Chapter 88: “Little Clam, will you marry your little madman?”

Return Chapter: My Hell and Heaven
Chapter 88: “Little Clam, will you marry your little madman?”

---

The conference room fell into a hush.

Although the employees in the finance department hadn’t clearly heard what Song Shu and Qin Lou had been discussing earlier, those two sentences Qin Lou uttered after leaning back in his chair drilled into everyone’s ears without missing a word.

…What kind of scandalous words were those?

The employees sitting around the long conference table exchanged subtle, uneasy glances.

Song Shu was just as taken aback by Qin Lou’s words.

She realized she kept underestimating the thickness of Qin Lou’s skin while overestimating the depth of his limits—both seemed to be evolving in unexpected ways.

Even though Song Shu wanted to teach Qin Lou a lesson, this was absolutely not the right time. The room was unnervingly quiet, and every employee from the finance department, whether overtly or covertly, had their attention fixed on the two of them.

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Rq pbl eked’v alynv, kv nswze cl xkpnsdpvawle. Rq pbl alynvle rssazu, kv nswze yzps cl xkpnsdpvawle.

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Ckd Nsw oyvnble Fsdt Fbw eayo dlya, bkp eyaj lulp pbkdkdt lhld xsal caktbvzu.

Fsdt Fbw nswze pll kv nzlyazu—bla alqzlnvksd kd vbspl rlynb-czsppsx-pbyrle lulp, cakxxkdt okvb fsu, ydvknkryvksd, yde yd kaalralppkczl lmnkvlxldv vbyv oyp yzxspv prkzzkdt shla.

…Mbkp xyexyd.

Fbl nswzed’v blzr cwv pktb kdoyaezu.

Mbld, pbl pvsrrle bla qsaoyae zlyd, aykple bla bydep, yde alynble vsoyae Ckd Nsw.

Mbl tyglp qasx yaswde vbl assx talo ps kdvldpl vblu olal dlyazu vydtkczl. Ohlausdl’p nwakspkvu oyp cyalzu nsdvykdle, yp kq kv oyp alyeu vs cwapv qasx vblka lulp.

Under those watchful gazes, Song Shu’s slender left hand pinched the collar of Qin Lou’s shirt, smoothing it out carefully. She then adjusted it to the spot where the tie knot sat. With her right hand, she grabbed the tie and gave it a firm tug.

“Cough—cough, cough…”

Caught off guard, Qin Lou leaned sideways, letting out a raspy cough.

The conference room fell deathly silent.

Everyone snapped out of it. The male employees subconsciously touched their Adam’s apples, feeling a chill.

Song Shu dusted her hands off, straightened up, and gave a faint, cool smile. “President Qin, I’m not your personal assistant. You should really learn to tie your tie on your own. Otherwise, with my inexperience, I might misjudge my strength next time. What will you do if I end up choking you?”

Qin Lou propped himself up on the chair’s armrest, half-bent over. It took him a while to recover from his coughing fit. But before he even raised his head, a hoarse chuckle—tinged with delight and excitement—escaped his lips.

It was utterly indulgent, brimming with uncontainable joy—a vivid picture of madness.

The employees’ expressions grew increasingly wary and awkward.

Finally, Qin Lou straightened up, leaning back into his chair. He tilted his head to look at the girl standing tall in front of him, his lips still red from the coughing fit, the corners curved into a faint smile.

“The Adam’s apple is a critical spot. Weren’t you afraid of killing me?”

Song Shu’s gaze wavered slightly.

After a few seconds, she softened her expression, curving her lips into a warm smile. “President Qin, don’t worry. I know my limits.”

“Of course I’m not worried. Why would I be?” Qin Lou raised a hand, leisurely loosening his tie. His upturned face carried an unrestrained and striking smile. “…Even if I were to die by your hand, I’d trust you completely.”

“—”

The smile on Song Shu’s face froze abruptly.

Moments later, the pretense of warmth peeled away from her clean, beautiful face. She slowly furrowed her brows. “That word is inauspicious. Take it back.”

Her tone suddenly turned cold and commanding, exuding a queen-like authority that left no room for refusal. The stark contrast caught the employees off guard, leaving them momentarily stunned.

Unable to resist any longer, despite their wariness of Qin Lou’s gaze, they cautiously raised their eyes to watch.

