When Zhang Lian truly paid attention to Zhou Mi up close, he was somewhat distracted. He hadn’t seen her look so radiantly stunning in a long time. Her cheeks were delicately pink, her eye area had a subtle pearl shine, and paired with her pupils like black glass marbles, she resembled a cunning, vivid little fairy from European medieval fantasy works.

Captivating at every glance.

Zhang Lian couldn’t help but think of this phrase.

This meticulously styled Zhou Mi had previously only appeared during their monthly dates before.

A subtle, dark change appeared in his eyes.

Zhou Mi quickly averted her gaze, turning to formally introduce him to Ji Jie: “Jijie, this is the Managing Director of our Aoxing.”

Ji Jie also looked over, his expression still gentle. He nodded slightly: “Hello.”

Zhou Mi then gestured with both hands toward Ji Jie, speaking with distinct pronunciation: “Boss, Jijie is the Director of K Records’ Media Sharing Services Department.”

The scrutinizing look in Zhang Lian’s eyes instantly disappeared, transforming into impeccable propriety.

He stepped closer, directly bypassing Zhou Mi: “Hello, you can call me Fabian.”

Ji Jie smiled graciously, exchanging names: “Jijie.”

Zhang Lian glanced at the building to the side: “Do you live around here?”

Ji Jie said, “Yes, I’m in Building Four.”

Zhang Lian said, “I think I’ve seen you during my morning runs before.”

Ji Jie smiled: “Is that so?”

Zhang Lian lowered his eyelids slightly, gesturing toward the two distinctive beagles on the ground, with a smile: “Yes, beautiful dogs.”

Ji Jie displayed his white teeth: “Ha, thank you.”

The two handsome men began to exchange pleasantries as if no one else were there. Despite their vastly different appearances and attire, they matched naturally in an unexpected way.

Zhou Mi gradually became transparent, isolated, and made redundant.

Like a cat crouching in front of a large pendulum, she stared blankly at their back-and-forth conversation for quite a while, her mind filled with scrolling text asking, “Who am I, where am I, what am I supposed to do?”

It finally ended with Zhang Lian handing out his business card and them adding each other on WeChat.

After a simple goodbye, Zhang Lian turned and entered Building Six. Before leaving, he gave Zhou Mi a cold glance, his gaze like an invisible yet sharp current of air that swept across her scalp.

Waves of tingling sensations.

Zhou Mi wrung her hands in front of her, only daring to say carefully: “Take care, boss.”

Ji Jie watched Zhang Lian walk away, then returned from business social mode to his natural everyday self, casually commenting: “Your boss is very handsome.”

Zhou Mi froze for a moment: “Ah? He’s okay.”

Then awkwardly: “After all, it’s a GG company.”

Ji Jie nodded, his gaze returning to her face: “That’s true.”

Zhou Mi didn’t forget to flatter him, deliberately changing how she addressed him: “Director Ji is also very handsome, otherwise why would we secretly look at your Moments photos?”

Ji Jie’s smile deepened, clearly appreciating this straightforward praise with its touch of ulterior motive.

Zhou Mi worried that following Zhang Lian immediately would make Ji Jie suspicious. She looked at Naka and Lulu, timidly suggesting: “Are you still walking them? I’m quite curious if beagles walk like bulldozers…”

Ji Jie pulled on the leash handle like a knight reining in his horse: “Sure, let’s go.”

—

It was just after ten o’clock when Zhou Mi returned home.

As soon as she opened the door, she spotted Zhang Lian at the dining table, his back toward her as he ate breakfast.

She changed her shoes as quietly as possible, like a child who had been out all night at an internet cafe and was trying to sneak past her parents.

But after thinking for a moment, she still greeted him sweetly: “I’m back~”

Zhang Lian’s hand holding the fork paused slightly, but he didn’t turn around, only giving a simple “Mm.”

Zhou Mi hooked her hair on the left side, tiptoed to the table, pulled out a chair, and sat down at an angle from him.

Zhang Lian glanced at her, then continued eating.

