Chapter 131: Already Smitten by His Looks?

He was simply too tall. Even on her tiptoes, with her arms stretched to their limit, Meng Yi’er could barely reach the top of his head.

She stood on her toes, straining upward to fasten the mask onto him, but just as she reached for the strings at the back, her balance wavered. She stumbled, and for a moment, it seemed she was about to fall.

Yan Yichen’s reflexes were sharp. His large, firm hand reached out, wrapping around her slender waist and pulling her back against him. In such a spectacular fashion, Meng Yi’er found herself falling straight into the man’s embrace.

Her fair, delicate face flushed a deep crimson. With her head pressed against his chest, she could clearly hear the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat. She remained stunned for a moment before looking up into his deep, dark eyes. Feeling flustered, she chided him, "You’re just too tall—I can’t reach..."

Yan Yichen paused, then the corners of his lips quirked upward, his ink-black eyes shimmering with a faint, amused light. Without warning, he tightened his grip around her waist and hoisted her high into the air.

"Ah!"

The sudden movement sent a jolt of panic through Meng Yi’er. She let out a sharp cry, instinctively clinging to Yan Yichen’s shoulders, terrified of being dropped.

"What are you doing?" she asked, looking down at him with a mix of shyness and confusion. She darted a nervous glance around them, terrified of being spotted. She looked exactly like a thief caught in the act.

Yan Yichen’s lips curled, and his low, seductive voice drifted into her ears. "Can you reach now?"

Meng Yi’er blinked in surprise. He had done this just for that? Seeing his typically cold, unreadable face now brimming with a gentle, teasing warmth, she felt momentarily dazed.

"Are you going to put that thing on me or not?" Yan Yichen chuckled as he watched her blank expression.

Recovering her senses, Meng Yi’er beamed at him. With him holding her high, she found it effortless to tie the mask in place.

The mask covered his nose and mouth, leaving only his captivating, peach-blossom eyes and long lashes visible. Even with most of his face obscured, his cold, noble, and elegant aura remained undimmed; passersby still couldn't help but turn their heads for a second glance.

"All done... put me down."

Feeling her struggle in his arms, Yan Yichen finally, though reluctantly, set her back on the ground. Meng Yi’er stood steady, took two steps back, and examined him with sparkling eyes, nodding in satisfaction.

*Good grief, is this man a demon?* she thought. *How can such a cheap, crude mask look this good on him? It adds a touch of mystery that makes one want to get even closer.*

"Not bad at all! You’re still so handsome even with the mask on."

*Did this girl actually compliment him?* Was he dreaming?

Yan Yichen’s thin lips curved, his ink-like eyes holding a faint, tender smile as his low, cool voice resonated. "Already bewitched by my good looks?"

Meng Yi’er shyly lowered her gaze, remaining silent.

Yan Yichen’s low laughter rumbled. "Doesn't this seem a bit unfair?"

Meng Yi’er looked up, her eyes filled with confusion and surprise. "What’s unfair?"

Yan Yichen pointed to the mask on his face. "This. You aren't wearing one, but I am. Isn't that a little unfair?"