Even before the employees’ gazes had a chance to settle on Qin Lou, they heard his voice—always so audacious and dismissive of others—sounding remarkably “obedient” and without the slightest hesitation.

“Then I take it back.”

The employees: “…?”

Was this still their overbearing, madcap boss who always had his way?

The antique clock in the conference room chimed the half-hour, pulling everyone out of their stupor.

There wasn’t much time for further entertainment, as the official meeting began.

The finance department’s summary and outlook meeting lasted nearly two hours. By the time they wrapped up, there were barely five minutes left before the clock struck 11:30.

The department’s senior staff had no choice but to linger. The finance minister, having observed Qin Lou’s expressions throughout the meeting, realized there was no way to glean his true emotions from his face. Even now, with Qin Lou smiling faintly, the minister approached cautiously.

“President Qin, we’ve concluded on our end. Do you have any further instructions, or…”

Qin Lou turned to glance at Song Shu, who was packing up the meeting minutes behind him. He raised his eyebrows slightly. “Assistant Song, are the minutes ready?”

Even though Song Shu knew he was asking the obvious, she still nodded. “They’re done.”

Qin Lou turned back. “Then go ahead and have lunch. It’s almost the end of the morning shift. Assistant Song can stay behind to discuss the meeting details with me.”

Song Shu: “…”

The finance minister, as if granted a reprieve, cast a grateful glance at Song Shu. “Will you and Assistant Song be discussing here in the meeting room?”

Qin Lou nodded nonchalantly. “Yes, no need to move up to the 22nd floor—saves the trouble.”

“Understood. Then President Qin and Assistant Song, take your time. We’ll adjourn now.”

“Mm.”

The employees couldn’t wait to escape the suffocating atmosphere created by a certain someone’s presence, filing out through the front and back doors of the conference room.

Within seconds, only Qin Lou and Song Shu were left in the room.

Both doors were closed “thoughtfully” by the finance department staff. The Vio Capital meeting rooms were soundproofed, and once the doors were shut, it felt like entering another world—completely silent, as if no sound could penetrate.

For anyone else, such overly quiet isolation might have been awkward. But for Qin Lou and Song Shu, who were long accustomed to being alone together, it wasn’t an issue.

At least, not entirely.

Song Shu finished scanning through her meeting notes, ensuring everything was in order before signing off with the meeting time and her name. Just as she completed her task, she noticed the light around her had dimmed by about three-quarters.

She paused, pen hovering in mid-air, and looked up.

The finance department occupied the 18th floor of the Vio building, offering an expansive view through its floor-to-ceiling windows and ample natural light. However, at this moment, the electronic blinds in front of the windows were slowly descending with a faint “click, click” sound, shutting out most of the light.

Song Shu turned her gaze toward the meeting room’s control panel.

There stood Qin Lou, hands in his pockets, lazily leaning against the wall. He seemed delighted to have finally captured Song Shu’s “attention.” Pulling one hand out of his pocket, he waved at her.

His expression was equal parts exhilarated and mad.

Song Shu stared at him impassively for two seconds before closing her notebook and swiftly rising from her seat, heading toward the front door.

Yet Qin Lou remained leaning against the wall, tilting his head with a faint smirk, making no move to stop her.

Song Shu’s steps slowed hesitantly.

“…Did you lock the door?”

Qin Lou straightened up, his long legs lazily swaying as he strolled toward her. “What do you think?”

Song Shu scanned him up and down. “Where did you hide the key?”

Qin Lou thought for a moment, his lips curving into a playful smile as he raised his hands leisurely. “Why don’t you come over and search me?”

Song Shu: “…”

Before she could respond, Qin Lou slowly approached, still holding his hands up. At a certain distance, he suddenly lowered them, grabbed her, and spun her halfway around, pinning her against the conference table before she could react.

Song Shu snapped out of it, her calm face now faintly frowning. Holding the meeting notes, she spoke slowly and clearly, “President Qin, this is the company, and we are in the finance department’s conference room. What exactly are you trying to do?”

“Although this is the company, it’s already after working hours.” Qin Lou gestured toward the antique clock in the corner. “So, it’s personal time now. And this is my space—I can do whatever I want.”

Song Shu: “…”

“And as for what I want to do,” Qin Lou chuckled hoarsely, leaning forward slightly. “Didn’t the closed curtains give you any hints?”

