My and Their Anime-Style Otherworldly Survival Adventure

Now it was Jiu Xiao's turn to fall silent. He hadn't expected things to develop this way. This wasn't about who was right or wrong anymore; if things went wrong, the two of them might sever all ties, and that would be a huge mistake on his part. Besides, Sania had only brought things to this point because of him. Ella was also a victim, innocently dragged into this conflict caused by his greed. If he had clearly stated that he wasn't interested in Ella, Sania wouldn't have forced them together.

Although the root cause of the matter wasn't here, Jiu Xiao knew that as the catalyst for this series of events, he bore an undeniable responsibility. With great power comes great responsibility. If he wanted to build a harem, these were things he should have been concerned with, not shifting the burden onto Sania while he cowered in the shadows, reaping the benefits without lifting a finger. He would despise himself for that. A harem like that was worse than no harem at all; he might as well just live with Xiao Yuan and Sania! A transmigrator from our great Celestial Empire couldn't afford to lose face like that!

A real man should rise to the challenge. Even the Nordic girl can't stop Jiuxiao from moving forward; his goal is the stars and the sea! (Just kidding)

Jiuxiao took a deep breath, as if he had suddenly been reborn. He understood that now was not the time to shirk responsibility, but rather to step forward and resolve the conflict that had arisen because of him. He gently patted Sania's shoulder and said, "Sania, don't worry, I will go and find Ella. The three of us will talk things out and clear things up. This conflict started because of me, and it should be ended by me."

I came here to end the band performance! Sorry, wrong set...

Sania looked at Jiuxiao with teary eyes, her gaze filled with both worry and expectation. She nodded, as if placing all her hopes on Jiuxiao. Jiuxiao turned to leave, but then stopped and turned back to Sania, saying, "Go home and wait for me. I will come back with Ella. Remember, no matter what happens, I will always be by your side."

Jiu Xiao took Ella's military ID and left, leaving behind only a dashing silhouette, which brought Sania immense peace of mind. Walking down the street, Jiu Xiao, relying on his faint sense of the magic within Ella, quickly determined her approximate direction. People with magic power were extremely rare in this world, so it wasn't surprising that Jiu Xiao could clearly perceive Ella's location.

Jiu Xiao recalled everything Sania had said, the conflict between Ella and Sania, and his own role in it all. Shouldn't it be better to let Ella calm down first? Jiu Xiao pondered to himself, deciding to give Ella some space and allow her some time to cool off on her own. After all, people are often unable to think rationally when they are emotionally charged, and forcibly bringing her back now might only escalate the conflict further.

So, Jiu Xiao slowed his pace, not rushing directly towards Ella's location, but instead stopping outside a rather quiet-looking café. He went inside, found a seat by the window, ordered a coffee, and quietly observed the pedestrians outside, pondering how to properly resolve the conflict.

About an hour has passed. Ella hasn't moved since half an hour ago. During that time, she had a small burst of magic, probably because she encountered some thugs. She's probably calmed down by now.

Jiu Xiao put down his coffee cup, stood up, straightened his clothes, paid the bill at the counter, and walked out of the coffee shop, slowly heading in the direction where Ella was.

Pedestrians hurried along the streets, but Jiu Xiao seemed to be in another world. After turning down several girls who tried to chat her up, Jiu Xiao came to a small river.

Beside the riverbank railing, Ella was wiping away tears while looking into the shimmering river. At her feet lay several thugs, looking respectable but their fates unknown. Hearing footsteps, Ella whirled around, moonlight illuminating her watery, greyish-purple eyes: "What are you doing here? Coming to see me make a fool of myself?"

"I'm looking for a lost kitten." Jiu Xiao stopped five steps away, a distance that wouldn't make Ella feel pressured, yet would allow him to pull her back if she became emotional. After a pause, Jiu Xiao continued, "You and Sania, are you...?"

"Don't mention her!" Ella grabbed a pebble and threw it at him. The pebble grazed past Jiu Xiao's ear and made a sharp whistling sound as it flew through the air.

