The words "our home" stirred something in Ning Yuxuan's heart.
She pressed her lips together lightly and didn’t respond.
She wasn’t sure if she could truly accept living together with Xie Zhiyan.
To her, it still felt too soon.
Yet when she searched her feelings, she realized she wasn’t entirely opposed to the idea of sharing a life with this man in the future.
Unable to make sense of her own thoughts, Ning Yuxuan decided to stop overanalyzing for now.
The apartment was fully furnished, with basic pieces like a dining table and sofa already in place.
But given its spacious layout and untouched state as a new home, even with the essentials, it still felt somewhat empty.
Unlike Ning Yuxuan’s own place, where the living room was filled with all sorts of knickknacks, every room adorned with decorative items and quirky furniture.
Ever since her mother moved her and Ning Shiyue to Beicheng, their home had always carried this aesthetic.
It was likely because Ning Yuxuan loved collecting things—whenever she spotted something pretty or novel, she’d buy it and display it at home, and her mother had always indulged her.
As a result, not just her own room but every corner of the house was filled with her finds.
Ning Shiyue scoffed at this habit; his bedroom was minimalist, with only the bare necessities and hardly any decorations.
But Ning Yuxuan believed a home should feel lived-in and cozy, and she’d often teased Ning Shiyue that his room looked like a hotel—completely devoid of warmth.
Just like this apartment now, where the empty balcony seemed to lack something.
A single lounge chair was far from enough.
Ning Yuxuan paced around the balcony before stopping at the left corner.
“We could put a plant stand here,” she mused aloud. “A few succulents would add some color without blocking the view.”
Xie Zhiyan gave a quiet “Mm” in response.
Ning Yuxuan blinked. “Does that ‘Mm’ mean you don’t mind, or that you’ll remember it for me?”
Xie Zhiyan smiled faintly. “Both.”
Ning Yuxuan huffed. “I’ve barely started. Besides this balcony, there are plenty of other spots where I want to add things.”
And knowing herself, she might blurt out ideas only to forget them later.
So what she really meant was: Are you sure you can keep up?
Xie Zhiyan, however, simply remarked, “Good. You’ve got the presence of a proper lady of the house.”
Ning Yuxuan: “…”
“And what about you, the master of the house?” she shot back. “Don’t you have any preferences for the furniture? Speaking of which, I’ve only been to the old house where Auntie Zheng lives. I’ve never seen where you usually stay.”
She wondered what Xie Zhiyan’s home looked like.
Probably just like him—cool, distant, and dominated by monochrome tones.
Xie Zhiyan watched her with amusement. “It’s not far. If you’d like, I can take you there today.”
Ning Yuxuan gave him a sidelong glance.
Reading the wariness in her eyes, Xie Zhiyan added smoothly, “This place isn’t fully set up yet, but it has all the essentials and has already been cleaned.”
Meaning if he wanted to do anything, he wouldn’t need to take her back to his other home.
Heat crept up Ning Yuxuan’s cheeks, and she turned her gaze out the window. “I’ll take you up on that offer another time.”
Done with the balcony, she returned to the living room.
“I want a big rug here,” she declared. “And over here, maybe a swing? I’ve always wanted one in the yard, but it never happened for one reason or another…”
She circled the room, brainstorming aloud.
“Here,” she paused. “This spot would be perfect for my teddy bear. Oh, and I have a cat-shaped coffee table—that could go here too.”
She mapped out the space without hesitation, as if she already owned it.
Almost forgetting there was someone else in the room.
Xie Zhiyan observed Ning Yuxuan silently.
She might not have realized it herself, but her eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation for the future they might share.
Unconsciously, the corners of his lips curved into a faint smile.
Ning Yuxuan was still deliberating over the coffee table’s placement.
“But it might also work here,” she mused, eyeing the space beside the sofa. “It’d match the wallpaper. We could put a vase on it and have my mom help pick some flowers.”
The dilemma must have been too much, because she finally remembered Xie Zhiyan’s presence.
She turned to him. “What do you think? You’ve seen the cat-shaped table in my study, right? I want to get a similar one. Should it go here by the sofa or where I mentioned earlier?”
Xie Zhiyan glanced between the two spots.
“By the sofa,” he said.
Ning Yuxuan looked puzzled and pointed in the direction they had just been discussing. "Why? Do you think that spot over there isn’t good?"
Xie Zhiyan replied calmly, "Placing it there would block your swing."
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
She burst into laughter.
He remembered it so clearly—she had almost forgotten she’d initially planned to set up a swing in that spot.
"Alright," Ning Yuxuan said. "Then let’s put the coffee table here."
Truthfully, she hadn’t intended to finalize all the furniture arrangements in one go. She was simply enjoying the process of imagining the possibilities.
