As the large doors opened, a man walked in with somewhat hurried steps.

Black suit, sharp features, a face that was extraordinarily handsome, but his gaze was too piercing, making people afraid to look directly at him.

“Mr. Lin! A warm welcome to you!” Mr. Jin smiled broadly, displaying the enthusiasm of meeting an old friend.

“It’s Lin Zhihua!”

“Why is he here?”

“That’s impossible. Lin Zhihua hardly participates in W City Chamber of Commerce activities anymore!”

“Could something big be happening?”

“I’m worried too, especially at this hour!”

…

Others were discussing in whispers, but Xue Jiao didn’t hear a single word.

Her gaze remained fixed on the man who had just entered…

Was it Lin Zhihua?

The same Lin Zhihua she had just had dinner with a few days ago?

She had barely recovered from the shock of learning this man was a big shot, and now this big shot had appeared here.

“Everyone, let’s stop playing now and go to our parents.” Xiao Chi took over hosting duties after Jin Sui left.

Continuing to play around would be inappropriate now.

They needed to stand beside their parents and find out what was happening.

“What’s he doing here?” Yi Tianyu was extremely displeased!

He and Xue Jiao had barely spent any time together, and now they had to “separate”!

Xue Jiao slightly shifted her gaze toward Yi Tianyu: “You…”

“Hmm?” Yi Tianyu looked at her too.

Their eyes met, standing close together, one had to look up, the other had to look down.

At the entrance, Lin Zhihua’s hand was clasped with Mr. Jin’s.

“Hello, it’s been a long time, Mr. Jin.”

He slightly raised the corners of his mouth, pretending to smile.

Then his gaze casually swept across the room, stopping at a position in the corner.

There, a young man in a blue suit and a young woman in a red dress were looking at each other.

Lin Zhihua’s hand stiffened, momentarily stunned, and then he calmly withdrew his hand.

Mr. Jin didn’t even notice his momentary emotion.

“Hahaha, it has been a long time! Mr. Lin has such capabilities! You’ve even moved to the capital, yet you still come to our W City gatherings. Please, come in, come in!”

While Mr. Jin welcomed him verbally, he was also anxious inside.

What was this man doing here? Could something major have happened?

With countless thoughts racing through his mind, his face revealed nothing, remaining extremely composed.

Lin Zhihua followed the smiling Mr. Jin inside.

In the corner.

“Never mind…” Xue Jiao didn’t want to say anything more.

Yi Tianyu, you’re so disdainful of him, do you know that the brilliant original outline you praised so highly was his?

Yi Tianyu didn’t know, so he said: “You don’t want to go to your mom either? Why don’t we sneak out!”

The more he thought about it, the better this proposal seemed. Yi Tianyu cheered up: “In the past, I’d just leave when I got bored. Now that the Lin Corporation boss is here, things will become official, and they definitely won’t let us play anymore! So let’s go, I’ll take you somewhere nice!”

Xue Jiao: “…”

She rolled her eyes: “Forget it.”

The young people who had been playing together gradually dispersed, heading toward their parents.

Cheng Mingze also walked over, stopping beside Xue Jiao—

“Let’s go over there.”

His gaze casually swept over Yi Tianyu, whose eyes hadn’t left Xue Jiao, and he slightly frowned.

“Then you bookworm and my brother go ahead. Find me if you get bored~” Yi Tianyu raised an eyebrow, his meaning clear.

If we get bored, we’ll sneak out!

Cheng Mingze: “…”

If it weren’t for his good manners, Cheng Mingze really wouldn’t want this overly familiar person calling him brother.

Xue Jiao rolled her eyes somewhat inelegantly, but her lips carried a faint smile.

She started walking toward Cheng Zhao and Li Sitong.

Once inside, Lin Zhihua was immediately surrounded by many people, all exchanging pleasantries and introductions, appearing quite happy.

Xue Jiao and Cheng Mingze walked to where Cheng Zhao stood. Her stepfather hadn’t gone to greet the newcomer but instead was speaking quietly with Li Sitong.

“Dad, Aunt Li.”

“Mom, Uncle Cheng.”

“Jiaojiao and Mingze are here, come over!” Cheng Zhao said, beckoning to them.

The two approached closely, clearly, Cheng Zhao had something to say.

As soon as they got close, they heard Cheng Zhao speaking in a lowered voice: “The one who just arrived is called Lin Zhihua, a business tycoon with tremendous power and formidable methods.”

Cheng Zhao further lowered his voice, still worried someone might overhear: “He’s that Stanford graduate I often mention, the one with excellent grades during his studies. After graduation, he became even more extraordinary. The entire Lin Corporation is now in his hands, and his career is flourishing!”

