Chapter 1865 - 1860: Strange Occurrence

Seeing Xiaobei’s speechless expression, Cao Lingbing knew she had scared him...

"Xiaobei, you’re having a taste of your own medicine today!"

Thinking to herself, Cao Lingbing pressed her lips into a slight smile and cheerfully said, "I was just joking with you. I looked around earlier and realized there wasn’t anything good to change into, so I thought I’d just wear this."

Earlier, Cao Lingbing had opened the wardrobe.

After selecting a few items, she found that all the clothes were similar to what she was wearing.

After considering, she decided not to change and chose to continue wearing the same outfit.

She thought Xiaobei probably liked this outfit.

Hearing Cao Lingbing’s explanation, Xiaobei examined her closely and squinted, casually saying, "You look great in this outfit. Honestly, you’re beautiful, and you look great in whatever you wear!"

Glancing at Xiaobei, Cao Lingbing giggled, "I heard before that men are full of sweet talk; now I see it’s true!"

Hearing her teasing, Xiaobei’s eye twitched as he seriously said, "Where’s the sweet talk in that? I’m just speaking the truth!"

"I don’t believe you!"

After saying this, she smiled and bounced over to stand in front of Xiaobei and softly said with anticipation, "Alright, let’s go explore a bit! It’s been so long since I’ve left this courtyard."

"Okay!"

With that, the two of them left the tranquil courtyard one after the other...

...

"Do you still feel a sense of belonging here?"

After walking out of the small courtyard, Xiaobei glanced at Cao Lingbing and curiously asked.

Cao Lingbing thought carefully and responded in a slightly hoarse voice, "At first, I did, but later on, I really didn’t! They did too many excessive things before which clearly showed they never truly saw me as family. In that case, there’s no reason for me to see them as family either, right."

"Indeed!"

Xiaobei nodded gently...

Kindness is mutual...

When you’re good to others and receive nothing in return, you’ll eventually feel disheartened.

Cao Lingbing is just like that...

Before, as a member of this family, she gave her all for them.

However, she received no gratitude, just more scheming and betrayal.

The closest people betrayed her, ultimately leading her to despair, which involved a tremendous amount of hopelessness that goes without saying.

Knowing this topic was rather heavy, Xiaobei didn’t continue it and directly changed the subject, "Alright, let’s not talk about these things. Let me take you for a proper tour! Although I haven’t been out much before, I’m still quite familiar with this place, since I used to explore many places when I was young."

"Sure! I’ll be counting on you then!"

"No need to be so polite with me!"

After saying this, she regained her spirits and hopped ahead.

Xiaobei smiled and quickly followed.

Xiaobei knew that she had indeed changed a lot now...

Previously, because everyone betrayed her, she had completely closed off her heart.

And now, because of him, her heart had opened again.

Although not completely restored to her best state, she was still much, much better...

...

"Xiaobei, I remember coming here when I was young; there’s quite a sizable deep pool here."

As Xiaobei walked with Cao Lingbing, he looked towards her.

Seeing her pointing to a somewhat irregular deep pool in the distance...

Squinting his eyes, Xiaobei suddenly thought of something.

"You said before that you rarely left that courtyard, right."

"Yes!"

"What about Yao Ling?"

"Because before, I wasn’t in good health, she practically stayed by my side at all times."

"I see!"

A faint shimmer flashed in Xiaobei’s eyes.

"What’s up? Your expression looks a bit strange?"

Xiaobei glanced at her and lightly waved his hand, "It’s nothing, I was just asking. By the way, the environment here is really nice."

"Yes! When I was little, I often liked to come here and play with the fish, but I guess they’re probably all gone now!"

Recalling this, she walked to the side of the deep pool and found there were still many fish swimming around.

"Unbelievable, after all these years, they’re still alive!"

Gazing at the deep pool, Xiaobei smiled and said, "Fish often have a tremendously strong life force!"

"True!"

Nodding gently, she quickly picked up a few small stones and tossed them into the water.

Seeing the fish scatter quickly due to the pebbles, she laughed heartily in excitement.

Seeing her return to that lively, joyous demeanor from childhood, the corners of Xiaobei’s mouth lifted slightly into a smile.

Soon, Xiaobei turned to glance at the bushes behind.

After a while, Xiaobei withdrew his gaze and softly said, "Alright, we’ve seen enough here, take me to explore the next place."

"Okay!"

Quickly agreeing, she bounced towards the outside...

Glancing at the pink flower in her hand, Xiaobei smiled and quickly followed.

After Xiaobei and Cao Lingbing left, footsteps could be heard from the bushes, and soon, a pale-faced person appeared there.

If Xiaobei were there, he would recognize this person as someone he had encountered outside before.

"It looks like she has truly recovered fully. Looking back, not stopping this guy named Xiaobei was the best decision I’ve ever made."

After speaking, he coughed violently a few times...

Following the coughs, he trembled as he walked to the deep pool’s edge.

Glancing at the koi beneath the water, he took out the fish food he had prepared.

Looking at them reminded him of a once-wonderful time.

...

"Xiaobei, why aren’t you moving?"

After placing the pink blossom behind her ear, she looked at Xiaobei and softly asked in slight surprise.

Before, she had been about to say something to Xiaobei, but then noticed that he was walking slower and slower.

Finally, he just stopped...

Xiaobei looked at her astonished expression, somewhat apologetically saying, "Wait for me here a bit, I left something by the deep pool earlier."

"Xiaobei, you’re really forgetful!"

Glancing at the slightly embarrassed Xiaobei, she pressed her lips into a smile.

"I didn’t mean to, it was truly an accident!"

As he spoke, Xiaobei took a step back and said again, "I’ll be right back, wait for me here!"

Initially intending to go back with Xiaobei, Cao Lingbing reconsidered and gently nodded, "Alright, but be quick!"

"Okay! I promise I’ll be back soon!"

After making the promise, Xiaobei gave her a look and quickly turned around to run.