Chapter 751 She Waited For Him In The Past
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
When Xirong Ziye noticed the sweater that was almost completely finished, his hands shivered as ripples shot through his heart. He sat at the table and stared endlessly at it. Holding it in his hands, he felt that it was extremely precious. He couldn't let it go at all.
As he held it, his heart felt exceptionally heavy. It was so heavy that it almost suffocated him.
Looking at this sweater, he felt all sorts of emotions clashing and weaving within him. He was reminded of his university days. Back then, Bai Yaoyao was the precious daughter of a rich family. Her family background was desirable, and she could have everything that she wanted.
She had bought clothes for him before, but he rejected her. That was why she learned to knit. He recalled a particular winter day when it had snowed. She excitedly lingered at the lobby of his dormitory, holding onto something as she waited patiently.
Everyone told him that Bai Yaoyao was waiting for him downstairs, but he didn't want to go down at all. Back then, he truly didn't feel anything special towards Bai Yaoyao. He merely wished for her to stop pestering him.
As the snow fell outside, the male students felt extremely sorry as they watched Bai Yaoyao wait downstairs. They thought that it was a sin to let a beauty like her wait and suffer.
In order to stop his roommates from letting their imaginations run wild, he could only go downstairs and tell Bai Yaoyao to go back.
However, Bai Yaoyao answered him happily, "You've finally come down! I've waited for you for so long." While she spoke, the sparkle in her eyes glowed as brightly as a warm and cozy bonfire. They could seemingly light up the entire night.
Furthermore, she didn't look impatient at all. It was as though it was a huge surprise to be able to see him.
He merely said indifferently, "Go back. Don't wait for me downstairs in the future. You'll just give me trouble."
"Even though you cannot accept my feelings, I still like you. I'm already contented doing this. I know that you don't like the clothes that I buy for you, so I personally knitted something for you. Take a look and see if you like it."
Even now, he still remembered the anticipation in her eyes. At that time, she looked like a child waiting to be praised.
He lowered his head and saw Bai Yaoyao taking out a knitted sweater. With just one glance, he noticed the scars on her fingers, and he knew in an instant that those came from being pricked by the knitting needles.
Despite feeling uncomfortable back then, he didn't say a single word. Looking into her bright eyes and the snow flakes all over her hair, he accepted her gift for the first time.
Even after he returned to his room, Bai Yaoyao still hadn't left the dormitory building. His roommates told him that Bai Yaoyao was still downstairs. When he opened the windows, he glanced down and saw her looking right up. It seemed like she had also noticed him too.
She waved her arms excitedly and exclaimed, "Rest well! Stay warm! I'll leave now. I'll continue knitting for you in the future." Back then, her elated voice resonated through the entire building.
Even after so many years, he could still hear her laughter ringing in his mind. That radiant smile made him feel so guilty. He couldn't repay the kindness that Bai Yaoyao had showered him in the past.
The more Xirong Ziye remembered things from the past, the more his heart felt empty. He didn't know what Bai Yaoyao felt while knitting this sweater. Did she hate him?
He stayed silent for a long time. Xirong Ziye looked out the window and watched the night sky grow darker and darker. After a while, he finally stood up and walked to the living room while still holding the sweater.
When a servant saw what he was holding in his hands, she was slightly startled.
Although her reaction was almost impossible to detect, Xirong Ziye still noticed it. He walked forward and asked, "What do you know about this sweater?
Chapter 752 Those Involved Cannot See Things As Clearly As Those Who Are Not
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The servant heard that the president was talking to her and immediately bowed. "President, it's a sweater that Miss Bai had knitted."
Xirong Ziye looked at the sweater and sighed quietly. "I know she knitted it, but she hasn't finished it."
The servant replied, "Back then, Miss Bai told us to throw it away, but I thought that it was a pity, so I couldn't bear to throw it away."
Hearing those words, Xirong Ziye's body froze, the sweater almost slipping from his hands. His gaze was deeply locked onto the servant's eyes as he asked, "Is that true?"
The servant heard the serious tone in the president's words, making her whole body tremble. She hurriedly answered, "President, I would never dare to lie. I'm telling the truth."
Xirong Ziye's heart ached tremendously. She had once hurt all of her fingers to knit for him, but she must have felt utterly disappointed in him when she was knitting this sweater. That was why she asked her servants to throw it away.
He sat on the sofa and placed the sweater on his chest. He tried to imagine how Bai Yaoyao felt as she knitted, and a painful sensation swept across his heart. He looked at the sweater and thought that it pierced his eyes, upsetting him.