Song Shu tightened her grip on the notebook and turned her head away, trying to avoid his breath as he drew closer. “President Qin, you’re overthinking. I didn’t get any hints. Besides, it’s nearly lunchtime. If there’s nothing else, I’ll—”

“Really clueless?” Qin Lou interrupted, leaning in and placing a light kiss on her pale earlobe.

“—!” Song Shu froze in place.

Qin Lou laughed softly. “Now do you know?”

Song Shu turned back, her fair cheeks already tinged with an uncontrollable blush. Her eyes glistened with moisture—whether from anger or embarrassment was unclear.

Qin Lou’s gaze deepened.

“If you still don’t know, I’ll just tell you.” He leaned closer, completely enveloping her in his arms. Loosening her hair tie, he let her dark locks fall freely, bringing them to his face to take in their soft violet fragrance.

His voice was rich with amusement as he said, “Didn’t I mention before the meeting? I want to unofficially promote you…my dear assistant.”

Song Shu blinked at the peculiar phrasing.

After a moment, realization dawned, and her blank expression turned into faint disdain, her almond-shaped eyes revealing her quiet disapproval.

She pressed her lips together, staying silent.

Qin Lou lowered his head and kissed her lightly. “Now it’s your turn to say something.”

“Say what?”

Qin Lou smirked. “Say you’re just my assistant, and I shouldn’t treat you this way. If I get any closer, you’ll call for help.”

Song Shu: “…”

She wanted to facepalm but couldn’t, given that she was still holding the meeting notes and pinned in place. She frowned and said, “I’ve told you before to stop watching those nonsensical TV dramas.”

Qin Lou lowered his voice. “Little Clam, just say your lines.”

“No.”

“Please?”

“…” Song Shu looked up at him with an expressionless face. “If you’re begging for something this trivial, don’t you think you’re cheapening yourself a bit?”

“If it’s for you, I don’t mind begging for anything. Want to hear more?” Qin Lou responded without hesitation.

Song Shu was left speechless.

Qin Lou leaned in even closer, drawing out his words in a pitiful tone. “Little Clam…”

In the end, Song Shu couldn’t stand his pleading. Turning her face away awkwardly, she stiffened her expression and flatly recited the line, “President Qin, don’t come any closer. If you do, I’ll call for help.”

Qin Lou laughed in satisfaction. “Calling for help won’t work. The room is soundproof, and I’ve locked the door. No one will hear you.”

Song Shu: “…”

She sighed lightly, exasperated. “Aren’t you being childish, Qin Lou?”

Qin Lou merely egged her on. “Your turn. You’ve figured out the script by now, haven’t you?”

“If I say I haven’t figured it out, can I skip this?”

“Nope. In that case, I’ll teach you.”

“…” Imagining how much worse it could get, Song Shu reluctantly sighed and played along, speaking in a resigned tone. “President Qin already has a girlfriend. Please respect yourself.”

Seeing her lifeless expression as she begrudgingly played along, Qin Lou had to suppress a laugh. Still, he managed to keep a straight face, leaning in to mischievously kiss her lips.

“So what if I have a girlfriend? I’m not asking you to be my girlfriend. I just want to unofficially promote you.”

Song Shu: “…” So, this was a script about a cheating scumbag.

Qin Lou chuckled. “Do you know what ‘unofficial promotion’ means, Assistant Qin?”

Song Shu maintained her blank, innocent expression, staying in character. “I don’t know.”

“‘Unofficial promotion’ means sleeping together,” Qin Lou explained, a grin spreading across his face. “When I say I want to promote you, I mean I want to sleep with you. Do you know what sleeping together means?”

Song Shu: “…”

She gave him a languid glare. “President Qin, is your brain currently filled with nothing but explicit garbage?”

Qin Lou burst out laughing but quickly regained composure. “If you don’t know, let me explain. Sleeping together has two meanings. The first is purely sharing a bed, which is something I do with my girlfriend. The second is more straightforward, just two words: what I want to do with you.”

Unable to take any more, Song Shu kicked his shin lightly. “Knock it off.”

