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As their breathing grew heavier, the temperature between them slowly rose.
They were so close that Shi Min could see every single lash on Luo Mingjing’s eyelids.
An elder in her family once said that when two people locked eyes, it was a clash of their souls—if one lost, their spirit would be sucked into the other’s pupils.
Shi Min had never believed such superstitions. But today, as she gazed into Luo Mingjing’s eyes, she suddenly felt like she was being thrown into a vast universe, losing all sense of direction.
She was spellbound.
The corners of his eyes were faintly flushed, his gaze deep and enigmatic, neither smiling nor not smiling. His pupils shimmered like starlight, gently spilling over into Shi Min’s eyes.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she thought silently, This isn’t good.
The Shi family had built its empire in the entertainment industry, and after returning from abroad, Shi Min had primarily taken over projects at Yuefeng Entertainment. Whether it was celebrities, idols, influencers, natural beauties, or artificially enhanced ones—she’d seen countless beauties and had long since become immune. Yet now, as Luo Mingjing’s gaze casually swept over her, her heart fluttered uncontrollably.
Shi Min raised her hand, her knuckles slowly tracing along his slender eyebrows, his high nose bridge, and finally resting on his lips.
Luo Mingjing caught her hand and gently kissed her fingertips.
His eyes clearly held traces of desire, like flickering flames. Every time their gazes met, it was captivating.
As Shi Min looked at him, she saw fragments of sorrow hidden behind his half-smiling eyes.
This sorrow, veiled but still visible, was like an alluring poppy flower to her.
Dangerous, Shi Min thought quietly. I want to know more about his past.
She caught a whiff of sadness and yearned to extract more from his eyes—more about his history, his life before now.
She was drawn to men like him—lonely wanderers who had endured storms and frost, gritting their teeth to press forward, living with every ounce of strength they had, paying homage to survival itself.
Luo Mingjing carried that aura.
What captivated her even more was the indomitable pride he exuded.
It was as if, given just a sliver of light, he could break free from his chains and spread his wings to fly.
Shi Min twirled a strand of Luo Mingjing’s hair around her finger, leaned in, and softly kissed him, whispering in his ear, “Fairy…”
A fairy—a bewitching creature that ensnared hearts.
Luo Mingjing froze for a moment, still dazed, unsure whether he’d imagined it or if she’d really called him a fairy.
The atmosphere was perfect. Perhaps they could have let nature take its course while both were intoxicated.
But unexpectedly, just as Luo Mingjing drew a breath and leaned in closer, the world spun, and with a loud clang , the small single-person sofa flipped over completely.
In an instant, the previously sultry atmosphere shattered into pieces.
Luo Mingjing found himself sprawled on top of Shi Min, with the old single-person sofa from the flea market now lying upside-down on his back.
Shi Min burst out laughing. She pushed Luo Mingjing off, sat up, and casually tucked her hair behind her ears.
Even after falling, when she sat up again, Shi Min was still every inch the CEO. With one leg propped up and her hand resting against her forehead, she tilted her head and cast a wry, amused glance at Luo Mingjing through her phoenix-like eyes.
Luo Mingjing got up, extended his hand, and pulled Shi Min to her feet. “Ah… almost.”
He looked slightly embarrassed, a faint blush still lingering on his cheeks.
Almost lost his virtue.
He wasn’t sure whether he felt more disappointed or relieved.
In truth, it shouldn’t have been so rushed. Looking back, the sofa flipping over at that precise moment had been quite timely.
He couldn’t allow himself to recklessly give himself away to a woman while his mind was hazy. Even though a CEO might not care about such things, he had to take responsibility.
Just moments ago, he had confessed his feelings, and then he had almost gone ahead and consummated their relationship without much thought. If Shi Min came to her senses later, she’d probably think he was all talk and no sincerity.
Shi Min watched him silently, saying nothing.
Seeing the commanding yet calm look in her eyes, Luo Mingjing had a sudden premonition. He quickly said, “Sister, stop. I know you’re thinking about replacing everything in this house right now, but…”
Shi Min raised an eyebrow in surprise, clearly not expecting him to guess her thoughts.
Luo Mingjing continued, “I have my pride. You’ve already given me so much. I don’t want you to spend any more money… I’ll buy a new, longer sofa tomorrow. I’m getting rid of this one. But please, don’t spend any more. I can’t repay you.”
Shi Min was both intrigued and somewhat annoyed. In a low voice, she said, “Anything I give doesn’t need to be repaid.”
“That’s not how it works,” Luo Mingjing replied. “Even if the giver doesn’t expect repayment, there’s no such thing as a free gift in this world. Whatever you take, you’ll eventually have to return in one way or another. Life is ultimately a ledger. It doesn’t matter what others do, but I can’t leave a messy account here. Sister, I’m afraid you’ll give me too much—whether it’s money or affection—and I won’t be able to repay it.”
Shi Min didn’t agree or disagree. “There’s no such strange logic.”
“There’s a recliner inside. Sister, if you want to sit, use that.” Luo Mingjing rolled up his sleeves and lifted the broken-legged sofa. “I’ll go throw this out.”
With his long limbs and effortless strength, he hoisted the sofa—one leg now broken—and carried it out the door without breaking a sweat.
Shi Min strolled leisurely into the inner room, turned on the light, and stood in the center of the space, surveying his humble abode.
The inner room was narrow and elongated. At the far end was a bed pressed against the wall, covered with a deep blue sheet and a gray blanket—a subtle, cold aesthetic.
Neat rows of storage cabinets lined the floor and sides of the bed, made of wood or non-woven fabric, though the materials weren’t uniform.
The computer desk was placed near the door, facing the back wall, which served as a scenic mural.