He caressed every single thread and finally noticed a red stain on the collar. An odd glint flashed in his eyes as he raised the sweater with both his hands. He stared intently at the stain. When he realized what it was, his hands trembled, and it fell on the floor as his grip slackened in shock.
He was in a daze. He knew that the red stain on the collar was blood. Had she hurt herself?
Xirong Ziye turned around and looked at the servant who was busy tidying up. He asked, "When did she instruct you to throw this away?"
The servant pondered and answered, "It was after Miss Bai saw your wedding date announcement in the news. Her mood turned bad, so she no longer knitted the sweater."
Xirong Ziye couldn't calm his heart down. He felt empty, lonely, and in pain. He realized that that was the day that he had decided to leave Bai Yaoyao. That was also the day when he openly declared his love for Xiamu Qingyan in front of the media and decided on their wedding date.
He knew that Bai Yaoyao must have been devastated when she saw the news. Although he couldn't imagine how she felt, he could understand why she would feel that way.
He shut his eyes, and the expression on his face turned even colder. He stared at the sweater and didn't sleep for the entire night. The next day, he instructed his servant to bring him knitting needles. When he left, he picked up the sweater and took it with him.
The servant didn't know what the president was feeling deep down, but they knew that he definitely cared a lot about Miss Bai. As onlookers, they could clearly tell. It wasn't like what the news had portrayed, and yet the president didn't understand how he felt.
Those involved cannot see things as clearly as those who are not. However, as subordinates, they had no right to tell the president at all. Therefore, they could only observe quietly. Seeing the lonely departing figure of the president, they felt rather worried.
...
After staying away for some time, Bai Yaoyao's heart had also calmed down. She no longer cried uncontrollably at night when she was reminded of Xirong Ziye.
Now, she felt as though her tears had almost dried. Sometimes, she would sit by the bed and stare blankly at the scenery outside. Her heart would feel cold and bare.
During the day, she would occupy herself with all sorts of things and even pester Duan Yanhao. Back then, she thought that a handsome and rich young master like him would surely be hot-tempered. However, she hadn't expected that Duan Yanhao was so good-natured. Despite being hounded by her, he merely watched her in resignation, not even saying a single word of criticism.
In fact, she just wanted to fill up her life and have a fresh start. However, the moment she stayed still, her thoughts would run wild. To prevent her mind from being swamped with such thoughts, she constantly tried to find something to keep herself occupied.
She raised her head and looked at the time. Picking up her phone, she searched for Duan Yanhao's number. After hesitating, she dialed his number.
Chapter 753 Duan Yanhaos Concern
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
After dialing Duan Yanhao's number, Bai Yaoyao was in a daze. Her heartbeat accelerated, and she abruptly ended the call.
She thought that she shouldn't keep bothering him like that. It was already late, so she ought to let him rest well. After ending the call, she leaned back and sprawled out on the bed.
She thought about her youth. She used to be a beautiful lady, and she was lively and reckless. After experiencing what happened with Xirong Ziye, her heart had finally settled after so many years. However, she no longer felt as brave when it came to her relationships. She had, indeed, become afraid. She was afraid that if she were to fall in love again, she would get hurt again.
All of a sudden, her phone rang, breaking into her reverie. She turned her head and straightened out her arm, but she couldn't reach it—her arm wasn't long enough. Since she didn't want to move at all, she just watched her phone's screen flicker while it rang.
After some time, Bai Yaoyao stood up. She picked up her phone and saw that she had a missed call from Duan Yanhao. Why had she been so lazy just now? She suddenly wanted to hit herself desperately. She should have just gotten up and answered that call.
Oh, no. It wouldn't be nice if she were to return the call now.
Just as she was about to sigh, her phone rang again. It was Duan Yanhao. The corners of Bai Yaoyao's lips raised unconsciously as she picked up her phone, unlocking it. The moment she pressed the answer button, she said, "Hello?"
"It's already so late. Why aren't you sleeping? Are you in a bad mood?" Duan Yanhao's voice sounded from the other end.
Bai Yaoyao pursed her lips, then replied, "No, but I accidentally called you just now. I was preparing to go to bed!" As she spoke, she wanted to bite her tongue. She didn't want to pretend to be hard to get. She merely wanted someone to keep her company, even if it was just to chat.
The other end of the phone remained silent, making Bai Yaoyao's heart shudder. She was gravely afraid that he would be angry. Just as she was about to explain herself, she heard a chuckle. It was a burst of crisp and bright laughter that belonged to a soldier like Duan Yanhao.
Bai Yaoyao asked, "What are you laughing about?"
