Chapter 28

The instant Ji Kailan noticed the flutter of Su Louzhi's eyelashes, a malicious thought even crossed his mind—

Let her catch him.

See how she'd react upon waking. Shocked? Embarrassed? Or...?

But in the end, he slowly pulled back.

The moment their lips parted, he even felt a pang of reluctance.

He straightened up and quietly observed Su Louzhi's reaction. If she woke up, he'd put on a concerned expression and ask if she'd had a nightmare.

Unfortunately, Su Louzhi didn't give him the chance to perform.

She smacked her lips, as if she'd just tasted something delicious, then rolled over and continued sleeping soundly.

Ji Kailan stood by the bed, gazing at her heavily.

A long moment passed.

He gently lifted the blanket and slipped in, pulling her whole body into his arms. His nose brushed against the nape of her neck, and he took a light sniff before slowly closing his eyes.

—

Su Louzhi slept deeply that night.

In her dream, she'd become Sun Wukong, pinned under the Five Elements Mountain, unable to move an inch.

When she groggily woke up, she was baffled—why was she so tired from just sleeping?

"Zhi Zhi."

A gentle voice sounded by her ear.

Su Louzhi turned her head and saw Ji Kailan standing by the bed, smiling at her.

"Are you planning to wash up now?"

It took Su Louzhi a few seconds to process the question before she slowly nodded.

The next second, she was lifted into his arms again. Ji Kailan carried her into the bathroom with practiced ease and set her down in front of the sink. After she finished brushing her teeth and washing her face, he carried her back to the bed. Just as he set her down, the doorbell rang.

Ji Kailan went to answer it and returned moments later with a tray of breakfast, placing it on the small table by the hospital bed.

"Zhi Zhi, let's have breakfast together."

Su Louzhi nodded, and the two of them ate in comfortable silence. When they finished, Ji Kailan took the tray out. When he came back, Su Louzhi already had her phone held up: [Senior Ji, what time did you wake up?]

Ji Kailan smiled faintly. "Just a little earlier than Zhi Zhi."

Su Louzhi hesitated, then typed again: [After what happened yesterday, will the police come by for a statement?]

Ji Kailan's gaze sharpened briefly, then he smiled as if nothing was wrong, his tone light. "I already handled it before Zhi Zhi woke up." He reached out and ruffled her hair. "Zhi Zhi doesn't need to worry about that, or think about it anymore. Forget everything that scared Zhi Zhi, and my Zhi Zhi will be happy."

Su Louzhi nodded. Whatever Ji Kailan said, she believed.

Just then, the door opened again. Zhang Ze walked in, unwrapped the gauze on Su Louzhi's hand, examined it, and nodded. "She's clear to be discharged."

Discharge paperwork? Nonexistent. Ji Kailan simply scooped Su Louzhi up, carried her into the elevator, and didn't set her down until they reached the passenger side of his car in the parking garage, where he bent down to fasten her seatbelt.

Su Louzhi let him do whatever he wanted the whole time.

After that, Ji Kailan got into the driver's seat, started the car, and drove all the way back to his neighborhood. After parking, he repeated the trick, carrying Su Louzhi out of the car, straight into the elevator, into his apartment, and only setting her down on the sofa.

Su Louzhi remained docile throughout, like a little cat being carried around.

"Zhi Zhi," Ji Kailan sat down beside her, "since you're still recovering today, let's not go out, alright?"

Su Louzhi looked at him and obediently nodded.

Seeing how well-behaved she was, the smile in Ji Kailan's eyes deepened. He asked gently, "Then what would you like for lunch?"

Su Louzhi was always easygoing about food—she'd eat whatever was given to her. She looked down and typed: [Anything is fine, Senior Ji.]

Ji Kailan nodded. "Alright, I'll have Huafu Restaurant deliver a post-surgery nourishing meal."

Su Louzhi froze, then hurriedly typed: [Huafu Restaurant? Don't they not do deliveries?]

She remembered that place. It was said to be run by descendants of the imperial chef, with high prices, amazing taste, and a mountain of secret recipes. Their most famous rule was that they absolutely refused to deliver, all to maintain the best quality of their dishes.

Ji Kailan smiled lightly. "I know the owner. He can make an exception for me."

Su Louzhi understood, but still hesitated: [But it's so expensive...]

Ji Kailan couldn't help but reach out and ruffle her hair again. "But I want Zhi Zhi to eat it," he said with a smile in his eyes. "What should I do?"

Su Louzhi wrestled with it for two seconds before nodding. [Alright then! Thank you, Senior Ji, for treating me.]

Ji Kailan curved his lips, took out his phone, tapped a few times, and put it down. "Done." He turned to her. "What does Zhi Zhi want to do?"

Su Louzhi thought for a moment. It was Sunday, normally a perfect day to go out and have fun. But she felt like after yesterday's incident, Ji Kailan had no intention of letting her out today.

Not that she minded, though. She was a homebody at heart. The only reason she went out every weekend was because Ji Kailan dragged her along. Now that he wanted her to stay at his place all day, she was actually quite happy about it. But she needed to find something to do, or she'd get bored.

She thought for a moment, then suddenly realized something—since she'd transmigrated, she'd never really looked at this world's entertainment offerings.

Movies, TV shows, web novels... Ever since she'd rediscovered the joy of the real world, her interest in virtual products had plummeted.

But since she couldn't go out today, maybe she could revisit her past life's hobbies?

She typed: [I might want to watch some movies or TV shows. Does Senior Ji have any recommendations?]

Ji Kailan pondered for a moment, then asked in return, "Does Zhi Zhi have a favorite genre?"

Su Louzhi thought about it. She didn't really have any particular preference. Anything was fine except horror. She typed: [Anything is fine, except horror movies.]

Ji Kailan read it, mused for a second, and suggested, "How about a comedy? I happen to know a good one."

Su Louzhi nodded without hesitation.

The next second, she was airborne again. Ji Kailan effortlessly scooped her up in a princess carry and headed straight for the media room.

The motion-sensor lights flickered on, casting a dim, warm yellow glow. Soft light cascaded down, inexplicably lending the atmosphere a touch of intimacy.

Ji Kailan walked straight to the sofa and sat down, but didn't let go. Instead, he held her there, nestling her into his arms. Because of their height difference, his chin rested perfectly on top of her head.

Su Louzhi was held snugly, her nose filled with the clean scent of him.

Ji Kailan picked up the remote with one hand and began browsing for a movie. His voice came from above her head, laced with a smile. "Zhi Zhi, I want to hold you like this while we watch. Would you be okay with that?"

From last night to today, he'd held her countless times already. Su Louzhi seemed to have gotten used to it, so she nodded.

Ji Kailan's smile deepened. He tightened his arms and started the movie.

The movie Ji Kailan chose was called "Red Center and Fortune." It was about a mischievous, prank-loving character named Red Center who was forced to partner up with Fortune, a stick-in-the-mud who followed rules to the letter. The two couldn't stand each other—Red Center would prank Fortune at every opportunity, while Fortune tortured Red Center with his rigid ways. Their missions were chaotic and hilarious, but through their constant clashes, they gradually began to see each other's true hearts. By the end of the final mission, the two arch-rivals became lovers.

Su Louzhi watched with great enjoyment. The movie was dense with jokes, fast-paced, and had a little heartfelt moment at the end. It was exactly her kind of film.

By the time the movie finished, the doorbell rang. The post-surgery nourishing meal from Huafu Restaurant had arrived. Ji Kailan carried her back to the dining room and set her down on a chair.

What surprised Su Louzhi was that two identical post-surgery meals had been delivered. She typed in confusion: [Why is Senior Ji eating this too?]

Ji Kailan smiled faintly. "If my Zhi Zhi has to eat such bland nourishing meals, how could I possibly enjoy delicacies right next to her?"

After lunch, Ji Kailan asked again, "Does Zhi Zhi want to keep watching?"

Su Louzhi's eyes lit up as she nodded. That last movie was way too good!

And so she was lifted into the air again, carried back to the media room. This time, Ji Kailan picked a romance, and after that, a martial arts action film.

By the time three movies had finished, dusk had fallen.

At dinner, Ji Kailan ordered two more nourishing meals from Huafu Restaurant. After eating, they both agreed to spend the evening in the media room again.

The three movies during the day had all been normal.

By normal, they meant: the comedy was a comedy, the romance was a romance, and the action was pure action. No cultivation elements, no fantasy settings.

But come evening, things started to change.

This time, Ji Kailan didn't pick the movie. He handed the remote to Su Louzhi and let her choose for herself.

Su Louzhi knew nothing about this world's entertainment industry and could only stare blankly at the sea of movie posters on the screen.

She didn't recognize the titles, the synopses all looked the same, and she didn't know a single director or actor. She could only pick by feel, scanning the screen until her gaze landed on one poster.

The title was "Spring Drizzle."

The poster was a beautiful landscape—tender spring greens, blooming pinks, and in the distance, the faint outlines of two figures.

It looked... quite artsy.

Su Louzhi clicked on it.

The opening of the movie matched her expectations perfectly.

The landscape from the poster came to life—tender spring greenery, lush pink blossoms, and two figures barely visible in the distance. The camera slowly pushed in, the imagery beautiful and artistic.

Su Louzhi thought to herself: Good choice. This really is a delicate romance.

After the pretty scenery passed, it was the usual opening sequence—subtitles, title, credits rolling by. Then, abruptly, the tone shifted. The entire visual style turned dark and obscure.

Su Louzhi blinked.

Maybe the early part was meant to be bittersweet? The leads weren't together yet, so they used a heavier tone? She thought, and immediately refocused her attention.

—

The story was set in a high school.

At the start of freshman year, new students walked into campus with bright smiles, full of hope for the future.

The female lead, Xiao Mei, quickly became close friends with her best friend, Xiao Tong. Their personalities clicked instantly, and they became inseparable, sharing snacks, eating together, and even holding hands to go to the bathroom.

The screen was filled with youthful vibes.

Su Louzhi was enjoying it.

Soon, the turning point came.

In the second semester of freshman year, a transfer student arrived—Xiao Shuai.

He was tall and handsome. When he walked into the classroom to introduce himself, the sunlight happened to stream through the window and fall on his face, framing him in a golden glow.

And just like that, he walked into Xiao Mei's heart.

Xiao Mei fell in love at first sight.

She shared her girlish secrets with her best friend Xiao Tong, describing the sweetness and bitterness of a secret crush. Carrying her hidden feelings, she failed to notice the way Xiao Tong's gaze grew complicated when she wasn't looking.

Xiao Mei wanted to fight for her love.

But Xiao Shuai was too popular. She wasn't the only one who liked him. She hit a few walls, heartbroken, and cried her eyes out in Xiao Tong's arms.

Xiao Tong's expression was complex.

After a long pause, she asked bitterly, "Xiao Mei, do you really like him that much?"

Xiao Mei sobbed and nodded. "I won't have anyone else for the rest of my life."

Xiao Tong was silent for a long time. Then she spoke, her voice very soft. "Alright. Xiao Mei, since you like him, I'll help you win him over."

—

At this point, Su Louzhi roughly understood—this was probably a bittersweet love triangle story. But the plot was still flowing smoothly and the characters were decently written, so she decided to keep watching.

—

Soon, with Xiao Tong's help, Xiao Mei's pursuit of love went smoothly.

The three of them hung out together, studied together, and ate together. They even made a pact to get into the same university.