"It's all because of you! Sania never scolds me! Ever since she met you, she's been thinking about you all the time. I've never even received that kind of treatment!" Ella said angrily.

Jiu Xiao suddenly took two steps forward, and Ella instinctively stepped back, her wooden clogs making a crisp sound against the railing. Jiu Xiao calmly stared into Ella's pupils, deep and indifferent, as if he wanted to swallow her whole.

With nowhere to retreat, Ella panicked, and one of her clogs suddenly slipped and fell into the river, causing her to lose her balance and fall backward. Jiuxiao reacted quickly, grabbing Ella's wrist and pulling her steadily back to the shore. Ella was still shaken, her face pale, and her breathing rapid.

"What...what are you doing?" Ella stared wide-eyed at Jiuxiao, her eyes filled with both fear and embarrassment.

Jiuxiao didn't answer, but simply released her hand and said calmly, "You're right. It's all because of me that Sania's feelings have changed. She really is a very..."

An excellent girl, whether in appearance, personality, or ability...

"What exactly are you trying to say? Are you here to show off to me? If that's the case, then you can leave." Ella interrupted Jiu Xiao, her tone filled with disdain and anger. She didn't want to hear this man who caused her so much pain continue talking about Sania.

Jiuxiao shook his head, his gaze hardening: "No, what I'm trying to say is, since you like Sania so much, and I like Sania just as much, shouldn't we be the closest of partners?" Jiuxiao's voice was resounding, but the content of his statement was a bit too abstract.

Ella was stunned for a moment. At first glance, Jiu Xiao's words made some sense, but upon closer inspection, they were not quite right. She stared wide-eyed at Jiu Xiao in disbelief, as if confirming that she had not misheard.

While Ella was still in a daze, Jiu Xiao's fingers gently brushed across the reddish finger marks on Ella's wrist, the marks he had left when he pulled her back from the brink of falling. Their shadows were reflected on the river's surface, the moonlight spilling across them and creating ripples, much like Ella's wavering thoughts. The glowing lights of the vending machines in the distance also cast fragmented spots of light on the river's surface, like a pool of unspoken words scattered across it.

“We should have been the ones protecting her smile.” Jiu Xiao bent down and picked up Ella’s other wooden clog; the silk ribbons were still stained with grass juice.

“Just like these shoes—” The wooden clogs suddenly slipped from Jiu Xiao’s hands, making a crisp sound as they tapped on the stone steps. “With one missing, you can’t go anywhere.”

Ella stared at the rippling river, her soaked tabi socks clinging to her skin. Even though it was August, she felt increasingly cold. She remembered the warmth of Sania's fingertips brushing against her cheek as she tied her hair ribbon at the summer festival. Back then, their hair smelled of burnt takoyaki, and the festival lights cast a warm orange glow on the paper door of the changing room.

“The first time she went to the battlefield, she was with me. Back then, Sanya couldn’t even hold her weapon properly, her palms were sweaty with nervousness. I held her hand and taught her step by step how to aim and how to pull the trigger. Her eyes went from confusion to determination, and at that moment, I knew that this girl would become an indispensable part of my life.” Ella suddenly spoke, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the night dew that had condensed on the railing.

“Now she won’t even let me comb my hair.” Ella suddenly kicked the remaining wooden clogs into the river, her blue kimono billowing in the night wind like a white bird with broken wings.

“Maybe you’re right. Sania has changed a lot and matured. I shouldn’t selfishly keep her by my side… But you, hmph! Don’t think I’m as naive as Sania and can be easily fooled by you! I’ll be watching you from now on. If you dare to do anything to betray her, I’ll make you pay!” Ella’s words carried a hint of compromise; this was her last act of stubbornness.

Jiu Xiao breathed a sigh of relief, finally managing to temporarily resolve the matter. And judging from Ella's expression, she didn't particularly dislike him; she was more envious and jealous. Looking at the tabi socks Ella was wearing on the ground, Jiu Xiao couldn't help but tease, "While I'm glad you figured it out yourself, you didn't have to kick all those clogs into the river, did you? Now look what you're going to do." A playful smile curled at the corner of Jiu Xiao's lips, a hint of mockery in his eyes.

