Tarik noticed a problem as soon as Lei Xirui mentioned wanting to visit the estate.
During the tour of the estate, Lei Xirui didn't seem to be admiring the historic architecture but rather searching for something or someone.
When Lei Xirui requested to go upstairs with such a flimsy excuse, Tarik knew something was indeed amiss with her.
Who sent her?
Was it Third Master Lei?
Had he become suspicious of this collaboration?
Or was he using Lei Xirui as bait to test something?
How tiresome…
If it were for his adoptive father's plan in the past, he might have indulged this naive young lady, but today…
He had neither the time nor the inclination.
“Eh? Qingyu? What are you doing here?”
“Xirui? I’m staying here temporarily.”
Seeing Lei Xirui grasp Xia Qingyu’s hand and the shift in Xia Qingyu’s gaze, Tarik immediately understood.
Lei Xirui was looking for Xia Qingyu.
She intended to give something to Xia Qingyu.
Tarik watched their clasped hands, a subtle smile playing on his lips.
Playing such games right before his eyes.
Did they think so little of him?
But then…
Tarik looked at Xia Qingyu’s lively expression and sparkling eyes, and his mood unexpectedly improved.
If she wanted to play…
It wouldn't be so bad to play along.
…
His thoughts returned to the present, and Tarik gazed at the scenery speeding past the car window, the upward curve of his lips growing more pronounced.
He had deliberately left her enough time; she should have handled everything cleanly by now.
Then…
He was now joining the game as a player…
It wasn't bullying, was it?
Upon entering, Tarik headed straight for Xia Qingyu’s room.
After three knocks, Xia Qingyu’s voice came from inside.
“Come in.” Xia Qingyu had just returned from the garden.
The weather here was even more unpredictable than in Z City.
The weather had seemed so pleasant earlier, she had planned to sunbathe in the garden, enjoy some snacks, and read a book.
But after sitting in the garden for only half an hour, the weather had changed.
A maid had also reminded her that it looked like it was about to rain.
Xia Qingyu had no choice but to return to her room. She looked at the thick, dark clouds outside the window and then down at the pearl in her palm, murmuring, “It seems… this rain won't be light… I wonder if Sister will remember to stay warm… I hope she doesn't catch a cold…”
Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Xia Qingyu assumed it was a maid bringing the snacks and tea from the garden to her room, so she casually replied, “Come in.”
When the door opened, Xia Qingyu realized it wasn't a maid but Tarik who had entered.
Lowering the hand holding the pearl, a flicker of panic crossed Xia Qingyu’s eyes, which Tarik caught.
“Why are you here?” Xia Qingyu tried her best to remain calm. “Didn’t you go to see Xirui off?”
“Third Master Lei and his sister don't live far,” Tarik said, walking towards Xia Qingyu step by step. His gaze swept over the hand Xia Qingyu held down by her side, and the corner of his mouth curved into a subtle arc. “It doesn't take much time to go and come back.”
“Is that so? Thank you for your trouble,” Xia Qingyu said casually. “Xirui will be here tomorrow. Please help me make some arrangements.”
“I've already instructed the butler,” Tarik replied, his steps not faltering. “I'm more curious as to why Lei Xirui suddenly came today.”
Hearing Tarik mention this, Xia Qingyu’s heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure. “Shouldn’t you ask Xirui about something like this? How would I know…”
“But my intuition tells me you know!” Tarik suddenly grabbed Xia Qingyu’s hand, which was hiding the pearl, and then instantly lifted her hand above her head, pressing it against the cool floor-to-ceiling window behind her.
At the same time, a bolt of lightning split the dense dark clouds, and a booming thunderclap ensued as heavy rain began to pour down.
“!” The sudden flash of lightning and the clap of thunder made Xia Qingyu flinch violently, her heart pounding a few extra beats.
After regaining her senses, Xia Qingyu looked at Tarik and said, “If your intuition is that accurate, you should go buy a lottery ticket. Don't waste your time here.”
As soon as Xia Qingyu finished speaking, another flash of lightning and thunder arrived as expected, and Tarik's grip on her hand tightened.
“It hurts!” Xia Qingyu’s arm was pressed against the cold window, and Tarik’s hand, like a vise, was gripping her tightly. Was it… trembling?
Xia Qingyu’s gaze moved from Tarik’s hand holding her to his face, and she saw that his expression was extremely distressed.
“You’re that scared?” Xia Qingyu was also somewhat surprised by Tarik’s reaction.
In her memory, Tarik, while not entirely evil, was certainly arrogant and domineering.
For such a person to be afraid of… thunder.
Hearing Xia Qingyu cry out in pain, Tarik released his grip on her. His heart ached slightly from tension, and his breathing became labored.
How could he reveal such a state in front of her, making her a laughingstock?
Annoyance welled up within him. Tarik turned away. “I’ll… be going back now. This time… I’ll let you off.”
Another flash of lightning tore across the night sky, and Tarik froze, his back appearing disheveled and desolate.
“And you call this letting me off?” Xia Qingyu couldn't help but scoff. She placed the pearl hidden in her palm into her pocket, then stepped forward and covered Tarik’s ears with her hands.
Tarik stiffened completely, then abruptly brushed Xia Qingyu’s hand away and turned back, saying irritably, “Hey! What are you doing?”
Was she despising or pitying him?
The room was unusually quiet, with only the sound of raindrops tapping against the window and the rumbling thunder.
“I’m not doing anything,” Xia Qingyu said, feeling a little annoyed that Tarik had pushed her hand away. This guy was really something!
He deserved to be afraid of thunder! She wished a lightning strike would kill this stubborn person!
“Don’t do anything unnecessary. Take care of yourself! I–” Tarik’s words were cut short by another flash of lightning, which illuminated his face a stark white.
“Tsk.” Seeing Tarik so terrified, yet his mouth as stubborn as ever, Xia Qingyu let out a scoff, then raised her hand to cover Tarik’s ears, making him look at her. “It’ll be fine in a moment.”
“Hey! I already said! I’m not afraid!” As Tarik spoke, another thunderclap sounded. He froze instantly and then suddenly pulled Xia Qingyu into his embrace.
The girl’s fragrance was fresh, and the softness in his arms became his sole salvation at that moment.