Chapter 421: The Awkward Scene Continues (3^rd Update)

Ye Wenxin became even more awkward, struggling with how to appear intimate. She glanced at Long Qingyue, who was looking back at her with equal hesitance.

Perhaps uncertain about how to genuinely express closeness, or preoccupied with other thoughts, the two of them merely stared at each other in the market. Long Qingyue held the flower Xiao Zhang had given her, which drew the attention of those around them, making them think that Long Qingyue was about to propose to Ye Wenxin.

As the crowd grew larger, Long Qingyue remained unmoved. She appeared somewhat out of place, and Ye Wenxin felt even more uncomfortable, regretting participating in this awkward act with Long Qingyue.

Because they were so familiar with each other, that they knew every detail about one another, Ye Wenxin felt she might burst into laughter. Long Qingyue probably had similar thoughts, and seeing the inquisitive eyes around them, she extended the flower toward Ye Wenxin.

“For you, Qingcheng.”

Long Qingyue wore a smile on her face as Ye Wenxin mechanically accepted the flower. However, they were met with booing from the surrounding crowd. They seemed dissatisfied that after waiting for so long, all they saw was this handsome nobleman giving away a flower.

“Sir, perhaps this lady isn’t just waiting for those words.”

“That’s right! Look at this lady’s longing eyes; she must be yearning for more love.”

An auntie watching the scene spoke up, and Ye Wenxin felt she was stirring up trouble. She glanced over, only to see the woman winking at her. Without needing to think, she realized this older woman was Xiao Zhang in disguise, trying to heat up their performance.

Ye Wenxin felt completely unbothered inside, but a hint of shyness appeared on her face as she gazed at Long Qingyue with eyes full of tenderness. Her beauty was already captivating, but the look of deep affection in her eyes made it hard for anyone to resist reaching out to her.

The people nearby were completely hooked on Ye Wenxin’s acting, while Long Qingyue nearly laughed, but she clenched her fist tightly to keep from doing so. She then got back into her role, seemingly responding to the crowd’s anticipation, and continued, “Qingcheng, will you marry me?”

Cheers erupted, and the onlookers were even more excited. Ye Wenxin smiled and replied, “No.”

Long Qingyue’s expression subtly changed, as if puzzled by why Ye Wenxin wasn’t following the script. Then Ye Wenxin added, “It would be better if I took care of you.”

The crowd became even more envious, and one bold man called out, “Miss, I don’t want to work hard anymore. Would you take me in?”

The man was rather ordinary-looking but had a very straightforward personality, which prompted another round of laughter from the crowd. They found this situation highly entertaining and eagerly waited to see how Ye Wenxin would respond.

Ye Wenxin grinned, then gently lifted Long Qingyue’s chin with her finger and said, “If you were as good-looking as this, I’d be more than willing to take you home.”

The crowd guffawed, and the man who had spoken up earlier didn’t seem to mind. He just chuckled and continued watching the show.

Long Qingyue remained unfazed, shaking her head with deliberate fondness, “No, if you’re with me, it’s I who will take care of you, love you, and pamper you.” She began to immerse herself in the act, murmuring sweet nothings to Ye Wenxin.

The jeers from the crowd faded, replaced by obvious envy. They seemed to believe the two were genuinely in love and showing off their affection in public. Ye Wenxin, no longer holding back, stepped forward, embraced Long Qingyue, and planted a kiss right on her face.

“Ah, how morals have declined.”

“How could they…”

Some of the women looked heartbroken, while some of the men sighed in disappointment. However, Ye Wenxin kept on smiling, seemingly unaware that there was anything inappropriate about her actions. But when she looked again, she noticed that Long Qingyue was frowning for the first time, as if she was dissatisfied with what Ye Wenxin had done.

This was also the first time Ye Wenxin had any real physical contact with Long Qingyue. They had always treated each other with respect and never overstepped each other’s boundaries. There hadn’t even been any casual kisses or playful touches between them.

Long Qingyue was too rational and serious to engage in such antics, and Ye Wenxin never dared to play around with her either. But now things were different; Ye Wenxin had the perfect excuse to kiss Long Qingyue openly.

Even if Long Qingyue was in disguise, and she might even consider Ye Wenxin’s actions as improper.

Just as Ye Wenxin was wondering if she had upset Long Qingyue, Long Qingyue lowered her voice and said, “You forced my hand.” Before Ye Wenxin could fully process what was happening, she found herself being lifted into a bridal carry by Long Qingyue.

Ye Wenxin was completely bewildered. Based on Long Qingyue’s fastidious personality, her disguise should have slipped by now, ending this absurd act. But instead, Long Qingyue went along with the charade and actually picked her up.

Not only that, but a genuine flash of desire passed through Long Qingyue’s eyes. Ye Wenxin shivered slightly and quietly checked the peach blossom chains, only to find them completely inactive.

As for the blood-red lion behind Long Qingyue, it was pacing restlessly. Long Qingyue was indeed angry, and Ye Wenxin even felt that she might really be playing with fire, as this was much like the script from a domineering CEO drama.

She snapped back to reality, only to realize that Long Qingyue was already carrying her away from the crowd and towards a small alley. A place without prying eyes was perfect for something that couldn’t be done in public.

The surroundings were quiet and peaceful, but in the shadows, countless Secret Guards lay hidden. Ye Wenxin felt relieved, understanding that this was just part of Long Qingyue’s act. There was no way she would actually kiss her.

This was Long Qingyue, the same Long Qingyue who would never be swayed by emotions.

Ye Wenxin kept telling herself this, trying to suppress the dread rising within her. Long Qingyue, however, still showed no intention of letting her go, as if she intended to carry on with the act.

Ye Wenxin found herself pressed against the wall, with Long Qingyue gazing lovingly at her. Her eyes grew increasingly heated, as if she wanted to melt Ye Wenxin with her gaze. They had many hidden viewers around, but the Jiangshi King—the one Ye Wenxin was waiting for—was missing.

After a short while, Ye Wenxin’s neck was growing stiff, and she felt that this act was becoming exhausting. Perhaps because it was still daytime, the Jiangshi King was sleeping somewhere.

With that in mind, Ye Wenxin softly suggested, “How about we try this again tonight?”

Long Qingyue’s expression turned into an unreadable smile as she leaned close to Ye Wenxin’s ear and whispered, “Is that an invitation?”

Ye Wenxin touched her slightly itchy ear. She was uncomfortable with the domineering CEO-style sweet talk. She shook her head and said, “No, it’s just for show.”

“But you’ve noticed, haven’t you? The act isn’t convincing, and she’s reluctant to show up.”

Long Qingyue’s eyes were full of playful hints, as if suggesting Ye Wenxin should invest more into the act to make those watching truly believe they were together.

“I just used my divine sense to check. She’s not around.”

“Oh, but we must get used to this process. A little sacrifice for the greater good isn’t much, is it?” Long Qingyue continued to flatter Ye Wenxin, pushing her deeper into the bottomless pit she had created.