Chapter 52

Chapter 52

He remained silent, maintaining that demeanor.

This silence invoked a mischievous idea in Lu Nian's mind, urging her to tease him even more.

It was rare to see Qin Si in such a state.

Here in her room where Lu Nian usually found it hard to sleep, a special calming fragrance was always present, permeating the space. Outside, the darkness of the night enveloped everything, but inside, a warm atmosphere pervaded, filled with the scent of lavender and a faint milky fragrance from her, all mingling together, making his head spin, lost in thought, seemingly no longer in control of himself.

In this warm room that he had fantasized about for so long.

"Speak up," Lu Nian urged softly.

His lashes hung low, his voice raspy and after a long while, "...I never considered it."

During his youth, he had gazed up at this place for a long time, harboring many different thoughts, but indeed, they never included such sacrilegious ideas. He did not dare entertain them. Back then, the mere chance to kiss her was already his grandest daydream.

"Have you ever sneaked in here before?" Unsatisfied with the response, Lu Nian pressed on, leaning in closer, the rich warm fragrance emanating from her growing stronger.

An undefined amount of time passed.

The man's husky voice resonated, "I have, I secretly visited the Lu residence."

Was there really such a time? Even Lu Nian felt surprised by this revelation.

"How many times?" She leaned in a bit closer, her almond eyes sparkling brightly.

"...Once."

Lu Nian tilted her head slightly, "Just once?"

"When was that?"

His adam's apple bobbed, the corners of his eyes turning red, his lips pressed tightly together, "Right after I returned, following our encounter at An University."

Back then, Lu Nian was on the verge of getting engaged to Zhao Yayuan, and he ventured in during the midnight hours.

Initially, Lu Nian merely intended to tease him for a bit, but unexpectedly, such incidents truly occurred, including the tracking software installed on her phone at an unknown time.

To think he had such a side to him.

She realized that she didn't fully understand Qin Si at all.

Previously, she perceived him only as lofty, prideful, and coldly detached. She never anticipated that just a few years later, he would reveal such an aspect.

"Oh?" remarked Lu Nian.

Lu Nian cocked her head, "Why did you come?"

When they bumped into each other on An University campus, she was walking with Zhao Yayuan, with whom she was already engaged at that time. Qin Si seemed indifferent, as if nothing mattered, but now he revealed that he had indeed sneaked into the Lu residence that night.

"I heard something happened to the Lu family," he said, his eyes downcast, "I wanted to come back and check."

"But at the time we met at the school," Lu Nian said, "you clearly didn't say anything, nor did you ask any questions."

"You chose to be engaged to him, what was there for me to say?" he retorted, turning his face away, his tone icy.

Under the same circumstances, while Lu Nian was unwilling to engage with him, she was willing with Zhao Yayuan. He didn't want to force her, but every time he thought about it, it left an uncomfortable feeling in his heart.

Even though he always felt he wasn't worthy, the stark reality, when laid bare before him, felt like a thorn.

"He proposed to me," Lu Nian stated.

Qin Si responded, "Yes, and you accepted, finding mutual affection."

He spoke calmly, "It's just a pity that it can't come to fruition now, isn't it quite regrettable?"

This demeanor, this tone of voice.

Lu Nian felt like she was on the verge of a fury-induced faint.

She had given such clear hints already, if he wished to marry her, why wouldn't he speak up?

On the contrary, it was Lu Zhihong who repeatedly pressured her, urging her to woo Qin Si and marry him.

Now faced with such a situation, was she, a young woman, expected to aim high, offering herself to him?

She truly couldn't comprehend what exactly was going through Qin Si's mind.

She chuckled in frustration, "Yes, it aligns with my preferences, truly regrettable."

Now, with her looming over him in such a manner, his ear tips and the corners of his eyes were all reddened, yet he could still muster the strength to maintain a defiant stance.

She uttered deliberately, "You are not to my liking."

The man's body stiffened, his thin lips pressed tightly together.

"However, looking at myself," she drawled, "It seems... I quite align with your preferences."

She was virtually seated on his lap now, he struggled to preserve the last shred of his fragmented dignity, his voice hoarse as he uttered, "... it's because you're too close."

