“You like me?”

Qin Yue hadn’t expected her to give this answer. For a moment, he was stunned, then burst into laughter. He leaned back lazily, waiting for her to continue.

Hearing his laugh, Song Shixi trembled even harder. She cautiously opened her eyes and saw that his expression hadn’t changed, so she relaxed slightly—only to tense up again when she remembered how hard it was to read his emotions.

“Y-yes, I like you. Even though we’ve never met before, we’ve talked on the phone, and your mother showed me your photo. Brother, you’re so handsome and dashing—what woman wouldn’t like you?”

Song Shixi racked her brain to flatter him while stealing glances at Qin Yue, but his expression gave nothing away. She had no choice but to brace herself and keep going.

“But I know the gap between us is too big. You might not like me, and your parents would never agree to us being together.”

As she spoke, she even managed to squeeze out two perfectly timed tears, like a woman deeply in love but unable to have him.

“You’re always in Shenzhen, and this time, you only came back for Zhiyi’s birthday. Who knows when we’ll see each other again? So… I developed some improper thoughts.”

“I—I really didn’t mean to! I didn’t know the drug would be so strong. When I saw how uncomfortable you were, I regretted it. I know I deserve to die a thousand times for this, but I truly realize my mistake now. I’ll never dare to do it again!”

The more she spoke, the more immersed she became, until tears streamed down her face, her long lashes trembling with droplets that blurred her vision.

Just as she was trembling with fear, he finally spoke.

“You claim to like me, yet you’ve been going on blind dates left and right?”

Qin Yue let out a mocking laugh, effortlessly dismantling all her lies with a single sentence.

Yet his mind involuntarily flashed back to the cramped storage room—how she had calmly straightened her clothes, deliberately provoking him into losing control. Her demeanor then was worlds apart from the act she was putting on now.

From the very beginning, he had underestimated her. This woman didn’t have a single truthful word in her mouth and was a master at putting on an act.

The thought darkened his expression further.

Exposed, Song Shixi’s face stiffened on the surface, and she shut her eyes in feigned frustration. But inwardly, she sighed in relief.

As expected.

Even though he spent most of his time in Shenzhen, he was well-informed about everything happening in Beijing.

Right now, diverting his attention to her lies and social-climbing tendencies was far better than letting him suspect there was more to the story. After all, the original owner of this body already had a mountain of scandals—what was one more?

As long as it doesn’t involve the female lead.

If Qin Yue ever found out the truth, he wouldn’t be calmly talking to her like this.

“I was just—”

Before she could finish her excuse, Qin Yue cut her off coldly.

“Song Shixi, I don’t care how much of what you say is true or what you’ve done before. All I want is for you to stay away from everyone in the Qin family from now on. Otherwise, I have ten thousand ways to make you regret it.”

His tone was calm, but the unshakable resolve in his words left no doubt that he meant every syllable.

Song Shixi lowered her head, shoulders trembling slightly as she pretended to be meek and obedient.

As expected, his tone softened a fraction the next second—though it remained as cold as a blade.

“The Qin family owes your Song family a debt, but after today, that debt is settled. Next time, think carefully about the consequences before you act.”

“I’m not my father. I won’t indulge you unconditionally.”

“If you behave, after you graduate, I’ll arrange for you to get an apartment and a sum of money—enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life.”

Song Shixi had been pretending to listen attentively while actually zoning out, but the last sentence Qin Yue spoke finally caught her interest. Her long lashes lifted slightly, and her eyes brightened.

A house in Beijing? And money?

There’s actually such a good deal?!

But amid her excitement, she also understood the underlying meaning of Qin Yue’s words—whether she liked it or not, these were the terms to sever her ties with the Qin family. From now on, there would be no unnecessary contact.

Perfect! She didn’t want anything to do with the female lead’s family anyway.

As for behaving in the future? She was already planning to move out of the Qin residence—how much more well-behaved could she get? So this house and money were just an unexpected windfall! She wasn’t about to refuse.

Suppressing the urge to smile, Song Shixi bit her lower lip, feigning fragility as she said pitifully, “But Uncle Qin will surely miss me…”

The moment the words left her mouth, she caught Qin Yue’s displeased glance and immediately fell silent. Her fingers clutched at the hem of her clothes as if she were struggling with heartache, before finally squeezing out two more tears and whispering reluctantly, “I understand.”

The two words seemed to satisfy Qin Yue, who gave a slight nod before adding one last warning: “Keep what happened today to yourself.”

Who would want this kind of thing getting out?

Song Shixi also found the whole affair embarrassing. Besides, scandals like this always hurt a woman’s reputation far more than a man’s—she had no reason to disagree. She nodded obediently.

Seeing her so compliant, Qin Yue studied her with a trace of suspicion. But then again, even if she pretended to obey while secretly acting out, he had ways to make her fall in line.

Just then, Xu Jinze returned. Spotting Qin Yue sitting on the bed, his eyes lit up with unconcealed relief. “President Qin, you’re alright?”

At some point, the southern business circles had popularized addressing people as “President [Surname]” or “Boss [Surname].” Those who had gone south for work had picked up the habit, and even after returning to Beijing, the title stuck.

Leaning against the headboard, Qin Yue looked even more strikingly handsome under the corridor light—his presence both captivating and imposing. He waved a hand dismissively and said, “Take her back.”

“Understood.”

Xu Jinze first set down the bag he was carrying on the nearby table, then motioned for Song Shixi to follow him.

Ever since Xu Jinze had returned, Song Shixi had been staring longingly at the bag, its mouthwatering aroma teasing her senses. Whatever he’d bought for Qin Yue was bound to be top-tier, and she hadn’t eaten since the afternoon—she was starving. But Xu Jinze, completely oblivious, didn’t even hand her the food meant for her.

So she had no choice but to remind him softly, “Secretary Xu, my meal…”

Though her voice was quiet, the hospital room wasn’t that big, and the other two men weren’t deaf—they heard her loud and clear.

Meal?

Both Qin Yue and Xu Jinze froze for a second before their eyes instinctively landed on the takeout bag. Realization dawned belatedly, and Qin Yue frowned. “Give it to her.”

Xu Jinze obeyed, pulling out a portion and handing it to Song Shixi.

“Thank you.”

Taking the hefty food container, Song Shixi couldn’t help but curve her lips. Her eyes, still glistening from earlier tears, sparkled with genuine delight, making her whole face glow.

Now that she had successfully secured her meal, she eagerly took the initiative. “Let’s go now, then.”

Qin Yue watched her smiling profile thoughtfully for a moment before giving Xu Jinze a silent signal. The latter understood immediately and led her out of the ward.

The ride back to the Qin residence was quiet. Xu Jinze wasn’t much of a talker, and Song Shixi saw no reason to force conversation either. She maintained her silence until they arrived, offering only a polite “Thank you” as she stepped out of the car.