Ning Yuxuan wasn’t entirely free of suspicion that the man might have ulterior motives. But in the end, she simply couldn’t resist the allure of the swing and obediently got into the car.
The car turned into the residential complex and parked in the underground garage.
Familiarity breeds ease—this time, Ning Yuxuan already remembered the way and didn’t need Xie Zhiyan’s guidance to reach the apartment door.
The last time she’d been here, this apartment hadn’t technically belonged to them yet. Now, all the paperwork was fully settled.
Ning Yuxuan turned to Xie Zhiyan and held out her hand. “The keys.”
She’d forgotten to ask for them when they left yesterday.
The door could be unlocked via fingerprint, passcode, or key, but she still found the mechanical method the most reassuring.
Xie Zhiyan placed the key in her palm.
Ning Yuxuan absentmindedly fiddled with the unassuming metal key, thinking that from now on, it would symbolize their home.
The thought still felt a little surreal.
Casually, she asked, “We haven’t had time to set up the fingerprint yet. What about the passcode? Have you changed it already?”
Xie Zhiyan replied, “Yes. It’s your birthday.”
Ning Yuxuan blinked.
Xie Zhiyan raised an eyebrow. “What?”
Ning Yuxuan frowned. “That’s not very secure. My birthday is public information—anyone could look it up online. If someone followed us home, they could easily guess the code.”
Xie Zhiyan gave a noncommittal hum. “You have a point. I originally planned to set it as something else, but I was afraid you wouldn’t remember.”
Curious, Ning Yuxuan asked, “What did you originally want to set it as?”
Xie Zhiyan answered calmly, “The same as my phone’s lock screen—our wedding anniversary.”
His tone was even, but somehow, Ning Yuxuan detected a hint of mischief in his eyes.
“Who says I wouldn’t remember?” she retorted. “It’s just six digits—how hard could it be?”
Xie Zhiyan crossed his arms, looking amused. “Then tell me what it is.”
Ning Yuxuan hesitated. “Uh… June…”
She managed the month but faltered when it came to the exact date.
Unwilling to admit defeat, she racked her brain, trying to recall which Tuesday in June it had been.
Xie Zhiyan watched her struggle, unsurprised. “As expected.”
Ning Yuxuan huffed. “Just tell me one more time. I promise I’ll remember next time.”
His brow lifted slightly.
Ning Yuxuan doubled down. “Seriously! My memory is actually really good. Back in school, I aced Chinese and English—memorizing classical texts and vocabulary was a breeze. Even my teachers praised me!”
Xie Zhiyan chuckled.
Not only was she making grand claims, but she was even dragging her academic achievements into this.
Worried he didn’t believe her, Ning Yuxuan looked at him earnestly. “It’s true.”
Xie Zhiyan replied at a leisurely pace, “So your memory is excellent—just not when it comes to the day we got married, hm?”
Ning Yuxuan was momentarily speechless.
She’d dug her own grave with that one.
“Ahem, anyway…” She straightened, feigning seriousness. “Just tell me the date one more time. I’ll definitely remember next time.”
The corner of Xie Zhiyan’s mouth lifted. “Since you’re bringing up your school days, did your teachers ever tell you that you’ll remember better if you find the answer yourself?”
Ning Yuxuan rolled her eyes. “You’re stingy.”
She decided not to press further. The marriage certificates were stored in her study at home—she could just check them later.
Changing the subject, she asked, “What about the fingerprint? Aside from the passcode, we should set that up too, right?”
Xie Zhiyan nodded. “Mine’s already registered. We can add yours now.”
Ning Yuxuan perked up. “Sure! How do we do it?”
The process itself wasn’t anything special, but the meaning behind it excited her. She’d never lived independently before, so this was all new.
Xie Zhiyan explained, “Let me set it up first.”
They’d come under the pretense of testing the swing, so he hadn’t mentioned the fingerprint earlier, worried she’d find it tedious. But since she was interested now, he was happy to oblige.
He tapped a few commands into the lock, entering administrator mode to add a new user.
Ning Yuxuan watched curiously as he took her hand, his touch gentle as he guided her finger to the scanner.
Her heart skipped a beat—just for a second—before she mentally scolded herself.
This man…
It was just a fingerprint scan. She could’ve done it herself—no need for him to hold her hand the entire time.
But she didn’t say anything, obediently pressing her index finger down.
