Xia Liyang’s breath caught, her back tensing instinctively. She wanted to put some space between them but was afraid to move. Stuck in that delicate position, she could only keep still, her lips tightly pressed together.

The light, thin fabric of his linen sleep pants and her silk nightgown felt almost non-existent between them, making the contact warm and distinct. Her face grew hot, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might burst from her chest.

Only a few seconds passed before he turned away, but it felt like an eternity to her, leaving her uneasy.

Finally, he adjusted the blanket she had disturbed and said casually, “If it tickles, I won’t hold you. If you feel cold, come over yourself.”

“Mm…” Xia Liyang murmured faintly, feeling her tension ease just slightly.

She closed her eyes tightly, hoping she could escape from the awkward tension by drifting off to sleep.

Rain began to patter against the window, accentuating the quiet space between them. As Xia Liyang lay there counting the raindrops, her heartbeat finally slowed to a calm rhythm. In the stillness, she realized she had achieved most of her intended goals for the evening.

She planned to bring up her resignation soon and wondered if he’d let her go easily. Given his remarkable qualities, he would probably find someone else quickly, whether for her work or companionship. She just needed a reasonable excuse.

With that in mind, she drifted off to sleep.

Later, as her breathing deepened, Lu Huaicheng sat up silently, slipping out of her bedroom. This night was far more challenging than he’d expected, as even after she turned her back, he couldn’t calm his inner feelings.

He walked to the bathroom, turning on the cold water to let it run down his body, the icy flow trying to cool his thoughts. Yet images of her soft lips, slender frame, and delicate breaths lingered, leaving him tense.

After a while, he dressed in fresh clothes and chose to sleep in the guest room instead.

…..

The next morning, Xia Liyang woke up to find the bed beside her empty. Assuming he’d left for work, she stepped out, only to see him at the dining table, having breakfast.

“You’re awake?” Lu Huaicheng looked up, his voice warm. “Are you feeling better?”

“Mm.” Xia Liyang nodded honestly, “My nose is still a bit stuffy, but I think the fever’s gone.”

“Have some breakfast first. Afterward, we can check your temperature again.” He invited her warmly.

She caught sight of the faint scab on his lip, and memories of the heated kiss from the previous night flooded back. Embarrassed, she hesitated, looking for an excuse. “I still don’t have much appetite, so… I think I’ll skip breakfast.”

“How can you skip breakfast? I had plenty ordered, so pick something you feel like eating, or your recovery will be slower,” Lu Huaicheng cast her a light glance, his tone unusually patient.

With him saying this much, she couldn’t really refuse, so she awkwardly walked over and sat in the chair he had pulled out for her.

As she got closer, she noticed faint dark circles under his eyes, as if he hadn’t slept well last night.

She hadn’t slept that soundly either and vaguely remembered hearing the sound of water in the bathroom. Half-asleep, she’d thought it was just the rain.

But now, she wondered if he had taken another shower.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Lu Huaicheng’s raised eyebrow snapped her out of her thoughts.

“Nothing, nothing.” Xia Liyang quickly looked away, glancing at the assortment of takeout boxes in front of her.

There was indeed a lot: Western-style sandwiches, bread, yogurt, and Chinese dumplings, pancakes, and rice porridge.

It was practically like having a hotel buffet right at home—an extravagance.

With mixed feelings, she bit her lip, picked a light sandwich, and ate it with hot tea.

“Do you have class today?” Lu Huaicheng asked casually, sipping his coffee elegantly.

“Mm.” Xia Liyang nodded, swallowing her sandwich.

“If you’re not feeling well, don’t go. No need to push yourself.” He reminded her calmly.

“My fever’s gone, so I should go. There’s a test on Monday, and the professor might review key points today.” She offered a slight smile.

“After the test, it’s summer break, right?” He glanced up briefly.

“Yes, starting next Friday.” She nodded.

“Any plans for the summer?” he asked as though it was small talk.

“Mm…” Xia Liyang hesitated, sensing this could be a good opportunity to discuss her resignation, but she hadn’t fully prepared an excuse yet, so she mumbled vaguely, “No specific plans yet.”

“Oh.” He paused briefly, then unlocked his phone and sent her a WeChat contact. “Why don’t you stay here over the break? No need to return to your dorm. If you want anything, just contact my assistant. He’ll handle it.”

“…Thank you, Mr. Lu.” Xia Liyang forced a grateful smile, but internally felt a bit troubled.

Without the excuse of returning to the dorm, she would have to stay at this apartment every night, or risk explaining her whereabouts.

But at least this apartment was in the same building as hers; she could go home to write during the day and return to sleep here at night.

Besides, she was planning to resign soon anyway, so she wouldn’t have to keep this up for long.

“Also, come with me in a bit. I’ll have the driver take you to school first.” Lu Huaicheng continued to arrange things for her.

Xia Liyang blinked, thinking of her backpack still in her apartment downstairs. She quickly waved her hand, “No need. My school isn’t on the way to your office, so I wouldn’t want to take up your time.”

“I’m not going to the office today. I have a business meeting near your school,” Lu Huaicheng replied matter-of-factly.

Such a coincidence! This was a disaster.

