The sky was overcast with thick clouds, blocking out the sun and creating a gloomy atmosphere. A damp breeze hinted at impending rain.
Furina walked alone down the street, having just finished a signing event for her new book, "The Sherlock Holmes Mysteries."
Fresh from the book signing, Furina strolled along the street with elegant steps, though her mood was far from bright.
The fans' fervent praise for "The Sherlock Holmes Mysteries" filled her with a strong sense of guilt, as if she had stolen something that wasn't hers.
Soon, Furina's figure appeared before Lin Yide's luxurious villa.
She gently pressed the doorbell, and after a moment, the door slowly opened.
She expertly navigated the hallway to Lin Yide's study. The door was ajar, and through the crack, she could see Lin Yide sitting at his desk, engrossed in a thick history book.
When Lin Yide looked up and saw Furina enter the study, he immediately closed the book and, noticing her expression, asked softly, "What's wrong, Furina?"
Furina gazed at his handsome face, took a deep breath, and said, "Yide, I don't want to do this anymore. 'The Sherlock Holmes Mysteries' are clearly your work."
Lin Yide didn't speak, but instead fell into thought.
After a long pause, he said, "Furina, I apologize that this matter has caused you so much psychological burden."
His tone was filled with sincerity.
Hearing his words, Furina felt a pang in her heart.
It was her who was taking credit for his work, yet he was apologizing to her.
"Don't you care about your own work at all?"
Lin Yide's eyes were candid. "Not at all. For me, they are just tools to get Mora."
"But I care! I care very much!"
Furina looked directly into his deep brown eyes, her tone sincere and passionate.
"I want people to know the real you, Yide.
You're not the ruthless and cold official that people say you are. You have talent and wisdom that surpasses everyone else.
You love life and cherish beauty more than anyone."
In that instant, Lin Yide's heart suddenly raced, as if it were about to leap out of his chest.
He scoffed, trying to mask his inner turmoil with a cold tone. "Hmph! You're thinking too much, Furina. The real me is exactly as the rumors say, cold-blooded and ruthless. Including you, you're just a tool in my plan."
However, Furina didn't seem affected by his words.
She slowly walked up to him, her exquisite face drawing closer, her clear eyes shining with determination.
As she approached, Lin Yide's heart beat faster and faster, and he felt his breathing become rapid.
Her face was about to touch his, and he could clearly feel her hot, sweet breath, which made his heart pound even harder.
Subconsciously, he leaned back slightly, trying to create distance between himself and Furina.
This retreat undoubtedly signaled Furina's great victory.
She stopped her advance, crossed her arms, and wore a triumphant and radiant smile, as if sunlight had filled the entire study.
Lin Yide, on the other hand, felt extremely frustrated. He never expected that his defenses would be so easily breached by this fool.
Seeing his defeated expression, Furina became even more smug.
Just then, Lin Yide suddenly stood up from his seat, his movements swift and decisive.
Before Furina could react, he had pressed his lips to her lips.
This sudden action left Furina's mind blank. Her eyes widened, unable to believe what was happening.
She felt as if she were floating in the clouds, surrounded by clouds of love and happiness.
Lin Yide had only intended to punish Furina for her smugness, but he didn't expect to be so deeply drawn into the kiss himself. He could clearly feel Furina's softness and sweetness.
After a moment of silence, Lin Yide's lips left Furina's, leaving behind a faint warmth.
The sudden intimacy left both of them at a loss, and a subtle atmosphere of awkwardness filled the air.
They looked at each other in silence, their eyes meeting, avoiding, and then meeting again.
Lin Yide was the first to break the silence. He took a deep breath, suppressing the throbbing in his heart. "Furina, don't forget our goal—to save Fontaine."
A hint of tenderness appeared in Furina's eyes, and she nodded firmly. "I will always walk with you!"
These words almost broke down Lin Yide's defenses again.
He felt like the male lead in a dating simulation game, constantly being conquered by Furina, his favorability increasing steadily.
At this moment, the system's voice suddenly sounded, "Congratulations to the host for completing the trial event—kissing Furina, gaining 400 trial points."
Hearing this voice, Lin Yide's gaze towards Furina became intensely passionate.
Furina felt his intense gaze, and her face flushed slightly, like a rosy glow in the evening sky.
Unable to withstand such a fervent gaze, she ultimately chose to flee the scene, leaving behind a flustered figure that gradually disappeared from Lin Yide's sight.