On the day of the college entrance exam oath ceremony, Xiao Mei asked Xiao Shuai, "They say high school is the best time to date. With so many people chasing you, why aren't you in a relationship?"

Xiao Shuai answered firmly, "I already have someone I like. We promised to get into the same university together. After the exam is over, I'm going to confess to her."

Xiao Mei felt warm and fuzzy inside.

Because the one he'd promised to go to the same university with—was her.

The exam ended.

Xiao Mei rushed out of the exam hall, heading straight for Xiao Shuai's location. She wanted to confess to him the moment she saw him. But when she reached his exam hall, she saw Xiao Shuai, summoning his courage, confessing to Xiao Tong.

Xiao Mei's pencil case hit the ground with a slap.

Xiao Shuai and Xiao Tong turned at the same time.

Xiao Tong's face instantly filled with panic. "Xiao Mei! No, I... I don't like him!"

Xiao Shuai's face went pale.

Xiao Mei turned and ran.

Xiao Tong chased after her, grabbing her arm and explaining urgently, "I really didn't know Xiao Shuai would like me!"

Xiao Mei was heartbroken. She knew she couldn't blame Xiao Tong, but he was the first person she'd ever liked. How was she supposed to face Xiao Tong now?

She turned away, refusing to look at her.

Xiao Tong took a deep breath and forcibly turned Xiao Mei around to face her.

"Fine, Xiao Mei." She looked into her eyes and said seriously, "There's something I've never told you."

"I'm an alpha."

"I like you."

And then she kissed her.

—

Su Louzhi: ...

Su Louzhi: ???

She was completely dumbfounded.

Wait? What? How did they suddenly... kiss?

Was this a same-sex movie?

As the plot continued, Su Louzhi became even more confused.

Words like "knotting," "marking," "compatibility," "alpha," "omega"...

She didn't recognize a single one.

She stared at the screen blankly as the plot sped forward, the relationships grew more complicated, and unfamiliar concepts kept popping up one after another.

Until the credits slowly rolled.

Su Louzhi looked up at the big screen, her eyes hollow.

What... just happened?

—

The credits rolled.

Ji Kailan snapped back to reality, lowering his gaze to the person in his arms with a smile.

"Zhi Zhi's done watching," he said softly. "How did you find it?"

Su Louzhi looked up at him, dazed.

Ji Kailan raised an eyebrow. "What? Was Zhi Zhi not satisfied with this one?"

Su Louzhi shook her head, still confused, and typed: [It's not that I'm dissatisfied... it's just a bit hard to follow. Lots of fantasy elements mixed in.]

Ji Kailan was briefly taken aback.

To be honest, he hadn't actually watched any of the movies all day. His entire focus had been on the person in his arms—taking in her clean, fragrant scent, her warmth, that small, soft bundle curled up against him. How could he pay attention to what was on the screen?

The three daytime movies he'd seen before, but the evening one was picked by Su Louzhi herself. He genuinely didn't know its content.

But that didn't matter.

He recalled the synopsis he'd glimpsed during the selection and smiled as he said, "It's normal that it's hard to follow. This won an award at an international film festival this year. Those kinds of films are usually pretty obscure."

Su Louzhi had an epiphany. So that was it! No wonder it felt so nonsensical.

The two of them finished discussing the movie without ever actually talking about the same thing.

By the time the movie ended, it was close to ten. Su Louzhi hesitated. Her dorm locked at eleven, so she should probably head back.

Ji Kailan sensed her thoughts and spoke first, "Zhi Zhi can sleep here tonight."

His tone was casual. "You have clothes here anyway. I also have class tomorrow morning. We can wake up together, have breakfast, and I'll drive you to school. How about it?"

Su Louzhi was still hesitating, but Ji Kailan suddenly leaned in close—so close that their eyelashes almost touched.

"Say yes, Zhi Zhi," he murmured.

Su Louzhi looked into those eyes, so close, and—somehow—nodded again.

Ji Kailan's face instantly lit up with a smile as he pulled back slightly. "I'm so happy. Zhi Zhi is willing to stay tonight. That way, the first thing I see when I open my eyes tomorrow is Zhi Zhi."

Su Louzhi's cheeks flushed. She typed: [I'm happy too, Senior Ji.]

Ji Kailan stared at her with a deep, unreadable gaze for a few seconds.

Just as Su Louzhi was about to type something else, he bent down and scooped her up in his arms.

"Alright, it's getting late," he said. "Let me carry Zhi Zhi to her bath first."

As Su Louzhi was lifted, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

Ji Kailan carried her straight to the guest bathroom and gently set her down by the tub. He crouched and started filling it with water. It would take a moment to fill.

"Wait for me, Zhi Zhi."

He got up and left, returning moments later with a small piece of packaging. He walked up to her, knelt on one knee, tore it open, gently took her hand, carefully unwrapped the bandage, and applied a waterproof patch over her wound.

His movements were gentle and meticulous.

When he was done, Ji Kailan looked up with a smile. "Alright, Zhi Zhi can take her bath now."

Seeing Su Louzhi's slightly dazed expression, a hint of mischief crept into his eyes. "Need me to help you wash?"

Su Louzhi snapped out of it, blushing furiously, and shook her head desperately.

Ji Kailan chuckled and stood up. "Alright, I'll stop teasing Zhi Zhi. I'll wait right outside the bathroom door. Call me when you're done."

Su Louzhi panicked a little. Her baths took at least half an hour! Making him wait outside that long would be so embarrassing.

But she hadn't brought her phone, and she couldn't speak. After a moment's thought, she reached out and grabbed Ji Kailan's hand.

Ji Kailan raised an eyebrow and offered his hand to her.

Su Louzhi held his hand with one of hers, pointed at the tub with the other, then gently turned his palm up and wrote the number 30 on it.

Ji Kailan's brow twitched slightly, a smile in his eyes. "Zhi Zhi is saying that her bath takes at least thirty minutes, and I don't have to wait?"

Su Louzhi's eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously.

Ji Kailan smiled faintly. "It's fine. I want to wait for Zhi Zhi."

What could Su Louzhi say to that? She could only blush and let him do as he pleased.

—

Ji Kailan sat on a stool in the guest room, eyes closed, listening to the sounds coming from the bathroom.

The sound of water trickling, occasionally broken by the soft splash of water droplets.

Images involuntarily flooded his mind—Su Louzhi sitting in the tub, warm water lapping at her pale body. She raises an arm, resting it on the edge of the tub, water droplets sliding down her skin. Maybe there are bubbles, playfully clinging to her shoulders and collarbone...

He let himself continue imagining.

After all, she'd said her bath took at least half an hour.

Half an hour... a bit short, but he had ways to stretch it.

She didn't have her phone, so she couldn't accurately gauge the passage of time.

When it was nearly half an hour, he raised his voice, a barely noticeable hoarseness in his tone: "Zhi Zhi, it's still early. Take your time. I'll bring your phone in for you."

The sound of water paused briefly, then resumed.

A long while later.

He heard a change in the water sounds—she seemed to be getting out of the tub.

—

When Su Louzhi walked out of the bathroom, she was still enveloped in a gentle steam.

She wore her pajamas, her hair damp and loose, her skin flushed a soft pink from the hot water, her cheeks rosy—like a freshly peeled lychee.

Ji Kailan quietly admired her for a few seconds before stepping forward and speaking softly, "Zhi Zhi, let me dry your hair for you."

Su Louzhi felt a little embarrassed and was about to decline, but Ji Kailan had already gently taken her hand and led her to a stool to sit down. He picked up the hairdryer, threaded his fingers through her damp locks, and began drying them slowly.

The warm air was soothing, and Ji Kailan's movements were gentle, occasionally picking up a strand of hair and smoothing it down. Su Louzhi felt so comfortable that she couldn't help but squint her eyes happily.

After about ten minutes, her hair was seventy or eighty percent dry.

Ji Kailan turned off the hairdryer and set it down. "Zhi Zhi, wait for me a moment."

Su Louzhi looked up at him in confusion but obediently nodded.

Ji Kailan left the guest room and returned a moment later with a glass of milk. "Drink this before bed," he said, handing it to her. "It'll help you sleep."

Su Louzhi obediently took it and sipped, but immediately frowned. The taste was strange. Still, since it came from Ji Kailan, she forced herself to finish the whole glass.

Ji Kailan took the empty glass from her and asked with concern, "Why the expression, Zhi Zhi? Didn't you like the milk?"

Su Louzhi instinctively reached for her phone to type a reply before realizing it wasn't with her.

Ji Kailan caught on and smiled, pulling her phone out of his pocket. "I brought it in for you earlier and forgot to give it back."

Su Louzhi took it and typed: [Thank you, Senior Ji. That milk tasted so weird! It had a... foresty, grassy flavor?]

Ji Kailan looked at the message, his smile deepening.

"It's the freshest milk," he explained. "That's why it has a bit of a gamey taste."

Su Louzhi thought about it and found it reasonable.

Milk was naturally a bit gamey. The milk she'd drunk before was all from the supermarket, processed through countless steps, but even then she'd found it slightly off. People at Ji Kailan's level chased ultimate freshness and purity in their food, so this milk was probably just sterilized and delivered as-is. She'd never had milk that fresh, so finding the taste strange was only natural.

She successfully convinced herself.

Once Ji Kailan was satisfied that she'd bought the explanation, he stared at her with deep eyes for a few seconds, then slowly reached out and ruffled her hair.

"Alright, Zhi Zhi," he said, his voice low and laced with a tender weariness, "it's getting late. Time for bed?"

Su Louzhi nodded.

Ji Kailan bent down, lifted her from the stool, and gently placed her on the bed.

He tucked her in, then reached out to smooth her hair, murmuring, "Goodnight, Zhi Zhi. May Zhi Zhi have sweet dreams."

Su Louzhi looked into his eyes and slowly nodded.

Ji Kailan curved his lips and stood up, leaving the room.

The guest room light went out, and the door closed softly.

Su Louzhi lay in the familiar, warm bedding, breathing in the faint fragrance of incense, and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

—

On the monitor, Su Louzhi's breathing gradually steadied, her whole body sinking into the soft bedding, sleeping without a care.

Ji Kailan sat in the study, watching the screen for a long time. When he was sure she was completely asleep, he slowly rose.

And headed back to the guest room.

—

The door opened softly.

Ji Kailan walked to the bed and gazed down at her peaceful sleeping face.

Unbidden, the image from earlier surfaced in his mind—her frowning as she drank the milk, the ring of milk residue left on her lips, looking up at him with those pure, innocent eyes.

At that moment, he'd wanted nothing more than to press her down and taste what her milk-stained lips were like.

Now, he finally could.

Ji Kailan slowly bent down, took Su Louzhi's lips in his, and began to kiss her.

—

When Su Louzhi woke up, it was already broad daylight.

After washing up, she walked out of the guest room. The living room was empty. Just as she was wondering where he was, she heard a faint noise coming from the kitchen. She went over and peeked in—Ji Kailan was busy at the stove.

He heard her footsteps, turned around, and seeing her, his brows immediately curved into a smile.

"Zhi Zhi's awake?" he said warmly. "I made a simple breakfast—just sandwiches and milk. Hope Zhi Zhi doesn't mind."

Su Louzhi quickly shook her head. Mind? How could she?

Soon, Ji Kailan came out carrying two plates of sandwiches. Su Louzhi hurried into the kitchen and brought out the two glasses of milk to the table.

The two sat down and began to eat.