“So that’s why so many people are surrounding him?” Xue Jiao asked, confused. Was this the scene Lin Zhihua normally faced when he went out?

How had she previously thought he was quite free?

“Not entirely for that reason.” Cheng Mingze explained, “He is indeed admirable, and these people are willing to maintain friendly relations with him, hoping to secure projects from Lin Corporation, but it wouldn’t normally be this extreme. Currently, because Lin Corporation is gradually shifting its focus to the capital, the W City branch won’t be as tightly controlled by headquarters, creating more opportunities for cooperation. Plus, many small projects in W City might be abandoned by Lin Corporation if the profits aren’t sufficient.”

Cheng Mingze coughed once: “So these people all want to take over these projects. Additionally, after Lin Corporation moves to the capital, their original connections won’t be exclusively in their hands anymore. A powerful, profitable company that won’t compete fiercely with them and is open to cooperation—isn’t that exactly the kind of connection they should be cultivating now?”

Cheng Zhao nodded: “Yes, Mingze’s explanation is spot on.”

Xue Jiao had a look of sudden realization: “So that’s how it is!”

No wonder these people were frighteningly enthusiastic.

Cheng Zhao patted Cheng Mingze’s shoulder, smiling: “Good, good! You truly have a natural talent for business sensitivity!”

Xue Jiao asked again: “Then… doesn’t Uncle Cheng need to go over too?”

Cheng Zhao smiled and asked Cheng Mingze: “Tell me why I’m staying here instead of going over there to curry favor.”

Cheng Mingze glanced at the crowd and said quietly: “Two reasons. One is that our Pengcheng Company wouldn’t gain much benefit from dealing with Lin Corporation anyway, and we certainly can’t compete with those powerful companies. Being too eager might offend people like Mr. Jin. The second reason is because…”

“Because what?” Xue Jiao was curious.

Cheng Mingze smiled, “Because of Dad’s personality.”

“Hahaha! Well done, well done, Mingze, you’ve improved again!” Cheng Zhao laughed heartily, visibly pleased.

Li Sitong also smiled and praised Cheng Mingze: “Mingze is certainly capable! When he takes over Pengcheng in the future, he’ll make it even more glorious!”

Cheng Zhao smiled but still cautioned: “But remember, you must remain humble and diligent. Our Pengcheng is fundamentally still a small company. Lin Zhihua, leading such a massive financial conglomerate as Lin Corporation, continues to strive tirelessly without any complacency. How much more should we?”

Cheng Mingze nodded: “I’ll remember that.”

Sooner or later, he would join the company. As long as the company didn’t go bankrupt, it would be the starting point for his future career.

She turned to look at Cheng Mingze.

Xue Jiao suddenly recalled that in the original text, the male protagonist took over Cheng Zhao’s company and made it prosper, becoming the strongest comprehensive company in W City!

In the original text, she had rarely seen any mention of Lin Corporation. Even if Lin Corporation moved to the capital, the branch company was still in W City. How could Pengcheng become the leading company?

Was such an impactful Lin Corporation… not in the book?

Or… did the original text simply not mention Lin Corporation?

Cheng Zhao looked into the distance and sighed: “Lin Zhihua is truly remarkable, so young yet with such outstanding achievements. Lin Corporation was powerful back then, but unfortunately, his grandfather and parents couldn’t maintain it, and the empire was on the verge of collapse. If he hadn’t taken over three years ago, who knows what would have become of Lin Corporation!”

“His methods are indeed a blessing for Lin Corporation.”

As Cheng Mingze’s words fell, Xue Jiao felt there was a hint of mockery.

Even outsiders knew it was a blessing for the Lin Corporation, so why didn’t the Lin family themselves feel that way?

Xue Jiao still remembered what Yi Tianyu had said… his grandfather had conspired with his second uncle to murder him.

“Mr. Cheng!” Someone came looking for Cheng Zhao at that moment.

The crowd around Lin Zhihua had also gradually dispersed, waiting for their turn to speak with him one after another.

Later, Xue Jiao just followed Cheng Zhao, forcing smiles while dealing with various “acquaintances” and “partners.”

——

After Cheng Zhao finished talking with someone, he turned around and found himself face-to-face with an approaching man.

He paused, preparing to move aside when he heard the other person speak—

“Hello.”

A familiar and magnetic voice suddenly rang out, instantly bringing Xue Jiao back from her absentminded state as she had been following Cheng Zhao.

Her unfocused eyes sharpened, registering surprise.

It was Lin Zhihua!

“Mr. Lin! Hello, hello!!”

Cheng Zhao was stunned that the other party would greet him, overjoyed beyond measure.

