Chapter 49

Chapter 49

To serve...

Why did this word sound so strange coming from his mouth?

Especially under these circumstances.

The light was turned off, and Lu Nian couldn't see his face.

Only the tactile sensation on her skin was so prominent; his fingers cradled her face, meticulously wiping away the sweat with a towel.

She had never been this close to a man before; his breath was somewhat scorching, contrasting starkly with the coldness of his fingers. Where his fingers touched, it felt tingling and numb, his movements clearly restrained, gentle, and careful.

Lu Nian felt her whole being unsettled.

The sweat on her cheeks was wiped dry, her skin once again becoming fresh and dry, yet he did not stop.

The girl's neck was slender and luminous, connected to the collarbone, resembling a babbling brook bathed in moonlight. Due to the fever, a faint layer of sweat had emerged; his fingers hesitated momentarily before soaking the towel in warm water again, seemingly intending to clean the sweat there too.

"What are you trying to do?" Lu Nian snapped back to reality, her entire face flushed, clutching tightly at her neckline.

"I told you to stay away from me, to keep your distance," Lu Nian stammered, "I only agreed to let you come in to bring the medicine."

His hand paused, not uttering a word, but he didn't leave either.

Talk about serving or not serving... and absurdly turning off the lights without her permission.

He hung his head, asking softly, "...did I do something that made you uncomfortable?"

He stood there silently, his tall figure indistinct in the dim light, his expression unreadable.

The window was slightly ajar, allowing the cool night rain to breeze in, mingling with his scent that resembled a cedar in the rain, drifting over gently and enveloping her entirely.

Lu Nian's face was beet red as she berated him, "You have no shame."

Her mind was in a complete mess.

She suddenly recalled something, "Insisting on me staying here with you, were you thinking about these things all along?"

Qin Si, "..."

He wanted to say no.

He just wanted to see her every day, to chat with her, being able to take care of her would be enough.

However, upon a second thought, he couldn't deny those unsavory thoughts he harbored towards her, and the indecent things he had done behind her back.

Hence, he could only remain silent.

"You filthy rogue!" Lu Nian exclaimed, her face turning red as she unleashed the limited aggressive vocabulary stored in her little head, "Pervert, what on earth are you thinking all day long?"

Although she was scolding him, her voice was soft and crisp, devoid of any lethal force.

He pursed his lips, the tips of his ears reddening, a hint of embarrassment seeping from his stiff spine.

"Get out immediately," Lu Nian commanded, picking up a cushion from beside her and tossing it at him.

He caught the cushion, his long and strong fingers loosely holding it, suddenly falling silent.

Only then did Lu Nian realize that her nightgown was originally loose. She had exerted too much force earlier, causing the neckline she had been clutching to loosen... revealing a large swath of her fair skin.

Lu Nian felt as though her entire face was aflame, practically burning up.

...

The crisp sound of a lock falling into place.

Lu Nian still had her head buried in the blankets, her face still flushed.

She should have known better than to let him in, what a lecherous guy. She suddenly remembered that kiss from a long time ago; even though she initiated it, but afterwards...

Her face turned red again.

She promptly lay back down under the covers.

The quilt was somewhat cold, certainly not as warm as embracing someone. She found herself lost in wild thoughts. Qin Si's fingertips were rather cold, she wondered if it was related to experiences from his childhood. But, his embrace was warm, and he smelled really good. Lu Nian couldn't remember when she had been held by him, but she had this inexplicable impression.

Serving... does it also include this kind of warmth under the quilt?

She suddenly snapped back to reality, scolding herself in her mind.

What was she thinking,

It's all his fault for being so inappropriate, leading her astray.

Early the next morning, she woke up early to find that her fever had subsided. She quickly gathered her things and left for school, avoiding meeting him.

When Qin Si woke up, what greeted him was an empty room.

The dishes were all cleaned, with a note left beside, stating, "I left first."

There was no mention of where she was going, what she was intending to do, or when she would return.

He picked up the note, his gaze downcast, his expression somber.

Qin Si was evidently in a very low mood today.

