A youthful ten-year promise

Chapter 404 A Leisurely Version of the "Cat and Mouse Game"

On a sunny weekend afternoon, Lin Youran lay lazily on the sofa, a novel in her hand, occasionally glancing up at the drifting white clouds outside the window, enjoying this rare tranquility. Meanwhile, Shen Yichen was busy at his computer, the sound of his keyboard clicking away like a pleasant melody.

Suddenly, Lin Youran had an idea. She wanted to tease Shen Yichen, who was usually so calm and composed. She quietly got up from the sofa, tiptoed behind Shen Yichen, and then suddenly slapped his shoulder, shouting, "Hey!"

Shen Yichen was startled by the sudden "attack," and the mouse in his hand almost flew out of his hand. He turned to look at Lin Youran, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, followed by a helpless smile: "Youran, what's this all about?"

Lin Youran blinked and said mischievously, "Let's play a game called 'Cat and Mouse Game.' You're the cat, I'm the mouse, I'll hide, and you'll find. How about it, are you up for the challenge?"

Looking at Lin Youran's challenging gaze, Shen Yichen felt a surge of inexplicable fighting spirit: "Alright, since you're so eager to play, I'll play along to the end. But the loser will have to be punished."

“No problem, it’s a deal!” Lin Youran readily agreed, her face beaming with excitement.

The game began, and Lin Youran darted around the house like a nimble little mouse, searching for a hiding place. Shen Yichen, on the other hand, was like a perceptive cat, following closely behind, gradually narrowing down the search area based on his familiarity with the house.

Lin Youran first hid in the closet, but soon felt it wasn't hidden enough, so she quietly slipped out and hid under the bed. She held her breath, listening to the sounds outside, feeling both nervous and excited.

Shen Yichen entered the bedroom, looked around, and quickly noticed a barely noticeable corner of clothing under the bed. A smile appeared on his lips as he tiptoed closer, then suddenly pulled Lin Youran out from under the bed.

"Haha, I caught you!" Shen Yichen laughed triumphantly, his eyes gleaming with victory.

Although Lin Youran was caught, she showed no sign of frustration. Instead, she smiled even more brightly: "Yichen, you're amazing! But the game isn't over yet, we still have a second round."

The second round of the game began, and Lin Youran was even more cunning this time. She first pretended to hide behind the curtains in the study, but when Shen Yichen entered the study to search, she quietly slipped to the balcony and hid behind a flowerpot.

Shen Yichen searched the study but couldn't find it. His brows furrowed slightly, and an ominous premonition rose in his heart. He walked out of the study, his gaze sweeping around the living room, finally settling on the slightly swaying flowerpot on the balcony.

He strode onto the balcony, yanked open a flowerpot, and sure enough, saw Lin Youran hiding behind it. Startled by his sudden action, Lin Youran involuntarily screamed.

"Haha, I caught you again!" Shen Yichen laughed triumphantly again, pulling Lin Youran out from behind the flowerpot.

After two rounds of the game, Lin Youran lost to Shen Yichen. Although she was somewhat unwilling, she still accepted the punishment of making a bet—to cook a sumptuous dinner for Shen Yichen.

At dinner time, Lin Youran was busy in the kitchen, while Shen Yichen sat at the table, sipping red wine and watching Lin Youran's busy figure.

Before long, a delicious and visually appealing dinner was laid out in front of Shen Yichen. Looking at the dishes, his eyes gleamed with admiration: "You Ran, your cooking skills are getting better and better."

Lin Youran smiled and sat down, picking up her chopsticks to place a piece of fish on Shen Yichen's plate: "Try this, I made it especially for you."

Shen Yichen picked up a piece of fish and put it in his mouth, savoring it carefully. The fish was fresh and tender, melting in his mouth, making him nod repeatedly: "Delicious, it's so delicious!"

After dinner, the two sat on the sofa together to watch a movie. Lin Youran nestled in Shen Yichen's arms, feeling the warmth and security of his embrace. She whispered, "Yichen, thank you for playing this 'cat and mouse game' with me. It brought back a long-lost sense of joy and relaxation."

Shen Yichen hugged Lin Youran tightly and whispered, "Youran, as long as you're happy, I'm willing to do anything for you. Our love is like this game. Although there will be some misunderstandings and challenges sometimes, as long as we love each other and trust each other, we will definitely be able to overcome all difficulties."

Hearing Shen Yichen's words, Lin Youran felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She hugged Shen Yichen tightly, feeling the love and warmth from the bottom of her heart. She knew that no matter what difficulties and challenges she might encounter in the future, as long as Shen Yichen was by her side, she would be able to face them bravely.

This leisurely "cat and mouse game" not only deepened their relationship but also filled their lives with more fun and laughter. In the days to come, they will walk hand in hand through many storms and rainbows, creating beautiful memories together.