By the time Xiao Mu ran up the stairs, he was completely exhausted. His body hadn't fully recovered yet, and even climbing felt like a struggle.

This was the aftermath of overexertion.

Panting heavily, Xiao Mu looked up and immediately spotted Chuxingyue standing outside his door.

Her face looked haggard, as if she hadn't slept well. Her eyes were fixed on the floor, lost in thought. She didn't even notice Xiao Mu approaching.

After catching his breath, Xiao Mu quietly moved closer to her.

Slowly, he placed his hand on Chuxingyue's shoulder and whispered, "Sister Xingyue, I'm back..."

Chuxingyue's body jolted. Her eyes lit up with surprise as she turned to him. She stared blankly for a moment before fully snapping out of her daze.

"Xiao Mu!" Chuxingyue tightly embraced him, burying her face in his chest. "Where were you yesterday? Do you know how worried I was? I thought something terrible had happened!"

Since yesterday afternoon, she'd waited outside his door until midnight. Even in bed, she kept getting up to check if he'd returned.

Overwhelmed with worry, she'd even feared Xiao Mu might dislike her and avoid coming back.

Every time that thought hit, she felt so miserable she nearly cried.

She took feelings seriously—this was her first crush, and she was emotionally sensitive. That's why his absence had shaken her so deeply.

Now, feeling his presence, Chuxingyue's tears finally spilled over.

"There, there, Sister Xingyue. I stayed at a classmate's last night for some errands, so don't worry," Xiao Mu said tenderly, patting her back.

"How could I not worry!" Chuxingyue sobbed harder. Her heart was truly fragile.

"Alright, alright, it's my fault. Next time I can't come back, I'll definitely let you know first!"

"Mm!" Chuxingyue finally looked up, her eyes glistening as she broke into a tearful smile.

Her smile made Xiao Mu momentarily dazed. She was so stunning he almost felt like he wasn't the one holding her.

To have this girl's affection was an incredible stroke of luck.

Xiao Mu gently wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Give me your phone," Chuxingyue said, reluctantly pulling away from his embrace.

Xiao Mu obediently handed it over.

Chuxingyue saved her number into his phone, then called her own number to save his contact.

"Done," she said contentedly, handing it back.

"Sister Xingyue, have you eaten?" Xiao Mu asked, gently touching her tired face.

Blushing at his affection, Chuxingyue murmured, "I had no appetite, so I skipped it."

"Silly, you must take care of yourself!" Xiao Mu said warmly, flicking her nose.

"I won't next time..." Chuxingyue savored his concern. Growing up in a cold home with little warmth, she craved every bit of his attention.

*Ding! Chuxingyue's favorability toward the Host has increased by 1 point. Please keep up the good work, Host.*

Ninety... Xiao Mu's heart leaped with joy. He'd finally broken through this crucial threshold.

"Sister Xingyue, come in. I'll cook for you," Xiao Mu said, opening the door and beckoning her inside.

"Mm." Their roles felt reversed—Xiao Mu now had the warmth of an older brother.

He cooked several nutritious dishes, determined to restore her glow.

After eating, Chuxingyue insisted on washing the dishes while Xiao Mu watched quietly from the sofa.

He wondered when to finally confess his feelings.

"Xiao Mu, what's got you so absorbed?" Chuxingyue asked.

She was like a perfect homemaker—cleaning, tidying, and doing laundry after the dishes. Only cooking was beyond her!

"I was thinking... why is Sister Xingyue so beautiful?" Xiao Mu teased with a smile.

"Pfft, you're never serious!" Chuxingyue huffed, blushing deeply despite her happiness.

Xiao Mu adored seeing her flustered like this.

"Oh, right—don't you have classes today?" Chuxingyue asked curiously.

"No need. Because today, I want to stay with Sister Xingyue all day."

"You... you're joking again..."

"Not at all. I genuinely want to be with you. Don't you want that too?"

"N-no... I... I do want to be with you..." Chuxingyue whispered, head lowered, her ears burning red.

Aah! So cute!

"Sister Xingyue, let's go out and play?"

"Huh?"

"Shall we go out together?"

It felt like a nuclear bomb exploded in Chuxingyue's mind. Was this... a date invitation?!

"G-good... okay!"