Ji Kailan smiled as he watched her. "How did Zhi Zhi sleep last night?"

Su Louzhi nodded to indicate she'd slept very well.

Ji Kailan's smile deepened.

"I'm glad Zhi Zhi slept well," he said. "If Zhi Zhi has time in the future, you should come sleep here more often. Like during breaks—just move in."

Su Louzhi considered it. She was already used to sleeping here, so there was no resistance. She nodded.

Ji Kailan seemed delighted, his eyes and brows all smiles.

"Speaking of holidays," he brought up suddenly, "winter break is coming up soon, isn't it? Less than a month and a half away. Does Zhi Zhi have any plans?"

Su Louzhi blinked. She hadn't actually thought about it. She typed: [Haven't decided yet.]

Ji Kailan immediately jumped in: "Then how about Zhi Zhi spends this winter break with me?"

Su Louzhi hesitated: [Isn't Senior Ji busy during the break? Qingyan once mentioned that she barely has time to breathe during hers.]

Ji Kailan smiled without missing a beat. "I'm very busy during breaks too. That's why I want Zhi Zhi to keep me company."

Su Louzhi thought about it—she had nothing to do anyway—and nodded. She typed: [Of course. How does Senior Ji want me to keep you company?]

The smile in Ji Kailan's eyes deepened. "During winter and summer breaks, my parents take the chance to dump most of the company's affairs on me while they travel." He explained, "So I'm actually busier when I'm on break—I go to the office every day."

His tone took on a subtle, coaxing quality. "I want Zhi Zhi to come to the office with me. Besides, Zhi Zhi is studying finance—consider it an early internship. Get a feel for what the work is like. I'll pay you a salary too. What do you say?"

Su Louzhi hastily typed: [No need for payment! Just being able to tag along and learn is more than enough.]

Are you kidding? The Ji Group.

At first, she hadn't realized how powerful the Ji Group was. But once she learned Ji Kailan's identity, she was forced to learn about the Ji Group—one of the top powerhouses in the country. Countless people dreamed of interning there. Even if she was only going to look around under the guise of keeping him company, just getting a glimpse was already a privilege beyond most.

Ji Kailan's smile deepened. He said warmly, "Alright. If my Zhi Zhi wants to save me money, I'm thrilled." He looked at her tenderly and continued, "In that case, I'll give Zhi Zhi a different kind of compensation, alright?"

Su Louzhi didn't like refusing Ji Kailan. Since he insisted, she'd agree for now—she'd just give him something in return later. So she nodded.

But after a moment's hesitation, she typed: [What about New Year's? If Senior Ji's parents are traveling, won't you need to visit relatives?]

She was genuinely curious about this.

Even though her own family situation had been unusual growing up, she knew that in the ordinary world, visiting relatives during New Year was a must. Did people at Ji Kailan's level not need to? Because they were too rich?

Seeing her question, Ji Kailan smiled lightly.

"My family structure is simple," he explained. "My dad is an only child, and my mom has just one younger sister. My aunt has never married. So I don't need to visit relatives during New Year."

Likely reminded of what Su Louzhi had said about Qin Qingyan being busy, Ji Kailan paused to recall and continued, "Qin Qingyan's situation is different. The Qin family has lots of people—the main branch alone has over a dozen members, and the side branches are countless. Besides dealing with company affairs during New Year, she mostly has to handle the family's social obligations."

Su Louzhi was taken aback. Did the Qin family have that many people? She'd never heard Qingyan mention it.

No wait—Qingyan was always low-key. Su Louzhi had known her for a long time before she learned that Qingyan was the heiress of the Qin Group.

Su Louzhi thought about it. Her own family was also small, but she was from the south. Southerners cared deeply about ancestral halls and clans, and those families were usually large. Large families had pros and cons—more hands made lighter work, and they were more united, able to support each other.

But she hadn't forgotten that this was a novel world, and Qin Qingyan was the female lead.

In novels, the female lead always had to face all kinds of trials. She dared not speculate whether Qin Qingyan's large family was a blessing or a curse for her.

She quickly tried to recall some of the female lead family settings she'd read about before—there was always something like a half-sister, a true/false heiress switcheroo, and whatnot.

Wait.

Speaking of novels—

She suddenly remembered she hadn't asked the System about her next task!

During the mixer that day, she'd been busy all day. She'd planned to ask when it was quiet at night, but then the robbers incident happened. She'd been so startled that she'd completely forgotten.

Su Louzhi glanced at Ji Kailan across from her. They were still at breakfast, so distracting herself to ask the System wasn't ideal. She'd do it later while he was driving.

"Speaking of New Year's," Ji Kailan suddenly said while she was still lost in thought, "Zhi Zhi, can you spend the New Year with me?"

Su Louzhi snapped back to attention and looked at him in confusion, typing: [Didn't we just agree I'd spend the whole winter break with you?]

"That's different," Ji Kailan said matter-of-factly. "What I mean by New Year is the traditional customs: the spring cleaning, putting up couplets, window decorations, and the fortune characters."

Su Louzhi listened. These all sounded simple enough. She was about to type her agreement when Ji Kailan continued, "For the spring cleaning, our role is just to participate symbolically. A cleaner comes by regularly, so we'll just sweep a little to brush away the bad luck of the past year."

"As for the couplets, my dad has a friend who's a master calligrapher. Our couplets are written by him every year. I'll take you to visit him then, get a set for ourselves, and put them up in this home."

"Oh, right—we'll get a fortune character from him too. His are beautiful; people beg for them. I'll have Zhi Zhi put it up. After that, my precious Zhi Zhi will be blessed with fortune all year long."

"Mm, and the window decorations. Does Zhi Zhi have a favorite pattern? Tell me, and after I buy them, we'll put them up together. Zhi Zhi, where do you think we should put them? I was thinking just the living room and the master and guest bedrooms."

As Su Louzhi listened to Ji Kailan lay out his plans for New Year's, her eyes grew brighter and brighter. She'd never had a truly festive New Year before. Hearing Ji Kailan include her in this home, letting her take part, celebrating together—she couldn't help but feel anticipation bubbling up. She wanted to fast-forward to New Year's already.

She excitedly typed out her imagined New Year to him.

After breakfast, Ji Kailan put the plates and cups into the dishwasher, and Su Louzhi grabbed a cloth from the kitchen and wiped down the table.

Once she confirmed there was nothing else to do, Su Louzhi headed for the door, ready to leave for school with Ji Kailan. She got to the door, turned back, and saw Ji Kailan still standing there, not following.

Su Louzhi looked at him in confusion.

Ji Kailan suddenly smiled. "I was just thinking—once we get to school, Zhi Zhi definitely won't want me carrying her across campus in broad daylight, right?"

Su Louzhi's cheeks flushed. God, that would be way too embarrassing! She nodded firmly.

Ji Kailan let out a dramatic sigh.

"I knew it," he said, looking at her with a smile. "So here, where no one can see—can Zhi Zhi let me hold her once more?"

Su Louzhi walked straight back to him without hesitation, opened her arms, and hugged him.

Ji Kailan curved his lips, tightened his grip, and scooped her into his arms again.

Su Louzhi had gotten used to his sudden lifts. She skillfully raised her arms and looped them around his neck.

His voice came from beside her ear, carrying a smile: "I'm getting greedy now. Not only do I want to hold Zhi Zhi, I want to carry her all the way to the car."

With both arms around his neck, Su Louzhi couldn't reach for her phone and couldn't speak. She could only tighten her grip around his neck as silent consent.

Ji Kailan carried her all the way to the car, gently placed her in the passenger seat, bent down to buckle her seatbelt, then walked around to the driver's seat and started the engine.

The car slowly drove out of the neighborhood and merged into the morning rush. Su Louzhi watched the street scenes pass by outside the window, but in her mind, she was quietly poking the System: System.

[Here.]

I almost forgot to ask. What's my next task?

[Given that there's someone beside the host, I won't display the light screen. I'll relay it directly.]

The System's calm voice echoed in her mind: [Third task: Attend the banquet hosted by the Shen Group on January 27, 2027.]

Su Louzhi froze, asking back in her mind: System, how would an ordinary person like me get invited to a banquet like that? I mean, I know Shen Boyang, but I'm not close to him. Why would he invite me to his family's banquet for no reason?

The System answered with an air of knowing everything: [Rest assured, host. Someone will invite you by then.]

Since the System said so, Su Louzhi relaxed.

After all, the System had shown abilities she couldn't question so far—the rebirth alone was enough to earn her lifelong trust.

The car soon drove into the school and stopped not far from the teaching building.

Ji Kailan got out, walked around to the passenger side, and lifted Su Louzhi out. "Zhi Zhi, I'll walk you to your classroom."

Su Louzhi wanted to say no, but she knew it wouldn't matter.

The two walked side by side to the classroom door.

Just as Su Louzhi was about to step in, she suddenly felt countless gazes snapping toward her.

She stopped in her tracks.

"Zhi Zhi!"

A loud voice rang out from inside the classroom.

Su Louzhi followed the sound—it was Qin Qingyan. The usually composed heiress was yelling across the room without a care for decorum.

Beside her, Liu Mengting and Jiang Yi quickly chimed in: "Zhi Zhi, hurry! We saved you a seat!"

"Over here, over here!"

A warmth spread through Su Louzhi's heart.

Ji Kailan suddenly took her hand. "Zhi Zhi, I'll walk you over first."

Su Louzhi's cheeks flushed, but she didn't pull away. Letting him hold her hand, she walked with him through the rows of desks to Qin Qingyan and the others.

After she sat down, Ji Kailan reached out and ruffled her hair, saying gently, "Alright, Zhi Zhi. I'll come pick you up after the last class ends."

Su Louzhi nodded and waved at him.

Ji Kailan smiled, couldn't resist ruffling her hair once more, and said, "Bye, Zhi Zhi. Wait for me to come get you."

Only after Ji Kailan's figure disappeared through the doorway did Qin Qingyan and the others dare to breathe normally.

Almost instantly, Qin Qingyan's sharp gaze landed on Su Louzhi's arm. "Zhi Zhi!" She frowned. "What happened to your arm?"

Liu Mengting also leaned in with concern: "Zhi Zhi, you didn't come back to sleep the past two nights—was it because of your arm?"

Jiang Yi was even more direct, grabbing Su Louzhi's uninjured hand with a look of intense worry: "Oh my god! What happened?"

Su Louzhi typed quickly and held up her phone: [On the night of the mixer, I went to the mall with Senior Ji. We ran into some armed robbers. I... accidentally got stabbed.]

"Armed robbers?!" Qin Qingyan's brows knitted instantly, her tone sharp with displeasure. "You got stabbed, but what about Ji Kailan? He didn't even get a scratch! Didn't he protect you properly?"

Jiang Yi immediately backed her up: "Right, right! In a situation like that, he should've protected you! Deduct points! Deduct points! Major deduction!"

Su Louzhi started to panic and was about to type an explanation when Liu Mengting spoke up first: "Alright, alright, don't rush her. Let Zhi Zhi explain slowly. Look how anxious she is—keep talking bad about Ji Kailan and she might actually cry."

Su Louzhi shot Liu Mengting a grateful look and quickly typed: [Senior Ji is amazing! If not for him, we'd both have been in danger!]

Qin Qingyan caught the keyword: "Both?"

Su Louzhi continued typing: [After dinner at the mixer, Senior Ji and I went to Sky Mall in the central business district. While we were buying jewelry, robbers with knives came in—nine of them!]