The process required multiple scans, and Xie Zhiyan’s hand remained wrapped around hers, his warmth seeping into her skin.
Once it was done, they tested it once more to confirm everything worked.
After a few minutes of this, they finally stepped inside.
Ning Yuxuan walked in first while Xie Zhiyan flicked on the lights behind her.
Last time, they’d visited during the day. Now, at night, the atmosphere felt subtly different.
Instead of heading straight for the swing, Ning Yuxuan made her way to the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room.
The apartment was in one of Beicheng’s most bustling districts, and the nighttime skyline was breathtaking—neon lights glittering, skyscrapers glowing like golden pillars against the dark.
She couldn’t help but sigh. “It’s beautiful.”
Maybe she was just a city girl at heart, but she thought an urban apartment like this deserved a vibrant, dazzling view.
If she wanted nature, she’d buy a countryside villa.
But Ning Yuxuan couldn’t give up the convenience and excitement of city life. If given the choice, she’d always pick a metropolis like Beicheng as her home base, escaping to quieter places only for vacations.
She turned to Xie Zhiyan. “After work, I’m going to pour myself a glass of wine right here and enjoy the view.”
Xie Zhiyan’s gaze flickered. “And what about me?”
“You?” She thought for a moment. “You’re the big boss—you won’t have as much free time as I do. You’ll probably be out schmoozing clients or working late. Don’t worry, I won’t nag you to come home. I’ll just enjoy my drink here.”
Xie Zhiyan laughed. “How cruel of you.”
Ning Yuxuan arched a brow. “Cruel? I’d call it considerate. Don’t men always say they need their space?”
Xie Zhiyan shook his head lightly. “I’d rather be here with you than out drinking.”
With that, he retrieved two wine glasses from the cabinet and asked, “What would you like?”
Now that the apartment was officially theirs, Xie Zhiyan had arranged for some of his personal belongings—including a few prized bottles—to be moved in earlier that day.
Ning Yuxuan wasn’t much of a connoisseur. After a moment’s thought, she asked, “Which one’s the most expensive?”
Xie Zhiyan couldn’t help but chuckle.
The man was tall enough to reach the highest shelf of the wine cabinet, from which he retrieved a bottle of red wine and handed it to Ning Yuxuan.
Ning Yuxuan took it and glanced at the label. It wasn’t written in Chinese or English, and since she knew nothing about wine, she naturally couldn’t understand it.
“You’re not bluffing me, are you?” She examined the bottle in her hand. “Is this really the most expensive one?”
Xie Zhiyan replied calmly, “Everything in this house is yours to use as you please, including the wine. You can drink whenever you want—why would I lie to you?”
His words pleased Ning Yuxuan, and she let out a satisfied hum.
“You open it,” she said, handing the bottle back to him.
Xie Zhiyan uncorked the wine and poured it into their glasses.
Near the floor-to-ceiling window in the living room was a small bar counter, perfect for two people to sit and enjoy a drink.
Ning Yuxuan settled onto the barstool and raised her glass, clinking it lightly against Xie Zhiyan’s.
The smooth wine glided down her throat. She closed her eyes with exaggerated deliberation, savoring it before declaring, “Not bad.”
Truthfully, she had no deep knowledge of wine and couldn’t discern any sophisticated notes—she just knew it tasted good.
The simplest way to describe it was that it felt expensive.
Xie Zhiyan watched her with a faint smile, his eyes brimming with endless indulgence.
It almost gave Ning Yuxuan the illusion that no matter what she asked for at this moment, he would agree without hesitation.
Yet as she sipped her wine and gazed at the nightscape outside, she found herself unable to think of anything to challenge him with.
The present moment was already more than enough to satisfy her.
Consider yourself lucky today, Ning Yuxuan thought.
Good wine was meant to be savored slowly, but Ning Yuxuan lacked the patience for that.
After a few sips, she remembered the original purpose of her visit.
With the last drops of wine still in her glass, she eagerly stood up and walked over to the newly installed swing.
Ning Yuxuan paused beside it, giving the ropes a little shake.
Xie Zhiyan followed her. “Want to try it now?”
“Mhm,” she nodded.
The swing was woven from rattan, with soft beige cushions on the seat and backrest.
Ning Yuxuan sat down, gripping the ropes as she shot a wary glance at the man beside her. “I’ll test it first—don’t push me.”
