He was nothing like Yan Zhen described.

He stood at the bar, reaching out to take Yan Zhen's shoulder and help her up. Yan Zhen, drunk and unsteady, stumbled. He smoothly scooped her up, cradling her in his arms. The movement was fluid and natural, with no hint of awkwardness at the intimate contact.

As Ying Shu watched, slightly dazed, she heard Chen Huaixu speak. "Thank you for taking care of Zhen Zhen. It's getting late, and it's not safe for you to go home alone. I'll give you a ride since I'm going your way."

His manner was gentlemanly, his courtesy impeccable.

Ying Shu thanked him and followed behind, discreetly observing him.

Hmm... His looks were impeccable, his style was impeccable, he was successful at a young age, capable, no rumors of scandalous relationships, seemingly good character. When he carried Yan Zhen to the car, he’d even been mindful of the car door frame, careful not to bump her head. Attentive, too.

Wasn't he a thousand times better than that scumbag?

It was just that Yan Zhen and he didn't seem to get along, so a relationship seemed unlikely. Besides, Chen Huaixu had the air of a sophisticated elite; he probably preferred intelligent, professional women, not spoiled princesses like Yan Zhen who needed constant pampering.

Ying Shu felt a pang of regret and decided to continue her search for other eligible men, determined to help Yan Zhen escape the shadow of her heartbreak.

The car drove smoothly. As they passed a convenience store, Chen Huaixu suddenly stopped.

"I'm going to buy something. Wait here for a moment."

Ying Shu waited in the car. Soon, he returned with a bag, got back in, placed it on the passenger seat, took out some anti-hangover medicine, and handed Ying Shu a cup of hot water, asking her to help Yan Zhen take it.

Yan Zhen, still drowsy from the alcohol, obediently took the medicine with Ying Shu's help and then fell into a deep sleep.

The rest of the drive to Ying Shu’s place was silent.

After dropping Ying Shu off, Chen Huaixu turned the car around and continued driving in silence.

The night was quiet. Yan Zhen, asleep in the backseat, woke up at some point. Curled up, she didn't move, but glanced at Chen Huaixu in the rearview mirror. He happened to glance back at the same moment, their eyes meeting in the reflection.

She quickly closed her eyes, pretending nothing had happened, but her fingertips dug nervously into the leather seat.

After a while, the car finally stopped. Thinking they had arrived home, Yan Zhen slowly sat up. Chen Huaixu came around to open the door for her. As the door opened, a gust of cool air swept in, dispelling the last vestiges of her drunkenness.

Still slightly dazed, Yan Zhen looked at the scene behind him. "Where are we?"

"By the river." He draped his jacket over her shoulders and moved to lift her out. "Let's take a walk, baby."

She resisted, pushing him away. "No! Why aren't you taking me home? What are we doing by the river in the middle of the night? I'll take a taxi back!"

Chen Huaixu caught her wrist. "Even murderers have the right to defend themselves. You can't sentence me to death without giving me a chance to explain."

Yan Zhen turned her head away, biting her lip. "How can you explain… You’ll definitely come up with something… You're so good at lying—"

"She's my half-sister."

Yan Zhen hadn't expected that answer. Stunned, she finally managed to stammer, "...But I've never heard of…"

"We don't have a relationship. Whether others know about her or not is meaningless."

"Then why did she suddenly…"

"My mother is sick. It might be cancer. They were afraid they couldn't afford the treatment, so they came to my company, wanting to see me, begging me to save my mother."

Yan Zhen opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but couldn't.

No wonder the girl had cried, saying she didn't know what to do without Chen Huaixu. No wonder Chen Huaixu had told her to leave everything to him, not to be afraid. So that was it.

Yan Zhen lowered her lashes and asked softly, "How is your mother… how is she doing now?"

"I'm arranging for her to be transferred to another hospital in the next couple of days. They'll run a thorough examination first, to confirm the diagnosis." Chen Huaixu reached out to embrace her again, gently coaxing her. "Can we go for a walk now?"

"No." She still refused, but her tone had softened considerably. "It's too cold outside."

"Okay." Chen Huaixu got into the backseat with her and closed the door. "Then let's talk in the car."