“Are you with her?”

Shi Yao arched a brow, grabbing the hairdryer to resume drying his hair. “None of your business,” he deflected. “You should head home. Your parents called me multiple times last night – they’re worried. Go reassure them.”

Xie Yingying shot to her feet, her voice sharpening: “I won’t allow you to be with her!”

Shi Yao frowned. “Stop shouting. Change your clothes, eat breakfast. I’ll have someone drive you back.”

She slumped to the floor, clinging to the coffee table leg like a child. “I’m not leaving. I’ll stay right here until you break up with her.”

Shi Yao massaged his temples.

Xie Yingying was the Xie family’s only granddaughter, spoiled rotten since childhood. Unruly and explosive-tempered, she’d always been too much for him.

Finishing with the hairdryer, he shoved it back into its drawer.

“Suit yourself. My driver arrives in an hour – you’re leaving then.”

He moved to the dining table, pulling out his phone while picking at breakfast.

Xie Yingying watched his indifferent back and wailed at the top of her lungs.

“Shi Yao! You’re heartless!”

Her sobbing grated on his ears. Scowling, he tapped his phone screen, utterly unmoved.

Opening WhatsApp, his eyes immediately landed on Alarieka’s pinned chat – her messages waiting.

He clicked. His brow furrowed instantly.

Alarieka had left already?

He checked the time: not even 9:30 yet. Plenty of time. The office was barely ten minutes away.

Normally, if he confirmed he was going in, Alarieka always waited to ride together. Never just left alone without a word.

And her second message: “No need at the office today.”

What did that mean?

His appetite vanished. He pushed the breakfast plate aside.

Why would Alarieka send that?

Was she… angry?

What could Alarieka possibly be angry about?

In all their years together, Shi Yao had never seen her truly angry.

Xie Yingying’s weeping pierced the air again. Shi Yao turned to look at her – then his eyes suddenly widened. A wild joy began to surge in their depths.

Could Alarieka be… jealous?

Because he’d chased after Xie Yingying last night?

Though not entirely certain, it was enough to make Shi Yao smug.

Amid Xie Yingying’s wailing sobs, Shi Yao suddenly burst into laughter, giggling uncontrollably while scrolling through his chat history.

Xie Yingying’s cries abruptly ceased. Seeing Shi Yao’s smirk only fueled her fury. She choked out between sniffles, “Shi Yao, why are you laughing? Who are you talking to?”

Shi Yao reined in his smile, glancing at Xie Yingying. “None of your business. Get up and pack your things. My people are almost here.”

Xie Yingying gritted her teeth. “I’m not leaving. Go ahead – break my legs and carry me out if you dare.”

Shi Yao snorted, tossing his empty bowl into the sink. “Fine by me. Your parents are coming too. Keep making a scene.”

Shi Yao changed into casual clothes – a gray hoodie with light-colored joggers. From a distance, he looked like a college student full of youthful energy. He ruffled his hair in the mirror, revealing his striking brow ridge.

Xie Yingying stood behind him, watching with wary sadness. “Where are you going?”

Shi Yao walked past her to the entrance, bending to retrieve shoes from the cabinet. “Work.”

Xie Yingying frowned. “That’s not true. Grandpa Shi said you’re unemployed. Where are you really going?”

Her voice grew edgy with suspicion. “Are you lying? Going to meet another woman, aren’t you?”

Shi Yao finished putting on his shoes, lifting his gaze with cool indifference. “None of your business. Stay put until someone picks you up.”

Seeing his hand on the doorknob, Xie Yingying’s voice shot up. “No!”

She darted forward, blocking his path with outstretched arms. “Shi Yao, don’t go! Stay home with me, please?”