Meanwhile, Qi Han closed the courtyard gate and led Qin Tianru toward the reception hall.  

It was quite late at this point, and the path through the front yard wasn’t lit, making the surroundings appear rather dark.  

“Be careful, it’s a bit dim here.”  

“Then hold my hand~”  

Qin Tianru naturally took a step forward and grasped Qi Han’s right hand.  

Feeling the warmth and softness in his palm, Qi Han stiffened slightly, his ears turning red as he gently clasped her small hand in return.  

Her hand was so tiny—so soft—he hardly dared to squeeze it.  

Qin Tianru glanced sideways at the figure half-hidden in the darkness, her lips curling into a silent smile.  

They were holding hands!  

Qi Han, still holding Qin Tianru’s hand, kept his gaze fixed on the greenery to the left or the path ahead, too shy to look at the girl beside him, his heart brimming with bashfulness.  

Yet their intertwined hands only tightened, leaving no gap between them. Whether skirting around the flower bed or stepping over the stone stairs of the small courtyard, their hands remained firmly clasped.  

It wasn’t until they reached the entrance of the reception hall that their eyes accidentally met—only to dart away again as if electrified.  

Oh no, this was a little embarrassing!  

For both of them, this was their first time holding hands with someone of the opposite sex, so a bit of shyness was inevitable. But beyond that, there was an irrepressible sense of excitement and novelty.  

Ahem. “Let’s go in.”  

Qi Han felt not only his ears burning but his entire face heating up now. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t suppress the upward curve of his lips.  

Had he regressed to acting like a reckless teenager? This really wasn’t like someone of his (mental) age.  

Wait—no. Right now, he was a young man. He was only nineteen, still in the prime of his youth!  

Now, he had all the time in the world to pursue happiness and savor the sweetness of love.  

With that, the two stepped into the reception hall. Whether intentionally or not, their hands remained linked.  

It wasn’t until the sound of approaching footsteps echoed from a distance that they reluctantly let go.  

Qi Han rubbed his fingers lightly against the side of his pants. Just from holding hands, his palm had actually gotten sweaty. How pathetic.  

Turning to her, he asked softly, “Would you like something warm to eat?”  

Qin Tianru shook her head. “No need. I rarely eat anything at this hour.”  

Though she loved food, she was also mindful of eating healthily.  

“Xiao Han—”  

Before the speaker even entered the room, Qin Tianru heard a gentle woman’s voice call out.  

Moments later, a middle-aged couple hurried in, making a beeline for Qi Han in the reception hall.  

“Son, are you alright?”  

Mother Qi examined her eldest son with concern, her heart leaping into her throat when she noticed the small bandage-like patch on his forehead.  

“You’re hurt? Where else are you injured? Is it serious?”  

Father Qi also looked at his safely returned son with worry, though seeing him in good spirits eased the heavy weight in his chest somewhat.  

Suddenly, he noticed the young woman standing slightly behind his son and froze in surprise.  

Seeing his wife still fussing over their son without noticing the most important detail, Father Qi’s lips twitched. He tugged lightly at her sleeve.  

“Ugh, why are you pulling me? Can’t you see our son is hurt?”  

Mother Qi turned her head, glaring at her husband with red-rimmed eyes.  

Cough. “Yuerong, we have a guest,” Father Qi murmured, tilting his chin slightly in the girl’s direction.  

“Huh?” Shen Yuerong turned back in confusion—only to finally notice the figure standing behind her son.  

Oh heavens!  

Had their emotionally dense eldest son actually brought home a future bride?!