

He Zhenzhen turned her head to look at Qi Mingyuan and asked, "Did you have the garden decorated like this?"

"Yes, I instructed people to come and set it up this afternoon," Qi Mingyuan nodded in reply.

He Zhenzhen looked puzzled and stared at the claw machine, muttering, "How come I didn't know? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

Qi Mingyuan replied truthfully, "I asked the housekeeper not to tell you yet, because I wanted to give you a little surprise."

Qi Mingyuan knew that He Zhenzhen usually stayed home writing in the afternoon, and she wouldn't know in advance unless someone told her.

He Zhenzhen was speechless. Qi Mingyuan had even bribed her family's housekeeper.

The moon was bright and the wind was gentle. The dazzling lights shone down, illuminating Qi Mingyuan's handsome face. He suddenly called out, "Zhenzhen."

"Hmm?" He Zhenzhen raised her eyes upon hearing the sound and stared at him quietly.

Qi Mingyuan looked at He Zhenzhen intently, his dark, deep eyes sparkling with starlight, his gaze tender and gentle.

After a moment, he cleared his throat and slowly said, "He Zhenzhen, actually I fell in love with you a long time ago, but I knew you only saw me as a friend, so I never dared to express my feelings to you, afraid that we wouldn't even be able to be friends in the end. I used to be a cowardly timid person."

"But I don't want to be a coward anymore. I genuinely want to pursue you and hope you can give me a chance to be with me."

Qi Mingyuan spoke slowly, clearly, and sincerely, word by word.

A deep, clear voice steadily reached He Zhenzhen's ears, and she subconsciously glanced left and right.

She blinked again, catching a glimpse of Qi Mingyuan's burning, deep gaze. Her heart suddenly pounded, as if it were about to leap out of her chest.

Qi Mingyuan's expression was tender and affectionate, his gaze towards He Zhenzhen filled with love that he could not hide, as he quietly awaited her answer.

The evening breeze gently swept by, like a feather, softly landing on He Zhenzhen's heart, rippling outwards in concentric circles.

Just as a warm and gentle spring breeze swept by, the barren land was instantly revived and filled with blooming flowers.

After a long while, the night grew thick and all was quiet. He Zhenzhen was wide awake and sat cross-legged on the sofa in the bedroom, feeling utterly bored. She couldn't help but recall the scene from earlier.

She didn't answer Qi Mingyuan at the time, but after a few minutes of stunned silence, she ran into the living room looking slightly flustered and embarrassed.

She sighed softly at this thought. She hadn't even opened the gift box in the claw machine yet, so she had no idea what Qi Mingyuan had given her.

He Zhenzhen suddenly felt that Qi Mingyuan didn't seem like someone who was pursuing a girl for the first time. Could it be that he had pursued other girls before?

However, He Zhenzhen quickly shook her head and decisively denied the guess.

She had known Qi Mingyuan since childhood, and she would definitely know if he had a girlfriend.