Duan Yanhao stopped laughing and said, "Bai Yaoyao, you're still like a little girl."
Bai Yaoyao rebutted, "Could I be an old lady then? Duan Yanhao, I'm younger than you. You can't treat me like a lifeless old lady." While she was saying this, Bai Yaoyao began to smile.
Duan Yanhao's laughter became louder, and it could be heard clearly through the phone. "Bai Yaoyao, do you think that you're lifeless sometimes too?"
"Duan Yanhao, I treat you like an elder brother, so you can't tease me like that. I can still be lively, alright?"
"But, Bai Yaoyao, I seldom see you being lively. You always look like I owe you many things."
In reality, Bai Yaoyao did have a rather fiery temper. Because she was currently being teased by Duan Yanhao, she revealed her true personality. She rested her hand on her waist and said, "What? Duan Yanhao, when have I ever looked like that? I, your Madam, always look kind, lively, and understanding. Don't you dare look at me in such a biased manner!"
A sigh sounded from the other end of the line. She could only hear Duan Yanhao say in a resigned voice, "Bai Yaoyao, are you hearing yourself? What Madam? I can't help it even if you claim not to act like an old lady!"
Bai Yaoyao felt her blood boil deep down. She stomped her feet and raised her voice, saying, "Duan Yanhao, I'll chop you up into pieces tomorrow!"
"I'll wait for it. Actually, I've planned something for tomorrow. I'm going to do bungee jumping. Do you want to try it?"
When Bai Yaoyao heard the words 'bungee jumping,' she felt a little scared. However, she wanted to hide her hesitation from Duan Yanhao, so she said resolutely, "I'll try it. I'm not afraid!" Although she had never tried bungee jumping, there was nothing that she was afraid of.
Chapter 754 The Handsome Young Soldier
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
After exchanging a few more words, they finally ended the call. Bai Yaoyao snapped out of her shock and began hopping on the spot. She grabbed her hair, staring at the wall in shock. How could she have agreed to try bungee jumping? Every time she was teased by Duan Yanhao, she would end up agreeing to do something ridiculous.
Bai Yaoyao pulled her hair harshly. "Ahhh! Why did I agree to try bungee jumping?" While saying this, she messed her hair up even further, looking completely like a lunatic now.
She laid on the bed, rolled around, and sighed. She felt extremely conflicted. If she were to jump from a high place and do a free fall, her heart probably wouldn't be able to take it. She sat up and placed a hand over her heart, listening to its wild beat. She was having a mental struggle. If she were to jump, would her heart leap out of her mouth too?
With the bungee jump filling up her mind, Bai Yaoyao didn't realize that she stopped thinking about other matters. That night, she slept soundly. Because she wasn't reminded of Xirong Ziye anymore, she didn't feel sad.
The next day, Bai Yaoyao was still sleeping. Hearing her phone ring beside her, she answered it and said in a groggy voice, "Hello?"
"Bai Yaoyao, are you still in bed? It's already half-past seven. I'll be there in twenty minutes. Pack up now, or you'll be late."
Bai Yaoyao snapped out of her daze and brushed through her hair. She stared at the clock and wondered if it was really half past seven already. She hadn't had such good sleep in a long while. She slept so soundly last night that she didn't even wake up in the middle of the night at all.
She hurriedly got up and entered the bathroom to wash up. While brushing her teeth, a thought suddenly popped up in her mind—with someone keeping her company, she had less time to think about Xirong Ziye. Her heartache had also reduced drastically.
She knew that this was a good start. Perhaps she really needed someone to help her escape from her misery.
These past days, she would be kept awake the entire night while crying. Now, she spent less time crying and had more time to sleep.
She looked at herself in the mirror and realized that her complexion had improved considerably. There were still dark circles under her eyes, but they were due to the lack of sleep. After putting on some light makeup, she would be able to cover it up.
While she was in a daze, her phone rang again. Bai Yaoyao hurriedly finished brushing her teeth and rinsed her mouth. When she answered the call, she realized that it was Duan Yanhao again. "Bai Yaoyao, I'm at your villa's gate. Don't tell me that you've only just woken up?"
Bai Yaoyao exclaimed loudly, "Why are you so fast? Didn't you say twenty minutes?"
"It's already been twenty minutes!"
Bai Yaoyao raised her head and looked at the clock. Indeed, it was almost eight o'clock. She had just gotten off the bed to brush her teeth, but she had spent so much time already. Did she perhaps spend too much time woolgathering earlier?
"Wait for me, okay? I'll be done soon." As she spoke, she ended the call and began to pack hastily.
