A roaring filled Tao Yu’s ears. Waves of heat and cold washed over her. Like a drowning person, she grasped for a lifeline, clutching a hand and refusing to let go.

When she awoke, she saw a white ceiling, then familiar decor. They were back in the main house. She blinked, feeling hot. Looking down, she saw a heating device draped over her. On the nearby sofa, Yue Linze, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, stared intently at her.

“Sir…” While being watched by a handsome, abstinent man might be appealing under other circumstances, Yue Linze’s intense gaze was unsettling.

She hesitated, then forced a smile. “Could you please remove this equipment? I’m a bit warm.”

Yue Linze glanced at her, switched off the device, and handed her a glass of water from the table. Tao Yu, realizing how parched her throat was, sat up with the help of the bed and accepted the water with a murmured thanks.

Yue Linze watched her drink, his calmness seeming to conceal something turbulent beneath the surface. Tao Yu stole a glance at him, sensing hidden dangers. After wetting her throat, she set the glass down. “Has Yue Linyin been arrested?” she asked after a moment.

“Yes,” Yue Linze replied evenly.

Tao Yu nodded. “And Gu… your father?”

“He suffered a stroke. He’s in the hospital.” Seeing she was about to ask more, Yue Linze answered preemptively. “I’ve taken over Yue Corporation. When they’re capable of returning, they’ll have nothing left.”

Tao Yu met his gaze, a silence stretching between them. Finally, she asked, “Were you the one who saved me from the freezer?”

“Yes.”

…So he could walk outside using his own legs. Then why, with all the sources of his resentment dealt with, hadn’t her mission been completed?! Tao Yu, outwardly smiling and congratulating him on the villains’ downfall, felt inwardly bewildered.

Yue Linze gave her a cool look. “Why did you lie to me?” he asked.

Tao Yu faltered, then offered a weak smile. “I thought, since we hadn’t lost contact, you could come rescue me after you’d dealt with the important matters.” Who knew he’d take so long?

“My matters are that important?”

“Of course,” Tao Yu responded without hesitation.

Yue Linze slowly tapped his fingers against the cool leather armrest of the sofa, the chill bringing him further clarity.

As he fell silent, Tao Yu took the opportunity to study her surroundings. She’d noticed the familiarity earlier, yet something felt off. Now, looking more closely, realization dawned.

Could someone please explain why she was in Yue Linze’s room, in Yue Linze’s bed? Tao Yu felt utterly disoriented.

Yue Linze, noticing her expression, let out a soft chuckle. “Just realizing?”

“…Why am I here?” Tao Yu maintained a strained smile, a hint of alarm betraying her composure.

Yue Linze’s expression softened slightly at her apprehension. “The equipment was too bulky to bring to your room.”

Tao Yu glanced at the medical devices beside her, momentarily speechless. “You could have just taken me to the hospital. There was no need to bring all this in here.”

Yue Linze gave her a cold look, and Tao Yu immediately changed her tone. “Thank you, sir. I’m truly grateful for your concern.” She lay back down, feigning enjoyment of her convalescence.

Yue Linze’s lips curved into a slight smile. He retrieved a book from a nearby shelf, seemingly intending to stay.

Tao Yu desperately wanted him to leave so she could untangle her chaotic thoughts. Seeing his intention to remain, she inwardly groaned, but kept her complaints to herself.

She’d just have to wait until he left.

Unfortunately, it seemed she wouldn't get the chance.

Yue Linze stayed until nightfall, and they had dinner together in the room. Tao Yu subtly hinted that it was time for him to rest. Yue Linze glanced at her and walked towards the bathroom.

“.…” 

He didn't seem like he was planning to sleep elsewhere.

Ten minutes later, Yue Linze emerged, clad only in a towel, his gaze fixed on her. 

“?”

“I promised you a reward once this was all over,” Yue Linze said evenly.

Tao Yu froze, her first thought, what reward?