Zhou Mi crossed her forearms on the table and asked in a soft voice: “You haven’t had breakfast yet?”

Zhang Lian said, “I’m eating now.”

Zhou Mi curved her lips: “Oh, you came back so early.”

Zhang Lian looked at her: “When do you think would be best for me to return?”

Zhou Mi made her answer slightly fawning: “The earlier the better.”

Zhang Lian chuckled, somewhat cryptically.

Sensing his slight annoyance, Zhou Mi propped her chin on her hands, becoming a well-behaved flower bud supported by its stem: “What did you want me to do? Tell the client that I live with you?”

Zhang Lian glanced at her sideways, frowning: “How did you get in contact with him?”

Zhou Mi reported truthfully: “I met him one day after work when picking up a delivery. There were too many items, so he helped me carry them.”

Zhang Lian gave an “Mm” sound: “So that’s how you met?”

Zhou Mi presented her reason: “Yes, because I had seen his personal information at Yan’s place before, and it was such a coincidence, so I introduced myself—doing my part for the company.”

She completely avoided mentioning the photos.

Zhang Lian narrowed his eyes, examining her for a moment: “Were you discussing work downstairs just now?”

“Ah, no,” Zhou Mi said: “Just looking at his dogs.”

Zhang Lian said, “If we don’t get the K Records project this time, I’ll take it out on you.”

Zhou Mi was surprised, then completely confused: “What does that have to do with me?”

Zhang Lian said, “I see you’re quite friendly with him.”

Zhou Mi was speechless for a moment: “This is only the second time I’ve met him, okay?”

Zhou Mi returned to a proper sitting position, mumbling: “You and I are even friendlier.”

Zhang Lian: “What?”

Zhou Mi repeated: “You and I are even friendlier, yet you still have to pretend not to know me and act like a boss in front of others. You were much colder than me downstairs just now. Did I make a face like you did? Did I say anything after coming up here?”

Zhang Lian put down his silver fork, his voice lowering a few degrees, speaking lightly: “Zhou Mi, if Auntie Chen weren’t here, you’d already be sprawled across the table by now.”

Zhou Mi’s chest tightened abruptly, her face warming several degrees as she immediately stood up: “I’m going to pack my things, I’m preparing to go home!”

Zhang Lian stopped her: “Wait till I finish eating.”

Zhou Mi’s eyelashes fluttered: “Why?”

Zhang Lian: “What do you think?”

Zhou Mi looked confused.

Zhang Lian raised his eyebrows and glanced at her: “Next time you pretend, remember to control your smile first.”

Zhou Mi: “…”

She pressed her lips together for two seconds, then asked: “Are you tired? Do you want to sleep a bit before leaving? We can go in the afternoon.”

Zhang Lian said, “No need, I slept on the plane.”

Zhou Mi nodded, turned, and ran back to her bedroom with pattering steps. When she emerged again, she had her flashy taro-purple backpack slung over her shoulder.

Zhang Lian came out of the bathroom, scrutinized her for a few seconds, and asked: “Just this one thing?”

Zhou Mi asked: “Do I need anything else?”

Zhang Lian said, “You’re not bringing anything for your parents when you visit?”

Zhou Mi: “…Do I need to carefully prepare lavish gifts when returning to my own home? I’m my parents’ most beloved treasure.”

Zhang Lian smiled: “Let’s still go to the supermarket.”

Zhou Mi pouted: “Fine.”

—

Zhang Lian parked the car at the nearest mall, which happened to have a somewhat upscale Hong Kong-owned grocery supermarket on the second basement level. After getting out of the car, Zhou Mi once again took out a mask from her backpack’s side pocket.

Zhang Lian stopped in his tracks and didn’t take it: “Can I refuse?”

Zhou Mi pestered him, patting his chest: “There are so many people here, don’t you have any sense of crisis?”

Zhang Lian grabbed her hand: “You might as well cover yourself up instead.”

“I have—” Zhou Mi took out another one, quickly covering the lower half of her face, her large, exposed eyes bright with righteousness.

Zhang Lian exhaled, helplessly unwrapping and putting on the mask.

