But upon seeing Brother Jingchen's current expression, which was cold and solemn, Shang Xixia's little heart started thumping nervously. For some reason, she felt a sense of guilt and unease.
"From now on, stay away from trash like him."
Gu Jingchen's expression carried a hint of calm indifference. His deep-set eyes resembled an ancient, blackened pool. The man struggled to suppress his emotions. Earlier, he'd driven back to the dorms, only to step back into his car to retrieve a cigarette. In that brief moment, he'd returned to find such a scene. A man who had always been ruthless and fearless, whether on the battlefield or in the business world, now admitted to himself how terrified he'd been when witnessing what had transpired earlier—even feeling a trace of fear. Of course, he also noticed the despair glinting in the little woman's clear gaze.
The man's heart seized tightly. He didn't dare imagine what would've happened had he been one step slower in returning.
"Oh, okay." Sensing that Brother Jingchen seemed somewhat angry but unsure of exactly why, the little woman quickly nodded upon hearing his words.
"Come back earlier in the evenings. If you must go out, still make it a point to return early."
Fretting over what might happen after he leaves, the man found himself rambling a little. In reality, he simply couldn't let go. He didn't know what would become of the little girl's safety or her daily life once he returned to his team. For someone who'd always handled everything with ease, this was the first time he felt so powerless.
"Brother Jingchen, you don't have to worry about me. Honestly, today's incident with Li Chengxi was purely accidental. Here's a deal: once I'm back in the dorm, I'll write a ten-thousand-word reflection as penance, okay?"
Sensing the deep worry emanating from the man, a tender warmth filled her heart. The little girl mischievously stretched out her fair hand, placing it by her ear with a posture as if swearing an oath. Then, she adorably stuck out her petite tongue. Her sparkling clear eyes gleamed like stars across the sky, dazzling and vivid. With a trace of a smile brightening her exquisite little face, she looked at Gu Jingchen and said.
"Alright." The man curved his lips slightly. His usually steely heart melted entirely as he gazed at the endearing and playful little woman before him. How could he still hold onto anger? The man chuckled softly and nodded.
"Brother Jingchen, why is Brother Jingyu here too?" Ultimately unable to hold back her curiosity, the little girl voiced her lingering doubts.
"Oh, it's like this—I thought the Yun City University campus was lovely. It's well-regarded as Yun City's finest campus. So I decided to wander around on this quiet, star-dotted night to take in the scenery that's hard to find elsewhere."
Gu Jingchen's expression turned slightly embarrassed. Thankfully, the moonlight was hazy. Lowering his head, he lightly pressed his lips together, successfully masking the moment.
In truth, as someone proficient in scheming, Gu Jingchen had studied plenty of dating theories specifically for girls like Shang Xixia. According to these theories, in moments like this, he should be tenderly confessing, proclaiming that he stayed close just to catch a glimpse of her, keeping watch by her side. Ideally, he should gaze deeply into her bright, inquisitive eyes with such fervent affection that the inexperienced little woman would flutter her eyelashes, her heartbeat racing like a startled deer.
But when the pivotal moment arrived, Gu Jingchen faltered. The man, commanding and unyielding to the world, terrorizing enemies with his sheer presence, utterly shrank back now—for the very first time in his life.
He had loved the little woman for so many years, wanting to protect her for an eternity, hoping to share a lifetime together. What he sought was genuine, lasting love—not just a fleeting surge of passion brought on by raging hormones.
To truly love someone deeply, it had to be this way.
"Oh, yes. Yun City University truly lives up to its reputation as one of the nation's best universities. It's very charming." Hearing Gu Jingchen's words, the little woman nodded in agreement, finally putting her mind at ease.
She then began to cutely stick out her tongue, visibly realizing that perhaps she'd been a tad self-indulgent earlier. After all, how could someone as perfect as Brother Jingchen possibly fancy someone as inexperienced as herself—a young sapling, still green and growing?
He was so flawless, surrounded by countless women who adored him—surely they were all exceptional, towering trees forming an impressive forest.
Thinking this, the little woman felt a pang of inexplicable sadness. Her long lashes trembled slightly, and she unconsciously pouted gently, the faintest hint of disappointment gracing her expression.
"Xixia, if you're free now, come walk the Yun University campus with me!" In early summer, under a moonlit sky sprinkled with stars, a soft breeze gently stirred the little woman's flowing hair. Her faint fragrance wafted into the man's senses, carried by the breeze.
That aroma, far surpassing any perfume in the world, was something the man had treasured in his lonely nights, a memory he clung to during restless hours.
Feeling this, Gu Jingchen slightly lowered his pitch-dark eyes, his sharply-defined features softened by a deep gentleness. It was as though a clear stream of warmth flowed through his heart.
Thus, despite his formidable willpower, the man still longed to spend more time with the woman he deeply adored. Even if one stood atop the heavens, commanding the world, love could make one humble and small.
"Alright." The little girl nodded eagerly, her approval clear. After all, at this hour, the dormitory doors had already closed. Whether she returned early or late, the dorm's auntie would end up scolding her either way. Since Brother Jingchen treated her so kindly, she figured she might as well seize the chance and enjoy a complete escape—enduring a scolding later fully.
"How's Auntie doing?" Despite his concern for the little woman, Gu Jingchen didn't refrain from asking. His voice was deep and magnetic, resonating with both warmth and strength. Whether joyful or troubled, the man wished for the little woman to share everything with him.
"Still the same, just maintaining as usual." The little woman paused noticeably, then mulled it over. Considering the significant events that had unfolded recently in Yun City, she realized there was no way Brother Jingchen wouldn't know. With that, she lowered her watery gaze and responded softly.
"Mm. If anything comes up, you must tell me. Brother Jingchen will take care of it." The man's tone was steady yet discreet. Deeply loving her meant he'd always consider her perspective, mindful of her stubborn little streak within.
"Okay." The young girl nodded again, her lips curving slightly upward. Her clear, sparkling eyes twinkled with light. Unbeknownst to her, her voice carried an undeniable note of utter reliance.