C18 A Considerate Husband

Ji Xinling finally understood what was happening when Nie Zeyu changed his approach, gently taking her hand and leading her outside. Her hand suddenly enveloped in his warm grasp sent waves of warmth through her, reaching her heart and spreading to her cheeks, which flushed a rosy red. She lowered her head, letting Nie Zeyu guide her along.

Suddenly, Nie Zeyu stopped, and she bumped right into his back.

"Hey, where are you looking while you're walking?" Nie Zeyu asked, glancing down at her. Seeing her up close, he was struck by how petite she truly was.

Hearing his tone, Ji Xinling thought Nie Zeyu was upset and displeased with her. She quickly lifted her head, her clear, innocent eyes meeting his. "I'm sorry, it's just... it's my first time holding hands with someone," she explained, feeling her face grow even hotter. She couldn't let him be disappointed in her.

"The first time holding hands," Nie Zeyu repeated to himself, a slight smile playing on his lips, his eyes brightening. He tightened his grip on her small hand.

Looking into his eyes, Ji Xinling felt like she could lose herself in them completely.

The softest part of Nie Zeyu's heart melted further, his voice gentle and affectionate. "Alright, let's go."

Nie Jia had already pulled up the car and was waiting when they exited the building. As soon as he saw them, he quickly got out, respectfully handed the keys to Nie Zeyu, and then stepped back with a slight bow before leaving.

Nie Zeyu, ever the gentleman, opened the door for Ji Xinling, who got in with a confident grace.

As the car started moving, Ji Xinling, sitting in the passenger seat, felt as if she were in a dream, finding it hard to believe this was her reality. Just when she thought she had hit rock bottom with no way out, life had opened a new door for her, reviving her once despairing heart.

She glanced at Nie Zeyu, focused on driving, and felt a deep gratitude toward him. She was genuinely thankful and promised herself that once she got through this rough patch, she would be the best Mrs. Nie she could be, never letting him feel shortchanged.

Lost in thought, she was startled by a pleasant voice breaking the silence, “What’s on your mind? You seem so focused.”

Ji Xinling snapped back to reality, turning her head to meet his captivating eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. Being this close to him made her heart race; it was as if he had a magnetic pull she couldn't resist.

“We’ve started driving, but you forgot your seatbelt?” Nie Zeyu said as he pulled over, fastening her seatbelt himself before continuing on their way.

He continued driving, and Xinling quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Just moments ago, his movements almost brushed against her, and she could sense his unique charm. Even now, as he focused on the road, his presence filled the small space, making it hard for her to calm her mind.

Pressing her lips together, Xinling stole another glance at the man driving intently, then discreetly made a small move: she cracked the window open just a bit. A cool breeze rushed in, brushing against her neck and jolting her senses. The chill seemed to clear her head, bringing back her rationality.

Once she had the marriage certificate, she could sell the house her mother left her, and that would cover her grandfather's surgery costs. But the expenses wouldn't stop there; post-surgery recovery in the hospital would also require a significant amount of money.

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