Chapter 51

Chapter 51

That little mole now seemed strikingly prominent.

Her mind, initially foggy, now involuntarily cleared entirely.

"Back then, I was attacked by a robber," Lu Nian said, "and a boy saved me."

He stiffened momentarily, his thoughts gradually regaining clarity, evidently becoming somewhat aware of what she was saying.

"I remember, I saw that mole," Lu Nian said, her large eyes calmly fixed on him, "It's identical."

The arm he wrapped around her felt somewhat rigid.

"Everyone said it was Lin Junrun."

At that time, she mistakenly believed it was Lin Junrun. Despite sensing something amiss, she still invited him for a meal, gave him gifts, and even mentioned it to Qin Si. But he never offered any explanation, never admitted it was him, not even a single rebuttal.

The young man pursed his lips, his long eyelashes cast downward, not uttering a word.

Finally, she asked softly, "Was it you?"

...

In his gray days of youth, those emotions that had no place, that had to be suppressed and concealed, surged like a tide, overwhelming him.

He was a proud individual, yet so humble and insignificant in front of her, not daring to clarify even a single thing.

At last, in a muted voice, he said, "Yes."

Lu Nian whispered, "Why then?"

She couldn't comprehend why he had lied about this, how he managed to rescue her. She distinctly remembered, during that period, they were in a fight and Qin Si was nowhere to be found. Why could he suddenly appear to rescue her at that moment, and yet, not say a word afterwards?

Her breath cascaded down, igniting a flurry of tingling tremors.

Struggling to maintain composure, his voice hoarse, he managed to say, "...I just happened to be passing by."

"Then why didn't you tell me afterwards?"

"Because we were fighting," he replied, his lips tightly pressed together, his eyelashes flickering momentarily.

Lu Nian also recalled that during that time, almost every encounter they had ended in an argument.

Lu Nian, "..."

"How did you find me a few days ago?" She shifted the topic, asking softly.

The madness of his youth, which brought a sense of shame whenever recalled, was something he found impossible to articulate.

Including even now, constantly haunted by a manic desire to possess her and a feeling of insecurity, he was persistently fearful of her departure.

"Through Fang Deng," he finally revealed.

He knew her location.

Given Fang Deng's expertise, installing a small tracking app on her phone wasn't an issue.

When she was fifteen, during that time, he had been tracking her, convincing himself under the pretext of protection, until the day the incident occurred.

Plus, all those wild and filthy things he had done before, the long-lasting fantasies about her.

She couldn't possibly voice them.

Lu Nian, "..."

Suddenly she leaned down, giving the charming crimson mole a gentle peck, refraining from taking any further actions.

He was in a wretched state, unable to control his bodily reactions.

"You promised to stay with me," Lu Nian said, her face tilted upwards to look at him. Her soft lashes cast a gentle glow beneath her almond eyes, making her look more innocent and charming, "Otherwise, I'm scared."

Qin Si, "..."

He gritted his teeth, moving himself slightly away, his body stiffening.

Thankfully, she didn't attempt to approach any closer.

"You all kept secrets from me," Lu Nian said as she lay in his arms, staring at the ceiling, "each and every one of you."

"But, thank you."

She said softly, "Both times, it was him."

It seemed that every time something happened to her, he was always the one who appeared in the end.

Including when she was in her teens, that year during the Lunar New Year, she was confined at home, sent him a text without much hope, but unexpectedly, saw a figure hastening towards her under the moonlight outside the window.

On that night, bathed in the silvery glow of the moon, the gentle breeze tousled the girl's long hair. Catching a glimpse of the young man's handsome profile ahead, she experienced the stirrings of affection for the first time.

She thought, perhaps it was then, at that very moment, that she truly started to harbor feelings for him.

Due to its nature as a family scandal, this kidnapping case was not widely publicized.

Only individuals within the Lu family were aware of it, along with a small group of senior executives from the Lu corporation.

Lu Yang and Feng Xiaoran were both detained, facing charges of attempted kidnapping. Considering Mo Gan had a criminal record, and combining old accounts with new, it seemed they were bound for a long stint in prison.

Lu Yang's parents attempted to approach Lu Nian, but Qin Si prevented them from doing so.

