Chapter 133

"Go to hell!" Eva shouted, her face turning crimson. However, having been unconscious for days, she was physically weak, and her outburst lacked any real force.

Finally, amid Eva's "roars," Yuwen Xi stopped laughing. He looked at her with glistening eyes and said softly, "Eva, I actually have something to tell you."

Eva cast him a glance, gave a huff, and turned her head away in a sulk, ignoring him.

Seeing this, Yuwen Xi rubbed his nose. Sigh, as expected, his unbridled laughter had truly provoked the young lady. Consequently, he had to change tactics, using his powers of persistent pestering and sweet talk to coax the fiery young woman back into a good mood.

Eva glanced at him again, shifted her gaze, and said haughtily, "Speak then. What exactly do you want to tell me? My time is very precious; I don't have time to listen to your rambling."

Yuwen Xi looked at her with amusement and promised, "Yes, yes, I will finish quickly. I certainly won't delay your ladyship's time." He stole a glance at her as she lay on the bed, still appearing extremely frail, and wondered how she could possibly make use of her time when she could do nothing but lie there quietly recovering.

"It is like this, Eva. Given your current status, you cannot go hiking with me."

"Why not?" Eva snapped her gaze back to him, staring intently.

"Because it would be bad for your reputation. An unmarried woman and an unmarried man traveling alone together would invite gossip." Yuwen Xi explained with great patience, though a fleeting glint passed through his ocean-blue eyes.

"What reputation? I don't care!" Eva frowned, dismissive.

"You may not care, but I do!" Yuwen Xi said with utmost seriousness. "I cannot help but look out for you."

"Ha, do you think this is ancient times?" Eva said with disdain. "This is the twenty-first century. That old-fashioned stuff doesn't apply."

"But I am a traditional man," Yuwen Xi looked at her firmly. "And I believe in it."

"You—" Eva glared at him, seething. "You're pedantic!"

"Yes, I am," Yuwen Xi admitted frankly, yet another flicker of light crossed his eyes. "Therefore, if you want to go hiking with me, you cannot do so under your current status."

Eva thought for a moment, feeling somewhat frustrated, but finally compromised. "Fine, whatever. Tell me, what status do you want me to have so you'll take me with you?"

Because she was impatient, she missed the flash of triumph in Yuwen Xi's eyes. She only heard his voice, clear and steady: "We shall get engaged."

"What?" Eva looked at him in disbelief, her large violet eyes widening like copper bells.

Yuwen Xi smiled faintly. "You heard me correctly. Only if we travel as an engaged couple will we avoid gossip."

Eva could not believe her ears, but seeing the absolute seriousness on his face, her spirit wilted. She lowered her head and dropped her gaze, remaining silent. Seeing her sudden dejection, Yuwen Xi’s once-bright face dimmed, and a self-mocking smile tugged at his lips. *So, you are still unwilling. Amnesia or not, I am simply not your choice.*

"Fine, let's get engaged." Eva suddenly raised her head, a light, gentle smile on her face.

Yuwen Xi’s eyes widened in shock. His lips trembled as he asked, "You... what did you just say?"

Eva rolled her eyes, impatient. "You heard me! I said we’ll get engaged! Engaged!"

Yuwen Xi was completely stunned, his blue eyes wide, his heart hammering against his chest as if it might leap out of his body. He could not believe it. He could not believe that such luck had suddenly descended upon him. *How?* Looking at those familiar features, every expression etched deep within his soul... *Yingyue, how could she? Was I not always the one who was never the choice in her heart? Why would she agree? And with such a clear smile?*

Seeing him frozen, Eva felt a flare of annoyance, yet also found it amusing. Was her agreeing to an engagement really so shocking? How insecure was this man? *Oh, well. If he’s like this, I don't mind giving him some confidence.* After all, he had always been incredibly kind to her. And she wasn't foolish; she understood his feelings—she had always understood them. Otherwise, she wouldn't feel that sharp ache in her heart whenever she saw him. Surely, they had known each other well before her memory loss, and their relationship had been deep.

Without further hesitation, Eva leaned forward, hooked her arm around his neck, and pulled him toward her. She closed her eyes and kissed him.

Yuwen Xi's reeling mind flew away again. *Heavens! What is happening?* The soft, warm sensation of her lips against his caused his stiff body to melt. Eva lacked technique, and seeing him like a wooden post, she felt a flash of irritation. She opened her mouth and gave his lip a gentle but firm nip with her white teeth.

"Sss—" The slight sting brought Yuwen Xi back to his senses. Looking at the beautiful face inches away and feeling the softness of her lips, the realization finally hit him. A surge of overwhelming joy washed over him. As Eva began to pull away, he seized the initiative, capturing her lips and kissing her with tender, lingering intensity, savoring her like fine ink.

Eva gradually sank into the kiss, though as she began to lose herself, something seemed to tug at her mind, a faint sense of guilt as if she were hurting another heart.

Finally, when Eva was nearly breathless, Yuwen Xi pulled back, holding her tightly in his arms. His warm breath brushed her forehead as he whispered, filled with profound joy, "Eva, was that real?"

He still couldn't believe it and needed to hear it again.

"Yes, yes, we're engaged!" Eva said, exasperated.

Yuwen Xi tightened his embrace. "It's so wonderful. You’ve finally decided to give yourself to me!"

"Yes, I really, truly have decided to marry you. Now, can you loosen your grip? I'm about to suffocate!" Eva complained from within his arms. This man—how much did he love her? But the thought that someone loved her so deeply made her heart swell with genuine happiness. A smile blossomed on her lips.

Realizing his mistake, Yuwen Xi loosened his hold, looking at her pale face with concern. "I'm sorry, Eva. I was too careless." He looked like a schoolboy who had made a mistake, hands behind his back, waiting for his teacher's reprimand.

Eva’s heart softened. She pulled him back into her arms, resting his head against her chest. "You must love me to death, don't you?" she said, stroking his dark, glossy hair. Feeling his body tremble, her smile deepened. "Thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving me so much."

Yuwen Xi, leaning against her, felt his eyes well up. He wrapped his arms around her and said softly, "Having you by my side is wonderful. I am so happy to love you, and your promise to marry me is the greatest fortune of my life."

"You will be lucky for the rest of your life," Eva promised, as if bewitched by his gentle tone.

"Yes, I will." He certainly would.

In the spacious, luxurious room, the couple embraced in the warm sunlight, as if even the sun were offering its blessing. The wooden door was not fully closed, and outside the gap, a flash of malicious blue light flickered, and a corner of a white garment vanished in a hurry.

"Eva, we will hold a banquet soon to announce our engagement. You don't think it's too soon, do you?" Yuwen Xi pulled back slightly, looking at her with trepidation.

Eva looked at the nervous man before her and found it endearing. She cradled his face in her hands, meeting his expectant eyes. "George, since I have agreed to marry you, I no longer care about the timing. You can tell your heart to finally be at peace! What you need to worry about now is... you should properly propose to me!"