{I watched her take care of other men with my own eyes. 4}

The young master, unfamiliar with the hardships of the world, once again went along with her initial plan. Yet he hesitated, struggling with something else. “Logically, I should be the one taking you home. I heard a story like that on the radio once. I’ve never seen a girl drive a guy home…”

“What exactly do you want?”

It seemed Qian Xu had mastered an impressive skill: whenever she adopted a slightly serious tone, Zhao Buhui immediately complied. “I want you to drive.”

“Good.”

At that moment, Qian Xu felt at ease, free from the usual anxieties and uncertainties, with no fear that the scales of fate would tip. Right then, her so-called ally genuinely stood by her side, following her lead.

She thought it might be best to let him rest a bit, wait for him to sober up before they left. She found a soft, fluffy blanket from somewhere and draped it over him. The luxurious cow-patterned blanket looked surprisingly fitting, not childish at all, and it suited Zhao Buhui perfectly.

Perhaps it was his steady breathing, or that he looked far less dramatic asleep than in real life, but Qian Xu gradually lowered her guard.

Sitting by the Christmas tree, she watched over the inebriated Zhao Buhui. Her movements slowed, and her patience was evident. But what she didn’t notice was someone observing everything through the vintage glass window. Seeing her gently tuck the blanket over another man pulled him back into a spiral of memories.

In the past, every time he returned from a business trip, he would stop by Ohio. Sometimes, in the depths of night, the moonlight scattered across the floor. Not wanting to disturb anyone, he would sleep on the brown sofa downstairs. Despite his usual alertness, he would often sense a woman carefully placing a blanket over him. Her movements were so gentle, as if she were handling the most precious thing in the world.

He had felt her presence countless times, and every time he wished he could just pull her into his arms. But he knew he had to remain cold enough to ensure no woman could ever truly enter his heart.

Now, though, the vision faded; she was no longer caring for him but for this irresponsible Zhao Buhui. Perhaps Qian Xu was merely being attentive to her boss’s son, but men could read each other’s intentions with little effort.

Shen Qi couldn’t help but wonder if Zhao Buhui was feigning sleep, relishing the care of a woman, much like he once had. Sometimes, it’s not just about desire; the feeling of being someone’s priority and care can be just as intoxicating. Shen Qi despised Zhao Buhui yet couldn’t help but envy him in that moment.

He quickly recalled their recent discussion about a potential partnership. Looking back, Zhao Buhui’s flat-out refusal made more sense if he was interested in Qian Xu. Shen Qi regretted not seeing through the man’s intentions sooner. If Zhao Buhui was merely interested in women, Shen Qi wouldn’t mind introducing him to a few, but if he was targeting Qian Xu, Shen Qi would never allow it.

Soon enough, he noticed that Zhao Buhui had spotted him through the window.

Barely opening one eye, Zhao Buhui’s face showed that he, too, realized his assumptions were correct; he was indeed faking sleep, though Qian Xu remained unaware, continuing to look after him, oblivious to his ruse. Shen Qi hoped she would realize the truth and see through this man’s act.

Zhao Buhui, however, figured that since he’d come this far, why not push it a little further? Some people needed a reminder not to overstep, thinking they’d mastered the world after a few rounds of funding and a Forbes U30 feature.

He wasn’t sure if he wanted to help Qian Xu take down Shen Qi for revenge or if it was a feeling he couldn’t avoid since the moment he’d stepped in to take her place in the drinking challenge. The urgency he’d felt when she lifted that bottle of brandy had been undeniable—not so much a rescue instinct but a deep conviction that he should be the one drinking beside her.

Reaching out, he placed a hand on her waist. Fortunately, the alcohol gave him an excuse for his flushed face; otherwise, he’d have no idea how to explain it.

This was not typical behavior for a man of his age.

And yet, she didn’t push him away. From the beginning, she seemed to have silently allowed him to cross that line.

She leaned closer, her body coming within inches of his chest. It seemed she intentionally left a small gap, her words as calm and rational as they always were in the workplace, devoid of any passion. “Are you putting on a show for the person outside the window? I noticed him, too. If there’s more you want to do, I don’t mind.”

At that, Zhao Buhui sobered up completely.