Lin Zhihua’s lips moved slightly, forming a smile: “Pleased to meet you.”

“It’s truly an honor! I am…”

“I know, you’re Mr. Cheng of Pengcheng Technology.”

“Oh my, Mr. Lin knows me. I’m truly blessed, hahaha.” Cheng Zhao’s eyes crinkled with joy.

Xue Jiao suddenly felt that her Uncle Cheng might be… admiring Lin Zhihua.

He had been praising him so much earlier.

Lin Zhihua’s gaze casually swept behind him, with a half-smile: “I’m also honored to meet Mr. Cheng. Mr. Cheng… is a fortunate man.”

Cheng Zhao was beside himself with pleasure.

Lin Zhihua looked beside him, “This must be Mrs. Cheng.”

“Yes, yes, hello, I’m Li Sitong, Cheng Zhao’s wife. Nice to meet you, Mr. Lin!” Li Sitong was also all smiles. After marrying into the Cheng family, her greatest fear was holding Cheng Zhao back.

“Hello.” He didn’t extend his hand, and everyone knew Lin Zhihua didn’t shake hands with women.

Li Sitong didn’t offer her hand either. To be precise, no woman who knew Lin Zhihua would offer her hand.

Cheng Zhao quickly introduced his children—

“This is my son, Cheng Mingze.”

“Hello.”

“Hello, Mr. Lin!” Cheng Mingze smiled and extended his hand.

They shook hands and quickly let go.

Cheng Zhao pointed to Xue Jiao: “This is my daughter, Xue Jiao.”

“Hello.” Xue Jiao looked at him and extended her hand as Cheng Mingze had done earlier.

Instantly, Cheng Zhao, Li Sitong, and Cheng Mingze all froze.

This was bad!

They had forgotten to tell Xue Jiao about Lin Zhihua’s rule!

Especially Cheng Zhao, who looked mortified.

He had assumed they wouldn’t interact with Lin Zhihua, so he hadn’t explained the man’s peculiarities, but now…

Li Sitong’s face turned pale. If Lin Zhihua hadn’t been standing there, she would have immediately blocked Xue Jiao’s hand!

How dare she!!

But in reality, as Xue Jiao’s hand paused midair—

“Hello.” Lin Zhihua calmly extended his hand.

Their hands clasped.

As they were shaking hands, his ring finger lightly tapped the back of Xue Jiao’s hand, causing her to suddenly look up at him.

Their eyes met.

Lin Zhihua’s lips curved slightly, and his eyes quickly blinked once.

Xue Jiao: “…”

For some reason, the way they greeted each other in public made her want to laugh.

Quickly, their hands parted.

Cheng Zhao and Li Sitong were already dumbfounded, their faces filled with disbelief.

Especially Li Sitong, who after marrying Cheng Zhao didn’t have many responsibilities at home except chatting with other wives, drinking tea, or going shopping.

With so many women, gossip was abundant, and she had heard plenty of rumors about Lin Zhihua over the years!

But every one of those varied rumors ultimately pointed to one thing—Lin Zhihua never had physical contact with any woman, any!

She had always remembered this.

Cheng Zhao wasn’t just going by hearsay; he had witnessed it firsthand.

When Lin Zhihua first took over Lin Corporation, the company faced both internal and external threats, on the verge of collapse, so Lin Zhihua attended many events in W City.

There was a fairly powerful company at that time, mainly because they were blocking one of the Lin family’s projects. Lin Corporation wanted to cooperate with them. It could be said that Lin Zhihua had tried everything to meet them.

But it was precisely because he wouldn’t shake hands with their daughter that he offended them.

Later…

The other party refused to cooperate, but Lin Zhihua managed the project alone and even earned a sky-high profit.

And after that…

That company was suppressed by Lin Zhihua, couldn’t survive in W City, and rather than go bankrupt, they relocated the entire company.

Cheng Zhao never heard any more news about that company.

If Lin Zhihua wouldn’t shake hands even in that situation, when later people said Lin Zhihua wouldn’t have physical contact with women, he believed it without question.

But today…

Cheng Zhao was stunned, Li Sitong was stunned, and Cheng Mingze was stunned.

“Mr. Lin!” Jin Sui walked over, giving him a radiant smile, “We were just looking for you! About what you mentioned earlier…”

The two began conversing about business matters, and Cheng Zhao couldn’t listen in, so he led Xue Jiao and the others away.

As soon as the four of them had walked far enough, Li Sitong exclaimed in a low voice—

“What just happened?!”

Xue Jiao was completely puzzled.

“Did Jiaojiao just shake hands with Lin Zhihua? Am I imagining things?” Li Sitong gripped Cheng Zhao’s arm.