“Who’s fooling around with you?” Qin Lou leaned in, compressing Song Shu’s last bit of room to move. His warm breath brushed against her ear. “I’m serious about wanting to sleep with you, Assistant Qin. I heard you have a boyfriend too—I’ll just be careful not to let him find out.”

“—!” Song Shu’s face turned bright red as she finally lost her composure. She pressed the meeting notebook against Qin Lou’s chest, pushing him away while gritting her teeth. “Qin Lou, this is a conference room. Even if you’re joking, there’s a limit!”

“…”

Seeing that his “Little Clam” wasn’t going to humor him anymore, Qin Lou reluctantly stepped back. “Your skin is too thin, Clam.”

Song Shu gritted her teeth. “No, your skin is too thick, and your limits are too low!”

“Really?”

Qin Lou thought for a moment and waved dismissively, unconcerned.

“No problem. I’ll get you to enjoy acting out scripts with me eventually.”

“…Dream on.”

“Next time, then.”

“…”

“If you don’t like this one, we can try a different script.”

“…”

Song Shu’s face burned red as she stiffly walked toward the conference room door. “Hand over the key.”

Qin Lou’s innocent voice came from behind her. “I didn’t lock the door.”

“—?” Song Shu turned around in disbelief. “Aren’t you worried someone might walk in?”

Qin Lou calmly approached. “They wouldn’t dare. And even if they did, I’d shield you. My Little Clam—no one would see even a hint of you.”

“…”

Song Shu was so exasperated that she wanted to kick him out of the room.

---

The last two days before the Lunar New Year holiday flew by.

Early on New Year’s Eve, Song Shu woke up to find an unexpected “foreign object” beside her in bed.

After a moment of silence, she chose to ignore it, slipping out of bed in her pajamas and heading to the en suite bathroom.

Thirty seconds later, the “foreign object” appeared behind her. It clung to her from behind, a furry head nuzzling into the back of her neck, buried in her long hair—impossible to shake off.

Song Shu froze for two seconds, lowered her toothbrush-wielding hand, and used her other hand to push at the head resting on her shoulder.

“Didn’t I lock the door last night?”

Qin Lou yawned lazily. “After you fell asleep, I climbed in through the window.”

Song Shu stiffened.

Though she lived on the second floor of an old house, the ceilings were exceptionally high, making her floor nearly equivalent to the third floor of a modern building.

And the ground outside the house was either tiled or landscaped, with no soft soil or grass in sight…

Song Shu frowned deeply and turned to Qin Lou.

“I’ve told you before—it’s dangerous up there. Don’t climb again.”

Qin Lou instinctively leaned in and kissed her on the lips. “Mmm, peppermint-flavored.”

Song Shu stared at him expressionlessly, her gaze cold.

Qin Lou obediently admitted his mistake. “I won’t climb again.”

“…” Song Shu relaxed her brows slightly, turned back to the mirror, and raised her toothbrush again.

“Then is it okay if I sleep outside the door?” Qin Lou asked.

Song Shu’s hand froze mid-air.

After a few seconds, she lowered her gaze. “I won’t lock the door tomorrow.”

A smile spread in Qin Lou’s eyes.

He held back for a few seconds but couldn’t resist chuckling hoarsely as he hugged her from behind and buried his face in her long hair. “You know I’m doing it on purpose, so why do you always go along with me, Little Clam?”

“…”

Song Shu silently bit her toothbrush.

The ears hidden in her hair gradually turned red.

---

Half an hour later, the two went downstairs to the dining room for breakfast.

Meals in the Qin family’s old mansion were prepared according to Qin Lou and Song Shu’s schedules. As soon as they sat down, the servants brought in perfectly warm dishes.

The butler personally set their tableware. Afterward, he stepped back with a kind smile and asked, “Young Master, Miss Song Shu, it’s New Year’s Eve tonight. Do you have any plans?”

Song Shu paused her movements.

Qin Lou lowered his gaze, his tone calm. “Plans? Like what?”

“Would you like us to arrange a fireworks display outside? Or perhaps take Miss Song Shu on the yacht to celebrate on the river?”

Qin Lou thought for a moment. “The river’s too cold. How about cuddling Little Clam in bed instead?” He raised an eyebrow and smirked. “What do you think, Little Clam?”

Song Shu ignored him, calmly eating her breakfast. “If you’re free tonight, accompany me home for a bit.”

Qin Lou froze.

