◎Annie Arrives◎
Little Le Jia didn’t get an answer from the system uncle. After he no longer needed to exchange points, the uncle disappeared again. Now, the secret of the system uncle was only known to him and his sister.
Just as he was feeling down, An'an surprised him with a rare moment of cleverness: "Will the uncle come out next time you exchange points?"
Little Le Jia’s eyes suddenly lit up—that’s right! The system uncle had said it would appear when needed.
But he had already posted a video today, and the uncle had warned before that they couldn’t post daily just to attract attention. So, at an age when he could barely hold back his tears, he restrained himself from spamming videos to lure the system uncle out.
Tomorrow. He would post tomorrow. He needed the system uncle every day, and then the uncle would surely appear.
"But can we really exchange for the uncle?" he hesitated.
"Big brother says, if you want to do something, you should do it," Little Sister Treasure patted his hand. "Let’s save up first—save a lot, enough to buy an uncle!"
They needed to exchange for a super big opportunity! A chance to get the uncle.
Little Sister Treasure was also very curious about that mysterious uncle. Unfortunately, she could only see him through her brother’s eyes. If only she could know what the uncle looked like.
The two little ones were suddenly filled with hope for the future. They decided to bring their small camera to kindergarten every day so they could record more and more videos.
They didn’t have to worry about hunger or cold anymore, and they had plenty of toys and affection. They were easily content.
Now, they weren’t obsessed with "work" either. Adults could handle adult jobs—kids had their own things to do, things even their uncle and aunt couldn’t manage. How cool was that? Right now, saving up points was their most important job.
They also needed to secretly learn numbers so they could count by themselves someday!
They would definitely impress the system uncle.
But while the two little ones had everything planned out, they hadn’t considered one thing—before they could exchange for the system uncle, their uncle and aunt might disappear first.
"I’ll only be gone for a few days. I’ll be back by the weekend," Le Qing told them before dropping them off at school. "And Auntie will make time to video call you every day, okay?"
Even with the time difference, she could set an alarm to show her face when the kids weren’t in school, just to reassure them.
The two little ones were still hesitant—until their uncle casually remarked, "If you don’t want us to go, you can come work with us instead."
Work?!
Was that something a normal uncle would say? Too cruel!
Without even needing Sister Wang’s help, the two kids swiftly grabbed their backpacks, stuffed in minimal snacks, and clutched their empty milk bottles, looking ready to bolt. "We’ll be good and go to school!"
Then, they added cautiously, "Auntie must call us, okay?"
"Okay," Le Qing smiled. "Then you have to listen to Aunt Wang too. Great-grandfather will visit when he has time."
"Got it!"
After safely delivering the kids to school, the teachers—who remembered them well as little internet celebrities—even allowed them to film videos. One teacher teased, "No work today?"
The little ones panicked and dashed into the school, terrified their uncle would chase them down and drag them off to "work."
"Bye, Auntie! Bye, Uncle!"
Le Qing chuckled, watching them for a moment—until the two suddenly came sprinting back, wrapping around her legs. "Auntie must come back!"
"Okay," she said softly, touched. "I’ll definitely come back."
Little Le Jia pursed his lips, then looked at his uncle. "Uncle, can we touch fingers today?"
Jiang Suizhi raised a brow silently and lifted his hand. "You can hold on longer. I’ll transfer lots and lots of energy so you can be brave until Auntie and I return."
The two kids carefully pressed their tiny fingers against his, as if energy could really pass between them.
"Uncle has to come back too," Little Le Jia looked up. "And eat properly."
He’d promised the system uncle he’d keep an eye on his uncle.
"Okay."
"And also~" Little Sister Treasure hooked her uncle’s finger, serious. "Uncle has to be safe."
Her brother corrected, "No, it’s called ‘stay safe.’"
"Right, right!"
Jiang Suizhi froze. In all these years, only one person had ever told him—"safe travels."
Could language habits be hereditary?
"Mm," he curled his fingers around theirs. "I’ll come back safe."
This time, the kids left, glancing back every few steps.
Only when they were completely out of sight did Le Qing finally relax. She’d been afraid they’d turn back with teary eyes—if that happened, she wouldn’t have been able to leave calmly. It might’ve even affected her work mood these next few days.
This was a good outcome, all thanks to Jiang Suizhi’s "devilish child training."
