Shen Zhirou was standing right by the door, close to the room entrance.

When the door was pushed open, her foot stopped it.

Her view was blocked by the door, but Zhou Jiayu, standing beside her, tilted his head and saw who was coming in.

It was none other than Xiong Hao!

Shen Zhirou immediately felt Zhou Jiayu’s strong arm tighten around her waist.

“Where did you get the room card?” Zhou Jiayu asked coldly, his tone instantly chilling.

He couldn’t bear to think that if he hadn’t followed Shen Zhirou to her room, Xiong Hao might have sneaked in.

Xiong Hao’s face also darkened upon seeing Zhou Jiayu.

Shen Zhirou pulled the door open and saw Xiong Hao about to step inside, holding a room card. Her face turned pale instantly.

The shadow of someone breaking into her room at night rushed back into her mind.

“Why do you have my room card?” Shen Zhirou’s eyes fixed on him, her voice trembling. “What were you planning to do by using it?”

Her voice rose, becoming sharp and full of fright.

Xiong Hao felt Shen Zhirou’s sudden emotional outburst was inexplicable. He had known her for a long time and had never seen her so angry. Now, she seemed on the verge of madness.

“Your clothes were left in my room. I knocked but got no response, and you didn’t answer your voice call. I was worried something had happened to you.” Xiong Hao extended the clothes towards her, his eyes drifting to Zhou Jiayu holding her tightly. “Have you made up?”

Zhou Jiayu’s anger flared at his words.

How could he speak so casually, as if there was nothing wrong with entering her room uninvited and meddling in their business?

His face darkened, and Shen Zhirou moved first.

She snatched the clothes from Xiong Hao’s hand and reached out her palm, “Give me the room card, now!”

“I was going to give it to you. I forgot to mention earlier that there are two cards for this room.” Xiong Hao said, his gaze shifting.

He placed the card in her palm but hesitated.

“Are you sure you want to go back to him? We’ve known each other longer than you have known him. I’ve liked you for a long time. Why do you think I always offer you jobs? You…”

“Give me the card!” Shen Zhirou didn’t listen to a word he said; she just wanted the card.

She snatched the card from his hand, “Get out!”

She shouted, pushing him and kicking his shin.

Zhou Jiayu immediately stepped forward, shielding her, and grabbed Xiong Hao’s collar, forcing him out of the room.

Facing Xiong Hao, Shen Zhirou’s strength was like hitting cotton, but against Zhou Jiayu, it was a different story, especially when he was angry.

Xiong Hao was slammed against the opposite door with a loud bang.

Then a solid punch landed on his face.

The noise disturbed the occupants of the opposite room, who opened their door. Xiong Hao, weakened, fell into their room.

“Don’t harass my girlfriend again! Sneaking in with a stolen room card,” Zhou Jiayu declared loudly, making sure the neighbors heard about Xiong Hao’s misdeeds, justifying the punch.

After warning Xiong Hao, Zhou Jiayu turned back to Shen Zhirou.

Seeing her scared expression, her face almost colorless with fright, worried him deeply.

Zhou Jiayu hugged her tightly.

Xiong Hao, both resentful and angry, couldn’t stay because the people in the neighboring room were also part of their shooting crew. Embarrassed, he left.

Once he was gone, Shen Zhirou held onto Zhou Jiayu’s strong arms and let out a long breath.

The fear that had built up inside her finally released, and she felt on the verge of breaking down.

Previously, she had experienced someone breaking into her room at night, leaving her too traumatized to take any job involving travel. This time, she had bravely accepted an overnight job, only to encounter a similar situation.

Though it wasn’t nighttime, and Zhou Jiayu was there…

Shen Zhirou buried herself in Zhou Jiayu’s chest, seeking the safety he provided, and began to sob.

Zhou Jiayu didn’t know about her past experiences and only thought she was frightened.

He hugged her tightly, trying to offer comfort, gently patting her back.

He didn’t stop her from crying, patiently staying with her.

When Shen Zhirou had cried herself out, she looked up and noticed his shirt was soaked with her tears. She felt a bit embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to, I’ll dry it for you.”

She tried to wipe the tears from his shirt, but he cupped her face and kissed her cheek.

“It doesn’t matter. I’ve seen you wetter,” Zhou Jiayu said.

Shen Zhirou: “…” What kind of comment was that!

“Crying in front of me is a good thing. It shows you trust me,” Zhou Jiayu said, wiping her tears. “Do you want to wash your face?”

Shen Zhirou nodded.

“Go ahead. I’ll check with the hotel about the room cards, make sure none are missing,” Zhou Jiayu said cautiously, but Shen Zhirou grabbed his hand.

“I want to change rooms.”

“Sure,” Zhou Jiayu agreed, helping her wash her face and pack her luggage.

As they walked out, Zhou Jiayu thought for a moment and said, “Or you could stay in my room. I don’t want to leave you alone. What if someone enters the new room again?”

Zhou Jiayu swore his suggestion was purely out of concern for her safety.

Shen Zhirou, hearing this, began to worry more.

She listened to him and felt increasingly fearful.

“You wanted to evaluate my character, right? This is your chance,” Zhou Jiayu added.