"What graces us with your presence here this morning?" Huang Mao remarked, finding it quite unusual.

He and Xiao Qu co-owned a breakfast place nearby, but since Qin Si started living with Lu Nian, he hadn't visited even once.

Now, not only did he come, but he came alone, looking like he must have faced another setback with Nian Nian.

Huang Mao initially wanted to flaunt his recent successful proposal to his girlfriend, but upon catching Qin Si's frosty phoenix-eyed gaze, he hurriedly retracted his affectionate gestures.

Ming Ge also came here for breakfast. Spotting Qin Si early on, he sat at a neighboring table, clicking his tongue in a tsk sound.

Qin Si silently finished his breakfast.

Receiving a call from Fang Deng, he left directly in his car, without uttering another word.

Watching him depart.

Huang Mao sympathized deeply, "He must be enduring quite miserably, huh."

A young man in his early twenties, living day in and day out with the object of his longstanding affection, yet unable to touch, from his appearance, the progress must be not at all smooth.

It really was damn pitiful.

Ming Ge, slurping his tofu drink, responded with a resonant and firm two words, "Serves him right."

Back when Nian Nian was so proactive, look at the rubbish attitude he displayed, were those even human words?

Regretting it now, aren't we?

"You guys think, isn't it unhealthy for a normal man like Brother Qin to keep suppressing his desires like this, mentally and physically? It could lead to perversion," Huang Mao said earnestly, "Brother Qin is in danger in the future."

Ming Ge retorted, "Do you mean to say he isn't perverse enough as is?"

After a moment's contemplation, Huang Mao agreed, "In that case, no worries for Brother Qin, he can continue suppressing his urges."

Xiao Qu, "..."

What nonsense are you guys spouting?

Would you dare say that in front of Qin Si?

"I haven't seen Nian Nian for a while now either," Huang Mao chuckled with a mischievous grin, "My wedding is approaching, at that time, I'll personally invite Nian Nian, let's see if she graces us with her presence."

Ming Ge remarked, "Well then, it would be best to introduce her to a new man, discard this useless man like a piece of trash."

Ning Sheng recently opened a branch in Ancheng. Most of the employees were newly recruited.

Qin Si rarely visited; when he did, the majority of the staff were unaware of his identity.

In the conference room at the top floor, most matters were handled directly through Fang Deng or Qiu Fan.

Today, he clearly seemed in low spirits. When Qin Si cooled down, his demeanor became rather terrifying. At a single glance, Fang Deng knew this was probably because of Lu Nian once again.

Fang Deng rushed into the office to find him reviewing documents, his expression noticeably less than pleased.

"Boss, that Lu Yang is here to see you, he even traced you here," Fang Deng wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, "Do you want to meet him?"

Truly a relentless pursuit. Qiu Fan didn't want to incur Qin Si's wrath, thus passing the buck around until it landed on Fang Deng.

"Let him in," the young man said, putting down the documents in his hand, his voice cold and detached.

The trouble was finally resolved.

"Understood," Fang Deng hurriedly responded.

Lu Yang was waiting anxiously in the outer reception room with Feng Xiaoran, his fingers intertwining nervously, unable to sit still as he stood and sat repeatedly due to the tension.

Such a nerve-wracking state...

Feng Xiaoran observed him coldly from the side, finding him rather incompetent.

She had approached him solely with the anticipation of his prospective ascent to power in the Lu family. Now, witnessing everything that could happen already unfolding, and even being engaged, she was caught off guard by this sudden turn of events.

After the incident at the hospital...

Feng Xiaoran had sought a conversation with Su Qingyou.

She subtly inquired about the relationship between Qin Si and Lu Nian.

"They knew each other from before," Su Qingyou said in a nonchalant manner. "It's quite normal for a man to reminisce endlessly about the 'moonlight' of his youth that he once harbored feelings for."

At that time, Feng Xiaoran felt a sour sensation in her heart. Despite her privileged background and striking appearance, witnessing a man of such caliber waiting faithfully for someone who had lost power was disheartening.

