Chapter 10: It’s nice to go shopping

Zhou Yang listened to the “boy’s” casual, breezy words, momentarily stunned.

But Lin Xiaoxiao had already tossed her cola can precisely into a nearby trash bin, turning to say, “You heading back? If not, I’m not cooking for you.”

Zhou Yang blinked, then turned his head with a scoff.
“No need. Your cooking’s mediocre anyway.”

Lin Xiaoxiao shrugged.
“Fine, suit yourself. I’m leaving.”

She slung her bag over her shoulder, ready to go, but after a few steps, she heard the boy’s awkward voice behind her.

“Thanks for today.”

Lin Xiaoxiao paused, glancing back in surprise, then waved and left.

On her way back, Lin Xiaoxiao felt a twinge of guilt.

If Zhou Yang found out about her relationship with his dad, how shocked and angry would he be?

Damn it, why did a part of her actually look forward to that?

No, no, she couldn’t entertain such wicked thoughts. This whole thing was shameful, no matter how you looked at it!

Slapping her cheeks, Lin Xiaoxiao forced herself to stop thinking about it.

But as soon as she got back to Zhou Ting’s place, he texted her, saying he had a business dinner and wouldn’t be home.

So, Lin Xiaoxiao didn’t bother cooking. She returned to her room to read, losing track of time as the sky darkened.

The sound of the door opening snapped her back.

Turning, she saw Zhou Ting, but something seemed off about him.

“You…”

As she approached, the smell of alcohol hit her.

It was strong but not unpleasant.

She quickly supported him, asking, “You okay?”

Zhou Ting shook his head, leaning his weight entirely on her.

Luckily, Lin Xiaoxiao was strong enough, or she’d have been crushed.

She helped him to her bed, looking at his drunken state, and sighed.
“I’ll get you some water.”

But as she turned, he grabbed her hand.

Caught off guard, she was pulled into his arms!

“Mmph…”

Zhou Ting’s strength was overwhelming, making Lin Xiaoxiao feel small in comparison.

She tried to get up, but he sealed her lips with his.

His breath, laced with alcohol, invaded her senses.

“Mmph… mmph…”

She struggled at first, but soon gave in, her eyes glazing over as he claimed her lips.

“Xinrou…”

His murmured name broke through, snapping her awake. She pushed him away.

Standing, she froze, then silently adjusted her clothes and got him a glass of water.

After feeding him the water, she tried to return to her book but couldn’t focus.

Sighing, she rubbed her head, glancing at the man on her bed, curiosity stirring.

Xinrou… was that his late wife?

But she quickly shook it off. Why was she thinking about this? It had nothing to do with her. Their relationship was just a transaction.

She’d already decided: once Zhou Ting discarded her and her grandma was better, she’d hide her gender and live quietly with her grandma.

Yes, that was the life she wanted…

Some time later, Zhou Ting slowly woke, his head still throbbing.

Seeing the ceiling and smelling the faint fragrance in the room, he realized he was in Lin Xiaoxiao’s room.

The girl was at her desk, hugging a book, her head nodding sleepily, looking utterly adorable.

For the first time, Zhou Ting realized she was just a college student, and a flicker of guilt hit him for moving so decisively.

But he quickly suppressed it. He wasn’t a good person anyway.

He got up, freshened up in his room, then returned to wake her.

Lin Xiaoxiao, still groggy, blinked at him before coming to.
“You’re sober?”

Zhou Ting nodded, glancing around the room.
“Getting used to living here?”

Lin Xiaoxiao paused, her mind flashing to the past two days, a mix of shame and anger rising.

Used to it? She barely felt anything, too exhausted each night. His room, though, wasn’t bad…

Mumbling, she said, “Um, it’s… fine.”

Zhou Ting nodded.
“What’d you eat for dinner?”

Surprised he’d ask, she hesitated. She hadn’t been hungry earlier, so…

“Uh, I haven’t eaten yet.”

Zhou Ting frowned.
“Skipping meals isn’t good. Hungry now?”

She shook her head, but meeting his gaze, she nodded obediently.
“I can just make something quick. Don’t worry about me.”

Zhou Ting decided firmly.
“Put on your shoes. We’re going out to eat.”

Lin Xiaoxiao blinked.
“Huh? No, that’s not necessary…”

But, of course, Zhou Ting dragged her out. Zhou Yang, left to his own devices by his father, was still out.

Yuncheng, stripped of its daytime facade, was like a sultry woman, the city dreamy and alluring.

Zhou Ting didn’t talk while eating, something Lin Xiaoxiao had noticed early on.

But she liked to chat during meals, and eating with him always felt stifling.

Finally, she couldn’t hold back.
“Didn’t you already have dinner?”

Zhou Ting said flatly, “Wasn’t full. Eating a bit more.”

Lin Xiaoxiao let out an “oh,” saying no more, and focused on her food.

After dinner, she thought they’d head back, but instead, Zhou Ting took her to a bustling street.

The street, with its ancient charm and city-backed expansions, was a hotspot for influencers, teeming with vendors and crowds.

Lin Xiaoxiao, confused, looked at the man beside her and asked hesitantly, “Are we really going in there?”

Didn’t domineering CEOs hate crowded places? At least, that’s what novels said—she’d read a few.

But Zhou Ting nodded confidently, showing no discomfort.
“It’s lively. Strolling around’s nice.”