Xunxun had never used her full name before, nor had he ever looked at her with eyes like that. All of a sudden, Ah Sha felt miserable. The floodgates opened; her tears pattered against her lap.

Seriously? Youre crying? You think you can justify your actions just by shedding a little tear?

It was as though a switch had been flicked; Ah Shas soft sobs turned into full-blown wails.

Wuwuwuwu I want to go home, wuwuwu

Releasing a deep sigh, Xunxun reached out and pulled Ah Sha into an embrace. Now youre crying. Werent you acting all tough just now?

I, I didnt lie to you on purpose, Ah Sha said jerkily.

Xunxun released her from his hug and then grabbed a towel to dry her face. Alright, enough crying. Now tell me what the h.e.l.ls going on!

The year before last year, I ran into Johns. Afterwards, when I found out that hes acquainted with mother-in-law, I asked for his contact number. Ah Sha stared at Xunxun. Her puckered lips and watery eyes rendered her appearance extremely pitiable.

The sight of her red, teary eyes brought a sharp pang into Xunxuns heart. He pulled her closer. Im so sorry, he said, kissing her gently. I shouldnt have raised my voice at you. What happened after that? How did you end up as a bounty hunter?

One time, he came to me to borrow some drugs for his mission. I thought it sounded pretty fun, so I tagged along. Ah Shas voice was barely audible at this point. After that I became the poison queen. When she finished, Ah Sha buried her head into Xunxuns chest.

For a long while, they stayed in that same position. Then, Ah Sha s.h.i.+fted slightly in his arms. I was afraid to tell everyone because I didnt want everyone to worry. If daddy found out, Im sure hell forbid me from bounty hunting.

Ah Sha! Xunxun said, raising her chin suddenly. Ah Shas gaze met a pair of dark eyes. Once again, she felt a sting in her eyes as her tears threatened to fall.

With as much sincerity he could muster, Xunxun kissed her tears away gently. On the contrary, he said, I think your daddy will be very proud of you.

There was a few moments pause before Xunxun spoke again. Youre doing this to track down the formula for Aunt Qings legs, arent you? Xunxun gazed at her tenderly. None of us have the heart to blame you, Ah Sha. Youre working so hard and risking your life to save your own mother.

More tears spilled from Ah Shas eyes, drenching her cheeks. How did you know she said.

Xunxun pulled Ah Sha to her feet. I practically raised you. Theres nothing about you that I dont know, Xunxun said, leading her into the bathroom to wash her face.

Ah Shas boldness returned when she realized that Xunxun was no longer mad at her. But youve been mad at me for the past few days! You gave me the cold shoulder! You even raised your voice at me!

Xunxun poked her head a few times. I wasnt mad at you. I was just dissatisfied with myself.

I mean, you wouldnt have to go through all this trouble if I found the prescription formula from the get-go, right? Everyone tried to spoil you rotten since the day you were born. Im sure their hearts would bleed if they ever find out the real reason behind all that training youd put yourself through back at my fathers base. You wanted to become a bounty hunter even back then. Thats why you trained so hard.

Ah Sha raised her head from his chest. Im so much stronger than you guys think, you know? she said in a serious tone. Im not that weak.

I know, Xunxun said with a sigh. I could tell from the way you dealt with Tang Yue. Which is why Im worried. What if you keep soaring higher and higher and then realize one day that you dont need me anymore.

Ah Sha didnt expect Xunxun to say that. Her heart ached for the man. She threw her arms around him and wiggled against him. You have to stay with me and protect me forever. Without you, Ill just fall to my death. If you dare abandon me, Ill, Ill ask Xiao Rui and w.a.n.gw.a.n.g to break your legs!

Ive been giving you the cold shoulder for the past few days because I was afraid. Xunxun tightened his arms around her. When I was just a kid, Ive already decided that youre the only woman I want to be with for the rest of my life. I cant guarantee that Ill do better than your daddy, but I can guarantee that I wont do worse than him.

I know, I know! Ah Sha burst into tears again. She even wiped her tears on Xunxuns pajamas. Youre not allowed to ignore me or raise your voice at me again. You have to want me even if Im the poison queen!

Xunxun squinted at her. Alright.

Where are we going?

To the bed!

What ensued after that was a long and arduous ravis.h.i.+ng session where Ah Sha was flipped over on the bed several times like a fish on a frying pan. When she woke up again, the s.p.a.ce beside her was already empty.

