An Ruo was overwhelmed by his intense, scorching kiss. Just as she was on the verge of suffocation, the man reluctantly released her. The girl, now free, gasped for air, her breaths heavy and ragged. Flushed with anger and embarrassment, she didn’t think twice—she raised her hand and slapped him across the face! The sharp sound of the slap echoed in the quiet car, and both of them froze for a moment. An Ruo stood stunned for several seconds, biting her lip slightly, instinctively clenching her palm. She hadn’t expected to lose control of her strength like that... Thinking back to the man’s legendary past—someone so brutal and bloodthirsty—she couldn’t afford to be this bold just because of a few months of his favor! She glanced at him. His handsome face, now bearing the mark of her slap, was turned slightly to the side. His expression was dark, but he didn’t show her any menace. Still, he was frozen for a good ten seconds, unable to believe that An Ruo had hit him! In the past, no matter how capricious or harsh he was with her, this girl, though stubborn in words, had always obediently complied. But now, she actually had the nerve to slap him! As long as it helped her calm down, a few more slaps meant nothing to him. He rubbed his slapped cheek, letting out a soft, amused chuckle. “That was quite a hit. Looks like Mrs. Shen is really angry.” An Ruo’s emotions were already tangled, but hearing him laugh it off after being slapped only made her guilt vanish. Besides, he’d never forced her before. When he was in a bad mood, he’d just tell her to leave. Back then, she didn’t love him, so leaving was fine. But now? He knew she was upset and still provoked her, forcing himself on her without care... If they weren’t legally married, she’d want to kick him like a scumbag and make sure he never had kids! “Mrs. Shen, you’ve hit me, and I’m sure you’ve cursed me out in your head. Now, can you cool down and come home with me?” “I told you, I don’t want to go back!” An Ruo stood firm, showing no sign of compromise. “I don’t want to see you right now. Please, Mr. Shen, stop blocking my house this early in the morning!” “The villa is your home.” “It’s not!” An Ruo’s eyes reddened slightly. “I’ll come pick up Xiaoche in a couple of days...” Hearing this, Shen Xiaoxing lost his composure. His brows furrowed as he suddenly gripped her shoulders, his dark eyes locking onto hers. “Couples argue sometimes. Ruoruo, you’re not a child. How can you treat marriage like a game?” “...” “I married you, not so you could divorce me when you’re unhappy!” An Ruo was baffled. “When did I ever say divorce?” “You’re taking Xiaoche away, staying here refusing to come back, and you don’t want to see me. What else is that if not divorce?” An Ruo paused, then slowly nodded in realization. “So that’s what you think?” “You know, with you, I can tolerate anything. Even if you stay here for a year or two without coming back, I won’t interfere with your life. But you can’t divorce me.” The man’s grip on her shoulders tightened slightly, though he was careful not to hurt her, always mindful of his strength. When it came to her, he was always the one who lost. “You said we’d build a home together. You can’t just walk away.” Tears welled in An Ruo’s eyes, and she clenched her small fists at her sides. In the past, she’d been too soft-hearted. Shen Xiaoxing was too cunning, knowing how to exploit her weaknesses. He understood she craved love and a home, so he used those words to tie her down. And it was true—back then, she couldn’t resist his sweet talk and had slowly opened her heart to him. She could forgive him for lying to her, but she could never forgive him for secretly letting go of the person who killed their child. That was something An Ruo couldn’t get past. That child had always been the spark between them, a hurdle she hadn’t yet crossed. Why did he act on his own and let that person go? Did he see her as a child who should just listen to him, making decisions without her consent whenever problems arose? An Ruo coldly pushed him away, her voice devoid of warmth. “You have your plans. I don’t want to be your burden.” “Xiaoche is about to take his college entrance exams. Moving out will let me take better care of him.” “How will you take care of him?” Shen Xiaoxing chose a roundabout approach, targeting An Che. “There’s less than a month until his exams. You haven’t even finished your own studies, and now you want to look after him? Besides, he needs proper nutrition right now. The villa’s staff prepares a variety of nutritious meals for him every day.” An Ruo bit her lip. He had a point. During this critical exam period, abruptly moving An Che out would only distract him. Plus, juggling her own studies and caring for him would put her in a tough spot. “Fine. Let Xiaoche stay at the villa with you. I’ll live here alone for now.” Before the man could respond, she added, “Maybe if I have some time alone to think, I’ll get over this anger.” Shen Xiaoxing knew her temper well. Pushing too hard would only backfire. It would make things worse! “Alright. I won’t bother you for now.” “Mm.” Shen Xiaoxing helped her sit up, his long fingers tidying her disheveled clothes. “I’ll drive you.” “No need. I’ll take a cab.” Shen Xiaoxing understood her concern. He gently stroked her hair. “I picked a very low-key car. It won’t make your classmates suspicious.” No wonder she’d noticed the cramped interior—he’d deliberately chosen an unassuming vehicle to avoid causing her trouble. Since he was willing to compromise, An Ruo took a step back as well. She nodded lightly. “Mm.” ... The man parked the car under a plane tree near the school intersection. Just as An Ruo was about to open the door, he got out first to open it for her. He extended a hand, and after a moment’s hesitation, the girl placed hers in his, letting him help her out. “Focus in class. I’ll pick you up later.” “No need.” An Ruo refused without thinking. “I’ll head back with Qiaoqiao tonight. Don’t come.” One reason was to protect his identity; the other was that she dreaded being alone with him right now. She needed some quiet time to herself until she could get past this mental block before returning to the villa. She took her bag from his hand. “Go back. I’m going to be late for class.” Shen Xiaoxing watched her retreating figure, his gaze narrowing. If his identity didn’t force his hand, he would have loved to simply drop off and pick up his little one from school like any ordinary person. He stood there for a while before returning to the car and calling Han Chong, instructing him to escort the girl home later. As An Ruo stepped through the school gate, a loud voice called out from behind. “I’ve been calling you for ages—didn’t you hear me?” Chen Keqiao caught up, out of breath, and hooked an arm around her shoulder. Leaning in mysteriously, she said, “Girl, you’re something else. Married for only half a year, and you’re already sneaking around?” An Ruo swatted her hand away. “What are you talking about?” “I saw it just now—a super handsome guy dropped you off and even gently touched your head.” Chen Keqiao was buzzing with gossipy excitement. “Spill it! Who is he? He’s way too good-looking!” An Ruo glanced around to make sure no one was nearby before whispering, “You... saw all that?” “What, you trying to hide this pretty boy?” Chen Keqiao nodded. “Yeah, with looks like that, he’s born to be kept a secret.” “...” “Seriously, who is he? What’s your relationship?” “He’s just a friend. I ran into him on the way, and he gave me a ride to school.”