A moment later, he narrowed his eyes slightly.

Of course, Qin Lou understood what Song Shu meant by “home.” Other than his place, the only place that could be called “home” for her was with the Qin family.

And as he knew, Old Master Qin lived right next door to Song Shu’s parents.

It was like “waiting for the rabbit by the tree.”

Given the circumstances, voluntarily walking into such a setup wasn’t something Qin Lou was inclined to do.

After a few seconds of thought, he asked, “How about inviting them here to the mansion?”

“They won’t come.” Song Shu glanced up, her delicate face emotionless. “And the staff here deserve to celebrate too—it’s New Year’s. Are you that much of a taskmaster?”

“Oh?” Qin Lou turned to the butler. “Is that so?”

The butler quickly responded, “Everything revolves around the arrangements of Young Master and Miss Song Shu. This is our duty.”

Song Shu calmly added, “Starting today, the staff are on break. Return on the seventh. In the meantime, you’re free to stay or bring your families. The annex is open for use.”

The butler looked at Song Shu in surprise. “That’s very generous of you, Miss Song Shu.”

“It’s only fair after a year of hard work,” Song Shu said, glancing at Qin Lou. “Don’t you think?”

Qin Lou, resting his chin on his hand, smiled as he replied, “I’ll listen to you. Anything with the name Qin is up to you.”

He paused and added, “Including me.”

Song Shu: “…”

While eating, Song Shu said expressionlessly, “By the way, whoever handles the trash sorting last, send him to the non-recyclable category too.”

“…”
The butler couldn’t help but laugh on the side.

Qin Lou stopped teasing and lowered his head “grievously.”

---

Near noon, Qin Lou accompanied Song Shu to visit her parents, Qin Yu Zheng and Mei Jing Han.

This time, after receiving a call from Song Shu in advance, the couple had been waiting at home for quite some time.

When their car stopped outside the townhouse, the courtyard gate was already pushed open. Qin Yu Zheng stood in the middle of the steps, while Mei Jing Han beamed and came out to greet them.

“Nan Nan, why are you so late? Was there traffic on the road?”

“Mm, a bit of a jam,” Song Shu replied, walking forward. Meanwhile, Qin Lou took the gift boxes from the trunk and followed, approaching Mei Jing Han.

“Hello, Auntie.”
At moments like this, Qin Lou seemed like the most well-behaved version of himself, standing there with lowered eyes, holding the gift boxes with a gentle and harmless demeanor.

Coincidentally, a neighbor from the adjacent row passed by and stopped not far away. “Mei Jie, is this your daughter?”

“Ah, yes.” Mei Jing Han quickly patted Song Shu’s arm. “Nan Nan, say hello to Auntie Qu. She lives in the row behind us.”

Song Shu obediently greeted her, and Qin Lou naturally followed suit.

Just after he said hello, Auntie Qu’s eyes lit up. “Oh, and this young man is…?”

Song Shu was about to answer when Mei Jing Han abruptly interrupted, “My son-in-law.”

“Ah? They’re already married?” Auntie Qu looked disappointed.

“Not yet, but they’ll get married next year. They’re not young anymore; we can’t drag it out.”

“Oh my, does he have any coworkers or classmates? This young man is so outstanding; he must have lots of friends, right? My daughter over here…”

Song Shu and Qin Lou stood silently to the side for a while before Mei Jing Han finally dealt with Auntie Qu and returned.

Facing their subtly awkward expressions, Mei Jing Han’s polite smile froze for a moment before turning a bit embarrassed. “Ah, this isn’t me trying to push you two together; it’s just that Old Qu is always trying to find suitable young people for her daughter. If I hadn’t said that, she’d be fixated on the idea. By the way, her daughter is even younger than you, Nan Nan. You’re not in a hurry, but I don’t know why they’re so anxious…”

After a pause, Mei Jing Han quickly clarified, “Oh, I don’t mean to rush you two either. We won’t meddle in your young people’s business.”

Qin Lou held back a smile, lowering his gaze slightly.

Song Shu, feeling a rare hint of embarrassment, gave Qin Lou a subtle warning glance before turning back. “It’s fine, Mom. Let’s go inside.”

“Alright.”

