Chapter 420

But this time, she heard nothing.

Alaricka turned to look and saw two hands holding her bag, covering a face.

The two hands were slender, with veins slightly protruding—clearly a man’s hands.

Alaricka frowned and looked at the man whose face was blocked by the bag.

Familiar outfit, familiar figure, familiar hair.

“Shi Yao,” Alaricka frowned helplessly, reaching out to grab her bag. “Weren’t you locked in the meeting room? How are you here?”

Alaricka smacked him with her bag: “Talk.”

Shi Yao shifted, his clasped fingers parting slightly to reveal deep blue eyes watching her carefully: “I ran out, but I waited in the car the whole time. I didn’t leave or go inside to bother you.”

He lowered his hands, studying her more cautiously: “You’re not mad, right?”

Alaricka turned away in disdain. “Where’s Nie Guanyu? Wasn’t he watching you?”

Shi Yao carefully moved the bag blocking them to the right. He slid closer, keeping five centimeters between them, and coaxed, “I tricked Nie Guanyu. Don’t let him watch me anymore—he thinks in straight lines. Too easy to fool.”

Alaricka tsked: “You still dare say that?”

Shi Yao leaned in, stretching his neck to peer at her, eyes wary and pleading: “Stop being angry? I listened—didn’t follow you inside, just waited like a good boy.”

Alaricka shot him a glance. “You’re being sensible.”

“Of course, I am.”

Shi Yao, ever the opportunist, immediately clung to her. His hands clutched the fabric of her sleeve with feigned helplessness, giving it a careful, slow tug.

Alaricka ignored him. “Behave.”

He pressed his face closer, sweeping aside his bangs to reveal the still-swollen cheek. “Look, the mark from your slap hasn’t faded. I remember it all. I won’t make you angry again. I just… I was worried, so I followed you.”

Her voice remained icy. “You’re faking it.”

Shi Yao blinked innocently. “What did you say?”

Alaricka met his gaze, then pinched the swollen flesh of his cheek between her fingers.

His eyes lit up briefly before pain creased his brow. “Ouch! Be gentle…”

She gave his cheek a firm shake. “So you do feel pain.”

He stared at her with wounded puppy eyes. “It hurts.”

Alaricka scoffed. “Then why slap yourself?”

His gaze faltered for a split second before resuming its innocent blink. “I don’t know what you mean.”

A derisive snort escaped her. “A slap mark wouldn’t last two days without help. It should’ve faded yesterday, but today it’s worse—even discolored. Think I’m blind?”

Her grip tightened. “My guess? You did this to yourself. Deliberate self-harm. Trying to guilt-trip me, right?”

Shi Yao offered an ingratiating smile. “See? You’re as sharp as I thought.”

“But,” his eyes turned earnest, “I never wanted your guilt. I just… couldn’t bear you ignoring me. These past two days, you shut me out. It stung.”

Alaricka narrowed her eyes, withdrawing her hand. “Don’t pull stunts like this. It’s pathetic.”

He leaned in again, voice thick with hope. “You do care?”

“Stop being obnoxious,” she said flatly.

Shi Yao’s fragile ego shattered instantly. His body went rigid.

“Alaricka Huston! You heartless woman!”

Alaricka: “……”

She turned her face away sharply, presenting only the back of her head.

Shi Yao’s shattered ego crumbled further. He retreated to his seat, arms crossed, gazing mournfully at the sky. The car’s AC chilled him; he hugged himself, steeped in melancholy.

Alaricka watched the scenery outside for a while before realization dawned. “Glenn, drive.”

Glenn wiped his brow nervously. “One moment, Ms. Huston. Car trouble. Won’t start.”

She frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“Still figuring it out, ma’am. Should I check under the hood?”