I feel right at home in the world of the courtyard house.

As dawn broke, Old Wu, clutching a heavy blue cloth bag, stood guard at Li Jing'an's door, looking as tense as if he were carrying a matter of utmost importance.

As soon as the courtyard gate opened, he immediately hunched over and approached, a cautious smile plastered on his face, his hands and feet trembling slightly. Once inside, he slowly placed the cloth bag on the table, peeling back the layers of old newspapers to reveal two items inside—a neatly rolled-up calligraphy and painting, and a lustrous blue-and-white porcelain plate.

"Director Li, look... This is Zheng Banqiao's bamboo and rock painting, passed down in my family. This is just a Xuande blue and white porcelain plate. They are both genuine and fine pieces."

When Lao Wu spoke, his brows were furrowed, and his face showed the pain of having his flesh cut off, yet he tried to remain calm.

Li Jing'an remained seated, not even rising, merely glancing at the item before asking calmly, "Is it true? Is it high-end enough for the leaders to be proud of?"

"Enough! Absolutely enough!" Old Wu nodded hurriedly, his voice rising several decibels. "I guarantee with my life that these two items are top-quality goods; most people wouldn't even dream of seeing them!"

Li Jing'an nodded slightly, his tone still nonchalant: "Anyway, I'm doing this for you. If the product is subpar, the boss won't like it, and in the end, it'll be your grandson Xiao Wu who can't cover it up. Think about the consequences yourself."

These words pierced Old Wu's heart like a needle. He quickly bowed and made promises, afraid that Li Jing'an might not take it seriously at all. After hesitating for a long time, he still asked nervously, "Director Li, then... then when will you deliver it to the leader?"

Li Jing'an glanced at him sideways, his tone tinged with impatience: "What's the rush? I'll make a trip after the boss gets off work. Just go home and wait for news, don't come over every day and cause trouble."

Old Wu was filled with anxiety and couldn't suppress his unease any longer. He asked in a low voice, "Then... then will Xiao Wu's matter be settled this time?"

"How would I know?" Li Jing'an's face darkened, and his tone immediately turned cold. "Who can say for sure before things are settled? I'm not the leader; I can't make the decision."

He saw right through Old Wu's reluctance and hesitation, and deliberately spoke slowly: "If you really feel bad about it, take the things back now. I'm not after your things, nor do I want anything from you. Don't blame me if things don't turn out well in the end."

Old Wu turned pale with fright and quickly waved his hands in apology: "Director Li, I didn't mean that! I absolutely didn't! Please don't take it to heart! As long as this matter can be accomplished, I will definitely not let you work for nothing. I will listen to whatever you say from now on!"

Li Jing'an gave a perfunctory "hmm" and waved for him to leave.

Watching Old Wu's hasty departure, Li Jing'an's lips curled into a cold smile. He casually put the painting and blue-and-white porcelain plate into the cabinet, his face regaining its usual composure. After quickly tidying his clothes, he locked the door and went to the park for his appointment.

Bai Ting had been waiting at the agreed-upon place for a while. Her long hair was simply tied up, and standing in the morning light, her features were delicate, her skin fair, and she exuded an air of innocent purity and tenderness. Upon seeing Li Jing'an, she immediately stopped, her eyes filled with a hint of panic, yet also concealing a barely perceptible expectation.

"How long have you been here? Have you been waiting long?" Li Jing'an stepped forward, his tone gentle and natural, like that of an old friend. A few words of concern instantly closed the distance between them.

The two walked slowly along the lakeside path, and tacitly, neither of them mentioned Xiao Wu.

Li Jing'an spoke first, his tone frank: "I'm twenty-nine this year. I've been in the army for most of the year, which delayed my marriage, and I'm still not married. I work at a steel rolling mill now, and I'm a small manager. I'm doing alright."

He paused, his gaze falling on Bai Ting's face, direct and solemn without any beating around the bush:

"Bai Ting, I won't beat around the bush. I fell in love with you at first sight, and I truly want to be in a relationship with you."

Bai Ting's cheeks flushed red instantly, her heart raced, and her head drooped so low it almost buried itself in her chest.

Far from feeling any resistance, she felt an overwhelming surge of joy. Li Jing'an was a few years older than her, but tall and upright, with a handsome face and a composed demeanor—clearly a capable cadre. Compared to Xiao Wu, whom she had only met a few times and who was taciturn and reserved, he was worlds apart. At this moment, Xiao Wu had long been forgotten in her mind.