Ten minutes later, she was done packing up her bag. She darted out of the villa's door and saw a car waiting outside. Duan Yanhao was sitting in the driver's seat.
Bai Yaoyao said in embarrassment, "I've kept you waiting."
Duan Yanhao opened the door and got out of the car. Looking at Bai Yaoyao, he raised his brows coldly and shook his head. "We're going to the mountains later. You'll shiver and feel cold in that outfit. If you don't want to catch a cold, go back and wear something warmer."
Bai Yaoyao lowered her head and looked at herself. "I think it's fine. I don't feel cold at all."
"Do you want to change your clothes, or should I help you?"
Hearing Duan Yanhao's words, Bai Yaoyao pursed her lips. He was showing off his soldier-like demeanor again. She simply couldn't refuse and even felt a sense of obedience deep down.
Chapter 755 Its Only Natural For A Man To Wait For A Woman
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Bai Yaoyao replied unhappily, "I understand, Sir. I will go and change now."
By the time Bai Yaoyao was done changing, it was already nine o'clock. She looked nervously at Duan Yanhao's expression. After all, soldiers were known to be strict followers of time.
However, Duan Yanhao just gave her a once-over to confirm that her clothes were sufficiently warm. Satisfied with her new outfit, he nodded and said, "Okay, let's go. I will take you out to eat."
After getting inside the car, she looked at the indifferent expression on Duan Yanhao's face and asked in confusion, "Are you not angry, having to wait for me for such a long time?"
Duan Yanhao glanced at Bai Yaoyao with bewilderment tinting his usually indifferent face. "It's only natural for a man to wait for a woman, so why would I be angry?"
That statement touched at the deepest parts of Bai Yaoyao's heart, and she shivered involuntarily.
She suddenly thought about how silly she was in the past. When she was still in school, she was always the one waiting for Xirong Ziye. Sometimes, Xirong Ziye would become impatient at having to wait just a minute.
It was tiring just thinking about it. No wonder people always said that women had to find a guy with high EQ who adored you. If he adored you, you would be treated like a princess. And if he didn't, you would just be his slave.
Bai Yaoyao sucked in a breath and mulled over it. If Duan Yanhao didn't mind having her, she would stick with him. She wanted to start over anew. The time they spent together made her understand that Duan Yanhao was a reliable and trustworthy man.
The only problem was that he looked too cool. She felt that other women would always be sneaking glances at him.
When Bai Yaoyao was deep in her thoughts, a hamburger and soymilk were suddenly held out in front of her. Whiffing the nice smell, she raised her head and looked at the concern in Duan Yanhao's eyes, which were as gentle as the moonlight.
Bai Yaoyao couldn't get enough of that look in his eyes.
"Bai Yaoyao, did you become slow-witted just because we are going bungee jumping later? If you don't eat breakfast, are you sure that you will have enough energy to climb? Don't forget that you said that you weren't afraid."
With this taunt from Duan Yanhao, Bai Yaoyao took the hamburger and started eating. After finishing it, she drank the warm soymilk, which warmed her entire body. This was the first time in her life that a guy had prepared breakfast for her. Even if it was store-bought, she was still immensely satisfied.
Because of that feeling of contentment, her eyes crinkled unconsciously into crescents as she smiled. Her magnificent aura toned down to a much gentler one, and the lonely air around her seemed to disperse a little.
Duan Yanhao was a high-ranking officer, so he was sensitive to his surroundings. Naturally, he could tell that the breakfast brightened Bai Yaoyao's mood. His lips tilted up slightly as he thought that she was pretty easy to satisfy.
When Bai Yaoyao was about to begin her hike, she received a phone call from Yun Bilu. After telling Bilu that she was going to climb a mountain, a startled screech came over from the phone. "Ahh! Elder Sister Yaoyao, I won't intrude anymore. Go ahead and have fun! Ahaha!"
Without waiting for Bai Yaoyao's reply, Yun Bilu hung up the phone excitedly.
Yun Bilu jumped excitedly around the dorm. When Xiao Nan came back and saw Bilu smiling mischievously, it sent shivers down her spine.
"Little Lulu, are you plotting against Young Master Huang again? Your expression scares me."
When Chu Xin came in as well, she waved her hands flippantly and remarked, "Of course, our Little Lulu is in her springtime. That's why she didn't come back for a while. She probably spent a few days with Young Master Huang outside. What are we supposed to do after seeing her like this?" After she said this, she placed her bag by the bed, and she exaggeratedly clutched at her heart.
