By the floor-to-ceiling window of the café, a man and a woman sat at separate tables, facing each other. Somehow, though both of them wore faint smiles, the aura between them felt strangely cold and sharp, creating an inexplicable chill.

“Mr. Mo, we meet again,” the woman began.

“Miss Chu, it seems fate has brought us together once more.”

After the greetings, they exchanged another polite smile. Nearby, a couple felt an odd chill running down their spines and quietly summoned a server, requesting to be moved to a table farther away.

Chu Minghuan noticed the movement from the neighboring table but ignored it, focusing instead on the documents in her hands, her delicate brows slightly furrowed in thought.

Mo Tingfeng didn’t interrupt her, waiting quietly while she examined his file. His handsome gaze discreetly observed her. She looked just as refined as he remembered—attractive, though not striking. His past girlfriends were either dazzling or delicately beautiful, all quite remarkable. Women constantly threw themselves at him, all types and appearances, but in terms of looks, this woman was only average.

Yet her eyes, even hidden behind glasses, shone brightly, her slightly upturned nose had a mischievous charm, and her rosy lips looked soft. Most importantly, she had an aura that rivaled his own.

After reading through the file, she lifted her head, her expression a hint of a smile, her bright eyes carrying a trace of mocking challenge, as if to say, “There’s a road to heaven, yet you choose to walk into hell.”

“So, it seems Mr. Mo was sentenced to three months,” she said leisurely.

“Three months, that’s correct,” he responded calmly, refusing to show any weakness.

“Are you aware of our country’s regulations, Mr. Mo? Six hours of community service can reduce one day of a prison sentence.”

“I am.”

“Then do you know what ‘Ai’en Garden’ does?”

“I heard it’s a shelter for disadvantaged children.”

“Yes, you could say that. We’ve rented several apartments in New Taipei City, currently housing nearly fifty children.”

“I see.”

“Since you’ve been assigned to community service at Ai’en Garden under my supervision… you understand what that means, don’t you?”

“And what does it mean?” he asked, squinting slightly.

“It means that during this time, I will be assigning your tasks, and I am responsible for submitting all reports on your performance. Do you understand now?”

He understood all too well. Whether he could successfully complete his community service without further complications was entirely up to her. If he angered her, a few choice words in her report might spell trouble for him.

Under the table, Mo Tingfeng clenched his fists, his muscles taut beneath his sharp suit.

“Mr. Mo, I haven’t heard your answer. Do you understand?”

This woman! Did she think she was some high school teacher scolding a student?

Grinding his teeth silently, his eyes flashed with intensity, but his lips curved into an alluring smile.

“I understand.” His white teeth flashed as he spoke.

Chu Minghuan’s heart skipped a beat; she knew she’d angered him. She could have been kinder, but something about his aloof demeanor annoyed her. Maybe it was because of that terrible impression he’d left when he took her hostage at the nightclub.

She took a deep breath, raising her chin defiantly. “I looked over your file; you’re the CEO of a security company?”

“That’s right.”

“Quite an accomplishment, becoming a CEO at such a young age.”

“It’s a family business, not much to brag about.”

A family business? She recalled Vicky mentioning that his father had once been involved in gang activities. It was ironic—a former gangster running a security company.

A faint smile tugged at her lips, but when Mo Tingfeng looked closely, her expression had returned to a serious one.

“What does your company specialize in?” she asked out of curiosity.

“All sorts of things,” he replied flatly. “We secure people, money, rare artifacts. Whatever the client needs, we strive to deliver.”

“Really?” It sounded rather respectable.

“How’s business?” She was curious if going straight was that easy.

“Not bad.”

“Oh, it also says here that you’re the manager of a motel chain… Your family business seems quite profitable and well-funded!”

“Miss Chu,” he said politely, though there was an edge in his tone, “I’m curious to know how the Mo family business relates to my community service?”

“Heh,” she chuckled dryly. Truthfully, it didn’t; she was just curious. “I was just trying to see if you had any special skills to contribute to Ai’en Garden.” She marveled at her ability to come up with such a reasonable excuse. “Though it seems that neither security expertise nor motel management is particularly relevant for us.”

“Heh,” he mirrored her chuckle, leaning forward slightly, his sharp gaze on her. “But if Ai’en Garden ever wanted to host a birthday party or farewell event for the children, we’d be happy to offer our motel space.”

Take innocent children to a motel to throw a party? What was he even thinking?

She remembered seeing a TV program introducing some well-known motels in Taiwan, with rooms specifically decorated for couples, and various flirting tools available. Her cheeks turned a bit red.