Chapter Forty-Six: Nan Zhiyi's Secret Cottage

Slowly, Wang Manshu drove the car toward the outskirts. Seeing Nan Zhiyi's familiarity with the route, it was easy to guess they were heading to her house.

As expected, the car stopped in the yard. After Qin Xuan got out, he surveyed the place—a small villa, understated in appearance, but its distance from the city was rather absurd.

Nan Zhiyi welcomed Qin Xuan and the others inside. At that moment, a woman about the same age as Wang Manshu walked out of the house. Judging from Nan Zhiyi’s exasperated expression, it was clear this was her mother.

“Sister Wang! Come in and have a seat, let’s go play some mahjong first!” Of course—the true ladies of Shu City always played mahjong.

“Alright! Let me introduce you: this is Nan Zhiyi’s mother, you can call her Aunt Yang. Just don’t spend too much time with her; she’s never serious!” Wang Manshu mischievously revealed her secrets.

“These must be your three little ones. Can’t you leave me a bit of dignity in front of them?” Aunt Yang, whose real name was Yang Ying, was mainly a housewife, yet her mahjong skills were legendary.

The three obediently greeted her, and Aunt Yang sized them up with satisfaction, especially Qin Xuan, who felt as if she could see right through him.

Nan Zhiyi noticed and gave her mother a gentle nudge from behind.

“Alright, alright, you’re all fine young people—go in and sit wherever you like,” she said, then turned and called out, “Nan Zhiyi! You come too.”

Inside, Qin Xuan met Nan Zhiyi’s father, Nan Zhengyi—a man of few words, whose face rarely showed emotion. Yet when he looked at Nan Zhiyi, his eyes brimmed with affection, though she paid him little mind...

The back garden was Nan Zhiyi’s favorite place. She had planted all the flowers and plants herself and even installed a swing on the side.

“When I was little, I loved coming here to play on the swing,” Nan Zhiyi said nostalgically, pointing at it. But as she grew older, she gradually let go of her childhood innocence.

Qin Lin’er insisted on pulling Liu Ruoxi to play on the swing. Seeing their enthusiasm, Nan Zhiyi didn’t want to “interrupt” them, so she quietly tugged Qin Xuan away.

“Come on, I want to show you something!” Nan Zhiyi said to Qin Xuan with a mysterious air.

Qin Xuan was hesitant at first, but Nan Zhiyi’s enticing demeanor piqued his curiosity.

Nan Zhiyi was bold. Since Liu Ruoxi and Qin Lin’er weren’t around, she tried to take Qin Xuan’s hand—but he dodged quickly! After all, he had a girlfriend now; a gentleman must keep his distance.

Nan Zhiyi’s hand grasped empty air. She glanced at the indifferent Qin Xuan, inwardly questioning—dog, you’ve changed.

Awkwardly, she withdrew her hand and led the way up to the second floor, opening a room door and gesturing for Qin Xuan to enter.

Qin Xuan stepped inside and realized it was Nan Zhiyi’s bedroom. He wanted to leave, but Nan Zhiyi anticipated his move and closed the door before he could exit, leaving Qin Xuan somewhat embarrassed as he bumped into the door...

Nan Zhiyi nearly laughed at his reaction.

“Is this the place you wanted to show me?” Qin Xuan scratched his head, confused.

“Of course not!” Nan Zhiyi walked to the side and briskly opened a cabinet door. Qin Xuan then discovered it was a hidden entrance.

“Ta-da! Welcome to Nan Zhiyi’s secret little room!” Nan Zhiyi struck a cute pose, leaving Qin Xuan bewildered.

He took stock of the tiny space—just big enough for one person to pass through upright. At the far end stood a small bed, perfectly sized for Nan Zhiyi, with two packs of spicy chicken feet placed on the shelf above. Impressive!

The walls were covered with photos of Nan Zhiyi from childhood to present, from the rebellious little kid to the elegant young woman she had become. Qin Xuan even spotted the photo of the two of them as children—the one she used as her profile picture.

“This... truly is a secret room!” Qin Xuan rather liked the idea; he could hide in here to play games undisturbed!

“Of course. I love sleeping here at night! The outer room is just for show,” Nan Zhiyi said proudly.

“Why did you make this? It’d be handy for hiding someone after you get married!” Qin Xuan ventured boldly.

Nan Zhiyi couldn’t refute him. If she married, and her husband was Qin Xuan, it’d be fine. If not, she’d use it to hide him!

Luckily, Qin Xuan didn’t have mind-reading abilities, or he’d be utterly shocked.

“It’s for my own space!” But Qin Xuan, clueless as ever, couldn’t grasp the true meaning.

Qin Xuan stroked his chin and pondered, “Is it like a dog marking its territory?”

Nan Zhiyi: ??? Is that what I mean?

Just as the air grew tense, Qin Xuan’s phone rang. It was Liu Ruoxi, unable to find them and suspecting they’d eloped! Exercising her girlfriend’s rights.

“I’m in Zhiyi’s room. Do you want to come?” Qin Xuan replied, then turned to Nan Zhiyi. “Mind if they come up?”

“It’s fine,” Nan Zhiyi said naturally—she wanted Liu Ruoxi and Qin Lin’er to see if this was really a “dog marking territory”!

Sure enough, Liu Ruoxi and Qin Lin’er were both a little envious when they saw the secret room. Qin Xuan watched from the side, baffled—what else could you do here besides play games?

Then, things got awkward. Liu Ruoxi immediately spotted the childhood photo of Qin Xuan and Nan Zhiyi.

“Hey!” Liu Ruoxi exclaimed, walking over to compare the photo with Qin Xuan. What was this?

Nan Zhiyi saw the look in Liu Ruoxi’s eyes and felt a little guilty—how was she supposed to explain?

“This... this... was given to me by Qin Xuan!” Nan Zhiyi pointed at Qin Xuan, decisively throwing him under the bus.

“Huh? Zhiyi, you!” Qin Xuan’s eyes widened.

“Don’t speak! I’ll deal with you later!” Liu Ruoxi snapped, probably needing a few chicken drumsticks to calm her down.

“Let’s go, Mom called us for dinner,” Liu Ruoxi said, linking arms with Qin Lin’er and heading downstairs.

Nan Zhiyi paused at the end, puzzled—who did she call Mom?

It had to be said, Liu Ruoxi’s retorts always came unexpectedly and with deadly precision.

At the dining table, there were three full tables, mostly friends from the business circle.

Compared to others, this group was somewhat refined; glasses clinked and drinks flowed, and even Qin Xuan was forced to drink a few rounds, leaving him dizzy. If Nan Zhiyi hadn’t intervened, he might have had to sleep here tonight—which would be just what Nan Zhiyi wanted!

But she didn’t resort to such crude tactics. Even if she was playing a stealthy game, she had to be cautious; if the host caught her, there’d be no way to justify it. Besides, Liu Ruoxi was clearly on guard now.

Perhaps it was the alcohol, but in the afternoon Qin Xuan stood beside his mother’s mahjong table, offering bold advice, full of bravado! Unfortunately, his mother soon put him in his place, and he became meek...

The three girls watched Qin Xuan get scolded and giggled quietly by the side. Who would have thought he could be so amusing when drunk? Clearly, his tolerance was low—he needed more practice!