After surveying the living room, Ning Yuxuan moved on to the other rooms.
The bathroom had been repeatedly checked by Xie Zhiyan’s team beforehand, and everything was arranged according to her preferences.
As for the kitchen, she doubted she’d use it much, so she had no special requests.
Beyond that, she had insisted on having her own study to handle work matters comfortably.
The final stop was the bedroom.
Ning Yuxuan stepped into the master bedroom and took in the plush, spacious bed and the wide, empty wardrobe.
Though the wardrobe was large, it stood bare for now.
She was pleased—between this and the walk-in closet she’d seen earlier, there would be more than enough space for all her belongings.
After wandering around and chattering nonstop about where to place each piece of furniture, she suddenly felt parched and in need of a break.
Ning Yuxuan paused and shot Xie Zhiyan a meaningful glance.
Xie Zhiyan chuckled. "Tired? Or thirsty?"
"Thirsty," she admitted.
"What would you like to drink?"
She thought for a second. "Do you have ice water? Plain or flavored—anything cold."
"You can have something icy?"
"Why wouldn’t I?"
Xie Zhiyan nodded. "Liu Cheng mentioned he stocked some food and drinks earlier. Let me check the fridge."
As he stepped out to fetch the water, Ning Yuxuan patted the mattress and sat down to wait.
It took her a moment to process the implication behind Xie Zhiyan’s earlier question—
Had he been asking if she was on her period?
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
Recalling his expression, it had been perfectly neutral, as if the question held no deeper meaning.
She convinced herself she was overthinking it.
Maybe he really had just asked casually.
Xie Zhiyan returned with two bottles. "Water and lemon tea, both chilled. Which would you prefer?"
"Lemon tea," she decided.
He twisted the cap off before handing it to her.
Ning Yuxuan took it and gulped down several large swallows.
After talking so much, her throat was dry, and the cold drink was exactly what she needed.
Once she’d finished, she set the bottle on the nightstand and glanced at Xie Zhiyan.
Earlier, as she’d moved through the house, chattering away, she hadn’t given it much thought.
But now, with the sudden quiet and just the two of them alone in the bedroom, an inexplicable tension crept in.
That same feeling from the elevator returned.
Ning Yuxuan looked at Xie Zhiyan, hoping he’d say something.
The man merely raised a brow, watching her with amused patience.
He didn’t seem the least bit flustered.
Left with no choice, Ning Yuxuan broke the silence herself. "I really like this place."
Xie Zhiyan’s tone was warm. "Mm, I can tell. You’ve already mentally filled every corner of the living room."
She shot him a glare. "I was just brainstorming. Doesn’t mean everything will go exactly as I said."
"Then take your time," he said. "What do you plan for the bedroom?"
Ning Yuxuan deliberately countered him. "I’m too tired to think about it now."
"Want to take a nap, then?"
She gave him a look. "No way. Who knows what you might do while I’m asleep?"
Xie Zhiyan laughed at her wary expression.
"You’re that worried about me making a move?" he asked. "Then why did you agree to come here with me in the first place? Or stay alone with me in this room now?"
Ning Yuxuan had no retort.
Xie Zhiyan didn’t press further and smoothly changed the subject. "There’s a new dessert shop nearby—I think you’d like it. We could go after you’ve rested."
Her interest was immediately piqued. "Is it that famous chain from Hong Kong?"
She vaguely remembered seeing posts about it online—a well-known Hong Kong dessert brand opening its first branch in Beicheng, right in this neighborhood. She’d been meaning to try it.
Xie Zhiyan smiled. "Yes. It’s just a seven or eight-minute walk from here."
Excitement flickered in her eyes. "Perfect, let’s go later. I heard their egg tarts are incredible—totally different from anywhere else in Beicheng."
"Rest for a bit," he said, "and then we’ll head over."
Ning Yuxuan glanced out the window.
She was already feeling a bit impatient, but the sun outside was scorching at the moment, so it made sense to rest for half an hour, enjoy the air conditioning, and then head out.
Ning Yuxuan pinched the bedsheet and blanket.
It was obvious that the place had been thoroughly cleaned before their arrival.
The bedding looked brand new, likely washed just a couple of days ago, carrying a faint scent of laundry fragrance.
It seemed all she had to do was change into her pajamas, and she could sleep right there.
But of course, Ning Yuxuan had no intention of going to bed just yet.
She hadn’t brought a nightgown, and with Xie Zhiyan beside her, she felt uneasy.
Ning Yuxuan said, "Let’s just rest in the living room."
With that, she walked out of the bedroom and settled onto the sofa in the living room.
Xie Zhiyan followed her. "While you were arranging how the coffee table should be placed earlier, the online signing procedures were already completed."
Ning Yuxuan: "...That fast?"