She was afraid he might surprise her with a sudden shove.
Xie Zhiyan chuckled. “Alright.”
Reassured, Ning Yuxuan relaxed her grip and let the swing sway gently.
“Do you know why I wanted a swing so badly?” she asked.
Xie Zhiyan’s voice was warm beside her. “Why?”
Not that she really needed an answer—she just felt like reminiscing.
Maybe it was the wine, or perhaps Lin Yuanfeng’s phone call had affected her more than she realized.
For once, Ning Yuxuan found herself recalling her childhood.
“When I was little, I was sick all the time. My mom was so worried about me that she rarely let me play outside. Even when I was allowed to go to the park, I could only swing for a few minutes before she’d hurry me back, afraid I’d catch a chill.”
Xie Zhiyan listened quietly.
Ning Yuxuan smiled. “So back then, I promised myself that when I grew up, I’d have my own swing at home—so I could play as much as I wanted.”
As she swung, she gradually grew more comfortable, letting go of the ropes entirely and leaning back, utterly at ease.
She glanced at Xie Zhiyan. “Doesn’t it strike you as odd? If I loved swings so much, why didn’t I ever install one in the villa’s garden?”
Xie Zhiyan’s gaze softened. “Why?”
Ning Yuxuan grinned. “It’s actually a ridiculous reason. When my family first moved into the villa, I said I wanted a swing in the yard. But Ning Shiyue laughed at me, saying I was too childish—almost graduating elementary school and still obsessed with swings.”
She shook her head, amused by the memory. “To prove to him that his big sister wasn’t immature, I stubbornly decided not to get one.”
Kids had such strange logic. To prove her maturity to Ning Shiyue, she’d given up the swing she’d always wanted.
As she grew older, the longing faded, and she never thought about it again—until now, while planning the new house’s decor.
Ning Yuxuan looked at Xie Zhiyan and teased, “Don’t you think Ning Shiyue was awful? He made me wait this long to fulfill my childhood dream.”
Amusement flickered in Xie Zhiyan’s eyes as he played along. “Yes, absolutely.”
Ning Yuxuan narrowed her eyes at him.
The man raised a brow in question.
With mock seriousness, she declared, “I’m writing that down. When Ning Shiyue comes back, I’ll tell him—so the two of you can’t gang up on me again.”
Xie Zhiyan feigned innocence. “When have I ever deceived you?”
“In Jiangcheng,” she retorted.
Sure, it had been for a surprise, but Ning Yuxuan wasn’t in the mood to be reasonable tonight.
Xie Zhiyan seemed to surrender, falling silent as if lost in thought.
Ning Yuxuan ignored him, swaying lazily on the swing.
The alcohol was starting to take effect. Though there was no breeze indoors, she felt light and floaty, as if drifting on air.
Then, his deep voice broke the quiet. “Besides the swing, what else have you always wanted? We might as well make it all happen.”
Ning Yuxuan closed her eyes, her thoughts hazy. “Let me think… When I was little, I really wanted a bunk bed with a slide.”
Xie Zhiyan nodded. “We’ll put one in the guest room. If we have kids someday, they can sleep there.”
Her eyes flew open as she turned to glare at him. “Why does it have to be for kids? Can’t I sleep there?”
Her head was spinning, and she’d fully embraced her unreasonable mood.
Xie Zhiyan seemed to realize this, sighing in resignation. “Fine.”
After a pause, he added, “As long as you don’t mind me sleeping alone in the master bedroom.”
Ning Yuxuan answered without hesitation, “I don’t mind!”
Xie Zhiyan: “……”
She had been swinging for too long, and the wine was stronger than she’d expected.
The pleasant buzz was growing more pronounced, so Ning Yuxuan decided to step off the swing and steady herself.
She planted her feet on the floor, intending to brake abruptly.
But she’d overestimated her coordination—or maybe the alcohol had dulled her reflexes.
Instead of stopping smoothly, she stumbled, nearly toppling off the swing.
Xie Zhiyan swiftly steadied her with one arm while using his other hand to pull the rope, preventing the swinging swing from hitting her.
Ning Yuxuan felt as if she had only blinked, and suddenly, she was no longer on the swing but in the man's embrace.
She had only been slightly tipsy, but this abrupt movement completely sobered her up.
Leaning against Xie Zhiyan's arm, she met his gaze.
