Host! I told you to do a task! I didn't tell you to bbb.

"I...we're...friends?"

In her heart, Liu Chengyan was always a "mentor" and "benefactor" who was high above her and whom she needed to look up to.

It is a mature, powerful, and perfect being from another world.

The word "friend" felt too equal and too intimate to her, leaving her somewhat at a loss.

"I thought we were."

He raised an eyebrow slightly, his dark eyes filled with profound emotions she couldn't decipher at all.

"Yun Shu, tell me, in your heart, do I not even deserve to be your friend?"

"Or do you always see me as a cold, distant donor?"

His tone carried a subtle hint of disappointment, as if he had been misunderstood.

Liu Yunshu was so flustered by his question that her eyes instantly reddened again.

Her fingertips gripped the corner of the tablecloth tightly, her voice soft and tearful:

"No, Mr. Liu, I didn't mean that!"

"I just... I just think you're so amazing, such a wonderful person, and you've helped me so much..."

"I've always felt that you were like a teacher, a very respected senior..."

"I'm afraid I'm not good enough, that I'm not worthy... not worthy to be your friend..."

Her voice grew softer as she spoke, her eyes lowered, and her long eyelashes trembled.

A thin layer of moisture veiled her eyes, making her appear incredibly vulnerable yet sincere.

Seeing this, a soft spot was gently plucked in Liu Chengyan's heart.

But what rises with it is an even more turbulent and darker possessiveness.

Why would you think that?

Liu Chengyan softened his voice and leaned closer.

He gently lifted his fingertips and used his fingertips to wipe away the tiny tears that clung to her eyelashes with utmost tenderness.

In my heart, you have always been the best, unique. Whether it's your talent or...

He paused, his gaze lingering on her face. "This person."

Liu Yunse felt even more uncomfortable because of his overly intimate actions and blunt words.

She instinctively shrank back, avoiding his touch.

She then raised her wet eyes and looked at him timidly.

"I'm sorry... I... I'm really not used to this..."

"It's okay."

Liu Chengyan readily withdrew his hand and lowered his eyes accordingly.

By adjusting his cuffs, he perfectly concealed the fleeting coldness and malice in his eyes.

Not used to it? You're not used to even being touched by me, yet Jiang Chi can do whatever he wants to you! Fine, very well indeed!

He picked up his teacup and took a slow, deliberate sip.

The warm tea slid down his throat, but it did nothing to suppress the heat and violence surging in his heart due to jealousy and possessiveness.

When he looked up again, all that remained on his face was a faint sense of disappointment at being rejected.

"I was being presumptuous."

His voice sounded somewhat low, carrying just the right amount of apology and disappointment that wouldn't be offensive.

"I just feel that we've known each other for a while now, and I hope we can get closer."

"They can be not only business partners, but also friends in life. It seems... I was too hasty."

Liu Yunshu looked at the fleeting sadness in his eyes, and then heard his humble words.

My heart was immediately overwhelmed by a huge sense of guilt.

She felt as if she had hurt someone who had genuinely cared for her.

Her fingertips curled nervously, and she murmured softly, her voice full of apology:

"I...I didn't mean to, Mr. Liu, please don't be sad...It's my fault, I'm not good at speaking..."

Her voice was soft and gentle, like the lightest feather, gently tickling Liu Chengyan's most sensitive heart.

It both piqued his interest and fueled the simmering anger that had been fueled by his rejection.

He looked up at her, a faint smile, seemingly kind and understanding, spreading across his eyes behind his gold-rimmed glasses.

However, the smile did not truly reach his eyes; deep within them remained an unyielding darkness.

"I know."

His tone returned to its usual gentle and composed manner, as if the "little incident" had never happened.

He raised his hand and naturally scooped a spoonful of tender crab roe tofu for her, placing it into the already somewhat empty white porcelain dish in front of her.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Eat more; you seem to have lost some weight lately because of your creative work. Your health is the most important thing."

Liu Yunshu nodded obediently, as if to make up for her "mistake" just now.

He lowered his head obediently and ate the food he had picked out for him in small bites.

The warm yellow light fell on the top of her soft hair, creating a fuzzy, glowing edge around it.

With her long eyelashes drooping and a faint blush still lingering on her cheeks, she looked exceptionally well-behaved and obedient.

After the meal, Liu Chengyan drove her back to her apartment complex.

The car came to a smooth stop in front of the familiar apartment building.

Liu Yunshu turned to look at the man in the driver's seat and whispered her thanks:

"Thank you, Mr. Liu... for bringing me back. Also, the food today was really delicious."

"As long as you like it."

Liu Chengyan turned his head and smiled at her, a smile that appeared particularly gentle in the dim light inside the car.

However, the next second, he suddenly leaned in without warning.

A familiar, crisp woody scent, mixed with a faint masculine aroma, instantly enveloped her.

