After the open class ended, Ye Xinran invited Cheng Hao to grab a meal. But fearing this senior class beauty might pull another stunt, he brushed her off with a casual excuse.
Bidding Ye Xinran farewell, Cheng Hao didn’t head back to his dorm. Instead, he took a ride-hailing car to the flower shop, planning to check in.
Though he didn’t care about the shop’s profits, it was technically opened for Ye Xinran. Out of duty—and basic decency—he should show some concern.
Soon, Cheng Hao arrived at the shop entrance.
The scorching heat kept customers away today. Pushing the door open, he found only Li Shiying bustling alone inside.
She wore jeans and a lightweight beige long-sleeve top—no skin exposed—yet moved with effortless grace.
Especially those blue jeans: hugging her curves, elongating her legs, utterly breathtaking.
"Cheng Hao? When did you get here?" Li Shiying turned toward the door at the sound.
"Just now," Cheng Hao nodded, smiling lightly. "How’s it going? Settling into this part-time life?"
"Hmm… Thanks to you… I’m managing."
A faint blush dusted Li Shiying’s cheeks. Noon sunlight streamed through the glass window, bathing her flawless face in warmth and radiance.
Ever since Cheng Hao rescued her last time, that day replayed constantly in her mind.
His words. His expression. His tone… Like a haunting dream she couldn’t shake.
She didn’t understand herself. She wasn’t *in love* with him—so why did he occupy her thoughts so often?
Thus, the moment she spotted Cheng Hao, her cheeks flushed crimson. She fidgeted like a lovestruck schoolgirl.
"Shiying? What’s wrong?" Cheng Hao frowned slightly, studying her with concern. "Your face is so red—are you sick?"
"N-no… Just the sun." Li Shiying shook her head gently, refusing to admit her blush was from shyness.
"Oh… I see." Cheng Hao eyed her skeptically. Something felt off today, but he let it slide. "By the way—has your dad called again lately?"
"Once. We chatted briefly… then he hung up in anger." Li Shiying nodded.
"Because I pretended to be your boyfriend? He’s furious."
"I don’t care if he’s furious! He’s forcing me to marry a stranger—I’d rather die than give in!" Li Shiying clenched her fists, voice firm.
She stole a glance at Cheng Hao. *He’s too kind.*
She’d caused him endless trouble, yet he never complained.
He’d even cleaned up her messes without hesitation.
Without him, she’d probably be dragged home by now—to face that damn bastard fiancé.
Though they’d known each other briefly, she felt… warmth from him.
A familial warmth.
"Cheng Hao…" Li Shiying suddenly called out.
"Yeah?" He turned to her.
"It’s just… um…" She stammered, hesitant, as if wrestling with unspeakable words.
"What’s really wrong? Are you ill?" Cheng Hao stepped closer, brushing aside her bangs to feel her forehead. Her temperature seemed normal.
"It’s not that…" Li Shiying shook her head, staring at her toes to hide her blush. "I just… feel like you’re my older brother."
"Brother?" Cheng Hao frowned, utterly lost. "Why would you think that?"
"I don’t know…" Li Shiying shook her head again, her face burning crimson. But she gathered her courage:
"It’s just… how you take care of me. Like a gentle big brother. The love in your words, your actions, even your eyes—I feel it like family. So… can you be my brother?"
Cheng Hao froze.
*What is happening?*
*Did she get a fever and lose her mind?*
*Love in my eyes?*
*Since when?*
Though she meant familial love, it still felt absurd.
"Shiying, I…" The corner of Cheng Hao’s mouth twitched. He shifted awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
*She probably craves family warmth. After I helped her, she mistook it for kinship.*
He understood. In her shoes, he might feel the same.
But he’d only helped because her situation mirrored his past. He couldn’t stand by while she suffered.
He never expected this… misunderstanding.
As he prepared to gently refuse, the shop door swung open.
A sunglasses-wearing bodyguard strode in first.
Behind him followed a stern middle-aged man in a suit.
His features resembled Li Shiying’s, but his aura radiated cold authority.
"Pardon me, but who are you?" Cheng Hao asked, though he’d already guessed.
The man ignored him. His furious gaze locked onto Li Shiying:
"LI SHIYING!"
"Do you still see me as your father?!"
"Sneaking a boyfriend behind my back—you’ve disgraced the Li family!"
"Come home. NOW!"
Steam practically rose from the man’s head. His eyebrows furrowed in fury, eyes blazing with uncontrollable rage.
At the sight of her father, Li Shiying’s body trembled slightly. Frozen in place, she radiated pure terror.
"I… I’d rather die than go back with you!"
