I glimpsed a slender, porcelain-white hand resting on the windowsill, and it clenched tightly…

Yu Tang was still waiting for Vivian when Yu Chaoxian's figure loomed over her.

He had already grasped her wrist and was leading her downstairs.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

Yu Tang wasn't saying she was hungry or not, she was just hungry, but she had no appetite here. "Are you done talking?"

Yu Chaoxian raised an eyebrow: "So you want to go back as soon as possible."

This truly struck a chord with Yu Tang. She didn't want to stay here any longer. Knowing Vivian's feelings for Yu Chaoxian, she didn't know how to face Vivian. Vivian knew nothing, and she could never confess her true relationship with Yu Chaoxian. Who could accept such a chaotic and incestuous affair? After speaking out, how would others look at her, and what would they say behind her back? Countless times she had woken from nightmares related to it, wiping away cold sweat with relief: thankfully it was just a dream, and no one had discovered it yet.

Afraid of being seen, Yu Tang instinctively tried to pull her hand back, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible: "Vivian... she likes you, do you know that?"

"And what about you?" Yu Chaoxian suddenly leaned closer, cupped her cheek in one hand, and gently stroked her skin with his thumb.

"What?"

He lowered his gaze to her, the playfulness in his eyes fading, leaving only a chilling focus: "Do you like me?"

"I was talking about Vivian..."

"What do other people have to do with me? I'm asking you that."

Yu Tang could feel the warmth of Yu Chaoxian's palm; his movements were gentle, yet the strength was unyielding, allowing her no resistance or evasion. "I..."

"If you don't want to talk, a kiss is just as good." Yu Chao leaned in first, waiting for her to kiss him.

His eyes were closed, his long eyelashes casting a small shadow beneath them, but the corners of his lips held a faint smile, as if he were certain she would do as he was told.

In the backlight, his cold, sharp features were blurred and appeared dangerous.

He is waiting.

He waited for her to approach him, for her breathing to become erratic, for her to close her eyes and press her trembling lips against his.

One second.

Two seconds.

Soon, she heard Vivian and McCarthy's footsteps coming out of the study behind her. Vivian reached the corner of the stairs and saw the two figures quickly separating.

She always felt that the interaction between the aunt and niece was strange, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what was wrong. Then she thought, after all, they are relatives, so it's normal for them to be close.

Mrs. McCarthy was a skilled cook, and every dish she prepared was delicious. At the table, the McCarthys habitually served Vivian food, and the family displayed a tacit understanding and warmth cultivated over the years.

Yu Tang sat quietly at the dining table, her gaze unconsciously following the warmth of family that she had once briefly experienced, a hint of envy in her eyes.

Suddenly, her hand under the table felt warm. Yu Chaoxian's hand covered hers and gripped her slightly cold fingertips.

The person beside her shared the same blood, yet it was this very person who led her to blur the lines between kinship and romantic love.

"Brother Yu, why is your chin all red?" During the meal, Vivian suddenly noticed a faint red mark on his chin. It wasn't there when he arrived, nor was it in the study. How did it get like this after just going down the stairs?

Yu Chaoxian turned his head to look at Yu Tang. Afraid that he would say something wrong, Yu Tang hurriedly and guiltily explained for him: "He just accidentally... bumped into the stair railing."

Because Yu Chaoxian wouldn't let go on the stairs, and Vivian was about to come over, she bit his chin in desperation before hurriedly running away.

Yu Tang's answer silenced everyone at the table, and all eyes turned to her.

Yu Chaoxian, the only special forces soldier in the SAS task force to survive, has carried out the world's most dangerous search and rescue missions and even dismantled an unsolvable chemical missile. Would someone like him "bump into the stair railing"?

He responded in a nonchalant tone, "My foot slipped."

As he spoke, he casually took the shaved ice from her hand. Yu Tang almost managed to suck it up, but missed, so she had to drink the juice that Yu Chaoxian had given her.

Everyone present could see that Yu Chaoxian took exceptional care of this aunt. It seems that even the most cold-blooded and ruthless person values ​​blood ties and family affection.