Chapter 756 Young Master Huang Is Like A Fox
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Yun Bilu laughed as she playfully pushed Chu Xin away, ending it with a hug, "You're all making fun of me. Stop talking about me, alright? What about that red mark on your neck the other day? Don't tell me it was a mosquito bite!"
Chu Xin's face flushed red as she pushed Yun Bilu away and coughed. "It was just a mosquito bite."
Yun Bilu laughed loudly. "Don't forget that I have a boyfriend now, so I understand a little. It was something your boyfriend left behind when you were being passionate with him, right?" Right after she said this, she winked mischievously at Chu Xin.
"Oh well. I can't hide anything from you anyway. Don't tell anyone, okay?"
Yun Bilu nodded her head and said, "What kind of friends are we? There's no way I would spread this around."
Chu Xin smiled. As if thinking of something, she cupped her hands beside Yun Bilu's ear and whispered, "Quick, tell me about your progress with Young Master Huang. Rest assured that I know things too, so I won't divulge anything."
Yun Bilu's face stiffened, and her heart trembled. There were several instances where she couldn't hold herself back, but Young Master Huang remained indifferent. "So far, it's only kissing."
Chu Xin widened her eyes in disbelief. "That can't be true, right? Once they're in their teens, men are always very 'that.' There's no way you don't know about it, right?"
At that very moment, Xiao Huan entered and heard that statement. She looked back and forth between the two of them and said curiously, "Why are you guys acting so sneaky? And what does it mean when a man is very 'that?'"
Chu Xin poked Xiao Huan. "Pure and innocent kids like you should stay quiet and not dabble with these things."
"Are you discriminating against me because I don't have a boyfriend? Just you wait. I will find one tomorrow!"
Hearing that declaration, Xiao Nan, who just came back after showering, beamed in anticipation. "Wow, that's great then! Once you find a boyfriend, you have to treat us to a meal, alright? Oh, by the way, Little Lulu, your Young Master Huang has yet to treat us to a meal!"
Yun Bilu thought about it and nodded. "I will talk to him about it and decide on where to eat."
Xiao Nan patted her face with her towel before saying, "I just remembered something I found strange. A while ago, when Little Lulu wasn't in, the student council never came to check on us."
Chu Xin gasped. "That's true. Now that you mention it, I was still wondering about it. Shit, could it be that all those checks were just to check in on Little Lulu? Young Master Huang is too sneaky."
Yun Bilu widened her eyes. "What kind of joke is that? When I wasn't around, didn't I ask for a leave of absence? The student council should still check when they need to."
"Little Lulu, don't believe them. When you're not here, the student council really couldn't be bothered to check. Don't you find it weird? It's only our dormitory that gets the strictest checks. I think Young Master Huang may have been interested in you for a long time?"
Yun Bilu almost bit her tongue as she disagreed. "Don't just assume and guess blindly. How can that be possible? If he was really interested in me, why did I have to pursue him for so long? You guys know how hard I chased after him, right? Was everything all fake?"
"Well, you actually have a point. Anyway, this is just weird. But Little Lulu, you're too naive. I think Young Master Huang is a sly person. Don't let him devour you!"
No matter how thick-skinned Yun Bilu was, her face flushed red at that statement. "What do you mean 'devour?' He hasn't even touched me yet! And I'm only twenty years old, so I'm still young! My elder sister said that a woman must learn to protect and love herself before others will. When you guys get a boyfriend in the future, you have to stand your ground too, okay?" Even though she said all these to her roommates, she couldn't really support her statements herself. After all, she was the one who wanted to go further, and the one who couldn't hold it in.
The one who wanted to devour Huang Yize was her!
Chapter 757 Hiking With Duan Yanhao
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Because Yun Bilu said that it was something her elder sister mentioned, everyone kept her words in mind. They held a deep respect for Elder Sister Bixue because she treated them well whenever she came.
...
Meanwhile, Duan Yanhao was driving to the mountain with Bai Yaoyao. Since it was a tourist spot, there were a lot of cars on their way there. There were many tourists, and the place was bustling.
It had been a long time since Bai Yaoyao had immersed herself in such a bustling atmosphere. When she alighted the car, it was at an ancient entrance, which many tourists were taking photos of. Beside it, there were shops selling small accessories and novelty items.
Taking in all of these, Bai Yaoyao turned around and looked at the tiny streets of the city from her bird's eye view. Her heart felt lighter and more perceptive as she looked around her.
She walked forward and entered an accessory shop. After stopping by in front of a bracelet, she asked the shopkeeper, "What's the material of this bracelet?"
"My lady has good taste. This is made from an antique jade, which is said to be able to ward off evil spirits. It's best suited to be given to your boyfriend to pray for his safety."