"?" Lu Nian's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, "So you mean to say, any woman who gets a bit closer would elicit a reaction from you? You were this kind of person all along?"

"..." He was in utter disarray, unable to muster a response.

"Why did you suddenly leave all those years ago?" Lu Nian inquired gently, "Where did you go? Why didn't you keep in touch with me?"

How could he possibly answer?

To admit that he felt unworthy of her back then? Hence avoiding contact for three years? Moreover, the time he feigned closeness to the Lu family, embedding himself there for a prolonged period.

Those were all dark and dishonorable tactics, ones he had grown accustomed to employing, yet he found it impossible to vocalize them before her.

He instinctively felt that Lu Nian would be angered.

"You had an internship at the Lu corporation before," Lu Nian stated.

It was mentioned by Lu Zhihong during a recent phone call pressuring her to marry Qin Si. Although Lu Nian remained silent at the time, she now desired a thorough understanding of the situation.

"After you left An City and disappeared without a trace for that first year," Lu Nian said, "were you interning at a branch of the Lu corporation?"

"...Yes," he responded softly.

Lu Nian bit her lip, "Did you request this internship opportunity with my father?"

His lips pressed together, "During the summer, when I was tutoring you."

"So, the tutoring sessions were to secure an opportunity at the Lu corporation?"

He did not deny it, his lean jawline taut, lips firmly sealed, lashes lowered, the faint redness at the corners of his eyes yet to fade.

Lu Nian, "..."

She rose to her feet.

She said coldly, "My bed is too small. If you plan to sleep here, I will sleep on the third floor."

The third floor housed the old nursery. When Lu Zhihong was home, it remained off-limits, but it did contain bedrooms suitable for sleeping.

"I'll go to the third floor," he finally uttered, rising to his feet, his voice slightly husky.

Lu Nian, "..."

Why was this man so obtuse? Was it really that difficult for him to say a simple phrase like "I like you" or "I want to sleep with you"?

Her face devoid of expression, she said, "Don't blame me if you catch a cold out here."

There were two guest rooms on the third floor. Although somewhat isolated, the servants would clean them regularly, and they were furnished with basic bedding.

The nursery was in a separate area, still locked; Lu Zhihong never allowed anyone to enter it in the past.

Now, at last, they could walk in there openly and freely.

Suddenly, Lu Nian spoke, "Qiu Li, at some point, I'd like to bring him here."

"Hmm."

Lu Nian halted, "Do you know the nature of his relationship with me?"

"...You two bear a strong resemblance to each other," he said, eyes lowered.

He had investigated Nan Qiao's background, including the Lu family's secrets, through many channels inaccessible to Lu Nian.

However, he was reluctant to share these findings with her, unwilling to trigger another mental breakdown.

Biting her lower lip, Lu Nian asked, "Just how much have you done behind my back? What else are you keeping from me?"

He remained silent, offering no response.

The guest room was immaculately clean.

He lay down on the bed. He wasn't afraid of the cold; he had gotten used to it when he was young. Besides, this place couldn't exactly be termed as squalid.

However, compared to the previous bright, warm, and fragrant bedroom, and the warm person who used to be in his arms, this place was a stark contrast.

Even though he now wears a veneer of prosperity, the dark past and the actions he undertook to reach his current position still lurked underneath, presenting an unbearable ugliness.

He closed his eyes momentarily.

Huang Mao had been enjoying a prosperous period lately.

He successfully proposed to his girlfriend, set a wedding date for March after the New Year, a date found after scouring the calendar for an auspicious day.

Qin Si made a rare appearance to join them for drinks.

Huang Mao, who had just distributed wedding invitations far and wide, gleefully suggested, "How about you and Nian Nian act as my best man and maid of honor? That would really add prestige to my wedding."

Upon hearing that name, his finger paused for a moment, but he said nothing.

"Forget about it," Ming Ge intervened, "If they are your best man and maid of honor, who would pay attention to you during your own wedding? Do you want to give up your own wedding spotlight?"

Huang Mao pondered for a moment before saying, “Qin Ge, perhaps you should consider dressing down a bit on that day.”

Considering his own lean stature and not particularly striking appearance, if Qin Si were to be all dolled up and standing next to him, the contrast would be brutally stark. He feared his fiancée might reconsider.

