Watching Jiang Fan carry Mu Yuli into the car and drive away from the estate, Anna’s heart remained equally unsettled.

"Is this what you wanted?"

Slow, deliberate footsteps approached from behind. Without turning, she spoke directly.

Ning Qian paused briefly at her words, then shook her head toward Anna’s back. "He’s my own flesh and blood. How could I not want to reconcile with him?"

"Wanted to reconcile?" Anna turned, her eyes sharp with mockery. "Your way is to deliberately provoke him with hollow greetings, even knowing his resentment? If I’m wrong, I’d love to know why someone as poised as you—with all those powerful figures at work—would say such things to your own child."

"And a child you abandoned for two whole years without a word."

Anna had heard every word of their exchange. With Ning Qian’s composure, she couldn’t have been that flustered unless she meant to be.

Ning Qian fell silent for a moment, but under Anna’s piercing gaze, she had to explain. "I feel guilty toward Xiao Fan. So many things I wanted to say, but when the moment came, I didn’t know where to start. However he resents me for how he was treated, it’s only right. Why would I deliberately provoke him?"

"Keep that excuse for yourself!" Anna retorted coldly, then strode out of the estate.

"Tell the old man I won’t be staying home for a while."

Ning Qian watched her get into the car, just as she’d seen her son off minutes earlier—now bidding farewell to her nominal daughter.

This is fine. Xiao Fan wouldn’t like this atmosphere. If I can’t make him happy, what good would bringing him here do...

"Madam! Why stand outside in this cold? Don’t you know your own health?!"

The estate owner rushed out anxiously. Seeing her at the door without a coat, he quickly draped his overcoat over her.

"Thank you for your concern, Master. I just wanted to see the children off a little closer."

An Jianye fell silent. When she said "children," it meant his daughter had chased after them too.

She might even follow them straight to China like before. How could he, as a father, feel at ease?

But he knew Anna wouldn’t listen. Like her mother, she always did what she thought was right, ignoring objections or obstacles.

"By the way, did you give that card to Xiao Fan? You worked yourself to ruin just for this, didn’t you?" An Jianye suddenly remembered the key purpose of Ning Qian’s meeting with Jiang Fan and hurriedly asked.

Ning Qian raised her hand, staring blankly at the undelivered bank card. After a long silence, she handed it to her husband.

"Madam, this—" An Jianye was puzzled. She’d come here for this very reason. Why give it back now?

"That child no longer wants anything to do with me. Transfer the money to Anna. She’ll know how to use it."

"I’m tired. I’ll rest now..."

---

After Yelan drove them back to the hotel, Jiang Fan quickly carried the still-unconscious Mu Yuli to their room under her guidance.

"How tired are you, seriously? You didn’t wake up even after all that walking..." Jiang Fan didn’t dare voice the rest, afraid she was faking sleep to settle scores later.

"Young master, it’s late. You and Miss should rest. I’ll stand guard outside," Yelan said. Her guarding was as reliable as ever. Jiang Fan knew telling her to rest was useless, so he just nodded.

"Don’t overwork yourself. Think who’d suffer most if you collapse."

"No need to worry, young master. I know my limits."

Good enough. Jiang Fan carried Mu Yuli inside without fuss.

It was a presidential suite—exquisitely decorated, yet to him...

It reeked of nouveau riche taste. Few items held real artistic value; gold and diamond trinkets were everywhere instead.

But honestly, if they displayed actual artworks here, theft would be a huge risk.

Some might say only elite guests stay here—no one would covet such things.

Ah, wrong. Jiang Fan himself was proof. If the hotel actually put those out, he might not resist.

The system had a "recycle" function. He could silently convert them to points.

Sadly, gold and jewels earned few points. No chance to show his skills here. Otherwise, he’d leave them with bare walls.

He gently laid Mu Yuli on the bed. The AC hummed constantly—keeping her coat on would be too hot.

Removing it revealed patches of fair skin and her lovely figure.

Bending down, he lifted her feet, slipped off her heels, and moved her legs onto the bed.

"This dress doesn’t look cheap. If it gets ruined as sleepwear, she won’t blame me, will she?" He wasn’t scheming—he’d been burned before and was jumpy.

"Hmm, better to change her. With the AC, no risk of catching cold."

They’d slept together countless times. Seen each other naked often. No need to fuss.

Jiang Fan silently convinced himself, eyes on her ivory-smooth shoulders, swallowing instinctively.

Don’t panic. I’m no saint. My girlfriend’s uncomfortable. Helping her change is fine.

Exactly! I’m doing a good deed—not thinking weird thoughts. Legitimate reason!

Just as his hands neared the straps on her shoulders, a soft, smooth hand grabbed his wrist.

Jiang Fan froze. His gaze shifted mechanically—and there was Mu Yuli’s face, wearing a mischievous smile.

"Oh... still awake?"

She faked sleep way too convincingly! He greeted her with a grimace, inwardly wailing.

Mu Yuli blinked, smiling sweetly. "I was asleep. But someone woke me up."

"If you need me to... hmm, I can pretend again. How about that?"

Jiang Fan declared nobly, "No need. Since you’re awake, I’ll step out to avoid suspicion." He started toward the door—but a strong force on his wrist held him fast.

How could a girl have such strength?!

"Who said you could leave? Come back. Sit here."

Jiang Fan returned to the bed, face sour.

"Continue. Help me change."

"This... isn’t appropriate, is it?" Jiang Fan hesitated.

Mu Yuli said nothing, just gave him a calm look—then shifted to the classic riding position.

"Then let me help you change."