“Finished?” he asked.

Jiang Yi nodded. “Yes.” She gestured towards the garden. “I’m going for a walk.”

Zhong Lin knew of her habit of enjoying the morning sun in the garden. He simply nodded. “Alright.”

Jiang Yi headed out.

Zhong Lin returned to his reports, a sense of unease settling over him. If it weren’t for his desire to be near her, why would he bother working in the living room?

Jiang Yi stretched and did her radio taiso exercises surrounded by the fragrance of flowers. After twenty minutes, the housekeeper called her back inside.

They were due at the Zhong family’s main residence for lunch. While not a strictly formal occasion, it still called for a certain decorum. Zhong Lin had arranged for a styling team and, in the meantime, sent a steady stream of clothing to her room, outfit after outfit.

The “styling” turned out to be a simple change of clothes, a quick hair arrangement, and light makeup. Less elaborate than for a formal banquet, but still elegant and appropriate.

By the time she was ready, it was almost noon. Downstairs, only Zhong Lin and the housekeeper, Mr. Lin, were present.

Seeing her descend, Mr. Lin excused himself to prepare the car.

Zhong Lin’s gaze lingered on her, making her feel self-conscious. “What… what is it?” she asked.

He approached her, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “You look beautiful,” he said.

Perhaps it was his proximity, but her heart began to race. “Do… do I?” she mumbled, fiddling with her fingers.

Zhong Lin moved behind her, and her eyes followed. “Don’t move,” he said. Jiang Yi froze, then awkwardly turned her head back.

She felt a cool touch against her neck. Looking down, she saw a pendant. This is…?

Zhong Lin fastened the necklace, then stepped back in front of her, his eyes taking her in. “Beautiful.”

Heat rushed to Jiang Yi’s face. In her experience, Zhong Lin was usually reserved, his emotions hidden. Hearing him say “beautiful” twice in one morning felt both unusual and strangely sincere.

He then picked up the scarf draped over her arm and began wrapping it around her neck, layer upon layer. Right, it was cold outside. She needed a scarf.

Jiang Yi ducked her head, her chin buried in the soft fabric. “But… you can’t see it now…” she mumbled.

Her voice was quiet, but he heard her clearly. “You can see it. I can see it,” he said. “It’s not for anyone else.”

Her heart pounded, her face burning. She lowered her head further, wanting to hide in the soft folds of the scarf.

Her shyness was endearing. Zhong Lin’s throat tightened. He couldn’t resist reaching down, pulling the overly fluffy scarf away from her delicate chin, and gently kissing her lips.

Just a light touch, nothing passionate, but filled with tenderness.

Jiang Yi’s eyes widened. Flustered, she covered her mouth and glanced around nervously.

Zhong Lin chuckled softly. “No one’s here,” he reassured her.

Jiang Yi lowered her hand, her beautiful eyes fixed on him, a hint of playful reproach in their depths.

Zhong Lin’s smile widened, his happiness evident.