Men with blue b.a.l.l.s are scary creatures! Ah Sha thought. She doubted she would even be able to get out of bed when they finally went all the way.

Ah Sha ploughed through her morning routine with a hand supporting her aching waist. By the time she was done, the aroma of ham wafted from the kitchen.

Looks like youre in a good mood today, milord. You even took it upon yourself to make breakfast!

Xunxun gave her a hug and then stole a kiss from her lips. Well, Im more than happy to prepare all your meals if you let me have my way with you every night!

Oh, by the way. You should give your daddy a call first, Xunxun reminded and said.

Without ado, Ah Sha called Yings residence. Almost the entire call was spent explaining her abrupt departure to Xin Qing. For breakfast, Xunxun had prepared porridge and ham sandwichesthe only things he knew how to make.

You should just stay home since you dont have to work during Chinese New Year, Xunxun said.

Ah Sha nodded. Then should we go to the Great Barrier Reef with daddy and the others?

Do you want to go?

I think its best if I stay away from my family for the time being, Ah Sha said, sounding a little dejected. I dont want to cause trouble for them.

Xunxun ruffled her hair. Dont use the words cause trouble. Youll hurt their feelings if they find out.

Before they dealt with Bai Qi, it would be dangerous to stay by Ah Shas side.

Ah! c.r.a.p! Ah Sha leaped to her feet. I forgot about my three friends!

Xunxun pulled her back down. Relax, he said, Xiao Hua had already sent them back.

Then, I guess we should spend this Chinese New Year together, just the two of us! Xunxun declared, pulling out his phone. He called the Ying family first to greet his in-laws. Then, he made another call and asked the person on the line to reserve a room for them. After hanging up, he said, Shall we head to the underground hot springs?

Ah Sha agreed right away. It was warm and cozy there; besides, their Buddhist cuisine was to die for!

After packing their suitcases, the two of them departed immediately. When they arrived at the mountain, they stopped by the stables first to visit Xiaobai and its pony. Upon their arrival at the hot springs, they were told by the staff that their suite was ready. Now, the two of them took the moutain pathmade as good as new during the reconstructionleading to the deeper part of the forest. Along the path, they pa.s.sed by block after block of small villas.

President Wan? A person suddenly yelled from behind them.

Ah Sha turned around just as Xunxun whispered beside her ear. The head of the Mo family, Mo Nan.

Once Mo Nan got close enough, Ah Sha began scrutinizing him, the man who had ordered the death of his own brother; he looked rather handsome, just that his eyes seemed malicious, like he was scheming and plotting against the people around him every second of the day.

Mo Nan recognized Ah Sha.

This is Miss Mei Jing? Mo Nan glanced at Wan Qingsi briefly before a look of realization formed on his face. Wow, looks like youre in the mood to enjoy yourself, Boss Wan!

Xunxun nodded casually, his face devoid of expression. I recall there are hot springs in the neighbouring district as well. So why did President Mo come all the way here?

Haha. To deal with my brothers death, of course. Mo Nans eyes darted briefly to Ah Sha. Theres been some misunderstanding with Miss Mei before this. Since weve run into each other today, we might as well make things right. How about this? Tonight, dinner is on me. Consider it reparation for all the trouble Ive caused you.

Like a meek little girl, Ah Sha leaned herself into Wan Qingsis side. Mo Nan held a calculating look on his face as he watched them; in fact, Ah Sha was pretty sure that several schemes had already taken form in Mo Nans mind already.

Will Boss Wan be so kind to join us, then? Mo Nan asked again.

Sure. See you at the restaurant tonight, Xunxun said before he led Ah Sha away.

Inside their villa, Ah Sha placed her suitcase beside the bed. What do you think Mo Nan is up to? she asked.

If my guess is correct, hes trying to gain a foothold in S City. Xunxun released a derisive laugh. Hes way too ambitious.

Ah Sha didnt share Xunxuns amus.e.m.e.nt though. In fact, she felt rather worried. But thats going to affect Xin Enterprises.

Hah. Please. His petty schemes dont stand a chance against your daddy.

Is he really the one calling the shots in the Mo family, though? A skeptical look formed on Ah Shas face. Didnt you say that theres a young son in the Mo family?

