Yao Ran rubbed Qin Man’s back and talked to her in a coaxing tone.

“Calm down, Mom. Let’s leave her alone for now. Just think of how things will be in the long run.”

“Victory!”

Yao Tang disintegrated her last opponent, winning another round. She finally put her phone down and arched her back to stretch her stiff muscles.

Cheng Yan walked out of the fitting room at that exact moment. He froze when he sawYao Tang’s languid posture, and his gaze deepened.

He quickly strode forward and loomed over her, effectively blocking anyone from seeing her in such a state. “I’m sorry for making you wait.”

Yao Tang settled back and sipped her milk tea. “It’s all right.”

“I heard all that racket just now. They said that Cheng Zhouhas taken a liking toYao Ran? I don’t think that’s true at all.”Cheng Yansounded resolute, though his eyes lingered distractedly onYao Tang’s pretty face.

He hadn’t seen her for over a week. Her cheeks seemed to have grown a little plumper, though her skin was still smooth and fair. He had missed her so much, his heart was aching even now.

Cheng Yan’s thoughts naturally wandered to the subject of his nephew, and a dangerous glint came over his eyes.

That brat, donating a library, of all things… Could it have been because of Yao Tang?

His expression darkened at the idea.

“What’s wrong?” Yao Tangasked after noticing his sudden scowl.

Cheng Yan cleared his throat and smiled. “Nothing, I just remembered a troublesome matter back at the company. Don’t worry about it. Shall we continue with our shopping?”

“Sure.” Yao Tangrose from her seat, and they exited the lounge. They spent the next hour picking out more suits under the curious gaze of other, nosy customers.

…

Later that night, Cheng Yanstood by the window of his study and brooded. There were no stars in the sky, but the moon was especially bright.

He took out his phone and made a call.

The other party picked up after a couple of rings. “Sixth Uncle. You’re still awake? It’s late, you should be resting.”

Cheng Zhou sounded surprised. Clearly, he hadn’t expected to hear fromCheng Yan.

“This is your last warning. Don’t go near Yao Tang. Don’t even think about it, do you understand?”

Cheng Yan’s voice was low and carried an undercurrent of danger. It was the same voice he used when he was faced with an adversary.

Sure enough, Cheng Zhou stiffened on the other end. His fear was soon replaced with bewilderment, though.

‘Is Sixth Uncle really serious about this girl?’

Cheng Yan had never been involved in any scandal with a woman before. Regardless, it was only natural for young folk of their social and financial standing to indulge in the occasional debauchery. It was expected, even.

They welcomed physical attraction, but that was just about it. Most of them barely experienced love. It was something of a luxury among their lot.

Of course, it didn’t help that they were powerless to choose their own marriage partners. These things were dictated by the elders, and only served to further the interests of their respective families.

In retrospect, no one could really blame them for fooling around with the opposite sex.

But did they ever get so involved to care about their flings’ personal lives? Never!

And so, Cheng Zhouwas understandably perplexed by his uncle’s obvious hostility when it came toYao Tang.

“Please, Sixth Uncle. You misunderstand. I don’t mean to get close to her at all. My donation to the No. 1 High Schoolhas nothing to do with her. I simply wanted to contribute something to society.”

He didn’t bother acting clueless. Given Cheng Yan’s personality,Cheng Zhouknew that it would be better to just come clean once and for all.

He wasn’t lying, either. His interest in Yao Tanglay solely in her medical skills. There was no need for him to risk his uncle’s wrath by looking into her any more than he already had.

“Do you think I don’t know about your little tricks? This is your last chance. Stay away from Yao Tang, or else…”

Cheng Yan let his words hang in the air, but Cheng Zhou felt the weight and power of the unspoken threat.

“Of course, Sixth Uncle,” he hurriedly said. “I’m sorry. I really am. I admit that I am in the wrong. I promise to drop my investigations on Yao Tangright away, so please don’t be angry.”

At the back of his head, Cheng Zhoumarveled at this astonishing turn of events.Yao Tangtruly was no ordinary person.

For his Sixth Uncle to go to such great lengths to protect her…

Needless to say, Cheng Zhouwas even more curious now, but he didn’t dare to let it show. He would have to keep his word and instruct his men to stop their inquiries.

Now, his only option was to go to No. 1 High Schooland observeYao Tanghimself. First-hand information was always more reliable, anyway.

After making up his mind, Cheng Zhounodded and went on to reassureCheng Yanonce more. “Don’t worry, Sixth Uncle. I won’t be looking into her background anymore. Please don’t take it to heart. Surely, you still have some affection for your nephew. You won’t shun me in favor of an outsider to the family, will you?”