Not just the kids—even the thought of being away from them for so long made Le Qing’s heart ache with unease.
She pressed a hand to her chest. Probably just nerves or lack of sleep.
"Sister Wang, I’ll have to trouble you with taking care of them these days," Le Qing said. Since she was heading straight to the airport, she’d brought her luggage along and wouldn’t be returning home. "Whether it’s groceries or anything else, make sure they’re always in your sight. The bodyguards will be nearby too."
Pausing, she added, "The weather’s warming up, but don’t turn off the AC too soon—late cold snaps can still cause colds. With the time difference, I might not always be available, but I’ll check the health reports you send daily..."
She laughed at herself. "You’re more professional than me anyway. Thank you for your hard work."
Sister Wang understood how hard it was for parents to be away from their kids. "Don’t worry. Hearing it again helps me double-check too. Take care of yourself out there—some people struggle with jet lag and lose their appetite. I packed some homemade snacks in your luggage in case you miss home cooking."
The exchange felt like it was her own child going on a trip.
Le Qing was deeply moved. "Thank you."
She’d always had thin familial ties and thought her life would be dull and uneventful. Yet now, she found warmth she’d never dared hope for—from one stranger after another.
Even in this unfamiliar world with unfamiliar people, Le Qing was willing to stay and become the "Le Qing" of this story.
"Oh," Sister Wang suddenly remembered something, her eyes softening with pity. "Don’t be too hard on yourself. After you packed, there’s barely anything left in the house that’s yours. Such a long flight for work, and you didn’t even book first class? Economy is exhausting."
Even as a nanny, when she’d traveled abroad with employers before, they’d never made her fly economy.
And this was such a far-off destination. Miss Le Qing really didn’t know how to pamper herself—even though she wasn’t short on money.
Originally, Sister Wang had planned to help pack her luggage, thinking that a model going abroad for a week-long work trip would need several suitcases for clothes and various small items. To her surprise, Miss Le Qing’s personal belongings barely filled one suitcase.
After packing her things, the guest room suddenly seemed almost empty, save for a few picture books and toys left behind by the two children—remnants of their earlier insistence on sleeping with their aunt.
Sister Wang felt a pang in her heart. This was Le Qing’s own home, yet she lived like a temporary guest, leaving barely a trace behind once her luggage was packed.
From the bottom of her heart, Sister Wang respected and adored her employer. Le Qing had a gentle temperament, treating everyone with warmth and courtesy, never putting on airs or showing favoritism. She always lent a hand in daily tasks, as if genuinely regarding Sister Wang as family.
Despite her youth, Le Qing was so mature it almost hurt to watch. Unlike the two little ones, who had learned to throw tantrums and cry for attention, Le Qing never did.
"Alright," Le Qing patted Sister Wang’s shoulder, sensing she was on the verge of tears. "Why does it feel like I’m never coming back? I still have to pay your salary, you know. Take this chance to relax while the kids are at school."
She joked, "You might not get another opportunity like this."
Sister Wang laughed. "I’ll probably be bored out of my mind once you’re all gone."
"Not necessarily," Le Qing handed her a phone. "This is another nanny arranged by President Jiang. She’ll assist you and also handle video editing for the kids. Please communicate with her when she arrives."
"Got it."
Once everything was settled, Le Qing and Jiang Suizhi headed to the airport by car. She had only learned the day before that Jiang Suizhi was also traveling for work—to the same country, though a different city several hours away.
"What time’s your flight?" Le Qing asked.
"Twelve."
Le Qing blinked in surprise. "Mine too."
"Aren’t you going to ask which flight?" Jiang Suizhi chuckled.
Recognizing the teasing glint in his eyes, Le Qing arched a brow. "Then it’s probably not the same one."
He didn’t play along. "Actually, it is."
They exchanged a glance and burst into laughter. Le Qing wondered why he’d added this detour to his itinerary—those extra hours on the road could’ve been a breather. "Won’t it be more troublesome to head to your work destination after landing?"
"Not at all."
Seeing his nonchalance, Le Qing didn’t press further.
But when they reached the airport for check-in, Secretary Chen suddenly appeared.
Le Qing: "?"
Secretary Chen smoothly explained, "President Jiang asked me to assist with your cabin upgrade."
"What?" Le Qing waved her hands. "No need."
