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

She finally understood why Lin Wanzhi became depressed after learning the truth in the book.

The blow of having one's complete trust suddenly betrayed is far deeper than anything else.

She hugged Lin Wanzhi tenderly and rested her chin on her shoulder: "Wanwan, it's so good to have you."

She silently added in her heart: Also, thank you for letting me gain such pure friendship in the novel.

"Silly girl," Lin Wanzhi patted her back, her voice tinged with laughter and a slight nasal tone.

"It's so good to have you. From childhood to adulthood, only you have ever been truly kind to me. Everyone else is nice to me on the surface, but they call me stupid behind my back."

I know I'm not really guileless, but Ruoruo is different—especially lately, I feel like I've improved a lot.

So as long as you're doing well, I'll be happy no matter what.

Xia Ruo closed her eyes, forcing back the heat that was about to overflow from her eyes.

She told herself in her heart: In this life, she must protect Wanwan. No matter what happens, she will not let this girl get hurt.

After washing up, Xia Ruo had just lain down on the bed, and before the blankets had even warmed up, her phone vibrated.

Zero: [Baby, your brother is home.]

Xia Ruo rolled her eyes and was about to give a perfunctory "Oh" when another message popped up.

Zero: [Make sure to keep chatting with your brother like you used to, otherwise he'll be heartbroken.]

Heartache makes one's mind clouded, and a clouded mind leads to saying the wrong things—like chatting with Lin Wanzhi about recent interesting events.

Xia Ruo gritted her teeth so hard they made a grinding sound, and she even deformed the pillow with her grip.

"Don't go too far!!!"

零：

Why is the baby talking to his brother like this today?

Previously, it was all sweet phrases like "Baby loves brother" and "Brother is the best."

Baby, call me "husband" today.

"The lights are all out in the dorm! We can't wake them up! Everyone's asleep!"

Zero: [Typing is fine, baby.]

"No!!!" Xia Ruo refused decisively, even wanting to throw her phone at the foot of the bed.

Zero: [Then I can only send something to Lin Wanzhi.]

Xia Ruo stared at the line of text, feeling her blood pressure soaring.

She took a deep breath, and with all her might, typed two words heavily on the screen—

"Husband!!!" She even used three exclamation marks to express her final stubbornness.

Zero: [So sweet. Goodnight, baby, see you tomorrow morning.]

Xia Ruo put her phone face down under her pillow, turned over, and pulled the blanket over her head.

She gritted her teeth and whispered into the darkness, "Zhou Siyan, you just wait."

Her phone vibrated again under her pillow. She didn't want to look, but she didn't dare not.

Zero: [Baby, don't be late tomorrow, there will be a punishment for being late.]

Xia Ruo closed her eyes, feeling that her life had completely spiraled out of control.

-

The next day, Xia Ruo woke up ten minutes earlier than usual.

It's not fear, nor is it compromise.

She was too lazy to play that childish game of "I'm guessing if you'll be late today" with that man.

She yawned at herself in the mirror, thinking: I'll be there right on time, just to annoy you.

She walked into the company gate at a leisurely pace, just in time, and even had time to get a glass of water at the front desk.

As the elevator doors opened, she had just reached the entrance of the secretariat when she saw Zhou Siyan "coincidentally" passing by.

He held a coffee cup in his hand, his suit jacket buttoned up meticulously. As he passed her workstation, he paused slightly, turned his head, and gave her a slight smile.

Xia Ruo saw a fleeting, slightly regretful smile in his eyes.

One minute later, my phone vibrated.

Zero: [Why wasn't my baby late? I had already planned how to punish him, but it was all for nothing. Baby, try to be late tomorrow.]

Xia Ruo stared at the words, feeling both ashamed and angry, biting her lip and almost crushing her phone.

Aren't male protagonists in novels supposed to be abstinent, cold, restrained, and unsmiling? What is this now?

What a brooding, secretly flirtatious guy! He's practically a peacock flirting with everyone!

She placed her phone face down on the table, and Lin Wanzhi peeked over from the side, her face serious.

"Ruoruo, I'm going inside to find President Huo."

Xia Ruo was taken aback: "How did you manage to go in today?"

"Oh dear—" Lin Wanzhi clenched her fist, her face clearly saying, "I did this for the revolutionary cause."

"What is a little fear compared to living with Ruoruo?"

I'll do anything, no matter how difficult or painful, as long as it involves you.

After saying that, she picked up her water glass, gulped down a large mouthful, slammed the glass on the table, and exuded an air of great bravado:

"I'm leaving, Ruoruo! Wait for my good news!"

Then he turned around and strode towards the president's office, his back view giving him the air of a warrior going to battle.

---

Inside the office, Zhou Siyan leaned back in his chair, looking at the girl in front of him who had her hands on his desk, her face tense, with an air of "I won't leave until you agree."

"Why? Why not?" Lin Wanzhi's voice was crisp and bright, completely devoid of the trepidation she felt when delivering coffee last time.

Zhou Siyan said expressionlessly, "You have a family, why do you need to take up a company quota?"

"It was you who said, Mr. Huo, that secretaries and senior executives can apply! Why can't I stay here!"

Lin Wanzhi argued her case logically, with a clarity that was unlike her usual self.

Zhou Siyan had a headache.

This woman usually looks delicate, but when she's with Xia Ruo, she becomes persistent and brave.

The last meeting was to stand up for Xia Ruo, and this time it's because Xia Ruo is staying in his office and refusing to leave.

He suddenly understood what "a mother's love is strong" meant—although she wasn't a mother, the nature was similar.

"Mr. Huo, if you don't agree, then Ruoruo won't stay here." Lin Wanzhi straightened up, crossed her arms, and raised her chin slightly.

Zhou Siyan raised an eyebrow: "What, you're going to bring her to live at your place?"

"I really want to!" Lin Wanzhi's eyes lit up, then dimmed again.

"But if Ruoruo is unwilling, I know she will feel uncomfortable."

So—if Mr. Huo doesn't agree, I'll buy a house near the company! I, Lin Wanzhi, mean what I say.

Zhou Siyan felt a sense of relief.

That's right, she also knows she can't stay at the Lin family's house.

That Lin Wanxun wasn't someone who could make things easy for him either.

He looked up and met Lin Wanzhi's face, which was full of "you decide what to do." This girl was really open and honest with Xia Ruo.

If I don't agree, she probably won't give up.

Moreover... despite his harsh words, he still didn't want to put his baby in a difficult position.

But just like that, the time I wanted for a romantic getaway for two was ruined.

But it's alright, he has other ways.

"Okay, approved."

Zhou Siyan lowered his head, opened the documents on the table, and his tone returned to its usual calm and indifferent tone.

"You guys pack your things these next couple of days, and I'll have someone pick you up after get off work tomorrow."

Lin Wanzhi was stunned for a moment, then her eyes lit up like two stars: "Really?!"

"If you ask again, it won't be true."

"Thank you, Mr. Huo!!!" Lin Wanzhi bowed ninety degrees, turned around and jumped out of the office.