Shen Shu asked the question with his usual composure, but his hands moved with deliberate intimacy, showing no hesitation.

Yu Xi squirmed in his arms, her body responding to his teasing, a smoldering flame ignited inside her but with no way to vent it. Feeling restless, she shifted uncomfortably in his embrace.

Yet, aware they were still in the car, she didn’t dare move too much.

In the dimly lit car, her face grew so hot it felt as though she were trapped in a steaming pot.

Fortunately, Shen Shu released her after a moment of kissing. Just as she breathed a sigh of relief and prepared to move away, his hand swiftly pulled her back, catching her off guard.

Yu Xi looked at him in confusion.

He smirked, tilting his chin slightly. “Kiss me.”

She was momentarily stunned.

Unhappy with her hesitation, he applied a bit of pressure with his hand, giving her a light pat on her rear.

The sound wasn’t loud, nor was it painful, but the soft smack felt like it landed directly on her heart. Her face turned scarlet, even redder than when they had been kissing.

“I’ve been taking care of you for so long, and you can’t even spare me a kiss? Running off just like that—how heartless,” he sighed, his tone laced with mock grievance.

Yu Xi couldn’t believe it. This handsome, aloof man was capable of saying such shameless words without batting an eye.

She was completely floored, but there was nothing she could do against him.

Clearly outmatched, she reluctantly climbed back onto his lap, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

Then she pulled back, looking at him as if to ask, “Is that enough?”

Her gaze carried a hint of grievance as she glared at him.

Shen Shu stared at her in silence for a moment.

Her idea of a kiss still seemed stuck at the most basic level. Did she genuinely not know how, or was she simply too embarrassed?

Either way, he had the patience to guide her. “That kind of kiss? Do you think I’m a child, or are you the child?”

Yu Xi hadn’t expected him to press the issue.

Biting her lip, she resigned herself to hooking her arms around his neck, shyly pressing her lips against his.

Shen Shu’s lips were slightly dry, but the heat radiating from them was unmistakable. Unlike the times he had kissed her, when she initiated the kiss, the fiery sensation only intensified as their lips brushed and melded.

Overwhelmed, Yu Xi broke away, her breathing unsteady.

But Shen Shu didn’t let her go, pressing a firm hand against the back of her head to deepen the kiss further…

Yu Xi’s injured foot was recovering well, but Shen Shu insisted she keep it wrapped for two more days. When her foot was finally healed, she eagerly removed the bandage to show him, even wiggling it in front of him as if to prove her point.

Her feet were pale and delicate. As she stretched and moved, the contrast of her fair skin against the room’s dim light was striking. Her body leaned back slightly, causing the off-shoulder neckline of her top to slip, revealing a smooth, snow-white shoulder.

Shen Shu closed his eyes and massaged his temples, thinking he really should teach her not to look at a perfectly healthy man like that with those eyes.

“Since your foot is better now, come and run with me later. Afterward, we’ll go visit your parents.”

Yu Xi didn’t quite understand why he wanted her to accompany him for a run.

Shen Shu adjusted his cufflinks and said, “You’re too weak. You need to work on building your strength.”

She still didn’t get it.

Seeing her confused expression, he suddenly leaned in mischievously, his voice deep and husky as he whispered into her ear, “You can’t handle it.”

Yu Xi was stunned for a moment before coming back to her senses, her heart racing uncontrollably.

She knew he was teasing her. Although it was just the two of them in the room, she still felt incredibly shy.

Her embarrassment and shyness seemed to encourage him, making him want to tease her even more.

He placed a hand on her shoulder, his fingers toying with the strap of her bra.

“Pink?” he asked in an oddly serious tone, as if genuinely questioning why someone in her twenties was wearing a pink bra.

Yu Xi felt like he was bullying her.

The words sounded indecent, but coming from his mouth, they didn’t feel vulgar at all. His calm demeanor and genuine expression even gave his words an air of charm and elegance.

She, however, couldn’t handle this kind of teasing. She wished she could bury herself like an ostrich and avoid looking at him altogether, hiding her small and embarrassed self.

“So shy?” He suddenly scooped her up onto his lap, lifting her chin with his long and elegant finger.

His fingers, slender and beautifully shaped, managed to make even the most improper actions seem refined.

Her cheeks turned crimson, her eyes misty as his cool touch slowly traveled downward. Beneath her skirt, the lace rippled like waves, piling up like soft silk.

Her face burned like the setting sun. She tensed in his grasp, startled.

“So sensitive?” he murmured, playing with her earlobe while letting out a low chuckle.

Yu Xi pretended not to understand, turning her head to look at the scenery outside the window.

Her serious act of feigning ignorance only made her look more adorable.

Shen Shu wiped his hand on her skirt, then gently turned her face back toward him, lightly pressing her lips. “What’s that smell?”

Yu Xi felt like she was about to go crazy. He could be truly over the top sometimes, always pushing boundaries.

Yet his tenderness, combined with his dominance, left her with no escape. All she could do was comply.

After teasing her for a while longer, he finally let her go.