“It’s true. Perhaps Lin Zhihua has… recovered?” Cheng Zhao suggested tentatively.

Li Sitong’s eyes widened: “Really?!”

“Most likely…” Cheng Zhao nodded.

Li Sitong’s eyes grew as large as copper bells. If this was true, good heavens, the most eligible diamond bachelor had just emerged!

Previously, Lin Zhihua had no market value because of his physical condition!

“What are you talking about? What did he recover from?” Xue Jiao was curious.

She was still quite interested in matters concerning Lin Zhihua.

“Adult matters are not for children!” Li Sitong turned to her, admonishing.

How could she possibly explain this?

Cheng Zhao also felt it inappropriate to explain, so he remained silent.

Xue Jiao shrugged and said: “Then I’ll go get something to eat. You all carry on.”

With that, she turned and left.

“Go ahead, go ahead.” Cheng Zhao added.

Cheng Mingze watched Xue Jiao’s retreating figure, slightly frowning, then glanced at Lin Zhihua. For some reason, he felt something wasn’t quite right about this situation.

——

Xue Jiao found an inconspicuous spot and stood there eating a few pieces of cake. This stuff didn’t fill the stomach.

She felt full but somehow still hungry.

“Hey—” A voice suddenly sounded by her ear, attempting to startle her.

Xue Jiao rolled her eyes, looking completely exasperated—

“Yuyu, how many times are you going to play this childish trick?”

Yi Tianyu stood beside her, bending down to bring his face close to hers.

“Hahaha, are you angry?”

Xue Jiao glared at him: “I’m not that bored.”

“Fine, fine, fine, as long as you’re not angry.” Looking at her lips, he smiled, “Hahaha, you’re sneaking food again! Bookworm, turns out you’re not just a bookworm, but also a foodie!”

Xue Jiao rolled her eyes upward. Whenever she encountered Yi Tianyu, she became quite unladylike.

Yi Tianyu reached out and wiped the corner of her mouth.

Xue Jiao froze.

“Um… it’s just cream… I’m wiping it off…” Yi Tianyu said, his heart racing.

Then he cursed himself internally: Yi Tianyu, you haven’t done anything wrong, why are you nervous?!

Don’t blush!

From a distance, Lin Zhihua’s eyes narrowed slightly, his hand gripping his glass tightening.

Xue Jiao glared at Yi Tianyu. Yi Tianyu awkwardly touched the tip of his nose, then reached out again.

“What are you doing?!” Xue Jiao exploded in anger.

Yi Tianyu instinctively withdrew his hand, then said: “Well… I accidentally smudged your lipstick just now.”

“…”

Xue Jiao reached up and vigorously wiped the corner of her mouth, then couldn’t resist punching him—

“Yuyu!!!”

From a distance, Lin Zhihua could hardly contain himself, walking quickly toward them.

“Mr. Lin! Oh, I’ve been wanting to talk to you!” A middle-aged man intercepted him.

Mr. Jin also approached: “Mr. Lin, I just saw you walking rather quickly. Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Lin Zhihua was usually composed; his previous movement could be considered a slip.

Lin Zhihua took a deep breath, only saying: “…Nothing.”

Yi Tianyu, thick-skinned as ever, continued to grin: “Hey, bookworm, haven’t you eaten dinner?”

Xue Jiao nodded: “Obviously not. Why would I be looking for food here if I’d had dinner?”

“Then let me take you out to eat something good!”

“What places are even open at this hour?” Xue Jiao said, exasperated.

Yi Tianyu grabbed her wrist and pulled her along—

“Come on, that Lin Zhihua guy is here, so this annual meeting might still go on for another hour. That’s enough time for us to eat!”

“Hey! What will people think if we leave now?!” Xue Jiao punched him.

“It doesn’t matter, I’m used to running off. There’s a side door, I’ll take you. There’s nothing fun here.” He continued walking.

Xue Jiao stopped resisting. If it was going to drag on, there was no point in staying inside.

“Bang—”

A wine glass was crushed, falling to the floor.

“Mr. Lin! Your hand is injured!” Jin Sui exclaimed, looking concerned as she took out a handkerchief, intending to cover the wound.

Lin Zhihua moved slightly, not letting her touch him, then took out his handkerchief and wrapped his hand.

“I apologize to everyone, I’m feeling unwell and would like to leave now.”

“Mr. Lin, are you sure you don’t need a doctor to look at it? A doctor is waiting upstairs, or we could go to the hospital?”

“No need, I’d like to return first.” Lin Zhihua said coolly, though his hand was clenched tightly as if enduring something.

“Alright then, Mr. Lin, please remember to bandage the wound!” Mr. Jin said, handing him another handkerchief.