It felt almost unreal, as if they hadn’t just bought a house but casually picked up a cabbage at the market.
Then again, buying a property was probably a trivial matter for Xie Zhiyan.
Besides, before coming here, Ning Yuxuan had done thorough research, reviewing detailed information and panoramic photos of the place.
So she was genuinely satisfied—the decision had been quick but not rushed.
After a moment’s thought, she said, "I’ll just rest for a little while, no more than half an hour, and then we’ll go for dessert."
"Is there a blanket?" she asked Xie Zhiyan.
The air conditioning had started to cool the room, making it slightly chilly, and she wanted to cover her exposed calves.
Xie Zhiyan replied, "I’ll look for one."
Ning Yuxuan nodded.
She adjusted the throw pillows on the sofa, arranging them comfortably before settling into a relaxed position.
Xie Zhiyan returned with a blanket.
Ning Yuxuan draped it over her legs, preparing to take a short nap.
Before she could close her eyes, the light in the room suddenly dimmed.
She turned her head and saw that Xie Zhiyan had used the remote to close the automatic curtains on the balcony.
The living room had been brightly lit before, but now it was significantly darker, the atmosphere shifting subtly.
Her heart skipped a beat. "Why did you close the curtains?"
Xie Zhiyan answered, "Didn’t you want to nap? A darker room is better for resting."
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
That was true, but still…
With the curtains fully drawn and the two of them alone in an unfamiliar space, her discomfort grew more pronounced.
Ning Yuxuan tried to ignore the faint unease in her chest and forced herself to close her eyes.
But the moment she did, she felt restless all over.
She opened her eyes again and silently glanced at the man seated on the other side of the sofa.
Xie Zhiyan had likely been working all morning and only made time in the afternoon to accompany her to view the house. He must have been tired too.
He leaned back casually, long legs crossed, exuding a lazy ease.
His eyes were closed, as if he were resting—not looking at her.
Objectively speaking, it was a pleasing sight.
With the curtains closed, his profile resembled a perfect silhouette, his striking browline and straight nose like a sculpted masterpiece.
But Ning Yuxuan couldn’t simply admire it.
The room was too dark, too quiet, and they were the only two people there.
After stealing several glances at Xie Zhiyan, she finally let out a slow breath, determined to ignore his presence.
Just as she managed to steel herself and close her eyes again, his deep voice suddenly sounded beside her: "Why do you keep sneaking looks at me?"
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
Xie Zhiyan continued, "Am I disturbing your rest? Should I go to another room and leave this one to you?"
Ning Yuxuan hesitated for two seconds.
"No," she said. "Just stay where you are."
Xie Zhiyan’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment before he suddenly smiled.
Ning Yuxuan looked at him, baffled.
Xie Zhiyan remarked, "You seem bold at times, and timid at others."
Ning Yuxuan: "...Do I?"
Xie Zhiyan held her gaze and said slowly, "Bold enough to send me photos of yourself in a spaghetti-strap nightgown in the middle of the night."
Her heartbeat instantly quickened.
Sending him photos through a phone screen was one thing—but having him mention it face-to-face was entirely different.
She stiffened slightly but forced herself to retort, "So what?"
Xie Zhiyan’s voice was slower than usual, laced with amusement. "And timid enough to only dare to peek at me now."
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
Yes, she was a little wary.
They had kissed and embraced before, but always in her home.
On her own turf, she felt secure.
Now, however, it felt like she was a lamb walking into a wolf’s den, and she couldn’t help but feel apprehensive.
But at the same time, she couldn’t stand his smugness.
Especially when he spoke in that unhurried tone, as if he was certain she wouldn’t dare to do anything.
It gave her the feeling of being underestimated.
Ning Yuxuan bit her lip.
"Come closer," she said.
Xie Zhiyan's gaze flickered slightly.
After a moment, he complied, closing the distance between them.
Originally, to let her rest more comfortably, they had maintained some space.
Now, Ning Yuxuan could reach out and touch him with ease.
She took a deep breath and suddenly wrapped her arms around the man's neck, pulling him toward her.
Nervousness made her arms tremble slightly, and she couldn’t even muster much strength.
Fortunately, Xie Zhiyan was cooperative.
With just the slightest tug, he leaned in, bending down to her level.
In their previous kisses, Xie Zhiyan had always taken the lead.
This time, it was Ning Yuxuan who pressed her lips to his.
The moment their lips met, the rush of blood in her ears drowned out even the frantic pounding of her heart.
As if to prove herself, Ning Yuxuan kissed him fiercely from the start, nipping at his lips with all her might.
It was as though she wanted to return every bit of what he had done to her before—all at once.
The man seemed caught off guard by her sudden passion, momentarily stunned into submission, letting her take control.
For the first time in their intimate encounters, Ning Yuxuan felt a sense of dominance.