Consequently, they had no choice but to appeal to Lu Zhihong, who was still in the hospital, fervently imploring him to show magnanimity and forgive their son.

Following Qin Si's stance, it was impossible for Lu Zhihong to agree.

While he was conscious of maintaining the family's reputation and potentially willing to mediate, with Qin Si's firm stance before him, he dared not utter careless words. He could only vaguely insist on dealing with the matter officially, leaving the decision up to Nian.

Qin Si was known for his ruthless efficiency and decisive actions.

A comprehensive chain of evidence, with both eyewitness and material proof perfectly aligned.

While Lu Yang was in detention, he also settled the previous case involving Li Wenjun.

From Ning Sheng's past assistant, Fang Deng, coupled with Qiu Fan, the trio promptly compiled the information concerning Lu Yang and Li Wenjun's collusion and embezzlement of company funds, ready to submit all at once.

Several senior executives from the Lu family were imprisoned, causing a complete reshuffle of power within the company.

Now, the company essentially split into two groups: one backed by Ning Sheng and the other comprising the old Lu family staff who remained unaffected by the recent upheavals.

Behind closed doors, they all proclaimed that a new era had dawned.

The internal strife within the Lu family finally came to a close.

Lu Zhihong was soon to be discharged, having mostly recovered during his two-month stay in the hospital.

After a thorough investigation, it was established that he merely lacked proper oversight, without directly colluding with subordinates in any unlawful activities.

The police withdrew, and the Lu family’s seized assets and properties were duly returned.

With Lu Zhihong's health improving, his discharge from the hospital was imminent.

Since the incident involving Lu Zhihong, the immense pressure that had weighed heavily on Lu Nian finally eased.

The recent period had been exceedingly taxing, with one incident following another including the assault on the road, all of which had stretched her to her limits.

She had been residing in the house at Qingfeng Garden recently, spending most of her days asleep.

It almost felt like a return to her childhood, where she had spent the better part of a year hospitalized, constantly medicated.

Only this time, the person caring for her by her side had changed.

She felt somewhat stifled staying at home, with not a single friend reaching out to her.

Even Qiu Li and Zhao Yayuan hadn't come to visit her.

She drew the curtains open and looked down to witness the incessant flow of traffic far below. Situated in the city center, a place where land was gold, she could see the leaden sky in the distance and skyscrapers piercing the clouds.

Qin Si said, "We can move to a new place if you wish."

If you find it too stifling here.

The Lu residence had quite a history. Back when Lu Nian lived there, he would often hide in the shadows, watching her joyfully wandering in the garden, breathing in the fresh air, or attempting to plant flowers that seemingly never thrived.

"Alternatively, we could purchase a new one," he suggested.

His circumstances had dramatically changed since the old days; Lu Nian had no doubt he could afford a house even better than the Lu residence.

However, she gently shook her head.

Lu Zhihong is about to be discharged from the hospital soon; her days here are presumably numbered.

Today she feels rather well, not as lethargic as usual.

She opened her tablet and checked her email, finding a message from the editor at Yuehua.

"Nian Nian, the deadline is fast approaching. Why haven't you been answering my calls? If you see this email, please call me back as soon as possible."

It seemed her phone had been lost in that accident, trampled by a man named Mo Gan, and up until now, due to her abysmal mental state and lack of reminders, she hadn't purchased a new one.

"Could I borrow your phone for a moment?" Lu Nian asked, noticing Qin Si in the living room as she stepped out.

She got through to her editor on the phone,

"Finally, you picked up," the editor remarked, "Have you changed your number?"

Lu Nian responded, "I had a little mishap earlier, I'm using someone else's phone for now."

"What kind of mishap? Your hand is a treasure, it cannot afford to be compromised."

Lu Nian slightly curved her eyes, "It's nothing serious, I'm quite well now."

"When can we expect your manuscript then?" queried the editor, "This will be the first physical release of the 'Black and White' series, and the fans have high expectations. The release timeframe has been announced, please don't let me down halfway."

The "Black and White" series is the most popular among all the works she has serialized online.

Starting from high school until now, she would sporadically post online, sometimes in the form of comics, sometimes just scenic illustrations. The series featured a storyline, various settings, and consistently had the ‘Black’ and ‘White’ characters, attracting many fans over the years.

