Chapter 3: Impulsive Provocation

Xiaoyao Village lived up to its name. Though secluded, it buzzed with life—birds chirping among fragrant blooms, every stone and stream thoughtfully arranged to evoke warmth rather than wilderness.

Lan Nian stepped onto the cobblestone path, admiring her senior brother An Ye's accomplishments. Even as a bodyguard, he built this oasis. Her father's prophecy about him seemed prophetic indeed.

After confirming the house number, she hesitated before ringing the bell.

"Niànniàn?" The door flew open, revealing An Ye's rugged face etched with surprise. "What brings you here?"

"Business, obviously!" She shrugged playfully, teasing him without hesitation. "What? You're just going to make me stand out here and talk? Don't tell me you're hiding someone inside…"

Before he could respond, Lan Nian playfully shoved past An Ye and darted into the room. She spun around, eyes wide, and gasped:

"Gege, you're amazing! This place is huge! I'd never even dream of living somewhere like this!"

He groaned, rubbing his temples. "It's all thanks to my boss. Stop teasing me."

"Now, introduce me to the beauty hiding here before I—" Her teasing died abruptly as she noticed his bloodshot eyes, glistening with unshed tears. Lan Nian fell silent, staring at her feet.

After a moment, An Ye patted her shoulder warmly, nodding with relief. "Good—you're learning to mask your emotions. Seems you've finally grown up."

Lan Nian fell silent, the earlier joy fading completely.

"Anyway," he said, changing the subject quickly, "what brings you here today? Shimu mentioned you had an interview. Which company was it? How'd it go?"

"Ugh, don't even ask." She groaned, flopping onto the couch. "Today was a disaster. I met this sleazy, entitled boss, and I need your advice."

Lan Nian let out a defeated sigh and flopped dramatically onto the plush living room couch, chin propped in her hands.

Seeing An Ye's confused expression, she blurted: "It's that jerkwad CEO from Xinzi Group! Arrogant, entitled, delusional—and probably bipolar! I need you to get me a job at your company before I either get killed or die of rage!"

Afraid he'd refuse, she sat up straight, raising a hand solemnly. "I swear on my honor I'll behave! No trouble, no scandals, I promise!"

An Ye's face twisted into an odd grimace—part discomfort, part suppressed laughter. "But my boss, he's…"

"Doesn't matter if he's the devil himself!" she declared. "I'll handle him!"

You'll regret those words, An Ye thought, massaging his temples. But how do I tell her the truth?

Spotting an opening, Lan Nian clapped her hands decisively. "Deal! I'll call Mom to announce my glorious victory!"

She whipped out her phone, fingers hovering over the keypad—until a thunderous bassline erupted from next door.

The walls rattled like hailstones battering a roof. Lan Nian scowled. Who listens to that trash? Slamming her phone shut, she spun toward the door.

"Niànniàn, what are you doing?" An Ye blocked her path, panic flickering in his eyes.

This awkward, trapped expression was new. Suspicion gnawed at her. "Is the neighbor a murderer?"

He shook his head, looking like he'd swallowed a live cockroach. Where does she get these ideas?

"Your creditor, then?" she pressed.

He groaned, massaging his temples. "No."

"Ah! You hid your mistress there, and she's blasting music to chase me away!" she crowed. "Am I right?"

Suddenly, Lannian let out a loud shriek. While An Ye stood there gaping, she darted out and pressed the neighbor's doorbell repeatedly.

She wanted to see who exactly lived here to make her fearless senior so spooked...

Fine, her senior must have his reasons. She'd do him a solid by showing this neighbor whose turf this was.

"Who's there?" A grumpy male voice came from behind the closed door.

"Police, vice squad!" Lannian blurted out.

"Uh..." Anye choked on his words, his face contorting comically.

The door cracked open suspiciously. When Lannian saw the familiar face, she froze like a statue.