Chapter 52

 

“What was your original budget for renting a place?” Professor Liang asked her as well.

Her original budget had been four hundred…

But Ming Xi had her pride. She silently added another hundred. “Around five hundred.”

“Five hundred…” Professor Liang frowned slightly, as if weighing the idea.

Ming Xi’s body stiffened for a brief moment. Instinctively, she wanted to lower her head, but she quickly straightened up again. She worked in sales—talking about prices didn’t embarrass her, nor did being honest about her circumstances. What truly made her uneasy was accepting kindness.

She really didn’t have much money to spare for rent, and the professor didn’t seem especially willing to budge on the price either. If the negotiation fell through, that might actually be for the best.

Ming Xi gently bit her lower lip and spoke frankly, her gaze steady. “I’m sharing the place with a friend, so the cost would be split between us. If the rent is a little higher, that’s okay—but I can’t decide on my own. She’s only just started working too.”

Professor Liang nodded, a thoughtful look in his deep-set eyes. After considering everything carefully, he said, “Alright then. Six hundred a month. I’ll rent the place to you.”

Ming Xi was in the middle of drinking her snow-pear and white fungus soup when she heard this. She nearly choked, a faint flush immediately rising to her cheeks. She smiled at the professor, struck by how decisive he sounded.

Five hundred became six hundred?

This…

That extra hundred had been added just like that?

Earlier the professor had called Mr. Liang a black-hearted boss—yet Mr. Liang had given her a discount on the computer. How come the professor was raising the price instead? Ming Xi thought this inwardly, but her face remained cheerful. She truly had no resentment toward the professor.

On the contrary, the way he discussed the price seriously and carefully with her made her feel respected—not pitied. She was already a self-supporting adult now, and this sense of being treated as an equal was something she felt clearly and concretely.

Just then, Professor Liang calmly explained the reason for the extra hundred. “That additional hundred will cover utilities and internet. It’s not much each month. Split between you and your friend, it’s only three hundred per person. That way you won’t have to keep calculating electricity and water bills, and you won’t risk straining your relationship over small amounts of money. Besides, five hundred splits between two people doesn’t sound very nice, does it?”

Professor Liang was truly kind. He not only took care of her but also considered everything for her, even small details like splitting the utility bills. Indeed, when roommates share a place, it’s often small expenses like water and electricity that cause friction.

She’d seen this happen plenty of times in the Longmao dormitory—one person used more electricity, another took longer showers. Over time, it all turned into an unspoken mental ledger that damaged relationships.

Ming Xi knew she and Cai Ni wouldn’t be like that. But the professor didn’t know their situation, and the fact that he’d considered these potential problems in advance made her both touched and conflicted.

Being touched needed no explanation.

The conflict was simple: she didn’t want to take advantage of Professor Liang. The professor said the apartment was near the Zhongjin Tower. She and Cai Ni had already looked into rental prices in that area. They’d originally planned to rent a small two-bedroom, then discussed settling for a one-bedroom for a year. Once their income stabilized next year, they’d move somewhere more spacious.

“Professor, is your place a two-bedroom?” Ming Xi thought for a moment, then asked directly.

Professor Liang glanced at his son, Liang Jiancheng.

Liang Jiancheng naturally lowered his head, calmly picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks, as if this matter had nothing to do with him.

“It should be a three-bedroom apartment,” the professor said.

Ming Xi was obviously taken aback.

Professor Liang began to back down. “If you think the price is too high, then five hundred will do.”

Ming Xi smiled and replied tactfully, “Professor, your place is large—you could rent it out to someone better.”

Beside her, Liang Jiancheng put down his chopsticks, his expression neutral.

Professor Liang, however, put on a stern face: “Ming Xi, are you saying you don’t think you’re good enough?”

Ming Xi felt the professor was deliberately playing dumb and explained, “When I say ‘better,’ I mean people of a higher bracket. Professor, even without seeing your apartment, I know the general prices in that area. A single small room already costs four or five hundred. A three-bedroom like yours could easily rent for over a thousand.”

Professor Liang snorted, irritated by the phrase “people of a higher bracket,” and said bluntly, “Do you think I’m short of that thousand yuan?”

Ming Xi didn’t dare say anything—and even let out a small, unintentional burp.

Professor Liang dismissed it with a wave. “Since you’re full, go back and get the computer set up. Tomorrow, go take a look at the apartment. If you’re satisfied, we’ll settle it.”

Ming Xi said softly, “I’ll definitely be satisfied with your place, Professor.”