Bai Yaoyao was a little moved by the shopkeeper's words and decided to buy the bracelet.
When she walked out of the shop and saw Duan Yanhao, who had just finished parking his car, she took out the jade bracelet and held it out for him. "Here, this is for you. I heard that it's a charm for safety. I've been in your care for the past several days, so I got this for you. Don't think badly of it."
Duan Yanhao looked at Bai Yaoyao. She obviously wanted to give it to him, and yet she was unable to say caring words. He chuckled lightly before stretching his hand out to her. "Put it on for me then!"
Bai Yaoyao gaped at him. What? She had to put it on for him? Looking at his arm, which was outstretched in front of her, she could only put the jade bracelet on for him.
When her hand came in contact with the back of his hand, it was as though she was electrified, so she pulled her hand back immediately. In order to cover her awkwardness, she pretended as if nothing happened and said nonchalantly, "There's still a long way ahead, right?"
"Yup!"
"Duan Yanhao, Major Duan, are we going there on foot?"
"Bai Yaoyao, you said you wanted to become a soldier, right? Is such a short path too difficult for you? If that's the case, I will advise against you becoming a soldier."
Bai Yaoyao compromised immediately. "Who said I wasn't going to hike? I'll have you know that I'm quite good at hiking. Even when I reached the peak, my face wouldn't turn red, nor will I run out of breath."
"Alright. Let me see how strong you are then."
Not long after following the mountain trail, Bai Yaoyao was already slightly breathless. Seeing Duan Yanhao, who was carrying a big backpack, Bai Yaoyao was envious beyond measure. He looked like he was just walking in a park. Why couldn't she have such great stamina?
When they were climbing the mountain, there were stalls selling walking sticks. She wanted to buy one since she saw many people using it, but Duan Yanhao prevented her from doing so.
"If you did that, can this still be considered as hiking?"
Bai Yaoyao felt wronged. "All you said was bungee jumping. You didn't mention climbing a mountain, and there's still such a long way. We might not be able to reach the top by nighttime." She felt that the peak was still a long way to go.
Duan Yanhao paused in his steps and crossed his arms. In a solemn and no-nonsense voice, he said, "Bai Yaoyao, you're not a girl. If you want to be a soldier, you cannot act willfully. If you think that the peak is still far away, you should split this journey into small goals. For example, you can tell yourself that you'll climb this small hill first. When you reach the south gate, you can set another goal to reach another place... If you split this long road into small sections, you'll be able to accomplish your final goal. Life is like that as well."
Hearing Duan Yanhao's words, Bai Yaoyao's heart felt lighter and more cheerful. If she set a small target for herself in her life and accomplished it, doing them one by one would be easier. Wasn't this a mental technique?
However, she didn't understand why Duan Yanhao was telling her so many principles and ways of life. Why is he saying all these?
Chapter 758 Shes Really Small
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Bai Yaoyao carefully considered Duan Yanhao's words and observed his serious expression. She let out a deep breath and asked, "Major Duan, are you teaching me like how you would teach a female soldier?"
Duan Yanhao twitched his brow as he turned to look at the peak of the mountain, his gaze distant. "Do you think I have so much time to personally teach female soldiers?"
In other words, Bai Yaoyao was very honored to receive the Major's personal guidance.
The walking stick was cheap, but she could only bite on her thumb and look enviously at the other people who were using it.
Duan Yanhao moved forward and turned around to look at Bai Yaoyao, who was still standing at the same spot. Following her gaze, his eyebrows twitched once again. "Let's go. Don't look at it. Even if you look, you won't be able to buy it. If we reach the halfway mark by noon, we can eat a meal too."
Bai Yaoyao's eyes were glued on the walking sticks. She hated that she couldn't just stick herself on it.
Duan Yanhao observed Bai Yaoyao's expressions, which carried traces of cuteness and innocence to them. It was hard to imagine why a lady like her suffered so much from her past relationship.
Although Bai Yaoyao didn't talk about her past, he could tell at a single glance.
He couldn't even fathom it. What kind of man would bear to abandon Bai Yaoyao?
Bai Yaoyao walked forward slowly, looking around at her surroundings. Duan Yanhao pulled her and said, "Don't look around. Be careful and watch where you're stepping. It's steep here, so it's easy to fall!"
Bai Yaoyao looked at her hand, which was grabbed by Duan Yanhao. Her heart trembled as she felt somewhat bitter. She recalled how Xirong Ziye would never turn around and help her even if she was tired.
