---
As Zhao Yan had anticipated, his deliberate "encouragement" ensured the rumor spread like wildfire through the capital's elite circle.
The eldest son of the Zhao family had threatened a maid, bullied a single mother and her orphaned daughter.
Of course, most insiders simply scoffed.
The circle wasn't small, but it wasn't that big either. Everyone knew everyone.
Scandals like this were common enough to dismiss—until proven otherwise.
The people most fascinated by the gossip were usually the outsiders.
Su Mengliu heard the whispers the moment she stepped into Su Group headquarters.
Employees clustered in small groups, murmuring excitedly.
"The Zhao family's young master finally showed his true colors—spoiled brat forcing himself on a maid."
Some described the scene in vivid, almost voyeuristic detail, as though they'd witnessed it firsthand.
A flicker of displeasure crossed Su Mengliu's flawless, porcelain face.
She knew Zhao Yan.
He wasn't the type.
The casual malice in their voices grated on her.
"I never expected the Zhao young master to be *this* kind of person," her assistant, Li Yuno, muttered with clear disdain as she walked beside her. "I used to think he was decent, but forcing a woman? Disgusting."
Su Mengliu's gaze snapped to her—cold, emotionless, and sharp enough to make Li Yuno freeze mid-step.
"You've drawn quite a conclusion from hearsay alone," Su Mengliu said icily.
Li Yuno startled. "I'm sorry, President. I spoke out of turn."
"Watch your tongue. And tell the staff to stop gossiping. It doesn't help productivity."
Su Mengliu held her assistant's gaze for a long moment before turning away.
Li Yuno had been capable—Su Mengliu had even considered promoting her.
That consideration vanished in an instant.
"…Yes, President Su."
Su Mengliu entered her office, sank into her chair, and rubbed her temples with slender, jade-like fingers.
She was in a foul mood.
Hearing Zhao Yan's name tied to a maid—with a child, no less—left a sour knot in her chest.
*What's wrong with him? How could he get involved with someone like that?*
She refused to believe he was truly interested in the woman.
But the rumor still stung.
*Should I call him? Just to ask?*
She pulled out her phone, hesitated.
*And say what? "Are the rumors true?"*
*Wouldn't that insult him?*
The decisive, iron-willed CEO of Su Group—rarely conflicted about anything—found herself frozen over something so trivial.
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in."
Li Yuno entered, awkwardly cradling an enormous bouquet of roses.
"President Su… these are from Young Master Zhao. Just delivered downstairs."
"Zhao Yan?"
Su Mengliu's eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering across her usually composed features.
*He sent me flowers?*
"Yes, that's what the delivery person said." Li Yuno shifted uncomfortably.
"Should I… dispose of them?"
"No. Put them down."
"…Huh?"
Li Yuno blinked.
She had already mentally prepared to toss them in the downstairs bin as usual.
"I said, put them down. You can leave."
"Yes, President Su!"
Li Yuno hurriedly set the bouquet on the coffee table and fled, mind reeling.
*President Su accepted flowers? From Young Master Zhao?*
*Are they… dating?*
*Oh no—I just insulted him in front of her. Am I finished?*
After the door closed, a faint blush crept across Su Mengliu's fair cheeks.
She carefully lifted the bouquet—roses.
Pure, vibrant red roses.
*That idiot Zhao Yan… finally taking the initiative?*
Everyone knew what roses meant.
She buried her face in the petals, inhaling deeply.
They smelled divine.
In an instant, every trace of discomfort vanished.
*But… did he send them to everyone?*
Her brows furrowed slightly.
Knowing Zhao Yan, he was perfectly capable of something that foolish.
*Does he even know what roses symbolize?*
She touched her chin thoughtfully.
*I'll have to find out.*
An hour later, another knock.
"President Su… Young Master Zhao sent more flowers."
Su Mengliu stared at the second bouquet in Li Yuno's arms.
"…Again?"
"…Yes."
"Put them down."
Li Yuno left, bewildered.
Su Mengliu gazed at the two identical bouquets, confusion giving way to a small, pleased smile.
*Maybe he forgot he already sent one?*
*Or… maybe these really are just for me.*
The smile grew.
Another hour passed.
"President Su…"
The third bouquet arrived.
By the fourth, fifth, sixth—delivered precisely on the hour—Su Mengliu was certain.
These were all for her.
The aloof, untouchable female CEO—feared and admired across the business world—suddenly felt like a girl again.
She clutched several bouquets to her chest and spun in a slow, giddy circle in the middle of her imposing office.
Today was wonderful.
*That clueless idiot has finally come to his senses.*
Since he was finally making a move, she should rethink the birthday gift she had prepared for him tomorrow.
Let those other women see clearly:
Zhao Yan belonged to her.
---
"Ah-choo!"
Zhao Yan rubbed his nose, frowning in confusion.
"What's wrong? It's so hot today… did I catch a cold?"
"Uncle Li."
"How's everything going?"
Butler Li appeared promptly at his call.
"Young Master, everything you arranged has been handled. A bouquet of roses will be delivered to Miss Su's company every hour until the end of the workday."
