Volume One, Chapter Twenty: Staying in Her Room Tonight

“Didn’t you send him away? You said just a few words, then slunk back inside?”

The man leaned arrogantly against the door with his arms crossed, wanting to ask her about the French pot-bellied pig.

Suddenly, he heard a soft sniffle.

The teasing glint in Fu Shiyue’s eyes faded as he frowned, reaching out to pull the girl, who had buried her head, in front of him.

His grip was strong. Lu Miao, caught off guard, bumped into his hard chest, smelling the scent of tobacco and sweat on him, and immediately wanted to retreat.

The man’s rough fingers pinched her cheek, refusing to let her dodge, forcefully lifting her face.

Her almond-shaped eyes were red, filled with resentment, frustration, and a sense of being misunderstood.

Fu Shiyue narrowed his eyes slightly. “Did Lu Guoxun scold you?”

Lu Miao sniffed again, staring back with stubborn, resolute eyes. “Would he dare?”

Fu Shiyue scoffed softly. “Then why are you crying?”

“How do you know I was crying?”

“Both my eyes saw it.”

“...”

Lu Miao touched the damp corner of her eyes, embarrassed and angry, glaring at him fiercely. “You’re pinching me so hard it hurts, let go!”

Her cheek was indented from his grip. The calluses on his fingers rubbed against her skin, making her itch and ache.

Fu Shiyue released her hand. Her eyes and nose were red, and her fair, delicate face bore a few red finger marks, making her look somewhat pitiful.

Tsk, young girls’ skin really is so tender.

He rubbed his fingers, smooth and warm, the sensation pleasant.

Lu Miao pushed him away, sulking as she walked to the sofa and sat down. “Lu Guoxun insisted I go back with him. I refused, so he just stayed here, hoping I’d change my mind. But he must know, the Lu family never really accepted me… Wait, why am I telling you all this?”

She turned away, frustrated, feeling she might be clutching at straws by confiding in someone.

Fu Shiyue quietly observed her, as if seeing the childhood version of Lu Miao—

That child who built walls around everyone yet yearned to be understood.

His tone softened. “If you don’t speak out, no one will ever know what’s in your heart.”

Lu Miao almost choked on her words.

All her life, she had acted optimistic and cheerful, leading others to believe she was fine. No one ever cared about her true feelings. This was the first time someone was willing to listen, even if he was a cold, hard man she’d only known for a few days.

Yet, her heart was touched.

She swallowed the sting in her nose, biting her cheek as she spoke, “My grandfather had three sons and one daughter. Lu Guoxun is very close to my father. Before my father died, he entrusted me to him. So he promised to fulfill my father’s last wish. But he never considered that I’m unhappy living in the Lu family.”

“Now, although I’m alone and have no one to rely on, at least I’m free and at ease. I don’t have to endure cold stares or ridicule behind my back.”

She paused, lowering her voice. “I don’t hate my eldest uncle either. He’s strict, but at least he’s sincere with me.”

Fu Shiyue watched her lowered face, mostly hidden by her hair. He didn’t need to look closely to know her eyes were red. She bit her teeth stubbornly, a painful resilience that tugged at the heart.

This fearless girl was covered in thorns, yet easily wounded by family ties.

“If you don’t want to go back, I’m here. He won’t dare take you away without permission.”

Lu Miao was startled, looking up in surprise to meet the man’s calm, accepting gaze. She found it strange that he would allow her to refuse going home.

Handing her over to Lu Guoxun would free him of any guardianship duties—wouldn’t that be less trouble?

Fu Shiyue fell silent for a moment, then gently parted his lips. “You’re not completely alone. At least your uncle is—”

Mentioning Lu Yan, Lu Miao’s fragile mood surged again. “Enough! Lu Yan is unreliable. Eight days out of ten, he’s not home. The other two days, he’s drunk senseless and has to be carried back. He treats the house like a hotel and left me to go abroad alone. With someone like him, what kind of support can I ever have? I’m always by myself!”

She raised her voice in frustration, then lowered her head, feeling embarrassed.

Fu Shiyue watched her bluster, expression unchanged, calm and gentle. His gaze was soft. “I mean, if your uncle entrusts you to me, you can consider me your support. I will take responsibility for all the little and big things in your life, including those difficult family relationships.”

Lu Miao’s heart trembled slightly as she lifted her reddened eyes to look at him—

A mix of astonishment and disbelief.

For a moment, no one spoke. Suddenly, there was a sharp knock on the door.

Lu Miao’s heart tightened. Then she heard Lu Guoxun’s stern voice: “Miao Miao, who are you talking to?”

“I… I’m on the phone with a friend.” She panicked slightly, making a shushing gesture toward the man by the door.

“Why do I hear a man’s voice? Are you alone in the room?”

“Of course. I just spoke too loudly earlier. Did I disturb you?”

Lu Guoxun sounded unconvinced. “Your eldest uncle wants to talk to you.”

He reached to open the door.

Lu Miao’s eyes widened as she stared fixedly at the turning doorknob, heart pounding in her throat.

The man by the door quickly locked it.

“...”

Lu Guoxun found the door wouldn’t open. His hand froze as he knocked again. “Miao Miao?”

Lu Miao hurriedly said, “Uncle, it’s very late. I’m tired. Let’s talk tomorrow.”

Lu Guoxun sensed the evasion and figured she was still upset. He loosened his grip. “Alright, get some rest early.”

He lingered by the door for a moment before footsteps receded.

Lu Miao breathed a sigh of relief and glanced at the man standing by the door, lowering her voice. “Why are you still standing there?”

Fu Shiyue glanced around the room. “I have nowhere to sit.”

The room had only a small sofa, a queen-sized bed, and a chair at the vanity.

Fu Shiyue eyed the pink-and-white swivel chair, thinking to sit there.

But Lu Miao patted the spot beside her. “Sit here.”

Fu Shiyue looked at the creamy white sofa and the spotless girl sitting there, then at himself—dusty from outside, reeking of blood and sweat. For the first time, he felt hesitant to get close. He muttered, “I’m dirty.”

The young girl didn’t understand his thoughts and scooted over, making room. “It’s okay, come here. Talking from so far apart, your uncle might hear us.”

Fu Shiyue hesitated, then walked over and sat down.

The small two-seater sofa was less spacious than the back seat of his car. His broad arm brushed against Lu Miao’s, their shoulders touched.

She tried to shift away but couldn’t. He was tall and broad-shouldered, and she was completely trapped.

Embarrassed, she curled her toes, blushing slightly, and looked at his sharply defined face. “You’ll have to stay in my room tonight. Tomorrow morning, wait until my uncle leaves before you go.”

Fu Shiyue turned his head to look at her.