The IP "Stellar Strike" has operated steadily for many years, releasing a series of related works.

Lu Nian has always been their favored artist.

Bearing the title of the "Stellar Strike" artist, combined with her solid artistic foundation and superior aesthetics, Lu Nian has amassed a substantial and loyal fan base.

After starting university and breaking free from Lu Zhihong's control, she resumed her art courses. Being a literature student, her comics, lauded for both their dialogues and visuals, became extremely popular, garnering a group of devoted fans who followed her journey closely.

"I've already thought of the cover blurb for you," the editor mentioned, "It's going to be a big hit."

She continued, "Once published, could you sign a few extra copies for me? Given your current skill level and fan base, you are fully capable of holding a signing event."

Yu Lu has never appeared in public. The editor only learned her real name when they signed the contract, knowing she was a young girl and a student, but her actual appearance remained a mystery.

"Why not organize a signing event?" the editor suggested, "Young girls nowadays, with a little grooming and makeup, look quite charming."

Assuming her reluctance to appear was due to image concerns, the editor spoke tactfully, "People admire your artistry. Hosting a signing event could also boost the sales volumes, you know."

She knew that Lu Nian held the "Black and White" series in high regard, it could truly be considered the cherished creation among her portfolio.

This time, Lu Nian did not outright refuse; she paused for a moment before saying, "Let's wait until I submit the manuscript first."

Lu Nian added, "It just needs the final touches."

Due to her previously unrestrained approach to drawing, there are many inconsistencies and non-standard content. Naturally, a significant refinement and overhaul are necessary if she plans to compile and publish them.

The editor said, "Alright, I'll wait for you."

After hanging up the call, Lu Nian gracefully got up from the bed and handed the phone back to Qin Si.

The weather was slightly chilly now. She put on an extra layer of clothing, swaying slightly as she stood up, ready to return to her room to continue drawing and refining her manuscripts.

The young man, who was originally sitting in the living room writing documents, frowned upon seeing her in this state.

He said, "You should go to sleep, don't draw anymore."

In recent days, the doctor advised her not to overstrain her brain and to rest well, as her basic health condition was weak, and she naturally had low energy levels.

Lu Nian shook her head, "It's okay, I'm just going to draw for a bit, it won't be a problem."

Seeing that he wasn't yielding, Lu Nian pursed her lips, "I remember, I never interfered with your affairs in the past."

Back in their youthful days, he had lived a life of instability and hardship. She tried everything she could to make his life a little better, but he staunchly refused, even returning the 'IOUs' she had written for him.

The young man remained silent.

On the screen, the draft she was refining was a 'black' original, featuring a youthful hero with eyebrows stretching into his temples, and a calm, handsome face. Dressed in black and with raven hair, his phoenix eyes gazed distantly.

The man standing before her was the prototype for this character.

Among her fans, a considerable number were ardent supporters of the character 'Black'.

Initially, the comic was light and fresh, brimming with youthful energy. Many followers were particularly enamoured with the interaction between 'Black' and 'White', likening them to a knight and a princess.

Yet, at some point over the years, the comic suddenly transitioned into a dark style. She crafted a long story where the young hero abandoned his childhood friend and his princess, embarking on a lonely journey with his sword.

At that time, the internet was filled with lamentations. Her inbox was flooded with messages asking if she had experienced some sort of trauma.

Lu Nian didn't respond to any of them.

Consequently, the publishing house decided to publish the part before her transition in style.

She looked at the man before her.

She still remembered in high school, how she had cajoled and persuaded him to come to her house to model for her drawings. Unfortunately, they were interrupted by Lu Zhihong before she could finish. It was during that time that she found the inspiration to create the character 'Black'.

In the following years, she created numerous drawings for him, various derivations of every scene they shared.

Each one meticulously documented on her account.

A reader once commented asking, "Will Xiao Black and Xiao White have a happy ending?"

To all such queries, Lu Nian replied, "I don't know either."

Previously, the character 'Black' she depicted remained forever in his youth, like a fictitious shadow lingering in time.

But now, he has returned.

"What do you think?" she suddenly asked, inviting him to look at the screen.

He glanced at it, "The drawing is really good."

Clearly, he couldn't discern any deeper details.

