Chapter 1615

Hearing Mu Nuan's complaint, Ye Heng'an didn't get angry. Instead, he leaned closer to her, his lips curling into an amused smile as he said, "If you're going to put it that way, I might just reconsider being a man." Mu Nuan stared at him speechlessly, shaking her head in disbelief. It was truly something—this guy who carried himself with such dignified maturity in public, yet dared to say anything when they were alone. Unbuckling his seatbelt, Ye Heng'an leaned over and planted a kiss on her lips, his voice dripping with affection. "Didn't you say I was your little puppy? Fine, I’ll own it." "You... really have no shame left." "Wanting both a wife and dignity? The world doesn’t work that way," he teased, gently pinching her fair cheek. "Don’t take your anger at those irrelevant losers out on me. I’m not like them—I’d never do anything to hurt you." Of course, Mu Nuan knew Heng'an was different. She had just lashed out in the heat of the moment. After all, her father and godfather were both men—her words had been unfair. Clearing her throat, she pursed her lips and admitted, "I was just upset. You’ve been abroad as an exchange student these past two years, so you don’t know Qingqing as well as I do. But I’ve been with her every day, and I know her struggles." "Her life has been full of hardship. She lost the father she adored, and after her mother remarried, her stepfather and stepsister treated her terribly. For her to grow into someone so kind and optimistic despite all that—it’s nothing short of a miracle." As she spoke, Mu Nuan remembered the forced indifference on Xiao Qingqing’s face when she had first confided in her about her family. The memory twisted her heart with fresh pain. When Ding You had first pursued Qingqing, she had resisted him fiercely. At the time, Mu Nuan hadn’t liked him either. Aside from his decent looks, he seemed immature and lacking in depth—hardly worthy of Qingqing. But over a year later, his passion hadn’t waned. If anything, it had only grown stronger. Though Mu Nuan still wasn’t entirely sold on him, she had to admit—if he could love Qingqing this devotedly forever, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. The day Qingqing finally accepted his feelings, Mu Nuan hadn’t been surprised. Deep down, she’d always known it was only a matter of time. I was trying hard to overcome my prejudice against Ding You, after all, I genuinely liked Qingqing as a friend and wanted to keep her in my life forever. But who would’ve thought that barely two months after Qingqing agreed to date him, something like this would happen… She reached out and took Ye Heng’an’s hand, sighing. "An’an, I owe you an apology. I shouldn’t have said those things to you earlier. I was just so upset seeing Qingqing hurt. I really want her to be happy." Ye Heng’an lifted his other hand, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear as he smiled warmly. "No need to apologize. I’d never be angry with you. Besides, I think it’s good that Xiao Qingqing saw that guy’s true colors early. The sooner she moves on, the sooner she can start fresh. Don’t you think?" Mu Nuan nodded in agreement. "You’re right. Out with the old, in with the new. From now on, we’ll keep an eye out for someone better for Qingqing. Especially you—don’t you know plenty of talented, promising young men? If you find a suitable one, we’ll introduce him to her. Someone who’ll make Ding You look like a joke in comparison." "Deal. I’ll help with that," he said, glancing at the time. "It’s getting late—we should head back. Otherwise, tonight’s event might keep us up till dawn again." Mu Nuan frowned in confusion. "You have an event tonight? Why didn’t you say so earlier? I could’ve taken Qingqing to see Third Uncle myself. Just drop me off at the nearest hotel, then go handle your business." At that, Ye Heng’an turned to her with an amused smile, ruffling the hair he had just smoothed moments ago. "Silly, who would I go to the event with if not you?" Her face flushed instantly. She pulled her hand away and playfully smacked his arm. "You—An’an, you’re getting worse!" He chuckled, already starting the car. "That’s called love." Meanwhile, Xiao Qingqing was dropped off at the hotel by Ye Heng’an. The moment she stepped into the suite, she paused. The room… looked like someone was already staying here. And this suite had to be expensive. Hesitating, she turned around just as Samuel walked in behind her. Noticing her hesitation, he passed by her, placing the key card on the TV stand before meeting her gaze. "Why aren’t you coming in?" "Uncle...this room is already occupied, right? There are personal belongings on the table." "Mine." Xiao Qingqing's eyes widened in astonishment. "This is your room?" "Yes." Why would Uncle bring her to his own room? Noticing her shocked expression, Samuel chuckled softly. "What's wrong? Afraid I'll eat you alive?" "No, of course not," Xiao Qingqing replied with self-awareness. Someone like Uncle—even if he hadn't started preferring men after his heartbreak—would never be interested in someone like her. After all, Nuannuan had once told her that when Uncle was younger, he had been in love with his childhood friend—Samuel's mother. That aunt was still beautiful now, but in her youth, her looks had been legendary throughout Dong'an. Xiao Qingqing had seen photos. Even though Nuannuan was practically a goddess in her eyes, that aunt hadn’t been any less stunning. "Uncle, I just think it’s inappropriate for me to stay in your room. If someone sees, it might damage your reputation. I’ll just go downstairs and get my own room. You should rest early—I’ll head out now." She turned to leave, but Samuel caught the back of her collar in one smooth motion. She looked back at him, puzzled. "Is there something else, Uncle?" "I won’t be staying here these next few days. You can rest here properly. Once you’ve recovered, head straight to school tomorrow." As he spoke, he released her collar and gestured toward the wardrobe. "There are unworn T-shirts inside. You can wear any of them tonight—just pick one with the tag still on. I’ll have someone bring you fresh clothes tomorrow morning. Calm down, get some rest, and don’t overthink things. I’m leaving now." He turned toward the door. "Uncle!" Xiao Qingqing called out quickly. Samuel halted in his tracks and turned to look at her, his handsome brows arching slightly. "Hmm?" Xiao Qingqing truly wanted some alone time right now and couldn't be bothered to move elsewhere. Resigned to accepting her uncle's help, she said, "I'll transfer the room fee to you later." "What, do I look like I'm strapped for cash?" Hearing this, Xiao Qingqing quickly waved her hands in protest. "Of course not! You're richer than Croesus—I'd never imply otherwise. I just... don't like owing people favors." People... Her choice of words hung in the air between them.