Yelan was a skilled driver, maintaining a steady pace through the endless traffic. His goal was simple: to avoid disturbing Mu Yuli’s sleep.

Though Mu Yuli had told Jiang Fan he could touch her anytime, he had no such urge now. He’d touched her before; he wasn’t that desperate. Besides, with Yelan present, getting handsy in public was hardly proper.

“Where are we headed next?”

He already knew the answer. But acting unsurprised might raise suspicion. So he played dumb, just a little.

“To Miss Mu’s home. Her mother wishes to meet you, young master.”

Yelan kept his eyes on the road, replying in a hushed tone.

Jiang Fan wore a slightly flustered expression, like a nervous bride meeting her in-laws. Seeing this, Yelan chuckled. “No need to worry, young master. With your good looks, Madam will adore you. Unlike Miss Mu, she’s very gentle. Just be yourself.”

“That’s easy to say... but this is my first time meeting parents. It’s not that simple...”

His act was convincing. Yelan saw no deception and kept reassuring him.

Jiang Fan had been reborn at least ten times. Each life followed a different world line. Predicting the future from past experiences was nearly impossible. Even repeating the same actions at the same time and place caused shifts. For example, he worked the same bar job now—but in a past life, he’d never faced Lin Mengyao’s persistent advances.

Yet one fate never changed: in six months, he’d meet his end at Mu Yuli’s cleaver.

From past lives, Jiang Fan knew Mu Yuli’s triggers. The core rule: no excessive contact with other girls. As she’d said last night, she despised anyone touching her belongings.

Gazing at Mu Yuli’s delicate profile, Jiang Fan sincerely wished she lacked that personality. Flawless looks, impeccable background, always accommodating to him—she showed a unique side only to him. Normally, a girlfriend like Mu Yuli was a treasure he’d never find even searching with a lantern.

Unfortunately, she was a yandere.

No matter how wonderful life was, it lost meaning if he could only enjoy it for six months.

So Jiang Fan had to break free from this fate!

He needed to keep Mu Yuli hooked, always thinking of him, making himself indispensable. She saw him as a rebellious stray cat, enjoying the thrill of taming him. But to Jiang Fan, wasn’t she the same?

Silently, he combed her slightly messy hair. Seeing Mu Yuli unconsciously grasp his finger in sleep, a subtle curve appeared on Jiang Fan’s lips.

Now, it was a game of who would fall first...

---

“...Are we here?”

Mu Yuli was a light sleeper. Soon after Yelan parked, she stirred awake. Propping herself up with her left hand on the backseat, she rose from Jiang Fan’s lap. With her right hand, she rubbed her temples to clear the drowsiness.

“Hmm, want to sleep more? Otherwise, your mom might not approve of how you look.”

Jiang Fan watched the brightly lit seaside villa outside the window as he spoke calmly.

But Mu Yuli wasn’t one to linger in sleep. After resting, she quickly regained her energy. “Heh, you’re quite obedient today. Good. Remember to behave well in front of my mom later.” She smiled, praising him. Her mood was excellent.

“That’s just for today. Don’t get ideas. Don’t forget what I said: once I pay off my debt, I’ll dump you, you terrible woman!”

Jiang Fan huffed in a tsundere manner. His words made Mu Yuli burst into a melodious laugh.

“I look forward to that day. But for now...” She sat up straight, placing her black-stockinged legs on Jiang Fan’s lap. Tilting her chin up, she grinned. “Help me put on my shoes.”

She was asserting their power dynamic. Jiang Fan understood. Powerless to resist, he shot her a blank look before picking up the fallen high heels.

He held her petite feet. Despite the scorching heat, no unpleasant odor came from her. Instead, Jiang Fan caught a faint, unique fragrance that was all Mu Yuli’s. For once, he averted his gaze.

Admittedly, he’d never met a woman more captivating than her.

Seeing him obediently slip on her shoes, Mu Yuli’s smile widened. After stepping out of the car, she kissed Jiang Fan’s cheek as a reward. She smoothed his wrinkled clothes. Satisfied, they entered the villa gate under Yelan’s watchful eyes.

“Mom, I brought him.”

In the spacious yet lonely hall, a gentle woman in pajamas closed her book. She looked up and smiled. “So this is your boyfriend, Xiao Li? He’s handsome and spirited. Treat him well, okay?”

“So-so. Mom, I’m showering first. You two can chat.”

Mu Yuli slipped off her shoes, pulling out two pairs of slippers. The larger pair was clearly for Jiang Fan. Without waiting for replies, she headed straight for the bathroom.

“This child... always so headstrong. It must be tough dealing with Xiao Li, right?”

“Not at all. She’s very good to me, Auntie. No need to worry.”

Approaching Mu Huaishi, Jiang Fan was the picture of obedience. Unlike Mu Yuli, Mu Huaishi was genuinely kind. She never looked down on his background. Every meeting, Jiang Fan felt her sincere care—like a true elder.

“Hehe, I hope so. Xiao Fan, don’t just stand there. Come sit. That Xiao Li doesn’t even know how to host guests. Wait till I scold her for you.”

“It’s fine. Neither of us cares for formalities.”

Jiang Fan smiled bashfully, showing proper reserve without seeming foolish. He knew Mu Huaishi preferred honest folks over clever ones. Sitting rigidly upright beside her, his eyes fixed on the distant hallway—ready for anything.

Mu Huaishi chuckled softly, covering her mouth. She waved at him. “Why so tense, child? Shower first like Xiao Li, to relax. Otherwise, when she sees you like this, she might think I bullied you.”

She called a maid over and gave quiet instructions. The maid’s expression flickered but quickly recovered. Bowing to Jiang Fan, she said, “Young master, please follow me.”

Jiang Fan knew what she was thinking.

Because this villa... had only one bathroom.