Chapter 4: Even the Explanation Seems Feeble

Shiran paused for a moment, feeling the chill beneath her. She stood up and said, "Young Master, I didn’t arrange to meet Jiaqi..." In her haste to clarify, she momentarily forgot how to address him. Zuo Yelin repeated calmly, "Jiaqi!"

Using just a given name without the surname is typically reserved for close friends or lovers. Shiran caught the implication in his tone but chose not to explain. Instead, she met his gaze with a calm and steady look.

Zuo Yelin's anger subsided somewhat as he sat down on the sofa. Shiran brought his slippers over, about to bend down to switch them on, when he grabbed her collar and pulled her up, causing her to fall onto his lap. "I’m not so helpless that I need constant care," he said.

Usually, her workspace involved closely attending to Zuo Yelin, trailing just half a step behind or beside him, always attentive. This position, intimate and ambiguous with a hint of something more, made Shiran uneasy. Her cheeks flushed, her heart raced, and she involuntarily twisted her body, wanting to stand.

“Don’t move!” His voice was restrained and hoarse, carrying a silent but unmistakable meaning between them.

After a moment, he released her and handed her a pale ivory thermos mug. "I don’t want a sickly assistant," he said, then strode into the bathroom.

This residence had been a gift from Zuo Yelin. Over a hundred square meters, it felt empty and lonely when Shiran lived alone. Now with another person, the space felt just right.

When she first moved in, she had brought over some of Zuo Yelin’s clothes and accessories—just in case. After preparing the bathrobe and underwear, Zuo Yelin re-emerged from the bathroom, a loosely tied towel around his waist. Water trickled down his sculpted chest, creating a powerful visual impression on Shiran.

“You’ve seen this before, why still so shy?” he remarked.

He took the bathrobe and draped it over himself, glancing at her bare feet with a slight frown. “Change the sheets tomorrow. Don’t pick that icy fabric again—it’s uncomfortable to lie on.”

Hearing this, Shiran glanced toward the master bedroom, wondering if he had even entered it before.

Seeing her still stunned, Zuo Yelin raised his voice, “Aren’t you going to warm up in bed?”

Shiran responded with an “Oh,” set down the things, and hurried toward the bedroom. Suddenly remembering something, she turned back. “I haven’t showered yet.” She headed for the bathroom again but was caught by Zuo Yelin. “Do you want me to warm the bed for you?”

His words were unlike those of a fastidious man. Usually, if anyone else touched his clothes, he would discard them immediately without washing. Whether he was not bothered or just picky about her lingering in the bathroom after the ritual and handwashing, Shiran couldn’t tell.

After drinking the ginger sugar water and changing into pajamas, she lay comfortably on the bed. Sleepiness overcame her quickly. Just as she closed her eyes, she vaguely realized she had been pulled into a solid, warm embrace. Contented, she fell into a deep sleep.

Before she could fully awaken, someone pulled her from the covers, cold words whispering in her ear: “Shiran, do you want to miss the flight?”

The mention of “miss the flight” jolted her awake. Zuo Yelin was fully dressed, clearly waiting for her.

“Young Master, you go ahead. I can drive myself,” she said.

“Shiran, don’t think you can use your health as an excuse to avoid me. Five minutes, downstairs immediately!”

Shiran smiled wryly.

After a quick wash-up, she rushed downstairs. Zuo Yelin’s car was already running. She hesitated, unsure whether to sit in the front or back seat. The window rolled down. “Get in!”

Obediently, she got in, keeping some distance between them.

On the way, Shiran received several calls, all about next season’s custom clothing for Zuo Yelin—a busier schedule than even the top boss sitting beside her.

Before getting out, she received a WeChat message from Zuo Jiaqi. She intended to switch it to text but accidentally played the voice message aloud: “Ranran, if you don’t want to go, just tell my big brother, and I’ll come pick you up.” The temperature inside the car plummeted.

Zuo Yelin feigned sleep, showing no reaction.

Shiran opened her mouth to explain but felt words fell flat.

“Stop the car.”

Zuo Yelin’s voice was commanding, intimidating. The driver pulled over beneath a “No Parking” sign.

“Get out!” he ordered, staring at Shiran.

“Young Master! I...” She had no intention of refusing, especially since those were Jiaqi’s words, not hers. On this journey, she had begun to look forward to this rare time away from the watchful eyes of the Zuo family. Now, thrown into this, she grew anxious. “That was what Jiaqi said, not me. I never said anything like that.”

At her words, Zuo Yelin suddenly smiled.

“Is it hard choosing between me and Jiaqi?” he whispered in her ear. “Why don’t you send the video from the car to him and cut off his hopes?”

He actually had videos!

Shiran was surprised. Looking around the luxurious interior of the car, she understood where the video might have come from.

“Aren’t you afraid of being criticized for being with me?” Summoning courage from somewhere, Shiran met his gaze.

Without warning, Zuo Yelin pressed her head down and kissed her fiercely.

There were others in the car. Shiran’s struggling touched the phone, dialing a number. The call was answered quickly. Even without speakerphone, Jiaqi’s voice came through clearly: “Ranran?”