Chapter 142: Yan Yichen's Secret (1)

"How did Grandma know?"

Yan Yichen had barely spoken the words before he shook his head helplessly. He did not need to ask; he knew it must have been Aunt Yun who told her. Those two old ladies took a far greater interest in his private life than even his fans did.

A long while later, Yan Yichen sat in the driver's seat with Meng Yi'er resting quietly against his shoulder.

Meng Yi'er still could not recover from the surprise. It was too overwhelming for her; the boy who had warmed her heart in her memories was actually the man she loved. Thinking about it felt surreal, yet it was truly happening to her.

"Yichen, is this real?"

Yan Yichen helped her sit up, his dark eyes gazing affectionately at her joyful yet uncertain expression. He took her small hand and pressed it against his cheek.

The warmth and texture of his skin felt so real, bringing her peace of mind. Meng Yi'er could not help but break into a brilliant smile.

"I remember exactly how you looked back then, and I remember what you said. You even told me that you would marry me when you grew up. Tell me, was I wrong?"

Yan Yichen's pleasant voice sounded even more captivating with his playful tone. Meng Yi'er blushed and lowered her eyes.

She had indeed said those words!

Indeed, the man before her was truly the boy who had given her warmth all those years ago. But that had been nothing more than a childish joke; she never imagined he would remember it so clearly.

"I was only joking back then... please don't take it seriously."

Yan Yichen reached out with long, slender fingers to lift her delicate chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"I did take it seriously, Xiao Yi. I have taken it seriously for sixteen years. Now that you want to back out, I absolutely will not allow it."

His dark eyes shimmered with light, and his deep, sexy voice held a hint of seduction that made Meng Yi'er tremble to her core, leaving her falling for him with every step.

Her hand was held tightly in his, his palm dampened with sweat against her skin. Meng Yi'er pondered for a moment and asked:

"When did you recognize that I was the little girl from back then? After all, so many years have passed, and we have both changed so much..."

Yan Yichen ruffled the hair on top of her head and pulled her into his embrace, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

"I could never forget your eyes, not even for a lifetime."

He paused before continuing:

"Besides, I remember that girl's name clearly. She told me her name was Meng Yi'er. That name was etched into my mind; I haven't forgotten it for a single day."

His deep, tender voice carried a trace of gentle teasing. Meng Yi'er pressed her face tightly against his broad chest, clearly hearing the strong, steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"I'm sorry... I didn't remember your name back then. I only remembered calling that boy 'Brother Cheng,' and I never realized until today that I had even gotten that wrong..."

Meng Yi'er was overcome with shame. For someone who meant so much to her, she had even remembered his name incorrectly.

Yan Yichen patted her fluffy hair and smiled indulgently.

"I forgive you..."

Changing the subject, he added, "However, making a mistake like this regarding me is only allowed once. If you commit it again, I will not be so lenient."

Meng Yi'er giggled, her slender arms tightening around his waist.

"Xiao Yi, do you know? All these years I have been looking for you. I lost hope several times and even thought about giving up, but in the end, I just couldn't let go. Later, I didn't even believe I would ever see you again... until, finally, heaven allowed me to cross paths with you once more."