Stealing all the spotlight from him, the groom.

Qin Si was evidently in a foul mood, not in the spirits to jest with them, merely drowning himself in alcohol.

“Qin Ge, where have you been residing these days?” Xiao Qu asked, “A few days ago, I went to deliver the invitation to your old place, the one you shared with Nian Nian, but no one answered the door. It was a wasted trip.”

“I’ve moved back home,” he responded with an icy tone.

“Wait, weren’t you staying at the Lu residence with Nian Nian?” Ming Ge caught on quickly, “Why did you return to Qingfeng Court?”

Qin Si, “...”

His frosty eyes met Ming Ge's, causing Ming Ge to recoil slightly before bursting into nervous laughter, “Hahaha, were you chased away by Nian Nian? Couldn’t stand being there anymore, so you had to retreat back to your family home, living all alone and forlorn?”

Xiao Qu, “...” My god, the expression on Qin Si’s face is terrifying.

“You, really...” Ming Ge remarked, “Acting as if confessing your feelings is equivalent to a death sentence. What’s there to admit? Is it so shameful to harbor affection for someone over so many years?”

He remained silent.

Xiao Qu sympathized, “I understand, you are still holding reservations, aren't you?”

He was never sure about Lu Nian's feelings towards him.

Having repressed his feelings for so long, he feared that his genuine affection would be trampled upon once verbalized.

Xiao Qu didn't know what to say, “Qin Ge...”

“Lu Zhihong has mentioned it to her numerous times,” Qin Si uttered calmly.

He even came to seek him out. Although on the surface, Lu Zhihong's position seemed restored, his power was nothing compared to before.

Therefore, he only wished for Lu Nian to marry Qin Si swiftly, so as to bolster his own position through the status of his father-in-law. Qin Si didn't mind this, however, Lu Zhihong had broached the topic with Lu Nian countless times.

Only to be rejected by her every time.

She even grew irritable at the sight of Lu Zhihong, urging him not to bring it up again, as she would never consent.

Lu Zhihong didn't dare to relay these conversations to him, but he had his own networks to gather information, hence was well aware of the situation.

Ming Ge exclaimed, “Then why the hell don’t you speak up?”

“If she rejects, then she rejects. It seems you are just torturing yourself by holding onto your pride,” Ming Ge said, “I know you well enough. Even if she rejects, would you really let her go? Ultimately, it would yield the same outcome. What difference does speaking or not speaking make?”

“And where the hell have you been these past few years?” Ming Ge continued, “Have you explained it to her?”

The man spoke icily, “I spent a year at the Lu Corporation's branch, and the following years at Ning Sheng.”

Xiao Qu was startled, “The Lu Corporation?”

His well-defined fingers gripping the glass turned somewhat pale, a hint of intoxication seeping in. His usually thin lips were unusually flushed as he remarked with a mocking tone, “All to bring them down.”

It took him a year to grasp the full picture. Then, when they were embroiled in internal strife, he seized the opportunity to step in, aiding them while simultaneously taking control of the entire Lu Corporation.

Lu Zhihong would never agree to it, absolutely not, to let Lu Nian marry him. This was the only path he could take.

“Do you expect me to tell all this to Lu Nian?” he said, a note of sarcasm lacing his voice, “What would she do? Feel overjoyed?”

Xiao Qu fell silent.

Ming Ge interjected, “I've been caught up in your plot, but even though your methods are somewhat disreputable, you still helped them. You didn't ruin the Lu family's company, rather, you played a significant role in saving it.”

Although indeed, the motives might not be entirely pure.

“I am the one pressuring her,” the young man said, his countenance cold and frosty as he downed his glass of alcohol.

Ming Ge too, fell silent.

He knew Lu Nian quite well. He believed that during her younger years, she must have harbored affections for him, otherwise, she wouldn't repeatedly seek him out. But so many years have passed, and he had no idea what Lu Nian thinks now.

Perhaps, if she truly liked her former fiancé.

Then Qin Si would be the man who took advantage of the situation to seize control of her family company, forcefully annulled her engagement with the man she liked, pressured her to live with him, and even attempted to coerce her into marriage.