The Mo family has always been conservative and orthodox, Xunxun said in a deep voice. But Mo Nan is actually someone who keeps up with the times. Hes cruel and ruthless, that was why hed never been able to garner the familys full support. But now they dont have a choice. The youngest son of the Mo family is only ten years old.

Ah Sha sighed. He seems pretty desperate, I guess. He just came into power recently, and yet hes already trying to expand his territory.

Xunxun chuckled darkly. Thats why I said hes way too ambitious. You dont have to bother with him. Its just a matter of time before your daddy tears him apart.

Then why bother joining him for dinner? Ah Sha stretched her arms above her head and yawned. I actually planned to soak in the hot springs and then try some Buddhist cuisine!

Xunxun rubbed Ah Shas hands between his palms. Once he was certain that her hands were warm, Xunxun said, He definitely didnt come here alone today. We should check out what kind of connections he has made inside S City.

Much to their surprise, Mo Nan only brought one person with him that night. In fact, it was a woman.

The woman was dressed in a red fur coat. Its been a while, Boss Wan, she greeted with a seductive smirk as she held out her hand.

Instead of shaking the womans hand, Wan Qingsi merely nodded at her. You havent changed at all, Miss Zhuang.

Do you know her, Ah Sha? Wan Qingsi helped Ah Sha into her seat before Mo Nan had the chance to shake Ah Shas hand.

Ah Sha seemed pleasantly surprised. Yeah! Of course I know her! The queen of acting, Zhuang Yan!

Zhuang Yans eyes scanned Ah Shas face before she nodded. I keep hearing your name from the news. Now I finally get to meet you in person. Then, Zhuang Yan gave Wan Qingsi a cryptic smile. So, Boss Wan, you prefer the young ones, I see. Haha. No wonder An Ru didnt stand a chance!

An Ru? Ah Sha began sifting through her mind for information. It didnt take her more than a few moments to figure it out; An Ru was a very popular singer in the past few years. Ah Sha seemed to recall a news article she had read online t.i.tled Gorgeous Singer, An Ru, Publicly Professing Her Love to Her Boss.

Ah Sha trusted Xunxun fully, which was why the article had never bothered her at all. What seemed strange to her was the fact that there hadnt been any news about An Ru recently. Ah Sha had been back in the country for so long. Surely, any news regarding her scandal with Boss Wan had spread across the entire city like wildfire. So how come An Ru hadnt made a single appearance?

As if he had read her mind, Xunxun suddenly lowered his head and whispered into her ear, An Ru had gone to the United States to study music.

Thats right! An Ru is working very hard, and its all because of a certain someone!

Miss Zhuang, do you have a secret crush on me? Wan Qingsi asked coldly.

Mo Nan, who had been watching the show quietly beside them, suddenly froze. Zhuang Yan was his female companion for the night, so what the heck did Wan Qingsi mean by that

Zhuang Yan could barely react to Wan Qingsis sudden question; for a while, she just stared blankly at Wan Qingsi. Do-Dont joke around, Boss Wan! she spluttered. Even if she did have a crush on Wan Qingsi, she wouldnt want to openly display it in front of Mo Nan, for heavens sake!

Then you should stop mentioning the names of other women in front of my partner here. Youll cause a lot of misunderstanding, Wan Qingsi said, wrapping an arm around Ah Sha. Ah Sha had just made her debut recently. She cant handle jokes like that.

Sensing Zhuang Yans eyes on her, Ah Sha quickly clarified and said, Oh, Ah Sha is my nickname!

Zhuang Yan studied Ah Shas face and noted the mindless and vacuous look she saw there. Whats so great about this childish girl? Zhuang Yan thought. Then again, none of this concerned her. Zhuang Yan had already seen through Wan Qingsis ways a long time ago; a man like him would never a.s.sociate himself with female celebrities like them.

As for An Ru, well, she would be back very soon, and Zhuang Yan was pretty sure that an interesting drama was about to unfold!

Sensing the awkward atmosphere in the room, Mo Nan quickly played the good host. Come, come, come! The dishes have all been served. Lets not just sit around and talk. Try the dishes!

Ah Sha had never been one to disappoint her own appet.i.te; she quickly picked up her chopsticks and dug in. But when she was reaching for a piece of food with her chopsticks, Ah Sha caught a glimpse of the man who had just entered. Her eyes widened instantly.

Its alright. He wont make a move here.

Evidently, Xunxun had noticed the man too.