Yun Mingyue stood so close to Zhou You he could see the bright sparkle in her eyes—a flicker of emotion he couldn’t quite decipher yet.

Her breath, carrying a faint sweet fragrance, brushed his cheek: tingling, feather-light, utterly teasing.

“What do you think I want to do right now?” Yun Mingyue lowered her head. Their faces were nearly touching.

She’d heard countless romantic confessions. Walked streets strewn with proposal flowers. She’d long believed her heart was immune to hormonal flutters.

But in this moment—when Zhou You casually, almost offhandedly, called her gentle—

A wholly unfamiliar warmth welled up inside Yun Mingyue.

He noticed without her saying a word. At her age, she finally understood: someone who truly *sees* you is rare.

You might never meet one in a lifetime.

“I don’t know,” Zhou You admitted. He genuinely had no idea.

He’d simply sensed the gentleness hidden beneath her current style and demeanor. Was that so hard?

He was used to reading girls’ moods—thanks to Miss Yun Daidai’s “training.”

Yun Mingyue traced his cheek with slender, porcelain-white fingers, then asked softly, “Have you ever kissed your girlfriend on the lips?”

“Only the cheek.” The most intimate moment with Yun Daidai had been a peck on the cheek.

“So that means…” Yun Mingyue withdrew her hand, voice laced with mischief, “you’re still such an innocent little virgin.”

Zhou You fell silent. Yun Mingyue, having him right where she wanted him, led him to settle the bill—each paying their share.

She was wealthy enough that this was peanuts to her, yet she didn’t insist on covering it all. That small detail felt… comfortable.

Just after payment, her phone rang—work emergency. As they waited for her ride, idle chatter filled the silence.

To Zhou You, every gesture of hers carried a subtle, elusive allure.

Like an experienced older sister playfully teasing a flustered younger boy.

A sleek business sedan pulled to the curb. Yun Mingyue rested a hand on the door, turned, and flashed him a mischievous smile.

“Little brother.”

“Sister Hua?”

“My bed’s quite spacious. Interested?”

“…”

“…”

Before he could reply, she slipped inside. Nodded to her stunned secretary. “Drive back to the office.”

Engine humming, Sun Qing—Yun Mingyue’s long-time personal secretary—hesitated. “Chairwoman… what was that just now?”

“Don’t ask what you shouldn’t.” Yun Mingyue’s warmth vanished, replaced by ice.

“But if the young mistress finds out you’re trying to find her a…”

Yun Mingyue gazed out the window, eyes fixed on the rearview mirror. “We’re only bound by blood.”

Sun Qing pretended not to hear. “The new subsidiary needs staff. Transfer veterans for management, or recruit fresh hires and interns?”

“Send veterans to lead. Hire new staff and interns.”

***

Meanwhile, a bewildered Zhou You scrolled open his WeChat group.

Flourishing Blossom was chatting with Ice City Romance.

Ice City Romance: “How handsome is this ‘little male god’? Cute?”

Flourishing Blossom: “Delicious. Taking him off to do something naughty after coffee~ *mischievous grin emoji*”

Sister Hua joked without a hint of shame.

Ice City Romance: “Huh?! Don’t jump the gun!”

Flourishing Blossom: “???”

Ice City Romance: “I’ve decided! I’m coming to Hangzhou!”

*(No more messages)*

Zhou You: “???”

Wait—Sister Bing was coming to Hangzhou too? For real? And *delicious*?! Something felt off.

He stared at the screen, pondering how to reply to these enigmatic wealthy women.

Ding~~

A message popped up—from someone he’d once starred.

【It’s been a day. Rested enough? Stop acting up, okay?】

For a heartbeat, Zhou You regretted not blocking Yun Daidai.

Of course she wouldn’t change. If she could, his three years of effort would’ve mattered.

*Reply?*

He swiped the message away. Ignored the woman who once haunted his thoughts.

Ding ding~~ Ding ding~~

That was just the start. Yun Daidai bombarded him:

【Are you there?】

【Why won’t you reply?!】

【How dare you ignore me! Five minutes! You weren’t like this before!】

【I felt awful yesterday! Do you even care?!】

【Please… just reply…】

【You jerk!】

【…】

【I’m begging you, Zhou You…】

“…”

Did his heart soften? Only mild helplessness remained.

Three years had worn his feelings to dust. Sweet words wouldn’t bring them back.

Zhou You: 【What do you need? If it’s just complaints, I’m not listening.】

Yun Daidai: 【You replied! I apologized humbly—so you’ll come back and obey me, right?】

Damn.

Did she hear herself?

One sentence spiked his blood pressure, shattering his entire day’s calm.

*Inhale… exhale…* He breathed deep.

Zhou You: 【I reminded you about the medicine. Sorry—I didn’t realize the breakup hit you this hard. My fault.】

Zhou You: 【No need to apologize. I’m not angry. Please let go. Let’s part on good terms.】

Zhou You: 【Don’t say “come back to me” again…】

*(He hesitated, then typed firmly)*

Zhou You: 【I’ve met a gentle girl. Starting something new. Please watch your words—avoid misunderstandings.】

Yun Daidai: 【IMPOSSIBLE! I DON’T BELIEVE YOU! YOU’RE LYING!!!】

Zhou You’s eyes sharpened.

He hadn’t planned it before… but now?

Time to find a girlfriend.

Prettier than Yun Daidai. Gentler. More considerate.

…Though honestly? Any normal girl could manage *that*.