Can I?
Miss Xu Nanyin almost thought she’d misheard.
She hadn’t expected the man to agree so easily.
She was a little incredulous—she’d already prepared herself to plead again if he refused.
He didn’t even think the reason was childish!
The girl’s emotions were all written on her face, shifting from nervousness to excitement.
Her cheeks were flushed pink, like a weather forecast, turning from cloudy to clear.
Mr. Song Huaixu suddenly found himself quite interested and watched her for a while.
“How old are you?” he asked.
Miss Xu Nanyin quietly observed his expression.
It was calm, his tone flat, not sounding sarcastic at all.
He probably really didn’t know her age.
“I’ll be twenty-two next month.”
She deliberately made herself sound older.
The man said nothing.
Whether a month more or less made no difference.
Was it that his question was too superficial, or was it that when raising children, his family never taught him not to take everything so literally?
Seeing that he had gone quiet, Miss Xu Nanyin prepared to leave, softly thanking him, “Then… I’ll head home first?”
Mr. Song Huaixu gave a barely noticeable nod.
“Boss.”
Secretary Jiang Chen had been standing outside the glass wall.
When he heard the door open, he walked in past Miss Xu Nanyin as she came out.
“Since last night’s banquet, many people have been asking how long you’ll be staying in Port City and if you have any free time. I’ve already declined them all. The airport just reminded me that there will be heavy rain in Ning City tonight and asked whether you’ll still return as planned.”
The man on the sofa propped his face up with his hand, looking very calm.
“Let’s keep it as is for now.”
He had stayed in Port City for three days, and now that his business was done, there was no reason to stay any longer. Of course, if the weather got so bad that travel was impossible, he wouldn’t risk his life over it.
Secretary Jiang Chen nodded. “Understood.”
Mr. Song Huaixu picked up his teacup. The fragrance lingered between his teeth, leaving a sweet aftertaste in his throat. “Add one more person to the return trip.”
“Who?”
“That girl’s…”
The man paused.
“Ke Li.”
***
A little after five, someone came to the Xu house to collect luggage.
Miss Xu Nanyin was returning to Ning City for a month. Though it was summer, Miss Xu Mother had packed both light and heavy clothes for her. Some dresses took up a lot of space just by themselves.
The driver, though well-traveled, was still a bit shocked at the sight. He immediately saw that the car wouldn’t be enough, so he messaged Jiang Secretary and arranged for another vehicle, saving a return trip and wasted time.
By six o’clock, the car to pick up Miss Xu Nanyin arrived at the Xu house.
Miss Xu Nanyin was wearing a cherry blossom-pink dress, with several layers of lining.
The silk tulle brushed against her slender calves, looking both delicate and elegant.
“All right, it’s only a month.” Miss Xu Mother patted her back.
She was a bit worried about letting her daughter go back alone. After all, Mr. Song Huaixu was a man—how could he possibly take care of a woman?
But then she remembered her daughter saying that Ke Li would be going too, and she felt half relieved.
The Song Family’s status was well-known.
No matter what, with the engagement still hanging over their heads, nothing would happen to Miss Xu Nanyin.
The courtyard was as bright as daylight.
The car window was half-lowered, and the man nodded to Miss Xu Mother.
In his view, the girl being hugged by her mother was dazzling, her hair tied up, revealing a fair nape.
Miss Xu Nanyin’s eyes were red as she walked to the car. Her small nose was a little pink, and her eyes shimmered with tears, sparkling under the light.
Just like the sequined embroidery on her dress.
Without a word, Miss Xu Nanyin got into the car.
Ke Li also tried to get in, but Jiang Chen stopped her—after all, the front seat was hers.
“You sit in the car behind.”
He thought for a moment, then added, “I’ll go with you.”
Miss Xu Nanyin was so used to having Ke Li follow behind her that she stayed sad for quite a while after getting into the car, only realizing Ke Li wasn’t there once they were on the coastal highway.
—Sitting beside her was Mr. Song Huaixu.
The light inside the car was dim, faintly outlining his tall nose and sharp features, leaving a soft halo along his jawline.
In an instant, the atmosphere Miss Xu Nanyin had ignored seemed to break through her defenses, suddenly enveloping her.
It felt like the muggy heat before a rainstorm.
She shifted her calf slightly, unconsciously fiddling with the pearls on her bag, her fingernails making a soft sound.
The man turned his head and glanced at her.
From the moment she got in, there was a faint peach fragrance—sweet but not cloying.
The car was quiet, making Miss Xu Nanyin even more nervous. It made her skin itch a little, so she rubbed her arm.
She missed Ke Li.
“Cold?” The man’s voice was as steady as ever.
The driver immediately adjusted the temperature and turned on some music, playing soothing instrumental melodies.
“Not cold…”
Miss Xu Nanyin lowered her hand.
“I just…”
Before she could finish, a blanket was handed to her.
Long, jade-like fingers contrasted sharply with the dark patterned fabric, the veins on the back of his hand visible.
Miss Xu Nanyin stared for two seconds, then took it.
The warmth seemed to climb up her skin along the blanket.
