Jing Yun never thought of affecting Sheng Minglan in any manner possible, because he never once imagined how he could be to her.

  It was quite good now that he was outside and had a house to himself—he at least didn’t have to tiptoe over everything.

  Later, Sheng Minglan phoned Sheng Xiao. “Where has Jing Yun gone to?” She asked urgently.

  “He’s my assistant. Where could he be? That said, he’s no longer staying back home to avoid rumors. Aren’t you moving out soon as well? What, are you worried about Jing Yun?”


  “He was forced out by Seventh Sister because of me.”


  “At least you’re aware.” Sheng Xiao did not offer an explanation—it was his plan in the first place to have Sheng Minglan feel guilty, which passed off as a consolation for that overly-sentimental fool.

  “Promise me. You’ll take care of him.”


  “He’s fine.” Sheng Xiao knew how capable Jing Yun was even if the rest of the Sheng family wasn’t. After all, he had not met another person who was better suited to take his father’s place in Huang Yao over the years.

  “Promise me that anyway.”


  “Very well. I promise.”


  Sheng Xiao’s lips were curling into a smile despite his answer.

  Sheng Minglan was beside herself with worry because she had feelings for Jing Yun—even though that hadn’t blossomed into love yet.

  Naturally, Sheng Xiao didn’t forget to tell Jing Yun about her worries as well. After all, he knew that such consolation that was insignificant to others was exceedingly precious for Jing Yun.

  “Free up my schedule tomorrow. I’m celebrating Qi’er’s birthday with her.”


  “Got it.” Jing Yun nodded.

  “Since you’ve moved out and Fourth Sister would soon follow suit, have you thought about finding a chance to tell her how you feel?”


  The truth was that Sheng Xiao himself was on the edge of the seat—after all, he couldn’t understand why Jing Yun wouldn’t be with the woman he had feelings for.

  If you protected her silently, who would give a damn about you after she got married?

  Even so, Jing Yun remained calm because he had surrendered himself to fate, convinced that watching over Sheng Minglan was his destiny.

  And that felt like a curse from Sheng Xiao’s perspective.

  Whether he was the Crown Prince of the Sheng family or if he was an orphan like Jing Yun, he would keep her by his side if she was sure about it.

  Nonetheless, Sheng Xiao didn’t say much since Jing Yun was being dead stubborn about it, not to mention that emotional quotients varied from one person to another.

  Still, Mu Qiqi was as frustrated as Sheng Minglan when she heard about Jing Yun.

  When it comes down to it, what had Seventh Sister done for her family? And yet there she was, bullying Jing Yun to the bone—Sheng Minglan’s slap was only too pleasant.

  ***

  In the evening, Mu Qiqi was studying more materials at the study again—it was the background information regarding the two sons of the Liu family that Sheng Xiao had promised her.

  She tossed and turned before suddenly sighing. “The eldest Liu son actually resembles you. Just because he thought that her current wife had been treated badly, he gave her a new status and a chance for revenge. Sure, it’s a little weird that two brothers shared their bed with the same woman, but maybe what people care about is the soul and not the body.”


  “That is why I think there’s a chance to turn this around.”


  Sheng Xiao wrapped his arms around her at that and asked interestedly. “Is there any evidence? Or is that your instincts talking?”


  “Think about it, Xiaoxiao. The eldest madam has no background support, and marrying her wouldn’t help the eldest son’s business in any way. So why would the eldest son not interfere with her trying to get payback against his own brother and sister-in-law? It’s simple: without love and perseverance, I don’t think there’s any man who could go the extra mile like him.

  “That is why I’m sure that we should work with the eldest son. I’m sure that he is hopeful of his wife letting go of her grudge and regaining a new life. Wanna bet?”


  “And how would you work with him?”


  “You don’t need to know. What you should do is make things easy for me.” Mu Qiqi replied confidently.

  “Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I guess. The Liu family matters to Huang Yao’s VVIP night, so I’ll take responsibility for anything else if you really could resolve it.”


  “You’ve said so.” Mu Qiqi pointed at his nose, wanting assurance.

  Sheng Xiao held her hand and nodded. “I’ve said so. And I never go back on my word.”


  Soon enough, they melted in one through their kisses—whatever the time and place or how important what they were discussing was, the man always had a way of turning the place into a wonderland of delights.

  He really had no shame.

  That said, Mu Qiqi had gotten used to it.

  And she was utterly satisfied with the man’s affections anyway…


  This time, they were only finished late into the night. After showering together, they lay on their bed.

  It was snowing outside the window, and when Mu Qiqi felt a chill, she quickly snuggled into Sheng Xiao’s arms.

  A silent night.

  And when she was drifting between sleep and wakefulness, Sheng Xiao suddenly kissed her on the forehead and whispered, “Happy birthday, little one.”


  Mu Qiqi promptly opened her eyes, baring her snow-white shoulders. “Where’s my present?”


  It was intended to be a joke, and she naturally didn’t expect Sheng Xiao to really put something on her palm.

  Accepting it and sitting up, she found that she was holding a necklace between her fingers, with two exquisitely sculpted and adorable wings on both ends and a locket that was shaped like…


  “That’s…”


  “My heart.”


  “Who is that basic and crude to make a necklace shaped like an actual heart?” Mu Qiqi giggled even as she studied the necklace in detail.

  While the locket did resemble a heart, it was crusted with white diamonds and looked like an irregularly shaped rock from afar with an otherworldly beauty. She could tell it was because she was a medical student, but a regular person would be more willing to categorize it as an irregular white diamond.

  “Is there any treasure you want but couldn’t get in this whole wide world? On the other hand, this locket is a mini version of my heart, which I entrust in your care.”


  Mu Qiqi felt the sweetness well in her heart and clenched the necklace tightly. “I’ll keep it safe.”


  “Happy birthday.”


  “I’m happy every day when I’m with you.” Mu Qiqi said, unable to hold back her tears. “Xiao Xiao, don’t leave me… never leave me, okay?”


  “Congratulations, little one. You’re now nineteen.”


  Sheng Xiao’s lips covered hers once again, and despite her exhaustion, all Mu Qiqi knew in that moment was to reply him well in her profound captivation.

  The two were together after another heartbeat, the tidying-up before having all gone to waste…


  White snow was aflutter outside the window while the sounds of love fluctuated within the warm room, even more euphoric than the days before.

  The man’s smile in the darkness was oozing with charm. “Have I fed you enough, little one?”