Later that evening, Zhen Wei invited Lian Hua to his office—not at a business location, but at the private part of his residence that overlooked the city skyline.
The glass walls reflected the shimmering lights of Shanghai, and Lian Hua couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and nervousness.
"This is… beautiful," she whispered.
Zhen Wei's expression softened slightly.
"I thought you'd like it," he said.
She stepped closer to the window, gazing out at the city lights.
"It's so different from the streets I walk every day," she said softly.
Zhen Wei came closer, his presence steady behind her.
"I wanted you to see where I spend my life outside of the shop," he said quietly.
Her fingers brushed the edge of the table, and she realized she could feel his energy in the room, intense and grounding at the same time.
"You're very… private," she observed.
"I prefer to control what I show," he replied.
She turned to him, meeting his gaze.
"And I suppose that's why you don't want anyone else close to me?" she asked carefully.
Zhen Wei's dark eyes held hers.
"You're not like anyone else I've met," he said softly. "And I won't let anyone take you from me."
Her heart skipped, and for a moment, she felt both warmth and fear at the intensity of his words.
"Even Chen Kai?" she asked quietly.
Zhen Wei's jaw tightened slightly.
"Yes," he said firmly.
A faint tension passed between them.
She stepped closer.
"Zhen Wei… you're very different from anyone I've ever met," she said, her voice almost a whisper.
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering for just a moment.
"You're very captivating, Lian Hua," he said quietly.
She felt her cheeks warm.
"I… I don't know what to say," she admitted.
"Then say nothing," he replied softly, his dark eyes unwavering.
For a long moment, they stood together in silence, the lights of the city reflecting in both their eyes.
And Lian Hua realized something very clearly:
Zhen Wei wasn't just watching over her.
He was already a part of her world—whether she realized it or not.