"Xiao Li, why don't you take He Yuchen to the garden. The flowers are blooming. You both can talk there." Yun Bai suggested.
His words had barely faded before Yun Li opened her mouth to refuse.
But He Yuchen beat her to it, smiling easily. "Uncle Bai, your suggestion is perfect. I'd be honored to accompany Xiao Li."
Her jaw clenched tightly, she was being forced again. With no choice but to agree, she gave a stiff nod and rose. He followed at a leisurely pace, as though he had all the time in the world.
The spring air was light in the garden, carrying the faint fragrance of blooming peonies. Yun Li trailed her fingers over a flower absentmindedly, though her lips pressed into a thin line.
"I don't like being forced," she muttered, not bothering to hide her irritation.
He Yuchen chuckled. "Then we're alike. I wasn't exactly given a choice either."
She shot him a quick, skeptical glance. "Oh? You seem to be enjoying yourself." She muttered with folded arms.
