It was the last day at the resort. We packed our things and boarded the bus.
I thought I could finally sit in the front, away from him, but my energetic colleagues had already claimed their seats.
Once again, I had to take the window seat—the same one. I sat there, staring outside when Assistant Gu arrived.
I called out, "Mr. Gu, I want to talk to you. Can you sit here?"
He smiled and agreed, but behind him, Mr. Xiang was standing. I felt his glare burning into my back as I turned my head away.
Gu sat beside me and asked, "What do you want to talk about, Miss Ye?"
I nervously blurted out, "Are you married?"
Xiang peeked at me with a smirk, while Gu looked completely taken aback. His face fell as he replied,
"Miss Ye… thanks for asking, but I don't even have a girlfriend."
Xiang burst out laughing, and I could only think, Oh no, what am I even asking right now?!
I quickly added, "Gu, it's not what you think. It was just a common question—don't take it to heart."
The bus started moving, and soon we were halfway back. I dozed off, bumping my head against the window every now and then. Seeing that, Xiang told Gu,
> "Switch seats with me."
Gu chuckled, "Finally come around, old man?"
Ignoring him, Xiang sat beside me and gently moved my head to rest on his shoulder.
It was midnight, and everyone else was asleep. I woke up groggily, thinking I was still leaning on Gu—only to realize I was wrapped up in Xiang's arm.
He placed his hand over my shoulder, and it was basically a hug. I tried to shift away, but his grip was strong. I had no choice but to stay like that… pressed against his chest.
Well, it was a perfect chance—so I sneakily took out my phone and snapped a photo of us.
The shutter sound gave me away. Xiang stirred, turned toward me, and instinctively pulled me in tighter. I blushed like crazy.
It hit me then—whenever I stood inside his arms, I always bumped against them. But now… I was completely inside his embrace. It felt like luck was finally on my side.
I gently patted his head and drifted back to sleep.
---
The next day, at around 5 AM, everyone was still asleep—except Xiang.
He slowly opened his eyes, only to find me curled up in his arms.
A soft smile tugged at his lips as he gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.
His gaze lingered on my face, and just as he leaned forward—hesitating—he stopped himself.
But fate had other plans.
Still half-asleep, I shifted slightly, my head tilting upward… and before he could pull away, his lips brushed my forehead.
Startled, he pulled back. But then—unable to help himself—he leaned in again and kissed me once more, this time deliberately.
And that's when I caught him.
His eyes widened in shock, clearly panicking. Just as he opened his mouth to scream, I clamped my hand over his lips.
A romantic moment instantly turned into an awkward mess.
Xiang's gaze dropped to my hand on his mouth, his face going completely red. I stared at him and slowly pulled my hand away, and my heart was pounding.
Before this, I used to think—if I ever got a chance to get close to him like now—I would have been happy that time.
Then I gave him a deadly glare.
> "What did you just do?" I asked. My voice was low.
He stuttered, "I—I was just helping you lie straight! You moved your head and made it happen!"
"Oh please," I rolled my eyes. "You think I don't know what you did? You're unbelievable, you crazy man."
Xiang looked at me like a kid caught stealing snacks before dinner—guilty and pouty.
The nickname "golden retriever" popped into my mind again. It suited him.
From the row behind, Assistant Gu snorted.
> "You two lovebirds," he teased. "Keep your affection to yourselves. Don't make the rest of us jealous."
Both Xiang and I turned our heads to glare at him.
Xiang raised a hand and mock-threatened to strangle him.
I gave Xiang a light slap on the arm. "This is your fault! Don't act innocent now."
He immediately went quiet, like a scolded puppy.
Still, I couldn't help but smile.
Golden retriever and crazy man—they really did suit him well.