Chapter 37

Ingrid's heart pounded. She took a deep breath before following Hansel inside. She knew the mansion was huge and bright, but this was her first time inside.

The architecture was strikingly modern, the color scheme predominantly neutral. It appeared understated, but finer details revealed its luxurious nature. Ingrid, having taken an art appreciation class in her sophomore year, recognized a painting on the wall as a renowned Alessandro Verdi. The mansion's decorations were far from inexpensive; even the inconspicuous trash can in the corner bore the "LV" logo.

Crossing the living room, she saw a meticulously maintained indoor garden, adjacent to a home theater and a gym. A set of golf clubs lay in a corner. Apparently, the mansion included its own golf course.

She pinched herself. Before meeting Hansel, the most expensive thing she'd seen was a classmate's limited-edition Hermès crocodile Kelly bag—a six-figure secondhand purchase. That alone could buy a three-bedroom house in her hometown! Here, the "H" logo, previously unattainable, was ubiquitous: on keychains, poker cards, lighters…

If she could stay with Hansel forever, marry him, have his children—would she possess all this? A sprawling mansion, luxury bags, a personal driver, household staff…

Hansel didn't notice Ingrid's distraction. He found the pumpkin soup too thick, tasting it only briefly before setting down his spoon.

Ingrid blinked, puzzled. "Why did you stop? Is it bad?"

"I ate after work, so I'm not really hungry. I'll have more later," Hansel replied.

"Oh. If you'd said it tasted bad, I would have been so sad," Ingrid said, cupping her cheeks, her eyes shining. "It's my first time cooking, so please be patient."

Hansel affectionately caressed her head. "Didn't you have class today? When did you find time to make soup?"

"It's nearing the end of the semester; I don't have many classes left. Not to mention, I'm planning to take postgraduate admission exams, so I spent the day studying in the library. I only came to see you this afternoon."

She thought of her earlier encounter with Miranda, her gaze flickering. Changing the subject, she said, "According to the news, there have been meteor showers recently. Why don't we go see one together?"

Hansel hummed noncommittally. He didn't seem impatient, but his irritation was evident in the way he unconsciously loosened his tie. "There's a lot of fake news these days. Let's talk about it another time."

Ingrid knew better than to press the issue.

"It's getting late," Hansel said, standing. "I'll take you back to the college."

Ingrid bit her lip. Remembering she'd purposely returned to the dorm to change into a low-cut dress, she clung to Hansel's arm, brushing her breasts against it.

"Are you in such a hurry to see me go?" she asked lightly.

Her teasing tone and innocent smile made her seem utterly captivating. Even the air felt sweeter.

Hansel smiled slightly. "I have poor self-control. I wouldn't dare keep you."

"Is there anything else you wouldn't dare to do?" Ingrid gazed up at him, innocence and seduction blending perfectly.

"Of course," Hansel replied, his smile tight.

"Hans, actually, I—" She wanted to say she didn't have class tomorrow and could stay.

But Hansel didn't let her finish. He picked up his keys. "Let's go. It's getting late. The resident assistant will give you a hard time again."

Ingrid stuck out her tongue and followed him.

At the door, she stopped. "Hans, you said there are things you wouldn't dare do. Let me ask again—would you, or wouldn't you, dare do it?"