Page 380

Lin Yuan had just poured tea for a few aunts in the house when she saw Xiao Linshuang run in with glee, panting and shouting to her, "Big sister, brother-in-law, cough cough, Brother Xia has brought a particularly beautiful horse carriage, saying it’s our betrothal gift!"

Lin Yuan was stunned. A horse carriage? When she had gone to the Fuman Building to tell Shopkeeper Liu she wanted to buy his carriage, hadn’t he told her it belonged to Xia Zheng and to use it as she pleased? How come this fellow had sent her a new one today?

All the women in the room looked incredulously at Xiao Linshuang. After repeatedly asking if a carriage had truly been sent and getting confirmation, they all stood up, preparing to go outside to see for themselves. Even the men outside had gotten up and gone out the door.

It couldn’t be helped; in their countryside, ox carts and donkey carts were common sights, but a horse carriage was a rare thing indeed.

Although they had always seen Lin Yuan coming and going into town in a horse carriage, they all thought she had rented it.

They never imagined that someone would now give her a carriage straight away; how much silver would that have cost!

When Lin Yuan and the others stepped outside, what they saw was Xia Zheng standing at the doorway, looking pleased with himself, leaning on the horse carriage at an angle.

Lin Yuan felt somewhat dazzled, suddenly recalling scenes of luxury cars and handsome men she had seen in her previous life.

It seemed that whether in ancient times or the modern era, fancy cars and horses remain the go-to move when pursuing a girl.

"Wow, this carriage, it’s really nice!"

"Exactly, look at those curtains, they’re gleaming; couldn’t they be made of silk?"

"Forget the carriage for a moment, look at these horses, so strong and powerful. Look at their hooves, so wide; they are definitely good horses!"

Everyone was chattering at once, and none of it entered Lin Yuan’s ears; her eyes and thoughts were all on the carriage Xia Zheng had sent.

This carriage was even more luxurious than Xia Zheng’s own, and its curtains were pink with many tassels hanging from them.

At each of the four corners, small bells were tied, chiming crisply with the movement of the carriage.

Lin Yuan couldn’t help holding her forehead. Such a flashy carriage, only Xia Zheng could have come up with it.

"How is it, too delighted to speak?" Xia Zheng asked with a suggestive raise of his eyebrows, directing everyone’s attention toward Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan bit her lip in embarrassment. Flirting with her in front of so many people, as if afraid others would not notice their special relationship, right?

Xia Zheng saw Lin Yuan’s warning look, but showed no intention of restraining himself. Instead, he extended his hand, inviting, "Boss Lin, will you honor me by trying out this carriage?"

I won’t honor you!

I won’t try!

Lin Yuan wished she could throw down these words and then turn around and enter her house with poise. But as the words reached her lips, she couldn’t bring herself to say them.

That look of hopeful expectancy from Xia Zheng made it impossible for her to refuse.

She turned her head to look at Lady Liu, who was pressing her lips together, nodding and smiling at her; Lin Yuan then took a deep breath, reached out to take Xia Zheng’s hand, and let him gently help her into the carriage.

As they brushed past each other, Xia Zheng’s low, warm breath was sprayed onto her face, and Lin Yuan’s ears burned. She hid inside the carriage, refusing to come out again.

Xia Zheng knew she was shy and smiled mischievously, saying nothing. He was about to take up the whip, ready to take Lin Yuan for a spin through the village to enjoy a romantic moment alone, when Xiao Linshuang suddenly raised her hands and called out loud, "I’m going too, I’m going too!"

Xia Zheng’s hand holding the whip paused, and he gave the little girl a squeeze of his eyes, but Xiao Linshuang was so consumed with thoughts of the beautiful, comfortable new carriage that she paid no heed to Xia Zheng’s suggestive gestures, still jumping about, wanting to climb into the carriage.