She recalled that terrifying night, her fingers flying: [One of them tried to harass me. I was so scared, Senior Ji stepped in to protect me, and it provoked them. In the end, Senior Ji took down all nine by himself!]

[I got hurt because... Senior Ji was distracted protecting me. I saw a robber lunging at him with a knife, and I was so scared that I... I just blocked it for him.]

Liu Mengting read it and frowned deeply. "That was way too close."

But Qin Qingyan frowned as if deep in thought. "But as far as I know, Ji Kailan's combat skills... should be enough to handle nine people, right?"

"Oh, come on!" Jiang Yi cut in. "Anyway, our Zhi Zhi was so brave! She actually had the courage to block a knife in a moment like that! If it were me, I'd probably have just screamed my head off."

Qin Qingyan, interrupted, seemed to catch herself and smiled. "That's right. Our Zhi Zhi is amazing."

Jiang Yi's eyes darted around, then she leaned in with an eager, gossipy expression: "Zhi Zhi! After all that, are you and Senior Ji officially together now?"

Su Louzhi's face turned beet red as she shook her head and waved her hands frantically.

Liu Mengting raised an eyebrow. "No way? But Senior Ji just held your hand and walked you in for everyone to see. And weren't you with him these past two days?"

At that, Qin Qingyan's expression shifted like an overprotective mother's, her brows rising in anger: "What?! You've been staying with him for two days, and he still hasn't given you a title?!"

Su Louzhi was waving one hand wildly while frantically typing with the other: [Senior Ji said he kept me over to take care of me, that's all!]

Qin Qingyan opened her mouth, then closed it.

Finally, Liu Mengting said softly, "Forget it. Slow-boiling the frog."

Qin Qingyan glanced at Su Louzhi, sighed, and shut up.

—

After two classes, Su Louzhi had just stepped out of the classroom when she saw Ji Kailan already waiting at the door.

He stood by the hallway, tall and striking, with an air that drew the eyes of everyone passing by. But he seemed oblivious, his gaze cutting through the crowd to land squarely on her, his lips curving slightly.

Jiang Yi watched the scene from the side and let out a theatrical sigh.

"Ugh—" she dragged the sound out, "Senior Ji is so possessive, like he has to monopolize our precious Zhi Zhi every second."

Su Louzhi blinked, caught off guard, and typed nervously: [Then... how about we all eat together?]

Jiang Yi raised an eyebrow and grinned.

"No way!" She waved her hand. "The literature club just issued a notice—everyone has to write a script. The president said based on past years, the New Year's variety show is coming up soon! This year our club is collaborating with the drama club—we write the scripts, they perform. The president gave us early notice to polish our scripts, so lately I've been eating lunch with Mengting to brainstorm plots!"

Su Louzhi then remembered—right, New Year's was coming up. She wasn't in any clubs and had almost forgotten. Jiang Yi and Liu Mengting had joined the literature club out of interest, while Qin Qingyan was in the student union.

Qin Qingyan spoke up at the right moment: "I'm having lunch with Boyang today too. My family wants to test me recently—I'm working on a project with the Shen Group. Boyang is the person in charge on their side."

Su Louzhi had an epiphany and nodded, thinking to herself: This must be the catalyst for the male and female leads' relationship to heat up, right?

She caught a glimpse of Ji Kailan still waiting quietly at the door and didn't want to keep him waiting any longer. She quickly waved at her three roommates and trotted over to him.

The two walked side by side toward the cafeteria. Halfway there, her phone buzzed. She looked down—it was a message from the class group chat.

[Capital University Class of '26, Finance Class One Group Chat]

[He Xin - Academic Committee Member: @everyone Attention, everyone! Capital University will hold the New Year's Gala on December 31, 2026 at 8:00 PM. Students interested in performing can form groups and come to me to sign up. Grouping is flexible—individual, dorm, friend groups, even by department. Once you've confirmed your group and act, come find me anytime!]

Su Louzhi glanced at it. Not interested.

She preferred sitting in a corner as an invisible audience member. Getting on stage and having everyone stare at her... just thinking about it made her scalp tingle.

"What's wrong, Zhi Zhi?" Ji Kailan asked gently.

They'd just reached the cafeteria window. After getting their food and finding seats, Su Louzhi handed him her phone.

Ji Kailan took it, read the message, smiled, and gave it back, his tone casual: "Funny you mention it—our counselor specifically asked me to participate in the gala, but I never agreed."

Su Louzhi thought about it and typed: [Because the senior is busy?]

She felt someone as radiant as Ji Kailan was born to be seen on a stage.

Ji Kailan shook his head. "Not busy yet. I haven't officially started my break, and my parents don't have the heart to make me run the whole company while I'm still in school, so they're still handling most of it."

Su Louzhi guessed again: [Then... not interested?]

Ji Kailan nodded. "Exactly. If I performed with someone else, I wouldn't want to waste time rehearsing. And if I performed solo, I wouldn't be interested."

Su Louzhi nodded in understanding and was about to eat in peace—

"However," Ji Kailan suddenly shifted gears, looking at her with a smile, "this year I had a new idea."

Su Louzhi looked up.

Ji Kailan was watching her, obvious amusement in his eyes.

"I wonder if Zhi Zhi would be willing," he said slowly, "to perform on stage with me?"

Su Louzhi was stunned. Perform on stage together?

She thought for a moment, then typed first: [What would the senior perform? And what could I possibly do?]

Ji Kailan looked at her, smiling.

"Let's first see what Zhi Zhi can do," he said slowly. "Even if my Zhi Zhi can't do anything, I still want her standing by my side."

Su Louzhi's brows twisted in thought. What could she do? She came from an ordinary family—didn't even have parents. Her grandparents had managed to raise her at all; there was no money for extracurricular classes.

So when it came to talents, she had none.

But then again... maybe not entirely none.

She hesitated, poking the System in her mind: System, I can't look things up right now. Can you check if guqin exists in this world?

[It does, host.] The System answered quickly. [Although this world differs greatly from the host's past life, the cultural heritage is the same. However, this world has lost more cultural traditions—what survives is less. But the guqin does exist.]

Is it exactly the same as the guqin from my previous life?

[Correct.]

Su Louzhi felt more grounded.

After a long hesitation, she raised her eyes to Ji Kailan and held up her phone: [I can't exactly call myself skilled... but I do know how to play a few guqin pieces.]

She wasn't lying. She really only knew a few pieces and roughly understood the instrument's structure.

That experience was one of the few genuine kindnesses in her past life.

When she was in elementary school, she'd been bullied once and hid in a corner crying. An older girl, a few years her senior, had found her. That girl was a guqin inheritor of intangible cultural heritage and lived with her grandfather. Unlike Su Louzhi, her grandfather was a master of the art, widely respected, so she'd never been bullied despite having no parents either.

Seeing Su Louzhi hiding alone and crying, the girl felt sorry for her and brought her home.

The girl had to practice at home, so Su Louzhi was passively exposed to a lot of guqin knowledge. When the girl's grandfather learned of Su Louzhi's situation, he offered to teach her as well.

So yes, she did know a bit of guqin.

But only a bit. Nowhere near master level.

When Ji Kailan saw her reply, his brows furrowed slightly. "Guqin? But Zhi Zhi just injured her arm. You shouldn't be able to play."

Su Louzhi froze. Right, she'd forgotten about her injury. She wasn't sure if it was because Bo'ai Hospital was top-tier or because this world's medical tech was a bit more advanced, but after that minor surgery, she hadn't felt any pain.

She thought for a moment, then typed uncertainly: [Actually, I feel a lot better. Maybe we could ask the doctor?]

"Alright." Ji Kailan hesitated for a moment but ultimately agreed, pulling out his phone and calling Zhang Ze. Zhang Ze's reply came quickly: playing is fine, but watch the time—just play for short periods.

Su Louzhi breathed a sigh of relief. Even though she still had no desire to be on stage, ever since she'd heard Ji Kailan mention his counselor trying to get him to perform, she couldn't help wanting to see him on stage.

She typed happily: [Then let's try it, Senior Ji! But just so you know—I'm not that good! And I only know a few pieces.]

"Oh?" Ji Kailan relaxed and grew curious. "Which pieces does Zhi Zhi know?"

Su Louzhi continued typing: [I'm best at "Spring Water in the Mountain Stream."] The older sister and her grandfather were from the Lingnan school, and this was their specialty. They'd taught it to her the most.

Ji Kailan pondered for a moment. "I haven't formally studied traditional instruments, but I do play classical guitar. I think the classical guitar's timbre could blend well with the guqin. How about a duet?"

Su Louzhi nodded.

Ji Kailan smiled instantly. "Good. Then I'll tell my counselor that this year, I'll be going on stage with my precious Zhi Zhi."

Su Louzhi's cheeks warmed as she typed a message to He Xin, the academic committee member, telling her she'd like to sign up and perform with Ji Kailan.

He Xin replied quickly, congratulating Su Louzhi on her courage to take the stage and confirming she'd received the registration, adding that she was looking forward to the performance.

After lunch, they walked out of the cafeteria, and Ji Kailan beat her to the punch, smiling at her: "Zhi Zhi, no classes this afternoon. Want to come rest at my place?"

Su Louzhi hesitated. Previously, going to his place at noon had been during breaks.

But then she thought—she'd gotten hurt on Saturday, and Ji Kailan's protective instincts were at their peak. It was only Monday, and if he wanted her to come, she'd go. Either way, a bed was a bed.

She nodded.

And Ji Kailan successfully whisked her back to his place once again.

After parking in the underground garage, Su Louzhi reached to unbuckle her seatbelt, but Ji Kailan spoke first: "Zhi Zhi, there's no one here now. I'm going to carry you again."

Su Louzhi's movement paused, and she silently put her hand down, leaving everything to Ji Kailan.

Ji Kailan got out, walked around to the passenger side, opened the door, unbuckled her, and scooped her up. Into the elevator, upstairs, and home.

His voice came from beside her ear, carrying a smile: "Zhi Zhi, rest well for a bit. After you wake up, I'll have the tailor come measure you, and we'll get matching performance outfits. Sound good?"

Su Louzhi nodded.

"I don't usually touch instruments," Ji Kailan continued, "so I'll have someone bring both instruments over. After your afternoon nap, we can do a preliminary rehearsal."

As he spoke, the elevator doors opened.

Ji Kailan stepped out with Su Louzhi in his arms. Just as he was about to open the door, Su Louzhi felt a vibration near her bottom.

She paused, then realized: it was Ji Kailan's phone. He had it on silent, so vibration was the only alert.

Ji Kailan noticed too.

"Zhi Zhi, hold on tight," he murmured.

Then he freed one hand, cradling her with the other, and pulled the phone from his pocket.

He glanced at it once, then pressed the screen off, the vibration ceasing.

Su Louzhi was a bit curious.

In all her time with Ji Kailan, she'd almost never seen him look at his phone. Now the phone had rung, and he'd dismissed it with one glance—that was unusual.

But she knew everyone had their privacy, so she didn't press. She just wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and didn't turn to look.

Inside the apartment, Ji Kailan headed straight to the guest room and set Su Louzhi gently on the bed.

"Alright, Zhi Zhi," he smiled and ruffled her hair, "sit tight for a moment. I'll get your toothbrush ready."

Su Louzhi nodded obediently.

Ji Kailan went to the bathroom to prepare, then carried her to wash up, and carried her back. When that was done, he didn't leave. He just stood there, watching her with an amused, expectant look.