"However," Su Qingyou remarked casually, "once you attain what you desire, you might realize they are all more or less the same. This 'moonlight' might just be a glorification of memories; the outcome remains uncertain."

With her wedding date nearing, she seldom ventured out, spending most of her time at the Zhao residence, focusing on nurturing her pregnancy.

She had already moved into the Zhao family home, where she was treated exceptionally well, receiving adulation from everyone.

After all, she was carrying the first grandchild of the Zhao family's new generation in her womb.

Feng Xiaoran envied her. Despite coming from a moderately prosperous family, with her father having a small fortune from his shoe business, their wealth paled in comparison to the affluence of the Zhao or Lu families.

Regarding Su Qingyou, her background was somewhat similar to Feng Xiaoran’s, but due to her family’s rich ancestry, she inherently possessed a different class of elegance. After getting to know her, Feng Xiaoran found herself immensely impressed and secretly envious of Su Qingyou's demeanor.

Especially after she successfully married into the Zhao family and became pregnant.

Later, it was through Su Qingyou’s connection that Feng Xiaoran met Lu Yang. Although the Lu family couldn't quite compare to the Zhao family, Lu Yang's escalating position within the Lu clan suggested a promising trajectory, which satisfied Feng Xiaoran.

Until that encounter with Qin Si in the hospital.

Su Qingyou naturally shared with her Qin Si’s experiences during his younger years.

As Feng Xiaoran entered alongside Lu Yang, she stealthily glanced at him.

He was engrossed in documents, his eyes cast down revealing his dense lashes that accentuated his refined and noble features even more, showcasing an air of royalty and arrogance.

"He had such a pitiful experience in his youth, it's completely unnoticeable now," she thought.

The cold austerity and slight arrogance within his brow and eyes were quite captivating, inciting a strong desire in others to conquer him.

Not to mention his current position of power, even if it was just based on his appearance, there would undoubtedly be many women willing to be with him, if he so wished.

Feng Xiaoran contemplated.

This time, she shamelessly insisted on coming with Lu Yang, expressing a desire to apologize once again for the previous incident concerning Lu Nian.

She followed Lu Yang into the office.

The young man set aside the documents in his hand, his narrow and icy eyes turning towards them.

Feng Xiaoran opened her mouth, yet words escaped her.

"Get out," he said indifferently, "I asked for him to come in, not her."

Feng Xiaoran's complexion instantly turned pale.

Lu Yang gritted his teeth, whispering to her in a submissive tone, "Xiaoran, please wait outside."

"Speak, what's the matter?" he said coolly, his gaze fixed on the man before him.

"Can you call off your people, please?" Lu Yang said.

His voice was very humble, and his stance exceedingly low.

"I have already fired Li Wenjun," Lu Yang stated, "I will return Lu Zhihong's shares to him and, in the future, I propose to take a pay cut or be transferred to a branch office."

The young man across showed no signs of emotion, his expression unreadable.

A momentary silence settled in the room.

"Are you interested in Nian Nian?" Lu Yang hastily asked, "I can help you, I know what she likes. I am her brother; I have the means to assist you..."

He said coldly, "Do you think you're worthy of being her brother?"

In the matter concerning Lu Zhihong, he and Zhao Tingyuan had put in at least eighty percent of the effort. What did Lu Yang do at the time when Lu Nian was at her wit's end before his return? He hadn't even visited her once.

He gave a mocking smile, "Do you not have a clear conscience regarding your actions?"

Just because she is naïve and easily deceived does not mean he is the same. He has never been a gentleman; he has always believed in exacting revenge for the slightest grievance.

Lu Yang was momentarily paralyzed.

Realizing that he had crossed a line.

"Move out from her place," the young man said, his eyes slightly lowered, "That's why I asked you to come here."

"Remove all belongings from the Lu residence within three days," he commanded.

Although he greatly disliked that place, it was, after all, the ancestral home of the Lu family where Lu Nian had grown up, holding many cherished memories.

It seems Lu Zhihong planned to auction off the house to pay off debts, and Lu Nian was still kept in the dark about this.

He intercepted the sale discreetly, purchasing the house back for her, giving her the option to return anytime she wished.