Xia Liyang’s lips twitched as she scrambled for another excuse. “But your car is a bit too noticeable in the daylight. I’d rather not be seen…”

“No problem, I’ll have the driver switch to a different car.” Lu Huaicheng replied nonchalantly.

“…”

With no more excuses, Xia Liyang forced a smile, murmured a dry thank you, and silently pondered how to retrieve her textbooks.

After breakfast, she took her time getting ready. Only when he was fully dressed, checking his watch, did she hurry over to the door, slipping on her sun protection jacket.

“You can go ahead and press the elevator; I’ll just put on my shoes!” she said with a sheepish smile.

Just as the elevator arrived, she dashed out of the room and stepped into it under his steady gaze.

“Sorry, I’m a bit slow,” she apologized, tidying her slightly messy hair.

“No worries.” He released the elevator button.

In the underground parking, she seized the moment, exclaiming, “Oh no! I forgot my backpack! Sorry, Mr. Lu, just give me a moment!”

Without waiting for his response, she darted back to the elevator.

Luckily, the elevator was still on the same floor, so she got in quickly. To avoid him noticing the floor change, she took it up to the top floor, then ran down the stairs to her apartment to grab her canvas bag.

Back on the top floor, she took the elevator back down.

When she returned to the parking garage, Lu Huaicheng was gone, but a black Passat in the corner flashed its lights at her.

So he really did have a more understated car.

Thinking this, she walked over and realized it was actually a Phaeton, not a Passat.

Of course, there was no way he’d have a cheap car!

But at least this one was discreet enough.

She opened the back door, offering Lu Huaicheng an apologetic smile.

He didn’t say anything to make her feel uncomfortable, just gestured for her to get in with a glance.

Perhaps out of consideration for her lingering fever, the AC was set warmer than usual.

Lu Huaicheng, who usually preferred it cooler, had undone a few extra buttons at his collar, leaning back in his seat with a relaxed, lazy demeanor.

As the car engine started and slowly passed her red Porsche parked nearby, Xia Liyang tensed up and glanced at the man beside her.

His slightly open collar exposed the edges of his collarbone, giving off a restrained, seductive vibe.

She couldn’t help but recall his solid, heated presence against her back last night, and her ears warmed as she quickly averted her gaze, sitting upright and turning her head to look out the window.

The two remained silent during the ride.

Lu Huaicheng leaned back slightly, eyes closed, seemingly resting.

Xia Liyang watched the scenery pass by for a while before discreetly pulling out her phone to open her notes app and jot down inspiration she’d come up with last night.

When they neared the school gate, she put her phone away, glanced at Lu Huaicheng, who still had his eyes closed, and leaned slightly toward the driver, softly saying, “Sir, please just stop here at the gate.”

The driver nodded, gradually slowing down and finally stopping beneath a sycamore tree along the curb.

Xia Liyang gently opened the car door, intending to slip out quietly.

But as soon as one foot touched the ground, a low, hoarse voice sounded from behind, “Leaving without saying goodbye?”

Xia Liyang froze, turning back with an awkward smile, “I thought you were asleep and didn’t want to wake you.”

“Mm.” Lu Huaicheng’s dark eyes were inscrutable, his gaze shadowed, as though displeased with her attempt to leave unnoticed.

Xia Liyang felt a bit flustered under his gaze and hesitated, trying, “Then shall I say a more formal goodbye?”

Lu Huaicheng didn’t reply, merely raised a brow, as if waiting for this so-called formal goodbye.

After a moment’s thought, Xia Liyang clutched her bag tightly and leaned in to lightly peck his cheek.

With a slightly shy smile, she said, “Goodbye, Mr. Lu.”

Watching her long lashes tremble and the faint blush bloom across her fair face, the shadow in Lu Huaicheng’s eyes finally dissipated, and a faint smile played at his lips. “Alright, I’ll have the driver pick you up in the afternoon.”

“Okay.”

Relieved, Xia Liyang stepped out of the car, her face still warm.

Yesterday, she’d been able to flirt with him comfortably, but today, something felt different.

She found herself holding back, her heart fluttering even when meeting his gaze.

Could a kiss really have such a lingering effect? Or maybe the fever had muddled her brain.

She watched the black Phaeton disappear down the road, standing in place lost in thought for a long time. Finally concluding that she was still flustered from accidentally biting his lip last night, she snapped back to reality and walked onto campus.

In the back seat, Lu Huaicheng’s deep, quiet eyes lingered on her slender figure as it grew smaller in the rearview mirror.

Only when the car turned a corner did he withdraw his gaze, leaning back in his seat with a sigh.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d been avoiding him since morning.

Even in the car, she hadn’t leaned in as she usually did and was unusually quiet, focused on her phone as though writing something.

Her behavior unsettled him slightly.

Especially when she tried to leave without a word, his unease reached its peak.

He felt compelled to confirm if he was just overthinking things or if she had indeed changed.

Even after she explained she hadn’t wanted to wake him, he still wanted her to do something to put his mind at ease.

Only when she gave him that shy kiss goodbye did his mood improve.

And seeing her thoughtful gaze as she watched him leave finally put his worries to rest.