Lin Zhihua accepted it, smiled slightly, and strode out through the main entrance.

When he reached the main entrance, he instinctively looked around…

Nothing.

No Yi Tianyu, and no Xue Jiao.

Chen Yanji immediately rushed over: “Boss! What happened?!”

His voice was anxious, clearly having seen the blood dripping from Lin Zhihua’s hand.

Lin Zhihua closed his eyes slightly, concealing all emotions—

“It’s nothing, let’s go back.”

In the car, Chen Yanji carefully bandaged Lin Zhihua’s wound, not daring to say a word. The pressure in the car was extremely low.

Lin Zhihua gazed out the window. No one knew what he was thinking. Only when the street lights illuminated his face could one see the coldness.

Along with loneliness.

——

Yi Tianyu led Xue Jiao out through the side door. After running just a few meters, they were shocked.

“It’s snowing…”

Xue Jiao gritted her teeth, her lips trembling—

“Yuyu! I’m not done with you!!”

She was wearing a halter-style dress that exposed her arms. Now with snow hitting her body, she was dumbfounded.

“I forgot we left our coats at the main entrance!” Yi Tianyu slapped his forehead, looking distressed.

Xue Jiao’s face darkened further, with a hint of blue.

Yi Tianyu quickly took off his suit jacket and wrapped her in it.

“Let’s still go eat, it’s just a hundred meters. If we slink back to the hall now, we still won’t get anything to eat…”

“Lead the way!” Xue Jiao said through gritted teeth.

Yi Tianyu touched his nose, walking as he said—

“You women, sacrificing your lives for beauty, wearing so little in the dead of winter.”

Xue Jiao was so angry she clenched her teeth. If it weren’t for him, would she be freezing right now?!

But it was too cold, and Xue Jiao didn’t want to talk.

“Let’s run, it won’t be cold if we run!” Yi Tianyu said, lifting his knees high in place and breathing out warm air.

Xue Jiao: “…”

Her hand clutching the collar of the suit jacket tightened, as if she were squeezing Yi Tianyu’s neck, gritting her teeth.

I’m wearing a dress!!!

“Bookworm, run faster, I’m cold too, let’s…”

“Yuyu.” Xue Jiao called out with a shivering voice.

Yi Tianyu turned his head while breathing warm air: “What?”

“What are you wearing under your shirt?”

“An undershirt, of course. I’m not like you women!”

Xue Jiao gritted her teeth and spat out a sentence: “Give me your shirt!!”

“Huh?”

——

Yi Tianyu hadn’t lied. The restaurant was just a hundred meters away. From the hotel’s side door, turn and walk a hundred meters backward, and there it was—secluded, but with decent conditions.

It was a noodle shop.

The two of them—one wearing a dress wrapped in a shirt and suit jacket, the other bare-chested—rushed into the shop.

As soon as Yi Tianyu entered, he shouted—

“Auntie!! Turn the heat up!! Quick, quick, we’re freezing to death!!”

Inside, a woman in her fifties was startled, then quickly turned on the heater—

“Oh my, oh my, Little Yi, you’re here so late, I was just about to close. Come, come, there’s a stove and blankets here! Cover yourself quickly!”

Yi Tianyu hugged himself and rubbed his arms. Hearing this, he instinctively grabbed a blanket and was about to sit down.

Suddenly, he remembered there was someone behind him.

“Bookworm, quick, quick, sit down.” He pushed Xue Jiao onto the chair, and then covered her with the blanket, wrapping her legs tightly.

Xue Jiao finally caught her breath.

Only then did the auntie notice there was a young girl, and her eyes widened—

“Little Yi, how could you bring a young lady out here like this? Don’t let her catch cold!”

Although she was just an ordinary shopkeeper, the grand hotel was nearby, so she had some worldly knowledge.

This young lady in a dress was a wealthy young miss that Little Yi had brought out from a formal occasion at the hotel!

Yi Tianyu touched his nose: “A miscalculation… a miscalculation…”

With some warmth finally present, Xue Jiao had recovered a bit. Hearing this, she rolled her eyes, but still said to the auntie: “Thank you, Auntie, I’m just taking up your things.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine, as long as you don’t mind.” As she spoke, she seemed to think of something. “I’ll quickly make you both a steaming bowl of noodles. Eat it to prevent catching a cold!”

Then she rushed to the back, leaving the slowly working old air conditioner and the two of them, Yi Tianyu and Xue Jiao.

Yi Tianyu scooted closer to Xue Jiao, pinching the edge of the blanket with two fingers, trying to pull it over himself.

“What are you doing?!”