As soon as she was free, Yu Xi jumped off his lap and ran to the door without even putting on her slippers.

Shen Shu called out, “Slow down. I’ll change into my workout clothes.”

Yu Xi obediently waited at the door. About two minutes later, Shen Shu emerged from the changing room.

Her gaze landed on him and wouldn’t move away.

She was so used to seeing him in suits or trench coats that she hadn’t expected him to look this good in workout attire.

The plain white tracksuit made him appear even fresher and more youthful. Though the fit was loose, his movements subtly outlined his lean, muscular frame.

He walked over to her and tapped her lightly. “What are you staring at? Let’s go.”

Yu Xi followed Shen Shu, running a lap around the neighborhood before feeling utterly exhausted. She was panting heavily, her face flushed as if she were drunk.

Shen Shu stopped, handed her a bottle of water, and commented, “You’re really out of shape.”

She ignored him, sipping her water quietly.

She knew he thought she lacked stamina and was too delicate. He often had to accommodate her, avoiding certain positions entirely.

But it wasn’t like she was being fussy on purpose. Sometimes, she truly couldn’t handle his demanding nature.

Besides, she particularly disliked being behind; it hurt.

“Let’s go. Time to eat. I’ve made plans to meet someone,” Shen Shu said, patting her shoulder.

Yu Xi looked at him in surprise, not understanding who they could possibly be meeting in the neighborhood.

“Mr. Dong from upstairs is my eldest brother’s friend. He’s in the import-export business and has a lot of orders that need translating. He’s also short on people. Get to know him—it won’t hurt.”

Only then did Yu Xi realize that he was helping her expand her network.

She felt a bit of joy—not because of any potential benefit but because someone cared about her this much.

Her work was insignificant compared to his, almost child’s play. Yet, he didn’t look down on her and was even willing to put in effort to help her.

Yu Xi couldn’t quite describe how she felt at that moment.

She looked up at the sky, just in time to see a flock of birds flying by. It was winter, so where had they come from?

She couldn’t help but smile, feeling a surprising sense of springtime joy.

The dinner was held at a neighborhood restaurant serving Hong Kong-style cuisine.

The owner was someone of considerable status within the community. The restaurant operated on a membership basis and didn’t accept outsiders. It was tucked away in a secluded corner, hidden by vines.

Shen Shu led Yu Xi to a table in the corner.

Seated there was a couple. The man, in his early forties, looked scholarly and wore silver, round-framed glasses. The woman was slightly plump. Though not particularly beautiful, her smile was warm and welcoming.

“This is my wife,” Shen Shu introduced, pulling out a chair for Yu Xi.

“Mrs. Shen is truly stunning,” Mrs. Dong complimented warmly, her sincerity evident.

Mr. Dong also nodded politely, his demeanor friendly.

Whether it was because of Shen Shu’s influence or because he had spoken to them beforehand, they engaged Yu Xi in conversation, careful not to put her on the spot, allowing her to relax.

Shen Shu did most of the talking while occasionally serving her food and refilling her glass.

He balanced things perfectly, ensuring she wasn’t overwhelmed by questions yet wasn’t left out either.

Their conversation revolved around business matters. However, Shen Shu subtly steered the topic toward translation work from time to time.

Yu Xi quietly observed him and noticed he barely ate anything. Feeling a pang of guilt, she used her chopsticks to place a shrimp on his plate.

Shen Shu paused, then smiled at her. “Thank you.”

He picked up his chopsticks and ate it slowly.

Yu Xi had thought Shen Shu didn’t eat shrimp, but she realized she had worried unnecessarily.

Not only did he eat it, but he also didn’t need to peel it. When he was done, the shrimp shell he spit out was completely intact.

She was utterly shocked. Having eaten shrimp her entire life, she had never encountered such skill in peeling them.

“Mr. Shen and Mrs. Shen seem very loving,” Mr. Dong remarked with a restrained laugh as he sipped his red wine.

Shen Shu smiled silently without offering any explanation.

Later, Shen Shu introduced her to Mr. Dong, and they exchanged WeChat contacts. Mr. Dong appeared enthusiastic. “I’ve reviewed the translated materials done by Mrs. Shen. They’re incredibly precise and much more professional than the people I’ve worked with before. I’m looking forward to collaborating with you.”

Yu Xi smiled politely, feeling a bit flustered, and shook his hand again.

As the two left, Shen Shu stood up and said, “Let’s go.”

Yu Xi quickly matched his stride.

Shen Shu’s long legs made his steps appear unhurried and graceful, yet Yu Xi still had to take slightly larger steps to keep up.

Struggling to keep up with his pace, she didn’t give it much thought and instinctively slipped her hand into his palm.

Shen Shu stopped abruptly, glancing back at her with a curious expression.

Her calm demeanor faltered under his gaze, and her cheeks flushed again.

Initially wanting to withdraw her hand, she found herself unable to as his grip tightened, preventing her escape.

You want to run away after provoking me? Is there such a good thing in this world?”

Yu Xi lowered her head, silently staring at the tips of her shoes.