Rebirth of the Duke's Daughter and the Little Imperial Uncle

Chapter 134 Calling Each Other by Name

Qin Yaoyao chuckled to herself, then warmly invited everyone to enjoy the food. Shen Xiaoran, gazing at the delicacies on the table, exclaimed with delight, "Yaoyao, the colors of these dishes are like the magnificent clouds at sunset, truly breathtaking!" With that, she gracefully extended her chopsticks, steadily picking up a piece of golden-brown, fragrant sweet and sour pork, and carefully placed it into her cherry-like mouth. The instant the meat touched her tongue, her eyes seemed to light up, suddenly becoming bright and sparkling, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "Mmm, this is wonderful! Xuanxuan, cousin, you should also try this heavenly delicacy!"

He Mingxuan had initially been a little shy and reserved, but upon hearing the praise, her concerns vanished instantly. Her face flushed slightly, and she imitated her sister, picking up a piece of sweet and sour pork and taking a small bite. Instantly, a sweet and sour flavor filled her mouth, stimulating every taste bud. She nodded involuntarily, smiling and agreeing, "Mmm, truly delicious!"

Meanwhile, He Mingning, sitting to the side, couldn't resist the temptation of the food either, picking up a piece and slowly chewing it. Just as everyone was immersed in the delicious taste, He Mingxuan's words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples. She said, "This meat tastes like candied hawthorn, sweet and sour."

However, no one expected that when He Mingning heard the words "candied hawthorn," she would be struck as if by a sudden bolt of lightning, her body trembling violently. Immediately afterward, a series of violent coughs echoed throughout the room, the sounds rapid and intense, like a sudden storm. It turned out that, in her overwhelming surprise and excitement, she had accidentally choked on the food in her mouth.

Seeing this, Shen Xiaoran, who was sitting next to He Mingning, quickly reached out and gently patted her back, her face full of concern. She anxiously asked, "Cousin, why are you coughing again? Are you feeling unwell? Are you alright?" He Mingning tried to stop coughing while shaking her head and replied softly in a slightly hoarse voice, "I...I'm fine. I just accidentally choked a little. Don't worry." After a while, her breathing gradually calmed down, and her complexion returned to normal.

Qin Yaoyao watched He Mingning's every move with great interest. She saw He Mingning cough a few times suddenly, then a blush rose to his face. Just then, the corners of Qin Yaoyao's mouth subtly turned up, a faint smile like moonlight hidden in the dark night, mysterious and captivating.

On the other side, Shen Xiaoran laughed so hard she almost fell over. Her laughter was like a string of silver bells swaying in the wind, crisp and melodious, making everyone feel happy. Between laughs, she said coquettishly, "Oh dear, cousin, how could you be so careless! You actually choked on your food!"

At this moment, He Mingxuan blinked her bright, lively eyes, thoughtfully recalling the scene from earlier. Suddenly, as if she had discovered something new, she exclaimed with sudden realization, "Wait a minute! I remember very clearly, my sister started coughing incessantly when I told her that this plate of meat tasted like candied hawthorn, sweet and sour! Could it be... that you secretly ate candied hawthorn today?"

Upon hearing this, He Mingning's face instantly flushed crimson, like a ripe apple, vibrant and alluring. She felt as if her heart was a turbulent sea, churning with waves of panic, utterly at a loss for what to do. She inwardly groaned, "Oh my god! This is so incredibly embarrassing!" She subconsciously touched her burning cheeks, feeling as if the heat was almost scorching her hand. Helpless, He Mingning quickly lowered her head, pretending to concentrate on the food in front of her, trying to conceal her utterly humiliating predicament.

Just as He Mingxuan's lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated, Fan Junyu suddenly seemed to possess some kind of magical power, swiftly and smoothly reaching for the bottle of wine placed to the side. He gently swirled the wine in his glass, tilting it slightly to let the wine flow slowly down the side, forming a graceful arc. Then, he brought his nose close to the rim of the glass, took a small sip, and a faint smile appeared on his lips as he said softly, "Auntie, you see, this wine seems different from what we've tasted before. It's rich and has a long finish; it's really delicious!" Having said that, he looked up at the others present and invited, "Why don't you all try some too?"