The mural was painted by Luo Mingjing himself. It depicted the locust tree outside the studio and his bicycle. Beneath the tree, several cats basked lazily in the sun. Shi Min smiled softly as her fingers traced over the painted bicycle.
Her fingers paused as they brushed over the bicycle.
Shi Min’s eyes widened in surprise. She stepped back, crossed her arms, and tilted her head, carefully examining the mural.
Not just one cat.
Three beneath the tree.
One behind the tree, its white tail tip peeking out.
A black-and-white cat hidden in the bike basket.
A white cat partially obscured by the front wheel.
Among the golden leaves of the locust tree, a faint orange cat could be glimpsed.
Next to the sign that read “Zhengzhi Art Studio,” a black cat yawned lazily. Inside the character for “painting” on the sign, a cat with ginger-tipped ears was cleverly concealed.
“Adorable,” Shi Min murmured, her eyes filled with warmth. She smiled at these cute little cats, imagining the expression on Luo Mingjing’s face as he painted this mural, hiding these playful creatures with a smile.
The wind chimes at the entrance jingled.
“Big Brother—I’ve come with He Xi!”
Just as Shi Min was about to lift the curtain and step out, she suddenly hesitated.
She was in a good mood today and didn’t feel like wasting time explaining to others who she was in relation to Luo Mingjing.
Fortunately, Luo Mingjing returned just then. “What brings you here?”
“To bring you some business.” Xu Qianqian said. “He Xi and I are here to pick out some paintings.”
A young man’s voice followed, calling out, “Big Brother.”
Luo Mingjing asked, “Where should we hang them?”
“…Let me choose first,” Xu Qianqian said, seemingly reluctant to explain further.
After a brief silence, Luo Mingjing bluntly asked, “Are you two renting a place together off-campus?”
The young couple fell silent.
“…Looks like it,” Luo Mingjing said. “Xu Qianqian, are you sure about this?”
“Well…” Xu Qianqian hesitated. “Our love is as strong as gold.”
He Xi also chimed in to support his girlfriend. “Big Brother, don’t worry. Qianqian and I aren’t newly dating. I consider myself a responsible and reliable man. You’ve met me before—you know what kind of person I am. This decision wasn’t made impulsively. We’ve thought about it for a long time.”
Though younger than Xu Qianqian, He Xi was indeed a man of integrity and upright character.
But the issue wasn’t with him.
Luo Mingjing asked his troublesome cousin, “Aren’t you planning to study abroad for your master’s degree?”
“We still have half a year left…” Xu Qianqian said. “Besides, it’s precisely because I’m busy with applications that I don’t want to live in the dorms anymore. Everyone has different schedules—it’s driving me crazy. Moving out will help me focus on preparing my materials.”
Since she had thought it through, Luo Mingjing didn’t interfere. He waved his hand. “Go ahead and pick.”
The young couple happily began selecting paintings. Luo Mingjing walked into the inner room, lifted the curtain, and saw Shi Min leaning against his computer desk, idly flipping through a book.
Their eyes met, and they both smiled faintly.
Xu Qianqian said, “Four paintings. We’re leaving. I’ll transfer the red envelope to you.”
Luo Mingjing acknowledged with a simple, “Bye.”
Once the wind chimes had fallen silent, Luo Mingjing whispered to Shi Min, “When I came back and didn’t see you, I thought you’d left.”
“You still owe me a goodnight,” Shi Min raised an eyebrow. “If I don’t hear it from you, I won’t be able to leave tonight.”
“I’ve realized…” Luo Mingjing chuckled. “You’re very good at seduction.”
________________________________________
Walking down Chang’an Road, He Xi carried the paintings under his arm while holding Xu Qianqian’s hand. As they passed the square, Xu Qianqian’s eyes lit up. “He Xi, look! A Porsche Cayenne!”
“What car?”
“The one I’ve always wanted to buy! When I become a world-famous fashion designer, I’ll buy a Cayenne. I’m obsessed with Porsche’s design.” Xu Qianqian smacked her lips. “Our uncle’s family had one ten years ago—it was so enviable. When I was little, I used to ride in their car and didn’t dare speak loudly. Even back then, I dreamed of owning a Porsche. The lines are just so beautiful.”
“Uncle? Oh, by the way, Qianqian, is your brother a cousin or a paternal cousin?”
“Paternal cousin.” Xu Qianqian said. “He’s from our uncle’s side—super rich.”
“A cousin, right?” He Xi assumed she didn’t know and explained, “If you don’t share the same surname, you’re cousins.”
Xu Qianqian rolled her eyes. “Don’t treat me like an idiot, okay? On my dad’s side, Luo Mingjing and I share the same grandmother. He’s definitely my paternal cousin.”
He Xi was puzzled. “You share your mom’s surname?”
“No, it’s because my uncle married into the family.” Xu Qianqian explained. “Dad said that when Uncle dropped out of school, he went to work at a shipyard and ended up marrying the boss’s daughter. Back then, everyone thought it was just a small factory, but it turned out to be a massive family business. Now, they monopolize everything related to ships—bearings and all—both domestically along the coast and internationally. So when my uncle got married, he took the boss’s surname, Luo, and their son inherited it too. That’s why we don’t share the same surname.”
He Xi finally understood the family dynamics.
Xu Qianqian added, “Don’t let my brother fool you with his act of being poor and struggling. Our family is super wealthy. If he goes back home, everything would be his.”
He Xi could tell there was more to the story. “Why doesn’t he go back? What’s he doing here?”
Xu Qianqian paused for a long moment before saying, “Never mind. Let’s not talk about it. It’s pretty tragic…”
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