Shi Yu’s mind cleared slightly, and her eyes fluttered open to meet the man’s deep gaze. She’d thought he would be asleep at this hour… Morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting dappled shadows across the room. The light fell directly on Jiang Yichen, bathing his sharp features in a soft, golden glow that softened them, making him so captivating she couldn't look away. Shi Yu stared, mesmerized. Whether at five years old or on the cusp of twenty-five, every time she looked at him, her heart still skipped a beat. “Aren’t you in cardiac surgery? What were you doing in the gynecology department?” Jiang Yichen’s tone shifted abruptly. He was asking about yesterday—why she had been in the gynecology department, where she had run into Li Mengxi. Shi Yu was dazed. Utterly exhausted, her mind couldn't keep up with his sudden interrogation. Suddenly, a wave of darkness washed over her. She frantically pulled her hand from his grasp and steadied herself on the banister. “We can talk about this later. I’m too tired. I need to rest.” Without a glance at the fury clouding his face, she stumbled back to her room in a daze. She didn't realize that, just now, for the first time in all their years together, she had been the one to pull away. Before, she had always been the one whose hand was shaken off. She was startled awake by her alarm that afternoon. Shi Yu forced her eyes open, the heavy cloak of sleep still clinging to her. God, how she wanted to just curl up in her blankets and sleep forever. But that wasn’t an option. She had a private piano lesson to teach, and the pay was good—one of her most lucrative side hustles. She couldn't afford to miss it. After freshening up and applying some light makeup, she went downstairs. She descended slowly, deliberately, and only relaxed when she saw Jiang Yichen wasn't home. Around him, she was always unconsciously walking on eggshells, terrified of earning his disapproval. Then again, when had he ever not despised her? It was her first time going to this client’s home. A drive of over half an hour brought her to an exclusive residential area. The residents were all wealthy, with considerable fortunes, which was why the tutoring rates were higher than usual. She walked up to the front door and rang the bell. A moment later, a housekeeper in her forties opened the main gate. “You must be Ms. Shi, here for the lesson? Please, come in.” Following the housekeeper inside, she could hear the faint, disjointed sound of a piano. It was clumsy and without structure. Her student was clearly a beginner. She’d have to be patient. When she saw her student, Shi Yu felt a mix of amusement and exasperation. It was a little girl of seven or eight with delicate, doll-like features, dressed in a frilly pink princess dress. But what was with the look of utter contempt on her face? Was she looking down on her? “You’re the piano teacher my brother hired? You’re so young. Are you sure you can even play? This piano was left to me by my mother. It’s not just expensive, it has sentimental value. Do you really have the nerve to touch it with those claws of yours?” The girl’s words were sharp from the start. Shi Yu glanced at her own long, slender fingers and replied modestly, “I believe these ‘claws’ are more than qualified.” The girl pouted but grudgingly moved aside. “Fine. Play something. If I don't like it, you can leave immediately. I don’t like pretty women.” The corner of Shi Yu's mouth twitched. Was that a compliment or an insult? She sat down at the piano and tested the keys. The instrument was in excellent condition, its tone rich and clear. The price tag, she imagined, would be breathtaking. She decided against a complex piece to win the girl over. Instead, she improvised a short, flowing melody. As she played, the little girl’s expression transformed completely. The housekeeper, who had been standing nearby, couldn’t help but praise her. “No wonder the young master hired you. I’ll leave the young miss in your hands, then. I have to get back to my work.” The little girl finally dropped her defensive posture. “Ms. Shi, what was that piece you just played? I’ve never heard it before.” Shi Yu smiled faintly, a slight furrow in her brow. “It doesn’t have a name. It’s just… an outpouring of emotion I feel when I think of someone.” “That person… they must make you feel terribly trapped. It’s someone you love, isn’t it?” Suddenly, a rich, magnetic voice came from the doorway. The little girl scrambled to her feet and ran over. “Brother! I like this teacher! Let’s keep her!” Shi Yu turned her head and froze. “Qin Feng? This… this is your house?”