Chapter 172 - On the Riverbank

Bund Square was crowded with people coming and going, as far as the eye could see.

The river bank was even more packed, so densely filled that it made one’s scalp tingle.

“Wow, so many people,” exclaimed Luo Xinling excitedly, almost jumping up.

Ye Fan and his two companions strolled around the square below the riverbank.

The square was indeed filled with couples, sweetly intimate, igniting envy in all the single folks.

Many couples were even passionately kissing, seated on long wooden benches or marble planters.

As they walked and talked, Luo Xinling suddenly took advantage of Tantai Wanrong being distracted by a sight, tiptoed, and stretched herself closer to Ye Fan, whispering quickly near his ear, “Hehe, Ye Fan, do you like me?”

Ye Fan was startled by Luo Xinling pressing half her body against him and her sudden question, and he replied, “No, I don’t.”

“You’re lying.

I can clearly tell you’re nervous.

Your heartbeat is fast, and you’re a bit feverish,” Luo Xinling said in a hushed voice.

Ye Fan was speechless.

Being embraced by a woman he wasn’t familiar with, how could he not have a quick heartbeat?

How could he not feel a bit flushed?

If he had no reaction at all, he wouldn’t be a man.

Seeing that Ye Fan didn’t respond, Luo Xinling giggled with smug pride, “I guessed right, didn’t I?

Actually, I kind of like you too.

If you pursue me, I might consider it.”

Pursue you?

It’s you who are clinging on to me right now, right?

Ye Fan had to admire Luo Xinling’s confidence, though it was misplaced.

However, since she was still warmly holding onto his arm, he couldn’t just brush her off.

He managed a forced smile and said, “Oh.

I’ll think about it when I get back.”

“Hehe,” Luo Xinling chuckled happily.

After another ten minutes or so, Luo Xinling suggested going up to the riverbank to enjoy the view and take pictures.

Ye Fan, looking at the dense crowd on the riverbank, worried that Tantai Wanrong might feel uncomfortable and declined, “It’s too crowded.

Let’s just stroll down here.”

But Tantai Wanrong responded, “It is a bit crowded, but it would be a shame not to go up and have a look.

Let’s go up.”

The riverbank at Bund was a good two to three meters higher than the square and from the square, one couldn’t see the river view or even much of the opposite shore.

At most, they could see the prominent Oriental Pearl TV Tower, a landmark of Hua Hai.

Tantai Wanrong hadn’t visited Bund in many years.

Though the riverbank was crowded, she still wanted to go up for a look.

“Alright, let’s go,” Ye Fan nodded.

So, the three of them headed towards the steps, with Ye Fan in the middle, Tantai Wanrong on his right, and Luo Xinling clinging to his left arm.

As they reached the steps, the crowd immediately thickened.

Tantai Wanrong, not wanting to rub against strangers, moved a bit closer to Ye Fan.

She didn’t touch him directly, but he could clearly smell her mature, enchanting fragrance, making his heart race a little faster, secretly wishing the crowd would thicken even more.

Halfway up the steps, the crowd became denser, with some going up and others down.

Some were in a rush to squeeze their way up, and others to push their way down.

Ye Fan felt Tantai Wanrong getting closer and closer.

Perhaps all he needed was to pretend to sway his upper body unintentionally, and he could brush against her.

However, he restrained himself.

With only seven or eight steps left to officially reach the riverbank, suddenly, a group of people squeezed directly down the stairs from the right side.

Tantai Wanrong had no choice but to quickly lean to the left, and immediately Ye Fan felt a jade-like arm pressing against his right arm, cool and silky, making his heart leap into his throat.

Yet, that wasn’t the end.

Right after that, Ye Fan felt the warm and soft body of Tantai Wanrong pressed against him.

Soon, that group crossed by, and Tantai Wanrong immediately moved away.

Ye Fan wanted to turn his head to look at Tantai Wanrong, but he worried she might feel embarrassed, so he pretended not to notice.

After a while, they climbed onto the riverside levee.

Though there were many people on the levee, it wasn’t crowded.

Once they reached the levee, their view broadened.

The wind from the river was cool and refreshing, sweeping away the stifling heat from climbing the steps earlier.

Looking further toward the river surface or the opposite shore was truly a feast for the eyes.

The river flowed gently eastward, dotted with beautifully decorated sightseeing boats equipped with colorful LED lights slowly sailing by.

On the opposite bank towered luxurious financial skyscrapers and the landmark building, the Oriental Pearl.

Tantai Wanrong was evidently captivated by the riverside scenery, and she couldn’t help but exclaim, “I haven’t been here in years, I didn’t expect Bund Square to have become so beautiful and charming.”

After enjoying the riverside view for a while, they inevitably started taking photos.

In fact, half of the people on the levee were taking pictures.

Most of the visitors to Bund Square were people from other places who had come to Hua Hai for travel or business and were attracted by its fame.

Since they were visitors, taking photos was naturally essential.

Ye Fan, Tantai Wanrong, and Luo Xinling, weren’t really from another place, but they followed the custom, especially since the night view of the river was so enchanting.

The three of them took turns taking photos, both solo and in pairs.

Because of the photo taking, Ye Fan finally had his left arm freed from Luo Xinling’s hold.

“Wanrong, let’s take a few photos together,” Ye Fan said to Tantai Wanrong.

Tantai Wanrong smiled and said, “Sure.”

So, Ye Fan handed his phone to Luo Xinling, then he and Tantai Wanrong stood near the riverside railing for a photo together, with a background of dazzling financial skyscrapers and the Oriental Pearl across the river.

After Luo Xinling had taken a few shots, she called out to Ye Fan and Tantai Wanrong, “You guys are standing too far apart, can you get a bit closer, more intimate?”

Ye Fan turned his head to look at Tantai Wanrong, and Tantai Wanrong also turned to face him.

However, Tantai Wanrong was wearing large sunglasses, so Ye Fan couldn’t see her expression and was unsure if she was willing to get closer, so he didn’t move.

“Hehe, let’s get a bit closer for the photo,” Tantai Wanrong said with a light laugh, taking a step towards Ye Fan so that their left and right sides were intimately close together.

With Tantai Wanrong leaning against him gently, Ye Fan immediately smelled the mature and charming scent of a woman from her, and felt a creamy smoothness as her powder arm lightly touched his.

Ye Fan couldn’t help feeling nervous, but he dared not reveal it by breathing heavily; he tried hard to keep his breathing steady.

After another two or three photos, Luo Xinling called out, “Let’s try a different pose.”

At that moment, Tantai Wanrong raised her delicate hand and gently placed it on Ye Fan’s shoulder.

Ye Fan’s breathing tightened.

However, just then, Tantai Wanrong whispered in his ear, “Hehe, you sly boy, you don’t need to be so nervous just taking a photo with me.”

Her voice was low, and with the din of voices on the levee, there was no need to worry that Luo Xinling, a few meters away, could hear them.