"Ah!"
Sheng Xiangsi exclaimed in pain, forced to retreat.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to remain calm. "Why have you come here?"
Hmph. Fu Hanjiang let out a barely audible sneer, too lazy to answer her question. Instead, he pointed to the door in front of them. "Open it."
What?
Sheng Xiangsi blinked, surprised. Was he asking to come in?
But she wasn't willing. "Whatever it is, you can say it here..."
"Open it!"
Fu Hanjiang lost his patience, his tone low and demanding. "What, do I have to say it a third time?"
Seeing the man's face filled with hostility, Sheng Xiangsi hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly took out her keys and opened the door.
Fu Hanjiang entered ahead of her.
"Why is it so dark? There are no lights in the hallway or in the apartment?"
Before his anger could escalate further, Sheng Xiangsi hurried in and turned on the lights, finally making the place visible.
The apartment was tiny. It didn't feel cramped when Sheng Xiangsi was alone, but with Fu Hanjiang's tall figure, it seemed quite crowded.
Fu Hanjiang remained silent, surveying the place.
It was a one-bedroom apartment with an attached living room, kitchenette, and bathroom.
"Is this... a house?" he asked incredulously.
Sheng Xiangsi's initial reaction was to turn and leave.
"Sheng Xiangsi!"
Fu Hanjiang took two steps forward and grabbed her long ponytail. "Leaving? Where are you going?"
Sheng Xiangsi winced in pain, compelled to stay.
Looking at him calmly, she asked, "Why have you come here?"
Fu Hanjiang didn't bother answering her question. Instead, he pointed to the room. "Pack your things. You're coming with me!"
Sheng Xiangsi was taken aback. "Go where? This is my home. I'm not going anywhere."
Fu Hanjiang's patience was wearing thin. "You know what kind of place this is? Can a girl like you live on West 12th Street? The residents here... it's too complicated!"
"Doesn't matter," Sheng Xiangsi shrugged. "I'll mind my own business and keep to myself."
Fu Hanjiang couldn't believe her stubbornness. "What do you want?"
Sheng Xiangsi sighed, resigned. "Nanny said she wants you to see me doing well, right? So please, let me live my life the way I want."
Fu Hanjiang couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Was this what he cared about?
"Time is running out," Sheng Xiangsi said, walking towards the door. "I'm going to rest now. You should leave."
Fu Hanjiang hesitated. "Sheng Xiangsi..."
"I'll be fine," she reassured him with a faint smile. "You can trust Nanny. I'll talk to her again. I believe you won't have to wait too long."
He cared about this, didn't he?
Wanting to retort, but what he cared about... was it this?
"Let's go. It's late."
Sheng Xiangsi smiled at him. "Be careful on your way."
Then, she closed the door.
Fu Hanjiang stood outside the door, suddenly engulfed in darkness... This place!
Regardless! If Sheng Xiangsi wants to stay here, let her stay! It's not like he's mistreating her. If she wants to find trouble for herself, what can he do?
With a determined heart, he turned and left.
The hallway was pitch black. Suddenly, Fu Hanjiang's foot caught on something.