Xie Guanyan was, of course, unhappy.
This was supposed to be his private space with Shanshan.
But he could understand.
Shanshan was only eighteen, and her younger brothers were all older than her—it was only natural for them to worry about her.
This was familial love, something he had never experienced himself.
With a gentle smile, Xie Guanyan said, "Not at all. You’re always welcome here."
Shen Sizhan actually believed Xie Guanyan’s words—this "always welcome" nonsense.
But try as he might, he couldn’t detect even a trace of reluctance in Xie Guanyan’s expression.
For a moment, Shen Sizhan couldn’t tell whether Xie Guanyan was just an excellent actor or genuinely meant it.
He didn’t bother overthinking it. As long as his goal was achieved, that was enough.
With Shen Sizhan around, Lin Mo couldn’t sneak kisses from Xie Guanyan whenever she wanted.
On top of that, she was feeling a little sulky, so she didn’t even try to steal any kisses in secret.
Getting caught by Shen Sizhan would’ve been too awkward.
After her shower, Lin Mo lay in bed, unable to understand why Xie Guanyan didn’t seem to care about her.
This man was truly baffling.
When they were together, she could feel how much he adored her—his eyes were always on her.
But the moment they were apart, it was like he vanished from her senses entirely.
Her peach-blossom eyes narrowed thoughtfully. What if she stayed out all night?
Surely he wouldn’t remain indifferent then?
If he did, she was going to throw a fit!
Tomorrow, she’d visit Dr. You to refill her prescription, then spend the weekend traveling out of town with Zhao Ziling for a day.
Because of Shen Sizhan, Xie Guanyan had to suppress his urges to kiss and hold Lin Mo.
As the night deepened, the entire villa fell into silence.
Xie Guanyan slipped out of his room.
First, he listened at Shen Sizhan’s door—no sound. He must be asleep.
Only then did he tiptoe to Lin Mo’s room, carefully turning the doorknob.
The girl hadn’t closed the curtains, and the pale moonlight spilled into the room.
There, he could see the beautiful girl sprawled out—both arms and legs outside the blanket, which barely covered her navel.
It was autumn now. If she didn’t cover up properly, she’d catch a chill.
Barefoot, he padded inside, gently pulling the blanket over her.
He hadn’t kissed his darling all day.
Moving to the head of the bed, he bent down, pressing soft kisses to her forehead, the tip of her nose, and finally her lips.
Her peaceful sleeping face was serene and lovely.
Xie Guanyan couldn’t help but think of the pain she had endured for him, and guilt surged in his chest once more.
His eyes stung, wet with unshed tears, his voice trembling uncontrollably. "I’m sorry, Shanshan."
He owed her countless apologies.
Wiping the corner of his eye, he noticed she had kicked her foot out from under the blanket again.
That foot was smooth and fair, like fine warm jade.
His throat tightened as he approached, kneeling at the foot of the bed, pressing a reverent kiss to the top of her foot.
Under the silver moonlight, no one saw the devotion, obsession, or reverence in the beautiful man’s damp eyes.
The next morning, Lin Mo woke naturally.
Tomorrow, school would start again—today was her last day of freedom.
After freshening up and heading downstairs, she spotted two figures in the kitchen: a silver-haired young man and a man in a white shirt.
"What are you two doing?" Lin Mo poked her head in to ask.
Shen Sizhan, seeing his sister awake, quickly lifted his bowl of tomato and egg noodles. "Sis, eat the noodles I made!"
Lin Mo glanced at it—the presentation was tempting.
Xie Guanyan had been about to hand her a bowl of chicken wontons, but at Shen Sizhan’s words, he withdrew it.
Lin Mo immediately snatched it back. "I love this too. I can finish both."
The corner of Xie Guanyan’s lips curled imperceptibly.
Shen Sizhan pouted. "Sis, don’t overeat."
Both bowls were small, and Lin Mo polished them off effortlessly.
Shen Sizhan noticed Xie Guanyan’s bowl had been completely emptied, while half of his own noodles remained.
He shot Xie Guanyan a sidelong glare. "Hmph! Don’t get cocky. Next time, I’ll win!"
Xie Guanyan: "..."
After breakfast, Lin Mo invited Shen Sizhan out.
His grin stretched ear to ear.
Yes! His sister hadn’t asked Xie Guanyan to come along!
In the car, Shen Sizhan asked excitedly, "Sis, where are we going?"
Lin Mo gave him Dr. You’s address.
Only then did Shen Sizhan realize this was a doctor’s visit. "Sis, my heart aches for you!"
At the clinic, Shen Sizhan wasn’t allowed inside.
Lin Mo met with Dr. You alone.
"I’d like to refill the same prescription as last time."
Dr. You sniffed lightly, pulling up her previous records. "How have you been feeling this past week?"
Lin Mo blinked. "I can actually fall asleep on an eight-pack now, but I don’t get the chance every night. I’d still like to have the medicine on hand."
Dr. You studied her. "You don’t need it. Last time, I noticed a faint scent on you—today, it’s even clearer. I’m certain now."
Lin Mo sniffed herself. "What scent? I don’t smell anything."
Dr. You explained, "It’s an unreleased sleep aid fragrance. I’ve only encountered it in labs—the effects are remarkable. With this, why would you need medication?"
Lin Mo frowned. "I haven’t used any fragrances."
Dr. You shook his head. "Impossible. There must be one in your room. Check when you get back."
Lin Mo thought back—there was a diffuser on her nightstand.
She’d assumed it was just an ordinary one and never paid it any mind.
Dr. You continued, "This fragrance is highly effective for deep sleep. Once you’re under, you lose consciousness almost immediately and won’t wake easily. Because of that, it’s controversial—it’s never been officially released for sale."