As the owner of the apartment, Liang Yuzhi also explained its pros and cons. “It’s in a busy area, so it can be a bit noisy. But the surrounding facilities are good—especially the security. The neighborhood police station is right across the street. It’s ideal for young women like you.”

Ming Xi’s mind worked like a living map. She thought about whether there was a police station near the Zhongjin Tower, guessed at a location, then grew uncertain.

It couldn’t possibly be those apartments…

If it were—

Forget six hundred, even six thousand might not be enough to rent it.

Impossible! The professor was a good person, not stupid; he wouldn’t be completely ignorant of the real estate market. And even if the professor didn’t know, Liang Jiancheng was sitting right there—if the price gap were that huge, surely he would’ve spoken up.

Liang Yuzhi certainly knew the market. He wasn’t as successful as his ex-wife and son, earning big money and living in a mansion; he was a person with a stable salary. His son no longer needed his support, and even if things didn’t go perfectly in the future, what Gu Shuangyang would eventually leave him wouldn’t be little.

These days, he viewed money lightly. He mostly ate at the cafeteria, occasionally making do with steamed buns and plain porridge. He barely spent much of his monthly salary and had no interest in earning that bit of rent.

From beginning to end, he was merely looking for a reason—any excuse—to let this child live with a little more peace of mind.

…

Ming Xi was conflicted, as if a huge bargain was laid out before her, and she didn’t know whether to accept it.

And had Mr. Liang and Miss Zhang really broken up?

Professor Liang said it was over, so it probably wasn’t false.

But breaking up with Miss Zhang didn’t necessarily mean he was single.

After all… if there had been “cheating,” didn’t that imply a new person?

Once the computer was set up, Ming Xi rode back with Liang Jiancheng. Her thoughts were a tangled mess—some about the professor’s apartment, others about Liang Jiancheng himself.

The car tires silently rolled over the asphalt.

The streets were naturally quiet in the car at night. Ming Xi sat in the passenger seat hugging her laptop. Now it was just her and Liang Jiancheng—no professor beside them setting the tone with pointed sarcasm. The atmosphere carried a faint but unmistakable sense of something subtle between a man and a woman. She even found herself wondering whether Liang Jiancheng was single now…

If he were, maybe she could treat him more naturally—as a male friend.

“What my dad said today—did it give you a bad impression of me?” Liang Jiancheng suddenly asked. In the quiet, enclosed car, the question landed far too precisely.

Ming Xi raised her head.

This father-and-son pair were both lethal in their own ways.

Taking turns testing her emotional intelligence.

Although Liang Jiancheng was a boss, he was still young. Ming Xi didn’t dare be too flippant, yet her reply was noticeably more relaxed. She joked, “Mr. Liang, don’t worry. I have a strong sense of morality—but I only use it to restrain myself. I don’t police others.”

Liang Jiancheng let out a soft chuckle.

He actually laughed.

As if she were teasing him—and had succeeded.

Ming Xi touched her nose, quick-witted, and immediately added, “Ahem, I was just kidding.”

“Ming Xi, have you ever seen someone cheat without a cheating partner?” Liang Jiancheng asked in the same half-joking tone.

Ming Xi thought for a moment and continued joking, “Could it be that Mr. Liang isn’t cheating, but has become a monk?”

“…You really know how to patch things up,” Liang Jiancheng praised her.

Ming Xi felt unworthy of such praise. Now that the professor wasn’t around, she spoke more fairly and objectively: “Actually, I wanted to tell the professor earlier that Mr. Liang isn’t married, so how can it describe as infidelity? He was being too harsh. I think it was just because he cares too much. I’ve never thought that way about you. But he dragged me into it, and I didn’t have a choice… You’re not mad at me, are you?”

Liang Jiancheng was momentarily stunned. He blinked and said, “Zhang Min and I were just trying to get to know each other. We ended things because we weren’t compatible.”

“Hmm!” Ming Xi nodded. “I know!”

She didn’t really know.

She just… didn’t really care.

Forget it.

Liang Jiancheng ultimately didn’t say everything. If he were three—or even two—years younger, he could’ve been reckless like a young man and said outright: I did fall for someone else. That person is you.

When you’re younger, you can afford to be selfish—selfish enough to shift emotional burdens without restraint.

But with age comes consideration. What Old Liang did today was excessive, but it was also a blatant reminder to him.