P.S.: The Little Circle storyline officially begins tomorrow. If you like it, please vote for it or leave a comment to encourage the author. Thank you!

Side Story

Xiaoyuan's Birthday 1

This happened during last year's Golden Week holiday. Xiaoyuan, the girl who always had a gentle smile in everyone's eyes, was about to celebrate her 15th birthday. On this special day, Jiuxiao decided to plan an unforgettable celebration for her.

By the way, Xiaoyuan's birthday was recorded when she was registering her household registration. Not only Xiaoyuan, but Jiuxiao also recorded the birthdays of everyone else without missing a single one.

Weeks ago, Jiu Xiao had secretly begun preparing a birthday gift for Xiao Yuan. Since he didn't know what she liked, Jiu Xiao could only refer to Xiao Yuan's preferences in the anime from his previous life. Jiu Xiao also vaguely remembered that Xiao Yuan seemed to really like small, soft creatures.

Cats and dogs are out of the question; Xiaoyuan would be heartbroken if she accidentally died. So, Jiuxiao decided to give her a cat plush toy as a birthday present, but then felt that was too hasty and would be criticized for his "straight man" taste. After much thought, Jiuxiao considered making the cat plush toy himself, but then thought it would be too heavy...difficult...

Ultimately, Jiu Xiao decided to seek outside help; perhaps Sania, who was around her age, could offer better advice. So, Jiu Xiao approached Sania, told her his idea, and hoped she could offer some suggestions. The oblivious Jiu Xiao completely failed to realize how shady his act of consulting Sania about Xiao Yuan's preferences and preparing a gift for her was.

Although everyone got along well, women, especially sensitive girls like Xiaoyuan and Sania, are more perceptive when it comes to feelings. Therefore, Jiuxiao didn't name names directly, but instead started with: "I have a friend."

"Sanya, do you have a moment? I'd like to ask you a question."

Sania stopped what she was doing, looked up at Jiuxiao, and a hint of curiosity flashed in her eyes: "Oh? Jiuxiao, just ask me whatever you want to ask. Of course, my 3D measurements are a secret, I can't tell you." Since their relationship became more familiar, Sania would occasionally make some harmless little jokes.

Jiu Xiao scratched his head, then chuckled awkwardly, "Hehe, it's like this. A friend of mine, about your age, has a girlfriend whose birthday is coming up, and he wants to give her a special gift, but he doesn't know what to choose. Do you know what girls usually like?" Jiu Xiao tried to make his words sound natural, but he couldn't help feeling a little uneasy.

Upon hearing this, Sania's lips curled into a playful smile, as if she had seen through Jiu Xiao's little thoughts: "Oh? Your friend's girlfriend... Hmm, you actually have female friends? How come I didn't know?"

Jiu Xiao's lips twitched. You really don't hold back at all, do you? That hurts, Lao Mei! But Jiu Xiao still stubbornly said, "How do you know I don't have other male friends? Don't underestimate my tongue! Just tell me, will you help me or not?"

Sania chuckled, a sly glint in her eyes: "Alright, since you insist, I'll reluctantly help you with this. But first, you have to tell me, what kind of person is your 'friend's' girlfriend? What are her particular hobbies or personality traits?"

Jiu Xiao secretly rejoiced that Sania hadn't pursued the matter further. Although the matter was definitely exposed, as long as they didn't say anything, they could still remain friends. So, Jiu Xiao replied, "She's a very gentle girl, always smiling, and very kind to people. Hmm... she seems to really like small, soft creatures, but cats and dogs aren't really suitable for her."

Hearing Jiuxiao's answer, Sania confirmed her guess. It really was Xiaoyuan! After thinking for a moment, Sania revealed a mischievous smile and deliberately said, "How about giving her a piano? From your description, this girl seems to have a special connection with the piano."

