Chapter 71 -
— Thank you...
Ting stretched beside Noah, her feet planted firmly on the ground, a faint smile on her face. She no longer sniffled, though her eyes were still red—traces of a recent cry she now tried to hide.
— But if you keep spoiling me like this, I’ll end up unbearable by the time we get married — she said with a light tone.
Noah sighed just as she pulled his arm a little closer again.
— Seriously... you’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you? — he said. — You do know I’m still a man, right? And that we’re alone out here, in the middle of nowhere... What are you gonna do if I give in to your teasing?
Ting looked away, embarrassed—but she didn’t move back. Instead, she murmured:
— W-Well... we *are* engaged, so... I guess it wouldn’t be *that* big of a problem...
Her voice barely rose above a whisper.
Noah was silent for a moment. Then he grabbed her by the waist and gently lifted her to stand directly in front of him.
— B-But I’d *prefer* if we took things slowly first...! — Ting burst out, squeezing her eyes shut. Her whole body trembled.
— What are you doing...? — Noah crouched down and picked up a herb she’d nearly stepped on. — I’m not going to touch you. But maybe watch where you’re going. Don’t you see I’m collecting stuff? Why’d you have to step right on the good ones?