“Miss Tao, that dress suits you perfectly,” the housekeeper interjected, breaking the silence with evident satisfaction.  

While choosing Tao Yu's outfit, he'd initially intended to select something reflecting her usual style. Yet, for some reason, her vibrant, private persona kept coming to mind, leading him to choose this particular dress. Now, seeing her in it, he felt vindicated. He rarely saw such a perfect blend of charm and elegance, but Dr. Tao had managed it effortlessly.

Tao Yu breathed a sigh of relief and approached Yue Linze with a smile. After a moment's thought, she asked, “Mr. Yue, what do you think of me today?”

“Ugly.” Yue Linze glanced at her before returning his attention to his book.

…It was her own fault for asking. Speechless, Tao Yu was about to change the subject when she saw several people in white coats rushing into the house.  

“Oh,” she exclaimed, turning to Yue Linze. “By the way, Mr. Gu just had a fall.  Did you know, Mr. Yue?”

Before Yue Linze could respond, the housekeeper asked in surprise, “Mr. Gu had a fall? When did this happen?”

“Just now, as I was leaving,” Tao Yu replied.

The housekeeper frowned, glancing worriedly at Yue Linze. “Sir, Mr. Gu is injured. Although there was a slight disagreement earlier, it wouldn't be appropriate for us not to check on him.”

“I'm not going,” Yue Linze stated coldly.

The housekeeper nodded immediately. “Very well, sir. I'll leave Miss Tao here to keep you company while you enjoy the sun. I'll go and see to him myself.” With a slight bow, he departed.

Tao Yu’s lips twitched. This housekeeper was remarkably efficient, skipping any attempt at persuasion.

Noticing her gaze fixed on the departing housekeeper, Yue Linze’s brow furrowed. “Come here.”

Tao Yu quickly averted her gaze and walked over to him.  “Mr. Yue, what is it?” she asked with a forced smile.

“Squat down,” Yue Linze commanded.

Confused, Tao Yu nonetheless obeyed. Previously, with one seated and the other standing, she could see Yue Linze effortlessly. Now, squatting, she had to tilt her head back to see his expression, unconsciously exposing the delicate curve of her neck.

Yue Linze seemed somewhat appeased, his expression softening slightly. Under Tao Yu’s watchful gaze, he produced an exquisite box.

Tao Yu’s eyes followed his slender fingers as he opened the box with a snap, revealing a delicate brooch within.

“It’s beautiful…” Tao Yu gasped. It wasn't a lack of experience with luxury, but the sheer loveliness of the brooch. 

Shaped like a bow, its wings were encrusted with pink diamonds, centered by a pale blue gemstone. The fresh colors evoked a sense of girlish delight, while the materials screamed expensive.

Yue Linze scoffed at her astonishment, then, expressionless, tilted the brooch towards her.  Understanding his intent, Tao Yu leaned back, nearly losing her balance. 

“Mr. Yue, this is too valuable. I can’t accept it.”

Besides, even if she did accept it, she couldn't bring it back to her own world. It was better to use this opportunity to project an image of noble indifference to material possessions, perhaps improving her standing.

Provided, of course, that Yue Linze didn’t insist on giving it to her.

“Come here.”

Yue Linze’s displeasure was evident. Tao Yu immediately relented, even leaning forward to make it easier for him to fasten the brooch.

Unfortunately, Yue Linze’s skills in this area were clearly lacking. He hovered with the brooch an inch below her collarbone, unable to secure it.

His fingers brushed against her chest as he fumbled.  Tao Yu flinched a few times, earning a sharp rebuke each time.  She endured the awkwardness, watching him.  Finally, she couldn’t help but comment, “Mr. Yue, it’s only because I trust your character that I don’t think you’re taking advantage of me.”

Yue Linze’s fingers paused. He slowly raised his head to meet her gaze.  They were so close that as he looked up, Tao Yu had the fleeting impression he was about to kiss her.

“You’re not worthy,” Yue Linze murmured, his intense gaze lending the words an unsettling sincerity.

…Worthy my foot.  Tao Yu plastered on a professional smile. “Please, continue.”

Yue Linze scoffed softly, lowering his head to resume his search for the right spot. Finally, he located a suitable place near her heart and exposed the pin.

Watching him prepare to stick it in without hesitation, Tao Yu’s apprehension grew.  “Mr. Yue,” she finally interjected, “perhaps I should do it.”

Yue Linze gave her a sidelong glance, then deftly fastened the brooch. By the time Tao Yu recovered, he had straightened up, putting distance between them once more.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Tao Yu stood up. Admiring the beautiful jewelry now adorning her, she asked cheerfully, “Mr. Yue, why are you giving me such an expensive piece?”

“Because you’re an embarrassment,” Yue Linze replied, successfully diminishing her joy by a third.

…First the clothes, shoes, and cosmetics, now this expensive jewelry. It seemed he was deeply concerned about his companion appearing poor. So why bring her here at all?

“Gu Yansheng’s birthday party will be full of…undesirables. You’re here to deter them,” Yue Linze explained, as if reading her thoughts.