The next morning, Chen Yaoyi was already gone—back to his servant’s quarters.

This was the Xia household; as the butler, he couldn’t possibly spend the night in Lu Zixuan’s room. Still, before leaving, he’d carried the trembling girl from the floor back to bed and left behind a photo meant to threaten her.

Whether it was professional habit or not, after recording video, snapping photos, and uploading backups, Chen Yaoyi didn’t even register his actions as questionable.

Truth was, he’d done it all on autopilot.

Then he gently wiped the sweat from Lu Zixuan’s skin, prepared a glass of salty water for her, and finally left.

Whether she appreciated the gesture? Another matter entirely.

That morning, Lu Zixuan got up clutching her waist. Shakily, she summoned a maid to help her to the bathroom. After freshening up and dressing, she made her way downstairs to the dining room.

Xia Tianle was just rising to leave. Their eyes locked for a silent moment—until Lu Zixuan spoke first.

“Good morning.”

“Mm. Finish breakfast and go. Or shall I have the butler drive you?”

Xia Tianle gestured to Chen Yaoyi beside him. Chen gave a slight nod.

But seeing *him* reignited Lu Zixuan’s fury. *How he treated me last night—I haven’t forgotten a single second!*

“No need. I’ll leave on my own. No classes today, so no rush.”

“Fine. Just don’t forget anything.”

It sounded like concern—but really, it was just a polite shove toward the door.

Xia Tianle hadn’t woken earlier, but with less time spent grooming, he’d already been seated. He wasn’t waiting for anyone.

Etiquette-wise, sharing breakfast with his uninvited fiancée wasn’t improper—but he hated it.

He’d personally seen Lu Zixuan intimidate girls approaching him at least ten times. Students kept reporting her bullying, even threats to “get kicked out of the academy.”

No one had actually been expelled yet—but the complaints never stopped, mostly from girls.

*How dare she do such shameful things… and claim it’s all for me?*

That was the real sting.

Childhood comparisons were inevitable—the Xia and Lu families had known each other forever. Back then, effort in studies earned praise. The result? Xia Tianle lost to her in everything except physical strength. Maybe that’s why Lu Zixuan fell into lecturing him constantly. And he hated it.

She knew her limits, yet couldn’t accept criticism. Always convinced she was right.

“Brother Yaoyi, no need to accompany me later. Thanks for handling things at home. I’m off—”

“Understood. Take care.”

Xia Tianle was clearly trying to dismiss Chen Yaoyi. As if Chen couldn’t see through that scheme. *He heard she has no classes today—off to find Liu Yiyi openly now, huh?*

Chen gave a faint nod. Xia Tianle left, satisfied.

Truth was, Xia Tianle hadn’t liked Chen Yaoyi at first—too carefree, seemingly unfit for household duties. But Chen’s one virtue? He never questioned orders or meddled beyond his role. Far better than the old butler.

Multiple times, when Xia Tianle needed cover for his escapades—hotel arrangements, erased traces—Chen handled it without a word. Trust built fast.

*Except for the evidence Chen quietly kept.*

Watching Xia Tianle leave, Lu Zixuan reached out—but words died on her lips. No valid reason to stop him. And Chen Yaoyi pointed firmly at his phone: *Shut up.*

Swallowing regret and resentment, she lowered her arm and walked sullenly to the table. Chen stepped forward with polished grace, pulling out a chair. She ignored it, yanked another chair herself, sat down, and waited.

Chen didn’t move.

She glanced over—his eyes were glued to his phone.

*Only us here. He holds my leverage. Why *shouldn’t* he scroll?*

“Hey! Aren’t you supposed to bring my food—”

“Don’t make a sound.”

“Huh?! How dare you—”

“I said *shut up*!”

Chen snatched a baguette, stuffed it into her mouth. The hard bread choked her—tears welled, face flushed crimson.

She yanked it out, coughing violently. Chen kept staring at his phone, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Cough—cough! I’ll tear you to piec—"

Before she finished, his fingers jabbed into her mouth.

“Mmph?!”

His index and middle fingers forced inward; thumb, ring, and pinky gripped her cheeks tight.

“I told you to shut up. Not listening?” He leaned close, voice low and sharp with threat.

Trembling, she nodded frantically. He released her.

*Cough! Cough!*

“What do you *want*?! Get out of my life! Or must I have Father deal with scum like you?!”

She hated relying on that family—the one that saw her as a pawn. But Chen Yaoyi? Clearly no pushover. Desperation left no choice.

“Enough!” Chen patted her head lightly. “Sit tight in the front-row seat. The show’s about to start.”

Bewildered, she stared at him.

*Is this guy insane?*