There were patterns behind many of Rong Qian’s behaviors and mannerisms, if one cared to look.

But as the saying goes, the one closest to the matter is often the last to see it clearly. Because he was so familiar with her, it had never occurred to him to wonder why she would say such things, or how she came to know such obscure pieces of knowledge.

With Zhang Jin’s observations now in his ears, Shen Yi found himself watching Rong Qian with fresh eyes — and noticed that she did, in fact, carry the distinctive qualities of a police officer.

But what did that prove?

She had told him she was a time traveler, and also that she existed in reality. There was only one explanation: in her real life, her identity was that of a police officer.

With that thought, Shen Yi suddenly realized he had no idea why Rong Qian had come crossing through time to find him. He’d asked before, but she’d always deflected and brushed it off.

Back then he’d been younger, with fewer complicated thoughts. Looking at it now, he could see that Rong Qian had kept a great many things hidden from him.

And yet, even so, Shen Yi had never had the urge to press her.

He truly didn’t know what Rong Qian’s purpose was. But there was one thing he was certain of: Rong Qian would never harm him.

Knowing that was enough.

“What are you standing on the stairs daydreaming about?”

Rong Qian was in the living room watching television. The screen was small and the picture quality poor, but she watched with rapt attention — because it was a film starring Shen Yi.

She happened to glance over, noticed Shen Yi standing on the stairs as though lost in thought, and called out to him.

Shen Yi came back to himself. He smiled and made his way toward her.

“Switch the channel.”

After sitting down beside her, Shen Yi watched for only a few seconds before requesting a change.

Rong Qian caught his discomfort and stifled a smile. “Alright, let’s switch.”

She changed the channel — and the next one was an interview program, with him as the guest.

Shen Yi pressed his fingers to his forehead with a pained expression. “Try another one.”

“Sure.” Rong Qian obliged, and switched again — only to land on a commercial that also starred him.

She finally couldn’t hold back her laughter. Shen Yi gave up and resigned himself. Fine. This would do.

“Hey, the ring on your hand — is it the brand from that jewelry commercial you did?” Rong Qian suddenly noticed the detail.

The ring he wore in the commercial was the same one he had on now.

Shen Yi held his hand open for her to see. “Yes, this very one. Your eye for detail is sharp.”

“Of course — in my line of work, observation is everything.” Rong Qian took his hand and looked it over. The ring really did suit him beautifully.

Though, truth be told, his hand was even more beautiful than the ring.

Hearing her words, Shen Yi let out a quiet, rueful laugh. How negligent he must have been all this time, to have never put it together sooner.

Noticing her interest in the ring, Shen Yi asked: “Do you like it?”

“It’s alright. The design is simple and clean, very easy on the eyes.” Rong Qian had no taste for flashy, overwrought things. Mostly, this ring just didn’t look particularly expensive to her.

If only she’d known what brand Shen Yi was endorsing, she would have thought very differently about the price of the ring on his finger.

Shen Yi said with a smile: “There’s a women’s version of this ring. Knowing you’d like it, I’ve already had one purchased.”

“You’ve already bought it?”

The surprise came so unexpectedly that Rong Qian was genuinely caught off guard.

She hadn’t expected this — that his approach to giving gifts was like this.

No buildup. No mystique. He simply mentioned it in passing and it was already done — an unannounced surprise, perfectly timed.

Though wearing matching rings did feel a little strange…

As if reading her thoughts, Shen Yi said smoothly: “It’s just a keepsake. A lot of people buy things like this to collect, and they appreciate in value over time.”

“Oh really? Give it to me, give it to me!” Once he put it that way, Rong Qian had no reservations.

Shen Yi quietly let out a sigh. Getting her a gift requires a cover story. Shen Yi, have you no pride?

“I put it in the safe. Let me go get it.”

But just as Shen Yi was about to stand, Xu Mo and Fu Bozhong walked in. Seeing them both, Xu Mo said: “Boss, the car He Jicheng sent to collect you is already waiting at the gate.”

“This early?” Rong Qian glanced at the time. It was still five in the afternoon.

Xu Mo said: “Not really that early — factoring in preparation time and the drive, the timing is about right.”

“Can I come too?” Rong Qian suddenly remembered it hadn’t been settled yet whether she could go.

“Well…” Xu Mo hesitated and turned to Shen Yi, handing him the difficult question: “That depends on what the boss thinks.”

“Take me with you — I can be a bodyguard!” Rong Qian volunteered immediately.

Shen Yi shook his head. “I have enough bodyguards. I’m not short on those.”

“So you’re saying I can’t come with you?” Rong Qian’s face fell.

Shen Yi smiled and said: “What I mean is — I’m not short on bodyguards. I’m short on a female companion.”

And before Rong Qian could even process that, a quick-witted Xu Mo had already guided her toward the stairs. “Miss Rong, go upstairs and get ready. I’ll help you pick out an outfit.”

Watching Rong Qian be whisked off by Xu Mo to get dressed up, Fu Bozhong asked Shen Yi: “Young master, is it alright to bring Miss Rong along?”

“The casino is well guarded, and their discretion has always been impeccable. No need to worry about drawing media attention.”

As he spoke, Shen Yi turned to look at Fu Bozhong. His eyes were warm with a quiet smile, and he told the truth: “Honestly — I’m just afraid she’ll get bored cooped up here. I want to take her out for some fresh air.”

Fu Bozhong smiled knowingly. Understood.

A little over half an hour later, Rong Qian came downstairs, changed and with her makeup done. Shen Yi looked at her and was struck still for several long seconds.

“Well? Pretty, right?”

Rong Qian gave a confident spin in front of him.

And then Shen Yi suddenly felt a twinge of regret for having let her come along to the casino as his companion.

Just thinking about how many sordid and unsavory gazes would be resting on her that evening made Shen Yi deeply, thoroughly displeased.