Chapter 27

They knew very well—whenever Miss Ren saw Gao Han, she looked like she’d lost her soul.

Anything Gao Han said, she’d agree to without hesitation.

Totally head-over-heels in love.

“Ah-Han.”

The girl’s soft voice came from inside the house. Just one call of “Ah-Han,” and they watched as Gao Han’s previously cold and stern gaze instantly softened.

The three of them exchanged glances, each seeing disbelief in the others’ eyes.

They suddenly became very curious—what kind of girl was inside that room? What kind of fairy could make their emotionless, forever-single brother Han finally bloom like a tree that hadn’t flowered in a hundred years?

And bloom so miraculously.

“What is it?” Gao Han’s gentle tone that followed made the world feel downright surreal to them.

What is it?

What could it be!

Song Qingdai lightly tugged at his sleeve and softly said, “You should go take care of your business first. Miss Ren’s safety is more important. We can buy things another day.”

It wasn’t something that had to be done today.

Gao Han looked down and saw her delicate hand tugging gently at his sleeve—slender fingers with neatly trimmed nails, the tips a soft pink. She had just taken a shower, and her whole body carried a refreshing scent.

Her long black hair was smooth and obediently draped over her back, glossy and dark, making her already striking features even more radiant.

“It’s fine.”

He gently removed her hand from his clothes, then, right in front of the three young men, he took her hand in his—his large, broad palm interlocking with her fingers, gripping tightly.

“Sister-in-law, don’t worry about it,” one of the young men said quickly. “It’s nothing serious. You and Brother Han’s matters come first. I heard from him that you came to the provincial capital to shop for wedding supplies. Perfect timing—you two should take the car.”

He handed over a set of car keys.

Afraid that Song Qingdai might misunderstand, he added quickly, “The car belongs to the unit. There’s one specifically assigned to Brother Han, but he doesn’t usually like to drive. This time it’s perfect. Right, Brother Han?”

The three of them winked and nudged each other.

They were clearly trying to sneak a peek at the girl in the room—curious what kind of goddess could make the infamous lone wolf bring someone home.

Besides, this was Brother Han’s first time bringing someone into the compound. Of course they should take a car.

The provincial capital was filled with rich people. It wasn’t about showing off—but they definitely couldn’t afford to be outdone.

“Alright, what do you really want?” Gao Han leaned casually against the doorframe, raising a brow as he looked at the three obviously up-to-something guys.

“Hello, I’m Song Qingdai, Ah-Han’s fiancée. We’re getting married the day after tomorrow. I hope you’ll all come to the wedding!”

Song Qingdai wasn’t the shy type. She simply pulled the door open and stood beside Gao Han, politely extending her hand to them with a perfectly timed smile.

The three young men froze briefly. What a pretty girl!

But they quickly came back to their senses and shook her hand.

“Hello, sister-in-law. I’m Shen Jinian, the records officer here in the compound. These two are Lu Huai and Qin Ke—we’re colleagues of Brother Han.”

Shen Jinian vaguely referred to their relationship as “colleagues,” carefully avoiding disclosing anything about Gao Han’s background.

“You’re marrying Brother Han, of course we’ll be there to celebrate. Honestly, I bet half the compound will come.”

Shen Jinian was scholarly, wearing thick black-rimmed glasses. He was severely nearsighted, and years of reviewing documents had left his eyesight so poor that he couldn’t see a thing without them.

He carried the elegance of an intellectual.

“Well then, we’ll leave you two alone. We’ve got work to do.”

After handing over the keys, the three of them went off to handle their tasks.

“You’re really something, aren’t you?” Song Qingdai asked once they were gone.

Gao Han didn’t confirm or deny it. Instead, he turned the question back to her. “Then tell me—what kind of person do you think I am?”

“The people in town say you’re a troublemaker—always getting into fights. Some even say that any dog that crosses your path gets kicked. And now I’m about to marry you, yet I realize I barely know you.”

“Knowing too much isn’t always a good thing for you.”

It wasn’t that Gao Han didn’t trust her. It was just that there were too many unpredictable elements around him.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have hidden in the shadows for so many years, watching her secretly, never daring to approach.

But now, he couldn’t hold back anymore.

If he kept waiting, Song Qingdai would end up getting manipulated into marrying Jiang Zhaoyun.

And coincidentally, the Jiang family was one of the targets in their current investigation.

Anyone with half a brain could figure out what happened that day in the hotel.

“Then how am I supposed to know if the man I’m marrying is truly worth it?”

Song Qingdai tilted her head, her gaze serious.

Her man?

Gao Han’s lips curled slightly. He couldn’t help himself.

“Get in the car.”

He was clearly pleased, but he still didn’t plan to answer.

Song Qingdai pouted a little. This man really was stubborn—not even a little bit open.

“You mad?” Gao Han glanced at her in the passenger seat. The girl had turned her head to look out the window. The afternoon sun fell softly on her cheek, so clearly that even the fine hairs on her face were visible.

The car rolled along the provincial highway, the whole city humming with signs of growth. Modernized buildings bloomed with vitality, built by the effort of generation after generation.

“How could I dare be mad?” Song Qingdai said. “I’m just an ordinary person. I’m about to get married, yet I don’t even know what kind of man I’m marrying.”

“Whether life will be stable or not… that’s still completely up in the air.”

Her eyes drooped, long lashes hiding the emotions beneath. She looked disheartened and sad.

Gao Han pressed his lips together. After a long pause, he said, “I don’t hold any real position. I just do maintenance work in the compound. That house—Mr. Ren used his authority to get it for me.”

“Then why, if you already had a proper job, were you working at the brick factory in town?”

“Because I was bored, had a low salary, and was afraid I’d never find a wife.”

Song Qingdai: “……”

She felt like he was spouting nonsense—but had no proof.

“You’re lying.”

Gao Han suddenly chuckled. “Can’t hide anything from you, huh?”

“Well, you’re too skinny. Not strong enough. After we get married, I’ll be working at the provincial military academy. You should train with me—build up your strength.”

Song Qingdai stared at him wide-eyed. “I’m marrying you, not becoming one of your recruits!”

“It’s exactly because you’re marrying me that you need to know how to protect yourself.”

“Qingdai, beneath peace, there are always hidden dangers. If you’re scared—”

“Who said I’m scared? Fine! I’ll train!”

Song Qingdai huffed, lips pouting. Hmph, she thought. In her past life, she even fought with Zhang Shaoxing—she had real experience. How dare he underestimate her?