She drew back her hand, trying to ease the tension, and started a conversation: “Would you help hide things for your family?”
Miss Xu Nanyin had been worrying about the pre-marriage investigation.
Now that she thought about it, the man beside her was Song Tingchuan’s older brother—they were family.
Even if something bad happened, he’d probably give her a heads-up.
Mr. Song Huaixu pressed off the screen.
“There’s a saying: side with reason, not with family.”
Miss Xu Nanyin hesitated.
“Really?”
Mr. Song Huaixu replied calmly, “No.”
“……”
Miss Xu Nanyin truly couldn’t tell if he was serious or not, so she plucked up her courage.
“Even if you’re family, helping to deceive someone isn’t right. That would be a sham marriage.”
Mr. Song Huaixu chuckled.
“Miss Xu Nanyin.”
“Instead of trying to persuade me, why not focus on your investigation?”
The man’s knuckles tapped lightly.
His deep eyes met hers.
“And, what if the results aren’t what you want?”
***
In the end, Miss Xu Nanyin overthought everything and fell asleep in the car.
She’d gone to bed late last night and woke up early, without an afternoon nap.
The temperature was just right, no one to chat with, and the music lulled her to sleep.
But sleeping in the car wasn’t very comfortable. Miss Xu Nanyin was used to sleeping with Ke Li, so she unconsciously reached out for the person beside her.
Mr. Song Huaixu, seeing the girl settle down, had opened his tablet and started handling work messages from abroad.
Until a touch of snowy white appeared on his arm.
The girl finally found him. Like a traveler finding an oasis in the desert, she pressed closer and closer, as if thirsting for water.
The man brushed her hand aside—it was unbelievably soft.
He lowered his head and continued working.
The executives on the other end, not receiving a reply for a long time, thought there was a problem on their side. Just as they were about to apologize, they finally got the boss’s approval.
Miss Xu Nanyin slept very uncomfortably—the place was unfamiliar, and her body felt empty and restless. Tears slowly welled up from discomfort.
Until she touched something.
It didn’t feel like Ke Li, but it was hot and slightly rough, making her heart tremble, burning her face and neck.
So comfortable…
If only… if only she could touch a little more…
The driver, having just heard a soft sob, now caught a whimper and was startled. Sir wasn’t the type for mischief.
He glanced at the rearview mirror.
The man’s hand was being held by the girl, his palm so big it could cup her entire face, his brows furrowed.
The driver immediately looked away, swearing never to look up again.
Though it wasn’t what he’d imagined, it wasn’t something one should watch either.
Mr. Song Huaixu lowered his eyes and stared for a moment.
His gaze traveled upward, just as a tear that had clung to her lashes finally slid down, wetting the pad of his finger.
It inexplicably reminded him of the juice that runs down when biting into a peach.
What kind of bad habit was this?
Crying even in her sleep?
***
“Jiang, how’s Song General Manager’s mood?”
“Jiang, is there something wrong with our proposal?”
Secretary Jiang Chen, sitting in the car behind, was replying to messages, receiving several inquiries from overseas executives in a row.
He looked confused and asked back, “What’s wrong?”
The reply: “Boss didn’t reply for a long time just now, and later his replies weren’t as fast as usual.”
Of course, the content was still as cold and ruthless as ever.
Secretary Jiang Chen had no idea what had happened, but the only change in the car ahead was the presence of Miss Xu.
The reason probably had something to do with her.
He covered up, “Boss is a bit busy tonight.”
Night fell.
Two low-key luxury cars stopped at the airport.
When Miss Xu Nanyin woke up, she had no idea what had happened—just that she’d slept surprisingly well.
When she saw the man, her voice was soft and gentle from sleep, “Huai Xu-ge, I didn’t disturb you, did I?”
Mr. Song Huaixu turned to the side, his fingertip rubbing lightly.
Miss Xu Nanyin saw herself reflected in his deep eyes.
“No.”
She let out a breath of relief.
On the plane, Ke Li began exclaiming again, “Zhuzhu, it’s even bigger than the one at home! There’s a gym and a pool!”
The top-class plane that had been stationed at Port City airport for three days finally took off into the night, wind and rain.
All the way, Miss Xu Nanyin kept hearing Ke Li recite “787BBJ” as if it were a password, slowly finishing a plate of truffle pasta.
It wasn’t until they landed in Ning City that she finally saw Mr. Song Huaixu.
As soon as they stepped out, Miss Xu Nanyin immediately felt the difference between the two cities—no salty, damp sea breeze.
She politely thanked him, “Thank you, Huai Xu-ge. I’ll take Ke Li home first. Once I’m settled, I’ll definitely treat you to dinner.”
The man glanced at Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen immediately spoke up, “Miss Xu, it’s already quite late and raining heavily outside. Why don’t we take you to a hotel to rest first?”
He really had no idea what Miss Xu would think when she saw her family home had already been sold.
The boss didn’t seem intent on keeping it hidden.
Jiang Chen added, “Besides, if you go home, others will surely find out. That wouldn’t be good for what you want to do, right?”
After thinking it over, Miss Xu Nanyin agreed.
She knew better than to alert the enemy.
This time, she pulled Ke Li straight into the second car.
