Chapter 13: Amusing Interlude

"Let's go—Chunhua Qiuyun Hotel." After bidding farewell to Shang Kexin, Xin Wen approached with furrowed brows, his tone clipped as he instructed Lan Nian.

"Um..." Lan Nian replied distractedly, her mind replaying a breathtakingly perfect scene on an endless loop:

Shang Kexin, delicate and captivating, her curvaceous figure draped in an apricot silk dress that exuded both allure and grace;

Xin Wen, elegant and charming, his sun-kissed features wearing that familiar half-smile, their heights, physiques, and demeanors forming a picture-perfect match. As rising stars in the business world, they were truly enviable.

Their collaboration had been seamless, their synergy undeniable... Some people were simply born to be admired, Lan Nian mused, a twinge of melancholy tugging at her chest.

"Lan Nian?" Xin Wen's perplexed voice abruptly pierced her reverie.

Lan Nian jolted back to reality, blinking dazedly at Xin Wen as she stammered, "Mr. Xin... what's wrong?"

Ugh, she really zones out. Had to call her three times!

Xin Wen's mouth twitched in irritation. "Forget it—you're clearly distracted. I'll drive."

Without another word, he slid into the driver's seat.

Lan Nian stuck out her tongue guiltily before yanking open the rear door.

"Front seat." Xin Wen's tone was clipped, brooking no argument.

"Your orders, Mr. Xin?" Lan Nian quipped, sliding into the passenger seat with exaggerated obedience.

Xin Wen froze, shooting her a meaningful glance before his lips curved into a mischievous arc. "Jealous?"

"Ugh..." Lan Nian nearly choked, struggling to mask her fluster while retorting sharply, "On the contrary, I'm relieved. Relieved I don't have a saccharine smile that disarms men, or a voice that turns knees to jelly, or curves that make heads spin..." Her tone turned cutting, "Which means I can keep a clear head—and see right through certain people's sinister intentions."

Wait—her own words hit her like a slap. Catching Xin Wen's imperceptible sneer, she quickly averted her gaze, inwardly cursing. This is only making it worse!

Expecting mockery, she was surprised when he simply shifted topics: "Hungry?"

Food? The word instantly erased her awkwardness. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she shot back:

"Anything I crave, Mr. Xin will satisfy?"

"Oh?" Xin Wen paused, amusement dancing in his eyes. His eyebrow quirked playfully, "You wouldn't be craving me, would you?"

"Is that forbidden?" Lan Nian's resistance to his teasing had grown stronger. Instead of blushing, she leaned into the jest.

"Haha...approved!"Xin Wen agreed cheerfully.

"Alright,the mall's snack street!"Lan Nian decided like a boss,while sneakily glancing at the boss's expression.

"OK!"The deal was sealed.The sunset was beautiful,and the evening was delightful.

...

Grilled squid,skewered food,hand-held crispy pies,even popcorn and cotton candy caught Lan Nian's sharp eyes.Watching her tall and slim figure move through the crowd,haggling with vendors,Xin Wen was speechless.He hadn't expected that this cold-personality bodyguard would have such amusing hidden qualities.

Indulging in memories,revisiting childhood fun,feeling as if Dad were right there…hmm?

The sugar-coated haws were so pretty!Lan Nian suddenly became excited,eyes wide open,and hurried towards them.Then,she felt a flash as if someone had taken a photo!

Was someone secretly photographing her?!Lan Nian instinctively stopped and looked around,but found nothing.

"Boss,a sugar-coated haw with kiwi fruit!"Lan Nian pointed at the last one with kiwi fruit and said excitedly,as if long-lost familiarity was right before her eyes.

"Kiwi for me too!" Out of nowhere, a figure slouched over, whistling carelessly while casting a disdainful glance at Lan Nian.

A cynical playboy? Lan Nian smirked inwardly, though she had to admit his striking appearance—exotic mixed-race features, sharp angularity, eyes deep as ancient wells, tall lithe frame draped in artful disarray... Odd—what would someone like him want with a street snack?

"You like these too?" Lan Nian arched an eyebrow warily, a shadow crossing her sunny mood.

There was something disconcertingly familiar about him... yet she couldn't place where they might have met.

"Nope—buying this for him." The half-breed hunk smirked, gesturing at a nearby stray dog with deliberate provocation.

Ugh, what a creep. Lan Nian fought back a laugh, maintaining composure as she nodded politely, "Of course—a lady doesn't compete with dogs. After you."

Wait—his jaw dropped, while vendors and passersby stifled giggles.

Score! Lan Nian's mood soared instantly, oblivious to another camera flash behind her.

Watching her playful retreat and Xin Wen's distant, commanding presence, the man's lips curled into a poppy-like smirk. Lan Nian, this time—no matter who guards you—I won't let you slip away.