C9 Embarrassing!!

Sheng Xu turned to Shi Qian with a hint of admiration. "Nice moves!"

Shi Qian shot him a sideways glance, her voice devoid of humility. "Pretty good, huh?"

Lu Sizhe couldn't help but smile at the exchange. This girl had a refreshing personality. Yet, why did her tone seem so eerily familiar?

Without a word, Shi Qian abruptly halted, her piercing gaze fixed on something in the distance by the roadside.

Next to a black sedan, Shi Yaorong and Soong Yuzhi stood together, sharing a laugh, the picture of a sweet, loving couple.

Moments later, Shi Muxue approached them, joyfully calling out, "Mom, Dad!"

Aware that Shi Qian was watching from a short distance, Shi Muxue wrapped her arms around Shi Yaorong's arm and pouted affectionately, "Dad, what brings you here to pick me up in person?"

Shi Yaorong's smile was warm and gentle. "I've been away on business for so long, I've missed my darling daughter. And, I've brought you a gift."

The driver promptly retrieved an elegant box from the car.

Shi Yaorong handed it to Shi Muxue, teasing, "Guess what's inside? It's something you've been wanting."

Shi Muxue's eyes sparkled with excitement as she guessed, "Could it be 'True Love'? The latest necklace from 'Succubus'?"

Soong Yuzhi chuckled, "See, I knew our daughter would guess it right away."

"It's really 'True Love'!" Shi Muxue exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "Dad, thank you so much."

Afterward, Shi Yaorong and his family climbed into the car.

All the while, Shi Yaorong remained oblivious to Shi Qian's presence nearby.

Shi Qian withdrew her somber gaze and continued on her way, her demeanor cool and detached. She was well aware that Shi Yaorong had relocated his family to the capital and acted as though she no longer existed.

Even though she had long since stopped caring, the sight of the joyful family trio still left her feeling a pang of tightness in her chest.

Sheng Xu watched Shi Qian with a complex look in his eyes before catching up to her once more. "Where are you headed? Do you need a ride?"

Shi Qian offered a smile, though it failed to reach her eyes.

"Thank you, but there's no need."

With those words, she hastened her steps and left the school grounds, leaving the two individuals behind.

Monarch Garden.

As Shi Qian approached the villa, she abruptly halted, then turned to stroll towards the garden.

She casually plucked a rose and inhaled its scent.

The delightful aroma was heartwarming, instantly elevating her spirits and dispelling any lingering gloom.

Unknowingly, she found herself at the far end of the garden, facing a bamboo grove.

Stepping into the bamboo, she noticed a steamy area not too far away.

It was Shaang Sizhan's private hot spring.

She continued to walk forward.

"Who's there?" A voice, icy and sharp, cut through the air.

Shi Qian realized with a start that someone was in the hot spring!

Zhan... Master Zhan!

She hastily covered her face with her hands. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to intrude!"

The thought crossed her mind: Why was the formidable boss enjoying a hot spring soak?

Panicked, Shi Qian turned to flee. Blinded by her hands over her eyes, she stumbled after only a few steps and collided with what felt like a wall.

"Ouch!" she exclaimed, pain shooting through her as her hand moved from her eyes to rub her forehead.

It was then she saw that she hadn't run into a wall, but into Shaang Sizhan himself!

He had been in the hot spring moments ago; how had he caught up so quickly?

Shaang Sizhan stood before her in a white bathrobe, droplets of water glistening on his tanned skin.

Shi Qian's cheeks flushed, and she averted her gaze, too embarrassed to look at him.

His dark, piercing eyes fixed on her, and in a deep, magnetic voice, he asked, "What brings you here?"

Shi Qian stammered, "I... I was just wandering around. I had no idea you were here. I swear I wasn't trying to spy on you. Please, go on with your bath; I'll leave right away."

She turned to dash off once more.

"Stop!" The command came from him, authoritative yet calm.

Frozen in place, Shi Qian bowed her head, her face awash with mortification, certain she was in deep trouble.

"Master Zhan, I truly apologize!"

"If apologies were enough, what would be the need for laws?"

Shi Qian remained silent.

She lifted her gaze to meet his. "Then... what do you expect me to do?"

Shaang Sizhan's striking phoenix eyes held a mischievous glint as he spoke with a hint of devilish charm, "You've seen me; now you must take responsibility."

Shi Qian fell silent once more.

Why did that phrase sound so familiar?