Lin Xiao, unaware of the true situation, happily replied, "Of course."
Li Hao said nothing, wrapping his arms around her, his hand brushing against the necklace Lin Xiao had given him. Suddenly, he felt a surge of jealousy towards Lin Xiao, envious of their sincere sibling bond that didn’t require such careful consideration.
This time, when he returned home, his father had heard about his relationship with an ordinary girl and spoke with nothing but scorn. That reckless decision had turned out to be a joke, leaving him to wonder what he had truly gained from it. He believed Lin Xiao wasn’t that kind of person; after all, hadn’t he once trusted Xue in the same way?
Early on the first day of the Lunar New Year, Li Hao dragged Lin Xiao out of bed and took her to Kid Plaza. He had been meaning to buy her something ever since he saw her necklace but had completely forgotten in the hustle and bustle.
"Li Hao, enough already. If you keep this up, I’m really going to get angry," Lin Xiao said, but she couldn’t stop Li Hao’s shopping spree. In the end, they reached a compromise: Lin Xiao picked out a Golden Necklace, a Diamond Necklace, a Gold Bracelet, another Bracelet, and a watch. Then they went to a women’s clothing store where he bought her several outfits.
This was their first time shopping together, their first time holding hands in public. Perhaps because it was the New Year, they didn’t run into anyone they knew. Lin Xiao felt both happy and a little melancholic; sometimes she thought people shouldn’t be too greedy.
The salesgirl noticed how generous Li Hao was and eagerly recommended everything in the display case. When she suggested a couple’s diamond ring and Lin Xiao declined, Li Hao said nothing at all. For other accessories, even if Lin Xiao refused, Li Hao would insist she try them on; but when it came to the ring, he never brought it up again.
The salesgirl was perceptive and didn’t mention the diamond ring again; instead, she focused on wrist and neck accessories. Lin Xiao felt a pang of sadness but kept it hidden. Although she hadn’t expected anything in particular, experiencing it firsthand still stung.
After finishing their shopping, they went out for sushi and then watched a movie. Lin Xiao forgot her brief moment of discomfort and felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. This was her first real date—just like Li Youyou with her boyfriend—a normal couple's relationship.
Li Hao could tell that Lin Xiao had a moment of hesitation in the jewelry store, but the words spoken at home during his recent visit to Beijing brought back memories of snow. He reflected on whether he had placed too much trust in Lin Xiao, yet whenever he saw her, such thoughts were cast aside.
He enjoyed being with her and couldn't imagine his future without her. The idea of marriage crossed his mind, and if it were with Lin Xiao, he thought it wouldn't be a problem, but he also felt that the time wasn't right yet.
Regardless, all he wanted was to make her happy. He took Lin Xiao out for Japanese cuisine and a movie—activities he hadn't done in years, so long that he couldn't even remember when.
That night at home, Li Hao spent a passionate evening with Lin Xiao. Under Li Hao's guidance over the past six months, she had made remarkable progress in their intimate moments; she always knew how to stimulate him just right.
Every time they shared those intimate experiences, Lin Xiao felt most loved by him. She could sense his every need without words; a soft sigh or a gentle movement was enough for him to understand her desires. She cherished the feeling of being completely in his heart, even if it was just for that brief moment of passion.
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