"I dare not refuse President Jiang’s orders," Secretary Chen said inwardly, grateful for his boss’s foresight. If Jiang Suizhi had asked directly, Le Qing would’ve argued endlessly.
"It’ll come out of my salary," he added pitifully.
"Then I’ll transfer the money to you."
Secretary Chen feigned solemnity. "Miss Le Qing, if I accept your money, it won’t just be a salary cut—I’ll be filing for unemployment benefits."
Le Qing: "..."
Typical Jiang Suizhi.
No wonder he’d slipped away to the VIP lounge—he’d set this up in advance.
Remembering his words in his office about learning to treat herself better, Le Qing relented. She’d find a way to repay him later, maybe with a meal or a gift.
"President Jiang also asked one more thing," Secretary Chen scratched his eyelid. "Which hotel are you staying at?"
Secretary Chen felt his status rising. As Jiang Suizhi’s secretary, their relationship had always been strictly professional—unlike the dramatic dynamics between other CEOs and their secretaries.
He’d never had the chance to say things like, "I haven’t seen President Jiang smile like this in years," or "You’re the first woman he’s ever brought into his private lounge."
It made networking with other secretaries downright embarrassing!
But now, he’d leveled up!
Handling personal matters for the boss? Thank goodness Young Master Lin had been transferred abroad!
Finally, he could join the gossip circles. After all, their President Jiang had not only brought a woman into the company for the first time but also rerouted his flight just to accompany her—even inquiring about her hotel.
So much for the aloof, germaphobic CEO stereotype.
This time, Le Qing didn’t need Secretary Chen to spell it out. "Don’t worry, I’m not staying somewhere shabby. The photographers I’m collaborating with will pick me up, and we’re at the same hotel."
Oof. Strike one for the boss.
Secretary Chen mourned silently for Jiang Suizhi. "Understood."
In the VIP lounge, Le Qing spotted Jiang Suizhi stirring his coffee—cream and sugar cubes neatly placed beside his cup.
Noticing her gaze, he smiled and slid another cup toward her.
Milk. Warm.
Clearly fetched just for her.
Le Qing took a sip. "You get coffee, and I get milk?"
"I have documents to review," Jiang Suizhi said. "You should rest. It’s a ten-hour flight."
Once, Le Qing had believed herself invincible. Now, she realized how much more considerate others could be. She wanted to decline politely but couldn’t bring herself to refuse his kindness. "Thank you," she murmured.
For the ticket. For the milk.
Then, unexpectedly, he looked up. "This isn’t free, though."
"Hmm?"
Jiang Suizhi shot a glance at Secretary Chen, who was shamelessly eavesdropping. The secretary stiffened and pretended to study the ceiling.
What couldn’t be said in front of others?
"With the kids away, the desensitization process will slow down," Jiang Suizhi said, still stirring his coffee—whether to blend the cream or dissolve the sugar was unclear. "Before I leave, I might need your help."
Le Qing paused.
"I thought you’d improved."
Earlier, he’d even high-fived the kids without much reaction. She’d assumed they could take bigger steps soon.
"True," Jiang Suizhi nodded. "But being in a foreign country… it’s less secure."
Le Qing: "..."
She eyed him skeptically.
Him? Lacking security? Who did?
Yet his expression remained composed, even gentlemanly as he asked, "Would you mind?"
"Not at all," Le Qing replied without hesitation. "But how can I help?"
The moment the words left her mouth, the stirring stopped. Jiang Suizhi raised his right hand, fingers slightly curled—just as he did with the children—extending his slender fingertips in invitation.
"Touch," he said.
The first two times she touched his hand were out of necessity, but this was the first time they faced each other in such a calm setting.
Le Qing suddenly felt a little uneasy, as if someone had foretold what was about to happen.
Yet it was just a simple act—like two children sharing a bit of "energy"—so why did it feel so awkward?
"Just a touch is enough?" she asked.
The corners of Jiang Suizhi's lips lifted slightly, as if encouraging her. "Maybe?"
She had already drunk the milk he gave her, and her flight had been rescheduled. By all accounts, she shouldn’t refuse.
Le Qing reluctantly reached out and lightly brushed her fingers against his, but just as she was about to pull back, his index finger hooked around hers. Her eyelashes fluttered faintly.
"A little longer," Jiang Suizhi said. "I’ll be gone for three days."
