The landlord was a wealthy middle-aged man who owned two apartments in Mingchen and lived in a villa in the western suburbs. He spent his days playing with his grandson and walking his dog. The rent didn’t even cover his monthly losses from playing cards.

Yet he was particularly enthusiastic about his tenants, handling everything personally. Even when the water heater broke, he would personally bring maintenance workers to supervise the repairs.

But with today’s terrible weather, he surely wouldn’t come early in the morning.

Even if he were to come, he’d first have breakfast, practice tai chi, and then take his grandson to school—it would be after nine o’clock at the earliest.

Previously, the landlord always came to see her around ten o’clock.

It wasn’t even seven yet. At most three hours—Ruan Sixian didn’t believe they couldn’t finish efficiently.

Yes, she had that much confidence in Fu Mingyu.

Just as she thought this, she was already being carried into the bedroom.

The windows were tightly closed, yet the sound of the raging storm outside could still be heard.

Fu Mingyu’s breathing was even clearer, growing heavier with each breath.

After who knows how long, his lips wandered to Ruan Sixian’s ear, gently kissing her earlobe before half-propping up his upper body.

Ruan Sixian turned her face away, not looking at him, but she could feel his gaze traveling inch by inch over her body, hot and direct.

Her clothes had long been completely open, draped messily over her body, providing no covering effect.

Fortunately, the room lights were off, with only the street lights outside filtering through the curtains, creating a hazy, concealing effect.

Otherwise, she might have wanted to cover her face with a pillow.

Just as she thought this, there was a “click” above her head.

The light came on.

“What are you doing!”

Ruan Sixian kept her eyes tightly shut. “Turn it off, it’s too bright!”

“Then don’t open your eyes.” Under the bright light, Fu Mingyu’s voice was as deep as if he were whispering in her ear. “I want to see.”

When a man says “see,” he never just uses his eyes.

When his fingers moved along with his gaze, Ruan Sixian suddenly grabbed Fu Mingyu’s clothes at his shoulders, opened her eyes to look at him, her voice so soft it was almost drowned out by the rain.

“My landlord might come today.”

“Hmm?”

The moment Fu Mingyu heard, his arms propped beside her head, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he closed his eyes and took a breath.

“When?”

“I don’t know.”

Ruan Sixian turned her head to look outside, her face flushed and hot. “Maybe in the afternoon.”

“Wait for me a moment?” He slowly propped himself up, his tie leaving Ruan Sixian’s body.

“What are you going to do?”

Fu Mingyu’s chest rose and fell, his gaze intense, making Ruan Sixian feel as if the room temperature had risen several degrees.

“I’m going upstairs to get something.”

As he spoke, he got up, but his tie was suddenly pulled.

He remained frozen in a half-bent position, one knee still on the bed, watching as the person before him, with a red face, reached out and opened the bedside drawer.

…

The sky had secretly brightened. The room, which had its lights turned off, gradually became clearer.

But Ruan Sixian didn’t notice this change at all. Her mind was fuzzy, the surrounding air heavy and intimate, making her feel both breathless and comfortable.

Fu Mingyu leisurely stopped, placing something from beside him into her hand.

“Help me?”

“…Didn’t your teacher ever tell you? Do your things yourself!”

…

The sky was fully bright now, and the rain had stopped at some point.

The whole world was quiet, with only sounds from this room continuing.

At first, Ruan Sixian was anxious about the landlord, especially fearful that he might suddenly visit. Under this tension and somewhat stimulating mindset, she even subconsciously suppressed the sounds from her throat, afraid to let them escape.

Later, Ruan Sixian had almost lost consciousness, with only one thread hanging precariously in her mind, giving and taking, unaware of the passage of time.

Until the phone suddenly rang loudly in the living room. In her daze, she thought it was the doorbell, and her nerves suddenly tensed, her body reacting along with it.

“Hiss—”

Both were simultaneously lost in a moment of delirium.

Fu Mingyu’s brow trembled slightly as he suppressed his emotions and bent down to kiss her, gently and lingering. Sweat from his forehead dripped onto her tightly closed eyes, gradually mixing with the tears on her eyelashes.

Both their breathing gradually stabilized, but the air became even more humid and hot.

After a long while, the ringing in the living room continued.

Ruan Sixian’s consciousness was gradually pulled back.

“My landlord is here.” When she spoke, it sounded like a choke, or like a plea. “Get off quickly!”

“That’s a phone ring.”

But Fu Mingyu still withdrew, lying on his side, pulling her into his arms, brushing away the hair that was stuck to her cheeks with sweat.

“Want to take a shower?”

Before he mentioned it, Ruan Sixian hadn’t thought about how neither of them had showered beforehand.

Are they not human?

How dirty!

Everything else was fine, but Ruan Sixian realized she had already sweated a lot today and had been at the company all night, feeling dirty all over.

She suddenly punched his chest. “If you don’t shower next time, I’ll castrate you.”

“…”

Fu Mingyu was stimulated by these words, this term. His gaze sharpened, and he rolled over to press her again.

“Why don’t you try?”