A heavy silence permeated the room.

Huang Mao was the first to break the silence, “Well, regardless, spending more time together and having more conversations would definitely be beneficial in fostering affection.”

He patted his chest, “I will send a message to Nian Nian, inviting her to attend her Brother Huang's wedding.”

Qin Si remained silent.

Understanding this as a tacit approval, Huang Mao quickly grabbed his phone to send his electronic wedding invitation to Lu Nian.

Huang Shengyi and Xu Xiaolan.

Huang Mao's full name was Huang Shengyi. Everyone just called him Huang Mao, and it had been a long time since anyone had used his full name.

“Sister Nian Nian, I'm getting married soon. Will you grace us with your presence?”

Lu Nian, “?” She looked at the names on the invitation with a hint of confusion.

Huang Mao, “It's your Brother Huang Mao.”

Lu Nian replied, “You're getting married?! Why didn't you tell me sooner? I would have prepared a gift for you.”

“Hey, your presence is gift enough, anything else is optional.”

"She said she would come," Huang Mao joyously showed them the message.

Huang Mao was in his mid-twenties, having a girlfriend for the first time and unexpectedly hastening towards marriage, now living his days happily. Meanwhile, Ming Ge remained a bachelor without a companion, and Xiao Qu remained single as well.

As for Qin Si, well... it's complicated to explain in a few words.

He was the only one amongst them with a woman in his life.

Suddenly, a sense of pride welled up in Huang Mao; he felt that he was the most mature and experienced among them.

"When the time comes for my wedding, and Sister Nian Nian arrives, we can all meet up. You guys can chat with her and gauge her sentiments," Huang Mao suggested.

"If a woman truly loves a man, nothing else you've done matters," Huang Mao said, "Look at you, Qin brother. All the strategies you employed were ultimately for her sake, without any selfish motives."

It's only when she doesn't love you that she would find fault in everything, feeling as though she's being coerced.

The young man's lips were pressed tightly together.

He didn't want to go home, so he headed to the office, where he was greeted by Fang Deng shouting, "Boss, boss, your father-in-law is here."

Lu Zhihong?

Indeed, Lu Zhihong was waiting for him in the guest room. In the current Ning Sheng corporation, he held a certain stature, primarily owing to Lu Nian's influence. Fang Deng, Qiu Fan, and Ming Hong were all aware of whom the young boss had held in high regard all these years.

Therefore, Lu Zhihong's visit was greeted with a green light all the way.

Lu Zhihong was holding a cup of tea.

He looked at the young man seated across from him. Though his expression was somewhat cold, he possessed an elegance and charm reminiscent of a beautiful orchid tree in full bloom.

The more he looked at Qin Si, the more pleased he became, wishing nothing more than for Lu Nian to agree to the union soon, so he could rightfully become the father-in-law to the young boss of Ning Sheng.

"Xiao Qin," Lu Zhihong said, "I had high hopes for you from the very beginning, from the time you were an intern at our company. It would be Lu Nian's fortune to marry you."

The young man did not lift his eyebrows, his voice indifferent, "So, she said yes?"

Lu Zhihong appeared somewhat uneasy.

He said, "Nian Nian is still young, a bit rebellious, often opposing her parents."

"She hasn't had a boyfriend in all these years," Lu Zhihong said, "The engagement with the Zhao family's young master was just a verbal agreement, with no substantial contact."

He was quite afraid that Qin Si would take issue with these matters and call off the engagement.

"Stay in your place," the young man across from him stood up, his dark phoenix eyes betraying no emotion, "Stop filling Lu Nian's head with nonsense."

...

As he stepped out of the Ning Sheng building.

Lu Zhihong was feeling restless inside, as if a fire was smoldering within him, unable to find an outlet, the more he thought about it, the more irritated he became.

He directly dialed Lu Nian's number.

Lu Nian was in the midst of painting when he started berating her abruptly, “What on earth are you trying to do?”

"You are already living with someone, yet you keep bringing up Qiao. What's the point of this pretentiousness?" he said, "What is wrong with him, marrying Zhao Yayuan would have been the right choice, in what aspect is he lesser than Zhao Yayuan? What's the use of your personal preference? After all these years I raised and educated you, you still lack judgement."

