Chapter 18 – Morning Mischief
The first rays of sunlight spilled through the tall windows, painting the room in soft gold.
Han Zixuan opened his eyes, instantly alert — an old habit born of years in the underworld. But instead of guns, knives, or blood, he found…
A girl.
Qiao Xueran was curled against his chest, her fingers still gripping his sleeve tightly even in sleep. Her lips were slightly parted, her face peaceful — like a child who finally found safety.
For a moment, Han just stared, his mind oddly blank. He had slept. Truly slept. All night.
A knock rattled the door.
"Boss! Boss! Wake up!" Fang Ye's voice was way too energetic for morning."The sun has risen! The world needs your terrifying glare again! Also—breakfast!"
Han's jaw ticked.
"…Go away."
"What?! But you always get up at five sharp for training, and now you're—" Fang Ye's voice dropped to a dramatic whisper, "—sleeping in. With her. Oh my god, love really does kill."
The door swung open before he could finish. Fang Ye peeked in, eyes widening like a gossiping aunt.
"Ohhh—ohhhhhhh! Look at this! My boss, the Devil King, cuddling like a puppy! Should I call the newspapers? Should I—"
A pillow flew across the room, smacking him square in the face.
Han's glare could have murdered three men.
"Get. Out."
Fang Ye staggered back, clutching the pillow to his chest as if it were a priceless relic.
"He threw a pillow at me… he's finally treating me like family…"
Xueran stirred, blinking awake. She rubbed her eyes, looked up at Han, and whispered with her sleepy, childlike tone:
"Hug."
Han froze, then exhaled a laugh through his nose, low and helpless. He pulled her close again without a word.
Outside the door, Fang Ye gasped so loudly it echoed down the hallway.
"Again?! Again with the hugs?! This is the end of me—just bury me now!"
From another room, the guards shouted in unison:
"Shut up, Fang Ye!"
The mansion echoed with laughter, curses, and the strange new warmth of something Han Zixuan had never let himself feel — family.