“…”

Fortunately, the phone rang again. Ruan Sixian pushed him away, grabbed a set of pajamas by the bed, and ran out barefoot.

It was a call from the landlord.

“Girl, I’m flooded!”

The first sentence upon answering was this, leaving Ruan Sixian confused.

“You’re castrated???”

“Yes!” The landlord shouted. “My house is flooded! I can’t leave for now! Can I come tomorrow to replace your washing machine?”

“…”

So what was all that restraint for?

“Hmm, it’s fine,” Ruan Sixian said with a bitter smile. “No rush.”

After hanging up, Ruan Sixian heard footsteps from the bedroom.

Fu Mingyu had already dressed and come out.

He was always like this, able to look presentable in a very short time.

Once dressed, his demeanor and manner were completely different from the person in bed.

Ruan Sixian didn’t even want to look at him.

Just thinking about every intimate moment earlier made her scalp tingle.

After running into the bathroom, Ruan Sixian closed the door and leaned heavily on the sink, breathing hard.

Her body was completely drained of energy as if she might collapse to the floor at any moment.

She stood there for a long time, her body still hot, that feeling still inside her, as if he were still pressed against her.

However, when she saw the pitiful state of the area between her collarbone and neck in the mirror, all romantic thoughts vanished from her mind.

“Fu! Ming! Yu! Do you want to die?!”

Fu Mingyu opened the bathroom door, walked in, and looked at her.

For some reason, even though he was quite tired himself, she was still so full of energy.

Ruan Sixian tugged at her collar, fuming. “What is this?!”

“A love bite.”

“…”

I’m not an idiot, of course, I know it’s a love bite.

Ruan Sixian took a deep breath, not wanting to deal with him.

She had told him before going to the parking garage that she had an interview tomorrow afternoon, but had he forgotten everything in his lust?

For that formal occasion, she needed to wear her uniform, which couldn’t completely cover the collar. How could she face people?

Fu Mingyu hugged her from behind, nuzzling her cheek.

“What’s wrong?”

“Can’t you control your mouth?”

“Hmm?” Fu Mingyu released her, turned around, unbuttoned his shirt, pulled it down a bit, and turned his head to look at her in the mirror. “You’re not so innocent either.”

In the mirror, Fu Mingyu’s back had several scratch marks, clearly visible.

“Next time, should I tie your hands?”

Ruan Sixian imagined that scene and felt unbearably embarrassed. She wanted to push him out.

“There won’t be a next time!”

“Get out, I want to shower.”

But she had almost no strength left. The man in front of her didn’t move at all, instead pulling her into his arms.

“Stop moving, let me hold you a bit longer.”

No matter how dominant he was in bed, he was gentle now.

Ruan Sixian gradually calmed down.

His embrace always seemed to have a reassuring magic.

“Aren’t you going to sleep?”

“I’ll go upstairs to shower in a bit. I need to go to the company this afternoon.”

He paused, then added, “The Civil Aviation Administration has requested a meeting. They’re inviting me for tea this afternoon.”

“You’re quite good at finding opportunities.”

“Opportunities?”

“…”

After Fu Mingyu left, Ruan Sixian took a shower but didn’t sleep.

She knew that if she fell asleep now, she would wake up in the evening, making it difficult to adjust her body clock.

But it was hard to just stay awake. She needed to find something to do, preferably go out and move around, to avoid falling asleep.

Si Xiaozhen was at work today and couldn’t get away.

Bian Xuan had been worried all night. After learning Ruan Sixian was safe, she was still unable to calm down. She hadn’t opened the bar, but used to the reversed sleep schedule, she hadn’t slept at night and was now catching up on sleep.

Meanwhile, various messages kept flooding into her phone, all related to yesterday’s events. She didn’t have the energy to reply to each one, so she turned off the ringer.

Ruan Sixian sat on the sofa for a while, not knowing who to contact.

If she hadn’t been exhausted from being worn out, she would have considered going to the gym to run.

However, a few minutes later, someone reached out to her.

[Zheng You’an] — Sister, are you awake?

[Ruan Sixian] —?

[Ruan Sixian] — Your surname is Zheng, mine is Ruan.

[Ruan Sixian] — Who’s your sister?

[Zheng You’an] — Don’t misunderstand, I’m not trying to claim a connection.

[Zheng You’an] — Just a term of respect.

[Zheng You’an] — Sister, you’re badass 👍

Ruan Sixian lay down, propping herself up with a pillow, typing lazily.

[Ruan Sixian] — What is it?

[Zheng You’an] — Would I have the honor of having lunch with you?

If she weren’t so tired and unable to find someone else to have lunch with, Ruan Sixian truly wouldn’t have wanted to come to this sickeningly sweet restaurant with Zheng You’an.

Moreover, she was constantly yawning, looking haggard, while the person opposite had immaculate makeup and was full of vigor.

The contrast was very obvious.

The obvious contrast was one thing, but she also had to take photos together.

When Zheng You’an suddenly leaned over, raising her phone arm, Ruan Sixian didn’t have time to refuse. Seeing the camera lens, she instantly gave a reflexive eight-tooth smile.