Lu Nian was stunned by this sudden tirade.

Once she regained her senses, her temper flared as well.

“Stop interfering with my freedom,” Lu Nian retorted, “I am not your puppet; I will decide who I marry.”

“I can support myself; there is no need to hastily seek a wealthy connection,” she said, “If you want to force me, go find another daughter to marry him off to.”

She hung up the phone without hesitation.

On the other end, hearing the busy tone, Lu Zhihong felt a rising anger, accompanied by a throbbing pain in his chest.

After putting down the phone, Lu Nian couldn't suppress her rising anger.

She threw her paintbrush down, unable to continue her painting.

She decided to call her driver over.

She had already arranged to go to Qiu Li's house today.

However, the driver didn't move to start the car.

Lu Nian asked, “What’s the matter?”

The driver replied nervously, “Miss, the master said that if you want to go out today, you have to wait for him to accompany you.”

Master?

Lu Nian came back to her senses, realizing he was referring to Qin Si.

"Fine."

She didn't say anything more and sat down in the living room.

This home had already become his.

And it seemed only natural.

She thought impassively, fortunately, she still had a place to go to, a place where she could sustain herself. Otherwise, how would it be different from the golden cage she lived in for the past decade or so?

It wouldn't be much longer.

He indeed returned.

Observing Lu Nian's downcast demeanor, he, a man of few words, naturally refrained from speaking much. The driver hurriedly started the car, heading towards Qiu Li's residence.

Qiu Li was busy cooking at home.

Zhao Yayuan was waiting outside the kitchen, occasionally lending a hand.

"It's been quite some time since I've seen Nian Nian..." Qiu Li remarked, "I wonder how she is doing now."

"Just the usual, I guess," Zhao Yayuan said nonchalantly, "She's being confined."

"You should ask her to stay with you," Zhao Yayuan suggested, "Her father is utterly despicable, absolutely useless. Right now, you are her only family."

Qiu Li turned on the stove, remaining silent.

Indeed, that was the case.

He respected Lu Nian's wishes, but deep down, he hoped she could stay here, living with him.

"How has your family been recently?" he asked Zhao Yayuan.

"My brother and his fiancée are soon to be wed," Zhao Yayuan said, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth, "My little nephew is about to be born as well, everyone is in high spirits."

"We have severed all business ties with the Lu Corporation," Zhao Yayuan mentioned.

"Now, my brother is actively seeking collaboration with the Su family."

Whose instigation it was became self-evident.

Zhao Yayuan commented, "That woman, she really is formidable."

Ever since she became pregnant, she appeared gentle and gracious, but in reality, she was ruthless and cunning, full of intricate schemes. Zhao Tingyuan simply couldn't outplay her, ending up merely a puppet in her hands.

"They won't get around me that easily," Zhao Yayuan declared.

Qiu Li expressed his concern, saying, "Xiao Ya, don't be too aggressive."

Zhao Yayuan responded, "I know my limits."

The sound of the doorbell rang through the entryway, Qiu Li set down his spatula, "It must be Nian Nian."

Zhao Yayuan offered, "I'll get the door."

Lu Nian opened the door and wasn't surprised to see Zhao Yayuan.

"You look alright," Zhao Yayuan carefully scrutinized her from head to toe before moving past her to regard the aloof man standing behind her.

Zhao Yayuan inquired, "What are you here for?"

Qin Si's voice was icy as he replied, "Why shouldn't I be here?"

"I'm here at my friend's house," Zhao Yayuan stated, "What business do you have with Nian Nian to bring you here?"

The young man responded coldly, "Whatever relation she has with you, she has with me."

Zhao Yayuan, "?"

Lu Nian, "..."

"He is my creditor," she spoke, "I came to have a meal, hoping it might offset a small part of the debt."

Qin Si pursed his lips, choosing not to say anything further.

Qiu Li had already prepared the meal.

Lu Nian had mentioned to him earlier that Qin Si might accompany her, so Qiu Li had prepared dinner for four.

The atmosphere was quite stifling.

Qiu Li was aware of Lu Nian's culinary preferences. They sat next to each other, and Qiu Li occasionally served her some dishes.

