Feng Yinxiao smiled and turned to Yun Kexin, saying, "I'm not asking you to give up anything; I just don't want you to feel too much pressure. Being in a bad mood can affect your health."
"I understand. Actually, I've been trying to be very patient," Yun Kexin said, her brows slightly furrowed, a shadow passing through her watery eyes as she muttered to herself, "The Heir Apparent is ready to strike!"
Feng Yinxiao's gaze flickered. For a long time, he felt that she was hiding a secret in her heart, likely one that was life-threatening. He really wanted to hear her bring it up herself, but unfortunately, she had never revealed a word. Perhaps there was something inconvenient for her?
"Yun Kexin, can we talk about something happy?" Feng Yinxiao's lips moved, but he ultimately didn't ask. Changing the subject, he looked at her with a smile in his eyes.
"Sure," Yun Kexin blinked and smiled slightly. "What happy thing does the Young Lord want to share with me?"
"Well..." Feng Yinxiao pursed his lips, rolled his eyes upward, and asked in return, "What does Yun Kexin want to know?"
Yun Kexin smiled mischievously and said, "Whatever I ask, the Young Lord will answer without holding back? No deceit?"
"Of course," Feng Yinxiao replied with a confident smile.
"Good, then I won't hold back," Yun Kexin turned sideways, facing Feng Yinxiao leisurely and said, "I heard that the Young Lord was renowned across the country at the age of ten. Is it true that you were that good-looking?"
Feng Yinxiao noticed the teasing tone in Yun Kexin's words and raised an eyebrow playfully. He stroked his chin and said, "'Our bodies are given by our parents,' so this 'renowned across the country' is also thanks to my parents. As for whether I'm good-looking—if only you were my age, you could experience it firsthand."
Yun Kexin secretly chuckled: This guy really doesn't know how to be modest. However, she had to admit that facing such a handsome man up close made her heart flutter more than once. Especially when he focused his bright black eyes on her; the original aura of ruthlessness and arrogance dissipated completely, replaced by melancholy and affection. It made her hesitant to meet his gaze; the "killing power" in those eyes was hard to perceive unless one experienced it personally.
"I also heard that when the Young Lord was young, he would go out in a carriage with his parents," Yun Kexin snapped back to reality and recalled some 'interesting stories' about him. She asked, "Many beautiful girls would throw flowers and fruits into the carriage, but every time they were thrown out by the Young Lord, right?"
Feng Yinxiao's eyes brightened: How did she know these details? They were all from his childhood; did she secretly inquire about him? Thinking of this made his heart inexplicably sweet.
"I was too mischievous back then," Feng Yinxiao said shyly as he lowered his eyelids, a suspicious blush creeping onto his face. "Looking back now, I shouldn't have done that. At least those flowers and fruits could have been given away afterward; I really shouldn't have thrown them out. What if someone got hit?"
"What’s wrong with that?" Yun Kexin suddenly laughed joyfully and teased him. "The Young Lord could just think of it as 'throwing embroidered balls.' Any girl who gets hit would consider it her good fortune."
"Oh, fortune?" Feng Yinxiao's eyelashes trembled as he lowered his head, gazing at her. "Taking advantage of the fire," he said. "Alright, I'll ride in the carriage to find Yun Kexin. You throw fruits into the carriage while I toss flowers out. But Yun Kexin must catch them," he paused slightly and declared, "However, this is a blessing I've cultivated."
"What if I can't catch them?"
"Then I'll keep throwing until you do."
"But what if another girl catches the flowers along the way?" Yun Kexin smiled, teasing him.
"Other girls don't count," Feng Yinxiao said with a playful smile. "I only recognize whether Yun Kexin caught the flowers or not."
Yun Kexin's face turned slightly red as she lowered her head and softly asked, "Young Lord, I've always wanted to know why you haven't married yet? With your conditions, it shouldn't be like this."
"First of all, it's a matter of age. I always feel that getting married and having children at thirteen is a bit too early," Feng Yinxiao said seriously, putting aside the jokes. "I've seen many colleagues and friends who only discuss marriage after sixteen or even at a more mature age, so I've been taking it slow with my parents; there's no rush."
"But some young masters from wealthy families marry at the appropriate age but already have concubines by your age. Why does Young Lord refuse to do so?"
Yun Kexin certainly wouldn't suspect any physiological reasons—she hadn't thought along those lines; her curiosity simply drove her to ask.
Feng Yinxiao didn't expect Yun Kexin to ask this and felt a bit nervous, even shyly lowering his head, unsure how to respond.
"I... it's nothing," Feng Yinxiao suddenly felt shy and lowered his head, appearing somewhat tense. After pondering for a moment, he looked up seriously and said, "Yun Kexin, I've seen many tragedies in big households where wives and concubines compete for favor. So I want to avoid that. My personality also doesn't like noisy environments. I want to treat one legitimate wife like a treasure; all children would be legitimate heirs. Having many concubines often brings trouble; I don't want to 'create issues' for my wife."