Meaning he wouldn’t have any way to ease his discomfort during that time. Le Qing hesitated but ultimately didn’t withdraw her hand.
Passersby couldn’t help but glance at the strikingly attractive pair.
What were they doing? Some new dating trend?
The more attention they drew, the more self-conscious Le Qing became. She lowered her gaze, trying to ignore it all.
But the more she tried, the more acutely she felt the touch of his fingers, making the moment stretch unbearably. Just as she began to wonder if she was developing some kind of condition herself, the gentle pressure against her fingers vanished.
She looked up abruptly. "Done?"
Jiang Suizhi’s gaze drifted from her flushed ears as he chuckled softly. "No, but we can’t continue."
"Huh?" Le Qing didn’t understand.
"Never mind." He picked up his coffee and drained it in one go.
To dispel the lingering awkwardness, Le Qing changed the subject. "So now you add milk and sugar yourself?"
"Mm." His eyes crinkled with amusement, fingers tapping lightly against the cup. "Like I said, I’ve gotten used to it."
Le Qing couldn’t resist teasing. "Your habits change so easily."
"They do." He raised a brow, his voice softening. "I didn’t expect it either."
To sleep better on the plane, Le Qing ate lightly in the lounge. Perhaps because of the warm milk, she ended up sleeping soundly through the entire flight.
Meanwhile, Jiang Suizhi, who had drunk coffee, felt as if the caffeine had backfired—his entire body thrummed with the urge to touch her again. Despite the quiet around him, he could almost hear her breathing.
He lifted his fingers to his nose, inhaling faintly, as if catching a trace of sweetness.
This wasn’t desensitization. It was a slow erosion of his self-control, one he welcomed with unsettling ease.
Things had only gotten worse.
By the time they landed in London, it was already afternoon. Instead of heading straight to the neighboring city for his own commitments, Jiang Suizhi leisurely followed Le Qing’s car to her hotel.
"See?" Le Qing said helplessly. "I wasn’t lying. The place is perfectly fine."
She meant it as a light jab, but Jiang Suizhi remained unfazed, even turning it back on her. "If it weren’t for someone else, would you have booked here?"
Le Qing faltered.
She wouldn’t have.
But Jiang Suizhi didn’t press further. His schedule was tight—he still had a video conference back in China—so after confirming her safe arrival, he prepared to leave without even stepping into the hotel.
Le Qing lingered at the entrance, waiting for his car to depart before checking in.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Suizhi paused in front of her, leaning down slightly.
His usually intense gaze was laid bare, yet softened by something she’d never seen in him before.
"Le Qing," he called.
"Yeah?"
"I’m getting used to coffee with milk." His lips curved. "Have you gotten used to treating yourself better?"
Le Qing blinked, caught off guard.
But he straightened before she could respond. "Go on inside."
He adjusted his wristwatch, smirking. "Or should I escort you up?"
Le Qing turned and walked away without another word.
Behind her, she heard a quiet laugh.
"See you in a few days."
She waved over her shoulder but didn’t look back.
It was strange.
But she couldn’t pinpoint why. Everything felt natural, as if it were meant to unfold this way.
After checking in and settling her luggage, Le Qing headed out to find food. She’d slept through most of the flight and hadn’t eaten much, leaving her stomach empty.
With the children back home likely asleep, she pulled out her phone to watch some saved videos.
She barely noticed when the elevator doors opened—until a painfully accented voice called, "Le Qing!"
The familiar tone made her look up instantly. Outside stood a group of familiar faces.
Her eyes brightened with unconscious delight. "Sister Lvy?"
Xuxu broke free from his mother’s grip and barreled into Le Qing’s arms, nuzzling her excitedly. "Auntie! Xuxu missed you so much!"
"I missed you too." Le Qing took his hand and stepped out to avoid blocking the elevator. "What are you all doing here?"
"I should be asking you that!" Sister Lvy scolded playfully. "You came to London without telling me? Planning to sneak in and out?"
"No!" Le Qing hurried to explain. "I’m here for work. I was going to visit you after wrapping things up."
She’d known Sister Lvy was in London, but her schedule was packed with back-to-back shoots, leaving no free time. She’d intended to buy gifts first before reaching out, not wanting Sister Lvy to fuss over her.
"Work is work, life is life. You’re not working 24/7. When did you arrive?"
"Just now."
"And where are you headed?"
