Pushing open the hospital room door, Xiao Mu immediately spotted Chuxingyue asleep on the bed.

Her serene face looked angelic, almost unreal in its beauty.

The room was peaceful. Xiao Mu quietly walked over and gently pecked her cheek.

Tenderness surged in his heart—he realized he’d fallen for Chuxingyue, this gentle, pure girl.

As if sensing him, Chuxingyue’s eyelashes fluttered. She slowly opened her eyes.

Seeing Xiao Mu’s face, her mind snapped awake. "Xiao Mu! When did you get here?" she exclaimed.

"Just now," he smiled warmly. "Sister Xingyue, why sleep here alone?"

"It got boring... I accidentally dozed off," she said, smoothing her hair. "Did you finish helping your friend? Are you tired? Have you eaten lunch?"

Her beautiful eyes brimmed with concern.

Xiao Mu answered patiently: "All settled—I’m not tired, it wasn’t physical work. And yes, I ate."

"Oh..." A hint of disappointment flickered across Chuxingyue’s face.

"What’s wrong?"

"I’d hoped to eat lunch with you..."

"Sister Xingyue, you haven’t eaten yet?"

"Mm... I wanted to wait for you."

"Silly," he murmured, gently flicking her nose. "Let’s go eat now."

"But you said you already ate?" She tilted her head.

"I wasn’t full anyway. I’ll keep you company."

"Really? Let’s go!" She beamed, eagerly pulling him out the door.

She’s truly like a child...

Seeing her smile, Xiao Mu felt a deep warmth fill him—as if the whole world had brightened.

I must protect this smile.

Absolutely.

...

"Uh... Sister Xingyue, must we eat here?" Xiao Mu eyed the grand five-star hotel, worrying his wallet couldn’t cover even one dish.

If needed, he’d beg his parents—but he rarely asked them for money.

"Don’t worry, I’m treating!" Chuxingyue clung to his arm, affectionate as a sparrow.

Xiao Mu’s thoughts tangled—he felt like a kept man... by a stunningly beautiful one.

Inside the hotel, Chuxingyue carried herself with natural grace, drawing every gaze like a swan.

Xiao Mu caught those stares too. If looks could kill, he’d be dead a dozen times over.

"Sister Xingyue," he whispered, "do you come here often?"

She shook her head. "Dad says places like this are too low-class. My sister usually sneaks me in."

Xiao Mu inwardly gasped. *Too low-class? What’s high-class then? Must she say it so casually?*

"Did I just land a rich, beautiful girlfriend?" he muttered with a wry smile.

"Stay by my side forever—I’ll keep you," Chuxingyue teased.

"Great! Guess I’ve got gigolo potential!" His eyes sparkled.

She poked his cheek. "You? More like a little dark-faced guy!"

"Sister Xingyue... that stings."

Chuxingyue giggled, her eyes crinkling into crescents. Men nearby swooned—but her laughter belonged only to Xiao Mu.