Chapter 31 — Stay close to me, understand?
Nan Xu could count on one hand the number of times she’d had insomnia. Most things in life never weighed heavily enough on her to keep her awake.
But tonight was the second time she’d lain sleepless in this room.
And once again, it was because of Xie Hejing.
The room was utterly still, moonlight seeping in through the gap in the curtains, casting a faint glow across the bed.
Beneath the blanket, Nan Xu curled herself into a small, tight bundle, her head throbbing as earlier images replayed in her mind like a carousel.
His words seemed to linger at her ear.
“A lover’s embrace…” Nan Xu repeated under her breath, dazed.
Such a gesture—so close, so intimate—had shattered the fragile balance between them, leaving only ambiguity and complication in its wake.
It was a scene she had never once imagined.
“Oh, God…” she whispered to herself, startled and annoyed that she’d even remembered his words so clearly.
Her hand flew up to cover her burning face. Her mind buzzed with confusion, a helpless panic threading through her chest.
When had the brother she’d always kept neatly in that role—just brother—turned into something else?
Or… had he been this way all along?
By dawn, faint light slipped through the curtains. Though she had only managed a little restless sleep, Nan Xu was already awake.
She washed up, changed clothes, but every movement felt absent-minded, her thoughts circling endlessly around one question—how was she supposed to face Xie Hejing at work today?
No, not just at work—at home too.
Taking a steadying breath, she opened her door with forced composure. Her gaze swept the hallway—no sign of Xie Hejing. Relief loosened the knot in her chest.
She made her way downstairs.
Breakfast was already laid out. Zhang Huiwan and Xie Hengzhi sat at the table, smiling as they called her over.
“Jiaojiao, come eat—your favorite fried pastries are here,” Xie Hengzhi said warmly.
“That’s right,” Zhang Huiwan added, “you’ve gotten far too thin. You need to eat more.”
Nan Xu nodded quickly, replying, but her eyes instinctively searched for Xie Hejing. His seat was empty.
So he’d already gone out? A strange, unnameable lightness washed through her.
Smiling, she said, “I’m coming.”
But halfway across the room, a quiet cough made her turn her head.
Xie Hejing stood at the kitchen island, calmly focused on pouring coffee. The morning light outlined the sharp lines of his frame, making him look at once familiar and yet suddenly distant.
So he hadn’t gone anywhere—it was only her who hadn’t noticed him.
Nan Xu pressed her lips together, hesitating before forcing herself forward. Her voice came out as soft as a mosquito’s hum.
“Morning, Brother…”
Her throat tightened with nerves.
She didn’t understand anymore. What had shifted in her feelings for him?
What had once been simple sibling affection now seemed to carry something heavier, something different. But was it really the stirrings of love—or just the blurred warmth of long-time dependence?
Xie Hejing slowly lifted his gaze, but Nan Xu had already looked away, refusing to meet his eyes.
Taking a sip of coffee, his glance drifted over her—then snagged on the faint mark peeking out from the collar of her shirt. A trace he knew all too well, left by his teeth the night before.
Something dark and private surged in his chest—an unspoken possessiveness.
As if that mark itself was silently declaring the bond between them.
His breath caught, and when he thought of the mark on his own shoulder, a faint smile flickered in his eyes.
“Mhm. Morning, little sister.”
Nan Xu’s nerves jolted. She nodded in a panic and all but fled to the dining table.
Unexpectedly, aside from that one line, Xie Hejing acted completely normal the rest of the morning—both at home and at the office. His demeanor was calm and natural, as if the person from last night had never even existed.
After finally making it through the morning, Nan Xu let out a breath of relief—only to receive startling news in the afternoon meeting.
She was being sent on a business trip. And not just with anyone—she would be going with Xie Hejing.
Catching the obvious look of surprise on her face, Xie Hejing, seated at the head of the table, asked with professional seriousness, “Assistant Nan, is there a problem?”
Nan Xu hurriedly shook her head. “No, none.”
It was just a normal business trip. Just work. Nothing more. She kept repeating that to herself, again and again, trying to chase away the unease coiling in her chest.
But her slightly flustered expression didn’t escape Xie Hejing’s eyes. His face tightened, his voice dropping half a tone. “Good. Assistant Nan, prepare. We’re leaving for Linbin City tomorrow.”
. . . . .
Linbin City had been drenched in heavy rain for days.
The car crawled along through the downpour, raindrops hammering against the windows like a relentless drumbeat, blurring the world outside.
Nan Xu sat in the back seat, sneaking a glance at the man beside her.
He leaned back against the seat, arms folded across his chest. The rain and dim light carved his profile into sharp, cold lines.
“President Xie, you and Assistant Nan should first settle into the hotel,” said the man in the front with hearty enthusiasm. “The weather’s been a real nuisance lately, and you’ve had a long trip. Rest well tonight. After tomorrow’s site inspection, there’s a dinner—President Xie, you must give me the honor of joining us.”
A business trip for Xie Hejing always meant a swarm of people vying for a chance to invite him to dinner. For Qi Ming, who was speaking now, the potential benefits were huge. His every word carried eager flattery.
