Everyone said that Master Yan of Beijing was a grim reaper of a man, utterly indifferent to women.
Yan Tingxu himself believed this to be true.
That was, until he was forced to take in a young girl from the countryside.
Her name was Shen Qingyou, the daughter of an old friend. When she first arrived, she was as thin as a stray kitten.
Only her eyes were exceptionally beautiful—when she looked at him with those damp, glistening eyes, they softened even his hardened heart.
He planned to keep her for a few years and then find her a decent family to marry into.
But later—
Coming home late one night after finishing business, he found her napping in his bed. The thin blanket had slipped down, revealing a slender, pale waist.
Standing at the doorway, Yan Tingxu realized that what he’d been raising was nothing short of a disaster.
That night, he stood in the courtyard for half the evening. In the end, he couldn’t resist—he gathered her up, blanket and all, and pulled her into his arms.
Shen Qingyou blinked awake, half-asleep, and called out, “Third Uncle?”
He lowered his head, his voice growing impossibly hoarse. “Who’s your third uncle?”
Not long after, the whole of Beijing knew that Master Yan had spoiled that little country girl rotten—so much so that he nearly tore apart the heavens for her.
…
Shen Qingyou had a secret: she had been reborn.
In her previous life, she had lived under someone else’s roof, treading carefully for three years, only to end up hearing the news of Yan Tingxu’s accidental death.
In this life, she only wanted to repay his kindness and keep him safe.
But somewhere along the way—
That distant, cold man from her past life suddenly had her wrapped in his arms, his eyes dark and intense.
“You looked at him a few times just now. How should I punish you, hmm?”
At first, Yan Tingxu thought he was utterly shameless for harboring feelings for the young girl he’d raised.
Later, he wore his shamelessness with perfect ease.
Author’s Note: The female lead is 15 when she first goes to live in the male lead’s home. Before she reaches adulthood, there is only familial affection. Neither of them, absolutely, absolutely, absolutely has any other intentions!
