Chapter 1633

Mu Nuan looked surprised. "You're not trying to set up Third Uncle with another woman, are you?" Xiao Qingqing gave her a calm smile. "That's none of your concern." No sooner had she spoken than the door swung open from outside. When Samuel stepped in, he saw Mu Nuan clinging to Xiao Qingqing's shoulder, whispering conspiratorially like two gossiping schoolgirls. His expression softened as he asked, "Finished with your little girl talk?" Mu Nuan released Xiao Qingqing and flashed him a cheeky grin. "Third Uncle, girl talk never really ends. Are you done with work? If so, I'll head downstairs first—you and Qingqing can enjoy your... alone time." With that, she shot Xiao Qingqing a knowing look before darting out of the room. Xiao Qingqing was speechless. Alone time? Such a pretty girl, if only she'd learn when to keep her mouth shut! As the door clicked shut, Samuel arched an eyebrow and closed the distance between them. His hand settled naturally on her shoulder, pulling her close. Xiao Qingqing tensed, her body going rigid. What now? Noticing her discomfort, his expression darkened slightly. "You're so relaxed with Nuan Nuan, but the moment I show up, you freeze up like I've got the plague. Do I look like a man-eater to you?" She forced an awkward chuckle. "Nuan Nuan and I go way back—we're just more casual with each other, that's all." Samuel let out a derisive snort. "We've done the most intimate thing two people can do. And you're saying we're not close?" There he goes again! He kept reminding himself over and over—was he determined to carve that night's events indelibly into his mind? "Uncle..." Xiao Qingqing bit her lower lip lightly, tilting her head to look up at him. "You know perfectly well that night was just an accident. We barely even knew each other before!" "So, you're saying we're strangers, is that it?" Of course they were strangers! Samuel smirked, then abruptly turned, gripping Xiao Qingqing's chin as he leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss... Xiao Qingqing froze in shock. She never imagined Samuel would kiss her again... Even though her first kiss had already been taken that night, this was the first time she was fully conscious for it. Panic surged through her, and she instinctively raised her hands to push him away. But Samuel had no intention of letting her escape. His left arm snaked around her waist, pulling her firmly back against him. What had started as a fleeting kiss suddenly deepened. The faint taste of tobacco flooded her senses, overwhelming and inescapable. Desperate, she lifted her foot and stomped hard on his instep. Samuel slowly released her, watching as she gasped for breath. His lips curled into a smirk, and he brushed his thumb over her damp, swollen lips, his voice low and dangerously smooth. "Familiar enough now?" Xiao Qingqing swatted his hand away, stumbling back several steps to put distance between them. Her eyes burned with fury as she pointed an accusing finger at him, teeth clenched in outrage. "Samuel, you—!" Watching her bristle like an angry kitten, Samuel's lips quirked into a roguish grin. Calling him by his name directly? It seemed the little wildcat, who had been pretending to be obedient in front of him all day, was finally willing to reveal her true nature! Good progress. He stepped closer leisurely, his mood lightened by the lingering sweetness of their earlier intimacy. "Oh? What about me?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement. Xiao Qingqing felt the pressure and instinctively retreated, putting distance between them. "Why did you—that was too much!" she protested, her voice tinged with urgency. Samuel's lips curled into a smirk. "Qingqing, remember this—men are creatures of overwhelming possessiveness. We're domineering and unreasonable, and we demand to be the absolute priority in your heart. Even your best friend comes second. Understood?" Xiao Qingqing bristled. "Nuannuan is my closest friend, and what we have is just a contractual relationship!" Samuel remained unfazed. "Precisely because it's contractual, and you don’t take me seriously, I have to set boundaries. Otherwise, your careless behavior might embarrass me. Wouldn’t that be a loss for me?" "But you didn’t have to go that far!" Xiao Qingqing raised her hand, pressing the back of it against her lips. If she weren’t certain she couldn’t overpower him, she would have slapped him right then. Samuel’s smirk deepened. "This way, the lesson sticks. Now, tell me again—are we close? Who matters more to you, me or Mu Nuan?" Xiao Qingqing glared at him, her eyes burning with indignation. He knew exactly how important Mu Nuan was to her, yet he still insisted on comparing. *Has he been eating too much garlic? The audacity!* Watching her defiant little glare, Samuel remained patient. He advanced step by step, backing her against the wall. When Xiao Qingqing sensed the danger and tried to bolt, he hooked an arm around her waist and pulled her back. Their bodies pressed together as his fingers traced the porcelain smoothness of her cheek. "Seems like Qingqing still doesn’t grasp the severity of the situation," he murmured, his voice low and dangerous. "Uncle Three will have to teach you—*thoroughly*—what loyalty truly means." Xiao Qingqing’s breath hitched as Samuel’s face drew nearer. His gaze was that of a ravenous beast eyeing its prey, as if he could devour her whole at any moment... Although Samuel clearly didn't love her, that night he had still been willing to save her by engaging in such intimate acts. So today... wouldn't he... Xiao Qingqing panicked, fear gripping her as she hastily raised her voice: "Uncle, uncle, uncle... I was wrong! Next time someone asks, I'll definitely say you're the most important person in my life." She knew when to pick her battles. Samuel arched an eyebrow, the hunger in his eyes receding as he patted her head like an obedient child. "Good girl." He released his grip on her arm, and Xiao Qingqing immediately darted away from the wall, flinging the door open before bolting out. Samuel's narrow eyes curved into a satisfied smile. Run all you want. With her, he had all the patience in the world to take things slow... When Xiao Qingqing reached the first floor, she noticed the others were all gathered in the backyard, laughing and eating, leaving only Aidan in the living room, sipping tea. Spotting her, Aidan spoke calmly, "Miss Xiao, come have a seat." Xiao Qingqing had been planning to make a quick exit, but the sound of Samuel's footsteps descending the stairs sent her pulse racing. Flustered, she blurted, "Uncle—" No, that wasn't right. The last time she had met Aidan, she had addressed him as "uncle" alongside Mu Nuan. But that title no longer suited the situation. She quickly corrected herself, "Mr. Ye, I have some school matters to attend to and need to head back. I won't disturb you any further—goodbye." Aidan didn't press her, only asking, "Are you staying with the Su family now?" Xiao Qingqing shook her head. "No, I live on campus." "That won't do," he said, his gaze shifting to the approaching Samuel, his expression turning serious. "Samuel, did you approve of Miss Xiao living in the dorms? That seems rather careless of you, don't you think?"