After Zhang Min, it would be easy for him to find another Li Min, Chen Min, or Wang Min. But Ming Xi was different. She was like a rapidly growing seedling transplanted from Yicheng—he couldn’t disrupt her current life rhythm just to satisfy his own desires and feelings.

When they were about to go, he opened the passenger door for her. He truly wished that Ming Xi were sitting there as his girlfriend.

In truth, he wasn’t that noble; if Ming Xi were his girlfriend right now, he would have taken her home tonight.

When a man falls in love, his lower body could indeed act as his brain.

Even if Ming Xi was a thriving seedling, he still wanted to pull her under him.

Shameless, yet undeniably honest.

…

“Mr. Liang…” Ming Xi suddenly turned to him, asking with concern, “Mr. Liang, are you alright?”

Liang Jiancheng was somewhat embarrassed by his momentary lust.

“What is it?” Liang Jiancheng asked, his voice slightly hoarse.

Ming Xi smiled politely, turning her head slightly to say, “You’ve taken the wrong road. Longmao dormitory is in this direction.”

“Sorry, I’m just used to driving this way.” Liang Jiancheng gave a wry smile, explaining was worse than not explaining at all. “This direction lead to where I live now.”

She thought so too.

Which was why she’d reminded him.

It was almost ten o’clock now, quite late, and she didn’t want to visit the professor’s place and then end up at Mr. Liang’s as well.

The car smoothly turned a corner, changed direction, and arrived at the Longmao dormitory building.

Ming Xi unbuckled her seatbelt, preparing to get out of the car.

“What time do you usually get up?” Liang Jiancheng asked.

She guessed he meant to take her to see the professor’s apartment.

“I usually get up early.”

“So do I. I have to go to the Ning City factory tomorrow morning. Is seven okay? I’ll pick you up and take you to see Old Liang’s place.”

He was already so busy—she could’ve gone on her own.

And she said exactly that.

Liang Jiancheng looked at her and explained, “Ming Xi, I just moved out of there last year, and I still need to sorting out some things.”

Ming Xi: …

Helpless.

Why didn’t Liang Jiancheng mention this when the professor offered to rent her the apartment?

“I still have quite a few personal items there,” he added.

Personal items…

For some reason, Ming Xi thought of the striped men’s boxer shorts she’d once found in Sister Lingna’s apartment closet last year. Her cheeks warmed slightly.

Oh.

“Then, Mr. Liang, see you tomorrow morning.”

“See you.”

Ming Xi got out of the car with her laptop, almost forgetting to close the door for Liang Jiancheng. She turned around, closed the door, and quickened her pace towards the dormitory.

Personal items.

It’s short for private property.

What on earth was she thinking!

Ming Xi felt utterly ridiculous. It must’ve been all that talk about cheating today—corrupting her once-pure, upright mind…

Ming Xi raised her head. In the quiet of the night, she slowed her pace and suddenly looked back. She noticed Liang Jiancheng’s car hadn’t left yet; he’d even gotten out, standing there politely, carefully watching her go upstairs…

Her heart skipped.

Ming Xi pretended to be nonchalant and headed up the stairs.

—

That night, Ming Xi and Cai Ni lay side by side on the bed.

Cai Ni still had work the next day. Ming Xi told her about the professor’s offer to rent the apartment to her. Cai Ni didn’t know it was a three-bedroom place—only that a professor’s apartment was bound to be nice. House-hunting had been exhausting lately; if they could solve their housing problem for three hundred yuan each, Cai Ni was more than happy.

Ming Xi lay there with her eyes open, feeling a little troubled.

“Ming Xi… you don’t want to rent it?” Cai Ni pressed. “Are you worried about owing the professor a favor?”

Yes.

And no.

Ming Xi turned over and voiced her thoughts. “If I can become better in the future, I’m not afraid of owing favors at all. The scariest part about owing someone is not being able to repay it—the psychological burden is heavy.”

“Ming Xi, of course you can become better!” Cai Ni propped herself up on one arm, nearly sitting up. “I don’t have much confidence in myself, but I have complete confidence in you.”

Ming Xi let out a soft laugh. She realized her confidence outweighed her unease too.

Then there was nothing to fear about owing favors.

She was young, with a bright future ahead. Even if the favor were deep, it would only be because she was worth it.

Ming Xi hugged Cai Ni. Having someone beside her, someone to talk to, felt wonderful.

Cai Ni also hugged Ming Xi’s slender waist, moving her hand down to rest on Ming Xi’s lower abdomen, and said coquettishly, “Can I lie like this? It’s easier to fall asleep like this.”