After finishing, Feng Yinxiao looked deeply at Yun Kexin as if this confession was meant solely for her, causing her heart to tighten again.
"Young Lord makes sense," she avoided his gaze and shifted slightly inward. "So any girl who can marry you is truly fortunate—what noble son doesn't have three wives or four concubines? Young Lord is truly rare."
Feng Yinxiao smiled faintly: was this her affirmation of him? It seemed they were indeed "of one mind."
“Yun Kexin, how about we go over there to enjoy the view?” Feng Yinxiao pointed to the right side of the bow.
Yun Kexin turned and smiled, “Sure.”
The two walked to the bow, standing on the deck, facing the wind— the view of the sea was slowly fading away, gradually revealing green mountains and grasslands.
“Is Fourth Sister and Brother-in-law along with three maidservants still over there?” Yun Kexin asked, tilting her head slightly.
“Yes,” Feng Yinxiao replied, his eyes filled with joy, “and Yun Ke.”
Yun Kexin smiled slightly: he really thought of everything, even calling her brother along.
Suddenly feeling a voice coming from behind, she realized Feng Yinxiao was standing behind her. An inexplicable panic surged within her; she wanted to step away but felt his hand grasp hers from below.
“Don’t move, Yun Kexin, just stand like this,” he softly whispered in her ear, like the intimate murmurs between lovers, warming her heart. “The boat may sway on the river; leaning against me will help you stand more steadily.”
His hand was wide, thick, and warm; the heat from his palm reached deep into her heart, making her feel flustered and at a loss. Was it a bit too close? Yun Kexin couldn’t help but glance around to see if there were any other boats nearby before finally relaxing, though she felt a bit shy.
“What are they doing over there?” To cover her embarrassment, Yun Kexin casually asked whatever came to mind. “They wouldn’t really be grilling fish, would they?” She laughed lightly.
“I’m sure they are,” Feng Yinxiao chuckled as well. “That’s what I asked them to prepare.”
“Is it again something prepared by Young Lord?” Yun Kexin laughed softly and tilted her head. “How much have you prepared?”
Feng Yinxiao paused. Could what he had “prepared” work? Would she agree?
“Nothing much, just tents and such, barbecue ingredients and so on,” Feng Yinxiao admitted with a blush. “During our trip to Fan City, I realized you liked barbecues… I just want you to relive that joy from before.”
Yun Kexin's delicate face passed through a hint of gloom: Happiness? Can being with Fu Yihang bring happiness? Yes, that was in the previous life when the two were "childhood sweethearts, spending every day together." They both wished to be inseparable and indeed experienced happiness, but that so-called "happiness" was mixed with countless schemes and plots. Unlike now, it is real, pure, and heartfelt.
"I can't say I like it," Yun Kexin smiled lightly. "There are too few things to enjoy; I can only find joy on my own."
"I also want to try Yun Kexin's barbecue ingredients," Feng Yinxiao gently rubbed his soft palm, enjoying the sensation. "I've always wanted to eat them."
Actually, he just wanted to see you.
"Are we almost there?" Yun Kexin stretched her neck.
"Almost," Feng Yinxiao was reluctant to let go. He directed his gaze toward the opposite bank of the river. "Look, Yun Kexin, there's smoke rising..."
A gust of wind blew, causing the boat to sway. Yun Kexin nearly toppled over but was caught by Feng Yinxiao's long arm, landing steadily in his embrace. Although she was no longer "tumbling around," she suddenly felt very uncomfortable.
"Yun Kexin, are you seasick?" Feng Yinxiao looked at her tightly furrowed brows and her bent posture, feeling a pang in his heart. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
He hurriedly helped her into the cabin and sat her down beside the bench.
"A little, but it's not serious," Yun Kexin replied. "Young Lord, don't worry; just a sip of water will do."
"Wait for me a moment; I'll be right back." Feng Yinxiao turned and left.
After a short while, he returned holding a teacup, ready to feed her water.
"Young Lord, this is the servant's job," Yun Kexin said nervously. "Why are you doing it yourself? If someone sees you, they might mock you for being with a woman."
"There are no servants on the boat," Feng Yinxiao supported Yun Kexin's shoulder with one hand while holding the teacup with the other. "Besides you and me, there are just a few rowers. As long as it's your matter, I must handle it personally."
A silent smile flashed in her eyes as she obediently drank the water.
"Young Lord, I know you have many questions," after a moment of rest, Yun Kexin leaned against the railing and suddenly said, "but right now... I don't know where to start."
"I will give you time," Feng Yinxiao said gently, his gaze filled with warmth. "When Yun Kexin feels ready."
Yun Kexin fell silent: in this life, if they were not destined to be a couple, being able to become confidants would also be a great fortune.
"Thank you," Yun Kexin replied succinctly.
Recalling the hatred that Yun Kexin had shown towards Fu Yihang several times, Feng Yinxiao's heart sank deeper:
"Yun Kexin, do you hate someone? I can help you kill him..."
Yun Kexin was taken aback, not expecting Feng Yinxiao to say such a thing.
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