Chapter 51: Nothing Compares to Xiao Xiao

Xiao Xiao felt a bit disappointed and heartbroken.

She could accept Qian Ran taking her to a hotel, but she couldn't accept if he was so thoughtless about her first time.

And she really didn't want to be outside where anyone could see…

Didn't Qian Ran care about her feelings? Or did he not actually like her?

"What's this silly girl thinking? Am I that much of a beast?" Qian Ran chuckled to himself. While he had those thoughts, he wouldn't be so crude about their first time.

"We're here."

Qian Ran led Xiao Xiao around a corner, finally reaching their destination.

There, on the ground, was a large heart shape formed by red candles, with rose petals scattered over it to symbolize love. In the night, the soft glow from the candles was striking.

"This is…"

Xiao Xiao covered her mouth in surprise, her eyes wide.

Seeing the scene, Xiao Xiao stood frozen, overwhelmed.

"It's so beautiful, so romantic." Her heart pounded, as if it might burst out of her tiny frame. The sight filled her with happiness.

Did Qian Ran prepare this for her?

Qian Ran…

She hadn't expected this side of Qian Ran; he was so thoughtful. Her eyes sparkled, and in that moment, she felt an urge to give herself completely to him.

Qian Ran had been so kind to her, yet she had doubted him just now. He was nothing like those strange boys she'd heard about.

Feeling regretful and embarrassed, she let him lead her into the heart-shaped arrangement of flowers.

The soft petals underfoot gave way as they walked, and the surrounding sky suddenly lit up.

Countless fireworks shot into the sky, lighting it up in dazzling colors. Qian Ran had spared no expense for this moment, using money from a golden soul coin card that his mentor Xian Lin'er had given him upon accepting him as a disciple. So long as he didn't overspend, his daily needs were taken care of.

Qian Ran did worry that setting off fireworks in Shrek City might bring the law enforcement down on him, but he'd deal with that if it happened.

"It's so beautiful," Xiao Xiao murmured, her eyes shining as she watched the fireworks. It was truly breathtaking.

Qian Ran thought so too, though he still found these fireworks rather basic.

If he could get a custom display with their names or faces in the lights, that would be even more romantic.

At Shrek Academy, those nearby could see the fireworks, awed by the display.

Someone had dared to set off fireworks on such a large scale in Shrek City? Impressive.

It was undeniably romantic, and many couples embraced upon seeing it. Some took the opportunity to confess their feelings to others.

Tonight, Qian Ran had unknowingly played matchmaker for several couples.

"In my eyes, nothing in this world compares to you."

Qian Ran held Xiao Xiao close, gazing intently at her features, his heart full of affection. Her fragrance had a faint hint of sweetness, like milk, and was intoxicating.

He leaned in and kissed her cheek, enchanted by her soft, sweet scent. He kissed her tender, fair cheeks all over before moving to her lips.

"This Qian Ran… he really knows how to charm girls."

Nearby, a tall woman in a yellow dress watched from behind a tree, her eyes on Qian Ran and Xiao Xiao.

If she hadn't known of Qian Ran's questionable reputation, this romantic scene might have moved her heart.

Flowers, candles, fireworks, a handsome man and a beautiful girl…

Under the night sky, the couple's embrace and kiss even held Zhang Lexuan's gaze for a moment.

Initially, she had come to confront or perhaps even rough up Qian Ran. However, with Xiao Xiao beside him the whole time, she had followed them on their date, watching everything.

She hadn't seen such a sweet date in her life.

So this was what romance was like?

She hadn't experienced anything like it herself.

Zhang Lexuan decided not to interrupt Qian Ran and Xiao Xiao's date. Perhaps out of curiosity or unwillingness to ruin the moment for Xiao Xiao, she would wait until later to approach him.

For the past few days, she'd been in seclusion training, unaware of recent events. When she learned that Bei Bei had been bullied, she was furious. She had practically watched him grow up, feeling a protective bond with him, and she had promised Elder Mu she would keep him safe.

If it had been just once, she might have let it go, but this was the second time Qian Ran had injured Bei Bei. How could she ignore that?

After all, the two incidents were only days apart.

So Zhang Lexuan planned to question Qian Ran about it. Even if Bei Bei had faults, she wouldn't allow anyone to bully him.

Qian Ran and Xiao Xiao lingered in their kiss for a long while before finally parting.

At that moment, Xiao Xiao had eyes only for Qian Ran. She held his waist tightly, deeply content.

The more time she spent with him, the more she felt Qian Ran was nearly perfect: good looks, talent, romantic, and endlessly gentle.

He seemed like an angel not meant for the human world, making everything feel surreal. She worried that if she woke up, it would all vanish.

Qian Ran also held Xiao Xiao close, his chin resting on her head, savoring the fresh scent of her hair mixed with her natural fragrance.

He felt incredibly lucky. He was grateful for the chance to leave his previous life and find someone as wonderful as Xiao Xiao in this world.

Whether it was Tang Ya, Wang Donger, or Xiao Xiao, each had her own unique qualities. Tang Ya was graceful and intelligent, Donger could be jealous but always supportive when it mattered, and Xiao Xiao was shy yet brave enough to follow her heart.

This world was truly wonderful.

"Xiao Xiao, can you head back by yourself? I think I have some urgent business to attend to." After spending a little more time together, Qian Ran gently asked.

With his sharp spiritual senses, he'd been aware of Zhang Lexuan's presence nearby for a while. He knew she would come to find him eventually. Her delay was unexpected, but she must have been in seclusion training.

At her level, once she began training, it wouldn't end in mere hours, as that would hardly be effective. Long training sessions lasting several days were common for people of her skill.

"Qian Ran, are you in trouble again?" Xiao Xiao looked worried. Qian Ran was so good; surely he could spare the time to walk her back?

"Not at all," Qian Ran reassured her with a smile. Zhang Lexuan didn't pose any serious trouble.

"Alright then. I'll head back first. Be careful." Xiao Xiao gave Qian Ran a sweet peck on the cheek before leaving, satisfied.

(End of Chapter)