Jiang Chen glanced at his boss, who showed no emotion.
Perhaps because the typhoon was making landfall in a nearby city, the rain grew heavier.
The two cars entered the underground garage of the Feilan International Hotel.
As soon as Miss Xu Nanyin got out, she saw Mr. Song Huaixu walking ahead.
Ke Li whispered, “We’re already in Ning City, why is Song Sir staying at the hotel instead of going home?”
Miss Xu Nanyin looked at the man’s back.
“Maybe it’s just convenient since we’re all here? He probably doesn’t want to ride any more, and the hotel is very comfortable.”
Top-tier hotel service was always excellent. Whenever she visited Miss Lin Zhijun, she’d find her staying in a hotel suite, supposedly for a change of mood.
Feilan had long known Song General Manager would be resting there for the night, and Jiang Chen had specifically instructed them to keep it low-key, not to make a big fuss, and to arrange a female personal butler.
As for Miss Xu Nanyin’s identity, he knew the boss’s intentions and revealed nothing.
The usual male butler for Song General Manager almost thought he’d done something wrong and was about to lose his job.
Miss Xu Nanyin didn’t show much emotion at the hotel’s luxury.
But the personal butler assigned to her, Yun Xia, was taken aback by how beautiful the girl was who appeared by Song General Manager’s side.
She knew all the socialites and heiresses of Ning City, but this girl wasn’t among them.
With a palm-sized oval face, fair and tender skin, eyes like crescent moons, and a youthful, pure sweetness, she looked innocent and untouched by the world.
No man could resist someone like that.
Yun Xia scoffed at what the manager had said earlier.
Men always tried to interpret things through a lens of romance, but she trusted her own judgment—this girl had to come from a privileged, well-raised family.
She smiled at Miss Xu Nanyin.
“Hello, my name is Yun Xia. If you need anything, just let me know.”
New to the place, Miss Xu Nanyin instinctively moved a little closer to the owner, her toes unconsciously edging towards Mr. Song Huaixu.
But she stood properly.
She smiled at Yun Xia, her eyes curving.
“Hello, my surname is Xu.”
Mr. Song Huaixu’s tone was indifferent.
“Say another word, and you’ll be announcing to the whole world that you’re in Ning City.”
“……”
Jiang Chen stood two steps behind, finding it rare to see the boss teaching someone a lesson.
Yun Xia immediately promised, “I won’t reveal anything about Miss Xu.”
Miss Xu Nanyin blushed.
“But it’s impolite not to introduce myself. There are so many people with the surname Xu in the world.”
“Today you’re with me. Next time, maybe not. Understood?”
Mr. Song Huaixu looked at her.
“Mm.”
She nodded.
***
Feilan was located by the most beautiful lake in Ning City and was an independent hotel under the Song Group, mainly composed of private villas.
Only two of them weren’t open to the public.
Yun Xia helped Ke Li unpack Miss Xu Nanyin’s luggage.
Seeing all the dazzling haute couture and jewelry, she went from initial shock to numbness.
When finished, she asked, “Miss, what would you like for breakfast tomorrow? Any plans? If you’re not sure where to go, I can help arrange something.”
Ke Li felt like she was out of a job.
Miss Xu Nanyin’s eyes sparkled.
“For breakfast… pan-fried buns, crab roe noodles!”
She added, “As for plans, you don’t have to trouble yourself.”
Yun Xia wrote it down.
She noticed the girl staring at her and asked, “Do you know the Song Second Young Master? Um… his name is Song Tingchuan.”
“I do.”
Her smile didn’t waver, but she didn’t elaborate.
“If you want to ask something, it’s probably better to ask Song Sir.”
“Where does he live?”
“In the villa next door.”
Miss Xu Nanyin looked out the window.
That villa was a bit far away—she couldn’t see inside or anyone there.
Yun Xia had barely left for two minutes before knocking again, saying that Jiang Chen had asked her to deliver an invitation.
Miss Xu Nanyin opened it.
It was for a girl’s birthday party, but she didn’t recognize the name.
The invitee was Mr. Song Huaixu.
Yun Xia said, “Song Sir said he’s not interested in such events. You can go and have fun—maybe you’ll get the answers you want.”
“Miss Xu should have received the invitation by now.”
Jiang Chen returned to the villa to report.
The living room was brightly lit.
The man casually tossed his phone onto the coffee table, straightened up, and headed upstairs.
At the same time.
Jiang Chen received a message from Second Young Master Song Tingchuan: [Called my brother but he didn’t answer. Mom says he might delay his return for a few days. Is that true?]
He replied vaguely: [Depends on Song General Manager’s arrangements.]
As of now, Song General Manager didn’t seem to have told his younger brother anything.
Jiang Chen knew exactly whom he should be loyal to.
“Second Young Master still doesn’t know Miss Xu has arrived.”
He relayed the chat, “But that means Miss Xu will probably witness something unpleasant at the party.”
Mr. Song Huaixu was halfway up the stairs, undoing his shirt buttons.
Hearing this, his flawless face turned, looking down from above with a slight, cold glance.
“Who decided what’s unpleasant?”
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