Everyone in the team is savvy, even Xiao Quan, who appears naive, is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. They all know she’s a woman, but they also know Yan Song has a girlfriend, even though Yan Song never mentioned it. At first, she deceived herself, stubbornly refusing to believe it, until one time during a break, she saw Yan Song staring dazedly at a photo with such gentle eyes, a look she’d never seen before. In that moment, it felt like she had fallen into an icy pit, shivering despite the African desert heat. As she walked over, Yan Song hurriedly put the photo away, so careful and precious as if fearing anyone would catch a glimpse, and all her illusions shattered instantly. He also had a strand of hair that never left his side, taking it out whenever he had free time. She could no longer deceive herself, telling herself countless times to give up, but every time she saw him, the defense she’d built crumbled completely, utterly defeated. It’s been two years, and she still can’t let go; it’s more painful than death to her. Her grandfather once told her, if she wanted to come back, he’d arrange it, but she refused outright. She just wanted to stay by his side forever; even if she never existed in his eyes, she would have no regrets. "Ah Song, when are you coming home? Your great-grandfather’s big birthday is coming up, the whole family misses you, and he wants to see you too." The gentle voice of a woman wafted from the phone, blending with the night. Yan Song, with a towel around his waist, walked to the window and stood there, his tall figure almost blocking the overhead light, his chest muscles shining with a honeyed glow, full of vigorous power. Water droplets trickled down his chest, slipping into the defined lines of his abs, sensually inviting thoughts to wander. "I’ll find a way to make it back for great-grandfather’s birthday, send him my greetings." "Alright, don’t overwork yourself, take care, it’s been two years, you don’t know how much mom misses you, how worried she is if you’re eating well or sleeping soundly." The woman’s voice choked up with emotion. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ NoveIＦire.net In the cold hardness of Yan Song’s heart, a soft spot emerged, reserved for family. His usually cold voice softened a bit, so touching in the darkness. "I’m doing well. Mom, you and dad should take care of yourselves too." "Yes, yes, our son has grown up, and knows to care for us. That’s great. Also, there’s some happy news I’ll announce on your great-grandfather’s birthday, make sure to come back early." Yan Song frowned slightly, pinching the bridge of his nose gently, murmured "Mm," and then hung up the phone directly. Happy news? What happy news could there be at home? With half a month to go until the great-grandfather’s birthday, he had to make a breakthrough in Jiangzhou. But before that, there was something more important he needed to do. He dressed in a long black trench coat, concealed a handgun on him, took his wallet and phone and left. He hailed a cab by the roadside. It was already late at night, few pedestrians were on the street, and the streetlights cast long shadows along the roads, while the autumn wind rose, adding a tinge of desolation to the city. He looked at the last message on WeChat from two years ago, his fingers lightly touching the cold screen, his gaze burning intensely like two tongues of fire. It’s been two years, I’m back. The car arrived at the foot of Qingshan Mountain. Yan Song got out and walked step by step up the mountain. The luxurious gates of Ji Family Manor glowed with two lamps, emitting a soft light like a lighthouse guiding a wanderer home, warm and bright. Yan Song stood at the manor’s entrance, the cold autumn night wind biting, yet inside him was a burning fire needing release. He peered through the iron gate toward a distant direction, where the girl he loved most lay sleeping in the mansion-like castle. Thinking about it brought a smile to his lips, so warm and touching in the darkness. Nearer to home, yet more apprehensive, perhaps that’s how it is. He stood there in the cold wind for the whole night. The pale moonlight gently passed through the curtains, casting its glow on the large bed. The girl on the bed turned over, pulling the quilt over her head. After a while, she abruptly sat up, tugging her hair. Sleep aids had lost their effect on her, her head heavy like a melon, yet she couldn’t sleep. Complex and layered emotions weighed down her mind, tearing at her fragile nerves. She desperately wanted to let herself sleep, to think of nothing, to do nothing, but even such a simple wish was impossible for her.