Her voice was soft and barely audible, yet clear and distinct: "I...I do."

Looking at her shy and obedient appearance, Li Jing'an already understood—this seemingly clean little white flower had already settled steadily in his palm.

The two walked to a secluded shady spot, where there was hardly anyone around. Li Jing'an suddenly stopped, and before Bai Ting could react, he reached out and firmly held her slender waist, gently pulling her into his arms.

Bai Ting was so surprised that she was about to gasp when her lips were firmly sealed by him.

His strength was steady and forceful, leaving her no way to dodge. Bai Ting felt a buzzing in her mind, her body went blank, and she instinctively closed her eyes, letting him take the lead. As the long kiss landed, she felt it was difficult to breathe, as if she were floating on a cloud, unable to muster any strength.

After a long while, Li Jing'an finally released her.

Bai Ting's cheeks were flushed, her eyes were glazed, her breathing was slightly rapid, and her chest rose and fell gently.

Looking at her like this, Li Jing'an said in a low, husky voice, "You're so beautiful, I couldn't resist."

Bai Ting lowered her head, feeling both flustered and sweet inside. The feeling of being enveloped by such a powerful force was unfamiliar and nerve-wracking, yet it also brought a sense of reassurance that made her heart flutter.

Li Jing'an naturally took her hand, his palm warm and strong. Bai Ting trembled slightly, but did not pull away, letting him hold her hand, following him like an obedient little wife.

The two found a clean little restaurant to eat at.

All noon, Bai Ting felt dizzy and her eyes kept drifting towards Li Jing'an, a faint blush always on her face. Li Jing'an carefully served her food, urging her to eat more, his every move exuding the thoughtfulness of a mature man, making Bai Ting feel increasingly at ease.

After finishing her meal, Bai Ting was still recovering from the excitement she had just experienced.

Looking at her gentle and obedient demeanor, Li Jing'an said softly, "I don't have anything to do this afternoon, why don't you come to my place and let me show you where I live?"

Bai Ting's heart tightened, and she instinctively wanted to refuse. It was always inappropriate for a young woman to go to a man's house so abruptly.

But Li Jing'an stared intently at her, his tone casually serious: "What, you don't want to get along with me, and you're wary of me?"

Bai Ting panicked, afraid that her hesitation would cause Li Jing'an to misunderstand, and even more afraid of disappointing him. She bit her lip, and finally nodded gently.

A barely perceptible smile flickered across Li Jing'an's lips.

Back in the courtyard, Li Jing'an first showed her around the main house, gave her a brief introduction, and then said that the house was cool and shady. He then led her into the inner room of the east wing and had her sit down on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed).

"I'll go to the outer room to add some coal and make the stove burn brighter, then the room will be warm."

He turned and left.

In the small room, Bai Ting was suddenly left alone. She was so nervous that her palms were sweating, her hands were tightly gripping the hem of her clothes, her heart was pounding, and even her breathing became cautious.

A short while later, Li Jing'an walked in and closed the door to the inner room behind him.

He didn't say anything, but simply sat down quietly next to Bai Ting.

The room was quiet, with only the soft breathing of the two people.

Bai Ting was so nervous that she didn't move and didn't even dare to look up.

The next second, Li Jing'an suddenly reached out and pulled her into his arms.

Bai Ting gasped softly in surprise, but her mouth was once again firmly sealed by his lips. Her delicate gasp was blocked in her throat, leaving only a weak sob. Her body trembled slightly, and she instinctively tried to struggle, but in his arms, she had no strength at all. She could only let him hold her tightly, completely sinking into his strength and tenderness.

Soon after, Bai Ting's panicked voice came from inside the room.

Ah, Brother Jing'an, please don't do this.

What's wrong? Don't you want to be my girlfriend anymore?

No, don't do that, I'm scared.

What are you afraid of? If you say you don't want to be with me, I'll let you go immediately. Tell me if you want to be with me or not.

miss you

Then you should listen to me.

...A rustling sound.

Ah, Brother Jing'an, no, I can't.

This wall doesn't block out sound; the neighbors can hear everything.

A series of suppressed groans came from time to time, mixed with faint sobs of pain.