Ming Xi: …

“Go ahead.”

Cai Ni snuggled against Ming Xi and buried herself in the soft pillow. She had brought two silk pillows from Yicheng, one for Ming Xi and one for herself.

As a final thought, Ming Xi said, “I’ll contact your parents tomorrow.”

“What for?”

“To help me make a summer quilt.”

She wanted to give it as a sample to the Taiwanese distributor she’d contacted that day. If the quality passed inspection, there would be a chance to cooperate.

Right now, there were many unemployed textile workers in Yicheng, all with experience making handmade quilts. Plus, Cai Ni’s parents were well-liked and active members of their factory—perfect for rallying people together. With enough hands, even handcrafted production wouldn’t be too slow. Ming Xi had already done the math: the profit per quilt was nearly a hundred yuan, even more if costs were controlled.

The distributor said that if they signed a contract, it would be for at least 10,000 quilts, and asked if she had the capacity to supply that volume.

What was a benefactor?

As long as she worked hard to grow, she could become someone else’s benefactor too.

—

Early in the morning, Cai Ni was still lazing in bed when Ming Xi came downstairs. Cai Ni’s job involved rotating shifts, without regular weekends off. She had to get up at eight o’clock to go to work at Longmao.

The temperature had suddenly risen last night, so Ming Xi went out in a short-sleeved shirt.

Liang Jiancheng had already parked the car on the side of the road. She bent down to get in and noticed breakfast on the passenger seat—it was from Xu Ji Dim Sum Restaurant.

Ming Xi couldn’t help but smile.

She remembered when she first arrived in Haigang, she had accidentally seen Liang Jiancheng throw a bag from Xu Ji into the trash can. Back then, she’d cursed herself inwardly for being “char siu”—cheap and unworthy. How nice it was that she’d changed. At least now, she no longer felt undeserving when something was slightly nice.

Being overly cautious and uneasy about material things really did dampen one’s passion for imagining the future.

Ming Xi had already prepared herself mentally: no matter how good the professor’s apartment was, she would accept it without guilt.

When Liang Jiancheng drove onto Shenli Avenue and stopped next to an old building, he opened the car door for her. Ming Xi was a little hesitant to get out, but still mustered her courage and stepped out.

Liang Jiancheng told her, “This whole area is protected heritage architecture; they’re quite old.”

She knew this without Liang Jiancheng’s explanation—

This was one of Haigang’s most famous historic architectural districts!

She had heard from Longmao’s big sister that Shenli Avenue was a famous art and culture street in Haigang, so the rent for these century-old western-style house was extremely high, and most of the tenants were foreigners.

Ming Xi wanted to back out, but Liang Jiancheng had already led her upstairs and unlocked the door.

This was an old western-style apartment from the early 20th century, located at the very front of Shenli Street, facing the Gebei Police Station. The exterior was solemn and imposing; inside, the structure was mostly hardwood. The stair railings bore the marks of time yet retained their natural wood grain. A spiral staircase extended upward, the building divided into multiple units.

Professor Liang’s apartment was on the top floor, the 6th floor.

“It’s a bit high, and there’s no elevator. But once you’re used to it, it’s not a big problem.” Liang Jiancheng turned around and said, gesturing for her to come in.

Inside, the floors gleamed like new. Liang Jiancheng walked straight in with his leather shoes.

Ming Xi was still standing at the doorway.

“I called the cleaning lady—she will come and clean it again today. Ming Xi, come in first.” At that moment, Liang Jiancheng was the easiest-going landlord imaginable.

Ming Xi pressed her lips together and followed him as they walked through the entire apartment. It was about a hundred square meters: two bedrooms, a study, a kitchen, and a bathroom.

The style was old-fashioned and solid—and very well maintained.

Ming Xi really felt like a country bumpkin at this moment. Even before Ming Decheng’s bankruptcy, the river-view apartment her family had lived in…

…hadn’t been as good as Liang Jiancheng’s grandparents’ home.

“This is a busy area, so it is a bit noisy. At night, there are quite a few foreigners singing on the street below. But I replaced all the windows last year—if you close them, it doesn’t affect sleep much,” Liang Jiancheng continued, pointing out the house’s shortcomings.

Ming Xi, not wanting to play dumb, asked him directly, “Mr. Liang, the professor rented this house to me for six hundred yuan. Isn’t that a huge loss?”

Liang Jiancheng nodded, not hiding it, “Yes, that’s why I suggested he add a zero to the monthly rent.”