Because she had never experienced the feeling of being cared for by another person, Duan Yanhao's gentleman-like manners tugged at her deepest heartstrings.
Bai Yaoyao calmed the turmoil within her as she raised her head to look at him. "Duan Yanhao, thank you!" As she spoke, her eyes shone radiantly. They were so clear and beautiful, capable of captivating people.
Duan Yanhao's stiff expression softened momentarily. "What are you thanking me for?"
Bai Yaoyao paused and thought about it. He was right. What was she thanking him for? Thank you for talking to me patiently? Thank you for treating me nicely? Thank you for accompanying me even during my sad times? Or was she thanking him for something else?
She didn't know as well. She just felt that it was easier to forget about her painful past when she was with Duan Yanhao.
Looking at Bai Yaoyao's furrowed brows, Duan Yanhao replied, "Don't think too much about it. Let's continue our hike now. If you're hungry or thirsty, I have snacks and water in my backpack."
Bai Yaoyao touched her stomach before shaking her head. "I ate breakfast earlier, so I'm neither hungry nor thirsty."
Duan Yanhao nodded. "That means you still have the strength. Let's go!"
Bai Yaoyao followed behind Duan Yanhao's steps as he dragged her along. While looking at his back, she asked, "Duan Yanhao, why is your stamina so good?"
"It's the result of training. If you become a soldier in the future, you can train your stamina. But before that, you cannot be scared of the hard work."
After a while, Bai Yaoyao saw a cable car not too far away from the mountain. She grabbed Duan Yanhao's wrist in excitement and piped up, "Duan Yanhao, there's a cable car there. We can take it and reach the peak." As she spoke, she bounced on the spot.
Duan Yanhao looked at the excited Bai Yaoyao, who was hopping like a tiny rabbit in front of him. It made him feel that she was really, really small.
She was wearing flat shoes, so she only reached his chin. If he hugged her like this, she would definitely feel exceptionally light.
Looking at the silent Duan Yanhao, she tugged his arm again and said, "Duan Yanhao, did you see? It's really a cable car!"
Chapter 759 Stubborn And Domineering Major
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Bai Yaoyao was excited upon seeing the cable car. She thought that she wouldn't have to climb anymore, so she was acting like a child who wanted her toy.
Duan Yanhao's thin lips trembled slightly. "Yes, I see it." Of course, he knew that there was a cable car there.
Bai Yaoyao gasped. "You knew that there was a cable car there?" She wanted to ask why they weren't taking the cable car, but after looking at his cold expression, she didn't ask.
Naturally, Duan Yanhao knew what Bai Yaoyao was thinking about. She was really acting like a child who wanted her toy. His cold heart melted easily, but after remembering that Bai Yaoyao wanted to be a soldier in the future, he knew that he couldn't be soft to her. "We aren't taking the cable car. We have to climb up on foot."
Bai Yaoyao stomped her feet in displeasure. With a hand on her waist, she tilted her chin up in defiance and said, "Duan Yanhao, I'm here for bungee jumping, not for mountain climbing!"
Duan Yanhao looked at how Bai Yaoyao acted like a puffed up and enraged cat, and a gentle glint flashed across his eyes. However, his expression remained the same. "If you want to reach the top, you must go through the process of climbing the mountain without taking any shortcuts." After saying this, he promptly turned around and continued to climb.
Bai Yaoyao stomped her feet as she pouted at his departing figure. "Stubborn and bossy male chauvinist!"
Duan Yanhao turned around and looked at Bai Yaoyao. "Why are you're still standing there? Bai Yaoyao, are you sure you are a determined individual who isn't scared of hard work? Do you think you can become an outstanding female soldier?"
Hearing his words, Bai Yaoyao wilted immediately and followed behind him.
After another hour of climbing, Bai Yaoyao ran out of stamina. Duan Yanhao sat down beside her and passed her some snacks. "Eat and rest a little. Just a little more and we will reach the south gate. When we reach there, we can have a meal."
The snack that Duan Yanhao passed her was her favorite durian pastry.
She couldn't help but lick her lips. She really wanted to eat it, but she was still angry at him.
Duan Yanhao always had a good temper. Looking at Bai Yaoyao's conflicted expression, he said, "You don't like it? If you're not eating, I will finish it."
At Duan Yanhao's taunt, Bai Yaoyao grabbed the pastry, eating them in big mouthfuls. She took forceful bites, as though she was chewing on Duan Yanhao.
When Bai Yaoyao was almost done, Duan Yanhao passed her a bottle of water. "Eat slowly, or you'll choke."