Su Louzhi's cheeks flushed. She gave him a gentle shove and pointed at the guest room door, silently telling him he could go now—she needed to change into her pajamas and sleep.

Only then did Ji Kailan laugh.

"The way our Zhi Zhi gets shy," he said, "is adorable."

With that, before Su Louzhi could react, he walked out of the guest room with a smile and closed the door behind him.

Su Louzhi changed into her pajamas, climbed into bed on her own, and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

—

The moment the guest room door shut, the smile vanished from Ji Kailan's face.

Expressionless, he pulled out his phone and called the number back. As the call connected, he strode quickly to the study and locked the door.

"Well, well—" a lazy, drawling voice came through the line, "if it isn't Young Master Ji, the busy man, hanging up on me earlier."

Ji Kailan's voice was flat. "Get to the point."

The voice seemed to choke for a second. "Nothing much. Just that thing you asked me to do the day before yesterday—done. Those nine will be shipped off to CECOT prison. They'll spend the rest of their lives very comfortably there."

Impatience crept into Ji Kailan's tone: "I asked you two days ago. It took you until today?"

"Oh, come on!" The voice turned indignant. "Do you know how far that prison is? I needed time to pull it off! I got it done in a day and a night, and you're still complaining?"

Then he shifted gears, a hint of teasing in his tone: "I did see why you wanted those nine taken care of. Never thought our Young Master Ji would fall in love. When are you bringing that girl out to meet us? Watching the security footage doesn't do it justice."

Ji Kailan said coolly, "Don't bother her." And hung up.

The study fell silent.

Ji Kailan walked to the computer and opened the surveillance feed.

In the guest room, Su Louzhi was already fast asleep, her breathing steady, her body sinking into the soft bedding.

He stared at her peaceful sleeping face for a long time, then rose, went to his own room, changed into his pajamas, and quietly opened the guest room door again. He lay down beside her, pulling her into his arms.

His nose filled with her clean, fragrant scent; his arms held a soft, small, delicate bundle.

"My Zhi Zhi..."

—

When Su Louzhi woke, she washed up and changed. As she walked out of the guest room, Ji Kailan was already sitting on the living room sofa. Hearing her, he looked up, and seeing her, his lips curved at once. "Zhi Zhi, perfect timing. The guqin and classical guitar arrived. I just had them set up in the study. Want to take a look?"

Su Louzhi froze. The guqin... was already here?

Her gaze turned distant. She hadn't touched a guqin in years.

She'd said she played "Spring Water in the Mountain Stream" best, but deep down, she felt unsure. She'd never had the means to own a guqin of her own—she'd always practiced at the older sister's house. Later, she got into the best high school, which was too far away to commute, so she had to board. Her contact with the sister gradually faded.

It had been almost four years since she'd touched one.

But that time had been one of the few kindnesses in her life. She'd always held a special feeling for the guqin.

She nodded.

—

This was her first time entering Ji Kailan's study.

She'd always been mindful of boundaries. Even though Ji Kailan often brought her to his home, she knew there were places she shouldn't just wander into—she might accidentally intrude on his privacy. So all this time, she'd only been to the living room, kitchen, guest room, media room, and bathroom.

The study was more spacious and brighter than she'd imagined.

An entire wall of bookshelves filled with all kinds of educational books. A wide desk paired with what looked like a very expensive executive chair.

But most striking were the two instruments placed in the open space.

A guqin. A classical guitar.

Su Louzhi's gaze landed on the guqin. It looked exactly like the one in her memory.

She walked over, longing in her eyes.

Watching her expression, Ji Kailan said softly, "Zhi Zhi, want to try the sound first?"

Su Louzhi nodded, sat down, and tested a few notes.

The timbre was right.

She took a deep breath and began to play "Spring Water in the Mountain Stream" from memory.

At first, it was indeed a bit stiff. Wrong notes, forgotten passages, pauses.

But after one full pass, the second was much smoother.

By the third, the piece had become beautiful and evocative.

Ji Kailan stood by, his eyes full of appreciation.

As the final note faded, he couldn't help but praise, "My Zhi Zhi, you played wonderfully. But does your hand hurt?"

Su Louzhi felt a bit shy and typed: [It's fine. Playing slowly doesn't hurt. But this is the only piece I can really perform.]

Ji Kailan walked over and gently ruffled her hair.

"Zhi Zhi playing this one will amaze the entire Capital University." He paused, then frowned slightly. "Now I regret it."

Su Louzhi looked up at him, puzzled.

"If Zhi Zhi really plays this piece," Ji Kailan said with a hint of chagrin, "won't a lot of people be trying to snatch Zhi Zhi away?"

Su Louzhi paused. What did he mean by "snatch her away"? That sounded strange. But she went along with it, typing: [Then maybe I shouldn't go on stage?]

Ji Kailan gazed at her quietly for a long moment, then suddenly smiled.

"That won't be necessary," he said, his gaze on her face, his tone casual yet resolute. "I'll stand with Zhi Zhi and let everyone know that the only one allowed by her side is me."

Su Louzhi was baffled, not understanding why he'd say such an odd thing.

Seeing her confused expression, Ji Kailan simply smiled and said nothing. He wouldn't tell her that lately, more and more people were looking at her.

At first, because Su Louzhi was introverted, few people knew her face, so she hadn't attracted widespread attention. But later, photos of him and Su Louzhi together began appearing on forums, stirring curiosity about her.

And with curiosity came people actively seeking her out.

He knew many of them were merely intrigued. But his instincts were sharp—he could sense that some of the gazes directed at Su Louzhi carried desire.

Because the way he looked at Su Louzhi carried desire.

So he recognized it all too well.

He knew exactly what kind of eyes those who harbored the same intentions as him used to look at her.

What he couldn't stand was anyone looking at Su Louzhi the way he did.

Even worse, while his desire for Su Louzhi was charged with cherishing and gentleness, he'd noticed that some gazes revealed nothing but pure lust, even malicious possessiveness.

He didn't dare think about it.

His Zhi Zhi couldn't make a sound. If she were truly bullied, she wouldn't even have the chance to cry for help.

But fortunately, it wasn't just him keeping a tight watch on his Zhi Zhi; her three roommates shielded her fiercely too. Whenever he wasn't around, Qin Qingyan and the others would automatically stay by Su Louzhi's side, protecting her.

That was the only reason he hadn't gone feral and removed all those lurking watchers.

Of course, none of this would Ji Kailan tell Su Louzhi.

If she realized people had been watching her and got distracted, what then?

His Zhi Zhi should only ever look at him.

Ji Kailan smiled and steered the topic away. "I've never practiced 'Spring Water in the Mountain Stream' before. It might take me a while to get familiar with it. Once I'm comfortable, we can start the duet, alright?"

Su Louzhi had no objections and nodded.

Practicing did require a quiet environment. But Ji Kailan didn't want to let her go. He learned quickly—he already knew classical guitar, and it was just one piece. Memorizing the score would suffice.

Su Louzhi didn't mind either.

She knew the piece well by now; playing it a few more times would be enough. And she wasn't someone who needed absolute silence to concentrate. A little background noise was fine.

So the two began their initial practice in the study.

Ji Kailan did learn fast. Within an hour, he was playing "Spring Water in the Mountain Stream" smoothly and fluently. After a brief consultation, they launched into their first duet.

To their surprise, they seemed naturally, perfectly in sync.

Even with just the most basic cooperation, their first joint performance succeeded brilliantly.

Su Louzhi looked at Ji Kailan with sparkling eyes; he happened to be looking at her too. Both pairs of eyes shone with surprise.

The first success gave them plenty of confidence. After that, they played together several more times, and each time was flawless. So their rehearsals weren't like other acts, which had to squeeze in practice at every opportunity.

Because from the very start, they were a perfect match.

With so little rehearsal needed, Su Louzhi and Ji Kailan's days remained relaxed.

They only needed to practice a few times a day to stay sharp. The rest of the time, Ji Kailan took her out to play, or they stayed home watching movies. In short, Ji Kailan used the duet as an excuse to fill every spare moment of Su Louzhi's time.

Jiang Yi had once joked: "Senior Ji hasn't even officially landed Zhi Zhi yet, and he's already got her wrapped around his finger."

—

Time flew, and soon it was the week before the New Year's gala.

At the first full rehearsal, Ji Kailan and Su Louzhi took the stage in casual clothes and played their piece to the end.

Below the stage, the others waiting for their turn had all changed expressions.

As the scriptwriters for this year's drama performance, Jiang Yi and Liu Mengting rushed straight to Su Louzhi.

Jiang Yi threw her arms around her, babbling excitedly: "My precious Zhi Zhi! You're amazing! I could fall for you!"

Liu Mengting teased from the side: "Hey, hey, Jiang Yi, watch your words. Do you want to look at Senior Ji's face right now?"

Jiang Yi took several exaggerated steps back and gave a ninety-degree bow, announcing loudly: "I'm so sorry! I had eyes but couldn't see—I've offended the lady of the boss!"

Su Louzhi's face turned scarlet at the teasing, flustered. She hurried forward, trying to clamp her hand over Jiang Yi's mouth.

Jiang Yi was ready, laughing as she backed away: "What? What? Can't even let people speak the truth anymore?"

Everyone waiting to rehearse laughed at their antics. Quite a few gazes turned probing toward Ji Kailan, curious how he'd respond.

Su Louzhi couldn't catch Jiang Yi, so she looked helplessly at Ji Kailan.

Ji Kailan noticed the covert glances.

He knew that even though many people had already assumed he and Su Louzhi were together, for some, that wasn't enough. They needed the person in question to say it outright.

Actually, he wanted that too.

He hadn't taken Su Louzhi by force from the start, because he didn't want to face a sobbing, trembling captive.

He'd always believed in winning hearts.

Those who resorted to direct tactics were only doing so as a last resort.

Emotions were contagious. If you forced someone to stay with you, they'd never be happy. Facing a sullen face all day, or someone who flinched at the sight of you—such a relationship would inevitably erode you too.

What he wanted was something lasting.

He wanted Su Louzhi to give herself to him willingly, completely, without reservation.

Even though he knew the things he did to Su Louzhi weren't what anyone would call healthy, as long as she never found out, in her eyes their relationship would remain a healthy beginning.

She was too timid, always hesitating at every step of a relationship.

And he would soften her until she'd accept anything he did willingly.

It was almost time.

He was almost there.

Meeting those veiled glances, Ji Kailan smiled lightly.

"Zhi Zhi is mine alone," he said, his tone indifferent, yet clear to everyone's ears. "And of course, I'll be Zhi Zhi's alone."

Su Louzhi heard his reply and turned red from head to toe like a boiled shrimp. She stood there at a loss, completely unsure how to handle this situation.

Jiang Yi, brash on the surface but sharp underneath, knew exactly what she was doing. That little oblivious act of hers had been intentional.

She and Liu Mengting weren't like Su Louzhi. Su Louzhi was too introverted. Besides her roommates and Ji Kailan, she didn't interact with anyone, didn't join clubs, and had no idea how popular Ji Kailan was at school.

They knew.

After the National Day holiday had revealed that Su Louzhi and Ji Kailan had spent seven days together, the school had exploded. Though the two had never confirmed anything, as roommates, the girls could tell it was Ji Kailan pursuing Su Louzhi.

But that didn't stop some people from refusing to accept that their idol had fallen for someone else—and was actually pursuing her?

Over the past month working with the drama club, they'd heard more than their share of sour remarks.

