Translator: _Min_
Shen Xingyun sensed something amiss in the tone of the conversation and startled, he exclaimed, âYouâre not⦠in some kind of situation, are you?â He truly couldnât imagine Yu Xiheng having a girlfriend.
He had never seen someone as calm and self-controlled as Yu Xiheng.
Self-controlled to a frightening extent.
Yu Xiheng responded with a cool tone, âDo you have nothing better to do?â
Caught off guard, Shen Xingyun coughed twice and said, âActually, I have thought about what kind of girlfriend you might have in the future. Considering how you desire nothing, I think only the Great Xia Five States could match you.â
Yu Xiheng paused at that.
Shen Xingyun, oblivious to any awkwardness, continued, âImagine if you were born a thousand years earlier, you might have even contested for the world. After all, youâre so career-driven and alsoâ¦â
The call was abruptly cut off.
Shen Xingyun thought to himself.
This pal ofmine is getting harder and harder to figure out.
The next day, still a rest day, was exceptionally rare. Si Fuqing decided to treat Yu Xiheng, Feng San, and Shang Lu to a meal out of her own pocket.
Shang Lu, rubbing his hands excitedly, was provoked by Feng Sanâs dismissive attitude towards a challenge and immediately agreed to a fight in the back mountain.
âHow professional,â Si Fuqing sighed. âBoss, only you can cultivate such dedicated subordinates.â
Yu Xiheng slightly lowered his head, his gaze level with hers, âYouâre quite dedicated yourself.â
âThatâs right,â Si Fuqing clenched her fist. âIâm a hardworking employee striving to earn money.â
Little Bai lazily yawned.
She needed to earn more food money.
âSeaside barbecue,â Si Fuqing suggested. âIâve made a reservation in advance.
Itâs less crowded and tastes good.â
The townsfolk knew that the Great Xia TV was filming a show here, and the director had informed them in advance, forbidding the entrance of entertainment reporters.
Still, some reporters snuck in.
Sensing she was being followed, Si Fuqing grabbed Yu Xihengâs shoulder, âBoss, I didnât wear a mask or sunglasses today. Let me hide behind you.â
As she spoke, she tried to shrink behind his tall and upright figure, enough to shield her.
âNo need,â Yu Xiheng replied indifferently.
Si Fuqing looked up, puzzled, âMhmm?â
He lifted his hand, removing half of his suit jacket, just enough to cover her upper body.
Then he extended his arm, encircling her head from behind and pulling her into his embrace.
His body carried a faint scent of moonlit osmanthus, crisp and refreshing.
The manâs broad and warm chest, his heartbeat steady and strong, felt comforting.
Having just showered, his usual sharp and fierce aura was replaced with a hint of indolence.
When the reporters arrived, they found nothing amiss.
âWhere are they?â
âProbably gone by now. We should have run faster.â
âIf only we could catch a scandal with Si Fuqing. Sheâs so popular now; it would boost our performance.â
The reporters discussed amongst themselves as they circled the beach.
Even though Yu Xiheng had shielded Si Fuqing, their extraordinary demeanor still stood out.
One of the reporters narrowed his eyes, about to take a closer look.
Yu Xiheng lifted his gaze.
The reporterâs heart skipped a beat, and he retreated instantly, âSo-sorry!â He fled in panic, still shaken, discussing with his colleagues.
âThat must be a young master from a prominent family with his girlfriend. That presence, it scared me. I couldnât even see his face clearly.â
They couldnât afford to offend someone from a big family.
After the reporters left, Si Fuqing finally spoke, âBoss, your skill at avoiding people is really something.â
Fame had its downsides; even a meal required stealth.
Yu Xiheng sat down, not responding to her comment.
He reached out, wiping the table with a napkin, âLetâs eat.â
âThen I wonât be polite,â Si Fuqing said, washing her hands and picking up a skewer of grilled meat. âEating barbecue with coke, true happiness.â
Yu Xiheng turned his head, silently gazing at the distant horizon where the sea met the sky.
This place had once witnessed a brutal war.
A war where even graves could not be granted.
Si Fuqing, sensing a subtle shift in his emotions and remembering her boss was also a fan of the royal family, said earnestly, âBoss, although Emperor Yin and those soldiers are gone, they should be happy. Think about it, if they know a thousand and five hundred years later, the moon palace from the poems is no longer a dream but a reachable reality, offering a view over the Five States.â
âThey fought for today, didnât they?â
Yu Xiheng suddenly turned towards her.
His eyes turbulent, his emotions unusually intense..