Chapter 1635

Samuel was well aware of what Xiao Qingqing was thinking. He shrugged noncommittally and asked, "What's on your mind?" Xiao Qingqing met his gaze intently. "Just now, weren't we putting on that act to prevent Master Aidan from keeping me at the Ye residence? Now that we're out... why are you still insisting I stay at Yipin Residence?" Masking the subtle calculations in his eyes, Samuel replied matter-of-factly, "You're sharp—you saw right through my second brother's intentions. But tell me, knowing his personality, what do you think would happen if you returned to campus tonight?" Xiao Qingqing's expression darkened. What indeed? Crossing his arms, Samuel smirked faintly. "Chances are, you wouldn't even make it to your dorm before his men track you down and escort you back to the Nelson family villa. Remember, you're now the girlfriend of the Nelson family's Third Master—someone they'll inevitably protect. If you don't stay at Yipin Residence, do you actually want to move into the Ye household?" "Of course not!" Xiao Qingqing blurted out. "But... staying at your place... that's hardly appropriate either." Samuel reached out and ruffled her hair. "Relax. As long as you keep quiet, no one will know. I even lock my bedroom door at night—no chance for your wicked schemes to succeed." Xiao Qingqing scoffed and swatted his hand away. *Who'd ever have designs on him? Only a complete idiot would!* This was Xiao Qingqing's first time stepping into the legendary Yipin Residence, the luxurious estate nestled between mountains and sea. The moment she entered the courtyard, her eyes were drawn to the wisteria-draped gazebo and floral walls. Under the night sky, the riot of purple blossoms blurred her vision, stirring hazy memories of her father reading beneath wisteria vines in the old Xiao family home... Noticing her sudden pause, Samuel followed her gaze toward the wall and asked casually, "Do you like it?" When Xiao Qingqing snapped back to reality, her eyes glistened with wistful mist, though she managed a smile. "Third Uncle, you like wisteria too?" Without hesitation, Samuel replied, "Love me, love my dog." At the mention of this, Xiao Qingqing recalled Nuan Nuan's words—that Samuel might already have someone special in his heart. Her playful gaze immediately shifted from the flower-covered wall to Lu Samuel, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "My dad once told me that wisteria is the flower of romance—born from love and destined to fade for love. The girl you cherish in your heart must be quite romantic too, right, Uncle?" Samuel's eyes lingered on her face for a silent moment before he replied, "Beating around the bush like this—do you find it amusing?" Xiao Qingqing's pupils dilated slightly in surprise. She had been so subtle—how had he still picked up on it? Was this man even human? With an awkward laugh, she feigned innocence. "Who said I was probing? I just never expected someone as serious as you, Uncle, to do something so romantic for the person you love. Naturally, I'm curious... What kind of girl could catch your eye? Does she know?" After that unexpected kiss tonight, Xiao Qingqing couldn't help but feel a twinge of wariness. She was afraid Samuel might have developed some inappropriate feelings for her. She knew her own limits—someone like him was far beyond her league! But if he truly had feelings for someone else, that changed everything. If she could play the role of a thoughtful matchmaker and free herself from this contractual entanglement, wouldn’t that be a win-win? Samuel studied her for a long moment before turning toward the villa. "What would you like for dinner tonight?" Xiao Qingqing pursed her lips as she watched his retreating figure. Tight-lipped, huh? No matter—she’d just have to take her time asking. Quickening her steps, she followed him inside. The interior design matched his personality perfectly—cold tones everywhere, exuding an unwelcoming and icy atmosphere. Just as expected—a man's home truly reflects his character. Since Samuel preferred peace and quiet, apart from the cleaning staff who came at fixed hours, the villa was usually occupied only by his driver and Auntie Ding, who took care of daily chores and meals. After giving her a quick tour, Samuel led her upstairs and pushed open a door. "This is my room." Xiao Qingqing glanced around and frowned slightly. Seriously... Noticing her expression, Samuel leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, and challenged, "What? Is my room that off-putting?" Without hesitation, she lied through her teeth, "Not at all! It's spacious and bright!" Samuel let out a heavy, disdainful snort, his voice tinged with displeasure. "Qingqing, I don’t like it when people around me lie to me." The moment his expression hardened, Xiao Qingqing instinctively straightened her back. What kind of pathetic reflex was this? She cleared her throat. "Well... if I tell the truth, promise you won’t get mad?" Samuel arched an eyebrow, silently staring her down. Xiao Qingqing pursed her lips. "Uncle, the color scheme in your room feels like a morgue. Doesn’t it depress you?" Samuel shot her a glare! Xiao Qingqing shrugged, "See? I told you you'd get mad." Samuel remained unfazed. "Then you're in charge of redecorating this place. We're doing it tomorrow." "Absolutely not! How would I know what style you like?" "Go with your own taste." It wasn't even her place! That sounded way too... intimate. "But I—" "It's settled!" Xiao Qingqing was speechless. This guy was so domineering—who did he think he was? Wait a minute... Just as irritation flared up inside her, a mischievous idea suddenly popped into her head. A sly grin curled at the corners of her lips, her eyes glinting with playful mischief. Fine, she'd do it! Xiao Qingqing's room was right next to Samuel's. After he gave her a tour of the entire house, upstairs and down, the two headed to the dining room for dinner. As they took their seats, Aunt Ding tactfully retreated to the kitchen. Samuel placed a few dishes into Xiao Qingqing's bowl with practiced ease. "Aunt Ding's cooking is decent," he remarked casually. "If there's anything you'd like to eat at home, just let her know." *Home...* The word made Xiao Qingqing's pupils contract slightly. She lifted her gaze to meet Samuel's. "Is something wrong?" he asked, his tone even. Xiao Qingqing shook her head faintly, picking up her chopsticks to quietly eat the food he had served her. Though she wasn’t an orphan, it had been years since she’d last sat down for a peaceful meal in a place called *home*, sharing the table with someone who felt like *family*. Even if Third Uncle wasn’t truly family, right now, he was giving her the kind of warmth only a loved one could provide. Noticing Samuel’s steady gaze on her, Xiao Qingqing looked up and smiled. "Third Uncle... home-cooked food really is delicious." Her words instantly conveyed what had flickered in her eyes moments before. A fond smile touched his lips as he reached out to ruffle her hair. "Then eat as much as you’d like." "Mm." She nodded, then promptly served him some dishes in return, her voice soft. "You should eat more too, Third Uncle." But the moment she did, she remembered what Mu Nuan had once told her—that Samuel disliked close interactions. There had even been an incident where someone, hoping to curry favor, had served him food at a banquet, only to be publicly rebuffed...