Chapter Twenty-Seven: Arrival

Mu Tingye opened the car door and let the girl take a seat in the back, then followed her in, settling beside her. The window was slightly lowered; the girl's eyes were brimming with tears as she looked longingly at Mu Qin and Mu Junze, reluctant to part.

Outside, Mu Qin was already weeping uncontrollably, trembling as she clung to her husband.

Mu Junze urged, “Hurry up and go.”

Mu Tingye nodded and gave his assistant a look; the assistant immediately shifted gears and started the engine.

The girl kept waving goodbye to the people outside until they disappeared from view, then she finally turned away and sat down.

Mu Tingye leafed through the financial report in his hands, while out of the corner of his eye he watched the girl. Her long black hair cascaded down her sides, glossy and dark, her eyes lowered so that her lashes glistened with tears. Her pale cheeks were puffed, her shoulders trembled slightly, and her legs were pressed together demurely.

She looked like a newborn kitten, ears flattened, cowering in pitiful helplessness.

The girl looked up, rubbing her teary eyes, glistening with emotion.

Mu Tingye’s grip on the report tightened ever so slightly; he glanced sidelong at the girl.

Sensing his gaze, the girl turned to look at him.

Their eyes met, and it was as if sparks flew between them.

His presence was commanding, the air charged with a cold masculine energy—oppressive, making her heart race.

The girl was the first to yield, biting her soft lips uneasily, and whispered, “Uncle Tingye...”

“Reluctant to leave?”

“Yes...”

“Uncle Tingye, will you take good care of me?” Her little nose twitched as she spoke, her voice thick with emotion, her eyes filled with uncertainty and fear of the new place.

The man’s eyes flickered. “I will.”

“Thank you, Uncle Tingye. I’ll be very good!” She nodded her head vigorously, her soft hair bouncing with the motion.

The man, known for his coldness, was visibly charmed by her words, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“It’s still early, get some sleep.”

“Okay.” The girl obediently closed her eyes and drifted off.

Up front, the assistant risked a glance in the rearview mirror at the man behind him.

The boss was being uncharacteristically gentle and patient today.

Usually, he was all business, sparing with his words—this was hard to believe.

The girl, curled into a small ball with her eyes closed, fell asleep quietly, without...

Just as the assistant was thinking this, he suddenly felt a sharp gaze pierce through him. His heart skipped a beat; he looked up and sure enough, met a pair of deep, inscrutable eyes that sent a chill down his spine.

Startled, the assistant realized his slip had been noticed by his boss. He wiped his brow nervously,

and immediately raised the partition between the back seat and the driver’s cabin, focusing intently on the road.

Mu Tingye withdrew his gaze and continued reading his financial report.

After a while, as if prompted by some thought, he turned to look at the girl beside him.

She was truly beautiful, with eyes that could move the soul—even asleep, her beauty was undiminished. Her cheeks were fair, tinged with the pink of light slumber, her nose small and upturned, her lips rosy and slightly parted. She was both fresh and alluring, though now, with her head lolling as she slept, a frown was etched between her brows from discomfort.

Watching her, Mu Tingye’s own brow furrowed. He gently drew the girl into his arms, letting her head rest on his shoulder.

Only when he saw her instinctively settle into a secure position and continue sleeping did his frown ease.

He then noticed an errant lock of hair stuck to her soft lips. He reached out to brush it away but accidentally brushed her lips instead.

They were smooth as silk.

His calloused fingertips lingered, gently caressing.

“Mmm...” the girl murmured, disturbed in her sleep.

Mu Tingye was about to withdraw his hand,

but unexpectedly, the girl's lips moved, and like rose petals, they softly enfolded his fingertip!

Mu Tingye frowned, his eyes darkening.

She seemed to mistake his finger for a piece of candy, and after holding it in her mouth, her little tongue wrapped around it.

Soft, moist.

It made the man’s scalp tingle.

His strong jaw tightened, his eyes growing even darker.

This little creature—such a tease!

Tiring of her “candy,” the girl released his finger from between her pearly teeth, her rosy lips gently holding his fingertip, quiet and serene.

Mu Tingye’s brows drew together. He took a deep breath and drew his finger out.

He gazed at the sleeping girl, then abruptly turned away...

In a villa district where every inch was precious,

a white European-style house stood, elegant white roses climbing the red brick walls.

As soon as the car stopped, the girl awoke,

but she kept her eyes closed, wanting to test what impression she had made on Mu Tingye—just how much indulgence would he show her? Only by knowing this could she plan her next move!

She felt the man carefully lean her back, get out, then open the door and lift her out of the car.

His movements were steady and fluid, his shoulders strong and firm.

A faint scent of tobacco mingled with a crisp, cool fragrance.

The system was aghast. [Why is he carrying you?]

The girl herself was surprised; after all, she barely knew Mu Tingye.

And from what she knew, he was a germaphobe, so severe that he never touched anyone.

So why now...?

Her thoughts shifted—was it because of what happened when she was twelve?

They were about to reach the living room. The girl slowly opened her eyes, feigning just-awakened confusion.

She rubbed her sleepy eyes, discovering she was nestled in Uncle Tingye’s arms.

A little embarrassed—aside from Brother Zichen, no one had ever held her like this...

Mu Tingye’s cold gaze met hers, and he asked coolly, “Awake?”

“Yes,” she nodded slightly, shyly.

“If you’re awake, get down and walk on your own.” With that, he set her gently on the ground and turned away, leaving her standing there alone.

The system was baffled. [He was carrying you—why did you have to wake up?]

Jiujiu answered calmly, [Take it slow. After all, Mo Ziyuan and Cheng Yanran haven’t been wooed yet.]

...

Aunt He had worked here for years. She was stunned to see the master return with a girl—no, carrying her inside!

Before she could process the shock, the master called her over, instructing her to take the girl to her room.

She hurried to the girl’s side and said respectfully, “Miss, the master asked me to take you upstairs to rest.”

Anyone treated with such regard by the master was clearly extraordinary; her manner had to be exemplary.

“Thank you,” the girl replied politely.

Aunt He led the way, sneaking glances at her as they walked.

About eighteen, she thought—pure, youthful, in a simple white cotton-linen dress that fell to her knees. Her eyes were limpid, her black hair reached her waist, her whole aura was fresh and untainted—very nice!

A perfect match for the master!

A bit young perhaps, but what man nowadays doesn’t like innocent, tender girls?

With these thoughts, Aunt He led the girl into Mu Tingye’s room.

“Miss, this is your room.”

“Thank you...”

“Everyone calls me Aunt He, you can...”

Before she could finish, the girl interrupted her, “Hello, Aunt He, I’ll be in your care from now on,”

she said with a playful smile, her eyes curving like crescent moons, sweet dimples appearing on her cheeks.

Aunt He was momentarily stunned by her beauty and stammered, “M-miss, you’re too polite.”