Chapter 404: The bond between two lives finally bears fruit
"Can't be changed?"
A trace of doubt rose in Ye Fan's eyes.
Ning Xi also didn't quite understand, but Lan Xi seemed to have a thoughtful look and nodded, guessing some clues.
Just now, when her husband answered the phone downstairs, his serious expression was a bit abnormal.
Logically speaking, even if the caller was the director of the Academy of Sciences, her husband wouldn't be so solemn—there must be some other reason.
"Honey, who wants to see Ye Fan?"
In response to his wife's question, Ning Xiangtian shook his head slightly and vaguely replied, "I can't say that. Anyway, Ye Fan has to go with me this afternoon. Any important matters must be canceled."
He didn't say much, but he also said something.
Whether it was Ye Fan, Ning Xi, or Lan Xi, the three of them all had an answer in their hearts, and they simultaneously revealed expressions of shock.
Could it be?
Could it be that…
Ning Xi's curiosity surged. She asked in a low voice, "Dad, could it be… that Grandpa?"
"Don't ask what you shouldn't."
Ning Xiangtian frowned and said, "Director Xia specifically instructed that this must be kept secret. Just keep it in mind. Today's matter is to be treated as if it never happened. Not a word outside, understood?"
"Oh."
Ning Xi nodded obediently, not daring to ask again.
Since she could remember, it was the first time seeing her father so serious, which only confirmed her guess.
Ye Fan also felt a bit uneasy in his heart. Although he had been through life and death and seen through many truths of the world, if he were really to meet that person—truth be told—he would indeed feel nervous.
"Uncle, Sister Lan; I'm done eating."
Ye Fan casually scooped a few mouthfuls of rice, had no appetite, so he simply put down his chopsticks. Under the table, he patted the girl's jade-like leg and whispered, "Xiao Xi, come to my room for a bit."
"Mm."
Ning Xi stood up with him, nodded toward her parents, and left the dining room with Ye Fan.
After the two left, Ning Xiangtian turned to his wife, "Honey, after dinner, iron a suit for me—Zhe Hai's one."
Lan Xi put down her bowl and chopsticks, "I'll go now. You eat slowly. I'll clean up later."
...
In front of the wardrobe in the bedroom, Ye Fan opened all the cabinet doors and turned his head, saying, "Xiao Xi, come help me pick an outfit."
"So you called me just for this?"
Ning Xi smiled sweetly, stepped forward two steps, tilted her head, and stared at the side of Ye Fan's face. Her jade-like cheeks flushed slightly, and she murmured softly, "Brother, actually, you look handsome no matter what you wear."
"Hmm?"
Ye Fan was stunned, but soon, a familiar sunny smile appeared. He raised his hand and rubbed the girl's hair, "Why the sudden compliment? It's a bit unexpected."
"It's not a compliment. I'm telling the truth."
Ning Xi's clear eyes blinked mischievously, full of spirit. Her dimples were filled with gentleness, "If you weren't handsome, I wouldn't have agreed to be your girlfriend, humph!"
"Oh?"
Ye Fan's brows relaxed, showing a row of white teeth. He teased, "Xiao Xi, does that mean you're with me just because you're attracted to my looks? Sigh, how heartbreaking!"
"Pfft!"
Ning Xi rolled her eyes at him, adorably annoyed, "Who's attracted to your looks? So shameless!"
"But what you just said clearly means that."
Ye Fan looked innocent as he spread his hands. At this moment, he wasn't in a hurry to have her pick clothes anymore. He pulled her hand and sat on the edge of the bed, curiously asking, "Xiao Xi, since we're on this topic, can you clear up a mystery for me—why did you agree to be with me?"
"This…"
Ning Xi poked her chin with her pinky, "How about… I help you pick clothes first?"
"No rush."
Ye Fan didn't plan to let her off the hook, a smile flickering in his eyes, "When I'm idle, I often think—you agreed to be my girlfriend, it must be because you're attracted to my looks. After all, the only thing outstanding about me is this face."
"That's not true!"
Ning Xi puffed her red lips and said angrily, "Looks are important, but not that important. There are lots of handsome guys out there, but I only accepted your confession. Don't you want to reflect on yourself a bit?"
"Because I'm handsome?"
"…"
Ning Xi's chest rose and fell slightly, her eyes looking faint and distant.
Seeing this, Ye Fan chuckled and gently tapped her delicate, upright nose, "Alright, can't you tell I'm teasing you?"
At this point, the smile on his face faded, and his gaze grew serious, "Xiao Xi, why did you choose me to be your boyfriend?"
"I… don't know."
Ning Xi lowered her head. Suddenly asked such a question, she felt flustered. Her jade-like hands twirled her hair, murmuring, "Just that being with you makes me feel very safe, like I've found a support. No matter what happens, I'm not afraid. I really like this kind of reassuring feeling."
Sometimes, love is hard to explain. It has nothing to do with age or appearance. You can't say clearly what you like about someone, but no one can take their place!
Ye Fan smiled.
That smile seemed to contain many things.
Bitterness giving way to sweetness, a sense of relief…
Two lifetimes of fate, finally bearing fruit!
"Xiao Xi, do you want to know what I like about you?"
"Don't want to."
Ning Xi thought for a moment and gently shook her head.
Ye Fan was quite surprised. He couldn't help but pinch her flawless face, "You little rascal, not following the script? Why don't you want to know?"
"Why should I have to know?"
Ning Xi's eyes sparkled like flowing water as she countered, "Brother, do you like me?"
"That's a given. Is there any point in asking?"
"Aiya, just say it!"
"Like!"
"Then that's enough. Don't you think so?"
Facing Ning Xi's crystal-clear, innocent gaze, Ye Fan was stunned. His eyes narrowed into slits, and his deep voice was full of emotion, "It really is enough."
"Ning Xi."
"Hmm?"
The girl froze. It took a few seconds before she reacted, "Why suddenly call me that?"
Full name—if it had been when they first met, she would have been thrilled.
She remembered how he struggled with how to address her at the beginning…
As their relationship grew, she got used to being called 'Xiao Xi'. Being suddenly called her full name now was truly surprising.
Ye Fan's eyes overflowed with doting affection, "This is the love poem I give to you."
"Love poem?"
Ning Xi secretly pouted and muttered softly, "What? That's clearly my name. How is it a love poem?"
Ye Fan placed his left hand on the girl's slender waist, lifted her fair chin with his right, and the deep affection in his eyes tugged at the girl's heart, "Xiao Xi, your name is the shortest love poem I've ever read. I like you, like the seasons changing, like crabapple flowers blooming."
He remembered very clearly the first time he saw Ning Xi in his previous life, down to every detail.
At that time, Ye Fan hadn't fallen for Ning Xi, nor had he thought anything would happen between them. But Ning Xi just had to become his exception and his favorite!
Fate!
Ning Xi… was his fate!!!