Vivian hurriedly instructed the housekeeper to fetch the ointment. Seeing Vivian's worried expression, Yu Tang regretted her words.

McCarthy chuckled twice to lighten the mood, naturally shifting the topic to Yu Tang: "I heard from Vivian that Miss Yu is very popular at school and has many boys pursuing her. When she gets a boyfriend, she'll definitely let Yu Tang check him out first, right?"

Mrs. McCarthy immediately understood her husband's intention. If they could arrange a marriage between Yu Tang and their side, it would be tantamount to indirectly winning over Yu Chaoxian. At that time, Yu Chaoxian would naturally become one of their allies, and the financial support her husband needed for his campaign would no longer be a problem.

Mrs. McCarthy immediately smiled and agreed, "Miss Yu is so beautiful, how could those boys at school be worthy of her? I know quite a few outstanding young men. Does Miss Yu prefer politics or business? I can keep an eye out for you and help you make your selections."

“Yes, Tang, tell me what kind of woman you like. My mother knows a lot of duchesses.” Vivian also became interested, secretly thrilled. If Yu Tang got together with the person her mother introduced, wouldn't Yu Chaoxian come to visit more often?

This family took Yu Tang for granted, making decisions on their own under the guise of doing her a favor, without any regard for Yu Tang's wishes, and only wanting to win over Yu Chaoxian.

Yu Tang didn't understand why the conversation had suddenly turned to her. When asked what type of woman she liked, she didn't want to answer, and she disliked being asked these questions; they made her very uncomfortable. Because Yu Tang knew what it felt like to be genuinely loved, she understood that these people weren't truly concerned about her.

If her brother were here, he would definitely help her out, but now… Yu Tang knew that McCarthy's business dealings with the Yu family were very important, and no matter how dissatisfied she was, she had to consider the bigger picture; the Yu family's interests came first. Besides, the other party was an elder, and Vivian was her friend; she didn't want to embarrass anyone.

She was just about to bite the bullet and say something platitude like "gentle, considerate, and understanding" when she suddenly heard the sharp, jarring sound of a knife and fork being thrown onto a plate beside her.

"After years of cooperation, I thought the General should know my temperament." Yu Chaoxian spoke softly, but every word was cold and ruthless. He slammed the wine glass in his hand on the table with a "bang." "You dare to mess with my people? Our business is over today."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense. Yu Chaoxian's mere presence exuded an invisible pressure.

Yu Tang was stunned. She looked at Yu Chaoxian. The business was over? Wasn't it supposed to be a money-burning game after this deal was done? It's over just like that?

She felt bad about the money and was tempted to persuade him to reconsider.

"Yu Tang." Yu Chaoxian called her name but didn't look at her. "Can't you just say you don't like it? I'm here, what are you afraid of?"

The atmosphere at the dinner table instantly became tense. Yu Tang could tell that Mr. Yu was angry. She thought he was angry because the McCarthys bypassed him and asked her directly, making him feel that he had lost his voice and face.

In any case, they weren't genuinely thinking about her or truly caring about her.

She was about to speak when the man saw her dark eyes lowered, clearly indicating that she didn't understand what he had just said.

Yu Chaoxian was amused by her. At home, she was a master at being domineering and giving him attitude, but outside, she was obedient and submissive, saving her good temper for outsiders.

Are these people even worth putting up with? Doesn't she even think about who she should be trying to please?

McCarthy sensed the awkward atmosphere and realized he had acted too hastily, so he quickly tried to smooth things over.

“Yu, let the children do whatever they want,” General McCarthy’s tone softened, using the drone business that Yu Chaoxian valued most at the moment to keep him there. “I will confirm the bidding decision with the American government and we will cooperate with the Yu family.”

Mrs. McCarthy gently defused the situation: "Please have a seat, I'll make you some tea. Miss Yu, would you like some snacks?"

Yu Tang quickly waved her hand: "No need."

