Meanwhile, Xuanye and Minghao reached his house. As the car slowed to a stop, the driver announced, "Hao, we've reached your place."
Minghao nodded and thanked him before glancing at Xuanye—who quickly closed her eyes, pretending to sleep.
He stifled a laugh. "Ye~ I know you're pretending. You're way too obvious."
Xuanye slowly peeked one eye open and gave him an awkward smile. Minghao chuckled and opened the door. "Come on, let's go."
She gulped nervously and stepped out. As her eyes landed on the house, her jaw dropped. "Hao~ your house… It looks like something out of a fairy tale," she breathed. The garden was blooming with flowers from front to back.
Minghao noticed her awestruck gaze and gently nudged her shoulder. "What are you staring at, Ye?"
She clutched her chest. "Hao~ if you keep sneaking up on me like that, I swear I'll faint one day!"
He laughed and replied, "Don't look at the house like that. One day, it'll be yours too—if you marry me."
Xuanye's breath hitched. Her hands froze at her sides. Wait… is he… proposing?! Her heart thumped wildly.
Minghao leaned forward, gently nudging her. "Ye~ are you okay?"
She stuttered, "How can I be okay when you keep making my heart flutter like this?!"
With a smirk, he walked ahead to the front door. Behind him, Xuanye pouted and kicked the air like a grumbling child.
Once inside, the house looked modest at first—but stepping past the entry, she realized it was far more spacious and elegant than expected. Minghao set his keys on a hook and headed to the kitchen for water. Meanwhile, Xuanye wandered, admiring the many photos of him on display.
Tracing a framed photo with her fingers, she giggled. "Hao~ how can you look this good in every picture?"
Her eyes caught a partially open door. Curious, she stepped in and found herself in Minghao's room—lined with even more photos. On a shelf sat a family portrait. She picked it up, smiling softly.
Minghao returned with a glass of water and found the living room empty. With a knowing smile, he walked into his room.
"Ye~ what are you doing in here?" he asked.
She turned, holding the frame. "Look at this, Hao~ even as a kid you were cute!"
He handed her the water. "Mm, I know. But drink first."
She sipped obediently. Then she pointed at the frame. "This is your mom, right?" He nodded. "And this is your dad… and this is your cousin, right?"
Minghao raised an eyebrow. "You've never met them—how do you know all this?"
Xuanye placed the glass down and grinned. "I'm a Carat, remember? We know everything. Your cousin even looks just like you."
He ruffled her hair. "You guys really… but Ye~ if you ever meet my parents, I'm sure they'll love you."
With a dramatic hair flip, she replied, "Of course they will! But… I'm not ready for that kind of meeting just yet."
Minghao chuckled. "Alright, alright. It's 11 p.m.—you should get some sleep."
She glanced around. "Where should I sleep?"
He pointed at his bed. "You'll sleep here."
She blinked. "But… how can two people sleep in there?"
Minghao playfully widened his eyes, trying not to laugh. "Ye~ you're so naughty! You'll sleep here, I'll take the guest room."
She waved her hands. "No no—this is your room. I'll sleep on the sofa or in the guest room. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
As she turned to go, Minghao called after her. "Ye~ stay. Sleep here."
She stopped. "Why?"
"Do you trust me?" he asked, stepping closer.
With a serious expression, she said, "I trust you with my eyes closed."
He smiled. "Then sleep here. I already asked your sister's permission. Don't be nervous."
"I'm not nervous," she huffed—though her trembling hands betrayed her. Minghao laughed and pointed at her hands.
"Alright! I'll sleep here, okay?" she grumbled, heading to the bed.
Minghao watched her fondly. "Call me if you need anything. I'll be in the hall."
She nodded.
As he left, Xuanye lay back with a sigh, but her heart was heavy. Why do I feel sad… watching him go?
Unable to sleep, she slipped out of bed, opened the door quietly, and peeked into the living room. There he was—curled up on the sofa, hugging his pillow.
Her heart softened. "Hao…"
He opened his eyes slowly. "Ye~ what's wrong? Couldn't sleep?"
"I couldn't let you sleep out here alone," she whispered. "Come back and sleep in your room."
He tried to hide his blush behind his hand, but the smile broke through.
As he followed her back, Xuanye peeked behind to see his smile—and she felt her chest glow with quiet joy.