She tightened her grip on his neck, forcing his head lower to match her.
But soon, Xie Zhiyan reclaimed the upper hand.
In the dim light, their figures tangled together.
The blanket that had been draped over her legs slipped silently to the floor.
……
She spent a long time in the bathroom straightening out her dress.
Originally, they had planned to leave for the dessert shop after just half an hour of rest, but it ended up taking over an hour.
Before heading out, Ning Yuxuan checked the time and complained to Xie Zhiyan, "It's all your fault. At this rate, it'll almost be dinnertime by the time we finally get going."
Xie Zhiyan chuckled. "Weren’t you the one who kissed me first?"
Ning Yuxuan’s cheeks burned as she recalled what had happened earlier.
She had initiated it, but soon… it became a back-and-forth between them.
Ning Yuxuan had no experience in such matters, and by the end, she was acting purely on instinct.
Since they were alone in the apartment, all their previous reservations had melted away.
Still, they didn’t go all the way.
When she had first kissed him, Ning Yuxuan had already braced herself for what might follow.
The reason they stopped wasn’t because she had second thoughts.
It was simple: the person responsible for cleaning and preparing the apartment hadn’t stocked a certain essential item.
They probably hadn’t expected the couple to jump into things the moment they arrived.
At the height of passion, they had no choice but to pause.
They could have gone downstairs to buy what they needed or ordered a convenience store delivery.
But that first impulsive kiss had been just that—an impulse. Once forced to stop, Ning Yuxuan’s courage wavered.
Xie Zhiyan seemed to sense her hesitation and didn’t push her further.
He only sighed helplessly and murmured, "Seems like we didn’t prepare thoroughly enough before coming this time."
Ning Yuxuan responded by glaring at him.
……
The dessert shop was right at the entrance of the residential complex.
Even though it was a weekday afternoon, the newly opened store was packed, with only one empty table left in the corner.
They took their seats.
A server brought over the menu, and Ning Yuxuan picked a few items that caught her interest, especially the shop’s signature egg tarts.
She had eaten plenty of egg tarts before, but she’d heard that this shop’s version was unlike any other—unforgettable after just one bite.
While waiting for their order, Ning Yuxuan idly surveyed the shop’s decor.
It was a habit she’d developed after taking over Huayuan—whenever she entered a new place, she couldn’t help but analyze its design, wondering if it could inspire the theme of one of her hotels.
This shop, however, had a minimalist style, and she didn’t find much to take away from it.
Instead, her gaze accidentally met that of one of the customers at a table by the window.
Two young women sat there, dressed like students.
When Ning Yuxuan looked over, one of them flinched as if burned and immediately averted her eyes.
Ning Yuxuan: "……"
Her first thought was—had they noticed something off about her dress?
Maybe, after what had nearly happened in the apartment with Xie Zhiyan, she was just feeling overly self-conscious.
Earlier, while checking herself in the bathroom, she had indeed spotted a noticeable red mark on her chest.
No doubt, it was a souvenir from their heated moment.
Thankfully, the neckline of her dress wasn’t too low, and as long as she adjusted it properly, the mark stayed hidden.
She pulled out her phone and checked her reflection in the camera.
Everything seemed fine.
Noticing her actions, Xie Zhiyan asked gently, "What’s wrong?"
Ning Yuxuan lowered her voice and asked him, "Are there any... inappropriate marks on the exposed parts of my body?"
Perhaps recalling what had happened earlier in the apartment, Xie Zhiyan's brow twitched slightly.
After a moment, he replied, "No."
Ning Yuxuan: "...Good."
Maybe she was just overthinking it.
As they spoke, the desserts they had ordered arrived.
Ning Yuxuan was most curious about the taste of the egg tarts.
They had ordered two servings, each containing two small tarts.
She pushed one serving toward Xie Zhiyan and took one from her own.
Ning Yuxuan brought the tart to her mouth, then narrowed her eyes in satisfaction.
No wonder this was a highly recommended item by social media bloggers. It wasn’t drastically different from ordinary egg tarts, but every aspect was just perfectly balanced—the crust crisp and flaky, the custard smooth and rich, filling her entire mouth with its fragrant sweetness.
Even after finishing both tarts from her plate, she still craved more.
Her gaze drifted toward the remaining tart on Xie Zhiyan’s plate.
He had eaten slower, having only finished one.
Noticing her glance, Xie Zhiyan chuckled softly.
"Still want more?"
Ning Yuxuan nodded.
Her intention was for him to hand his remaining tart over.
Instead, the man picked it up and brought it directly to her lips.
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
Instinctively, she glanced around at the other customers.
Everyone seemed engrossed in their own conversations, oblivious to their little exchange.
She thought to herself—she wasn’t that famous, right? Surely no one would recognize her here.