Yi Tianyu’s hand trembled, and he chuckled: “Well… trying to get some of the blanket, I’m cold too, this is warm…”

Xue Jiao paused, quickly handed him his suit jacket, and tugged at the blanket to make room for half of it.

“The jacket is a bit wet, you’d better leave it to dry.”

Yi Tianyu took it, about to say he’d wear it anyway when he saw Xue Jiao had made space for half the blanket.

Immediately, Yi Tianyu swallowed his words and wrapped himself in half the blanket.

Although the blanket wasn’t small, half was still difficult to cover a person completely.

But Yi Tianyu, thinking about sharing a blanket with Xue Jiao, somehow felt… warm?

Xue Jiao asked: “Are you covered? Or should I give you the blanket, or you could move closer to the stove.”

Yi Tianyu, with his back still exposed, answered without thinking: “I’m covered, I’m covered.”

Xue Jiao’s teeth were still slightly chattering. Yi Tianyu heard it and looked down, seeing Xue Jiao’s thin leather shoes and exposed ankles.

He quickly reached out, took off her shoes, and tucked her feet into the blanket.

“Cover up well!”

Xue Jiao was startled, her face turning slightly red. “Thank—”

Her voice was soft, and Yi Tianyu spoke before hearing her—

“Speaking of which, you’re quite cruel. It’s so cold, and even with my jacket not being enough, you still made me take off my shirt. I nearly froze to death!”

Xue Jiao: “…”

If she hadn’t been so cold, and if he hadn’t kept making those “cold remarks,” would she have done such a thing?!

If it were someone else…

If it were someone else…

Well, she wouldn’t have run out from the annual meeting with anyone else, and certainly wouldn’t have continued running after seeing it snow…

Had she been infected by some kind of unthinkable thing from this idiot?!

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Still cold?”

“Not cold anymore.” Could Xue Jiao admit she was still shivering?

“Then give me more of the blanket.”

“…”

——

The air conditioner temperature rose, and the auntie brought out a bowl of noodles.

Xue Jiao was about to get up, but the auntie hurriedly said: “Don’t get up, don’t get up, I’ll pull the table over. You can eat right there in the chair.”

“It’s fine, Auntie, I’m not cold anymore,” Xue Jiao quickly said.

“No, no, young ladies can’t catch a chill. Cover yourself well, I’ll just move the table over.” As the auntie spoke, she had already pulled the table over.

Yi Tianyu flashed a toothy grin: “Thank you, Auntie!”

“Why are you being so polite with me?” As she spoke, the auntie continued, “There’s another bowl, I’ll go get it right away.”

The auntie went inside. Yi Tianyu’s physique was good; once the temperature rose, he was back to his lively self even in just an undershirt.

“Come, come, Bookworm, you eat first.”

Xue Jiao shook her head, unwilling: “You eat first. I’m covered with the blanket, but your clothes are still wet. You should eat something warm first.”

“It’s fine, I…”

“Eat!” Xue Jiao glared.

“Oh…” Yi Tianyu could only sit across from the stove, holding the bowl and slurping up some noodles.

Xue Jiao swallowed, watching enviously.

Yi Tianyu took another sip of soup and sighed: “So comfortable!”

And then…

He happily ate across from Xue Jiao, making slurping sounds.

Xue Jiao: “…”

Fortunately, a moment later, the auntie brought out another bowl of noodles and placed it in front of Xue Jiao.

“It feels like Little Yi is still young, yet he already has a girlfriend.”

“No…”

Before Xue Jiao could finish speaking, the auntie said—

“You eat first, I’ll go tidy up the kitchen.”

“Alright. Go ahead, Auntie!” Yi Tianyu’s voice was cheerful.

Xue Jiao: “…”

So there was no chance to explain?

Yi Tianyu kept his head down, happily eating noodles, his eyes flashing with amusement.

Xue Jiao quickly ate her noodles too. With one mouthful of hot soup, her heart warmed up, dispelling the cold.

“Tasty, right?” Xue Jiao nodded.

She had to admit it was delicious, probably because she was hungry and had walked so “arduously” to get here. This bowl of chicken soup noodles that instantly drove away the cold was as delicious as the food she had eaten with Lin Zhihua in that alley the other day.

Such a big bowl of noodles, and Xue Jiao actually finished it all, not even leaving any soup!

Xue Jiao blinked, looking at the empty bowl in disbelief.

“Wow! You bookworm actually ate as much as me, a man!”

Xue Jiao: “…”

“Thankfully, we have Auntie’s place to sustain us, otherwise we’d starve to death tonight. Why do older people think those weird things at the annual meeting can fill you up? The elderly really don’t understand young people’s appetites…”

Xue Jiao: “…”

She wondered how Uncle Yi and Auntie Yi would feel if they knew their son referred to them as “the elderly.”