Such a blunt and careless man.

She pursed her lips, "I must finish editing this section of the manuscript today," she declared, leaving no room for negotiation.

"Otherwise, I'll return in a few days to continue drawing."

Hearing the words 'return', his expression stiffened for a moment before he finally released his grip, allowing her to resume her seat in front of the computer.

He kept an eye on the time.

Immersed in her drawing, Lu Nian was hunched over for nearly two hours. When she intended to continue, the pen was already seized from her hand.

"Time's up," he said with an emotionless face.

Lu Nian puffed up her cheeks in anger, glaring at him, "Give it back."

As she stood up, her head suddenly spun, the entire world whirling around her, nearly causing her to fall.

She collapsed into a warm embrace. His expression was somber as he collected her drawing utensils, lifted her up, and gently laid her on the sofa.

Cradling her head, Lu Nian awkwardly explained, "I got up too quickly."

He remained silent.

Lu Nian realized that continuing like this every day was probably no longer feasible.

"Tomorrow," Lu Nian said, "I need to make a trip to Qiu Li's place."

Hearing that name, his eyes fell, his expression became faint yet discernible.

Regarding the attack Lu Nian experienced, Qin Si eventually informed them. Qiu Li wanted to visit her in the hospital at that time, but he had refused, stating she hadn't fully recovered yet.

Over the past few days, he had answered many phone calls on her behalf, later redirecting them to Fang Deng.

In a soft voice, he asked, "Are you planning to return?"

Lu Zhong's discharge from the hospital was also imminent.

He seemed somewhat tense, his dark eyes fixated on her, unblinking.

Lu Nian replied, "I just want to meet up, to reassure him."

"Then, I need to buy a new phone and reinstall the SIM card," Lu Nian said, "This way of contacting others is too inconvenient."

In the standoff between the two, he was the one who eventually conceded defeat.

He was just afraid that once she left, she would never come back. Therefore, he had no choice but to use those means to forcibly bring her back.

He felt incredibly insecure, feeling like all this time was like stolen moments.

"I'll take you there tomorrow," he said.

Lu Nian, "..."

It's alright to take her there, however...

She shot him a glance, "If Ya Yuan is there, you better not argue with them. Otherwise, just let me go alone."

Qin Si, "..."

Even now, hearing those names still made him very irritated.

He said coldly, "Why would I argue with them?"

Lu Nian, "Oh."

Well then, that's settled.

Qiu Li had been having an extremely tough time these past few days. From the day Lu Nian had the incident, he lost contact with her.

Later, when he called that man, he was as succinct as ever, revealing a bit of unexpected news - the issue had been resolved and Lu Nian was in the hospital.

Qiu Li wanted to visit her but was refused by him.

Afterward, Lu Nian's phone was unreachable. When he called Qin Si again, someone else answered but was quite polite, reassuring him that Lu Nian was fine and recovering well.

Qiu Li never got to speak with her.

After an indefinite period, he finally got in touch with her. Lu Nian sounded relatively spirited, saying she had recovered and wanted to step out tomorrow for some fresh air and to meet up.

Only then did Qiu Li feel somewhat relieved.

Zhao Ya Yuan asked him, "How is Nian Nian doing?"

Qiu Li replied, "She's okay, but she has been completely isolated by him."

Zhao Ya Yuan gave a faint cold chuckle, "...And how is that any different from how she lived before?"

"Mr. Qin treats her very well," said Qiu Li, who was calm and gentle by nature. Although he didn't like Qin Si, he admitted, "He truly seems to love Nian Nian."

"Is that love?" Zhao Ya Yuan questioned, "It seems more like obsession, selfishness, disregarding the wishes of others, and a unilateral affection."

"With his kind of personality, he's doomed to never experience love in this lifetime," Zhao Ya Yuan said.

He can only extract and plunder light and warmth from others. Lacking love and unable to convey emotions to others, Lu Nian becomes his ideal target – a person who is generous with sharing light and warmth, possesses a gentle disposition, and is proficient at actively expressing love.

Qiu Li murmured, "I really don't know what Nian Nian is truly thinking."

If Lu Nian really is unwilling or doesn't like him, then why entangle herself with him for so many years?

