Chapter Forty-Three: Hurry, Hide Yourself

How dare you slap my face? This woman actually dared to hit me? Shen Ming’s fury was palpable. “You’re given respect, but you don’t want it. Woman, don’t push your luck!”

“Master Shen, have you misunderstood something?” Xu Nuo crossed her arms over her chest. “When did I ever say I liked you?”

Shen Ming retorted, “Still stubborn, are you? If you don’t like me, why did you do so many stupid things in front of me?!”

Xu Nuo glared at him angrily. “Fine, call me foolish if you like, but to think I did it to get your attention—how shameless are you? Stop flattering yourself, will you?”

With a fierce look, she stormed off. “Don’t overthink it!”

Shen Ming stood rooted to the spot for a long while, his expression darkening. Suddenly, he sneered. “Ha, she says she doesn’t like me, but she was obviously shy just now, too embarrassed to admit it.”

It seemed Shen Ming had convinced himself she liked him. No matter what Xu Nuo did, he’d appear with unshakable confidence, as if his face bore the words, “Admit it, you do like me.”

Once, it was Xu Nuo who often appeared at Shen Ming’s side, eager to prove her presence. Now, the roles were reversed—Shen Ming sought her out everywhere, desperate to make himself noticed, paranoid she was hiding another man.

The only upside was that the heartthrob value was finally starting to rise.

The old butler delighted in their “lovers’ quarrels,” watching with amusement.

Having witnessed Shen Ming’s daunting presence, 007 could now empathize with how he’d been pestered by Xu Nuo before. Who could endure such drama?

007: “There’s a saying, people in love become foolish.”

Xu Nuo asked, “Do you think he’s fallen for me?”

007: “Hmm… probably?” It was rare to see its host bested; it felt both pained and excited.

“Bang—” The door slammed shut, sealing all the chaos outside.

Xu Nuo said, “At this rate, I should finish the task in less than half a month. Little Seven, what’s the next game?”

007 answered confidently, “Don’t worry, I’ve carefully selected a game for you that you’re sure to like. The details are secret for now—I want to surprise you.”

Xu Nuo nodded. “Alright, I’m looking forward to it.”

“Knock knock…”

The window rattled. Xu Nuo glanced over—it was Lin Qisheng.

She teased, “You really don’t go by the usual route, do you?”

“Miss Xu,” Lin Qisheng asked nervously, “May I come in?”

“Come in,” Xu Nuo replied.

Without delay, Lin Qisheng climbed through the window, wanting to hug Xu Nuo but restraining himself for her sake. He spoke with a hint of grievance, “Miss Xu, I’ve missed you so much.”

“Mmm,” Xu Nuo said. “Why are you here?”

“Miss Xu, I’m sorry for what happened before. I was too stubborn, I was wrong.” Lin Qisheng pleaded gently, “Will you come back with me?”

“Back where?” Xu Nuo asked.

“The camp you and Brother Gu built,” Lin Qisheng replied, his voice muffled. “It’s very well protected.”

“That’s good to hear,” Xu Nuo said.

“Don’t you…” Lin Qisheng watched her face carefully, noting her calm, steady demeanor. He amended his question. “Don’t you want to go back? Why stay here?”

“I have my reasons for staying here,” Xu Nuo said. “Is there anything else you wish to say?”

Lin Qisheng felt bitter and uneasy. He understood why she was distant—after all, he’d schemed against her before, nearly causing… He dared not ask how she’d survived in that situation.

After the explosion, he’d searched the city top to bottom, terrified he’d never find her, or worse, find her corpse. If that happened, he'd never forgive himself.

Fortunately, Xu Nuo was alive, and he’d found her.

But he didn’t know how to face her. After doing something so foolish, he’d expected her to hit or berate him, to loathe him, and he’d prepared himself for rejection. But Xu Nuo simply treated him coldly, which hurt even more than a scolding.

“Knock knock—” The door was rapped.

Xu Nuo opened it; a servant had brought a midnight snack.

“What a delicious aroma.” Xu Nuo inhaled, tempted by the scent. It seemed the chef’s skills had improved during her stay.

“Bang.” She shut the door, turning to see Lin Qisheng’s pitiful eyes.

“Miss Xu, are you going to live here for long?” Lin Qisheng wasn’t a fool. Before coming in, he’d checked out the small base; Xu Nuo was enjoying special treatment and living well.

But what displeased him greatly was, “That so-called Master Shen—did he force you?”

“He actually thinks you’re secretly in love with him, finds it hilarious,” Lin Qisheng scoffed. That ridiculous Master Shen believed Xu Nuo would ever like him? Absurd. Xu Nuo had always said she’d never love anyone. She didn’t even love him, so how could she care for that spoiled brat?

“Ah, about that…” Xu Nuo laughed it off. “I won’t stay here for long.”

“Then I’ll take you away. Aren’t you attached to that camp? I’ll go back with you,” Lin Qisheng offered.

Xu Nuo shook her head. “Not yet.”

Lin Qisheng persisted, “Why stay here, then?”

Xu Nuo replied, “It’s a secret.”

“…Alright.” Lin Qisheng knew she wouldn’t change her mind easily. Deflated, he asked, “Is there anything I can help with?”

“Maybe later,” Xu Nuo said.

Lin Qisheng sighed, “I feel like you’re brushing me off.”

007 suddenly warned: “Host, Shen Ming is coming.”

Xu Nuo said, “Master Shen is here. You should hide.”

Lin Qisheng felt a strange discomfort but wouldn’t defy her. “Alright, I’ll come see you again.”

“Bang—”

The door was forcefully pushed open. Shen Ming strode straight toward Xu Nuo. “Where is he?”

“Who?” Xu Nuo patted her chest. “What’s wrong with you? Barging in without knocking—so rude! Yet you used to call me crude!”

“Don’t play dumb. Where is he?” Shen Ming pressed. “He was just in your room. Who is he?”

Xu Nuo replied, “What nonsense are you spouting? I was alone just now.”

“The window is open,” Shen Ming said calmly and firmly. “There are fresh marks—signs someone came and went.”

“What marks?” Xu Nuo stepped forward. “Is that all? I was just enjoying the breeze, probably got them by accident. Why are you suddenly acting crazy and paranoid?”

“Xu Nuo.” Shen Ming’s gaze was deep and sharp. “I don’t like being lied to.”

Xu Nuo retorted, “Ha, and I don’t like being played for a fool.”

“So you’re finally dropping the act?” Shen Ming reached out to brush aside a strand of hair on her shoulder. “I’m very much looking forward to the day I uncover your true face. Then—”

Xu Nuo snatched her hair back. “Then what?”

Shen Ming declared, “Then you’ll understand how much effort you’ve wasted in front of me.”