"To grab some food."
"Perfect!" Chelles elbowed his companion, grinning. "We’ve booked the rooftop restaurant today. Join us—eat whatever you like."
Le Qing hesitated. "Will there be many people?"
If it was just Sister Lvy and a few acquaintances, fine. But a crowd would make her feel out of place.
Sister Lvy shook her head. "Only us. Annie dislikes too many outsiders."
"Annie?"
"Remember her?" Sister Lvy said. "Today’s her birthday. She’s been sick for years and hasn’t celebrated in ages, so we’re gathering for a quiet meal."
Though Le Qing didn’t know Annie well, the other woman had expressed interest in befriending her twice before, sparking her curiosity.
Le Qing didn’t want to arrive empty-handed. "Let me get a gift first."
"No need! You’re the gift she’s been asking for." Sister Lvy nudged her back into the elevator as it arrived. "Besides, she’s never liked birthdays—hates them, actually. Her family doesn’t throw parties, and as friends, we’re just having dinner. No cake, no presents."
Le Qing was jostled into the elevator by a crowd of people, barely catching the tail end of the conversation: "Huh?"
Sister Lvy raised her voice and repeated, "I said Annie doesn’t like receiving gifts from others!"
No sooner had the words left her mouth than the elevator doors, which hadn’t fully closed, slowly slid open again.
For a moment, complete silence fell over everyone inside.
Thanks to her model height, Le Qing, standing in the corner, only needed to tilt her head slightly to see the person waiting outside.
The woman before her was even more striking than she’d appeared in videos—tall, with pale skin and sleek black hair half-tied up, the rest cascading over her shoulders. Her blunt bangs framed her face, accentuating her sharp, elegant features. Today, she wore retro brown sunglasses, a cropped leather jacket, and a long black skirt—an unusual combination that somehow worked effortlessly on her, exuding an air of cool confidence. Even the white cane in her hand looked like an artful accessory.
Sister Lvy, who had been brushing up on her Chinese for her son, cleared her throat and whispered, "There’s a saying in China, something about grass and grass…"
Le Qing quietly supplied, "Speak of the devil."
The moment she spoke, the woman outside the elevator seemed to pinpoint her location, turning her head unerringly in Le Qing’s direction.
Le Qing immediately clamped her mouth shut.
Even though she knew Annie couldn’t see her, she could feel Annie’s gaze—and it made her inexplicably nervous.
After a few seconds, Annie, still standing at the elevator entrance, curved her lips and spoke in halting Chinese: "Le Qing?"
"You could tell it was her?" Chelles exclaimed. "Of course, genius. Come on in, let’s go up together."
Everyone instinctively made space, holding the door open as Annie stepped inside with effortless poise.
She stopped right in front of Le Qing, who was pressed against the back wall.
Even as a model, Le Qing wasn’t short, but Annie seemed just a little taller—maybe because of her hairstyle? Or the boots.
Too intimidated to meet her eyes, Le Qing found herself staring at Annie’s shoes instead.
Then Annie spoke again, her voice cool and slightly raspy, yet languid: "What were you saying about me?"
Sister Lvy glanced up at the ceiling. "Nothing much."
Annie wasn’t fooled. Even without sight, she knew exactly what expression Lvy was wearing. Her tone turned lazy as she asked, "Who’s trying to give me a gift?"
This time, the others didn’t hesitate to throw Le Qing under the bus: "Le Qing!"
Feeling utterly betrayed, Le Qing’s eyes widened. "?!!!"
Fine, no gift—but why expose her like this?!
This woman’s aura was terrifying!
Pressed against the elevator wall, Le Qing mustered a stiff nod before belatedly realizing Annie couldn’t see it. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, the woman in front of her turned around.
Through the tinted lenses of her sunglasses, Le Qing caught a faint glimpse of her eyes—hazy yet mysteriously intense.
How did she know exactly where Le Qing was standing? Could she really recognize people by sound alone?
"You want to give me a gift?" Annie asked.
Le Qing swallowed her words, scrambling to find a way to smooth things over without mentioning Annie’s well-known dislike for birthdays.
The others were all shooting her frantic looks, urging her to play it smart.
Le Qing: "..."
Just as she was racking her brain for a response, Annie suddenly chuckled, her gaze—or the illusion of it—lingering on her as she murmured, "Who said I don’t accept them?"