The matters concerning the Lu family have come to an end; Lu Yang is now a thing of the past.

But the Zhao family, including Zhao Ting Yuan and Su Qing You, basically remained unaffected.

Qiu Li said with concern, "Xiao Ya, you really shouldn't oppose your brother and the others so overtly."

He recalled the advice given by Lu Nian last time.

He didn't perceive Zhao Ting Yuan as a threat; it was mainly the woman behind him, Su Qing You, who was incredibly cunning, capable of orchestrating someone's downfall without a trace of emotion.

Zhao Ya Yuan closed her eyes and laid down on the sofa, stretching her long legs at will, "I can't help it, I don't want to become a pawn in someone else's game."

...

In the Lu family's conference room.

The debrief just ended, Ming Hong and Qiu Fan had both arrived.

The senior executives of the Lu family sat upright, constantly checking the time and the door. The head seat at the conference table was empty, evidently reserved for the last and most important attendee.

The door opened.

Everyone's gaze swiftly converged on the newcomer.

The one who entered was a young man with a baby-face, dressed in formal attire, albeit with a slightly askew tie, holding a laptop in his arms.

Noticing the array of expressions as many eyes were on him.

Fang Deng became nervous immediately, stammering, "Uh, I, I am not the boss, I am here to replace him, to attend the meeting."

"Please stop staring at me like that," he said, frantically setting up the laptop.

The senior executives of the Lu family seemed somewhat disappointed; they initially thought that the mysterious person behind Ning Sheng would reveal himself during this meeting, but it ended in disappointment.

Someone eagerly asked, "So if the boss isn't coming, how will the debrief be handled? Will you be substituting, or will it be decided by General Manager Qiu?"

Over there, Fang Deng had finished setting up the equipment, and now he appeared more confident. His amber eyes twinkled brightly, "No, he will attend this time."

"Boss, can you hear me?" Fang Deng asked quietly after adjusting the equipment.

Now, everyone more or less understood - it seems that it would be conducted in a manner akin to a video conference, remotely controlled. However, there was no video feed, only audio.

After a brief period of static noise...

Everyone perked up their ears. Coming from the other end was a young male voice, deeply resonant and magnetic.

Internally, everyone was silently marveling at the youthfulness of the voice.

Rumors about the person behind Ning Sheng varied greatly – some speculated an old man, a middle-aged individual, or a returnee from overseas; the opinions were diverse. However, they all agreed on one point – that the person wielded formidable and ruthless influence, acting decisively and demonstrating remarkable competence.

Yet, they hadn't anticipated such a young voice.

However, the possibility of a voice changer device could not be ruled out.

Qiu Fan coughed lightly, "Let's begin then."

Someone inquired, "May I ask, what will happen to our company in the end? Will it be incorporated into Ning Sheng?"

Inside the study, the young man sat at the desk, his expression indifferent, "No."

"The Lu family will retain its independent legal entity status."

"But..." A senior executive straightened up, asking anxiously, "Will our positions remain the same as before? We won't be overshadowed by people from Ning Sheng, will we?"

A hint of coldness, tinged with a touch of mockery, permeated through that voice, uttering just a single word, "Overshadowed?"

The room fell into a profound silence.

Sweat formed on the executive's forehead; in the past few months, it had become abundantly clear that they utterly lacked any ground to negotiate terms with Ning Sheng.

The aura of the young man was unexpectedly overpowering, dominating the entire room, leaving no room for rebuttal.

Both Qiu Fan and Ming Hong seemed to heed his words, following his instructions implicitly.

Just as the rumors stated – the firm and efficient approach was in full display; a single hour under his direction seemed to equate to a day's worth of their usual chaotic efforts.

He stated, "Ning Sheng's accountability system will be extended here."

"In the future, you all better be well-aware of the matters you handle."

His voice was pleasant to the ear, yet the undercurrent of chill and threat it carried directly struck everyone's core.

The meeting concluded.

All matters were delineated clearly and concisely.

He asked, "Does anyone have any objections?"

The young man's voice was crisp and cold, his tone indifferent, betraying no discernible emotion.

No one opposed.

Lu Nian felt very tired lately. She noticed the door to the study was open, and it seemed like Qin Si was inside. Curious, she peeped inside for a quick glance.