"Wait, a piano? Are you sure that's not what you want? Speaking of which, didn't I give you a piano for your birthday in August? It cost me over 200 million."

Sania stuck out her tongue and said cutely, "Hehe, you actually found out. But who told you to deliberately hide it from me? You could have just honestly said you were picking out a gift for Xiaoyuan. I'm not a petty person. If I minded, I wouldn't have agreed to let you be two-timing me in the first place."

Jiuxiao clasped his hands together, adopting a pleading posture: "Alright, alright, it's my fault. Lady Sania is magnanimous, please don't hold it against me. So what should I give you? Please give me some suggestions."

Sania blinked, pretended to think for a moment, and then said seriously, "Actually, Xiaoyuan will like anything you give her, right? Instead of hesitating here, why not spend the whole day with Xiaoyuan on her birthday? Just buy her whatever she likes, wouldn't that be great?"

Jiu Xiao's eyes lit up; it was truly a wake-up call. "Master Sania, I understand! Companionship is the best gift, applicable at any time." Jiu Xiao looked at Sania gratefully and said sincerely, "Sania, thank you, you are truly my wise and capable wife."

Sania appeared calm and collected on the surface, but only she knew the bitterness in her heart. No one would push away someone they like, even if that person was their best friend. But for Jiuxiao's sake, she endured it!

"You're getting off easy, you idiot. I guess I owe you from my past life..." Sania said indignantly, pinching Jiu Xiao's arm in annoyance. Jiu Xiao pretended to wince in pain, but his smile was brighter than ever before.

"Okay, okay, I know I'm an idiot, but you're here with me, so it's okay to be a little clumsy. Anyway, Lady Sania won't dislike me, right?"

Seeing his expression, Sania felt like she'd punched a pillow—both helpless and amused. She couldn't help but roll her eyes, but a barely perceptible smile crept onto her lips.

"Yes, yes, I don't mind. Who told me to end up with such a womanizer like you?" Sania said, feigning impatience, but silently added in her heart: But I like you just the way you are.

Seeing that Sania had finally stopped stern-faced, Jiu Xiao felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders. He chuckled and moved closer to Sania, trying to get closer to her. He gently put his arm around Sania's shoulder and said, "Sania, you're so great. With you here, I feel like I can do whatever I want."

Sania gently slapped away Jiuxiao's hand from her shoulder and said reproachfully, "Stop fooling around, Jiuxiao, you still haven't told me what surprise you're planning for Xiaoyuan."

Jiu Xiao smiled and said mysteriously, "A surprise is a secret, of course. But I've already made up my mind. I'll do as you said and spend the whole day with her on her birthday. Whatever she wants, I'll buy it for her."

Sania nodded, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, but she quickly concealed it.

Unbeknownst to the two, Xiaoyuan stood in the shadows of a corner. Watching the two so intimately acquainted, she couldn't help but feel a surge of reluctance to leave. Pain! It hurt so much!

As the Golden Week holiday approaches, Xiaoyuan's birthday is drawing near. In previous years, Xiaoyuan would celebrate with her family and friends, but this year, she is filled with uncertainty and trepidation. Since coming to this world, Xiaoyuan has never told anyone about her birthday. Given her personality, she wouldn't actively ask for gifts or celebrations, but deep down, she is just an ordinary girl who longs for someone to remember her and send her blessings on her birthday.

Filled with trepidation and anticipation, October 3rd finally arrived—Xiao Yuan's birthday. That morning, Jiu Xiao woke up very early. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, falling on his face and waking him from his sleep. He rubbed his sleepy eyes, his heart filled with excitement and anticipation. Today was Xiao Yuan's birthday, and he had planned everything to make it an unforgettable day for her.

Jiu Xiao quickly got up, washed up, and changed into a carefully chosen outfit. He stood in front of the mirror, straightened his collar, and made sure he looked sharp. Then, he picked up the bouquet he had prepared beforehand, filled with 15 carefully selected lisianthus flowers, just the right age for Xiao Yuan.