Bai Yaoyao took the bottle of water and asked in astonishment, "Duan Yanhao, you have taken care of others in the past as well, right?" What she actually meant to ask was whether he had a girlfriend in the past, but it wasn't very nice of her to ask that question. She just felt that Duan Yanhao was very attentive. With a single glance, she knew that he was good at taking care of others.
As if thinking of something, the rough edges of Duan Yanhao's expression softened.
Bai Yaoyao felt uncomfortable looking at his expression. Could he be thinking of another girl?
Just when Bai Yaoyao was feeling a little down, Duan Yanhao replied, "My father takes care of my mother, so I simply learned from them."
Without knowing why, Bai Yaoyao heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. She really wanted to find out if he had a girlfriend before, but she held it in. After all, she had her past as well, so how could she ask about another's past just like that?
After resting, both of them reached the south gate. Duan Yanhao took Bai Yaoyao to a restaurant at the side, and the manager welcomed them personally. Although he was respectful, he kept looking at Bai Yaoyao with curiosity and bewilderment.
Bai Yaoyao tugged Duan Yanhao's clothing and made a beckoning gesture with her finger, indicating that she wanted Duan Yanhao to lower his head so she could whisper into his ears.
Chapter 760 In Search Of The Innocence She Lost
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Duan Yanhao lowered his head like he was expected to, and Bai Yaoyao stood on her tiptoes before whispering into his ears, "That manager is so weird. Does he know your military rank? Also, he kept looking at me. I find it so weird and uncomfortable."
Hearing Bai Yaoyao's words, Duan Yanhao's gaze chilled several degrees. He swept a glance at the manager, and the latter immediately began to sweat profusely, not daring to look at Bai Yaoyao.
He was just curious about the woman beside Young Master Duan. If the Duan family knew about it, would it cause an uproar? However, he didn't dare to offend Young Master Duan either, so he could only pretend that he didn't see anything.
Because it was a popular tourist spot, there were many people, so the restaurant was always packed. Despite this, the manager still brought them to the private room on the second floor respectfully.
Bai Yaoyao gasped when she looked at the scenery from the window. "It's so beautiful here. You can see almost everything from here. Duan Yanhao, take a look!"
Looking at how excited Bai Yaoyao was, he swept a glance across the view before saying plainly, "Yes, I saw."
Bai Yaoyao put both her hands on the window sill as she leaned out with an amazed look. "You don't know how to appreciate it. It feels nice just looking at the scenery here." She had always been closed off because of the relationship she had before, so it had been a long time since she went out for leisure. The hike today lifted up her spirits and made her more cheerful.
She realized that there were more important and meaningful things in life—she couldn't just be trapped in her own relationship.
After lunch, Duan Yanhao arranged for Bai Yaoyao to rest on the third floor as he sat by the window, his expression unreadable.
The manager walked over and bowed respectfully. "Young Master Duan, that woman, she..."
"She's not someone you can ask about!"
"Understood!"
"And don't say anything to my family yet."
"Young Master Duan, you can rest assured. I won't make any mistakes."
"Good to know."
Bai Yaoyao was indeed tired from the hike. She rubbed her feet before falling asleep on the bed. Without knowing how long she had slept, she woke up when she heard the voice of someone calling out to her. When she opened her eyes and saw Duan Yanhao's exquisite face, she sat up immediately and stammered. "Y-You... Why are you here?"
Duan Yanhao's mouth twitched. "I said that you could sleep for half an hour, but it's been more than two hours now. Didn't you set the alarm?"
Bai Yaoyao unlocked her phone only to see that it was three in the afternoon. She rubbed her head and said, "I forgot to set the alarm." At this place, with the soothing breeze blowing at her, it was easy to relax and fall asleep.
"Fix your hair and wash up. We will continue with the hike."
"Okay!"
When Bai Yaoyao finished washing up, she suddenly realized that she had been following all of Duan Yanhao's instructions. If he said to go east, she never went west. Oh no, this was bad!
Bai Yaoyao angrily picked up her bag and was about to argue with him. Why should she always listen to him? However, when she reached the corridor, she saw Duan Yanhao leaning on the railing with a distant gaze, his figure seemed a little lonely.
She paused in her steps as her heart trembled. She felt that Duan Yanhao was probably a person with a past as well. If he weren't, he wouldn't be emitting such a cold aura.
Bai Yaoyao composed herself before revealing a bright smile. She walked over and stood beside Duan Yanhao. "What are you looking at? Does it look as good as me?" Bai Yaoyao was a girl who loved to tease and smile when she was a teen. In order to cheer Duan Yanhao up, she tried her best to find the innocence that she had lost.