However, there was some trash that needed to be cleaned up first.

"Yes, yes," Lu Yang hurriedly replied, a glimmer of hope arising in his heart, "About the matter of my position..."

A thin, icy smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he looked at him, "Are you negotiating terms? Or do you mistake me for Zhao Tingyuan?"

Lu Yang, "..."

He left Ning Sheng, utterly dejected.

"How did the talk go?" Feng Xiaoran eagerly asked.

Lu Yang stared blankly ahead, murmuring, "He wants my life."

He had been driven into a corner with no way out.

As for those pieces of evidence, Lu Yang had no idea where he had collected them from - each one interconnected and striking fatally. If they were to be revealed, he would be utterly ruined, facing not only career destruction but potentially insurmountable debts that could last a lifetime.

A deep despair filled Lu Yang's eyes.

"I will plead with Nian Nian," he said to Feng Xiaoran, sounding more like he was murmuring to himself.

Qin Si was ruthless and unyielding.

But Nian Nian had a soft heart.

Considering the sibling-like bond they once shared.

She might persuade Qin Si to back down.

After teaching half a day of classes, Lu Nian had plans for the evening. She intended to visit Lu Zhihong at the hospital once again.

The place was Ancheng's top cardiac hospital, boasting excellent doctors and equipment. Perhaps because he had been living more peacefully lately, Lu Zhihong seemed to have regained some vitality, with a healthier color returning to his face.

Lu Nian finished chatting with the doctor.

The doctor mentioned, "Your father is recovering quite well. If his condition remains stable, he should be able to be discharged in about a month."

She entered the room to find Lu Zhihong, who was wearing glasses, engrossed in a financial newspaper.

She placed the nourishing soup she brought along on his bedside table.

Removing his glasses, Lu Zhihong asked her, "How have things been with you and Qin Si recently? I noticed he hasn't visited, did you have a disagreement with him?"

Lu Nian, "…"

Suddenly, she realized that Lu Zhihong's current accommodation and access to the best medical resources were likely facilitated by Qin Si's influence, a thought that left a bitter taste in her mouth.

In recent days, Lu Zhihong had been pondering extensively and was increasingly convinced that marrying Lu Nian to Qin Si would be a win-win situation. Although it meant swallowing some pride, the potential benefits seemed boundless.

Now, he was somewhat fearful that Qin Si might have second thoughts.

"Has he talked to you about marriage?" Lu Zhihong inquired, "Or perhaps you could get engaged first."

Lu Zhichong remarked, “Otherwise, as an untarnished young lady, cohabiting with a man for such a duration, do you not concern yourself with your reputation?”

With an equanimity that was neither servile nor overbearing, Lu Nian responded, “Nothing has transpired between us. Father, I am your daughter. I will not abandon you and will take care of you until your recovery and support you in your old age. However, this does not mean I must abide by your every word.”

She set down the soup bowl and rose to her feet, stating, “I will take my leave first. I hope you refrain from intervening in my personal affairs henceforth.”

Lu Zhichong countered, “You speak as if you are so virtuous, but why did you agree to the engagement with the Zhao family in the first place? Is it that you look down on him? Do you find him unworthy of you?”

“Let me tell you, you fail to comprehend the current standing of Ning Sheng; he holds great potential given his youth.”

“Even if Qin Si engages in affairs post-marriage, as long as you are wed and thus secured, you will not be excluded from the assets. Moreover, it will ensure financial stability.”

“This could be the solution to the crisis facing the Lu family.”

These past few days, the more Lu Zhichong pondered, the more he found the prospect to be appropriate.

With her lips pressed tightly together and a maelstrom of emotions swirling within, Lu Nian felt a growing sense of disillusionment, “This has nothing to do with all that.”

“Father, try not to incur too many favors from him,” Lu Nian advised, “If the company goes under, so be it. If the money is gone, I can earn it back in the future.”

“Of course, I am aware of the heights Qin Si might reach in the future. However, that doesn't mean I should marry him for that reason.”

