Ning Yunhuan had attempted to sneak out several times, but every time the mere thought crossed her mind, Lan Linyan would pause his work and cast a knowing glance in her direction. There were no outsiders present - he always removed his glasses when handling business matters, revealing those slender upturned phoenix eyes that seemed to pierce through shadows. His soft black hair fell in loose strands rather than the rigid haircut of an action hero type, with wisps of bangs framing his face like delicate curtains. When he looked at her from beneath these strands, his sharp gaze and the faint exposure of his sword-like eyebrows created a chilling effect that made people's blood run cold.

Under such scrutiny, Ning Yunhuan endured until nightfall when Lan Linyan finally finished his paperwork. He approached where she'd been staring out the window lost in thought.

The Lan Corporation tower occupied prime central position in the imperial capital, its entire structure belonging to the Lan family. The building alone was worth astronomical figures - at least ten times more valuable than a hundred Su families combined. Ning Yunhuan estimated this was merely the tip of their financial iceberg.

"What are you thinking about?"

A crisp voice pulled her from her daze. "Thinking about you..." she blurted out automatically, realizing too late that she'd meant to say how much she wanted him to agree to end their deal so they could part ways forever. When she turned around and saw the softness in his eyes instead of usual coldness, along with the slight upward curve at his mouth indicating good humor...

Even an idiot would realize those words were now best kept buried!

Lan Linyan was indeed in a pleasant mood - especially after hearing her claim he'd been on her mind. Though he knew she probably wasn't being sincere, it still pleased him that she hadn't mentioned the transaction instead.

After dining together with restraint, Ning Yunhuan's timid request to return home was ignored as Lan Linyan took her back to his residence. When morning came and he accompanied her to school for class, she felt relieved at last.

The previous night had seen another incident where he kicked her off the bed - yet insisted on sharing it afterwards. "There has been progress," he'd said smugly. At least this time she managed to stay half-upright against the mattress edge instead of flying across as before. This man's sleeping habits were truly terrible, completely contradicting his composed demeanor!

After two days together, Ning Yunhuan found her fear from their past life - whatever it was - had inexplicably lessened despite glimpsing this hidden side of him. She still feared him, but no longer trembled uncontrollably like during their first meeting.

Eager to get to school, she barely ate breakfast and dared not rush Lan Linyan as he leisurely finished his meal with elegant napkin use, making her anxious while waiting. Finally, when he took her hand, the armored SUV was already waiting outside the estate. The same two rugged-looking men in camouflaged uniforms guarded the driver's seat - their fierce appearances enough to make anyone uneasy.

Inside the car, Lan Linyan carefully packed her belongings into a pink crocodile-skin case containing his mysteriously acquired phone and strange keys. Though she noticed these items, Ning Yunhuan wasn't paying attention today. She was determined to return home after classes - certain he wouldn't follow there.

"Did you remember what I said earlier?" Lan Linyan's amused voice interrupted her thoughts.

What had he said? Confusion clouded Ning Yunhuan's face as she stared at him, suddenly realizing she'd been so preoccupied with escaping that she hadn't heard anything he'd said.

Lan Linyan chuckled softly but his eyes darkened. "The keys are prepared. If you finish class early and I'm not there, go directly home or call me - someone will pick you up."

"What?" Ning Yunhuan remained confused despite recognizing each word. His meaning eluded her completely.

"I can just return to my own place," she insisted politely.

His smile deepened as he said, "Back to the estate." The tone wasn't forceful but carried an unmistakable finality that neither could challenge easily.

When their wills clashed, it was always the more determined person who prevailed.

"I can't... My parents would be angry! I didn't return home last night..." Ning Yunhuan tried one last protest as her voice trembled.

"Shhh." A finger pressed against her lips silenced further objections before he removed his glasses entirely. His gaze held an abyssal depth, swirling with hypnotic pull: "You have two options. Either tell them you're living in the dorms while staying with me... Or believe me when I say whatever follows won't be pleasant to hear."

His low chuckle carried an indescribable sensuality as Ning Yunhuan blushed crimson then paled at realization - this was about making her live with him permanently.

Despite these few days together proving he wasn't entirely ruthless (though cold), the fact that apart from holding and kicking her off, he hadn't truly harmed her made resistance futile.

"I..." she began but trailed off under his calm gaze, finally biting her finger as silent tears welled up. The weight of his presence left no room for rebellion.

Sulking all the way to school, just before exiting the car Lan Linyan leaned in and kissed her until her cheeks flushed red and breath came unsteady. Only after the color faded did he let her go...

There was always that one sentence she forgot to say - but this time it wasn't relevant!

*sniffles dramatically*

**I NEED RECOMMENDATION VOTES!**

***begs for recommendation votes on floor***

******(rolling around demanding more than a hundred recommendation votes!)*******