So Jiang Yi's little speech just now was deliberately aimed at certain people.

She understood the situation perfectly. Ji Kailan's possessiveness over Su Louzhi was stunning. As long as she said that, if Ji Kailan ever dared to deny it, he'd leave an opening for those coveting Su Louzhi.

But would Ji Kailan deny it?

Impossible. Her precious Zhi Zhi was too beautiful and too attractive. Ji Kailan would jump at the chance to announce to the world that Su Louzhi was his.

Sure enough, Ji Kailan's response was even better than she'd hoped.

Jiang Yi could almost hear hearts shattering in the audience. Internally delighted, her face immediately broke into an exaggerated salute: "Yes, yes, I understand! Don't worry, I won't be a mistress!"

The remark was a double-edged sword, silently slapping several faces.

Ji Kailan was deeply satisfied. He thought his Zhi Zhi had a real gem for a roommate, and he nodded in cooperation: "Indeed, being a mistress is shameful."

—

The rehearsal ended, and it was already late. Everyone dispersed, ready to head back to their dorms.

Today was Friday; tomorrow was the weekend. Ji Kailan naturally wasn't about to let Su Louzhi go. During school days, he tolerated her staying in the dorm. But on weekends, why should he have to suffer alone in bed?

Before Jiang Yi or Liu Mengting could speak, he announced publicly: "Zhi Zhi, it's the weekend. Come sleep at my place tonight."

The people still lingering nearby all froze and turned to stare.

Su Louzhi felt those gazes like spotlights on her, burning her up.

Just as she was at a loss, Ji Kailan added, "Zhi Zhi has school during the week, and I've been considerate enough letting her stay at the dorm. It's not too much to ask that she come keep me company on weekends, right?"

Su Louzhi: ???

What did he mean by "during school she stays at the dorm"?!

He was the one who'd dragged her to his place half the time!

She didn't dare let him keep talking.

If she did, who knows what else he'd blurt out.

Turning crimson, Su Louzhi clamped her hand over Ji Kailan's mouth and nodded frantically. She agreed to anything—just please, stop talking!

Ji Kailan, victorious, looked at Su Louzhi with amusement in his eyes, his gaze tender and sly, until her face burned even hotter.

She stammered and pulled her hand away from his mouth.

Liu Mengting, ever perceptive, spoke up: "Alright, alright, we know we can't compete with Senior Ji. But we're used to it! Zhi Zhi, go on and don't worry about us."

Given her roommates' blessing, Su Louzhi immediately grabbed Ji Kailan's hand and hurried out of the rehearsal stage. She kept holding his hand until they'd left the auditorium and walked a good distance, confirming no one was around, before finally letting go and turning to look up at him.

Her eyes carried a mix of shyness and reproach.

That look sent heat straight to Ji Kailan's core; he almost lost his composure on the spot.

His precious Zhi Zhi seemed to never realize that because she couldn't speak, her eyes conveyed even more emotion, were all the more captivating. Every single glance could hook him.

And just as easily, they could hook others.

That was why he'd gone so far today. Not just to guard against those jealous of her, but against those coveting her.

Ji Kailan steadied himself, suppressing that surge of restlessness, before he smiled. "It seems my precious Zhi Zhi is a little angry?"

Su Louzhi paused, then shook her head.

Ji Kailan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Zhi Zhi isn't angry? Then she's shy?"

Su Louzhi immediately shot him a glare, her expression clearly saying: You know the answer, so why ask?

That look made Ji Kailan's heart skip again. He reached out and covered Su Louzhi's eyes.

Confused, Su Louzhi tried to pry his hand off. Ji Kailan wouldn't let her, pressing down deliberately.

Su Louzhi was utterly baffled.

"I have to block the way Zhi Zhi looks at me like that," he said, his voice raspy.

Su Louzhi didn't understand. Was he afraid she'd get angry? She paused, gently patted his hand, and took out her phone.

Only then did Ji Kailan let go.

[I'm not angry.] She typed for him to see. [Senior Ji doesn't need to worry. I have a very good temper. I rarely get angry.]

Looking at those words, Ji Kailan's heart melted into a warm puddle.

She'd misunderstood, and he didn't correct her. He just thought she was utterly adorable.

He reached out and took her hand.

"Alright, since Zhi Zhi isn't angry, I feel better." He curved his lips. "Zhi Zhi, let's go home."

Su Louzhi was a little shy about him holding her hand on campus. But it wasn't the first time, and there was no one around anyway.

She didn't pull away, letting him hold her hand all the way to the parking lot.

That night, Ji Kailan once again got his wish, holding Su Louzhi as he fell asleep.

—

When Su Louzhi woke and walked out of the guest room, she caught the aroma wafting from the kitchen.

She went over and peeked in—Ji Kailan was standing at the stove, a pot bubbling away.

He heard her footsteps, turned around, and his brows curved into a smile at once.

"Zhi Zhi's awake?" he said warmly. "I thought I'd fry an egg and boil some noodles for breakfast today. Can my precious Zhi Zhi accept that?"

Su Louzhi nodded. Egg noodles—nothing objectionable about that.

Ji Kailan worked quickly, and before long, he brought out two bowls of noodles, each topped with a golden fried egg. They looked delicious.

After breakfast, Ji Kailan loaded the dishes into the dishwasher, then turned and pulled Su Louzhi into a hug.

"Precious Zhi Zhi," he said, resting his chin on top of her head, his voice a little husky, "shall we watch a movie this morning?"

Su Louzhi was caught off guard by the hug but stayed obediently in his arms.

"Last night I got a message from Master Huang," Ji Kailan continued. "He said our performance outfits are done and will be delivered at eleven. By the time we finish one movie, it should be just about here."

Performance outfits?

Su Louzhi's eyes lit up. She wondered what they'd look like. She'd just nodded when, the next second, she was airborne again.

Ji Kailan easily scooped her up and headed for the media room.

Caught off guard, Su Louzhi instinctively looped her arms around his neck.

She silently sighed in her mind.

Ever since that injury, Ji Kailan seemed to have become addicted to carrying her. At first, she thought he was just insecure and needed to hold her for a few days until the urge passed.

But it had been over twenty days now, and he still seized every chance to pick her up, as if she had no feet.

Then again, Su Louzhi was never one to refuse others' kindness.

She was used to it anyway. If he wanted to carry her, so be it.

—

In the media room, Ji Kailan sat with her in his arms and picked a movie.

Ever since she'd chosen that strange fantasy film herself, Su Louzhi had refused to pick movies anymore. She figured she didn't understand this world's entertainment industry, had no sense of direction in picking films, and should leave it to the local.

Ji Kailan chose a xianxia film.

His taste was as good as ever. Su Louzhi quickly got absorbed, losing herself in the plot. By the time the movie ended, the clock showed 10:00—perfect timing.

But Ji Kailan didn't move. He was still holding her, with no intention of letting go.

Su Louzhi had been sitting still in his lap for two hours, and her back was starting to ache. She wanted to stretch and shifted slightly—

"Zhi Zhi." Ji Kailan's voice suddenly sounded, hoarse beyond belief. "Don't move."

Su Louzhi froze.

Because she felt it.

Her whole body went hot in an instant.

This was too embarrassing...

Just now, focused on the movie, she'd completely failed to notice the sensation beneath her. She had no idea when Ji Kailan had... when he'd...

Seeing Su Louzhi freeze and then turn pink all over from shyness, Ji Kailan's craving only intensified.

He could feel his body slipping further from his control.

In the early days, holding her while watching movies, he'd been distracted but able to forcibly rein in his thoughts, never letting her sense anything amiss. But not now. He hadn't been watching the movie just now—he'd been using every ounce of willpower to suppress his body, and he'd still failed.

Desire was slowly stirring, completely out of control.

Ji Kailan squeezed his eyes shut, self-loathing at its peak.

He'd always been honest with himself; he admitted he desired Su Louzhi. But he'd disguised it perfectly in front of her, all thanks to his pride-worthy self-control.

Now, that self-control had failed.

The approaching rut was gaining the upper hand, violent thoughts flooding his mind.

He didn't mind desire. He even liked it—otherwise he wouldn't have done those things while she slept.

But he didn't want to become a slave to it.

He wanted every thing he did to Su Louzhi to be done with a clear mind, not driven by rut-induced hormones that would scare her.

After hearing "Don't move," Su Louzhi had stayed perfectly still.

But a long moment passed, and Ji Kailan neither let her go nor did anything to her.

Curiosity got the better of her. Without moving her body, she surreptitiously tilted her head to look at his face, only to see him frowning, eyes shut, as if enduring some kind of pain.

Su Louzhi didn't understand, but seeing him frown tore at her heart.

She reached out and gently pressed her fingers to his brow, trying to smooth the crease.

Feeling her touch, Ji Kailan opened his eyes.

In those eyes was undisguised worry.

He smiled faintly, a little self-deprecatingly. "Sorry Zhi Zhi had to see that."

Su Louzhi shook her head gently.

She knew that a reaction like his could only prove he was a normal man. Besides, their position just now had been far too intimate—she'd sat in his arms for so long, shifting around. It was only natural.

She wanted to tell him not to hate himself for it.

She picked up her phone, typed out her thoughts, and held it up for him.

After reading it, Ji Kailan's brow relaxed a bit.

He smiled, tightened his arms, and pulled her closer, his chin resting on her head.

"Zhi Zhi," he murmured, "let me just hold you like this for a while."

As embarrassed as Su Louzhi was—the presence of that thing was impossible to ignore—she had grown intimately familiar with Ji Kailan's embrace.

She knew it might seem inappropriate, yet she strangely felt no aversion.

She let him hold her, even tilting her head to adjust her position, nestling in more comfortably.

Feeling her silent consent, even her compliance, Ji Kailan let out a sigh.

When would his rut finally come?

Ever since his cycle had started to irregular, he could no longer predict it accurately. He only sensed it approaching, but never knew exactly when.

—

After who knew how long, Ji Kailan's phone vibrated.

He frowned and answered with one hand.

Su Louzhi vaguely heard the voice on the other end say, "I've arrived."

Ji Kailan replied with an "Alright, one moment," and hung up.

He looked down at Su Louzhi, his eyes apologetic.

"I'm sorry, Zhi Zhi, for the offense." He paused. "I'm not in a good state to see people right now. But our performance outfits have arrived... Could you trouble Zhi Zhi to open the door for me?"

Su Louzhi looked at him quietly and nodded. But she didn't move; she waited for a long moment, and Ji Kailan made no move to release her.

Guessing Master Huang was already waiting outside, and not wanting to keep him standing there—even though she'd defaulted to letting Ji Kailan hold her—she gently tapped his arm, signaling him to let go.

Receiving the silent nudge, Ji Kailan reluctantly loosened his hold.

Su Louzhi stood up, her face already bright red. She was about to walk out of the media room to answer the door when she suddenly stopped, turned, and came back.

Seeing her return, Ji Kailan rasped, "What's wrong, Zhi Zhi?"

Su Louzhi stood in front of him, hesitated, and then typed.

A few seconds later, she held up her phone: [Senior Ji, after I let the master in and see him off, I'll come back and let you hold me again.]

Ji Kailan's pupils contracted as he read the words.

Her silent permission, her indulgence, the way she was clearly shy but still willing to come back and let him continue his offense...

He nearly lost control.

Luckily.

His rut hadn't truly arrived. He still had reason.