---

For lunch, the family prepared a simple home-cooked meal. Qin Lou even shared a few drinks with Qin Yu Zheng. However, Qin Yu Zheng, who wasn’t good with alcohol, ended up with a flushed face and was sent off for a nap by Mei Jing Han after the meal.

Although Qin Lou drank just as much, he showed no outward signs of it.

As he carried the dishes into the kitchen, Mei Jing Han glanced at him and casually asked, “Xiao Qin, you handle your liquor well. Did you train on the job?”

Qin Lou thought for a moment. “It must be natural talent.”

“…” It was rare to encounter someone this “honest.” Mei Jing Han was momentarily at a loss and then chuckled. “Just put the plates in the sink.”

Qin Lou nodded and obediently set them down.

Mei Jing Han came over. “You didn’t seem very skilled last time I saw you. Can you wash dishes?”

“…” Qin Lou fell silent.

As the youngest head of the Qin family, managing Qin Corporation with unmatched skill and strategy, Qin Lou prided himself on his abilities. But when it came to dishwashing…

The CEO quietly removed his cufflinks—worth enough to buy an entire dishwasher factory—and resolutely: “I can learn.”

Song Shu walked in just in time to hear this and saw Qin Lou rolling up his sleeves, ready to start washing dishes. She couldn’t help but laugh softly.

“Mom, don’t tease him anymore.”

Walking over, Song Shu gently took the plate from Qin Lou’s hands and turned to Mei Jing Han with an amused smile. “I told you on the phone before. He’s just a pampered young master. Aside from some hardships in his childhood, he’s never had to lift a finger. How could he possibly know how to wash dishes?”

Qin Lou, trying to regain some points with his future mother-in-law, said, “But I learn quickly, Auntie.”

Song Shu nudged him out of the way slightly and then turned back with a smile.

“Mom, he doesn’t need to learn this. It’s not something he’s good at—if you want him to do something useful, why not have him pick out some stocks for you?”

Mei Jing Han sighed. “That’s exactly why I’m worried. Before you came back, I told you to find someone dependable for a relationship or marriage. Looks don’t matter, wealth doesn’t matter, but stability is crucial for a good life. But him…”

She glanced at Qin Lou, her expression complex and tinged with regret.

After all, standing before her was someone who ticked none of her boxes—too handsome for his own good, obscenely wealthy, and inherently impossible to pin down.

Sensing the genuine disapproval from his future mother-in-law, Qin Lou gave Song Shu a pitiful look.

Caught between the two, Song Shu barely held back her laughter. “Mom, stop judging him by appearances. Be careful, or he might be so pressured that he goes back and scars his own face. Then we’ll never hear the end of it.”

“…”

Hearing this, Qin Lou looked at Song Shu with an even more aggrieved expression.

Mei Jinghan hesitated for a moment before pulling Song Shu aside. “Your dad and I heard your call before, and we think this kid isn’t bad by nature—just a bit unfortunate in terms of background. But later, when we looked him up online, don’t you think his personality is a little…”

Song Shu was silent for a few seconds, then spoke calmly, “Mom, back when we first met, didn’t you and Dad think my personality was strange too?”

Mei Jinghan grew anxious. “Of course that was different—”

“He’s the same as me,” Song Shu interrupted, her tone even. “You could even say that if it weren’t for him back then, my personality might have turned more extreme and unusual. It was him who pushed me out of that abyss. He’s still in it, but it wasn’t by choice. And to me, he’s unlike anyone else. He’s… really good.”

Mei Jinghan sighed slowly after listening.

“Mom actually believes in you. You’re smart and perceptive, and you’re good at reading people. But as parents, we’ll always have some unnecessary concerns and ramble on about things. Still, as long as you truly like him, we’ll like him too. Don’t worry, your dad and I won’t say anything more about you two.”

The corners of Song Shu’s eyes lifted slightly in a smile. “Thank you, Mom.”

“What’s there to thank? If you keep talking like this, I’ll have to smack you.”

“Alright, I won’t anymore.”

“…”

---

That evening, for the New Year’s Eve dinner, Qin Yuzheng and Mei Jinghan decided to invite Old Master Qin from next door.

Qin Lou naturally wasn’t happy about it. As soon as he saw Qin Liang, his expression turned cold.

But with his future in-laws present, and his position as the “not-yet-official-son-in-law” still precarious, he didn’t dare to show any attitude even if given 100 chances.

