A Kiss in the Eyes of All

Chen Zimo was a reserved and aloof person; there was no doubt about that. Lin Xia’s understanding of him deepened, both from what she’d heard in her previous life and her interactions with him in this one. If Zhao Xin could manage such intimacy in address with him in just over an hour, Lin Xia would find herself deeply impressed. Zhao Xin was already clever, and now, reborn, how could Liu Ziqing hope to be her match?

While several people tidied up the rubbish, Zhao Xin hugged the collection of fine works and smiled gently, saying, “You speak first.” The breeze lifted her long hair, strands brushing her cheek. Turning her face slightly, she tucked them behind her ear with an easy grace that, though simple, brimmed with endless allure.

Having spent so long in that kind of place, from any angle, Zhao Xin was the most captivating. That fleeting charm struck Chen Zimo’s heart like a heavy blow, as if his heart ceased beating for a moment. Admiration and appreciation overflowed in his clear, bright eyes.

When it came to beauty, Liu Ziqing and Zhao Xin were almost equally matched, but that effortless allure and natural magnetism were unique to Zhao Xin. Like peonies and lotuses among flowers, which was more precious?

To be looked at by a beloved boy with such pure appreciation—not a naked desire, not the repulsive exchange of power and affection—moved Zhao Xin profoundly. Had Heaven truly heard her dying wish? If granted another chance, she would not squander this life.

Her jade-like face slowly flushed, her head lowering, the elegant curve of her neck as beautiful as a swan, stirring the hearts of those who saw.

“Xin, you speak first,” Chen Zimo said.

Zhao Xin pursed her lips and slowly handed over the book. “Tongtong really likes this one. Please pass it to her for me. Although I like Liu Yan’s works, I’m not as passionate as they are.”

Chen Zimo’s eyes were clean, like a sky after the rain, exuding a cold yet magnificent charm. Zhao Xin thought she understood all there was to him, but she was mistaken.

A smile flickered in his usually clear eyes; his lips slowly curved upward, the lines of his jaw relaxing, magnifying before her eyes. His gaze, so black and white, overflowed with tenderness, almost enough to drown someone.

He was as gentle as a painting.

The indifferent young man shed his coldness, and the warmth within could break down any girl’s defenses, inviting this little prince to reside in the castle of their hearts.

Chen Zimo took the book, smiling. “Thank you.”

He held the book in his left hand, and with his right, gently tousled Zhao Xin’s soft hair, as if she belonged to him. The air seemed to carry a faint fragrance—not the cool scent of Liu Ziqing, but rather the elusive, omnipresent freshness of mountain springs, refreshing and soothing.

Then, he turned to smile at Xie Xitong hiding behind a tree, shaking the book in his hand.

Xie Xitong brightened instantly, leaping out to snatch the book from Chen Zimo’s grasp, kissing it as if it were a treasure, then tucking it into her bag. She called out, “I’m going to help clean up!” before darting away.

Leaving the pair alone.

Zhao Xin was already stunned by Chen Zimo’s gesture. Though she prided herself on understanding men’s hearts, she still couldn’t fathom the boy before her.

Because, facing him, she had already lost.

In the world of love, whoever falls first, falls deepest—and whoever falls deepest, loses first. Utterly defeated.

“Let’s go help as well,” he said to the dazed girl before him.

“Oh…” She hadn’t quite responded, but her body moved of its own accord. Walking absentmindedly behind Chen Zimo, Zhao Xin felt her foot caught by leaves and stumbled, crying out as she pitched forward.

Hearing the girl’s voice, the boy reflexively turned around. Seeing her rushing toward him, he instinctively stretched out his arms.

Both of them fell to the ground.

Chen Zimo braced himself with one hand, the other wrapping around the girl’s soft waist.

Those nearby, busy tidying up, heard Zhao Xin’s cry and looked over. Since she’d brought her cousin, Zhao Qian rushed over especially quickly—then froze in astonishment.

This…this situation.

Zhao Xin was cradled in Chen Zimo’s arms, her hand resting on his shoulder, his arm circling her waist. Even that alone would surprise people, but then Lin Xia and the others arrived, and Liu Ziqing bit her lip hard.

Their bodies were pressed tightly together, lips locked, leaves occasionally drifting down upon them.

Without the crowd, it would have been the most beautiful scene from television.

At that moment, Chen Zimo felt as if he’d frozen, hearing the thunderous drum of his own heartbeat. For the first time, he forgot himself, forgot the setting, and forgot what he ought to do.

His eyes contained only the girl’s startled expression, the moist warmth on his lips, and against his chest…those two soft things pressing him.

So big, so…soft.