Vivian, however, was still lost in her fantasy of making Yu Chaoxian "family," completely oblivious to the awkward atmosphere, and continued to ask, "Tang, you still haven't said what type of boy you like?"

"Vivian!" McCarthy suddenly shouted, stopping his daughter. He had spoiled her rotten; she knew nothing of social etiquette.

Vivian felt wronged after being scolded by her father.

Yu Chaoxian ignored the person opposite him and only looked down at Yu Tang beside him: "Are you full?"

Yu Tang looked at the unfinished shrimp on her plate, unsure whether to eat more. She put down her knife and fork and said, "I'm full."

Yu Chaoxian knew she didn't feel comfortable during the meal, so he planned to take her out to eat again that evening.

In her haste to leave, Yu Tang didn't even have time to thank Mrs. McCarthy for her hospitality.

On the way back, Yu Tang couldn't help but ask, "Are we really not going to discuss the business anymore? Won't the losses be huge?"

Yu Chaoxian found it amusing to see her acting like a miser who was worried about money, and he squeezed her hand and said, "What are you afraid of? You'll still have plenty to spend. You can still burn money for fun now."

Seeing how relaxed he was, Yu Tang assumed that the loss was not significant.

Little did anyone know that Chen Diao in the driver's seat was practically bulging his eyes out. Originally, Yu Chaoxian planned to use McCarthy to suppress local drone companies in England and seize the market opportunity. Such a huge deal, and now they were just going to cancel it? This wasn't just about money anymore. If they couldn't gain market share, they would also lose many hard-won international relations. When those countries were choosing arms dealers in the future, they might not choose Yu's company first, and might even suppress Yu's company because they had good relations with other companies.

Chen Diao saw the curve of Yu Chaoxian's lips in the rearview mirror. Could it be that the boss has other ideas?

Before long, Chen Diao knew that his boss did indeed have other ideas, whether in official or personal matters.

Once the car arrived at the hotel's private parking lot, Yu Chaoxian had Chen Diao get out.

Yu Chaoxian considerately asked Yu Tang whether she was going back to the hotel or not. Without hesitation, Yu Tang replied, "Of course I'm going back to the hotel!"

But her chin was being held down so she could look down.

A towering expanse.

Yu Tang's eyes widened. She wasn't going to go crazy like that with him! This was a parking lot, with cars coming and going, and she could be seen at any moment.

"I want to get down... mmm." Yu Tang's lips were captured by his, her tongue went numb from his sucking, and her hand was pulled down by him...

Yu Chaoxian grasped her hand, his large, hot hand covering the back of her hand, their fingers intertwined.

"How many of me are you talking about? Hmm?" Yu Chaoxian lowered his eyes, the girl's fair and delicate fingers contrasting sharply with his menacing dark skin.

Yu Tang had no time to think about what kind of accounts Yu Chaoxian was trying to settle with her.

Yu Chao first grabbed the back of her neck and pressed her down to kiss her.

She didn't know how much time had passed, but Yu Tang's arms were sore and weak, so Yu Chaoxian put his arm around her neck and wiped her hands.

...

Ah Jin, who had been keeping a close watch, saw through the rearview mirror that the window of the Bentley behind him was slowly lowered halfway.

A slender, porcelain-white hand rested on the windowsill, gripping the glass tightly. The soft fingertips pressed against the edge, turning white from the pressure... Finally, the wrist gave way and drooped limply.

The car finally quieted down.

Not long after, the car door opened.

Yu Chaoxian lost his patience. He quickly straightened his clothes, picked her up, and carried her straight to the elevator back to the hotel suite.

Yu Tang buried her face in his chest, afraid that someone would see her.

Yu Chaoxian didn't let her out of the bathroom either. Under the warm yellow light, the steam added an enchanting and ambiguous touch to the light. The man's hair was slightly damp. "Don't cry. You're always thinking nonsense. When I come at night, you don't even leave the light on for me, and you don't even see me off when you leave. How can you sleep so well? Don't you even count how long it's been since we did it? Do you really think I'm a monk?"