Zhao Yayuan watched and said, "Get me a piece of corn as well; it's too far for me to reach."

Consequently, Qiu Li scooped up a piece of corn for him too.

Something occurred to him, and he said to Qin Si, "Mr. Qin, feel free to help yourself to whatever you'd like, no need to be reserved."

The young man's face displayed little emotion, seeming indifferent and not at all restrained.

Lu Nian bit on her chopsticks, not uttering a word.

The three of them often gathered at Qiu Li's place. Zhao Yayuan and Qiu Li shared a good rapport, engaging in lively conversation. It seemed as though only he was the outsider who had intruded upon this scene.

She felt something was amiss but couldn't pinpoint exactly what was wrong.

So, taking advantage of the moment Zhao Yayuan asked Qiu Li to serve him some more food, both of them left the table.

She also picked up a piece of radish and dropped it into his bowl.

His chopsticks twitched, noticing a small bite mark on the semi-translucent slice of radish, seemingly fresh.

He paused momentarily, his expression unchanged, and then consumed the piece of radish.

Qiu Li returned just in time.

The two sat at a considerable distance from each other, each engrossed in their own meal, seemingly without any exchange of words.

After finishing the meal and tidying up, Qiu Li asked Lu Nian to join him in his room.

The siblings had a few words to exchange privately.

Qiu Li first inquired about her recent circumstances. Lu Nian assured that all was well, then recounted the incident of her being attacked, mentioning that it was Qin Si who had rescued her.

"I owe him another favor," Qiu Li murmured softly.

The debt had mounted, accumulating extensively.

Lu Nian also sighed.

Qiu Li asked Lu Nian, "Are you sure about marrying him?"

He had observed them earlier; their interaction didn't seem as intimate as the connection Zhao Yayuan and she once had.

"Otherwise, Nian Nian, you can come back and live here. I can support you," Qiu Li hesitated before adding, "We can repay the favors gradually, you don't have to marry him for this. I don't want to see you settle."

Lu Nian curved her lower lip, "Xiao Qiu, it's not as bad as you think."

"I am just not quite able to grasp his personality," her eyelashes fluttered slightly, "Anyway, consider this time as a probationary period."

"We have known each other for a long time," she spoke softly, "but we used to fight frequently, and then he suddenly left for many years."

"If he explains what exactly happened during these years sincerely, and then proposes to me, I will accept," Lu Nian said with a smile.

Qiu Li's expression still carried a hint of worry.

Lu Nian said light-heartedly, "Or else, marriage isn't necessary; I can spend a lifetime painting until I grow old."

"I'll come to join you then."

The matter concerning Lu Zhihong was now resolved.

Previously, she only wanted to repay Lu Zhihong for his years of nurturing her. Now seeing Lu Zhihong in good health and free of financial worries, she didn't need to undergo tribulations on his behalf.

From now on, she would live for herself.

She would enjoy freedom, engaging in activities she desired without any constraints.

"You won't need to hide anymore," Lu Nian said, "You can go wherever you wish."

"If you wish to visit the Lu family again, you can accompany me," Lu Nian added.

Inside the room, the siblings were engaged in a conversation.

Outside, both men remained silent, with no interaction throughout.

Zhao Yayuan harbored no fondness for him.

In his eyes, the man was merely taking advantage of a vulnerable situation.

Moreover, the transaction between Qin Si and him during their younger days still lingered vividly in his mind. He perceived him as a ruthless and ambitious figure, prioritizing his career much more than love. He believed that his feelings for Lu Nian weren't genuine love but possibly just a curiosity or a fleeting fascination.

Qiu Li's home was not spacious, with only a few rooms and no study. Due to limited funds at the time of purchase, they could only afford a house of this size.

Lu Nian has a small bedroom.

She felt a slight inclination to stay here tonight.

She glanced at Qin Si, who was seated in the living room, seemingly engaged in sending an email, showing no signs of intending to leave, with Zhao Yayuan and Qiu Li present as well.

Lu Nian pondered; it wasn't really appropriate to discuss this matter in front of everyone.

"Could you come here for a moment?" she called him.

Qin Si stood up and followed her.

With nowhere else to go, Lu Nian had no choice but to open her bedroom door and invite him inside to talk.