Liu Yunse's breath hitched, her heart skipped a beat, and her body instantly stiffened.

Almost reflexively, she closed her eyes tightly, her thick, long eyelashes trembling violently like the wings of a startled butterfly, barely daring to breathe.

She could feel his approach; his warm breath brushed against her cheek, so close.

Time seemed to stretch out, each second feeling both vivid and unbearable.

A very soft, almost chuckled sound came from beside me, followed by a crisp mechanical click.

He reached out and helped her unlock the seatbelt.

Liu Chengyan returned to the driver's seat and looked at her, her eyes still tightly closed, trembling slightly with nervousness. The light behind her glasses was as dark as night.

His tone was normal, even somewhat relaxed: "The seatbelt is off. Go back and get some rest, Yunshu."

Liu Yunshu then suddenly opened her eyes and hurriedly whispered, "Thank you, Mr. Liu, goodbye."

Like a startled rabbit, she pushed open the car door, rushed into the apartment building without looking back, and disappeared into the shadows of the stairwell.

Only after she had completely disappeared from sight did Liu Chengyan slowly withdraw his gaze.

The gentle smile on his face receded like the tide, leaving only a deep, cold expression.

He lit a cigarette, the crimson flame flickering in the dimly lit carriage, reflecting on his expressionless profile.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The next day, as soon as Liu Yunshu put down her paintbrush, her phone started buzzing, and Lin Chuchu's name appeared on the screen.

She wiped the still-damp cobalt blue paint from her fingertips and pressed the answer button: "Hello, Chuchu?"

"Yunshu! I'm here to be your diligent little bee, chasing after your deadlines!"

Lin Chuchu's clear voice came through the receiver, carrying her usual cheerful laughter.

"How's the progress? Next Monday is the deadline."

"There's one left," Liu Yunshu said, holding her phone with her fingertips still wet with paint.

"That sunset running track is still missing a few details."

Lin Chuchu on the other end of the phone clicked her tongue twice, her tone full of teasing:

"Oh, it's that painting of Jiang Chi again? You two are so sweet, it's practically overflowing the canvas!"

Liu Yunshu's cheeks flushed instantly, her hand holding the paintbrush paused slightly, and a shy smile appeared in her eyes.

"Chuchu, I'm sure I can finish drawing tomorrow. I'd like to ask for a day off today."

"A break?" Lin Chuchu's voice suddenly rose, tinged with a mischievous smile. "Are you going on a date with Jiang Chi?"

"Mmm." Liu Yunshu's face instantly turned bright red, and her fingertips gripping the phone felt slightly hot. "He said he'd take me to the amusement park today?"

"Amusement park—"

Lin Chuchu dragged out her words, her teasing tone almost overflowing.

"Then you'd better dress up nicely! Wear a pretty little dress, take a bunch of sweet photos, and show them to me when you get back!"

Liu Yunshu bit her lip and smiled, her cheeks as red as ripe peaches: "I know, I'll definitely show you."

After hanging up the phone and glancing at the time, she quickly put down her paintbrush and ran briskly to the dressing room.

Her fingertips brushed over each piece of clothing, and finally she chose a creamy white dress.

The skirt was embroidered with delicate lace, which made her look even more soft, sweet and charming.

She combed her hair in front of the mirror, tucking the stray hairs behind her ears to reveal her smooth forehead and delicate earlobes.

Just as she was about to put on the pearl earrings, her phone rang. It was Jiang Chi.

Her eyes lit up, and she quickly answered, "A-Chi?"

"Yun Shu,"

Jiang Chi's clear and gentle voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Are you ready? No rush, take your time."

"Coming right away! I just need to put on my earrings, just two minutes!"

She hurriedly hung up the phone, quickly fastened her pearl earrings, straightened her skirt in front of the mirror, and then twirled on tiptoe.

After making sure the lace trim on the hem of her skirt wasn't crooked, she picked up her small canvas bag and ran briskly downstairs.

Under the shade of the trees at the entrance of the residential area, Jiang Chi, dressed in a crisp white tracksuit, stood tall and straight like a young poplar tree.

He was carrying a bottle of warm strawberry milk. When he saw Liu Yunshu run out, his eyes instantly curved into a smile, and he waved to her.

"Run slowly, don't fall."

Liu Yunshu ran up to him, slightly out of breath, her cheeks flushed like a plump peach.

She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling: "Have you been waiting long?"

"Not long ago." Jiang Chi handed her the strawberry milk, his tone full of affection. "It's freshly bought and still warm. Warm your hands first."

Liu Yunshu took the milk; its warmth seeped through the cup, soothing her heart. "Thank you, Achi."

The two walked side by side toward the amusement park.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled patterns that fell on their overlapping shadows, creating an incredibly warm and inviting scene.

But they didn't notice that a black Bentley was parked quietly on the street corner not far away.