He had to go to court tomorrow, and he might not be back until after breakfast. "Lunch is okay. You can stay here for one more day. It's fine to go back after lunch tomorrow."
Cheng Xiran thought it made sense. She had already stayed for several days, so one more day wouldn't matter. Moreover, if Helian Duo went to the prime minister's mansion, he would be held up by Prime Minister Cheng. Where could he have a good meal? "Okay, it's a deal. I'll prepare lunch for you tomorrow."
As they were talking, the sky gradually darkened. Cheng Xiran looked up at the locked courtyard gate and said, "I'll go back first. If you still have things to do, you can continue. I won't stay and watch."
Helian Duo looked at her and smiled. His tense nerves gradually relaxed. "Lian Yu and Zuo Yan are keeping an eye on those things. It's too late, and you're not familiar with the mansion. I'll walk you back."
"It's not necessary to go to so much trouble." Cheng Xiran said with a gentle smile. "I remembered the way when I came here. I won't get lost for sure. You can rest assured."
"I don't think it's any trouble." Helian Duo said with a charming smile. "Wait for me a moment." After saying that, he turned around and walked back. When he came back, he was holding a white silk lantern in his hand. The dim light flickered in the night. "Let's go together."
Seeing his persistence, Cheng Xiran didn't refuse anymore. Under the reflection of the night and the lantern light, there was a warm glow on Helian Duo's cold face. This made her couldn't help but sigh that no wonder the original owner fell in love with him at first sight. Who could resist such good looks?
As if feeling Cheng Xiran's gaze, Helian Duo turned to look at her and said in a deep voice, "Have you seen enough?"
"Enough, enough." Cheng Xiran withdrew her gaze and laughed awkwardly. She just didn't understand why Helian Duo had avoided her before, but now he was acting like this.
"Helian Duo."
"Hmm?"
"Did you really hate me before?" Cheng Xiran stopped and looked at Helian Duo seriously.
Hearing this, Helian Duo also stopped. His eyes were fixed on Cheng Xiran. After a moment, he slowly said, "You used to pester me all day long. I did find you quite annoying."
"What about now? Do you still hate me?"
Helian Duo fell silent. But seeing Cheng Xiran's sincere look, he whispered, "No, I don't."
"Then can you give me half of the shares of Anecdotes in the Capital?" Cheng Xiran grinned.
As soon as these words came out, the smile on Helian Duo's face instantly faded, and the air seemed to turn colder. "No way."
After saying that, Helian Duo started walking. Cheng Xiran snorted and followed behind, muttering in a low voice, "If you won't give them, that's fine. Why do you have to suddenly act like this? The atmosphere I'd just managed to build is gone. I thought I could get some benefits."
After walking through a long corridor, Nanyuan was just a short distance ahead. Cheng Xiran had been thinking about how to get some benefits. Suddenly, she heard Helian Duo say coldly, "Can't you even watch where you're going at your age?"
"Ah?" Cheng Xiran didn't know what had happened yet. When she looked up at Helian Duo, she found that his arm was blocking her way. And not far ahead, there was a puddle. She smiled sheepishly. "I was so lost in thought."
"What if I hadn't said anything? Would you have just stepped into it?"
"Of course not. You'll surely protect me. Just like at Nanyunzhai. There were so many people, but luckily you were there. I really wouldn't have felt at ease with anyone else." As she said this, Cheng Xiran quickened her pace and closely followed behind him.