chapter 10

“Miss.” On the way back, Uncle Chen answered a call. “President He wants to know if you have any special requests for your Birthday Banquet this year.”

As He Lingyue, the heiress of the He Family, my birthday every year is considered a major business event.

My family would start preparations well in advance. Because I used to be in poor health and was the subject of gossip, my family could not tolerate even a speck of dust in their eyes. They insisted on making a grand and public declaration that He Lingyue was still the sole rightful heir of the He Family.

Of course, the Cheng Family would definitely attend.

And if Cheng Song appeared as my escort at this time, it would signify that the rift between us had been mended, and the matter would be considered resolved.

This is the tacit understanding among prominent families.

The engagement with him was made when I was interested in him. He has behaved reasonably well lately, and my anger has subsided. I should give him a way out.

But I no longer wish to do so.

“Uncle Chen,” I said, “I don’t want Cheng Song as my escort this year.”

Uncle Chen’s expression did not change.

“I want Xu Sixian.”

A crack appeared in Uncle Chen’s usually steady demeanor.

“Miss,” he hesitated, “have you thought this through?”

Giving Xu Sixian money and resources is a small matter; the He Family can afford countless Xu Sixians.

But if Xu Sixian were to appear at the Birthday Banquet of the He Family’s heiress, and as my escort-

Everyone would know what that means.

It would mean my favor for him is extraordinary. I want to draw him into the soil of my life, stake out a territory for him, and openly shelter him.

He would be branded with the mark of the He Family. Anyone who wanted to touch him would have to weigh their own standing.

Supporting a poor student is commonplace, but “supporting” and “cultivating” are two entirely different concepts.

I said nothing.

In the Flower Room, all was quiet.

Xu Sixian knows calligraphy. I asked him to give my Flower Room a name.

Now, the calligraphy is framed and hangs at the entrance to the Flower Room-“Old Mountain Spring Residence.”

I never asked him what the name meant; I just thought it sounded beautiful.

There is no overwhelming floral fragrance here, only the earthy scent of grass and plants.

Until the wind chime at the door swayed and shattered the silence.

Xu Sixian opened the door and turned to see me, a smile blooming in his eyes. “Miss.”

I looked at the sturdy little tomato in his hand, still unripe, tinged with green and yellow.

He carefully set it down, his tone light. “It’ll be ready to pick in a little while.”

I looked at him. “But I like strawberries.”

Without hesitation, he said, “Then I’ll bring you strawberries next time.”

I pushed myself up from the wheelchair, and his eyes flashed with panic as he hurried to help me, only for me to stumble right into his arms.

Xu Sixian’s body stiffened a little, his hands hovering awkwardly in the air as if unsure where to place them, finally resting lightly on my shoulders.

He knows I like cleanliness, and that my clothes would get dirty if I touched the ground, so he must have showered before coming.

His body wash is the one I bought, my favorite brand, with a wonderful scent.

“Xu Xiaoshu,” I said, “I want to invite you to my Birthday Banquet.”

He didn’t respond right away.

“I want you to be my escort.”

Through his clothes, I could hear his heartbeat.

It was out of rhythm, utterly chaotic.

“But Miss,” his voice was dry, “I have nothing. I’ll embarrass you.”

I looked up and frowned. “If anyone dares say anything, I’ll throw them out.”

Actually, I wanted to say more, but the words wouldn’t come.

For example, I think Xu Sixian is the best Xiaoshu, and I can’t wait for everyone to see him.

To see how outstanding he is in both character and academics, elegant and upright, like a tall white birch.

I want to hear others acknowledge him, praise him, envy him.

So that I can feel proud as well.

This impulse has been brewing for a long time, and today it finally erupted.

I suddenly want to announce it to the world.

But looking into his eyes, I only managed to say, “You won’t embarrass me.”

“Alright.” After a long while, he finally replied.

“Are you doing this willingly or are you being forced?” I was still not satisfied. “Look at me.”

In the past, I never cared whether others were willing or not.

As long as they agreed, that was enough.

But now, I care very much about what Xu Sixian thinks.

He lowered his eyes to look at me, a hint of helplessness in his expression. “Miss, you know I could never refuse you.”