Jiu Xiao knew that Xiao Yuan was a gentle and introverted girl who didn't easily express her needs to others. However, Jiu Xiao had carefully observed some of her little preferences during their daily interactions. This bouquet of flowers was just an appetizer; the real surprise was yet to come.

Carrying a bouquet of flowers and a heart full of enthusiasm, Jiu Xiao stepped into the corridor leading to Xiao Yuan's room. Along the way, he imagined Xiao Yuan's surprised expression when she saw the gift, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

The first thing Xiaoyuan saw when she opened her eyes was Jiuxiao standing by her bedside, holding a bunch of white lisianthus. A look of surprise and emotion flashed in her eyes. She hadn't expected that Jiuxiao would remember her birthday and even prepare a gift for her.

"Happy birthday, Xiaoyuan!" Jiuxiao smiled and handed the bouquet to Xiaoyuan. "This is a gift I prepared for you. I hope you like it."

Xiaoyuan accepted the flowers, her hands trembling slightly. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked up at Jiuxiao, her voice choked with emotion: "Jiuxiao-jun, thank you... I really didn't expect you to remember my birthday and prepare all this for me..."

Jiu Xiao gently patted Xiao Yuan's shoulder and said tenderly, "Xiao Yuan, you are my girlfriend, so of course I have to remember your birthday. I hope you can be happy; your happiness is my happiness, and your joy is my joy."

Listening to Jiu Xiao's words, Xiao Yuan was overwhelmed with emotion. She hugged the bouquet tightly, as if it were her most precious treasure. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she tried hard not to let them fall, because she didn't want Jiu Xiao to see her vulnerable side.

"Jiuxiao-jun, could you please step out for a moment? I want to change my clothes. I look really..." Xiaoyuan fiddled with her bangs, secretly glancing at Jiuxiao's expression out of the corner of her eye. She didn't want to show her sloppy side to the person she liked.

A gentle smile appeared on Jiu Xiao's lips, his eyes filled with doting affection.

"Of course, no problem, Xiaoyuan. Take your time preparing, I'm not in a hurry. Once you're ready, we still have a day to celebrate." With that, Jiuxiao gently left the room, closing the door behind him.

As Xiaoyuan listened to the fading footsteps outside the door, an unprecedented warmth and happiness welled up in her heart. She looked down at the lisianthus in her hand; each flower seemed to be telling Jiuxiao's heartfelt words. She took a deep breath, burying this feeling deep in her heart, and then began to prepare to change her clothes.

Xiao Yuan chose her favorite light pink dress and stood in front of the mirror, admiring herself carefully. The lace trim on the dress gently clung to her figure, highlighting her gentle temperament. Xiao Yuan twirled slightly, the skirt fluttering gracefully like the most beautiful flower in spring. As if possessed, Xiao Yuan changed into her decisive lingerie, her pretty face...

A shy blush rose to her cheeks, and her little head was probably thinking about something inappropriate for children.

A scholar will die for one who understands him, and a woman will adorn herself for one who appreciates her. Half an hour had passed since Xiaoyuan finished dressing up. She gently pushed open the door. The corridor was quiet, except for Jiuxiao leaning against the wall, tirelessly waiting for her, his eyes filled with anticipation. Upon seeing Xiaoyuan, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes, followed by a hearty smile.

"Xiao Yuan, you're getting cuter and cuter. This dress looks like it was made just for you," Jiu Xiao exclaimed sincerely, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Yuan with admiration and praise.

Xiaoyuan blushed at Jiuxiao's direct attack. She lowered her head and whispered, "Jiuxiao-jun, you're very handsome too... just like a prince in a fairy tale!" After saying that, Xiaoyuan raised her head and bravely met Jiuxiao's gaze. At this moment, her pupils could only see Jiuxiao's handsome face, and nothing else could be seen.

