Volume One, Chapter 11: I Don’t Love Eating It, You Just Try It

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Together, Shen Qingli and Fu Yuheng, with their combined cunning, completely outwitted Qin Xianxian. One insisted on escorting her, the other claimed to be exhausted but still insisted on following along.

As a result, Qin Xianxian ended up alone with all the baggage while they were arranged to sit together.

Both Shen Qingli and Fu Yuheng were tall and broad-shouldered; sitting side by side, the space between them was barely a foot, their sleeves even overlapping on the bench.

Though their faces showed no expression, their sheer handsomeness was undeniable! Along the way, Qin Xianxian couldn’t help but sneak glances at them, biting her lip to stifle her laughter.

The perfect pair—the black and white duo!

Qin Xianxian felt like she was going crazy from shipping them.

Her furtive looks were easily caught by Shen Qingli, whose gaze held a strange edge.

He shifted awkwardly toward the corner.

Why did they separate? Qin Xianxian frowned slightly—she hadn’t had her fill yet! What had been a battlefield for her at the eatery was turning into a romantic scene in the carriage.

Suddenly, she lowered her head, pressing a hand to her forehead. The two across from her immediately shot concerned looks.

“Are you feeling unwell?”

“Are you feeling unwell?”

Such perfect synchronicity!

Qin Xianxian’s heart leapt with joy; she smiled secretly, hiding it behind her sleeve.

“Hmm, a little… maybe I’m not used to sitting here, a bit dizzy. Could you move and let me sit with you?”

Her soft, gentle voice seemed like a feather brushing their ears, instantly disarming their senses, and both unconsciously slid aside.

Qin Xianxian peeked from her sleeve and felt dissatisfied—why yield the middle seat? She was really at a loss!

“Suddenly, I feel better!” She flicked her sleeve aside, no longer dizzy, her voice firm as she gazed ahead, a righteous gleam in her eyes.

All for nothing—they couldn’t even get their sleeves to overlap now. Fine, no more shipping!

Fu Yuheng drew back the curtain to look outside. He remembered a stall selling candied fruit along this street. Maybe some sweet and sour snacks would ease her discomfort.

“Xianxian, do you want some candied fruit? I’ll go buy some for you.”

Candied fruit?

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Qin Xianxian blinked. They had just fed her so much food that she was indeed a little full and bored of it. A little snack would be nice.

Besides, with a little boy at the courtyard still taking medicine, which was bitter, some treats might come in handy.

“Sure! Where is it? I’ll come with you.”

From the corner, Shen Qingli lifted his gaze, annoyance flickering across his face.

The carriage stopped in front of the candied fruit stall. Fu Yuheng was the first to step down, followed by Qin Xianxian.

She glanced at Fu Yuheng’s outstretched hand and, moved by his genuine look, hesitated briefly before placing her hand on his wrist.

A tenderness softened Fu Yuheng’s eyes, while Shen Qingli, trailing behind, looked darker and more intense.

Inside the shop, there was a dazzling variety of candied fruits and preserves. Qin Xianxian’s eyes darted around, unsure where to focus.

“Fu Yuheng, which ones are sweeter?”

“Candied lotus seeds and jujube preserves are sweeter. How about those?”

“And the sour ones?”

“Hawthorn and green plum preserves are a bit sour.”

Fu Yuheng stayed close behind her, occasionally exchanging a few words. Shen Qingli, who never ate such things, stayed silent, watching them from behind.

So far, Fu Yuheng was slightly ahead in this little contest.

Hesitant, Qin Xianxian beckoned a shop assistant.

“May I try some?”

“Of course, miss!” The assistant bowed with a smile.

Qin Xianxian scooped a candied lotus seed onto a small wooden spoon, popped it into her mouth, and the sweetness spread through her palate.

Not bad! Just right for children.

She then scooped a jujube and a green plum, offering them to Fu Yuheng.

“Try one and tell me what you think.”

Fu Yuheng took the jujube she handed him, bit into it, and smiled softly, “Very sweet.”

Qin Xianxian glanced back to see Shen Qingli standing by the door, his expression dark and brooding.

A smile flickered in her eyes.

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Ah! She almost forgot the one who helped her so much today!

Qin Xianxian placed the green plum in her hand and stepped briskly toward him.

“What are you standing there for? Come try some!”

Shen Qingli lowered his eyes to the candied fruit she offered, then glanced at the man behind her, whose face had visibly fallen.

He raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint surfacing in his gaze.

Long fingers pinched the fruit from her palm, then slowly lifted it—not to his own mouth, but to hers.

The softness of her lips pressed against his fingertips.

The tangy sweetness hit Qin Xianxian’s taste buds and mind all at once; she flinched, her expression momentarily frozen.

“I don’t like it; you just try it.”

A faint smile curved Shen Qingli’s lips. He looked composed and upright, giving nothing away—Qin Xianxian didn’t even suspect this was deliberate.

He withdrew his hand and glanced at the man behind her, his lazy gaze dripping with disdain and provocation.

Fu Yuheng’s face darkened; his hand clenched into a fist, veins bulging visibly.

Shen Qingli’s smile deepened.

This gentleman was too righteous—he simply couldn’t win against him!

The words she spoke under the city tower that day were completely lost on him.

Qin Xianxian had no patience for such upright gentlemen; she wanted straightforwardness, not hidden affection.

With that, Shen Qingli took the lead again.

Qin Xianxian was unaware of his thoughts, blushing slightly as she turned back to continue picking out candied fruits.

Absentmindedly, she tried a few more, then instructed the attendant to pack the ones she liked.

Back in the carriage, the three resumed their previous seats, and the atmosphere inside grew strangely tense—

One lost in thought; one smiling brightly; one furrowing his brow in worry.