But business was all about give and take.
“You’re too polite, President Qi. Since you’re inviting me, of course I’ll come,” Xie Hejing replied lightly.
“Not polite, not polite at all!” Qi Ming grinned so wide that the wrinkles on his face nearly unfolded into blossoms. In his eyes, Xie Hejing was a walking God of Fortune. Driving him, serving him, even carrying him on his back to the hotel—Qi Ming would gladly do it.
When the car finally pulled up at the hotel, the rain showed no sign of letting up.
Qi Ming got out first, umbrella in hand, about to hold it over Xie Hejing. But Nan Xu, well aware of her role as an assistant, quickly stepped forward to intercept, taking the umbrella from him.
“I’ll take care of it.”
Xie Hejing’s eyes flicked over briefly, then he turned back, gaze fixed straight ahead.
Qi Ming paused in surprise. Seeing that Xie Hejing didn’t object, he immediately grinned knowingly.
“Well then, here you go,” Qi Ming said cheerfully, handing the umbrella over. “Careful now, Assistant Nan—the wind in Linbin is rough, hold the umbrella steady.”
“Thank you, I will.”
Nan Xu nodded, opening the umbrella. When she turned back, she realized just how much taller Xie Hejing was compared to her—the canopy barely covered the top of his head.
She had to stretch onto her toes, raising her arm with all her strength, trying to tilt the umbrella higher over him.
Her eyes flicked toward Xie Hejing and she noticed the space between them—half his shoulder was still exposed to the rain.
Nan Xu’s chest tightened. She quickly edged closer until their shoulders nearly brushed.
From beneath the umbrella came a quiet chuckle.
Fearing he’d think she’d done it on purpose, Nan Xu rushed to explain, “I was just worried you’d get wet.”
At her words, Xie Hejing gave another soft laugh. Faint though it was, in the wind and rain it sounded sharp and distinct.
He tilted slightly toward her, gaze lingering on her flushed face, his tone laced with teasing. “What are you explaining for? What’s got you so flustered?”
Her embarrassment deepened. Nan Xu ducked her head, cheeks burning. “Nothing.” Her grip on the umbrella loosened unconsciously.
Just then, a sudden gust ripped through, driving fat raindrops against them in a wild spray. The umbrella wobbled violently in her hand.
Nan Xu gritted her teeth, forcing her arms steady, completely unaware that the icy rain had already soaked through her clothes.
When the wind finally died, the umbrella steadied again—but the chill had already seeped deep into her bones. She shivered, then noticed the damp patch on Xie Hejing’s shoulder.
“It’s my fault, I wasn’t careful enough. Sorry, President Xie. Maybe it’d be better if President Qi held the umbrella instead.”
She turned to look for Qi Ming, but before she could take a step, a warm, steady arm wrapped around her shoulders—right over the place that had been drenched through—cutting off the stream of cold.
“Assistant Nan, when you’re holding the umbrella, you should focus. No dropping halfway.”
They walked on like that until they stepped into the hotel lobby, bustling with people. Nan Xu froze mid-step.
“What is it?” Xie Hejing asked.
She slipped his hand from her shoulder, whispering a thank you. “I’m fine now. Not cold anymore. Sorry for troubling you.”
He pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek, gave a curt nod. “Alright.”
The agreement came quickly enough, but the irritation radiating off him was hard to miss.
A few steps farther, Nan Xu noticed Qi Ming again. He’d gone ahead to call for staff to move their luggage—two attendants were already carefully loading suitcases into the elevator while he shouted reminders not to scratch anything.
When Qi Ming turned back and spotted them, he immediately smiled, eyes flickering as he caught the faint trace of impatience in Xie Hejing’s expression.
Had he made some mistake in the arrangements?
Still grinning, Qi Ming probed, “President Xie, since you’ve just arrived, how about trying some local seafood tonight? Linbin’s seafood really is second to none.”
Xie Hejing’s tone was cool. “Thank you, President Qi, but I’m tired today. Don’t let me spoil your fun.”
Qi Ming instantly nodded. “Of course, of course. Then I won’t disturb you and Assistant Nan. I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”
“Mhm,” was all Xie Hejing said in reply.
Qi Ming had booked a suite for them on the very top floor.
The elevator’s chill air was sharper than the downpour outside. Nan Xu pulled her clothes tighter around her, but it did little good—soon she sneezed.
Without a word, Xie Hejing slipped off his coat and tossed it into her hands. Meeting her startled gaze, he only asked flatly, “Wasn’t Assistant Nan the one who said she wasn’t cold?”
Nan Xu didn’t argue. She slipped the coat on; catching a cold here would only bring trouble.
“Thank you.”
The suite had several rooms. Nan Xu picked the one furthest inside.
After being caught in the rain, all she wanted was a hot shower and a good night’s sleep.
But when she opened her suitcase, she realized she had forgotten to pack sleepwear.
Inexperience, she scolded herself silently. Next time, she mustn’t forget.
She rummaged through her luggage for something she could use instead, but it was obvious she hadn’t considered the problem at all while packing. After a long search, she still found nothing suitable.
