Chapter 159: The Coffee House

Bai Fanhao said, "Mumu, I am fine, truly fine. It is just that my heart aches from time to time."

Heartaches!

Mu Qingxi stiffened instinctively. She stared at Bai Fanhao with a touch of anxiety, desperate to know the true state of his health. Before she could ask, however, Bai Fanhao interrupted her. "Mumu, I know what you want to say, but please, don't speak. Just listen to me, okay?"

She remained motionless, her gaze fixed on him. His near-translucent complexion spoke volumes about how dire his physical condition currently was. She reached out to grip his arm and nodded. "All right. But first, we must find a place to sit so we can talk properly, okay?"

She could not bear to see him so frail; it made her heart ache with a sour, bitter pang. Even now, she felt the familiar sting of tears pricking at her eyes.

Watching her look of deep concern, Bai Fanhao offered a faint smile. "Very well. Let us find a place to sit and talk."

She supported him as they walked, moving with the utmost gentleness and caution, terrified that he might suffer some sudden mishap. Bai Fanhao took each step with determination, though the fine sheen of sweat on his forehead betrayed how much pain he was in. He said nothing, however, simply following her lead at a painfully slow pace.

After a brief yet agonizing five minutes, they reached a small coffee shop.

The cafe was decorated in shades of coffee and cream. Its interior was elegant and tranquil, possessing an understated refinement that was difficult to describe—a place where such seemingly contradictory qualities blended into perfect harmony.

Mu Qingxi chose a seat in a corner by the window and asked, "How is this?"

"It is excellent," Bai Fanhao replied, well aware that she was asking for his approval. "A wonderful atmosphere, perfect for a confession."

A confession?

Indeed, the ambiance was so refined and serene that it would be a perfect sanctuary for a marriage proposal.

Mu Qingxi carefully helped Bai Fanhao sit down before removing his coat. She folded it neatly and placed it on the chair beside them, then took her own seat.

A waiter, professional and discreet, waited until they were settled before approaching. "May I take your order?"

Mu Qingxi turned to look at Bai Fanhao, her eyes asking what he would like to drink. He remained silent, his gaze signaling that he would leave the decision to her.

Understanding his intent, she reflected on their situation. Both of them had been injured not long ago. While she had largely recovered, she still had to visit the hospital periodically to ensure no traces of the new synthetic drug remained in her system.

Bai Fanhao, however, had not fully recovered.

Her intuition was right; after lying in a coma for months in a foreign land, he had insisted on returning home for the college entrance exams the moment he awoke.

Since neither of them should be having anything too stimulating, milk would be best for their health. She turned to the waiter and said, "Miss, two glasses of warm milk, please."

The waiter nodded politely. "Certainly, please wait a moment."

Once the waiter left, the two of them sat in silence, simply gazing at one another.

A moment later, the waiter returned with a small tray holding two glasses of milk. She set them down before them and said, "Enjoy. Please let me know if you need anything else."

Mu Qingxi murmured her thanks, then turned to Bai Fanhao. "Milk is good for you. Please, have some."

Bai Fanhao might not have realized it, but she had noticed the beads of sweat on his brow, and she could feel the tension in his body as she helped him. A glass of warm milk was exactly what he needed.