Although Su Yaya’s answer didn’t exactly align with what ShenXiuqi wanted to hear, he didn’t find it unsatisfactory. After all, work was work. It was no different from him playing along with business partners to close a deal. His irritation over Su Yaya and Yan Junyi’s kiss faded.

“Hurry up and get ready to go home.” ShenXiuqi patted her shoulder and gently disentangled himself, urging her to go take off her makeup.

Su Yaya smiled playfully. “Just wait a little bit for me!”

ShenXiuqi raised his wrist to check his watch, his expression unreadable. “I’m only giving you ten minutes.”

It almost felt like he’d leave without her if she wasn’t done in time.

Would he really be that ruthless?

Though Su Yaya doubted he’d actually go that far, a little voice warned her not to test him. ShenXiuqi was a man who always followed through, and she didn’t want to push her luck.

“I’ll be done in no time,” she promised, hurrying over to the vanity to start removing her makeup.

ShenXiuqi stood behind her, and through the mirror, she could see him glancing at his watch every now and then, as if counting down the seconds. Would he really walk out after ten minutes?

The thought made her so nervous she nearly got makeup remover in her eyes. She felt like she was on a battlefield. Finally, she finished the last step, glanced at her watch, and laughed with relief. Nine minutes and ten seconds—she’d made it just under the wire!

“All done! We can go now,” Su Yaya said, clinging to ShenXiuqi’s arm with a bright smile, her eyes crescent-shaped like the moon—sweet and adorable.

ShenXiuqi pinched her cheek, feeling the softness of her skin, then wrapped an arm around her waist. “Let’s go,” he replied with a smile.

As they walked out of the makeup room, they encountered Yan Junyi in the hallway. He was leaning against the wall, head down, a cigarette held between his fingers, its embers glowing faintly. At the sound of the door, he looked up, seeing Su Yaya and ShenXiuqi walking out together.

Straightening up, Yan Junyi’s gaze lingered on Su Yaya, a hint of regret in his expression. He seemed as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, held back.

Su Yaya immediately noticed his gaze, and a sense of alarm flooded her. She was afraid he might say something impulsive in front of ShenXiuqi. After all, in the original storyline, Yan Junyi was a minor character with little influence. If he provoked ShenXiuqi, the powerful CEO could easily ruin him. She didn’t want him dragged into trouble; she hoped he’d stay out of it and continue his career in the entertainment industry peacefully. She blinked at him anxiously, her expression pleading.

Thankfully, Yan Junyi understood. Seeing her silent plea, he realized she didn’t want him involved in her affairs.

With a quiet sigh, he simply said, “Goodbye.”

A farewell—one that implied they’d only meet again if fate allowed it.

From now on, Su Yaya planned to keep her distance from him. Her heart wasn’t strong enough to handle constant worry and tension.

“Goodbye,” Su Yaya replied, though her tone lacked the weight his had. She quickly said it and hurried off with ShenXiuqi.

On the way to the car, ShenXiuqi remained silent. Once they were seated, he signaled to Uncle Zhong to raise the partition between them. Turning to Su Yaya, he asked, “What exactly is going on between you and him?”

Su Yaya knew he was referring to Yan Junyi. Even though Yan Junyi hadn’t said anything incriminating, his emotions had been written all over his face. How could someone as sharp as ShenXiuqi not pick up on it?

“What could possibly be going on between us?” Su Yaya forced a smile. “We were just childhood neighbors and hadn’t seen each other in years. We don’t even keep in touch. I was just surprised to find out we’d be working together.”

ShenXiuqi looked at her with a slight smile. “Is that so?”

“Of course!” Su Yaya replied quickly, giving him her most innocent look. Surely he wouldn’t think she was lying when she looked this sincere! She giggled to herself inwardly.

ShenXiuqi smirked but seemed satisfied with her response.

The ride home continued peacefully, and ShenXiuqi didn’t ask any more questions about Yan Junyi, which made Su Yaya sigh in quiet relief.

When they got home, ShenXiuqi relaxed on the sofa and said, “Go make dinner.”

Su Yaya hummed in agreement, eager to please. “What would you like to eat?”

ShenXiuqi replied with a teasing smile, “Sweet and sour fish, sweet and sour pork chops, sweet and sour cabbage, sweet and sour eggplant…”

Su Yaya couldn’t hold back her laughter and playfully leaned over to nip his lip. “How can you be so adorable?”

>>