She smiled as Li Sinian tapped the tip of her nose, "Okay, Iāll listen to you."
Xiao Man then lowered her head again to adjust his tie.
The smile on Li Sinianās face gradually faded away, replaced by a more serious expression.
Today, Xiao Man was all about full-service. She reached the door before him, squatted down, and presented his shoes, "Let me help you with your shoes!"
Li Sinian didnāt say anything and lifted his foot to slip it in.
After he was ready, she finally stood up, holding onto his arm, with a charming smile, "Letās go, we have a date."
Actually, by the time they left, the sun was indeed almost setting, but that was precisely their chosen moment, for the beauty of the sunset to unfold.
On the dimly lit beach, this early winter season saw few people around.
They picked a spot about two or three meters from the water to sit down.
Xiao Man leaned on Li Sinianās shoulder, and he wrapped an arm around her; together they quietly watched the sun setting in front of them, listening to the sound of the waves lappingāit was all so quietly and beautifully surreal.
There was no need for too many words; just being together like this was everything.
Xiao Man softly began to speak, "Ah Nian... meeting you was truly the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me."
"Me too," Li Sinian gently said, "I have no regrets."
"Neither do I."
They held each otherās hands, not letting go.
"I still have regrets, not being able to give you a baby..."
"Itās alright," Li Sinianās voice softened even more, "I donāt need a baby, I just need you."
Really, just her alone.
His wish shouldnāt be considered greedy, right?
As he spoke, he stroked her hair, occasionally planting a kiss: "Manman, I love you so much."
"From now on, you must eat regularly, or else your stomach will feel uncomfortable. Lucia truly cares for you; donāt let her down... Sheās such a good girl, loyal to you for so many years."
"What nonsense are you talking about." His voice sank.
Xiao Man, as if she hadnāt heard, continued, "Iāve bought you lots and lots of clothes, all arranged neatly in the closet. You can choose whichever set to wear whenever you want."
"You probably wonāt sell the house, right? Can you leave it to me? Maybe I can come back occasionally to take a look."
"For Little Treasure from Qianxunās family, Iāve already prepared the gift money. Remember to go to the banquet for me, otherwise itāll be a big loss."
"Stop talking." Li Sinianās voice still somewhat trembled.
Every word of hers seemed like a knife stabbing into his heart, causing great pain.
"Ah Nian, Iāve left the daily menus in the cabinet for you, and Iāve made some and put them in the fridge. The rest wonāt last long, so I didnāt make them."
"Ah Nian, do you remember you promised me youād be really happy."
"Ah Nian..."
"Ah Nian..."
"Ah Nian, Iām so tired, can I just have a good sleep?"
Li Sinianās hand on her was trembling, his mouth opened but no words came out.
The woman in his embrace kept calling his name until she and the world became one, peaceful and beautiful.
"Manman..." he called her name too, "Promise me, youāll make breakfast for me again tomorrow, wonāt you? Help me shave, fix my tie, and weāll come back here to watch the sunset."
The world was so vast, so beautiful, yet there was no sound to reply to him.
A drop of liquid fell, followed by more...
In his whole life, he shed tears just this once.
Manman, loving you without regrets.