Chapter 430

The Two-Person Stage

Holding hands, Lei’s much smaller hand was completely caught in Ash’s grip. Ash brought his little sister around, happily playing here and there, sometimes pulling a goldfish or grabbing cotton candy apples, clearly enjoying himself as Lei bowed repeatedly in apology to the sleeping shop owner at her back while tears fell as she paid with her own pocket money.

However, thanks to his impulsive actions, the uneasy feelings Lei had been suppressing finally settled.

But it was just one-sided, Ash dragging her around without any hint of a romantic date, Lei’s glance towards him becoming progressively more complicated.

Isn’t she just a walking purse accessory for Ash? It felt like a useless husband clinging to a returning executive wife.

“Snap snap.”

Leaving aside how Ash managed to eat while wearing a half-mask, after biting halfway through his apple candy and chewing, he noticed Lei’s not-so-cheerful expression. After a moment of not-so-complicated thinking, he extended the candy to Lei.

“Do you want some?”

“Eh?” Lei didn’t react at first when she smelled the sweetness and swallowed. “What?”

“This is supposed to be a date, right? If only I enjoy it, then it shouldn’t be considered a date.”

“?”

Ash’s sincere statement added more question marks above Lei’s head, not because he said something weird but because it was so spot on.

Wait, since when did Ash start understanding things so normally?

“Have it, the taste is not bad. About that…”

Taking the apple candy naturally, Lei licked her lips with a reddened tongue, savoring the pleasant sweetness. She looked sideways at Ash’s face with slightly closed eyes. It felt a bit mesmerizing.

Mr. Ash, this smile isn’t fake…

Sure, he does over-the-top things, and yet smiles like us during simple moments. Which is the real you?

Or maybe the truth is right before your eyes?

As Lei’s thoughts drifted, the sensation of something touching her lips snapped her back, noticing the obvious mismatch between the tooth mark on the candy and her own teeth. Lei blushed fiercely.

“Indirect K…KI…”

Cupping her increasingly warm face with her hand gripping the apple candy stick, Lei murmured.

“Hate it.”

“What happened?”

“No, nothing!”

Lei, shaking her head vigorously and blushing, quickly finished the apple candy.

Purposefully leading the way, Ash soon arrived at a place laden with more memories for Lei. He pushed open the door of the fashion department activity room.

“Why here?”

This place, led by Erika as the head, where she and her classmates designed and sewed beautiful clothes, included Lei as part of the team.

Seeing the other members sleeping, Lei’s originally excited mood dimmed.

“You said you specially designed an outfit for me, everyone.”

“I was looking forward to it.”

Ash’s words stirred Lei’s bitter resentment, and bitterness tinged her voice.

“But you broke your promise!”

“When you agreed to be a model for the cultural festival runway show, it was a serious offer.”

Gazing at Ash rummaging through the clothes indifferently, Lei felt frozen.

“Time does not wait, things are urgent… Not — cough.”

Oops, almost apologized.

While Ash was hesitating internally, Lei pulled out a matching man’s suit from a neatly placed box.

“But now, no fashion shows can be held. Everyone…because of Qijiera…”

“Who says they can’t be held?” Ash took the black male suit from Lei, pointing at her and himself. “There are still you and me, aren’t there?”

A T-stage performance for just the two of them… That’s new.

—The two head towards the temporary stage within the campus—

“That—Not sneak a peek!”

“Don’t be silly. Do you think I’m that naive?”

Already dressed in specially prepared attire, Ash gave a small “tsk” to dismiss the idea of sneaking a peek.

“That’s it.”

Opening the door casually, Lei, having changed into the new outfit prepared for this event, nervously fidgeted with her skirt’s hem in front of Ash.

Surprised to see the transformation, for a girl normally dressed in school uniform or faded shirts, Lei’s current look was incredibly striking.

A purple satin ribbon with floral decorations tied around her neck, a light blue dress adorned with flowers embroidered along the hem, with lace at the collar making her neck elegant and beautiful. Without her glasses, Lei’s appearance was stunning, resembling a princess surrounded by a bouquet of flowers.

“A-Ash.” Lei, feeling uneasy under his direct gaze, waved her hands. “How do I look? Even though it was designed by Erika, I still feel really odd wearing it, right?”

“Mm, absolutely gorgeous, perfect for you.”

“No, it’s not that exaggerated…” Lei’s face turned as usual with a classic cute blush. “I only feel this amazing… Just another ordinary girl…”

“If you’re just another ordinary girl, then who is this irresistibly sweet girl in front of me?”

Lei’s cute blush level increased!

“Well, compared to me, she doesn’t measure up.”

Raising the long coat almost sweeping the floor, Ash removed his wide-brimmed top hat and struck a cool, similar pose to Shota, making the girl completely unable to look away.

According to Lei, the outfit Ash wore now was designed by Erika inspired by the “hero” motif, incorporating a rugged cowboy theme. The plain yet stylish black overcoat paired with the simple red lining and tight leather belt complemented everything.

He knocked on his polished boots and took out a long-barreled gun given by a robot friend, stuffing it into the holster. Ash wanted to thank the clumsy blue friend; indeed, this custom-made outfit was powerful and stylish. Maybe he should keep wearing it?

“Alright, my lady.”

Standing before an empty stage, Ash readjusted his top hat. Unusually gentlemanly, he extended his hand towards Lei who held the edge of her dress.

“May I have your hand?”

“Mm, please hold my hand tightly.”

Covered in embarrassment, Lei placed her hand in Ash’s palm.