Too fast, Xu Qinghuan thought. But at this point, what he said, went. She was in no position to object. Draped in Fu Yanshi’s jacket, the faint scent of tobacco—his scent—drifted up to her, bringing with it an unexpected sense of security. Perhaps it was the release of tension, but her stomach chose that exact moment to betray her with a series of mortifying rumbles. A hot flush of embarrassment crept up her neck, and she couldn't bring herself to look up. “Haven’t you eaten?” “I have.” She was mortified and had no desire to continue the conversation. Fu Yanshi didn’t press. He simply lifted his wrist to check his watch. “I’ve arranged a VIP room for your mother. She’ll have a dedicated nurse, and the doctor will notify you as soon as she wakes up. For now, you’re coming with me.” Xu Qinghuan froze. “To—to where?” “To eat.” “…But I really have eaten!” A corner of his mouth lifted, and for a fleeting moment, the cold, unapproachable handsome face of his softened with a hint of tenderness. “Keep me company.” Xu Qinghuan didn’t dare argue further, nodding meekly. “Okay.” Watching Fu Yanshi turn and walk ahead, she hesitated for a second before following. So, is this what it’s like… having a benefactor? So this is what it feels like to have someone to lean on. … After getting into Fu Yanshi’s car, Xu Qinghuan kept her head down, staring at her own shoes. It wasn’t until she heard the steady sound of breathing beside her that she dared to sneak a glance at the man. He seemed exhausted, having fallen asleep the moment he leaned back against the seat. As the intermittent streetlights from outside washed over them, she could see his thick lashes resting on his cheeks. His features were exquisite and deep-set, his jawline so sharp it seemed to carry an edge even in sleep, a silent, commanding presence. This wasn’t the first time Xu Qinghuan had seen him asleep. She remembered back in junior high, she was always late for class because she had to work part-time jobs to make money. Her teacher took pity on her and would stay after the evening self-study sessions to tutor her for free. During that time, it just so happened that something was going on with her deskmate Fu Yanshi’s family, so he also stayed behind after class. But he didn’t need to study. He would just rest his head on his desk and sleep, waiting for the family car to pick him up. Xu Qinghuan could vaguely recall the Fu Yanshi from back then. He always wore his basketball shorts and jersey under his school uniform, bright-eyed and short-haired, radiating a youthful energy. He wasn’t just tall and handsome; he was also ranked first in the entire school. Ugh, his desk was always overflowing with love letters, so many that some even ended up on her desk by mistake. To think that after all these years, she would end up entangled with Fu Yanshi—and that they were going to register their marriage tomorrow! Of course, Xu Qinghuan knew this marriage had nothing to do with love. He just needed a shield, or something of the sort. After passing through the most prosperous streets of Beizhen City, the car finally came to a stop in front of an unassuming restaurant. Fu Yanshi’s eyes slowly fluttered open, and Xu Qinghuan quickly averted her gaze. He unfolded his long legs and stepped out of the car first, his phone ringing almost immediately. Probably work again. Left behind, Xu Qinghuan was unsure whether to follow him out. As she looked up, she met the eyes of his personal assistant, who was driving. “Ms. Xu, I was the one who called you back earlier.” Her smile felt stiff. “Oh! Thank you so much for that…” “It was my pleasure! Mr. Fu was in a meeting at the time. As soon as I told him, he tried calling back, but when no one answered, he rushed straight to the hospital!” “…” Xu Qinghuan could see the sycophantic gleam in the assistant's eyes. He had almost certainly misunderstood her relationship with Fu Yanshi, thinking she was someone important to him. Not knowing how to respond, she struggled for a moment before forcing an awkward smile. “Yes, Mr. Fu is a good man.”