Lu Nian declared, “I don't want to get married so soon. I want to focus on my studies, immerse myself in painting, and pursue the things I love in the future, leading a life that's truly my own.”

This feeling is rather subtle.

Back then, she had already resigned herself to the fact that there was no future between her and Qin Si. Suddenly, the Lu family faced a significant crisis, and she found herself in a state of utter confusion, feeling as if marrying Zhao Yayuan could bring an end to all the chaos, hence she agreed somewhat mindlessly.

However, she can't quite let go of her feelings for Qin Si now.

She refuses to accept that she would marry him just for the sake of this arrangement.

She yearns to witness his sincerity, wishing for him to express his feelings voluntarily.

She also seeks an explanation regarding why he seemingly ignored her throughout those years.

Rather than being coerced into marrying him now with reluctant heart and spirit.

In fact, agreeing to live with Qin Si this time was her cautious and subtle way of testing his true feelings.

Lu Zhihong frowned, "What nonsense are you spouting?"

A momentary tranquility settled in the room.

Just beyond the separating wall, a man stood outside, eyes cast downwards.

"Mr. Qin, regarding the treatment plan for the patient..." the chief doctor followed behind him, beginning hesitantly.

He replied indifferently, "Speak to me directly."

He didn't enter through that door, nor did he disturb the father-daughter conversation any further.

It was as if nothing had transpired.

"I have some matters to attend to this evening, so I'll leave first," said Lu Nian.

She picked up her bag from the chair and, ignoring whatever Lu Zhihong had to say, she calmly closed the door and left.

Concerning the previous engagement, she had been continuously trying to get in touch with Zhao Yayuan, intending to have a serious conversation with him.

It wasn't until yesterday that she managed to reach him, and they arranged to have dinner together tonight.

She owed him an apology and needed to clarify things, one way or another.

They invited Qiu Li, and the trio decided to meet at a frequently visited Western restaurant not far from the school.

Hence, she wouldn't be returning home for dinner today. Lu Nian thought it prudent to send Qin Si a message, advising him not to wait for her.

"Going out for dinner?" He replied.

Lu Nian, "Mm."

"With whom?" After a while, a message arrived from the other end.

Biting her lip, Lu Nian chose to be honest, "Yayuan, along with Qiu Li."

Concerning Qiu Li's background, Qin Si conducted a special investigation, including the Nan Qiao incident that took place over a decade ago.

As for living under the identity of Qiu Li all these years, it is likely due to his reluctance to reveal his true background and an unwillingness to return to the Lu family.

Qin Si isn't particularly interested in what he truly thinks of Qiu Li. Naturally indifferent and aloof, he shows no interest in matters that don't concern him directly.

If Lu Nian doesn't mention it, he won't bring it up proactively.

Despite this, he is somewhat reluctant to allow Qiu Li to get too close to her.

When it comes down to it, it's jealousy and possessiveness at play.

Having no parents or close relatives, he has never experienced familial affection.

It's an instinctive jealousy towards anyone who can be that close to her, a sentiment he has harbored since childhood.

Lu Nian said, "I am going to apologize to him, and Qiu Li will accompany me."

Regarding the matter of the engagement.

He knew, it has been called off.

Qin Si didn't object, nor did he offer to go with her, which allowed her to breathe a sigh of relief.

Otherwise, it would have been very difficult.

She arrived punctually, with Zhao Yayuan and Qiu Li having arrived ahead of time, waiting for her in the private dining room.

Zhao Yayuan had lost a noticeable amount of weight, his handsome features now marred with a touch of melancholy.

He had been grounded at home for a full half-month; Qiu Li was aware of this, but he had asked him not to inform Lu Nian.

"You've lost so much weight," Lu Nian said, concerned.

Seeing his not-so-great mental state, she was worried, fearing that her actions might have unsettled Zhao Yayuan.

"No, it's not that," Zhao Yayuan shook his head, "I haven't been resting well these days, busy with family matters."

"It has nothing to do with you," he added.

Lu Nian bit her lip, "I'm sorry."

Zhao Yayuan gave a wry smile, shaking his head, "It's alright, I didn't come solely to hear your apology."

