Chapter 1

After the college entrance exam, Yang Xi, feeling bored, decided to buy a batch of daily necessities and stay at home, quietly waiting for the start of university.

He walked out of the door, heading towards the nearest department store.

At the corner of the street, a figure that could not be ignored stood there, immediately catching his attention.

It was a beautiful woman with long, red hair that reached her hips. Her hair danced in the breeze of midsummer like a sprite, resembling burning flames. The faint sadness in her bright eyes made it impossible to guess her true age. Her slender and delicate body, with skin as clear as snow, made her look like a girl of seventeen or eighteen at first glance. However, her eyes hid a hint of沧桑 (沧桑 means "the vicissitudes of life" or "the wear and tear of life"), a unique charm that mixed maturity and freshness, adding to her allure. She exuded a captivating charm that left a lasting impression.

For some reason, looking at the melancholic woman, Yang Xi felt as if he had seen her somewhere before, but he was sure he had never met her.

A presence as striking as hers would be unforgettable wherever she went.

Just one glance, and Yang Xi was deeply captivated. However, he was well aware of the gap between them, so he suppressed the urge to greet her and walked to the department store as usual. His eyes, however, seemed to involuntarily glance at her until she was out of sight, and then he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The struggle between reason and instinct was truly exhausting.

To comfort himself, Yang Xi decided to buy some delicious treats and indulge himself.

Ever since his parents, who went on a trip every year on their wedding anniversary, died in a plane crash three years ago, the orphaned Yang Xi had to fend for himself and work hard.

Though he had no family, the substantial insurance payout ensured that as long as he didn't spend recklessly, he could live a stable life.

To a young man, that sum was astronomical. The mature Yang Xi, who had experienced great hardships, understood the principle of living within his means, so he had always lived a frugal life, saving wherever possible. He had lost the desire to compete and became even more low-key.

He buried himself in his studies and never sought the limelight. He silently achieved the top score in the province for the science exam. Unfortunately, there was no one to share this great news with, and even as the top student, Yang Xi remained the same as always.

Loneliness? More like indifference.

Since his parents' death, Yang Xi had rarely experienced significant emotional fluctuations. The wounded heart made him keep his distance from others and retreat into a self-imposed isolation.

Today, for the first time in three years, his heart was deeply stirred. The mysterious girl, in the prime of her youth, had an irresistible allure for a young, passionate boy.

Wanting but unable to have, shouldn't he comfort himself?

In the past, Yang Xi never went shopping, buying only what he needed, finding his target, paying, and leaving without delay.

But this time, he wandered around aimlessly.

What reason led to this unusual behavior?

Feeling his heart beat abnormally, Yang Xi had to admit he was afraid. He was afraid that if he returned too quickly, he would encounter the goddess-like girl again.

Knowing he couldn't have her, it was better to forget her now before he became too deeply involved and suffered.

He didn't want to be like a moth drawn to the flame, only to burn itself.

Thus, he wandered for hours, from around 8 or 9 in the morning until the sun was about to set, before heading home. Of course, he had gathered quite a few "spoils" during this time.

Weighing the heavy bags, Yang Xi nodded in satisfaction, "At least these few hours weren't wasted."

Passing the street corner he had seen earlier, Yang Xi glanced over, and his steps immediately stopped.

The mysterious girl was still in the same position, staring blankly at the vehicles and people on the road. Her expression seemed out of place in the world, as if she didn't belong.

In the glow of the setting sun, her long shadow made her look even more solitary, as if she were the only one left in the world.

Seeing her like this, Yang Xi felt a sudden pain in his heart and approached her involuntarily.

"Is there anything you need help with?"

"You are the thirty-seventh person to ask me that."

"Is that so?" Yang Xi didn't get angry or discouraged by her obvious rejection but instead asked calmly, "If you need help, don't hesitate. Everyone has their difficult moments. Did you get lost and separated from your family? Do you know your home address? I can take you back if you want."

"Home?"

The girl looked up at the sky and murmured, "I have no home, nowhere to go."

Hearing this, Yang Xi fell silent. Though he often comforted himself, he didn't know how to comfort others.

Then, driven by a sudden impulse, he said something that even surprised himself.

"Why don't you come to my place? From now on, my home will be your home."

What's going on? Why did I say that?!

Oh no, if she thinks I have ulterior motives, will she scold me?

Yang Xi, lost in his thoughts, didn't notice the spark of life in the girl's previously lifeless eyes when he said those words.

"Sure."

"Huh? What did you say?" The expected scolding didn't come, and Yang Xi was momentarily stunned.

Seeing his silly expression, the girl chuckled.

Her smile was like a flower blooming, and any beautiful word would fall short of describing her beauty. She seemed like a fairy from the heavens, bringing happiness to the world.

Just seeing her smile, Yang Xi felt enveloped in immense happiness, and all the pain and scars in his heart were erased.

I want to protect this smile!

Suddenly, Yang Xi found a clear direction in his aimless life. He decided to protect her, to erase the sadness in her eyes, and to make her happy.

"I said, sure!"

Coming to his senses, Yang Xi no longer avoided his feelings and looked at her with determination, "From today on, we are family! Let me introduce myself, my name is Yang Xi, Yang as in the surname, and Xi as in the morning light. I'm a recent high school graduate about to start university, and my hobbies are anime, novels, and games. What about you?"

"Akasha." The girl smiled at Yang Xi's unique introduction and introduced herself simply, "Akasha Bradly, that's my name."

"Then I'll call you Akasha from now on."

"Sure, what should I call you? Yang or Xi?"

"Uh, though I'd like to say whatever you prefer, my name isn't as long as yours, and it feels awkward to separate the surname and given name..."

"Then I'll call you by your full name, okay? Yang Xi."

Akasha playfully winked, looking incredibly cute.

"Whatever you prefer!" To hide his embarrassment, Yang Xi quickly turned around, "Let's go home quickly, I haven't eaten all day, and I'm starving!"

Unbeknownst to him, his ears were as red as if they were bleeding, and Akasha had noticed.

"Such a cute reaction, hehe..."

Opening the door and putting away the groceries, Yang Xi rolled up his sleeves, "To celebrate the addition to our family, I'll cook you a big meal!"

Watching him head to the kitchen with enthusiasm, Akasha's eyes softened, "It feels really nice to be cared for."

When did the people around her start looking at her with awe and distance instead of simple care and affection? Perhaps the simple happiness she desired never existed from the beginning. Akasha knew that because of her unique background, she was destined to sit on a high throne, at the top of the world, bearing a heavy mission.

The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility.

Adhering to this principle, Akasha had almost lost her sense of self, becoming a puppet of "responsibility." In the end, her life was cut short by this immense responsibility.

But she never thought that an accident could actually fulfill her wish. Even if it was just a beautiful dream, when she woke up, it would still be the harsh, suffocating reality.

After a bit of clattering, the fragrant dishes were finally ready.

Living alone and frugally, Yang Xi had honed his cooking skills. He had always believed in the saying, "To capture a man's heart, you must first capture his stomach," and had been working towards this goal.

Now, he finally had the chance to show off.

Looking at the table full of delicious dishes, Yang Xi nodded in satisfaction. To impress his new family member, he had put in 120% effort, confident that no matter how picky Akasha was, she would be satisfied with his cooking.

Yang Xi had a strange confidence about this.

Without extra words, Akasha picked up her chopsticks and carefully tasted the dishes Yang Xi had prepared for her.

After trying all the dishes, she finally said to the confident Yang Xi, "This is the most delicious meal I have ever tasted."

Hearing her praise, Yang Xi's smile grew wider, and he felt even more proud.

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