The warm air from the hair dryer continuously blew through Su Qingning's long, silky hair. The strands fluttered like dancing elves, carrying a charming fragrance as they brushed against Lin Xiao's cheeks.

Honestly, his mind was beginning to wander. It wasn't that he lacked willpower, but her allure was simply overwhelming. She wasn't wearing provocative clothes or giving him seductive glances, yet he felt an intense urge to pull her into his embrace—an impulse that grew stronger by the second.

Su Qingning casually turned her head and met his searing gaze. Her pretty face blushed slightly.

"You rogue," she chided softly. "What do you think you're looking at?"

Lin Xiao grinned. "You're my beautiful wife. Is looking not allowed?"

Su Qingning's face turned an even deeper shade of red.

"Hmph! I won't let you look!"

"I'll look all I want!" Lin Xiao retorted with a shameless grin.

Huffing, Su Qingning lightly punched his arm. He just chuckled and continued to dry her hair.

Once it was done, she hopped into bed like a little rabbit. Lin Xiao watched her, a smile playing on his lips.

Su Qingning sniffed haughtily. "You rogue, why are you staring at me like that?"

"Honey, have you forgotten something?" he asked with a knowing smile.

She eyed him with suspicion and caution. "Forgotten what?"

"Today is the third day," Lin Xiao reminded her.

It was as if a bomb had gone off in her mind. Su Qingning's cheeks instantly flushed crimson. She remembered her bet with Lin Xiao. She remembered promising him that after three days of getting used to things, she would let him sleep on the bed.

To be honest, she was starting to panic. It wasn't that she hadn't considered it over the past couple of days, but every time she imagined sharing a bed with this rogue, her heart would race with anxiety. She knew perfectly well that once he was in the bed, he would definitely try to make a move. He was a rogue, after all; it was exactly the kind of thing he would do.

"What, planning on going back on your word?" Lin Xiao teased, his smugness impossible to hide.

Seeing his expression, Su Qingning bristled. "Hmph! So what if I am?"

"Oh? And do you remember the penalty for that?" Lin Xiao's smile grew even more smug.

Su Qingning's stunning face burned. How could she forget? Lin Xiao had told her that night that if she broke her promise, he would give her a good spanking.

Seeing her silence, Lin Xiao smiled. "So, it's your choice. Either let me sleep on the bed, or let me spank you. And I did say I wouldn't hold back."

Looking at his triumphant face, Su Qingning gritted her teeth in frustration.

"You rogue, don't forget our marriage contract is only for six months! If you dare bully me, I'll end it early!"

Her words hit him like a bullet between the eyes. The smile on his face slowly froze, the change startlingly swift. A tide of dejection washed over him, dousing his cheerful mood. Even though she was just speaking the truth, her words cut deep. He had always believed their hearts were slowly drawing closer. He was confident that one day, she would fall in love with him. But now he saw that despite everything he'd done, she was still focused on that agreement, still eager to part ways with him.

Was my affection misplaced? No, that can't be it. After all, we agreed on this from the start, and I consented. So why does it hurt so much?

Lin Xiao forced a smile. "Right, how could I forget? Sorry, I was just joking. You get some rest. I'm going for a walk."

He got up and headed outside.

Su Qingning watched him go, her lips moving as if to say something, but no words came out.

In the end, Lin Xiao didn't sleep in the bed.

I should be happy about this, she thought. But for some reason, seeing the forced smile on his face as he spoke, she felt a sharp prick in her heart, as if from a needle. It wasn't painful, just deeply unsettling.

Su Qingning's eyes suddenly welled up with tears.

Lin Xiao was indeed taking a walk within the neighborhood. He realized that despite having lived there for a few days, he had never actually appreciated the scenery. The entire Hidden Dragon Villa estate spanned over two hundred acres, yet it contained only eighteen houses. The rest was dedicated to lush green space.

He glanced around as he walked. The villas were indeed built magnificently. It was a place designed to harness the wind and gather qi—a true geomantic treasure.

He was sitting by a small lake, feeding the koi in the pond with food some kind soul had left behind, when He Yonghong appeared. Lin Xiao had been trying to think clearly about his relationship with Su Qingning, but his thoughts were interrupted by He Yonghong, who rushed over in a panic.

"Mr. Lin! We… the He Family has failed you! Please, punish us!" He Yonghong's voice trembled with fear.

Lin Xiao didn't even glance at him. "What happened?" he asked indifferently.

"You found such a wonderful bride for the He Family, but we… we failed to cherish her!" He Yonghong's voice shook even more.

At these words, Lin Xiao's gaze finally fell upon him. In the dim light of the evening, He Yonghong's face was a mask of terror. Though Lin Xiao's expression was calm, He Yonghong felt a terrifying murderous intent emanating from his eyes.

He Yonghong shivered and stammered, "Mr. Lin, Wei… Wei Chunxia is dead!"

Lin Xiao said nothing, his attention returning to the koi as they fought over the food.

"How did she die?"

"She… she was hit and killed by a car when she went out!" He Yonghong stammered.

Lin Xiao smiled faintly. It didn't take a genius to figure out the He Family was behind this.

"Alright, I understand. Go on, give her a proper burial."

He Yonghong nodded quickly. To be frank, he knew perfectly well that Lin Xiao had been desperate for Wei Chunxia to be gone. He Yonghong had seen the chilling glint in Lin Xiao's eyes when Wei Chunxia was bullying the Pei siblings—a look that made it clear he wanted her dead. That was why, after dealing with her, he had rushed over to report it to Lin Xiao. He was ostensibly atoning, but in reality, he was angling for praise.

After sending He Yonghong away, Lin Xiao sent a message to Pei Donglai.

"Wei Chunxia is dead."

A reply came back almost immediately.

"Captain, I will never be able to repay this kindness!"

Lin Xiao put his phone away and was about to leave when a cold voice suddenly cut through the night.

"You're a ruthless one, kid."

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