Is it good-looking

"Mm!"

Shen Mengli nodded in response, pulling out the gift bag from her embrace and slowly opening it in front of Ye Feng.

"Xiao Feng, this is..."

As Shen Mengli opened the bag and peered inside, she noticed a square jewelry box at the bottom. Just from its exterior decoration, it was clear how valuable the item was.

"No! I can't accept this!"

Ye Feng had expected Shen Mengli to excitedly open the jewelry box, but to his surprise, she folded the gift bag and tucked it back into her arms.

"Mengli, why are you doing this?"

Baffled, Ye Feng stared at Shen Mengli, who was gazing back at him, leaving him momentarily frozen. He hadn’t anticipated this reaction. Did she not like the hairpin he bought?

Just as Ye Feng was at a loss, Shen Mengli finally explained, "This gift from Xiao Feng must be very expensive, right? Even though I don’t know its exact price, the patterns alone tell me it’s not cheap. So... I can’t accept it."

"But why? This is a gift from me as your friend. Why refuse it? Our friendship has nothing to do with the price, does it?"

"Because... because it’s just too expensive. I’m not deliberately rejecting your gift, Xiao Feng. The place you’re living in now is probably rented, right? Since you’re already struggling financially, I shouldn’t let you spend money recklessly on me."

Shen Mengli felt her reasoning was sound and even nodded to herself. She reached out with her soft hand, lightly tugging at Ye Feng’s sleeve.

"I’m sorry, Xiao Feng. You should return this expensive jewelry. I already feel very happy knowing how much you care for me. Just this is enough."

"Mengli, you..."

Ye Feng was deeply moved by her words. He hadn’t expected Shen Mengli to be so considerate of his situation, and his heart swelled with emotion.

"It’s alright, Mengli. Just accept this gift."

"No..."

Just as Shen Mengli was about to refuse again, Ye Feng cut her off.

"Once I bought this, it couldn’t be returned. The store’s policy is ‘no refunds after purchase.’"

"Wh-what? It can’t be returned?"

"Mm."

Ye Feng smiled and nodded, handing the gift bag back to Shen Mengli.

"And don’t worry about my finances, Mengli. Everything is under control."

"Xiao Feng..."

"If you don’t take it, I’ll just give it to someone else."

At these words, Shen Mengli, who had been about to protest further, instantly clutched the gift bag tightly, as if afraid Ye Feng might snatch it away.

"No! This is from Xiao Feng... it’s mine..."

"Heh, that’s more like it."

Seeing Shen Mengli finally accept it, Ye Feng turned and headed toward the kitchen.

"Alright, Mengli, make yourself comfortable. I’ll go prepare dinner."

"Mmm..."

Watching Ye Feng disappear from view, Shen Mengli hesitantly raised the gift bag in her hands, pausing for a moment as if recalling something unpleasant before resolutely opening it.

"This is a gift from Xiao Feng... I can’t let anyone else have it... Absolutely not..."

As she gazed at the small box, her heart began to race.

What could Xiao Feng have gotten me? Why do I feel so excited...?

After swallowing hard, Shen Mengli slowly opened the box, revealing a hairpin made of red crystal glass.

"This is... a hairpin?"

"Ahem..."

Just as Shen Mengli was puzzled, she heard Ye Feng’s cough behind her. Startled, she nearly dropped the jewelry box.

"X-Xiao Feng! Weren’t you in the kitchen? How’d you get back so fast?"

"I just wanted to see if you liked the gift. Since I bought it without consulting you first, I wanted to see your reaction."

"It’s so pretty..."

Shen Mengli carefully lifted the crystal hairpin from the box. Its translucent, crimson hue shimmered like a blooming flower, dazzlingly bright—almost as radiant as Shen Mengli’s own eyes.

"Xiao Feng... can I really wear something this beautiful in my hair?"

Though she posed the question to Ye Feng, the way she clutched the hairpin and couldn’t tear her eyes away from it made it clear that her earlier reluctance had vanished.

"Of course. From now on, this hairpin is yours. You can do whatever you want with it."

Ye Feng smiled.

It seemed Shen Mengli’s actions spoke louder than words. Despite her initial refusal, she was already enchanted at first glance. His taste really was impeccable.

"Well then, Mengli, I’ll go cook. You can try it on—"

"Xiao Feng, wait!"

Suddenly, Shen Mengli called out to stop him, her voice tinged with shyness.

"I... I want you to see how it looks on me."

"Mm... sure."

"Okay~"

Excited, Shen Mengli carefully placed the hairpin in her hair, just above her ear. After adjusting it meticulously, she finally let go, ensuring it was secure. Then, she stole a glance at Ye Feng before cautiously lifting her head, though her eyes darted away nervously. Fidgeting, she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and whispered,

"H-how does it look? Is it... nice?"

"......"

When no reply came after a long moment, Shen Mengli grew anxious.

"Xiao Feng... does it not suit me? You’ve been silent for so long... Maybe I should just take it off."

Just as she reached up to remove the hairpin, a hand suddenly caught her wrist.

"X-Xiao Feng?"

Shen Mengli looked at Ye Feng, who was staring at her intently, and her heart wavered.

Is it because I look bad that he wants to take it off himself? Maybe someone like me shouldn’t wear such pretty accessories...

At that moment, Ye Feng finally spoke.

"Beautiful."

"Eh?"

Shen Mengli blinked in surprise.

"Xiao Feng, what did you say?"

"Really beautiful."