He shrugged, "Our engagement was a verbal agreement, never formally announced. Now that both families have reconsidered, let's leave it at that, as if it never happened."

Qiu Li remained silent.

Initially, he believed their engagement was impulsive. However, now that it has truly been called off, he finds himself engulfed in complex emotions.

He is somewhat aware of Lu Nian's recent circumstances.

If forced to choose a brother-in-law, he would certainly prefer Zhao Yayuan over that man.

However, he has no choice but to respect Lu Nian's wishes.

The atmosphere was somewhat oppressive, with none of the three speaking, only the sound of cutlery clinking could be heard.

"I was too naive before," Zhao Yayuan said, "My awareness perhaps hasn't reached your level. Being born in this kind of family, if one isn't capable, they are destined to become puppets manipulated by the family."

Lu Nian didn't know what to say.

She had virtually no understanding of the internal matters of the Zhao family,

Lu Nian's memory of the original plot had become quite faint, with most of the details being unclear.

However, she distinctly remembered that Zhao Yayuan's ending was not a happy one.

Despite possessing talent and skills, and amplifying the Zhao family's business, he later got trapped when Su Qingyou married Zhao Tingyuan. The pair used various schemes and Zhao Yayuan ended up being confined to his ancestral home, stripped of all his powers.

"Be...be careful at home," she managed.

She didn't know how to warn him.

After all, Zhao Tingyuan was his biological older brother, and she, at the end of the day, was just an outsider.

"Be careful of who? Su Qingyou and Zhao Tingyuan?" Zhao Yayuan said, without raising his head, focused on his steak, before suddenly speaking.

Lu Nian, "..."

Probably because her expression was too amusing.

He lifted one corner of his mouth, finally offering the first smile, "Thanks for the warning."

The atmosphere finally began to liven up slightly.

Qiu Li silently took care of them, occasionally speaking up to lighten the mood, slowly restoring the camaraderie the trio once had.

"I heard from Xiao Qiu," Zhao Yayuan said, swirling his wine glass, "that you have been living with that man recently."

"Are you planning to marry him?" he asked, looking directly into Lu Nian's eyes.

Lu Nian suddenly felt quite embarrassed.

She lowered her head, "Not for the time being."

"That man is very complex," Zhao Yayuan remarked, "You better be careful too."

The depth of Qin Si's thoughts and the ruthlessness of his tactics are simply unparalleled among those he has encountered. Lu Nian, with her current standing, won't be able to gain any advantages when dealing with him.

The fact that he could rise from an orphan with no parents to his current position clearly indicates that he is not someone to be trifled with.

In his youth, Qin Si had some interactions with him too. Back then, he had not shown any interest in Lu Nian; approaching her seemed to only be for the opportunity to gain access to the Lu family.

But his thoughts are profoundly deep.

A blend of illusion and reality, truth and falsehood.

Zhao Yayuan wouldn't be so confident to believe that everything he saw at that time was the complete truth.

Lu Nian pursed her lips, "Mmm."

Initially, she never found Qin Si to be that complex, but now, after experiencing so much, she realized she truly couldn't see through him.

He concealed himself too deeply, she couldn't decipher his heart.

"Once Lu Zhihong recovers, come back to me," Qiu Li said, his handsome brows slightly furrowed, "I genuinely worry about you."

"It's okay if you're not in a hurry to get married," Qiu Li continued, "The two of us can have a good life together."

Supporting each other, looking out for one another.

Lu Nian quietly ate her meal, humming in agreement.

Lu Zhihong's health was improving day by day. At the time, she indeed had agreed that once Lu Zhihong was better, she would move out, not intending to stay indefinitely.

The trio chatted casually as the sky outside gradually darkened. Zhao Yayuan proposed, "How about we go out and have some fun tonight? It's been a while since we last gathered."

Qiu Li responded, "I'm up for it. What about you, Nian Nian?"

Lu Nian hadn't responded yet.

Suddenly, a waiter knocked on the door, "Excuse me, is Miss Lu inside?"

Lu Nian replied, "Yes, I am."