Unable to resist, Jiu Xiao gently pinned Xiao Yuan against the wall, lowered his head, and used one hand to lift her cheek, pressing his lips to hers. After a long while, their lips parted, a thin strand of saliva breaking in mid-air. Xiao Yuan's breathing quickened, her hands tightly gripping Jiu Xiao's mischievous hand, and she said coquettishly, "Jiu Xiao-jun, my clothes that I painstakingly arranged..."

"Sorry, sorry, I just couldn't control my hands. It's all their fault for acting on their own! But it's okay, Xiaoyuan, you're the most beautiful in my eyes no matter what you look like," Jiuxiao said shamelessly, shifting the blame to his hands.

Listening to Jiu Xiao's sweet words, Xiao Yuan's cheeks flushed even more. She glared at Jiu Xiao coquettishly and turned her head away, pretending to be angry. However, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly, betraying her inner joy.

After tidying their clothes, the two walked out of the house hand in hand. The rest of the family wasn't home, tacitly leaving the silly couple alone. Jiuxiao and Xiaoyuan's birthday date had begun.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Chapter 135 Magical Girl Play with Madoka

Ella's cheeks flushed slightly. She glared at Jiu Xiao and said angrily, "Somus (Finland's) super ace isn't that fragile. The battles I've experienced are beyond what a hothouse flower like you can imagine! Even without clogs, I can walk back, and I can walk faster than you!" As she spoke, Ella proudly raised her chin, indicating to Jiu Xiao not to underestimate her anymore.

Jiuxiao quickly waved his hands in refusal, saying, "No, no, no, what will others think of me if you do this? They might think I'm abusing you. I'm somewhat well-known in Tokyo, after all. I can't afford to lose face if word gets out. How about this, I'll carry you back. Consider it my apology on behalf of Sania, okay?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Ella's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a touch of pride. She turned her head away, not wanting Jiu Xiao to see the blush on her face. She actually felt it was a bit embarrassing to walk back like that, and now that Jiu Xiao had given her an out, she naturally accepted it.

"Hmph, don't think I'll be grateful to you just like that, but... we can call a truce for now. It's not because I'm apologizing for Sania! Besides, she wasn't at fault, I also bear some responsibility..." Although Ella said this, she had already quietly moved closer to Jiuxiao's back.

Jiu Xiao chuckled softly, bent down, and steadily hoisted Ella onto his back. A gentle night breeze carried a hint of coolness. Their shadows stretched longer and longer in the moonlight, sometimes near, sometimes far, until they finally intertwined.

"Hold on tight, don't fall!" Jiu Xiao reminded him, but his steps were unusually steady as he walked step by step along the path on the riverbank towards home.

Ella wrapped her arms tightly around Jiu Xiao's neck, pressing her face against his back, feeling his firm body temperature and strong heartbeat. At that moment, she suddenly realized that perhaps Sania was right; sometimes, she also needed a shoulder to lean on. Having let go of her prejudice against Jiu Xiao, Ella felt lighter than ever before. She was no longer as wary and hostile towards him as before, but instead began to see him in a completely new light. She discovered that Jiu Xiao wasn't as annoying as she had imagined; in fact, he had many virtues she hadn't noticed before. This man was actually quite considerate, just a little bit of a womanizer.

What a boomerang! Luckily, Jiu Xiao didn't know what Ella was thinking, otherwise he would have definitely made fun of her!

They returned to the villa in silence, and Ella, carried on his back, had already fallen asleep. Xiaoyuan already knew what had happened that night, and she quickly got up to welcome Jiuxiao and the sleeping Ella into the house. Xiaoyuan wasn't surprised to see Jiuxiao carrying Ella back; she trusted him to handle the situation. A girl in love is often blinded, possessing a strange confidence in her beloved.

After placing Ella on the sofa, Jiuxiao asked, "How about Sania? Is she alright?"

Xiao Yuan smiled and replied, "Sania is already asleep. I took her back to her room."

Jiu Xiao nodded, a huge weight lifted from his heart. He looked at Xiao Yuan, a hint of gratitude in his eyes: "Xiao Yuan, thank you so much for tonight. You should rest for a bit, I'll take Ella back to her room to rest too."

