Once all the luggage had been stowed securely, Lin Ruofei pointed out a safe route for their return journey.
On the way back from her residence to Yan Ting's private apartment, Fang Yu completed the drive in merely fifteen minutes.
At this, Fang Yu could only shake his head and sigh. The young woman had nearly walked straight into mortal peril, all for the sake of playing a prank on him.
"By the way, I must thank you for what happened earlier," Lin Ruofei suddenly leaned forward from the back seat, smiling at Fang Yu. Her limpid eyes curved into lovely crescent moons, exuding an irresistible charm.
"You are most welcome. It is simply my duty." Fang Yu had grown wary of her antics, so even her deliberate display of cuteness failed to stir any emotion within him.
He had also discerned her pattern: she only turned on this sweet facade when she wanted something from him.
Sure enough—
"Fang Yu, please do not mention what happened earlier to Tingting. I would hate for her to worry," Lin Ruofei spoke softly, her tone laced with a faint note of entreaty.
"Rest assured, I shall keep it to myself," Fang Yu smiled faintly, wondering why she no longer seemed quite so intimidating.
Smack!
Upon hearing Fang Yu's promise, Lin Ruofei pressed a light, fleeting kiss upon his cheek, then giggled playfully. "Consider this kiss my token of gratitude."
"Er…" Fang Yu's mouth twitched in sheer exasperation.
This was hardly a thank-you—it was plain and simple taking advantage of him.
Nevertheless, he shook his head and said, "Do not forget that I also saved your cousin. So…" As he spoke, he turned his head, his lips curving into a playful pout.
"Be gone," Lin Ruofei snorted at his shameless demeanor, then fell silent. Yet in that moment, her heart was pounding violently within her chest.
…
"Lin Niu, what took you so long? I was utterly worried sick!" As soon as Yan Ting saw Lin Ruofei enter, she rushed over to greet her, completely ignoring Fang Yu, who stood nearby carrying a suitcase.
Far from resenting being overlooked, Fang Yu felt secretly relieved.
But—
Just as Fang Yu finished carrying all the belongings inside and prepared to retreat to his room, Yan Ting's voice called out from behind him.
"Fang Yu, come here…"
"What is the matter, young miss?" Fang Yu pulled a long, pitiful face, gazing at Yan Ting, whose expression was dark and displeased.
"Did you bully Lin Niu?" Yan Ting planted her hands on her hips, jabbing an accusatory finger at him.
"What do you mean by 'bully'?" Fang Yu asked, feigning complete innocence.
"I mean… did you do that thing to her…" At Fang Yu's feigned cluelessness, Yan Ting's irritation flared instantly.
While Fang Yu had been unloading the luggage, she had overheard Lin Ruofei telling her not to mistreat him.
And so, the overly imaginative young miss jumped to the conclusion that he had done something improper to Lin Ruofei.
"What thing?" Fang Yu asked, watching her fly into a frustrated rage.
"That thing!" Yan Ting was practically beside herself, yet could not find the words to explain.
"Nothing at all happened between us. Isn't that right, Miss Lin?" Fang Yu shrugged, smiling at Lin Ruofei.
"Mm," Lin Ruofei lowered her head, flustered by the memory of the kiss she had planted moments earlier. She turned and fled up the stairs.
"You bastard! I shall beat you within an inch of your life!" Dazed and assuming Lin Ruofei had been wronged, Yan Ting shouted after her and chased up the staircase.