He squeezed his eyes shut, forcibly suppressing the beast about to burst from its cage.

When he opened them again, he rasped, "Alright, Zhi Zhi."

"I'll wait for you."

Su Louzhi hurried to the door and opened it, welcoming Master Huang, waiting outside, inside.

The master carried two exquisite gift boxes, clearly wrapped with care.

"Miss Su, these are your and Mr. Ji's performance outfits," Master Huang said with a hearty smile, handing them over. "Would you like to try them on now? If anything's not to your liking, I can adjust it on the spot. I promise perfection."

Su Louzhi shook her head frantically.

Try them on? She didn't have time for that!

She quickly typed: [Thank you, Master! Senior Ji just got a call and stepped out—he asked me to receive the clothes. He hasn't tried them yet. When he comes back, I'll have him try them, and if any adjustments are needed, I'll contact you!]

Master Huang looked at the phone and nodded. "Makes sense. Alright, I'll head back. Don't hesitate to reach out if there's any issue."

Relieved, Su Louzhi watched him get on the elevator, then immediately shut the door and sprinted back to the media room.

The scene in the media room was just as she'd left it.

Ji Kailan was still on the sofa, chest heaving, eyes closed, a slight frown on his brow as if enduring something.

Earlier, sitting in his arms, Su Louzhi could feel it but had been too embarrassed to look down. Now she truly saw it, and her entire body went rigid.

She stopped in her tracks.

Just then, Ji Kailan opened his eyes. Those eyes were deep, deep, staring straight at her, as if silently asking: Why haven't you come over yet?

Su Louzhi steadied herself, took a deep breath, summoned her courage, and slowly walked over. She stood before him, hesitated, then gently sat down on his lap, wrapped her arms around him, and nestled into his chest.

Only then did Ji Kailan reach out, circle his arms around her, and tighten them.

His voice was hoarse beyond measure: "Why did Zhi Zhi take so long? I waited for ages."

Even for someone as good-tempered as Su Louzhi, she couldn't help but complain internally: It wasn't even five minutes! She'd rushed as fast as she could!

But she couldn't say it, and she couldn't be bothered to argue. She just let him hold her and listened to him voice those absurd grievances about waiting so long.

Ji Kailan had originally had no idea how to suppress this desire.

With his rut approaching, his willpower was already losing ground, violent thoughts flooding his brain. He had no confidence he could control himself.

He just wanted to hold her.

She'd already said he could keep holding her. He was in such discomfort—what harm was there in a hug? It wasn't like he'd actually do anything to her.

Interest always had to be collected.

He held the small, soft person in his arms, breathing in her clean, fragrant scent.

After who knew how long, that restless heat slowly began to subside.

Ji Kailan looked down—Su Louzhi had fallen asleep.

Just like that, in his arms, she'd fallen asleep peacefully.

He couldn't help but curl his lips. Skipping lunch to nap, she'd surely wake up hungry.

But he didn't move, simply holding her, letting her sleep quietly.

He pulled out his phone to call Huafu Restaurant and order two lunches so they'd be ready when Su Louzhi woke.

The screen lit up, and he froze.

[12:30]

He laughed silently. No wonder Su Louzhi had fallen asleep—it was already this late.

Perhaps because the desire had subsided, the violence in his heart had also faded. He just held her, quiet and still, and found himself savoring something like ordinary warmth.

He looked down at the sleeping face in his arms.

At first, all he'd wanted was to take.

Somewhere along the way, it had become a desire to protect.

His precious Zhi Zhi really had a way about her.

She always made people fall for her.

—

The next time Su Louzhi regained awareness, she was enveloped in warmth.

Slowly opening her eyes, she found herself still held in Ji Kailan's arms.

She froze.

How long had she slept?

Embarrassed, she suppressed the shame and subtly checked the sensation beneath her—yes, it had subsided.

She looked up to see why Ji Kailan hadn't woken her or set her down.

Sensing her movement, Ji Kailan looked down at her, meeting her eyes—still dazed from sleep—and smiled softly. "Awake, my precious Zhi Zhi? Did you sleep well?"

Su Louzhi felt shy. She'd been helping him calm down, only to fall asleep herself. But she had slept well. She nodded.

Ji Kailan smiled. "Is my precious Zhi Zhi hungry?"

Su Louzhi froze. Right—lunch! She nodded blankly.

"Good." Ji Kailan curved his lips. "Huafu Restaurant's delivery should be here soon. I'll carry Zhi Zhi to wash up, then out for lunch." With that, he scooped her up, carried her to the guest bathroom, and set her gently before the sink.

Su Louzhi obediently washed up, then was lifted again, carried to the dining room, and set down on a chair.

Ji Kailan went to fetch the lunch from outside. Su Louzhi took the chance to check her phone.

[14:00]

She froze.

Master Huang had come at eleven. She'd dealt with him in under five minutes, come back, hugged Ji Kailan, and fallen asleep.

So... Ji Kailan had held her for nearly three hours?

She felt a bit embarrassed.

When Ji Kailan brought the lunch in, she typed and held up her phone: [Senior Ji, you held me for so long. Were your arms tired?]

Ji Kailan read the message, and his brow arched slightly.

"No." He set the lunch on the table, looked up at her with a smile, and said, "Just holding you—how could that be tiring?"

He sat down and continued, "I'd keep holding Zhi Zhi forever if I could."

Embarrassed by his words, Su Louzhi pointed at the food on the table, signaling he should eat. After they finished, Su Louzhi remembered the important thing: she ran to retrieve the two exquisite gift boxes from Master Huang and placed them before Ji Kailan.

Ji Kailan looked at the two boxes and raised an eyebrow. "These are our performance outfits?"

Su Louzhi nodded, eyes shining.

Ji Kailan curved his lips. "Want to try them on now?"

Su Louzhi's eyes sparkled even brighter, and she nodded eagerly. She was dying of curiosity—what did the outfits look like?

Seeing her eager expression, Ji Kailan chuckled.

He opened both boxes, identified Su Louzhi's set, and handed it to her. Then he deliberately leaned in close, lowering his voice: "Zhi Zhi, want me to help you change?"

Su Louzhi snatched her outfit, shook her head, and scurried into the guest room, slamming the door shut with a bang.

Watching that frightened little kitten's fleeing back, Ji Kailan laughed out loud. He picked up his own outfit but didn't change right away. He simply stood in the living room and waited.

A few minutes later, the guest room door opened, and Su Louzhi stepped out.

Ji Kailan's gaze landed on her, and his heart seized uncontrollably.

It suited her perfectly.

This outfit was a hanfu design he'd created himself. When choosing the performance outfits, he'd agonized for ages before deciding to take a gamble.

Su Louzhi was stunningly bright in appearance. He'd worried that the gentleness of hanfu wouldn't match her.

But the person before him was the same face, the same person, yet exuded a completely different aura.

The radiance remained, but a layer of gentle light now played over her features. The hanfu's cut framed her figure perfectly, the hem lightly brushing the floor, making her seem to walk on clouds.

Even without makeup, even with her hair simply down, she couldn't hide that soft, warm beauty.

Ji Kailan stood there, watching her quietly, and suddenly felt a pang of regret.

Should this outfit really have been made for others to see?

Su Louzhi noticed Ji Kailan was still in the living room, not having changed. She blinked, walked over, and pointed at the outfit in his hand, her gaze asking: Why haven't you changed yet?

Ji Kailan snapped back and smiled. "Alright, I'll change now."

He took his clothes and casually walked into his room, emerging a moment later.

Su Louzhi's eyes lit up.

Once Ji Kailan put on the outfit, his whole aura shifted. That sharp, aggressive edge was replaced by a dashing, free-spirited elegance. Tall and long-limbed, he stood like a pristine jade tree, a charismatic young master who'd just stepped out of a painting. Even with his short hair, it didn't seem out of place in the least—as if this outfit was simply made for him.

Su Louzhi couldn't help but type: [Senior Ji, this outfit really suits you! So handsome!]

Ji Kailan glanced at it and smiled. "Zhi Zhi's outfit suits Zhi Zhi too."

Su Louzhi agreed wholeheartedly. When she'd changed earlier, she'd gone to the mirror before coming out. The reflection had surprised even her—she hadn't expected the outfit to look this good.

She continued typing: [Senior Ji, the Master Huang you hired is amazing! Designing such a beautiful outfit!]

Ji Kailan's brow twitched.

"I designed the clothes," he corrected. "But he made them."

Su Louzhi was stunned. Ji Kailan designed them? No wonder they fit both of them so perfectly.

But she was genuinely curious—

[But isn't Senior Ji with me most of the time? When did you have time to design them?]

Ji Kailan's brow arched slightly, as if the question were odd.

"Why wouldn't I have time?" He countered. "I can design while Zhi Zhi naps."

Su Louzhi was floored.

She'd always assumed that when she napped, Ji Kailan napped too.

It never occurred to her—he was designing!

She typed: [Doesn't Senior Ji need to nap?]

Ji Kailan smiled faintly. "I rarely nap."

What he didn't say was that as an Enigma, the highest rank in the ABO world, he was at the top in every aspect—including energy. In fact, it wasn't just him; many A-grade and S-grade Alphas didn't need naps either. Of course, if someone had the habit, no one would stop them.

But Su Louzhi's shock was impossible to hide.

She couldn't fathom someone going without naps long-term, waking up earlier than her every day. Ji Kailan must have gotten far less sleep than she did.

She suddenly recalled reading somewhere online that people could be divided into high-energy and low-energy types. Many real-world leaders were high-energy—only such people could handle so much.

Su Louzhi wasn't at working age yet, so she didn't fully grasp these things, but she remembered those two labels.

Now she thought: maybe Ji Kailan's excellence came from being one of those high-energy people.

Despite the pride she felt for him, she typed and held up her phone: [Senior Ji, we need to make sure we rest properly too. Combining work and rest is the most important thing. If we don't get enough sleep long-term, our bodies might break down.]

Looking at the message, Ji Kailan curved his lips.

"Alright, Zhi Zhi, I promise you," he said. "From now on, when Zhi Zhi sleeps, I'll sleep too."

What he didn't tell her was that he'd never needed naps before. But ever since he'd coaxed her into staying at his place, whenever she napped, he'd quietly slip in while she was unconscious, hold her, and sleep with her.

Of course, he did many other things before sleeping. But afterward, he'd always fall into a deep sleep holding her.

The two or three days he'd gone without sleep to design the outfits were because he hadn't wanted to waste that time.

But another thought struck him, and he frowned. "Zhi Zhi," he looked at her, "try to sleep here at night from now on, okay?"

Su Louzhi was taken aback.

"When Zhi Zhi is here," he said seriously, "I sleep more soundly."

That wasn't entirely untrue.

Only when Su Louzhi slept there at night could he do the things he wanted to do, then sleep properly. If she only came at noon, after those things, he'd often only manage ten or twenty minutes of rest before she was awake.

Su Louzhi hesitated, but looking at his earnest eyes, she nodded.

Seeing her nod once more, Ji Kailan's brows lifted with delight.

"Good, Zhi Zhi, then we've agreed," he curved his lips. "Come sleep here whenever you can."

He paused, his gaze roving over the hanfu she wore. "Zhi Zhi, shall we change into our outfits and go get styled?" he suggested. "Let's see if the styling matches, alright?"

Su Louzhi had no objection, so Ji Kailan took her downstairs, got in the car, and drove to the styling salon.

The car left the neighborhood and merged into traffic.