Ming Xi: …

Liang Jiancheng smiled slightly, looking at her with relaxed and clear eyes, and said, “Ming Xi, you’re so smart, you should be able to guess my father’s thoughts. He just wants you to help look after the place. A house that’s been unoccupied for a long time will get infested with bugs, especially an old house like this.”

As he spoke, Liang Jiancheng stepped across the crisp-sounding wooden floor and pushed open the colorful stained-glass sliding door in the living room with a clack. Outside was a curved balcony. Bright, fresh sunlight flooded in, spilling over his long, straight trouser legs and gilding half his body with light.

Ming Xi remained standing quietly where she was.

Taking advantage of the good weather, Liang Jiancheng not only opened the balcony door but also opened the windows in every room to let in fresh air. After that, he stood at the door of a bedroom, thought for a moment, and said, “Ming Xi, I have a small favor to ask. Could you grant it?”

Ming Xi walked to Liang Jiancheng’s side. She’d already seen enough—the apartment had two bedrooms of similar size, one facing south, one east. The bathroom was outside, windowless.

She looked up at Liang Jiancheng. Even if he suddenly raised the rent, she would agree.

“Mr. Liang, just say it. There’s nothing improper about any request you’d make of me.”

It was she who was embarrassed.

Then…

Liang Jiancheng said directly, “I hope you’ll take this room, the one facing east.”

Ming Xi blinked, puzzled, “Why?”

She already had an answer in her mind.

Liang Jiancheng looked a little embarrassed, but he stated it very clearly. “The room I lived in—I’d prefer someone familiar to live in it.”

Oh. Ming Xi kept her expression calm, though her hand slipped awkwardly into her pocket.

Liang Jiancheng looked at her: “You can think of it as a kind of psychological cleanliness.”

Ming Xi raised her head: “I… Cai Ni and I are both very clean.”

“I know, that’s why I said it’s psychological cleanliness.” Liang Jiancheng’s request wasn’t unreasonable, and his explanation was quite appropriate.

Then, like a friend, he led Ming Xi into the room he had lived in.

The furnishings were simple: a wooden bed, a standing wardrobe, and a writing desk.

“The apartment is already wired for internet. From now on, the monthly internet, water, and electricity bills will be deducted from my account. You and your friend just need to transfer the six hundred yuan rent to my dad every month.”

“I’ll settle the monthly water, electricity, and internet fees with you separately.”

“It’s really a small amount, Ming Xi. If you really feel bad about it, then take some time each month to visit Old Liang—consider it doing me a favor, all right?” Liang Jiancheng spoke earnestly.

Ming Xi understood that Liang Jiancheng was trying to ease her anxiety.

“Old Liang is someone who rarely likes people, and he’s been quite lonely these past few years. As his son, there are many things about me that dissatisfy him. But Ming Xi, he genuinely likes you as a student—you can feel that too. My dad isn’t the type to show off or to casually hand out charity. doesn’t like doing that kind of thing, and he doesn’t have any pity for you. With you, there’s no sense of giving alms—he truly values you and likes you. This apartment is just a possession to him; it’s just sitting empty anyway. If you visit him once a month and treat that goodwill as rent, he’ll be very happy.”

Liang Jiancheng spoke slowly. The way he spoke reminded Ming Xi of the first time she’d gone to Professor Liang’s place to give him a gift—how he’d gently and appropriately returned the cigarettes, and given her two gift boxes in return.

His words were pleasant, and he himself was good-looking—hard not to like.

“Mm,” Ming Xi nodded.

She agreed to personally deliver the rent to Professor Liang each month, and also agreed to live in this room.

Liang Jiancheng restrained the pleasure on his face, but he was very happy inside.

Old Liang was someone you couldn’t buy with a thousand pieces of gold, and now he felt the same way.

Right.

Liang Jiancheng said there were still some old things left in the room. Ming Xi looked around; besides furniture and basic appliances, there was practically nothing else. She wondered what these old things were.

Just then, Liang Jiancheng opened the wardrobe.

Ming Xi politely averted her gaze.

Since Liang Jiancheng had moved out, he naturally wouldn’t leave his personal clothing here. The wardrobe was neatly arranged with quilts, pillows, and bedsheets—things he had asked the housekeeper to leave specifically for him.

If this apartment hadn’t been rented to Ming Xi, he’d planned to use it to host overseas clients with whom he had good relationships. Some of them didn’t like staying in hotels and preferred distinctive homes like this.