She moved over there silently.

Observing him immersed in documents, it appeared he was attending to matters concerning her family.

It was quite rare for her to witness Qin Si engrossed in his work.

They say men look their best when deeply focused. Indeed, witnessing his lowered eyelashes, sharp yet handsome profile, and the occasional flutter of his fingers through the pages, he looked exceedingly handsome, captivatingly so.

She leaned forward slightly, a warm breath caressing his ear, carrying the sweetness of floral fruits and a faint scent of milk.

He sensed her the moment she drew near.

The gentle breeze by his ear stirred a tingling sensation, causing a pleasant numbness. Despite the time they had spent together, his reaction to her closeness remained the same.

He pursed his lips, finding the sensation somewhat unbearable, yet he couldn't bear to pull away from her.

“Am I disturbing you?” Lu Nian leaned against his shoulder, her voice a soft breath, “I'll leave at once.”

He shook his head, murmuring softly, “No, I'm almost done.”

He chose to stay here instead of attending a company meeting, yearning to save a bit of time to spend with her. After all, in a few days, such interactions might cease to exist.

On the other end, everyone exchanged glances, having heard the woman's tender voice and his responsive tone. Subsequently, the microphone was muted.

Compared to moments before, the conversation had taken a decidedly tender turn.

Rumors were circulating that Ning Sheng's mysterious backer was sheltering a secret love, intervening in the affairs of the Lu family for his beloved. Could the rumors be true?

Lu Nian mentioned, “Miao Miao called me, saying that our house has been unsealed and tidied up. She's heading over and asked me to come and see.”

She was referring to the Lu residence.

He nodded, rising to his feet, “I'll accompany you.”

The long-missed Lu residence.

The driver maneuvered the car smoothly. The two remained silent, watching as the distant mansion gradually came into view.

He had already purchased the place, but he hadn't informed Lu Nian.

The former stewards, chefs, servants, and gatekeepers, who had scattered like birds and beasts, had all returned one by one. The garden had been tended to, seemingly restoring everything to its original state.

“Miss Nian Nian.” She noticed a familiar gardener, who greeted her with utmost respect.

Lu Nian was taken aback, “You all... why have you returned?”

“I asked them to come back,” Qin Si revealed, “It suits your preference.”

Given Lu Nian's frail health, her fondness for this garden, and her comfort with the existing staff, there was no need for a change.

The crowd remained silent.

Miss Nian Nian remains the same Miss Nian Nian.

Meanwhile, standing beside her, is that young man.

With a slender frame and towering height, his handsome, cold, and somewhat familiar facial features stand out.

He was the illegitimate child who had been cast out from the Lu family years ago, a person who was treated even worse than a dog and who everyone presumed to be easily bullied.

But now, he is poised to become the future master of this house.

Especially the family of Xu Ruohai, who are now submissively bowing their heads, wanting nothing more than to distance themselves a bit further.

They are unable to sever ties with the Lu family; their business, jobs, and homes are all anchored to the Lu family.

Xu Ruohai knows full well the extent of the atrocities he perpetrated against Qin Si back in the day, banishing him to a cold, damp, and cramped attic, withholding his winter clothing and living expenses. Had Lu Nian not intervened, even his tuition might not have been secured, forcing him to abandon his studies and work.

Not to mention the lack of provision of meals for him, turning a blind eye to the unheated attic and allowing the older children to torment and beat him up.

The boy had always been proud and stubborn, never yielding. If you were tough on him, he would respond with even greater resilience, never bowing down.

They couldn't stand it, feeling that an orphaned child who relied on the Lu family for his basic needs had no right to be so proud. In their eyes, he should be groveling at their feet, obediently polishing their shoes.

Everyone fell silent.

Qin Si harbored no interest in these people, nor had any intention of pursuing past grievances.

The only person he cared for was her.

He had long come to terms with the Lu family's affairs. If back then there hadn't been someone constantly supporting him, offering him scarce warmth, and revealing the beauty of this world...

He yearned for her. She was his morning star, his initial aspiration in life, the unspoken desire of his budding romantic feelings, the moonlight resting on the tip of his heart that had seen him through his most trying times.

Throughout his prolonged youth, every time he thought of veering off the path, it was always her who pulled him back.