She didn’t want to wear the hotel bathrobe either—it just felt awkward. Troubled, she picked up the phone, ready to ask the front desk if they could buy one for her.
Xie Hejing, already changed and seated nearby with documents in hand, glanced up when he noticed her frowning over the phone. He strolled over casually. “What’s wrong?”
Embarrassed, Nan Xu admitted she had forgotten her sleepwear.
He was quiet for a moment, then his gaze sharpened with a hint of sly amusement. In an almost considerate tone, he offered, “Nan Xu, you could wear one of my shirts.” His voice was perfectly serious.
Her eyes widened. She refused on instinct. “No way, that’s too inconvenient.”
Arms crossed, he stepped closer, his voice smooth and deliberate. “What’s inconvenient about it? Compared to waiting for the hotel staff to deliver something, who knows when, my shirts are good quality. Comfortable. And they’d suit your needs better.”
The deep, unhurried timbre of his words left her momentarily speechless. It was just clothing, yet wearing his felt… too personal. Too inappropriate.
Biting her lip, she murmured, “Your shirt doesn’t fit me.”
His brow arched, a faint smile tugging at his mouth.
Another step forward. His eyes locked on hers, voice soft but unwavering. “Nan Xu, you seem awfully determined when it comes to refusing me.”
“No kissing, no hugging… in the end, what is it? Compared to those, wearing a shirt hardly means anything, doesn’t it?” His gaze flickered up, sharp. “It’s just a shirt. Nothing more. If it helps you sleep better, that should be enough. Why does it matter whose it is?”
Her thoughts tangled. Against his reasoning, she found herself faltering, almost persuaded. It was just a shirt, wasn’t it?
Sensing her wavering, he lowered his eyes, hiding a shadow of a smile, and pressed further. “If you can’t even bring yourself to wear a shirt, Nan Xu, then your heart isn’t clear.”
“I’d have reason to doubt something.”
Her brows knit. Not clear? What wasn’t clear about her? She straightened, asking firmly, “Doubt what?”
“That when you said you didn’t know whether you liked me…” His body leaned slightly forward, gaze narrowing as if to pierce through her. “…was it really that you didn’t know? Or that you didn’t dare to know?”
Her heart lurched violently. Heat rushed to her face; her eyes skittered away, unable to hold his.
“No,” she said sharply, almost defensively. “I really don’t know.”
Xie Hejing didn’t let go. “Nan Xu, you won’t come closer to me. What are you running from? Are you afraid… afraid that you really do like me?”
Nan Xu retorted, “Brother, I’m not avoiding it. And I am trying to figure things out.”
“You’re not?”
“I’m not!”
Seeing that Nan Xu was about to lose her temper, Xie Hejing slowed his words, his tone carrying a hint of coaxing. “Mm. If you really want to sort this out, Nan Xu, you should move closer to me, not away from me. Do you understand?”
“If you don’t come closer, if you don’t face it honestly, how will you ever know whether you actually like me or not?”
“Closer…?” Nan Xu hesitated, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “Like… if I wear your shirt, does that count as closer?”
She took a small step forward. “Or do you mean physically closer?”
Watching that tiny step, Xie Hejing fought back a laugh. “Figure it out yourself.”
“I guess… both count?” Nan Xu said, unsure.
He didn’t respond, but when Nan Xu caught the faint curl of his lips, she immediately asked, “So I was right, wasn’t I?”
This time, Xie Hejing was unusually serious. “I already said—it’s just a shirt. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“Maybe it’s not enough…”
“Not enough?” Nan Xu frowned. “Then what kind of ‘closer’ would be enough?”
At that, a languid, almost careless smile tugged at his lips. He took a step toward her.
Nan Xu widened her eyes, waiting for him to explain what kind of closeness he meant. Her thoughts began to drift, slipping further away—
Until the next second, they snapped back sharply. She looked straight at him.
His expression was unreadable, his gaze calm to the point of coldness. Without a word, he lifted her hand, hooked his fingers around hers, and slowly pressed her fingertip to his lips.
His shirt hung open at the collar, two buttons undone. One hand remained casually tucked in his pocket, while his lashes dipped low, eyes fixed on the back of her hand.
Devout. And full of desire.
Nan Xu felt her mind explode with a sudden roar. For a moment, she had no idea how to react—she could only stand there, stunned, watching as Xie Hejing lightly pressed his lips against her fingertip.
His lips were soft and warm, clinging gently to her skin. His breath washed over her fingers, damp and hot.
In that instant, it felt like a current of electricity shot from her fingertip straight through her entire body, a tingling numbness sparking everywhere.
Her fingers trembled uncontrollably—not from cold, but from how his unexpected intimacy had thrown her into chaos.
Xie Hejing stood at the edge of shadow and light, half his face hidden in the dark. The glow outlined the sharp bridge of his nose and the clean cut of his jaw.
He tilted his head slightly, his black eyes deep as an endless pool, locking on Nan Xu.
Overwhelmingly aggressive, yet his words carried a fragile softness.
“Should we try a kiss… to find out? Little Sister—”