Chapter 53

The incident wasn't entirely Tu Kun's fault. The kids who'd been with her had known her since they were young, and some were a few years older. Their parents were much like Guan Da Gou—managers in Tu Xiao's businesses or low-level muscle—and so they naturally fell into the role of protecting their young mistress.

It had all started when Tu Kun and those kids went to the underground mall. On their way out, she'd collided head-on with an old woman, fallen and twisted her ankle. The old woman's woven bag had burst open, scattering bottles and jars everywhere. Tu Kun's little pack of ruffians had unleashed a torrent of insults at the elderly woman, which then sparked the conflict with the young man.

If Tu Kun hadn't called out "Little Uncle" to him, Han Qian likely wouldn't have escaped the situation unscathed.

Now, sitting in Guan Da Gou's car, Han Qian was dropped off at his neighborhood. As he stepped out, Guan Da Gou also got out and called,

"Han Brother, wait a moment."

Guan Da Gou, who wasn't exactly educated, always tried to speak in a mock-formal tone. Han Qian glanced at him, then at Tu Kun, who was pouting at him from the car window. With a resigned sigh, he stopped walking. Guan Da Gou jogged over, smiling as he spoke.

"Han Brother, today you truly misunderstood the young miss. I asked those little brats—she didn't say a word from start to finish. I feel a little guilty that you had to spend money to make peace today, but also a bit happy—because it shows you really see her as family. If my master knew, he would thank you himself. You must have seen it too—our young miss isn't like the rest of us."

Han Qian turned to look coldly at Tu Kun in the car.

"Business is business, cooperation is cooperation. I don't want Tu Xiao's plans for reform to include Tu Kun. Just because I know her doesn't mean I'll help him. Let him compete fairly—no dirty tricks or petty schemes. My relationship with Tu Kun is between her and me. You and I are a separate matter. Tu Xiao is strictly between him and Rongyao."

Guan Da Gou tilted his head thoughtfully, seeming to come to terms with that. He reached for his wallet, then hesitated and tucked it back away. Han Qian's face darkened in irritation.

"Guan Da Gou, you're full of shit!"

"Han Brother, let's have tea sometime!"

With that, Guan Da Gou leaped into his car and sped off, leaving Han Qian swearing at the night air. Damn it—he should've just taken the cash when he could. But he muttered to himself as he walked towards his building.

"I owe over four million anyway—what's a few thousand more?"

Still… it stung a bit.

When he stepped into the apartment building, he saw Li Jiawei waiting by the elevator. The boy hurried over, head bowed, and whispered an apology, promising to repay the money. Han Qian ruffled his hair with a wry smile.

"You think your uncle's short on cash? Just don't get mixed up with Tu Kun's crew. As someone who's been there, let me give you a little advice: dating is fine, but don't lose yourself in it. It takes two people to make a relationship work—don't be the only one giving everything. Anyway, take the stairs to the second floor. Build up those legs."

He gave Jiawei's head a gentle pat and took the elevator up.

Back at home, Wen Nuan told him that Jiawei had dropped by. Han Qian slumped against the sofa, pressing a hand to his forehead, and recounted the day's events. Wen Nuan listened quietly, then reached into the coffee table drawer, pulling out a small stack of cash—about two thousand yuan—and setting it on his lap.

"You spent money, but at least your conscience is clear," she said softly. "You've just started back at work, and I know you've been handing me everything you earn. Take this—use it if you're out with colleagues and don't want to be embarrassed if the check comes."

Han Qian looked down at the money, picked it up, and put it back in the drawer with a sigh.

"I've still got some in my account."

"You'd have to go to the bank for it—what a hassle. Besides, back when we lived together, wasn't I always the one giving you cash anyway?"

"Yeah, but you were never this generous—just a couple of twenties here and there."

"Shut it."

She leaned forward, nearly draping herself over him. Han Qian froze, feeling the soft brush of her hair and her warm breath. Wen Nuan didn't seem to think twice about it—she slipped the money into his wallet and pushed it into his pocket.

The motions were casual, almost intimate, like those of a real couple. Wen Nuan didn't mind the closeness, but Han Qian was practically sweating by the end of it. As she patted his pocket, he jumped to his feet.

"I'm going to cook."

And he fled.

Who could take that kind of pressure?

Later, Wen Nuan curled up on the sofa watching *Boonie Bears,* giggling and calling Han Qian "Bald Strong." He ignored her childish antics, wiping the floor and asking lightly,

"Any news from Lin Zongheng? Still bothering you?"

She wiggled her toes on the couch and shook her head.

"He's too busy. Just got back to the company—he's swamped. The board's testing whether he's fit for the top seat. It's actually kind of nice not having him around to pester me. Sometimes I wonder what I ever saw in that guy."

"Maybe you hit your head when you were a kid."

She stuck her nose up at him in a playful snort, then suddenly hopped off the couch, barefoot, and squatted beside him, her face serious.

"Han Qian—truth or dare, but only truths!"

"Not playing," he grumbled.

She clung to his rag, clearly not giving up. With a sigh, Han Qian dropped it and flopped down on the tiles.

"Fine, fine—go ahead."

"Did you ever get a perfect score in school?"

"No. Now it's my turn—are you a virgin?"

Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Why do you ask these weird questions?"

"Answer!"

Han Qian rolled his eyes.

"Yes, alright? Now tell me how you can tell all those lipstick colors apart."

"How can you tell Ultraman apart?"

"I can't."

His quick, serious answers drove Wen Nuan up the wall. She swatted his shoulder, pouting.

"You're so useless! Okay—did you ever like another girl before me?"

"Nope. Was too dumb to think about that stuff, and then you conned me into marrying you. My turn—what's the most intimate thing you and Lin Zongheng ever did?"

"Held hands, probably—nothing more."

Han Qian tilted his head, frowning.

"I don't believe you."

*Thud!*

Her foot lashed out, hitting his teeth so hard his lip split. Wen Nuan's own toes started bleeding as well. She limped upstairs, wincing.

She'd been telling the truth.

Later, Han Qian sat on the edge of her bed, gently disinfecting her injured toes.

"Next time you want to play rough, I'm not helping," he scolded softly. "It's supposed to be truth or dare—you can't lie."

"I didn't," she muttered.

He gave her foot a light smack.

"Don't move."

She watched him in silence, then whispered,

"I'm sorry."

"No need—just kneel and bow twice, and we're good."

She kicked him again.