Throughout the dinner, Qin Lou shot several pitiful glances at Song Shu, enduring the situation.

After the meal, while the three elders stayed in the living room watching the New Year’s Gala, Song Shu finished tidying up in the kitchen. But just as she stepped out, she was suddenly grabbed, her mouth covered, and whisked off to the staircase.

On the landing leading to the second floor, which opened to a small balcony, Song Shu was set down outside. The hand covering her mouth finally released.

She didn’t struggle and now looked at Qin Lou with exasperation. “Qin Lou, what are you—mmph—”

Before she could finish, the man leaned down and kissed her.

After a moment, he pulled back reluctantly, his breath mingling with hers. He pressed her lightly against the jade railing of the balcony. The moonlight deepened his features.

“Why are you calling me Qin Lou? Your fiancé is already unconscious. I’m not him—I’m here as a ‘flower thief’ tonight.”

“…”

Song Shu didn’t even want to entertain his nonsense. Too tired from the day’s festivities, she leaned into his arms, her voice languid. “The one who fainted isn’t my fiancé. Just ignore him.”

Qin Lou froze for a moment.

After a few seconds, he hooked her closer and leaned in, “Why am I not your fiancé?”

Song Shu glanced at him. “When did you become one?”

Qin Lou: “A long time ago!”

Song Shu: “That’s all in your head. I never agreed.”

Qin Lou: “But I proposed at the school anniversary celebration!”

Song Shu: “Oh. If you think back carefully, you’ll remember not only did you propose, but I also rejected you.”

Qin Lou: “…”

His voice turned pitiful. “Everyone knew you rejected me. Han Shi made fun of me for so long because of it.”

“Well, that’s your own fault,” Song Shu said mercilessly. “Proposing at the high school anniversary ceremony? If I hadn’t rejected you, you’d have been crucified as a sinner.”

Qin Lou had no retort and fell silent.

For a while, the two stood quietly, with Song Shu leaning against him, her breathing so light it seemed like she might fall asleep.

Qin Lou initially wanted to tease her more but, noticing how genuinely tired she was, stayed still and held her protectively.

Time passed.

Suddenly, a firework shot into the dark night sky.

“Boom!” Bright, multicolored sparks lit up the darkness.

Qin Lou frowned and instinctively moved to cover her ears, but before he could, Song Shu spoke softly, “The new year’s here, little madman.”

He paused, then lowered his hand, pulling her closer. “Mm.”

“They say the first wish of the new year always comes true,” she murmured, her eyes sparkling like the fireworks above. “Do you want to make a wish?”

Qin Lou frowned slightly. “Just one?”

Song Shu nodded. “Just one.”

He asked, “Will it definitely come true?”

She replied, “It definitely will.”

“…”

Qin Lou reached into his coat pocket and touched a small box.

After a brief silence, he sighed lightly.

“Then I wish,” he said, holding her tightly, “that my little clam stays safe and happy this year.”

“…”

Song Shu froze, looking up at him.

She didn’t believe for a second he hadn’t caught her earlier hints.

Sensing her gaze, Qin Lou lowered his head. “If I can only have one wish each year, this will always be it.”

Song Shu was quiet for a moment before smiling softly. “Then you’ll have to stay single forever.”

Qin Lou stiffened, processing her words. He quickly lowered his head to meet her eyes.

“What did you just say?”

Her eyes curved in a playful smile. “Do you want to stay single forever? If so, I’ll have to find another fiancé. My parents are pressuring me to marry, and I can’t keep a perpetually single one around, no matter how much I like him.”

Realizing her implication, Qin Lou scrambled to reach into his coat pocket. His fingers trembled slightly as he pulled out the velvet box.

Catching Song Shu’s laughing gaze, his face flushed. “It’s the cold,” he muttered.

Song Shu chuckled softly. “I didn’t say anything.”

“…”

Qin Lou took a deep breath to steady his heartbeat, then released her gently, stepping back.

Dropping to one knee, he opened the velvet box to reveal a custom-designed engagement ring shaped like a delicate seashell.

Taking her hand in his, he kissed her fingertips before looking up.

“Little clam, will you marry your little madman?”

Song Shu smiled brightly, her eyes filled with warmth.

“Of course. Because that’s my New Year’s wish.”

---

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