Chapter 1227: Chapter 1227: The Rival in Love Appears (1)

The weather was clear and beautiful, with not a cloud in sight, and the sky a deep blue like the sea.

Su Hongxing watched Little Pudding running back and forth in the Apricot Forest, a gentle smile gracing her lips. The petals of the apricot blossoms fell around her like scattered snow, brushing past her eyes and eyebrows–such a picturesque scene.

Ding Ye had taken time off to come back to Qingmu Garden, fearing that Su Hongxing would cave to impatience and confront the journalists. Yet, upon his return, he was greeted by such a beautiful sight.

For a moment, he forgot the reason for his return, his gaze fixed on Su Hongxing’s face, unable to look away for a long time.

Su Hongxing, belatedly aware of Ding Ye’s presence, stood up and walked over to him: “You’re back already?”

“I left my phone at home. I happened to be passing by, so I stopped by to check on you.” Ding Ye stepped forward and picked a petal from her hair.

Su Hongxing pursed her lips in a smile, choosing not to expose Ding Ye’s clumsy lie. Likely, he had come back on purpose, knowing that many reporters were besieging Qingmu Garden, fearing she might get into trouble.

“Daddy, daddy!” Little Pudding, upon seeing Ding Ye, ran over joyfully and clung to his leg.

Ding Ye lifted Little Pudding, who planted a kiss on his face with enthusiasm: “Don’t you have to work, daddy?”

Ding Ye wiped the sweat from Little Pudding’s forehead: “You little dirtball.”

“I’ll take her; she’s covered in mud and will dirty your clothes.” Su Hongxing took back Little Pudding. “Go on to work. There’s no need to worry about me.”

Although she didn’t know who had leaked the information online, she just wouldn’t leave Qingmu Garden.

Ding Ye nodded and left.

“Daddy is leaving just like that?” Little Pudding pouted, watching Ding Ye’s retreating figure.

“Daddy has to work to make money for you, my little foodie.” Su Hongxing saw Little Pudding’s hands covered in mud and quickly took her to wash up.

A few minutes later, after cleaning Little Pudding’s hands, Su Hongxing turned around to see Ding Ye still standing there, watching them intently.

As she turned back, Ding Ye turned and left again.

When Ding Ye’s car drove out of Qingmu Garden, many reporters were still waiting in ambush.

As soon as they saw a car leaving, they swarmed around it.

Ding Ye signaled for the driver to stop and rolled down the window, the flash of cameras going off as all reporters aimed their lenses at his face.

A reporter, eager to know: “It’s reported that Mr. Ding has moved into Qingmu Garden, is that true?”

“Is it true that Mr. Ding is now dating Su Hongxing? Has it reached the stage of talking about marriage?”

…

Ding Ye looked calmly at the cameras and replied softly, “I moved into Qingmu Garden yesterday and will be a resident there from now on. Su Hongxing is my landlord.”

“Doesn’t Mr. Ding own property in Taicheng? Why move into Qingmu Garden, is it to woo Su Hongxing since you’re close by?” The reporter kept pressing, hoping to dig up something newsworthy.

“My house is under renovation, and I don’t like staying in hotels, so I’m temporarily residing at Qingmu Garden. Also, I am not pursuing Su Hongxing.” After saying that, Ding Ye closed the window and signaled the driver to drive off.

It took a while for the crowd to process what Ding Ye had said.

Did Ding Ye’s words imply that he and Su Hongxing were just ordinary friends without romantic involvement?

Soon after, Ding Ye received a call from Su Hongxing.

“You don’t need to worry about me; I’m not a three-year-old child. I’ve been through enough, so focus on your work in the future and don’t get distracted by me.” Su Hongxing said what she wanted to and hung up.

Ding Ye looked at the darkened phone screen, a slight smile curving at his lips.