Outsiders only knew that the owner of the “Drunk on Your Company” tavern was a stunningly beautiful woman with a cold personality, decisive actions, and a sharp tongue. But they had no idea that their boss, besides these well-known traits, was actually quite adorable.

When she hadn’t slept or eaten enough, she was like a child, making people want to protect and take care of her.

“So, what would you like for breakfast, Sister? I’ll make it for you.”

Zhou Zuizui opened her eyes, thought for a moment, and said, “I want to go out for breakfast today. Want to come with me?”

Qiuqiu’s eyes lit up as she happily agreed, “Sure!”

The tavern wasn’t open in the early morning, and there were no customers. Moreover, their tavern was located at the end of a deep alley, so except for regulars or those referred by others, few people knew about it.

Luckily, Zhou Zuizui hadn’t opened the tavern to make money, so she didn’t care much about business.

Next to the “Drunk on Your Company” tavern was an inn, which she had opened to make money. The inn had a good annual revenue, providing her with a significant income.

Zhou Zuizui took Qiuqiu out and headed straight for the bustling part of town.

The ancient town was lively in the morning, especially since it was still the holiday season, with many tourists around.

The two of them went to a familiar spot for breakfast, found a seat by the window, and ordered. After ordering, Zhou Zuizui rested her head on her wrist, watching the people on the streets, and felt a little better.

Suddenly, her gaze froze on a particular spot. That man standing out in the crowd, the face under that hat…

Zhou Zuizui blinked, but just as she was about to take a closer look, the man was gone, replaced by a young man standing there.

“Sister,” Qiuqiu called out to the distracted Zhou Zuizui a couple of times, “Sister, breakfast is here.”

Zhou Zuizui was slightly startled and pointed to a spot downstairs. “Qiuqiu, did you just see a man in a black hat standing there?”

Qiuqiu shook her head, looking at her in confusion. “No, there was only that man standing there the whole time.”

Zhou Zuizui: “…”

Could it be that she was really seeing things?

Or was it like Xia Wen said, was she really too lonely?

No way!

Zhou Zuizui shook her head and gave a silent smile to reassure Qiuqiu, who was looking at her with concern. “Let’s eat breakfast.”

“Okay.”

On the first floor, in the bustling breakfast shop, everyone was lined up waiting.

Xiaotong and Shen Nan sat downstairs, discussing as they ate breakfast.

“Captain,” Xiaotong called out with his mouth full of bun.

As soon as he said it, Shen Nan shot him a blank look, and Xiaotong quickly corrected himself, “Lord Shen.”

After saying that, Xiaotong muttered to himself, “Calling him Lord Shen is too awkward. Why can’t I call him Lord Nan? Afraid of being discovered? That person probably wouldn’t guess who we are…” He grumbled, “I’ve got word that those people have entered this ancient town, but we’re not sure where they’re staying yet. Our people haven’t reported back.”

They had come here to negotiate with a group, but whether they could actually start talks was still uncertain.

Shen Nan raised an eyebrow and looked out the window, his voice low and cool. “Have someone check the inns in the ancient town and narrow down the more secluded ones.”

He was decisive and steady, quickly honing in on the key points.

“Yes.”

Xiaotong was silent for a moment before asking quietly, “Lord Shen, when it’s time to negotiate, is it just going to be the two of us?”

Shen Nan chuckled lightly at this and asked, “Afraid?”

“Pfft!” Xiaotong blushed and retorted, “Since when have I ever been scared? Besides, you’re here. Wherever you go, I go!”

He paused, then added, “I’ve just heard that they’re really strict about screening people who come to do business with them. It might be hard for us not to slip up in front of them.”

Shen Nan understood and responded succinctly, “Don’t worry.”

…

After breakfast, Zhou Zuizui sent Qiuqiu back to the tavern and then wandered aimlessly around the streets by herself, taking her time.

Today was Valentine’s Day, and there were many couples holding hands on the street. There were also more flower vendors, both young girls and boys, than usual, and many shops had opened early.

Zhou Zuizui didn’t sleep well last night, so she wasn’t in the mood for strolling around. She wandered aimlessly with the crowd, somewhat lost in thought.

Suddenly, she let out a muffled grunt as someone bumped into her.

Zhou Zuizui looked up, frowning as she glanced at the man who had collided with her. Before she could say anything, he quickly glanced around and hurried away.

She watched his retreating figure, narrowing her eyes instinctively.

Before she could react further, someone suddenly wrapped their arm around her waist, pulling her into a man’s embrace.

Damn!

Her first instinct was to throw a punch, but just as she extended her arm, it was easily caught by the man. His grip was strong, firmly holding her wrist, preventing her from moving. After struggling for a moment with no success, she tried to kick him, but her leg was also pinned down by the man in front of her.

Her entire body was now pressed against his.

Though they had moved to a less crowded area, they were still on the street, where people could see them. Zhou Zuizui, quick on her feet, was about to shout for help when a low, slightly amused yet familiar voice whispered in her ear, “Honey, is this how you greet your husband after not seeing him for a while?”

Zhou Zuizui was startled and looked up in surprise at the man before her.

“You…” she began, but before she could say more, Shen Nan tightened his grip around her waist, half pulling and half dragging her forward. He leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Someone’s following us.”

It wasn’t until they had entered a small room that Zhou Zuizui tried to push him away. As soon as her hand touched his shoulder, Shen Nan pulled her in, making her fall into his embrace, their bodies pressed tightly together.

The man in front of her held the back of her head, tilting it upward, and then lowered his head to kiss her, lingering on her lips.

They were so close that to an outsider, they looked like a couple caught up in the heat of the moment, unable to wait until they returned to the inn.

Zhou Zuizui snapped out of it when he bit her lip. She immediately placed her hands on his chest, trying to push him away.

Shen Nan licked her earlobe, his warm breath hot against her skin, whispering in her ear, “They’re still there.”

Zhou Zuizui: “…”