Luong gasped dramatically when she saw her father watching them. **"Fatherr~~~!"** she whined, dragging out the word like a petulant child, though her fingers unconsciously straightened the crumpled fabric at her waist where Yin Zhang's hands had been moments ago.
Zhou Weng chuckled, holding up his hands in surrender—though his gaze lingered a heartbeat too long on the security monitor showing the now-empty street outside. **"I won't interfere in your relationship, Luong. If your heart says he's the right man, then go for it. You have my support."**
His expression turned mock-stern as he reached to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, the gold cufflink at his wrist catching the light—the same ones he only wore for important business meetings. **"But if he ever hurts you, I'll personally handle him."**
Luong rolled her eyes, missing how her father's free hand briefly clenched when his phone vibrated in his pocket. **"You say that like I'm still sixteen,"** she huffed, then paused when he suddenly grasped both her shoulders.
**"A relationship is like a delicate thread—"** His thumbs brushed the fabric of her blouse where a security pass peeked from her pocket, Huawei's logo glinting in the light. **"—if only one person holds on, it will snap. Choose wisely, my daughter."**
Luong's eyes shimmered. **"I will, Father. So... does this mean you approve?"**
Behind them, the grandfather clock chimed midnight—an uncharacteristically late hour for Zhou Weng to still be dressed in his office attire. But he nodded, smiling warmly as he released her.
**"YES!"** She launched herself into his arms, squealing with joy before spinning away. As she danced toward her room, her father's smile faded. His silenced phone lit up again:
**Unknown Number:**
_Your daughter's happiness... or your company's secrets. Choose by dawn._
The message disappeared as quickly as it appeared—just as Luong's joyful humming faded behind her bedroom door.