His eyes were filled with unmistakable exasperation. "Seems like we’ll need to put up a sign here: No swinging after drinking."
If he hadn’t noticed her swaying on the swing after drinking and kept a close watch on her movements, he might not have been quick enough to prevent her from falling.
Ning Yuxuan felt utterly embarrassed.
Falling off a swing at her age was downright humiliating.
She muttered guiltily, "This was just an accident…"
Silently, she added to herself: Note to self—no more swinging after drinking. Safety hazard.
Then, she realized she was still half-cradled in Xie Zhiyan’s arms.
Clearing her throat, she said, "You can let go of me now."
Xie Zhiyan remained silent, his gaze fixed on her.
A faint sense of danger prickled at Ning Yuxuan’s instincts.
"Xie Zhiyan, I—"
Before she could finish, her body was suddenly lifted.
Ning Yuxuan didn’t even have time to gasp before she was swept into his arms—in the most classic bridal carry.
Instinctively, she clung to him, her arms locking tightly around his neck to keep from falling.
By the time she processed what had happened, she was already holding onto him with the same intensity as when they kissed.
The thought made her already racing heart pound even harder.
This was her first time being held like this, and the lack of security left her too nervous to loosen her grip.
She tightened her hold on him and protested, "Xie Zhiyan, what are you doing?!"
Xie Zhiyan gave her a deep, lingering look.
"Finishing what we didn’t get to do yesterday," he answered in a low voice.
Ning Yuxuan: "…"
She knew exactly what he meant.
She had mentally prepared herself before coming here with him.
But now that the moment had arrived so suddenly, she was at a loss for how to react.
Every coherent thought vanished, leaving only the deafening rush of blood in her ears and the frantic beating of her heart.
Xie Zhiyan took her silence as consent.
With steady steps, he carried her toward the bedroom.
Only when she was gently placed on the bed did Ning Yuxuan regain a sliver of rationality.
"Xie Zhiyan…" She pushed weakly against his chest. "Wait—just wait a second!"
She could feel his breathing had grown heavy, his dark eyes simmering with intensity.
But despite her resistance, he still paused.
His voice, no longer cool and composed, was rough and husky. "What’s wrong?"
Ning Yuxuan struggled to steady her breathing. "I… where’s my phone?"
Xie Zhiyan: "Why do you need it?"
She glanced at the wall clock. "It’s already past nine, almost ten… I need to let my mom know in advance that I…"
Her cheeks burned as she lowered her voice. "That I won’t be coming home tonight, so she doesn’t worry."
Xie Zhiyan watched her silently, his gaze smoldering.
Ning Yuxuan added softly, "Unless… unless you think we’ll be done quickly enough for me to make it back by ten-thirty."
Xie Zhiyan: "…"
Pinned beneath him, Ning Yuxuan could feel her chest rising and falling rapidly with nerves.
One second. Two seconds.
Just as she thought she had successfully persuaded him, Xie Zhiyan abruptly pressed down on her.
Ning Yuxuan: "?"
Hadn’t her reasoning been perfectly sound?
Under her stunned gaze, he captured her lips in a searing kiss.
Their mouths melded together, the air between them stolen as Ning Yuxuan surrendered to a kiss far more fervent than any before.
It was as if her words hadn’t deterred him at all—if anything, they had only provoked him further.
Only when she was nearly breathless did Xie Zhiyan finally pull back, giving her a moment to gasp for air.
Dazed, Ning Yuxuan stared up at him in confusion.
Why had he stopped now?
Xie Zhiyan’s voice was dangerously rough. "I’ll get your phone."
Ning Yuxuan: "…"
Propped against the pillow, she watched as he adjusted his disheveled shirt—though the attempt was futile, given how thoroughly she had already wrinkled it—and left the bedroom.
She frowned slightly at his retreating figure, baffled.
So he had listened to her.
Then why had he kissed her like that before letting her go?
Before she could puzzle it out, Xie Zhiyan returned with her phone, retrieved from her bag.
He handed it to her.
Ning Yuxuan took it, inhaling deeply several times and clearing her throat repeatedly.
Once she felt composed enough, she dialed her mother’s number.
After two rings, Ning Fei answered. "Yuxuan?"
Unable to resist, Ning Yuxuan glanced at the man standing so close before speaking, her face flushed.
"Mom, I… I won’t be coming home tonight."