Upon hearing Fan Junyu's words, Shen Xiaoran and He Mingxuan, who were already filled with curiosity about food and wine, instantly brightened their eyes, like dazzling stars shining in the night sky. They almost simultaneously exclaimed, "Really? It's even more delicious than yesterday's wine? We definitely have to try it!" Before their words were even finished, they had already eagerly picked up their glasses and impatiently brought the purplish-red liquid to their mouths.

Meanwhile, He Mingning, who had been watching the situation closely, secretly breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this. He knew his actions might have attracted his sisters' attention, but fortunately, Fan Junyu had cleverly diverted their attention with the bottle of wine. At this moment, He Mingning felt like a guilty child, cautiously raising his head and stealing glances at Fan Junyu out of the corner of his eye, his eyes filled with gratitude. Fan Junyu, noticing He Mingning's gaze, returned a warm and friendly smile, a smile as radiant and beautiful as a spring flower. Then, ignoring the reactions of those around him, he leisurely began to enjoy the sumptuous meal on the table.

And so, in this warm and pleasant atmosphere, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food and fine wine before them. A satisfied and happy smile graced everyone's face, as if the whole world consisted only of this intense joy and beauty. The meal was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, leaving them completely satisfied and thoroughly satisfied, as if they were immersed in an ocean of joy, letting the waves of pleasure gently envelop them.

Time flies like an arrow; in the blink of an eye, night had fallen as dark as ink. Everyone was full and ready to return home. Fan Junyu said to Qin Yaoyao, "Aunt, I've escorted the princess back." Qin Yaoyao nodded in agreement, "Alright, you can make your own arrangements." He Mingning turned to He Mingxuan and asked, "Aren't you coming back with me?" He Mingxuan smiled sweetly and replied, "I don't want to go back with you!" Then, she leaned closer to He Mingning and whispered, "I don't want to bother you." She then playfully winked at He Mingning. He Mingning's cheeks instantly flushed crimson, like a ripe apple.

He Mingning hurriedly said, "If you don't come back with us, how will you get back?" At this moment, Qin Yaoyao chuckled and said, "Sister Ning, don't worry, I'll have Zeyu take Xuanxuan back." Upon hearing that she would be alone with Qin Zeyu, He Mingxuan couldn't help but recall the unexpected incident that evening, and her cheeks flushed like the sunset. She was about to say that she would go back with Shen Xiaoran when she heard He Mingning agree. He Mingning nodded slightly and said, "Alright!" Qin Yaoyao then instructed, "As for Sister Xiaoran, I'll have Dongxue take you back." Shen Xiaoran smiled and replied, "Okay." Fan Junyu said, "Auntie, then we'll take our leave first." Qin Yaoyao instructed, "Okay, be careful on the road." Fan Junyu waved and replied, "I know."

After Fan Junyu and He Mingning left, Qin Yaoyao said, "Alright, you should all go now. Zeyu, make sure you get Xuanxuan home safely." Qin Zeyu smiled and replied, "Don't worry, Aunt." Qin Yaoyao nodded slightly, then gave Dongxue some more instructions before everyone left. Dongxue acted quickly and soon got Shen Xiaoran home.

Fan Junyu and He Mingning walked side by side on the road. He Mingning said to Fan Junyu, "Lord Fan, thank you so much for the meal today. If you hadn't diverted their attention, I'm afraid they would have said something else!" Fan Junyu replied casually, "No need to be so polite, it was just a small favor."

He Mingning tilted her head slightly, her lips parted slightly, and her voice was soft and melodious, as clear and pleasant as a nightingale's song, "No matter what, I still have to say thank you to you." Her beautiful eyes were clear as water, filled with sincere gratitude.

Upon hearing this, Fan Junyu's lips slowly curved upwards, forming a radiant smile as beautiful as a spring flower in full bloom, unforgettable to all who beheld it. He looked at He Mingning with interest and teased, "Then how does Your Highness plan to thank me?"

He Mingning was clearly taken aback by his question and was momentarily stunned. However, she quickly recovered, her pretty face slightly flushed, and after a moment's thought, she said, "How about... I invite Lord Fan to a meal?" Her words were tinged with shyness and anticipation.

Fan Junyu nodded slightly in agreement, but then immediately followed up with, "When does the princess plan to invite me? Does she intend to wait until the palace hosts a grand banquet?"

