Chapter 16: The Allure of Snowy Legs and Mature Fragrance

But accepting a "godmother" was out of the question.

Li Zhiyan knew all too well that acknowledging such a relationship would turn it into a dead end—"having a godmother means losing one." Neither Rao Shiyun nor Gu Wanzhou could ever take that role in his life.

Since being reborn, a restless itch had simmered within him. How could he willingly tie himself down with such a title? Sure, it could add a hint of intrigue if they got closer, but to actually acknowledge each other as family? Not a chance.

"I refuse," he replied firmly.

"What's this, my little one?" Gu Wanzhou chuckled, half-jokingly. "Am I not good enough for you? Or do you think I'm not pretty enough?"

Her tone was lighthearted, but her heart sank a little. She had thought that becoming his godmother might shift his focus away from any fanciful ideas. She was already forty-one, after all; Li Zhiyan was just eighteen. How could they have any future together? Even if she admired him more with each passing day, that admiration was one of fondness, not attraction.

Looking at her, Li Zhiyan couldn't help recalling the feeling of that brief embrace, and he knew exactly how strikingly endowed Gu Wanzhou was.

"It's not that, Auntie Gu," he answered earnestly. "You're stunning, but what I want is for you to be my girlfriend."

"Didn't you say you'd consider it carefully?" he continued, his tone unwavering. "If I become your godson, we'll be mother and son. And if we're mother and son, well… we can't exactly be together."

His sincerity made her laugh in exasperation, yet his persistence stirred something in her. How could she turn him down directly without feeling guilty? This was a child who had grown up in hardship, who'd worked tirelessly and possessed a genuine charm that she couldn't ignore.

But his affection for her was impossible.

"Zhiyan," she began softly, choosing her words carefully, "it's not that I don't like you. Quite the opposite; I admire you deeply. That's why I invited you to my home."

Noting his steady gaze, she continued, "But this affection I feel for you is more that of an elder to a younger person, not a romantic connection. It's normal at eighteen to feel… drawn toward people," she finished, her voice gentle but serious.

He smiled wryly, cutting in. "And I'm at the age where that energy is at its peak, and Auntie, so are you."

The warmth in her cheeks betrayed her, for she knew he was right. At forty, she too was in a season of life where her heart was most susceptible. From that perspective, he wasn't wrong.

"Maybe it wouldn't matter for now," she replied, sighing, "but five or ten years down the line, Auntie would age. Would you still want to stay with me then? And even if we did end up together, it would only bring pain in the end. Auntie can't afford to be reckless at this age."

As she continued cooking, Gu Wanzhou prayed he would see the wisdom in her words. It was best for him to let go of this impossible attachment. If he could become her godson, perhaps they could find some harmony that way.

But Li Zhiyan's response was immediate and fervent.

"Auntie, life is about the journey, not just the destination," he countered. "Most of our days are spent living in the process. Why stress over an ending that's far away? All I want is to be by your side now."

Watching the lovely yet mature figure before him, he knew his resolve to win her over would not falter. She was too captivating—an extraordinary woman, and the fact that she was Si Si's mother only deepened his determination.

With a sigh, Gu Wanzhou realized that her logic and reasoning were useless against him. It seemed there was no topic he didn't know, no answer he couldn't counter with. Faced with his earnest gaze, her heart softened even as she felt a helpless frustration.

"Zhiyan, I'm twenty-three years older than you," she said, her tone a bit firmer. "I could easily be your mother. I've been divorced and even have a daughter your age."

He wasn't fazed. "I knew all of this already, Auntie. But forty is such a beautiful age. Compared to the younger girls, you're far more alluring."

Hearing his sincere praise, Wanzhou felt a bit of her heart melt. This kid is good with words, she thought, trying not to show how pleased she was.

"And it's not just about looks," he added. "Your presence, your grace—none of those young girls can compare."

Seeing his eyes drift toward her figure, she couldn't help but feel both amused and a bit flustered. She never thought her physical charms would be admired by someone so young, and yet his gaze didn't feel frivolous.

"You…" she chuckled, shaking her head. "Alright, let Auntie think it over a bit longer."

She knew she couldn't talk him out of it now. Each time she presented a new reason, he countered her with equal conviction. It seemed the only solution was to let time do the work. Once he entered university, he'd surely meet someone his own age and lose interest in her. Then, he'd naturally stop talking about this topic.

Her thoughts drifted momentarily to her friend, Rao Shiyun, with her own vibrant allure and shapely figure. Could she end up being the one to sway Zhiyan's heart?

Imagining Zhiyan with Rao Shiyun brought a twinge of jealousy to her chest. She hadn't planned on feeling this way, but it lingered all the same.

"Ahh…" she suddenly sighed as a sharp twinge radiated from her neck. The pain made her shoulders tense involuntarily.

Li Zhiyan's eyes lit up—this was his moment. Her neck strain was one of those persistent discomforts that no treatment could really cure. When it acted up, the pain was genuinely unpleasant.

And now, he thought, he'd be helping her relax both her neck and her legs.

Looking at her flawless, snow-white legs and inhaling her delicate fragrance, he bent forward slightly. A youth's longing was hard to rein in.

"Auntie Gu, is it your neck again?" he asked gently.

"Mmm, it's my old issue." Her brows furrowed as she answered.

"I could help you with it," he offered earnestly, grateful for his system's gift.

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