"Nine Heavens Lord, you're too kind. Sania is also my friend. I couldn't possibly remain indifferent to seeing her in such pain. Go ahead, I'll heat up the food. Nine Heavens Lord, you must be hungry too, right?"

Xiao Yuan's mention of food made Jiu Xiao realize he was actually quite hungry. The whole evening's events had made him almost forget the passage of time. He smiled and thanked Xiao Yuan, then turned and headed upstairs.

In Sania's room, Jiu Xiao laid the two sleeping girls side by side. Looking at their sleeping faces, Jiu Xiao felt that the two really looked like sisters. After saying goodnight, Jiu Xiao placed a kiss on Sania's forehead. Turning to leave, he suddenly stopped, as if possessed, and looked back at Ella one last time. Moonlight shone through the gap in the curtains, falling on her face, adding a touch of softness and tranquility to her appearance.

When she's not speaking, she seems to be an incredibly beautiful girl. Since we're already here, Jiu Xiao gently kissed Ella's forehead. A family should always be together!

With a soft click, Sania's door closed gently. In the darkness, Ella suddenly opened her eyes, touching her forehead where Jiuxiao had gently kissed her, her mind in turmoil.

When Jiuxiao came downstairs, he saw that Xiaoyuan had already heated up the food and set it on the table for him. The aroma of the food wafted over, making his stomach rumble. He smiled and walked to the table, sat down, and said to Xiaoyuan, "Xiaoyuan, you've really gone to a lot of trouble, preparing food for me so late."

Xiao Yuan smiled and shook her head: "Jiu Xiao Jun, you're too kind. It's what I should do. You must be starving tonight. Try my cooking and see if you like it."

Jiu Xiao picked up his chopsticks, took a bite of food, and savored it. He nodded and praised, "Mmm, it tastes really good. Xiao Yuan, your cooking skills are getting better and better. You'll definitely be a virtuous wife and loving mother in the future."

Hearing Jiu Xiao's praise, Xiao Yuan cupped her slightly flushed face and smiled shyly: "Being a good wife and mother is too early for that... I'm glad you like it, Jiu Xiao. I was worried you wouldn't like it."

"It's not early at all. You're 16 this year, which is already the legal marriage age in Japan. Wait for me for two more years at most, and then I'll definitely marry you in a grand and glorious way." Jiu Xiao said half-jokingly and half-seriously, his tone a little flippant, but combined with his handsome appearance, it made Xiao Yuan's heart beat even faster.

Xiaoyuan lowered her head, two blushes rising on her cheeks, momentarily at a loss for how to respond to Jiuxiao's marriage proposal. She could only bury her head in the sand like an ostrich, continuing to eat. Jiuxiao remembered the kimono he had just given Xiaoyuan. If Sania hadn't told him, he wouldn't have known that giving a kimono to a girl in Japan could mean a marriage proposal. Whether Xiaoyuan understood the meaning or not, now he had another reason to tease her.

Thinking of this, Jiu Xiao teased, "Xiao Yuan, do you know? In Japan, giving a girl a kimono means proposing marriage. And since you accepted that kimono, it means you've agreed to the marriage. You can't escape it now, hehehe!" Jiu Xiao deliberately let out a strange laugh, staring at Xiao Yuan's face without blinking.

Xiaoyuan was shocked. The chopsticks in her hand fell to the table with a "clatter." Her eyes widened, and she stared at Jiuxiao in disbelief, exclaiming, "Eh! Jiuxiao-kun, you...you're joking, right? That kimono, I...I thought it was just a simple gift...I'm not mentally prepared for a wedding..."

Seeing Xiao Yuan's panicked expression, Jiu Xiao couldn't help but laugh. Xiao Yuan, thinking Jiu Xiao was teasing her again, puffed up her cheeks instantly, looking like a little pufferfish.

"Honestly, Jiuxiao-jun always bullies me like this. Be careful, or I'll never talk to you again." Xiaoyuan said, pretending to be angry, but there was a hint of coquettishness in her tone.