The two walked in side by side, moving between the shelves. While getting lost among the dazzling array of products, Zhou Mi was also wide-eyed at the price tags.

Zhou Mi asked curiously: “Have you ever bought things yourself?”

Zhang Lian was speechless for a second: “I’m very curious what image of me you have in your mind?”

Zhou Mi thought for a moment: “A young master who’s never touched water…and an egomaniac.”

Zhang Lian laughed slightly, not responding.

“This beef looks so delicious.” Zhou Mi lingered in front of the refrigerated cabinet like a hungry beast.

“Take it if you want to eat it.” Zhang Lian picked up two boxes and tossed them into the shopping basket as lightly as if he were picking up two leaves of vegetables.

“One box is almost four hundred,” Zhou Mi marveled. “Even if you cut me up and sold me, I wouldn’t be worth that much. It’s equivalent to three days of my internship salary.”

Zhang Lian curled his lips: “So that’s what you’re hinting at.”

“Don’t add drama for me. I’ve already been promoted,” Zhou Mi raised her eyes to look at him, tossing her head as she walked away: “I’m not an intern anymore.”

Zhang Lian followed: “You’re acting as arrogant as if you’ve already become the general manager.”

It must be said that Zhang Lian was very good at selecting items. He was targeted yet comprehensive, choosing not only alcohol and fruits that older people would like, but also some cute yet high-end imported snacks.

Zhou Mi asked: “Are you going to eat these?”

Zhang Lian: “You don’t have to eat them.”

Zhou Mi’s pretense of aloofness in his hands was like a brittle bamboo shoot, snapping immediately.

—

Since they hadn’t given prior notice, when the two arrived at Zhou Mi’s home, Tang Peili first opened her mouth in surprise, then her eyebrows rose in joy: “Ah, Zhang Lian came along too?”

“Didn’t you say he went on a business trip to Beijing?” She hadn’t even cleaned the house… She worried silently, quickly taking out another pair of slippers—brand-new, smoke-gray men’s slippers, purchased after Zhou Mi had moved out.

The cramped little entryway could hardly accommodate this great Buddha.

“He suddenly came back this morning—” Zhou Mi answered while hopping in on one foot, making space for Zhang Lian. She then directly kicked her flat shoes back onto the doormat and flew like the wind toward her bedroom.

Even though her home was much smaller than Zhang Lian’s, she ran wild as if on a vast plain, like an unleashed little deer.

Zhang Lian had only taken two steps when he was stopped at the toe. He looked down at Zhou Mi’s crisscrossed shoes, bent down to pick them up, and placed them on the shoe rack next to his shoes.

Tang Peili pretended to look at the items in the bag, but was secretly watching his actions. She couldn’t help but smile furtively as she carried the fresh groceries toward the kitchen.

As she walked, she called out, “Little Zhang, sit on the sofa. I’ve made some red bean and lily bulb soup, do you want some?”

She raised her voice again: “Mimi, why do you run straight to your room as soon as you come back? Mom’s busy cooking and can’t free her hands. Don’t leave Zhang Lian alone out here!”

Zhou Mi seemed not to hear, instead shouting back from inside: “Mom, have you been watering my succulents on time? My bear paws have all shriveled—”

Tang Peili was bent over looking for bowls and spoons: “Who knows what paws you’re talking about, what about the Buddha’s Palm technique? How have I not watered them?”

Amid the mother and daughter’s clamor, Zhang Lian found his way to the bathroom by himself. While squeezing hand soap, he noticed three toothbrush cups placed in the corner of the white sink, one of which was pink and had four characters engraved on it: “Fairy’s Exclusive Use.”

It was obvious whose it was.

Zhang Lian curled his lips slightly and returned to the living room.

He ran into Zhou Mi, who was holding a coarse pottery flowerpot in her hand. She looked at him, then glanced at the sofa: “Can’t you just sit there properly? You’re so tall and big, taking up too much space.”

Zhang Lian had originally prepared to give way to her, but hearing her say this, he deliberately wanted to block her way.