Xue Jiao raised an eyebrow: “Are you familiar with the owner of this shop?”

“Of course, this shop is mine!”

“Huh?” Xue Jiao was genuinely shocked.

Yi Tianyu raised an eyebrow: “Hehe, surprised?”

Xue Jiao rolled her eyes: “Stop joking!”

“Alright, the woman just now was my family’s former nanny, who practically raised me. Later, her family ran into trouble, leaving only her and her young grandson, so she resigned.”

“Then what?” Xue Jiao eagerly asked.

“My mom actually wanted the auntie and her grandson to stay with us, but the auntie refused. She felt it wasn’t good for her grandson to live in an employer’s home. But she was worried about leaving a child outside alone, so she resigned to work outside, but the money she earned wasn’t enough to raise her grandson. So I gave her advice, helped her open this noodle shop. She lives here with her grandson, I pay her a salary, and we share the profits.”

Clearly, this troublemaker had opened this shop for the auntie…

For a moment, Xue Jiao’s gaze toward him was complex.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Yi Tianyu awkwardly looked at himself.

Nothing wrong.

Could it be… the bookworm was moved by his spirit and had fallen for him?

Yi Tianyu blushed despite his thick skin.

Xue Jiao sighed: “I never thought someone like you, who never does good deeds, would actually have a day when you showed kindness…”

Yi Tianyu: “…”

He choked for a moment, then squeezed out: “I’ve done other good things too.”

“What else have you done?” Xue Jiao raised an eyebrow.

Yi Tianyu: “I… I…”

“Found money and gave it to the police?”

Yi Tianyu: “…” No… when he saw money on the road, he just stepped on it.

“Helped old ladies cross the street?”

Yi Tianyu: “…” He hadn’t even helped his own father.

“Been eager to help others?”

Yi Tianyu: “…” He had never been eager.

“So… what have you done?”

Yi Tianyu was dumbfounded. After Xue Jiao’s questioning, he suddenly felt like he was society’s trash!

Xue Jiao picked up the hot water the auntie had brought over and took a sip, lowering her head to hide her smile.

This idiot.

Even as they prepared to leave, Yi Tianyu still couldn’t recall a single good deed he’d done besides helping the auntie.

“It’s so cold outside, better leave tomorrow,” the auntie said worriedly, looking at the snow still falling outside.

This time, Yi Tianyu didn’t need Xue Jiao to say anything: “We snuck out, and I need to get her back before the event ends.”

“Ah.” The auntie sighed, “But with so much snow outside, why don’t you take the blanket with you?”

“No, no!” Xue Jiao quickly refused.

For Yi Tianyu and Xue Jiao now, a blanket might not be much, but Xue Jiao had experienced hard times and knew that when living frugally, even a blanket couldn’t be wasted.

They couldn’t possibly bring a blanket into the annual meeting, so it would have to be thrown away.

“Ah.” The auntie sighed again.

Xue Jiao smiled: “Auntie, your noodles were delicious! I’ll definitely come again.”

“Good, good, good!” The auntie’s eyes crinkled with smiles, nodding repeatedly.

Xue Jiao continued smiling: “My name is Gu Xue Jiao, you can call me Xue Jiao.”

“Good, good, Xue Jiao is good…” The auntie smiled even more kindly.

Turning her head, Xue Jiao looked at Yi Tianyu: “Pay up.”

“Oh, you don’t need to pay!” The auntie hurriedly said.

Yi Tianyu also said: “No need to pay, it’s not much…”

Xue Jiao glared at him, lowering her voice: “Aren’t you supposed to share profits with Auntie? What’s going on if you don’t pay!”

“Oh, oh, oh.” Yi Tianyu suddenly realized and quickly reached for his money.

He felt his pockets.

“Empty…”

Xue Jiao: “…”

“Use your phone to pay!”

After Xue Jiao said this, Yi Tianyu slapped his forehead and quickly took out his phone, paying for the two bowls of noodles.

“Oh my, oh my, why pay at your own shop!”

Xue Jiao smiled gently: “This is payment for Auntie’s hard work, as it should be.”

If it were just Yi Tianyu, it might have been fine, but knowing the auntie’s situation, Xue Jiao couldn’t stomach a free meal.

But her phone was in her bag, so she could only let Yi Tianyu pay first and repay him when they got back.

“We’re leaving now, Auntie.” Xue Jiao said goodbye.

“Take it slow, the snow is heavy, be careful on the way.”

“We will!”

With that, the two walked out. As they reached the door, Yi Tianyu suddenly stopped.

“What’s wrong?”

