Bai Tao’s excellent performance indeed caught Sun Jing’s attention. The little assistant alternated between glaring at Bai Tao and then glaring at Pei Shi, who was wearing the silk eye mask. Her shocked expression clearly showed her disbelief at Bai Tao’s thoughtful service.

Bai Tao thought proudly that once they arrived at the hotel and her four suitcases of checked luggage were delivered, there would be even more to astonish Sun Jing!

She had thought of every detail of Pei Shi’s business trip, from a static massage comb to Bai Tao-scented air fresheners. She even brought Pei Shi’s pillow, fearing he might have trouble sleeping in a new bed.

Unfortunately, Pei Shi didn’t give Bai Tao another chance to showcase her attentiveness. After they got off the plane, collected their luggage, and dropped Sun Jing and Bai Tao at the hotel, Pei Shi planned to go straight to a business meeting with Yuan Mu.

Pei Shi glanced at his watch and didn’t stay long before heading out with Yuan Mu. Bai Tao had no objections and stayed with Sun Jing to check in. However, almost immediately, someone entered the hotel with a dog.

Bai Tao turned around instinctively and felt her whole body tense up—there was nothing unusual about the guest, except for the fact that he had a dog.

And Bai Tao was terrified of dogs.

Even though it was just a small poodle, Bai Tao’s fear of dogs was so intense that being in the same space with one nearly paralyzed her with terror. The guest and his dog quickly approached the front desk, and soon, a whole group of people crowded in, blocking Bai Tao’s escape route. The dog was now within arm’s reach.

Bai Tao’s fear of dogs was purely psychological. Although the small poodle didn’t bark at her and even tried to rub against her leg, this only made Bai Tao more frightened. If the dog hadn’t gotten so close, she might have managed to run away. But now that the dog was touching her, she went into a state of shock, unable to move, barely able to breathe.

Sun Jing, preoccupied with confirming her check-in information, didn’t notice anything wrong. Bai Tao, on the other hand, was too scared to call for help.

Just as her fear was about to make her faint, someone pushed through the crowd, put an arm around her shoulders to comfort her, then knelt down and picked up the poodle, handing it back to its owner.

It was Pei Shi.

He gave Bai Tao a quick glance before coldly telling the dog owner, “Please keep an eye on your dog.”

The owner apologized profusely and quickly took the dog away. Even though the dog was now a safe distance away, Bai Tao still felt scared. Just seeing the dog made her want to tremble. Sensing her distress, Pei Shi draped his jacket over her head, blocking her view.

He kept his hand on her shoulder. Despite her vision being completely obstructed, Bai Tao felt extremely safe in Pei Shi’s arms. She heard him speaking to Sun Jing above her head—

“Take care of the luggage. We’re not checking in here. Get a refund. We’re changing hotels,” he said succinctly, “She’s afraid of dogs.”

With that, he led Bai Tao out of the crowd without further ado. Bai Tao followed him trustingly until he finally let go of her and removed his jacket.

“Better now?”

It had only been a few minutes, but leaning on Pei Shi’s chest, Bai Tao felt her heart pounding.

Pei Shi didn’t utter any sweet words, nor did his actions contain any romantic elements. Yet, as he took back his jacket, Bai Tao found herself too shy to look at him directly. She awkwardly changed the subject—

“Weren’t you leaving? Why did you come back? Did you forget something and need me to get it for you? I brought everything in those four suitcases. What do you need?”

“I saw someone bringing a dog in.”

Pei Shi didn’t offer much explanation. This situation seemed ripe for a heartfelt confession, but Pei Shi clearly didn’t understand romance. He glanced at his watch and frowned slightly, “I’m in a hurry. I have to go. Behave yourself.”

?

This didn’t sound like a husband’s tender care for his wife. It felt more like a parent sternly warning a child.

Bai Tao wasn’t sure why, but she instinctively reached out and grabbed Pei Shi’s sleeve. By the time she realized it, she had already spoken, “I don’t want to. I want to go with you.”

She glanced at Pei Shi cautiously, forgetting to put on her usual coquettish expression. She explained nervously, “I’m afraid there will be dogs at the hotel.”

Pei Shi frowned slightly, “Stay in your room. I’ll have Sun Jing stay with you. You definitely can’t come to the meeting.”

Pei Shi, always professional, didn’t want Bai Tao involved in the negotiations. But Bai Tao quickly tightened her grip on his sleeve, looking at him with pleading eyes, “I don’t feel safe with Sun Jing.”

Then she blinked at Pei Shi and added, “I only feel safe with my husband.”

Pei Shi paused and then looked extremely uncomfortable. Almost reflexively, he turned his face away to avoid Bai Tao’s gaze. Although his expression remained stern, Bai Tao sensed that his earlier firm refusal was wavering.

So she tugged on Pei Shi’s hand and pressed her advantage, “Please, honey? I’ll just stay by your side and wait outside during the meeting.” She put on her most obedient expression, “I’ll be very good and won’t cause any trouble. Can I come?”

Pei Shi pursed his lips but still didn’t relent. Bai Tao, feeling she had nothing to lose, stood on tiptoe and quickly kissed his cheek, “Is this enough? Can I come now, honey…”

Maybe because she had gotten used to acting coy, Bai Tao found it increasingly natural to speak to Pei Shi this way. Only after finishing did she feel a bit embarrassed.

Ah! No wonder they say genuine affection can inspire true feelings. Pei Shi’s deep love had influenced her!

Although the hotel lobby was bustling, it wasn’t completely devoid of attention. Yuan Mu had seen Bai Tao kiss Pei Shi.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Bai Tao decided to push forward for a swift conclusion, “Is one kiss not enough?”

She moved as if to kiss Pei Shi again, prompting him to interrupt, “That’s enough.”

Pei Shi, trying to stay serious, coughed and glanced at a plant in the lobby, “No more kissing.”

“Then…”

“Okay.”

“Hmm?”

This time, Pei Shi not only averted his gaze but turned his whole body away, heading for the hotel door, “We need to hurry, or we’ll be late for the meeting.”

Does this mean…?

Bai Tao immediately became excited, “So I can come with you?”

“Would you stay behind if I said no?”

Pei Shi didn’t look back, but Bai Tao heard him. This man… saying no but meaning yes!

Overjoyed, Bai Tao quickly followed him.

—