Chapter 237: Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao's Gifts
Wang Dong's bright and cheerful personality quickly won her over as she affectionately called out "Aunt Ye, Aunt Ye" again and again, full of warmth.
Xiao Xiao, though more easily embarrassed, gradually relaxed as well. She softly answered Ye Yunxi's gentle questions, feeling the warmth and tenderness of this young and graceful elder.
Since leaving home, she hadn't felt such genuine care and affection in a long time.
No wonder Ye Chen had invited Ye Yunxi to take charge of the Tang Sect—she was so kind and attentive. With such a thoughtful caretaker here, Xiao Xiao secretly wished she could live here every day.
…
As the sun dipped beyond the horizon and night descended, Ye Yunxi brought out an elaborate dinner that she had carefully prepared.
Throughout the meal, she warmly served the three of them, constantly adding food to Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao's bowls, her face carrying nothing but affection.
Wang Dong chatted animatedly with Ye Chen about amusing things at the academy, causing both Ye Yunxi and Xiao Xiao to burst into laughter again and again.
Xiao Xiao mostly ate quietly, sipping her soup and nibbling at her rice, occasionally glancing up at Ye Chen or Ye Yunxi. Every time she did, a small, satisfied smile bloomed unconsciously on her lips.
The meal was filled with laughter and warmth, making the once cold and quiet Tang Sect headquarters feel alive with the comforting atmosphere of home.
By the time the sky outside turned completely dark and the courtyard's soul lamps began to glow softly, the dinner finally came to an end.
Ye Yunxi stood up gracefully, gathering the dishes with practiced ease and smiling. "You young ones carry on chatting—I'll take these back to the kitchen."
Her kind eyes lingered for a moment on Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao, who were gently nestled beside Ye Chen, then she smiled knowingly and left, quietly leaving the courtyard to them.
Silence settled over the yard, broken only by the faint sound of crickets in the distance.
The early summer breeze carried the scent of flowers and grass, cool and refreshing as it brushed their faces.
With Ye Yunxi gone, the lively mood of dinner softened into peaceful intimacy.
Ye Chen took Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao by the hand and led them out to the middle of the courtyard, where the grass was thick and velvety.
He sprawled back comfortably, hands resting behind his head, gazing up at the deep indigo canopy above.
The night sky was littered with stars, glimmering like delicate shards of diamond sprinkled across the heavens.
A few soul lamps lit beneath the veranda cast a faint, warm glow across the lawn, outlining the quiet world they shared.
Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao snuggled in close on either side of him, curling up and resting their heads against his shoulder and arm with affectionate familiarity.
"Ye Chen…"
Wang Dong poked him lightly in the chest with her fingertip, her voice crisp in the quiet night.
"Come on, confess honestly—where have you been running off to these days? You completely disappeared from Shrek! Don't tell me you were out charming other girls again?"
Though her words carried mock accusation, a subtle note of worry and jealousy laced her tone.
"Mm… yeah, we both missed you a lot," Xiao Xiao murmured softly, propping her chin in her hand. Her big eyes glimmered faintly in the dim light—curious, caring, and just a little nervous.
Part of her feared hearing about other girls, but another part couldn't help wanting to know everything about him.
"Ahem… I've just been busy lately, don't overthink it," Ye Chen coughed lightly, obviously unwilling to tell the full story.
When Wang Dong opened her mouth to press further, Ye Chen quickly shifted the topic. "Actually, I've been working in the Soul Tool Department. I made something special—as gifts for you two."
With a small flourish, he brushed his hand over the soul tool strapped to his waist.
Clink!
A soft sound echoed, and two beautiful bracelets appeared in his palm.
The one on the left shimmered silver, woven from thin soul-metal threads with elegant craftsmanship.
Tiny gemstones sparkled along its surface, their pink-and-blue hues reminiscent of Wang Dong's butterfly wings.
The one on the right gleamed a pure jade-green, matching Xiao Xiao's hair, its central gem like polished green tourmaline.
Embedded in both was a small black cube, strange and mysterious in its smooth symmetry.
"Wow!"
Wang Dong's eyes lit up as she immediately snatched the blue-silver bracelet, holding it close to her face in awe.
"It's so pretty! Is this really for me?" she asked eagerly, her earlier suspicions vanishing without a trace.
She absolutely adored receiving gifts from Ye Chen.
The last one he'd given her—the "Butterfly Dagger"—she still kept with her at all times, treasuring it as if it were a piece of him. During the days he was away, she'd even sleep clutching it, whispering to it like he could hear her.
Now, with this new gift, her heart was overflowing with joy.
"And this one's for Xiao Xiao."
Ye Chen smiled, gently taking Xiao Xiao's soft hand and sliding the green bracelet onto her wrist.
"Thank you, Ye Chen~ You're the best!"
Xiao Xiao beamed, overwhelmed with happiness, and then—in a sudden surge of courage—leaned in and planted a quick, loud kiss on his cheek.
"But this isn't just a bracelet," Ye Chen continued with a grin. "It's also a communicator."
He took out his own matching black cube and infused it with soul power.
Immediately, the small device glowed faintly from within.
"This black cube is called the Wànxiàng Communicator. It's my latest creation—and the most advanced communication soul tool in this world so far."
"Once you channel soul power into it, you can connect to someone instantly across long distances. If I'm too far away—say, outside Shrek City—or I don't answer, you can leave a voice message. I'll hear every single one."
He briefly demonstrated the usage, and the two girls' faces lit up with delight.
"Really? Then I can talk to you every day!" Wang Dong exclaimed, her eyes glistening with excitement.
With this, she could finally reach him anytime she wanted.
She knew how busy Ye Chen was—and how other girls often pulled him away—but she didn't ask for much. Just being able to talk to him, to share meals and small moments, was enough.
And now, her wish could come true. Even if he didn't pick up, she could still leave him messages filled with her thoughts.
"Me too! Ye Chen, you're amazing—how did you invent something so useful?" Xiao Xiao said sincerely, her eyes filled with admiration.
She had started off as one of Ye Chen's little fans—first captivated by his looks, then awed by his strength—and now completely impressed by his intelligence.
Her feelings for him deepened even further, to the point of fervent devotion.
(END CHAPTER)
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