Without her, he sometimes pondered, he might have indeed embarked on a dark and irreversible path.

Lu Nian observed his demeanor.

His tranquil expression throughout the journey made her subtly breathe a sigh of relief.

She had always feared that he would morph into the vengeful devil depicted in the original story, blinded by hatred, resorting to any means necessary in his pursuit of revenge and ascendancy.

“Let's dismiss the Xu Ruohais,” she said lightly, “I have already talked to them, instructed them to leave in due course. It's time to purge the people in my household.”

He was clearly somewhat taken aback.

Lu Nian stood with her hands behind her back.

She remembered it all too well, it was just that before, she had not dared to reveal her relationship with him, and had no choice but to keep her true feelings under wraps.

This time, the two of them walked side by side through the long hallway of the Lu residence.

Lu Nian suddenly asked, "What will you do tonight?"

There are many rooms in the Lu mansion, but the entire first floor was basically reserved for Lu Zhihong and He Tian. It was unthinkable for Qin Si to stay there. The mansion seldom hosted guests, the guest rooms were allocated to the servants, and there was also one room that Lu Yang often occupied.

Clearly, none of these were options for Qin Si.

Therefore, only one room remained available.

At the end of the corridor was the bedroom. Lu Nian opened the door to reveal a space that had been tidied meticulously. The familiar furnishings of yesteryears remained, with a cream-colored canopy hanging silently, and plush bunnies and bears scattered on the carpet, exuding a youthful, feminine fragrance.

During his adolescence, he had looked up countless times from that tiny attic, only finding peace to sleep when the light from this room was extinguished - when she had fallen asleep. This room was his unreachable moonbeam, always visible yet forever out of reach.

Back then, he never imagined a day like this could come.

Lu Nian entered, looking around with a nostalgic gaze.

Qin Si followed her inside.

The time had already ticked past midnight.

The young man remained silent, not uttering a word, yet making no move to leave.

After making a round, Lu Nian turned back, tilting her face upwards to ask, "Not leaving yet? Could it be... you want to sleep in my room?"

Qin Si remained silent, "..."

She held a teasing smile at the corners of her lips, "Is that so?"

His back seemed somewhat stiff, betraying a hint of embarrassment, yet he stubbornly murmured, "No."

It was simply because there was no other suitable place.

The door closed behind them, her fair fingers gently pressing against it, her eyes curved in a moonlit smile.

"Is that so?" Lu Nian blinked, "What a pity."

"This window isn't secure at all, anyone could climb through," Lu Nian commented, casting a subtle glance at him, "I remember one New Year, didn't you rescue me through here? You could climb in back then, couldn't you?"

He froze in place.

Lu Nian gave a teasing smile, "So, once inside, would you be capable of some mischief? Like maybe, installing a... " her eyes flicked between the bed at the center of the room and the bathroom not too far away.

Clearly holding a grudge about the tracking app he had installed on her phone.

"I usually change clothes right here on the bed," she continued, "The bathroom is also in the room, so wouldn't that mean you've seen everything?"

He was utterly flustered, his voice barely audible, "... No."

Although he had indeed engaged in many absurd antics in the past, this was not one of them; he was not so despicable.

The most audacious thing he had ever done in this house, from beginning to end, was that night when he missed her so profoundly that he secretly climbed in, bestowing a gentle kiss upon her slumbering lips, and nothing more than that.

"So, have you ever thought about it?" Lu Nian asked, her voice brushing past him in a seemingly nonchalant yet enticing manner.

A gentle kiss, a mere contact of lips, and she already drew away. She could sense his breathing becoming uncontrollably heavier, a faint blush enveloping the corners of his eyes, his lips tightly sealed, yet unable to attain further satisfaction.

She sat in the moonlight, her fair legs extending down from the edge of the bed, smiling like a mischievous sprite.

"What exactly have you considered?" she whispered, "Tell me."

Just how many secrets has this man kept from her? They needed to be laid out, one by one, clearly articulated.

Author's Note:

Si Si, our little one, seems to be on the brink of being utterly spoiled.

Oh dear, what am I saying with such wolfish and tigerish words.

The last line of defense of arrogance is crumbling, the stubborn little Si Si, hehe.