Watching the scenery pass, Su Louzhi realized the route was growing more and more familiar. Sky Mall. She'd only been here once, but the memory was too vivid—after all, this was where they'd encountered the robbers.

She involuntarily swallowed.

Noticing her reaction from the corner of his eye, Ji Kailan smiled. "Don't be scared, Zhi Zhi. After what happened last time, Sky Mall added several layers of security. There's a top-tier styling salon here—the kind celebrities can't even book. We'll get the best look there."

Su Louzhi nodded. She knew robbers were a rare occurrence; there was no way they'd run into another. But psychological trauma wasn't something you could just switch off.

Seeing she needed a distraction, Ji Kailan kept chatting.

"Zhi Zhi probably doesn't know this," he said casually, "after we ran into those robbers, Shen Boyang took a big peace offering to my parents to apologize."

Su Louzhi was puzzled and turned to look at Ji Kailan, but since he was driving, she didn't want to disturb him by typing.

Catching her reaction, Ji Kailan continued on his own, "Curious why Shen Boyang came to apologize?"

Su Louzhi nodded lightly.

"Because Sky Mall is a Shen family property," Ji Kailan said. "He originally wanted to come apologize to me directly, but I was taking care of you and didn't want him to bother us, so I told him not to come. The stubborn kid went and apologized to my parents instead."

The car pulled up to a stoplight, and Ji Kailan stopped, turning to look at Su Louzhi as he continued, "He also wanted to apologize to you, since you were the one who got hurt. I kept him at bay so you could rest. He's asked a few times since, wanting to meet you and apologize in person."

He chuckled softly. "But every time, I wanted to be alone with Zhi Zhi, didn't want anyone else intruding, so I kept refusing."

Su Louzhi understood now. So Sky Mall belonged to the Shen family.

That made sense—the male lead of a novel, owning the most luxurious mall in the busiest commercial district. It fit the character.

As for Shen Boyang wanting to apologize... she didn't think it was necessary.

She didn't know him well. And anyway, what mall screened people at the entrance? It wasn't like taking a plane or train.

Amid Ji Kailan's small talk, they arrived at Sky Mall.

Ji Kailan brought Su Louzhi up to the fifth floor and stopped in front of a sleek, understatedly elegant shop.

The receptionist looked up, saw them, and immediately beamed. "Young Master Ji, hello!" She glanced at Su Louzhi. "And this young lady's name?"

"Su," Ji Kailan said.

The receptionist's smile grew warmer. "Very well, Young Master Ji, Miss Su. Welcome. Are you looking for make-up to match these outfits?"

Ji Kailan nodded.

The receptionist led them to a spacious dressing room where two makeup artists awaited. After a brief introduction and no objections, she smiled and withdrew.

Su Louzhi's makeup artist was a formidable-looking beauty with an imposing aura. The moment she saw Su Louzhi, her eyes lit up.

"Little sister, you're gorgeous," she couldn't help praising. "You're my muse! Don't worry—today I'll make you stunning enough to steal the show."

The beauty kept her word. Su Louzhi closed her eyes and let her paint away. An hour and a half later, the artist clapped her hands.

"Alright, open your eyes! Let's see our little beauty."

Su Louzhi opened her eyes and looked into the mirror, instantly stunned.

Was that... her?

As a man, Ji Kailan's makeup had been much simpler; he'd finished ages ago and was waiting nearby. He stood at a short distance, his gaze resting on that face in the mirror, and the regret from earlier reached its peak.

If changing clothes had made him mildly regretful, seeing Su Louzhi fully made-up sent that regret into overdrive.

A Zhi Zhi like this should have been hidden away for his eyes only, not put on stage for everyone.

Su Louzhi couldn't speak, so she turned to Ji Kailan for his opinion. She noticed he seemed distracted.

Not bothered, she typed to the makeup artist: [It's gorgeous! Thank you~]

Seeing that Su Louzhi typed instead of spoke, the artist's expression didn't change; she remained warm and smiling. "That's because our beauty is naturally gorgeous."

Su Louzhi felt shy at the compliment, casting her eyes down and smiling lightly.

That smile struck the makeup artist straight in the heart.

She clutched her chest dramatically. "Little beauty, you're too pretty! Can I take a picture of you? I feel like just looking at your photo would send my inspiration skyrocketing!"

Su Louzhi blinked. It was just a photo, wasn't it? What harm could it do?

She was about to nod when a firm voice sounded from beside her.

"No."

Ji Kailan had somehow moved to her side, his tone absolute.

Su Louzhi looked up at him, puzzled. Why was he reacting so strongly?

The makeup artist, however, seemed to understand and smiled, waving her hand. "Alright, alright. I guess I'll just have to keep this little beauty in my heart."

In the end, Ji Kailan pulled Su Louzhi out of the store with a dark expression.

But the makeup artist, though she looked aloof, was sharp. She hurried after them and gave a bright smile. "I'm guessing Miss Su doesn't usually wear makeup—naturally beautiful, right?"

Su Louzhi looked at her in confusion, not understanding her meaning.

Ji Kailan answered flatly, "She doesn't wear makeup."

The artist smiled. "I figured. So, let me ask—does this little beauty know how to remove makeup?"

Su Louzhi froze. Remove makeup? She had no idea.

One look at her expression and Ji Kailan understood. He was about to say he'd take her to buy cleanser and help her remove it himself tonight when the artist had already thrust a bottle of cleansing oil into Su Louzhi's hands.

"A gift for the beauty," she said with a wink.

Clutching the bottle, Su Louzhi looked up at Ji Kailan, at a loss.

His brow twitched, but he took it from her. "Thank you."

Su Louzhi and Ji Kailan, wearing hanfu and full makeup, were a moving sight together, drawing nearly a thousand percent of stares.

Ji Kailan's brow furrowed tighter and tighter.

Every gaze that landed on Su Louzhi stirred a surge of irritation within him. A violent impulse rose slowly from the depths, battering his reason.

He took Su Louzhi's hand, making her focus entirely on him. Seeing her eyes filled only with him gave him a thrill of satisfaction.

Maintaining a perfect smile, he said warmly, "Zhi Zhi, we're drawing too much attention like this. I imagine Zhi Zhi must find it uncomfortable?"

Su Louzhi nodded awkwardly. Yes—with so many people looking, she felt deeply ill at ease.

Ji Kailan continued, "Let me take Zhi Zhi to a restaurant with excellent privacy. That way, no one else will see Zhi Zhi."

Su Louzhi didn't catch the undertone at all. She felt it was exactly what she wanted—she was desperate to escape those gazes. She nodded like a pecking chick.

Ji Kailan's smile deepened. He took her hand gently, led her back to the underground parking lot, and this time drove for a full hour before stopping.

It wasn't actually that far; the last stretch was just slow, with the car weaving through alley after alley.

When Ji Kailan brought Su Louzhi out of the car, she discovered it was a courtyard residence.

A maid in a cheongsam stood at the entrance. Seeing Ji Kailan, she bowed slightly and said softly, "Young Master Ji, miss, this way, please."

She led them through a winding corridor and into a highly private room. Once the door closed, the bustle of the outside world was completely cut off.

The maid began introducing the day's dishes: "Today's menu includes sweet and sour pork ribs, squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, boiled cabbage in supreme broth, four-happiness meatballs, and shredded tofu soup."

Ji Kailan nodded, then turned to Su Louzhi. "Is there anything Zhi Zhi doesn't like? Or anything she wants?"

Su Louzhi shook her head and typed: [Anything is fine, Senior Ji.]

Ji Kailan ultimately chose the shredded tofu soup, the four-happiness meatballs, and the sweet and sour pork ribs.

Before long, the dishes arrived one by one.

Su Louzhi took a bite of the shredded tofu soup and her eyes immediately lit up.

It was incredible!

She couldn't describe the flavor—it seemed to have no complex seasonings, maybe just salt. The ingredients tasted purely of themselves: clean, simple, delicious.

She'd never tasted food this pure before. She couldn't help but speed up her chopsticks.

Watching her nibble away like a little hamster, Ji Kailan smiled. "Zhi Zhi, want to add the other two dishes too?"

Su Louzhi hesitated.

The food was delicious—better than anything she'd ever had. But two people eating three dishes was just right; five would be too much. And wasting food this good was such a shame.

Reading the struggle on her face, Ji Kailan chuckled. "It's fine, I eat a lot. I promise I'll finish it all."

Hearing that, Su Louzhi stopped hesitating and nodded firmly.

Ji Kailan called the server over and ordered the remaining two dishes.

That meal made Su Louzhi happier than she'd been in ages. She was so happy that when she set down her chopsticks, she let out a tiny burp.

Ji Kailan laughed out loud.

"If Zhi Zhi likes it," he said warmly, "we can come often."

Su Louzhi hesitated, then nodded. This place was certainly expensive, but the food was too good to pass up. Sometimes, a wallet just couldn't hold on. Besides, she had a bit of confidence now.

Most of her daily expenses with Ji Kailan were covered by him. Only occasionally, when she insisted on treating, would he agree.

But all that was about to change.

Last week, Qin Qingyan's project with the Shen family had entered a critical phase, and she'd taken a week off to fly to the site for inspection. She'd asked in the dorm group if anyone wanted her to bring back souvenirs.

Seeing that message, Su Louzhi's heart stirred, and she opened a private chat with Qin Qingyan.

[Silent Little Tail: Qingyan, I want to ask you something. If I want to give Senior Ji a gift, what would you suggest? Something he can actually use.]

She didn't know what someone at Ji Kailan's level used, but Qin Qingyan would.

Qin Qingyan replied quickly: [Call Me Qin Queen: What's Zhi Zhi's budget?]

Su Louzhi gritted her teeth. [Silent Little Tail: I can manage! I actually have a lot saved up!]

Not long after, Qin Qingyan sent a message.

[Call Me Qin Queen: Then I'd recommend the Richard Mille RMS05 mechanical pen. It's priced around 700,000 to 1.1 million. There's an auction this week, and this pen is among the items.]

Looking at that string of numbers, Su Louzhi felt her heart skip a beat. She clutched her chest, struggling to breathe, but in the end, she gritted her teeth and typed: [Then please help me get it, Qingyan. (* ￣ з ￣ )]

It couldn't be helped. When she ate with Ji Kailan, she'd caught glimpses of the bills—thousands, sometimes tens of thousands per meal.

Recalling the details of buying the pen, Su Louzhi felt giddy. Qingyan would be back on Monday, and once she got the pen, she could give it to Ji Kailan right away.

Her steps light and happy, she walked back to the car, sat in the passenger seat, and buckled her seatbelt. Only then did she notice Ji Kailan hadn't started the engine. She tilted her head at him, her eyes asking: What's wrong?

Ji Kailan was gazing at her, his look focused and deep, as if trying to burn her image into his eyes.

Baffled, Su Louzhi thought she hadn't conveyed her question clearly, so she typed and held up her phone: [Senior Ji, is something the matter?]

Only then did Ji Kailan curve his lips slightly.

"Zhi Zhi is too beautiful today," he said, a hint of righteousness in his tone. "I want to look at her more. Otherwise, once the makeup comes off and the clothes change, I won't get to see such a beautiful Zhi Zhi again."

———

Author's note:

Old Ji finally realized his feelings for Su Louzhi were beyond mere liking. He couldn't help but want to secretly increase their contact, yet he feared Zhi Zhi would be turned off. So all he could do was hold her hand again and again, and ruffle her hair again and again.