He stole his best friend's photos and fell for a tycoon's heir through online dating.

Someone I like? I don't think I've ever thought about that question before.

From the moment she transmigrated into this book, all she could think about was how to survive, how to delay their meeting, and how to prevent the male lead from throwing her into the Huangpu River.

Like it? That's a luxury she dares not touch.

Zhou Siyan stared intently into her eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly, as if afraid of missing any subtle change in her face.

"Ruoruo, what are you doing here—"

Lin Wanzhi's voice came from behind, tinged with excitement and relief, "I thought you were lost."

"Oh? Mr. Huo, you're here!" Lin Wanzhi jogged up to the two of them, her eyes crinkling with a smile.

"My parents were just mentioning you; they wanted to thank you in person for taking care of me and Ruoruo."

I'll be there in a bit.

Lin Wanzhi hummed twice, then turned to Xia Ruo, grabbed her arm, and pressed her body against hers.

"Ruoruo, my brother and mom just suggested that we move into our home instead of the dorm from now on."

"Why?" Xia Ruo frowned slightly.

"The school is quite far from the company, and it's not easy to get a taxi," Lin Wanzhi said, her voice brimming with barely concealed excitement.

"My brother said he'll pick us up and drop us off from now on, isn't that great? We can get some more rest."

After she finished speaking, her eyes sparkled as she looked at Xia Ruo, her voice suddenly lowering a few decibels, carrying a knowing, ambiguous tone: "Isn't my brother great? Why don't you consider it!"

"How is it? How is it!"

Zhou Siyan stood to the side, his face gradually darkening.

He stared down at Lin Wanzhi's hand hanging on Xia Ruo's arm, a deep wrinkle forming between his brows, his jawline taut.

"Secretary Lin."

He spoke, his voice cold, abruptly cutting off Lin Wanzhi's excitement.

Lin Wanzhi paused for a moment, then turned to look at him.

"Take me to your parents' place." His tone left no room for negotiation.

Lin Wanzhi shrank back, frightened by his gaze, and quickly released Xia Ruo's arm, obediently leading the way:

"Oh... okay, Mr. Huo, this way please."

-

In the living room, Lin's parents greeted Zhou Siyan warmly.

"Mr. Huo, welcome, welcome. I've heard from Wanwan that you're young and promising, and seeing you today, I can confirm that your reputation is well-deserved."

Mr. Lin's smile was sincere and considerate as he handed over his business card with both hands.

Zhou Siyan took it, glanced at it, and nodded slightly: "President Lin, you're too kind."

Lin's mother chimed in with a smile:

"Mr. Huo, my daughters Wanwan and Ruoruo are at the company. Thank you so much for taking care of them."

The two children don't understand anything yet, so please forgive them if they do anything wrong.

"They're fine." Zhou Siyan's voice was calm, but there was no perfunctory tone in his words.

"Xia Ruo has strong planning skills, and Lin Wanzhi has a very serious work attitude. They are both promising talents."

Upon hearing this, Lin's mother's smile deepened, and she turned to look at Lin Wanzhi, who was standing obediently to the side serving juice, her eyes filled with satisfaction.

Lin Wanzhi felt a little embarrassed by the compliment, lowered her head, took a sip of juice, and thought to herself—

Mr. Huo actually praised her? She's been slacking off every day, where is her seriousness at all?

"I just heard someone say there's a dance later?"

"Yes," Lin's mother nodded with a smile, "There are more young people today, it'll be lively."

"I haven't participated in one in a long time either." Zhou Siyan tapped the glass lightly with his fingertips.

"Mr. Huo, which of the women present would you like to be your dance partner?"

Lin's mother spoke warmly and considerately, "No matter who it is, I will definitely persuade her."

Zhou Siyan raised his eyes, his gaze passing through the crowd and landing on the misty blue figure in the direction of the garden.

The night breeze ruffled her skirt as she looked down, lost in thought.

"Thank you, Mrs. Lin," he said, turning his gaze away. "I don't really like interacting with strangers, so Xia Ruo will do."

"Ruo Ruo?" Lin's mother's smile froze slightly, and a hint of embarrassment flashed in the fine lines at the corners of her eyes.

She had just run into Song Yu, who expressed his interest in Xia Ruo and invited her to dance later, to which Xia Ruo accepted.

Lin's mother's gaze swept back and forth across Zhou Siyan's emotionless face, carefully choosing her words:

"Mr. Huo, this... Ruoruo has already agreed to the young master of the Song family, and I can't refuse him."

Would you like to switch to another person? Wanwan is here too—"

"No need," Zhou Siyan interrupted her, his voice not loud, but his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

He lowered his eyes and placed the glass on the passing waiter's tray.

"Then it depends on her own wishes."

After saying that, he walked straight toward the garden.

Lin's mother stood there, watching that tall and aloof figure walk through the crowd. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end, she just sighed and shook her head.

She can't and doesn't want to get involved in the affairs of young people.

-

In the garden, Xia Ruo was standing next to a stone bench, lost in thought, the night breeze causing her skirt to sway gently.

"Xia Ruo".

She suddenly raised her head.

Huo Sinian had walked up to her without her noticing, and was only two steps away from her.

The string lights in the garden cast a warm yellow glow behind him, giving him a soft, gentle warmth, even softening his otherwise harsh jawline.

"Mr. Huo?" Xia Ruo subconsciously took half a step back. The edge of the stone bench caught on her knees, and she staggered, almost sitting down.

Zhou Siyan reached out and firmly grasped her wrist.

His palms were very hot, and his knuckles weren't tightly closed, but she couldn't break free.

He helped her to her feet, but didn't let go, looking down at her: "Why are you running?"

"I didn't run away..."

Zhou Siyan released her wrist, but did not back away.

"I heard you accepted someone else's invitation?"

Xia Ruo was stunned for a moment, then realized that he must be talking about Song Yu.

She nodded: "Aunt Lin introduced us, I couldn't refuse..."

"And what about my invitation?" he interrupted her, his gaze fixed intently on her face.

Xia Ruo was stunned: "What?"

"The ball." Zhou Siyan's voice was neither loud nor soft, yet it carried an undeniable certainty. "Be my dance partner."

Xia Ruo's brain went blank.

She opened her mouth, wanting to say something to refuse, but when she met his unfathomable eyes, all those words got stuck in her throat.

"I...I can't jump."

"I'll teach you."

"You promised someone else because you had no other choice," Zhou Siyan's voice suddenly lowered.

"Now you have a choice."

Xia Ruo's heart skipped a beat.

She looked up and met his gaze.

Xia Ruo didn't know how she agreed; when she came to her senses, she was already in the center of the dance floor.

Zhou Siyan had one hand around her waist, his palm pressed against the fabric of her lower back. The scalding heat seeped in through the thin gauze dress, making her feel tense all over.

He grasped her palm with his other hand, his long fingers threading through hers.

Xia Ruo lowered her head, staring at the tips of her shoes on the floor, not daring to look at him.

"Look up." His voice came down from above, deep and gentle.