In that sense, he’d been taking advantage of Old Liang as well.

Now that Old Liang was letting Ming Xi use the apartment as a temporary foothold, of course he would make everything available.

“These quilts are all brand new and clean—you can use them directly. It’s an old house, so storage space is limited. You don’t need to rush to buy everyday items; when you eventually buy your own house in Haigang and move out, it won’t be too late to get them then.”

Buy her own house and move out…

Liang Jiancheng’s words sounded so appealing that Ming Xi couldn’t help but responding, “What if I can’t afford a house for a long time? Would I just live here forever?”

Liang Jiancheng chuckled lightly and turned to look at her. His gaze held encouragement—and recognition. “It won’t take long.”

Then, let’s get down to business.

Liang Jiancheng took out a printed rental contract and handed it to Ming Xi. If there were no problems, she could sign and stamp it.

“It’s a three-year contract. If Old Liang breaches it, you can demand ten times the compensation,” Liang Jiancheng joked, pointing at a clause.

Ming Xi sat in the mahogany chair, and reviewed the contract. It was the first time she’d seen such minimal responsibility and obligation for the tenant. There was only one rule: no bringing male friends back to stay overnight.

“Ming Xi, this clause isn’t targeted at you. If one day your roommate starts dating someone, she can’t bring him back either,” Liang Jiancheng added, making sure everything was clear.

Oh.

Liang Jiancheng took a pen from his pocket and handed it to her.

Ming Xi took the pen, signed her name “Ming Xi,” and wrote the date: June 5, 2000.

“Mr. Liang, where are your personal items?” Ming Xi had been thinking about this and finally asked.

At the mention of “personal items,” a trace of self-satisfied amusement appeared on Liang Jiancheng’s face. He gently placed a hand on Ming Xi’s arm and lightly guided her to stand. His brows and eyes carried an unmistakable hint of rare pride as he said, “Ming Xi, let me introduce you to my favorite secret space from childhood.”

Ming Xi: huh?

Liang Jiancheng led her to a corner of the living room, next to the balcony, where there was a hidden wooden door. He reached out and gently pushed it open, revealing a hidden reading nook, fitted with a rotating bookshelf.

“My grandfather knew a bit of carpentry. He made this himself.”

Ming Xi tilted her head back, unable to hide her astonishment. The rotating bookshelf extended all the way to the ceiling, concealed behind the invisible door. The entire space was less than two square meters, yet it could hold over a thousand books.

“Many of my books are here. Organizing them is the biggest hassle, so I’ve never touched them. Ming Xi… could you help me keep them safe?”

Ming Xi naturally agreed: “…I will keep them safe.”

“I can’t let you help me for nothing. There are many good books on it that you can browse.”

For Liang Jiancheng, computers and books were not to be lent out.

But he could lend them to her.

Suddenly, a mischievous thought crossed his mind. He said to Ming Xi, “It’s cramped inside. When I was little, I could squeeze in there, but I probably can’t now. Ming Xi, why don’t you try? I think you can go in and find the books.”

Ming Xi carefully looked at the space inside. She could probably squeeze in. She tried, sliding along the wall beside the rotating shelf. Once inside, there was just a bit of room left.

But—

She really shouldn’t listen to Liang Jiancheng’s “bad idea.” After getting in, it seemed quite difficult to get back out.

Ming Xi stood straight inside, pressed against the wall.

Liang Jiancheng stood straight outside.

Their eyes met, Liang Jiancheng’s gaze calm yet intense.

Ming Xi’s heart trembled.

For a moment, her eyes were completely captured by him.

A handsome, captivating appearance, paired with a bright, earnest heart—deadly weapons against women.

Ming Xi held her breath quietly. At last, she understood why Liang Jiancheng had “cheated.” A man like him really did stir a woman’s desire to conquer. Sometimes, it wasn’t that he couldn’t control himself—sometimes it was the other person who couldn’t.

“Mr. Liang, if you look at me like that, I’ll get shy,” Ming Xi said softly, her lashes lowering with a gentle flutter.

…She might be young, but she knew how to entice a man too—if she wanted to.

Just like this very moment. If she claimed there was no hint of provocation in what she’d just said—

That would be far too hypocritical.

It was like a pure white feather drifting down through midair.

His breath quickened for a moment, and a strong tremor surged within Liang Jiancheng. It turned out that the cleaner and purer something was, the more it invited sinful thoughts.

Who would have thought that sunlight could be seductive?

And such a uniquely innocent, untainted kind of seduction at that.

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