The bedroom wasn't large, furnished with a bed, a small writing desk, and a few cushions scattered on the wooden floor. The walls were adorned with posters she had painted herself.

The room exuded her personal touch, arranged to emanate a warm ambiance, subtly different in style from her bedroom at the Lu residence, appearing more lived-in.

He pursed his lips, remaining at the threshold without stepping further inside.

Lu Nian closed the door.

"I want to stay here tonight," Lu Nian stated plainly.

He remained silent.

"There's no room left here," Lu Nian said, "You should go back. Qiu Li and I will be safe here."

He seemed to be in a rather sour mood.

"Qiu Li?" he remarked indifferently, his expression turning icy, "Are you sure you want to stay here for him?"

Lu Nian, "?".

"Perhaps you wish to spend more time with the one who holds your heart," his tone was chillingly cold.

Even with her delayed reaction, Lu Nian realized who he was referring to as 'the one who holds your heart'.

Could it be that he was feeling jealous? A thought surfaced in her mind.

When he wore a stern expression, he appeared extraordinarily aloof and self-composed.

Indoors, he was clad in a black thin sweater, the high collar covering the delicate mole that she adored, making him seem even more aloof. His sharply defined phoenix eyes faintly lowered, exuding an air of pride and distance.

He increasingly resembled the proud and cold young man she remembered from the past.

A chord in her heart seemed to have been plucked.

"Yes," Lu Nian said deliberately, "After all, it's been a long time since we met, and you've always prevented me from going out."

The man tightly pressed his lips together, his demeanor growing more and more akin to his former self.

"However, I want to spend some time with you first," Lu Nian said, sitting by the bed, tilting her head and smiling at him, her almond eyes curving beautifully, "before I go to see the person who has captured my heart."

His expression turned even colder, "Then, as you wish."

Logically, at this point in the conversation, he should have turned and left.

But he found himself unable to utter a word, seemingly rooted to the spot.

The girl's soft arm suddenly hooked around him. Caught off guard, he noticed the warmth and delicate texture of her fingers. She wasn't using much force, but even this small amount seemed to move him completely, leaving him with no ability to resist.

The bed sagged slightly under their weight.

"Nian Nian?" Qiu Li's voice came from outside.

"Where is Nian Nian?" he asked Zhao Yayuan.

Zhao Yayuan replied casually, "In her room."

The room was small; all these sounds were easily audible.

Just separated by a wall were her brother and her ex-fiancé, the man she liked.

And now, she was in his arms.

Just thinking about this fact, he couldn't help but tighten his hold on her, pulling her even closer with some force.

It seemed he was finally responding, not being as stubborn as before.

Lu Nian suddenly moved, not letting him be at ease, "Why are you dressed so conservatively?"

"I want to kiss it," her soft fingers circled around his cheek without touching, her tone seemingly nonchalant, "It's quite adorable, far more than you."

He kept his lips tightly pressed together, not making a sound, his ear tips turning red, as if all his blood was rushing upwards.

"Nian Nian?" the sound of Qiu Li's footsteps seemed closer, "Are you there?"

Lu Nian enjoyed watching him when his proud and cold demeanor could no longer hold, crumbling just for her, revealing a completely different side.

She tilted her face upwards, giving him a light kiss. The two of them were very close, their breaths mingling.

She was pushed down onto the bed, and the slipper that had been hanging precariously from her delicate white ankle finally fell off completely.

She also noticed the knocking sounds from outside and the conversation taking place just beyond the wall.

She could feel his response, seemingly more intense than ever before.

Despite his earlier verbal resistance, his body seemed to be quite honest.

So, he liked this, didn't he? Enjoyed this sensation?

Her face was slightly flushed, and her almond-shaped eyes sparkled brightly. She whispered in his ear, “Qin Si, you're quite the pervert, aren't you?”

He felt humiliated and uncomfortable, yet he couldn't restrain his own reactions.

Lu Nian rolled over, propping up her cheek with her hand, gazing down at the man beneath her, “Did you know? Once, I had a crush on you.”

“Before you left An City, for a while, I really liked you,” she said softly.

Author's note:

Si Si is truly very tempting.

When can Nian Nian have a taste? Hehe.