Yu Chaoxian kept complaining, brushing her sweat-dampened hair behind her ear.

Yu Tang didn't respond to him, pursing her lips and refusing to make a sound, and even seemed about to faint and fall asleep.

Yu Chaoxian frowned. He had a huge amount of public grain to pay, and she still wanted to sleep. Yu Chaoxian noticed the eye drops on the bedside table. She had been reading quite diligently lately, so she sometimes needed to use a couple of drops of eye drops.

Cold water droplets fell into her eyes, the cool touch making Yu Tang, who was burning up, blink and instantly wake up.

Meeting her clear eyes, Yu Chaoxian paused his movements and brought up the question she had never answered.

"What?" Yu Tang thought for a moment before she realized that Yu Chao was referring to the question he asked her on the stairs at Vivian's house at noon.

"Tangtang," his breath was frighteningly hot, and his voice was incredibly hoarse, "do you want to stay with me forever?"

He gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, leaving no room for avoidance. Yu Tang avoided his eyes, which reflected his earnest search for answers.

After a moment of silence, Yu Tang looked at him, her expression a mixture of fear and rejection. Fear was instinct, rejection was habit; if she weren't afraid and didn't reject him, it would be even harder for her to accept, and she would completely break down.

She dared not think about the deeper emotions involved.

“I don’t know,” she lowered her eyes and tried with all her might to push him away, but she still couldn’t move him at all. “Anyway… I never intended to be with anyone else.”

This was the best response she could give. But given the chance, she still wanted to escape Yu Chaoxian. She couldn't describe the complex feelings she had for him. It was like how people no longer liked going to church, but the church was there, and people felt at ease. So even though she chose to leave Yu Chaoxian, she still hoped he was alive and well, that he knew he still existed in the world—that was enough.

As soon as Yu Tang finished speaking, Yu Chaoxian looked surprised for a moment, then the corners of his mouth gradually turned up. In Yu Tang's heart, he was never "someone else".

She's not with anyone else; that means she's with him.

Yu Tang's soft, warm, and damp hand rested on his chest; was that touch a caress or a playful gesture?

He picked her up and turned her around so they were still facing each other. He kissed her passionately and said, "I'll take you back to Taicheng when you have your winter break in a few days."

"I want to go see my brother first, is that okay?" Yu Tang could only speak while catching her breath.

Yu Chaoxian was now satisfied and had boundless patience: "Do as you please."

After he finished speaking, he clearly felt the body of the person in his arms go limp. Yu Tang felt as if all her bones had been removed, and she slumped down, about to slide away.

Yu Chaoxian couldn't help but find it amusing. Just a moment ago, he was throwing a tantrum, stubborn and arguing with him, but now he's like dough, ready to be kneaded and shaped.

"So obedient?" Yu Chaoxian wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed her down.

...

As soon as the alarm rang, Yu Tang opened her eyes abruptly and instinctively reached for her phone to turn it off. Suddenly, she felt a lightness in front of her as a hand that had been resting on her curves slipped under her pillow and turned off the alarm.

Yu Chaoxian continued to pull her into his arms, placing his large hand back where he had been, naturally wanting to hold it as well. She was very hot, and Yu Chaoxian insisted on staying close to her, his heat and weight making it hard for her to breathe. She didn't want to be clung to him, but she couldn't push him away.

"Are you hungry?" Yu Chaoxian asked.

Yu Tang gave him a cold look; it would be strange if she paid him any attention. Her alarm had been set two hours earlier; she could have leisurely gotten up, taken a bath, and chatted with Mo Fei while having breakfast. But because of Yu Chaoxian, she was going to be late for her first class in half an hour!

But the culprit showed no remorse whatsoever. Yu Tangqiang got up from the messy sheets and went to the bathroom. When she saw the box on the floor, she picked it up and threw it at him.

The man's handsome face was filled with a satisfied expression. Even Yu Tang's tantrum seemed incredibly cute to him at this moment. He shamelessly turned over the empty box: "Little aunt is quite something, you ate it all."

In the end, Yu Tang did give him a full meal.