At first, Zhou Mi didn’t realize he was doing it on purpose. When she tried to avoid him by moving to the side, Zhang Lian also changed his position accordingly.

After this happened twice, she finally realized what was going on. She glanced at her mother’s position and asked in a soft voice: “What are you doing?”

Zhang Lian said, “Taking up some space.”

Zhou Mi rolled her eyes at him and immediately transformed into One-Punch Man, giving him a blow to the chest.

Zhang Lian smiled, his gaze moving to the leaves of the plant in her hand: “Don’t water it anymore, your Bear Paw Jade is already rotting at the roots.”

Zhou Mi blinked, also looking down: “How do you know?”

Zhang Lian: “There’s nothing I don’t know.”

Zhou Mi: “…”

Zhou Mi was half-skeptical: “Really?”

Zhang Lian said, “Just dig it out and look, then you’ll know.”

Zhou Mi was determined to prove him wrong. She found a newspaper to spread out in the living room, then crouched down, carefully and cautiously using her small shovel to dig it out for inspection.

She discovered that the results matched Zhang Lian’s visual assessment exactly.

“Mom, why did you water it carelessly?” Zhou Mi began a new round of questioning the substitute gardener.

Tang Peili was almost annoyed to death by this daughter who only knew how to make a fuss when she came home: “Why don’t you take them all with you? These things are as delicate as you are, I can’t afford to tend to them!”

She came out with two small bowls, instantly changing her expression, and smilingly handed one to Zhang Lian on the sofa: “Be careful, it’s a bit hot.”

Zhang Lian held it with one hand and took a sip: “It’s fine.”

Zhou Mi still sat there, sighing over her small plant that was beyond saving, having a hard time accepting it. Her two hands, covered in soil, rubbed against each other slowly, and she didn’t get up for quite a while.

Finally, she wrapped the plants along with the soil in newspaper and threw them into the kitchen trash can.

After washing her hands, Zhou Mi also returned to the sofa, drinking her share of red bean soup in a gloomy mood.

Zhang Lian put down his bowl: “You just threw it away?”

Zhou Mi said, “What else can I do?”

Without another word, Zhang Lian went to the kitchen and, under Tang Peili’s slightly astonished gaze, retrieved the newspaper bundle from the trash can, then asked her for scissors.

He instructed: “Find me a stool.”

Zhou Mi immediately brought over a small folding stool.

Zhang Lian spread out the newspaper, rolled up his shirt sleeves, and as soon as he sat down, his long legs were very uncomfortably bent. With his eyelids slightly lowered, he began to carefully trim and clean away the small rotted root systems.

Zhou Mi squatted beside him with her arms on her knees, watching and learning how he performed his magical recovery.

Gradually, her gaze moved inch by inch from his soil-stained, articulate hands up to his forearms with their visible veins, his neatly rolled shirt cuffs, then his straight broad shoulders, neck, Adam’s apple, and finally to his mouth, which she liked best. His lip line was slightly flat due to concentration, giving off an air of casual asceticism.

Zhang Lian suddenly raised his eyelids, glancing at her: “Why do you keep looking at my face?”

Zhou Mi admitted frankly: “Suddenly, I feel a little… like kissing you.” She didn’t know what she was saying, and immediately turned her head away, embarrassedly covering her gradually warming face.

Zhang Lian lifted his lips, turned his head to scan the direction of the kitchen, and put down the things in his hands: “Come here.”

Zhou Mi furrowed her brow, feeling strangely shy: “You want a kiss…?”

“Mm.” His eyes became extremely alluring.

Zhou Mi also looked at her mother’s back, controlled her slippers, wriggled a few steps toward him, and slightly raised her upper body.

The next moment, her left cheekbone felt cool as Zhang Lian smeared the soil from his thumb onto her face. He showed his most dazzling smile for the first time, like a shimmering lake surface, but not daring to make a sound, just shrugging his shoulders up and down.

Zhou Mi’s face turned completely red with anger. She vigorously wiped her face with the back of her hand twice, then launched a furious attack on his legs.