Yi Tianyu looked at her and began taking off the clothes he had only recently put back on.

Xue Jiao: “…No need, don’t freeze yourself sick. I’ll just run straight back, it’s not far.”

“That won’t do either. I’m not a man without grace.”

He quickly took off his jacket, then his shirt.

“Ah! You really don’t need to take that off!” Xue Jiao hurriedly said.

Yi Tianyu didn’t stop, draping the suit jacket over her, then saying: “Let’s go, let’s go.”

“At least wear your shirt!” Xue Jiao glared at him.

Yi Tianyu casually waved his hand, saying: “Let’s go, let’s go, we’ll talk outside.”

With that, he led the way, pushing the door open.

Xue Jiao could only quickly follow.

The snow was heavier, vast patches of white everywhere.

With such heavy snow, even the return journey would get them wet.

“Gu Xue Jiao!” Yi Tianyu’s voice was formal and serious.

“What?!” Xue Jiao answered with a shivering voice.

They hadn’t even started running in the snow, but just the cold hitting their bodies had frozen Xue Jiao stiff.

Girls are indeed less resistant to cold.

“Close your eyes!” Yi Tianyu shouted, then covered her head with his shirt, and with a sway of his body, Xue Jiao was…

Hoisted up!

Hoisted up like a sack of flour!

The shirt covered her head, blocking both the snow and her vision.

“Yi Tianyu!!!”

“Moved, aren’t you? Hahaha, don’t talk! I’ll run faster!”

“I—”

“Don’t be too touched!!”

“I—”

“Oh-ho!” Yi Tianyu let out a shout, feeling extremely heroic.

He carried her toward the hotel, covering the hundred meters in just a moment.

Yi Tianyu set her down, and Xue Jiao swayed a bit.

He stood there, waiting for Xue Jiao’s emotional reaction.

But Xue Jiao didn’t move at all.

“Hey?” Yi Tianyu was confused, gently lifting the shirt.

At this moment, he felt a bit nervous, as if he were… lifting a bridal veil?

As he lifted it, he saw Xue Jiao biting her lower lip, her face pale.

Her eyes were watery, looking hurt and uncomfortable.

Yi Tianyu became anxious: “What’s wrong? What’s wrong? Bookworm, what’s wrong?!”

Xue Jiao didn’t speak, her hand pressing tightly against her stomach.

Yi Tianyu: “…”

Damn! He forgot she had just eaten!

——

Xue Jiao crouched in the bathroom, on the verge of vomiting but not quite, for quite a while before she recovered. Fortunately, the distance had been short, so she didn’t throw up and wasn’t seriously affected.

After resting for a while, she felt better.

Xue Jiao washed her face, then tidied her hair before washing her hands and going out.

Outside, Yi Tianyu was leaning against the wall, looking very anxious.

Xue Jiao came out, and he scratched his head, smiling. For some reason, when facing Xue Jiao, he always seemed to do foolish things out of nervousness.

“Are you alright?” Yi Tianyu’s eyes were both anxious and concerned.

Xue Jiao shook her head, relaxing her tone: “I’m fine now.”

“Should we still go to the hospital and check?”

“I’m really fine.” Xue Jiao shook her head. “It wasn’t long, I feel better after catching my breath.”

Yi Tianyu finally relaxed, he had been so worried.

Xue Jiao looked up slightly: “By the way, how’s it inside? Has it ended?”

“No, I just peeked in, your parents are still chatting with people.” Yi Tianyu put his hands in his pockets.

Xue Jiao also breathed a sigh of relief.

“We should hurry back, so we’re not discovered later.”

“Don’t worry about that, I’ve snuck out many times before! We definitely won’t be caught.”

With that, they walked inside.

“I want to thank you for today.” Xue Jiao suddenly said.

Thank you for taking me to eat, thank you for lending me your clothes, thank you for… carrying me back.

At this, Yi Tianyu became a bit shy: “Don’t worry, next time we sneak out again, I’ll include all this in the plan.”

Previously, he had run out in just his suit without noticing how cold it was. Girls dress more thinly, so they would definitely get cold.

Yi Tianyu was thinking that next time they should leave through the main entrance properly, otherwise without coats…

Xue Jiao: “…”

There won’t be a next time!

Just as they stepped into the hall, four people stood directly in front of them, staring.

Yi Dafa, Yi’s mother, Cheng Zhao… and Li Sitong.

Yi Tianyu: “…”

Xue Jiao: “…”

“Where did you go?” Li Sitong asked with a cold face.

The two answered in unison—

“Bathroom!”

“Entrance!”

Then together again—

“Entrance!”

“Bathroom!”

“…”

Author’s note: Lin Zhihua says: I wish I hadn’t come…