With a “click,” Zheng You’an sat back down satisfied, her fingers tapping on the screen.

Ruan Sixian said, “Let me see.”

Zheng You’an handed her the phone.

Hmm.

Though haggard, still beautiful.

After returning the phone, Ruan Sixian asked, “Why suddenly take a photo?”

“To post on Moments and show off, of course.”

Zheng You’an spoke matter-of-factly, but her tone and choice of words perfectly pleased Ruan Sixian.

Ruan Sixian took a sip of juice, pretending to be calm. “Keep it low-key. There’s nothing to show off about.”

While editing the photo, Zheng You’an said, “Others are sharing links on their Moments, but I can directly post a photo with you. The photo shows I know you and could even have lunch with you first thing. Isn’t that worth showing off?”

Ruan Sixian covered her mouth and coughed.

“I just couldn’t find any friends to have lunch with today.”

“Oh, that’s fine. Others won’t know anyway.”

“…”

Her vanity was so straightforward and unabashed.

“By the way, as soon as I woke up this morning, I saw an influencer post a series of photos.” She showed Ruan Sixian her phone. “To ride the trending wave, she went to an experience center early in the morning, wore a uniform, and took photos in a cabin. So much effort. She even posted two sets of photos at once. Those who know, know she’s in a boarding cabin; those who don’t might think she went to the moon.”

Ruan Sixian glanced briefly, then yawned.

“Is she your enemy?”

“Hmph.” Zheng You’an didn’t respond and changed the subject. “Follow me back on Weibo, will you? Do you know my ID?”

She showed Ruan Sixian her Weibo homepage. “It’s this one. I’ve been following you for a long time, but you never followed back.”

“Oh.”

Ruan Sixian felt very passive all day.

No, she always felt passive whenever she encountered Zheng You’an.

After taking out her phone and finding Zheng You’an’s Weibo, Ruan Sixian clicked follow. The latest Weibo post quickly appeared.

Looking at her latest photo, Ruan Sixian paused and asked, “Who’s this?”

It was a group photo with Zheng You’an linking arms with her father, and another middle-aged man standing beside them.

The man’s features had faded in memory, but the large black mole on his forehead was too deeply imprinted, making him look like Buddha. It instantly triggered Ruan Sixian’s memories.

Zheng You’an looked up at her phone and said casually, “My dad.”

“I know. I’m asking about the man next to him.”

“Oh, Uncle Guo.” Zheng You’an said, “Mom’s agent. Don’t you know him?”

“Oh.”

Ruan Sixian turned off her phone screen without saying anything more.

After posting the photo, Zheng You’an contentedly ate a piece of dessert.

“By the way, actually today, there’s mainly another matter.”

Ruan Sixian raised her eyes. “Go on.”

“Since it’s almost New Year, Mom said she’d like to invite you for a New Year’s dinner together. But I heard you refused last night, so I was wondering if you might object to it being just Mom’s idea.”

She stretched her neck and continued, “My dad is also very enthusiastic. He hasn’t seen you for many years. He met you at Uncle Yan’s place before and had the same thought.”

“I’m busy during New Year.”

This was the truth.

There was still half a month until New Year, but the flight assignments were already out. During the Spring Festival travel peak, no pilots or cabin crew could take time off.

“What about after New Year?” Zheng You’an asked. “Are you busy from the third to the seventh day of the New Year too?”

“I have plans.”

“Oh…” Zheng You’an heard the rejection in her tone and didn’t say more, finding an excuse to back down. “We’ll talk about it later. You probably have to spend New Year at Fu’s family anyway.”

But speaking of the Fu family, Zheng You’an added, “Um… you didn’t argue because of that incident, right?”

No argument, just a disabled hand.

Ruan Sixian said impatiently, “No, no, we didn’t argue. We’re very loving. What are you so afraid of?”

“That’s good, that’s good…” Zheng You’an patted her chest. “I’m not afraid of him. Mainly, my family isn’t doing well recently, and I’m afraid he’ll settle personal scores with my dad.”

“What’s wrong with your family?”

Zheng You’an paused, then said casually, “Nothing much, just some business issues at the family company.”

After lunch, the two walked out of the restaurant. Zheng You’an’s driver had already parked at the entrance, while Ruan Sixian took out her phone to call a taxi.

“Fu Mingyu doesn’t send someone to pick you up?” Zheng You’an was shocked. “Letting you take a taxi yourself in such cold weather?”

Ruan Sixian glanced at her, equally baffled. “I’m just out for a meal.”

Then she added, “Besides, I didn’t tell him. He’s too busy, and I don’t want to bother him.”

“Ah…” Zheng You’an looked at the car ahead, shaking her head and sighing. “That’s why when I look for a boyfriend, I absolutely won’t choose this career-focused type. So busy all day, what’s the point?”

Ruan Sixian didn’t want to respond.

Zheng You’an continued talking to herself, “My last boyfriend was still a college student. Although I dumped him, when I was with him, I never had to tie my shoelaces, open bottle caps myself, or even carry my bag.”

Ruan Sixian said, “What, did he cripple you?”

“…”