He Mingning quickly waved his hand and shook his head, explaining urgently, "Of course I won't delay like that. I'd like to invite you to dine together at a restaurant in the city three days from now. I wonder if this arrangement will suit Lord Fan's wishes? I will definitely come to find you in person then."

Upon hearing this, Fan Junyu's smile deepened, as warm and gentle as a spring breeze. He replied softly, "Very well, then I will await the princess's arrival."

He Mingning nodded gently and replied softly, "Yes, it's a deal." The two smiled at each other, and an invisible understanding seemed to flow between them as their eyes met.

After speaking, the two smiled at each other, a smile that seemed like a spring breeze, blowing away their awkwardness and unfamiliarity. Fan Junyu then said to He Mingning, "Princess, you don't need to keep calling me Lord Fan. It sounds too formal. You can just call me by my name."

Upon hearing this, He Mingning felt as if she had been struck by lightning. Her delicate body trembled slightly, and a blush quickly crept onto her fair and smooth cheeks. She was too shy to look up and meet his burning gaze, but instead slowly lowered her head, like a newly blossoming flower, shy and charming, making one want to protect her.

She parted her lips slightly and replied in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, "Okay..." This simple word seemed to contain endless tenderness and affection.

Fan Junyu raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a doting smile, and then pressed on while the iron was hot, saying, "Then let the princess say it for us!" His eyes sparkled with anticipation, as if he couldn't wait to hear his name uttered from those cherry-like lips.

Upon hearing this, He Mingning abruptly raised her head, her beautiful eyes widening in astonishment. She never expected Fan Junyu to make such a request, especially not at this time and place. She subconsciously bit her lower lip, her heart pounding like a deer. However, when she met Fan Junyu's expectant and encouraging gaze, all her hesitation vanished instantly.

After a brief struggle, He Mingning's already flushed face grew even hotter, like a ripe apple. She took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and softly called out, "Fan Junyu..." Although she spoke these three words very softly, each syllable was like heavenly music, crisp, melodious, and graceful, as if a little oriole had flown out from a valley, captivating all who heard it.

Upon hearing the call, Fan Junyu's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly responded softly, "Yes." At this moment, He Mingning mustered her courage and raised her head, her gaze as gentle as water as she looked at Fan Junyu, her eyes seeming to hold a thousand unspoken words. She parted her lips slightly and said, "Then please don't always call me 'Princess.' It feels so awkward. How about... you just call me He Mingning!"

Fan Junyu gazed quietly at the girl before him, finding her increasingly charming and adorable. For some reason, a sudden urge to tease her arose within him. So, he leaned forward slightly and said in an extremely gentle voice, "But I don't want to call you by that name. Could I use something more special?"

He Mingning was startled by his sudden action, and her body involuntarily took a small step back, but her eyes never left him. She subconsciously asked, "Then... then what do you want to call me?" As she spoke, her cheeks were already flushed, as charming as the magnificent sunset.

Seeing this, Fan Junyu's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile. He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I'd like to call you Ningning, is that alright?" The moment the words left his mouth, He Mingning's heart raced, pounding like a deer's. She had never expected Fan Junyu to use such an intimate term, and for a moment she was at a loss for words.

Seeing that she remained silent for a long time, Fan Junyu deliberately leaned forward again, almost touching her body. He asked again, "Is it not allowed?" His warm breath gently brushed against He Mingning's cheek, making her feel dizzy.

He Mingning involuntarily swallowed hard, feeling as if her throat was blocked by a wad of cotton. The words that were about to come out of her mouth suddenly became hesitant and stuttering. She managed to squeeze out a "okay..." through her teeth, but the moment the word left her mouth, she lowered her head like a frightened rabbit, no longer daring to look the person in front of her in the eye even once.

At this moment, Fan Junyu, standing opposite He Mingning, was slightly taken aback by the scene before him. To be honest, he had only acted on a whim, wanting to tease the charming woman before him a little, and had never expected her to agree so readily. However, after only a brief hesitation, Fan Junyu quickly regained his composure and resumed his usual calm demeanor. A faint smile slowly curved his lips, revealing an elusive hint of amusement. Then, he deliberately softened his voice and gently called out, "Ningning."