"There is a gentleman looking for you," the waiter informed.

Lu Nian was taken aback.

When the door swung open, a hushed silence descended upon the private dining room.

The suddenly appearing young man was dressed in a crisp black coat, his figure tall and slender. However, his entire demeanor seemed devoid of warmth, his expression indifferent.

"I can't find the keys," he said, his eyes cast downward, "I can't go home."

Lu Nian, "..."

Could it be that he actually experienced moments where he forgot his keys?

The fact that she was now living with Qin Si was emphatically noted once again in the minds of Qiu Li and Zhao Yayuan, causing a noticeable change in Qiu Li's complexion.

"It might have fallen on your bed yesterday," he said.

His tone remained unchanged - cold and indifferent. Not a flicker of emotion crossed his clear and handsome features.

Upon hearing these words, Lu Nian's face turned beet red instantaneously.

Qiu Li furrowed his brows, addressing her tenderly, "Nian Nian."

He feared that Lu Nian might be taken advantage of while living with him.

Now it seemed, they had already shared a bed in just a few days.

He shielded Lu Nian behind him, speaking politely yet firmly, "Mr. Qin, Nian Nian is temporarily staying at your residence, I hope you can maintain a certain level of respect towards her and not impose undue hardship or take advantage of her vulnerability."

With his phoenix eyes emanating a cold aura, he repeated, "Impose undue hardship?"

The atmosphere amongst the three men was markedly tense.

Lu Nian was truly frightened now.

She didn't even dare to further observe their expressions, feeling this was the most embarrassing moment she had ever experienced in her life.

It felt like a double trouble situation.

Fortunately, the meal was nearing its end.

She hurriedly stood up, placing herself between the two men, and said, "I'm sorry, but I won't be able to join you today. I have some matters to attend to back home. Let's get together some other time."

The atmosphere was exceedingly delicate.

Thankfully, neither Zhao Yayuan nor Qiu Li pressed the matter further.

As she stepped out, she noticed Qin Si's car already parked outside.

The two of them journeyed in silence.

Upon reaching the entrance, Lu Nian used her keys to open the door.

Once inside the house, the door closed, leaving just the two of them.

All the accumulated embarrassment and tension from earlier erupted at once.

"You, you, what exactly did you tell them earlier?" Lu Nian was frantic and frustrated. "Speaking like that, who knows what they might think happened between us?"

He asked coldly, "What did I say that was inappropriate?"

"The keys... mentioning they might have fallen on your bed..." Lu Nian was too embarrassed to repeat his words.

His lips tightened, "Wasn't it the truth?"

It was an actual event that took place, not a fabrication on his part.

"I did go to your room last night," he said, eyes downcast. "And it's quite likely that I dropped the keys there. I've searched everywhere else today, except your room, which you wouldn't let me enter."

Lu Nian was momentarily lost for words.

His arguments were always clear and well-reasoned, grounded in facts, which was why she had never won an argument against him before.

"You don't want them to hear?" He looked at her, his voice ice-cold. "Trying to keep your options open?"

Does it disgrace you to be with me, or to be misunderstood as having some sort of intimate relationship?

Does it?

He spoke calmly, "I know you still have feelings for him, harboring an unceasing affection, but unfortunately..."

Hence, she didn't want to display excessive intimacy with him in front of Zhao Yayuan.

Hence, she could agree to Zhao family's marriage proposal at that time but doesn't want to engage in any behavior beyond boundaries with him now.

Here we go again.

Through him, she seemed to see again the rebellious and indifferent Qin Si from their youth, who could infuriate people with just his words.

Lu Nian felt a throbbing headache and decided to interrupt him, "Then tell me, what did you do to me on the bed last night?"

He stiffened.

She decisively clarified with him, "Or, do you want them to misunderstand our relationship?"

"Go on, say it," Lu Nian urged with a beaming smile, her lips curled and her voice sugary, "You were quite articulate just now, weren't you?"

The girl had a snowy complexion, a stark contrast to her black hair and white skin, her almond eyes exceptionally clear. She was a true beauty, a perfect blend of youthful innocence and the subtle allure of a woman, thanks to her upbringing.

