The next morning, Mi Xue only realized she was sleeping in the bed when she woke up.

Her outer coat had been removed, and holding the discarded clothes beside the bed, Mi Xue’s delicate face flushed pink.

Although there was still clothing beneath the coat, removing the jacket must have inevitably involved physical contact.

All she could think about now were those movements, picturing Zhang Yang helping her undress.

As she thought, and thought, her complexion grew even redder.

“Mi Xue, are you up?

If you are, come out for breakfast!” Zhang Yang called from outside.

His hearing was terrifying now; he could even catch her unnatural breathing sounds from within the room.

“I’m coming right out!” Mi Xue hastily replied, abandoning those embarrassing thoughts for the moment, rushing to find clothes to put on and get out of bed.

She had woken up quite late today.

Zhang Yang had already finished his cultivation practice and prepared breakfast—century egg and lean pork congee, one of Zhang Yang’s specialties and also Mi Xue’s absolute favorite.

After washing up, Mi Xue quickly settled down at the table.

A faint blush still lingered on her face, but her mind was much calmer now.

Looking at Mi Xue, an involuntary shadow of apology crossed Zhang Yang’s eyes once more.

Having just returned from Shanghai, he had intended to spend a good amount of time with Mi Xue at home, but unexpectedly, new business required him to leave again.

He didn't know how many days this trip would take, and this time, bringing Mi Xue was absolutely out of the question.

Southern Borderland was a dangerous place.

For this excursion, Zhang Yang only planned to take Long Cheng, Long Feng, and Wu Zhiguo; no one else.

“Zhang Yang, what’s wrong?” Mi Xue, while sipping her congee, seemed to sense something, looking up at Zhang Yang with sudden surprise.

Zhang Yang quickly sat up straight.

“Nothing at all.

I just think you look beautiful even while eating!” Mi Xue’s cheeks immediately regained their flush, filled with shy delight.

Zhang Yang was clearly not skilled at sweet-talking women, but she treasured every compliment he offered.

After breakfast, Zhang Yang drove Mi Xue to her school.

The Mercedes had already been brought back by Long Feng.

After a moment’s thought, Zhang Yang drove to the Third Institute.

The research project had just begun, and for him, the person in charge, to leave for an extended period felt rather irresponsible.

However, the subsequent research truly wouldn't require his direct involvement.

As long as he left behind the necessary documentation and set the proper direction, the rest of the team could handle the execution and see the research through to its final results.

After delegating matters for the coming days and bidding farewell to Wang Guohai, Zhang Yang departed.

Hearing that Zhang Yang would be gone for several days, with the exact return date uncertain, Wang Guohai’s mouth dropped open wide enough to fit an egg.

This was a critical project approved by the Chinese Academy of Sciences; countless people nationwide yearned for a research position within such a project, and even more desired to lead one.

Yet Zhang Yang treated it with such apparent indifference, first delaying things by ten-odd days, and now leaving just as the work was kicking off.

Wang Guohai didn't know how to address Zhang Yang’s attitude.

Fortunately, he had some understanding of Zhang Yang’s character and knew that once a decision was made, it wouldn't easily change.

He could only resolve to work harder over the next few days, cleaning up the mess Zhang Yang left behind and hoping the materials he left would facilitate some positive progress for the team.

Leaving the Third Institute, Zhang Yang first visited Su Zhantao.

Young Master Su’s sister-in-law had recovered her composure; she was just a bit quieter than before.

Such a setback, such a shock, had perhaps served as a necessary lesson for the young girl’s growth.

After chatting with Su Zhantao for a while, Zhang Yang learned about the progress on the Young Master’s affairs.

Chang Feng was currently handling Young Master Su’s case.

Chang Feng had already managed to make several people talk, uncovering additional charges against Niu Qian.

Now, Chang Feng was actively searching for the victims so they could settle accounts with Niu Qian together.

This Niu Qian was certainly destined for ruin this time.

Before Zhang Yang left, Yang Ling brought her younger sister, Yang Rui, out to thank him.

If Zhang Yang hadn't arrived in time yesterday, the consequences truly would have been unthinkable; the memory still sent shivers of fear down both their spines.

It was then that Zhang Yang truly noticed Yang Rui.

The younger sister was taller than her elder sister.

Yang Rui’s eyes seemed even