"Good." Zhao Yan nodded, then paused, puzzled. "Where's Gu Yufei? I haven't seen her."
*Shouldn't she be kneeling in front of me right now, begging for her daughter's release?*
*According to the usual plot progression, that's what happens next.*
"Miss Gu took the morning off," Butler Li replied calmly. "She said she wanted to take her daughter back to visit family."
"Hey!" Zhao Yan's eyes widened. "Didn't I tell you to lock her daughter in the pigsty?"
"That's correct," Butler Li confirmed seriously. "But Young Master… we cannot forbid employees from taking personal leave."
"…Uh."
Zhao Yan's eye twitched.
He suddenly remembered: this wasn't some ancient feudal household. His parents—and he himself—had never imposed draconian rules on the staff.
Employees were allowed time off. They weren't indentured servants.
He had only started playing the villain yesterday.
Mastering every nuance in such a short time was impossible.
*Damn it… how did I forget something so basic?*
He slapped his forehead and sighed helplessly.
Still… the rumor had already spread.
That was the important part.
He glanced at Butler Li with a calm expression.
"Uncle Li… you didn't let them go on purpose, did you?"
Butler Li blinked, genuinely surprised.
"Young Master, what makes you say that?"
"…Never mind."
Zhao Yan waved a hand dismissively. He still trusted the old butler's loyalty.
"Fine. She can take leave. But if she's not back by the appointed time, send someone to bring her—and the child—back."
"Don't worry, Young Master," Butler Li said gently. "Miss Gu will definitely return."
He shook his head with a helpless smile.
*The Young Master is still… a little dense when it comes to matters of the heart.*
Gu Yufei was deeply in love with him.
After years of quiet longing, she had finally gained his favor.
How could she possibly bear to leave?
Besides… there was no need for all this drama.
Gu Yufei had already understood the situation. She never expected the Young Master to support her daughter.
She was sensible, gentle, and perfectly suited to him.
"Hmm…" Zhao Yan looked puzzled.
*Gu Yufei making things difficult for me? Does she even have that kind of power?*
*That's completely backwards.*
*Wasn't I the one forcing her?*
Butler Li smiled faintly and said nothing more.
His earlier subtle reminder had worked.
Hadn't the Young Master noticed? Gu Yufei had already taken action.
Locking the child in a "pigsty" that was actually a charming playhouse was a gentle form of coercion—one Gu Yufei clearly understood.
Today she had sent her daughter away.
This method was effective *and* allowed Gu Yufei to feel the Young Master's sincerity.
Gratitude and sacrifice, all at once.
It removed a potential thorn from his side without real cruelty.
Gu Yufei already adored the Young Master.
Now he had finally shown interest in her.
Since they could never truly be together anyway, and Gu Yufei was willing to give everything…
there was no need for the Young Master to play the villain so harshly.
Some things would become clear in time.
To outsiders, Gu Yufei's choice to "abandon" her daughter for love might seem heartless.
But as the Zhao family's loyal steward, Butler Li's priority was always the Young Master's happiness.
He thought Gu Yufei was an excellent match.
And she wasn't truly abandoning her child—only ensuring the Young Master never had to bear that burden.
Zhao Yan glanced at Butler Li, still confused.
*What exactly is the old man trying to imply?*
Never mind.
As long as Gu Yufei—the female lead—returned, they could continue the plot.
It wasn't even afternoon when Gu Yufei came back.
Her eyes were red-rimmed, her expression sorrowful.
The moment she saw Zhao Yan, she quickly wiped away her tears.
"Young Master."
She lowered her head obediently. Her soft, fragile voice—paired with that pitifully beautiful face—could melt almost anyone's heart.
An instinctive urge rose in him: to pull her close, comfort her, protect her.
"Where is your daughter?" Zhao Yan asked, frowning. His tone turned deliberately cold.
"I'm warning you: few people in the capital can defy the Zhao family. Even if you've sent her away, I can still bring her back."
"And at that point, it won't be as simple as a pigsty."
"Don't make this ugly for everyone."
At the sight of Zhao Yan lounging carelessly on the sofa, Gu Yufei's pain momentarily faded.
She knelt gracefully before him, gazing up with gentle adoration.
"Young Master… it's not necessary."
A soft, bittersweet smile curved her lips.
"Ha." Zhao Yan chuckled coldly. "Is it up to you to decide what's necessary?
Until you agree, your daughter stays in the pigsty."
*She's laughing?*
*Does she think I can't find the child?*
*Or that sending her away solves everything?*
He didn't abuse power—but he could wield it when needed.
Had his years of gentle demeanor made her forget the true reach of the Zhao family?
"I mean…" Gu Yufei continued softly, her voice trembling with emotion, "Young Master's thoughts are my thoughts."
She lifted his hand reverently and pressed a deep, devoted kiss to the back of it—like a knight swearing fealty to his queen in ancient tales.
Zhao Yan's heart stuttered.
He instinctively pulled his hand back.
*What the hell is going on?*
The female lead had just said something… unbelievable.
She was agreeing—to everything.
To his "requests."
To whatever he wanted.
*What's wrong with Gu Yufei?*
*Where's the promised resistance? You're the female lead!*
---