When she looked at people and smiled like this, she was utterly captivating, like a little enchantress descended to the mortal realm.

He was profoundly in love with her, a love that spanned many years.

He was in a constant state of gaining and losing.

That's why he cared so much, feeling as insignificant as a speck of dust, utterly abject.

Even now, he resorted to manipulative tactics and power to forcibly keep her by his side.

He had been to the company today, hence he was dressed formally. Having taken off his coat, his crisply ironed shirt was a deep, almost black blue that accentuated his icy, jade-like demeanor, as if devoid of any warmth.

Neither of them moved further inside; they both stood at the entrance, making the space feel suddenly constricted.

He fell silent, his eyes lowered, the coldness and malice that surrounded him gradually dissipating.

Reflecting on the events of last night, Lu Nian later realized that she might have been somewhat unreasonable. After all, he had helped her a lot late into the night without a single word of complaint.

Knowing she had gone to meet Zhao Yayuan, his mood had been soured the entire time. He walked briskly, his tie still tightened around his neck. Clearly feeling somewhat stifled, he began to untie it in silence.

Seeing this, Lu Nian stepped forward to assist him. At her touch, he froze entirely, the pale skin at his collarbone quickly flushing a deep red.

This gesture was incredibly intimate, not just physically but psychologically as well, a level of closeness he hadn't even dared to fantasize about before - a closeness that might exist between a loving husband and wife.

"I'm sorry," Lu Nian said sincerely, "my attitude last night was rather poor, perhaps I was not thinking clearly because of the illness."

Her delicate hand reached up to help him, her height necessitating a stretch onto her tiptoes. Once finished, she casually placed the tie on a cabinet.

"Thank you for taking care of me," she said. "Without you, I might have ended up in the hospital today, not recovering as quickly."

Lu Nian had been pampered since childhood, possessing a sweet and tender disposition. She never hid her feelings and generally spoke her mind, even being adorably gracious when expressing gratitude.

In the past, she often teased and acted coy around him. Sometimes it was even unintentional, leaving him utterly defenseless against her charms.

The young man stood at the entryway, eyes cast down, still holding the pose he had been in before, seemingly immobile, with a noticeable blush on his ear tips.

Now, wasn't he behaving well?

Lu Nian was quite satisfied.

However, seeing him like this, she found it immensely amusing.

It seemed she had begun to grasp some subtle tricks.

In matters like these, he seemed to be more naive than she had anticipated, quite contrary to his usual impassive and proficient demeanor in dealing with most other things - a rare glimpse of vulnerability in someone who had matured early in life.

"Talking about serving or not serving," she drawled, "do you even know how to?"

A moment of silence ensued.

Just as Lu Nian was admiring his flustered state, pleased to have possibly nipped a potential argument in the bud, he finally spoke.

"I do," he uttered, his eyes still downcast, a faint blush gracing the corners, his voice hoarse in response.

As long as she was willing.

They were standing too close to each other, their breaths mingling. Alarm bells rang loud in Lu Nian's mind. After all, he was a man, a perfectly normal adult male. She began to regret her brazen confidence.

Her rosy lips were just within reach, her pupils dilated in alarm, displaying her inner turmoil which he clearly perceived.

So close that she could almost feel his suppressed heated breath and the rapid beating of his heart, as their lips briefly brushed past each other.

"I can do everything," he whispered huskily, his words caressing her ear.

A note from the author:

Si Si is quite precocious, understanding all that he should at his age, not lacking in any aspect. He is just shy in front of Nian Nian, exhibiting both maturity and innocence!

Nian Nian, on the other hand, is completely naïve and inexperienced, yet she possesses remarkable boldness. In one word, brash!

The issue with Si Si Zai is that he tends to sulk in jealousy, has a strong possessive streak and is not straightforward, hence he frequently acts tsundere. On the other hand, Nian Nian has a sweet tongue, knows how to be coquettish, and does not hesitate to express herself, naturally counteracting the tsundere attitude. She takes great delight in training him to be completely obedient, much to his chagrin.