Then, in such an accidental place, facing a girl who was almost a stranger, Chen Zimo’s sensitive body began to react, ever so slightly rising.

He turned his head aside, then stiffened.

Because of the vigorous movement, the girl’s collar had become disheveled, and from his angle, he could see the smooth skin and the rounded curves beneath.

Her snowy skin, so bright it almost hurt the eyes!

And then, his lower body, which had already begun to lift, fully raised its head.

Pressed so closely to Zhao Xin, it was impossible for her not to feel it.

A sweet flush passed through her, but then she saw the boy’s clear eyes darken to ink, his brows knitting, and realized the scene was wrong.

It was as if struck by a warning bell; she instantly awoke.

She rose from Chen Zimo and pulled him up as well.

Fortunately, Chen Zimo’s back faced the others, and Zhao Xin’s skirt covered that area, so no one saw his embarrassment.

“Brother, are you hurt?” Xie Xitong finally reacted, rushing over in concern. “Should we have Zhou Meng take you to the hospital?”

If Chen Zimo had been moved just then, and everyone saw his awkwardness, he and Zhao Xin might never speak again.

Zhao Xin quickly reddened her eyes, her voice tinged with tears. “Zimo, are you alright? I saw you brace yourself with your elbow—let’s check if it’s injured.”

As expected, Xie Xitong immediately unbuttoned his shirt cuff, rolling up his sleeve to look at his elbow.

Chen Zimo glanced at Zhao Xin, then pressed his lips together and said to Xie Xitong, “It’s nothing, just hurts a bit. You go help tidy up, I’ll rest till the pain subsides.”

Xie Xitong saw his bloody elbow and her eyes reddened.

Lin Xia came over and looked at it, saying, “Just a minor injury, nothing serious. I used to fall all the time as a kid. If you’re worried, let’s finish cleaning up quickly and go to the county hospital for an x-ray.”

Because of Chen Zimo’s injury, no one paid much attention to the earlier kiss—except for the two involved, and one other person, who neither showed concern nor lost her temper. From the moment the incident happened, through everyone’s departure, she hadn’t spoken a word.

Once everything was cleaned up, Chen Zimo calmed down. With his elbow hurt, he couldn’t give Zhao Xin a ride. She took the bike, and Zhou Meng carried Chen Zimo.

Zhao Xin and Xie Xitong rode on either side of Zhou Meng, occasionally voicing concern, prompting Zhou Meng to tease, “If beautiful girls cared for him like this, he’d gladly play the hero.” “If Tongtong needed him, he’d brave fire and water.” His antics made Xie Xitong call him a pervert, easing much of Chen Zimo’s embarrassment. Coupled with the girl’s caring look and gentle words, his mood greatly improved.

Back in town, the group headed straight to the hospital, so imposing that the doctor thought something serious had happened. After an x-ray, some anti-inflammatory medicine, and bandages, they were cleared to go.

Pushing the bike, Lin Xia said, “I told you it was nothing. I was so mischievous as a kid, always falling, couldn’t even count how often. Usually, my new injuries piled onto old ones before they healed. Look, my knees are perfectly fine now.”

Xie Xitong glanced at her knees under her denim shorts and exclaimed, “You can’t even tell unless you look closely!”

Lin Xia smiled. “Right? I said it wasn’t serious.”

Not quite. Her knees bore countless scars, as did her arms and fingers. But with frequent use of the spatial spring water, the scars had faded without her realizing it. Now, unless you looked closely, they were nearly invisible.

Scar removal was only a matter of time.

As for Chen Zimo, there was even less to worry about. If Lin Xia guessed right, the apple in her bag was the spatial fruit from the novel—naturally pure and pollution-free. As long as he didn’t die, with Zhao Xin’s spatial ability, he’d be fine. In fact, this accident might turn out to be a blessing: not only would his health improve, but his skin would too, and old scars would vanish.

Although Zhao Xin’s past life wasn’t ordinary, from her actions it was clear she was no pushover. Clearly, she was vying with Liu Ziqing for Chen Zimo’s heart.

Glancing at Zhao Xin, who walked ahead with Chen Zimo, Lin Xia admired her. In just a short time—less than half a day—she’d entered his inner circle.

Liu Ziqing had met a formidable rival!

Still, Lin Xia saw only deep affection, attachment, and a subtle sense of gratitude in Zhao Xin’s eyes. They must have crossed paths in their previous lives; otherwise, Lin Xia couldn’t have discerned her feelings.

Only before Chen Zimo did Zhao Xin reveal her weakness.

With a weakness comes emotion, and only then can one guess at her true thoughts.

(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, subscribe and reward the author—your support is the greatest motivation.)