"If you so desire, Zhang Fan..." Little Tear rose from the sofa, gracefully approaching Zhang Fan, her subtle fragrance wafting into his nostrils. Her elusive presence, always so close yet so distant, left him at a loss when it came to understanding her true feelings.
"Of course, I desire it!" Resolute, Zhang Fan unexpectedly seized Little Tear's hands in his own, surprising her with his boldness. Her usual coyness did not repel but rather delighted her in its unexpectedness, evoking a secret joy within her.
"You silly boy," she chided gently, tapping his forehead affectionately. "Have you finally come to your senses?"
"Little Tear, don't treat me like a child. I'm speaking from the heart," Zhang Fan protested, finally understanding Rebecca's earlier frustration at being treated like a child.
"Foolish one..." Before Zhang Fan could finish his complaint, Little Tear embraced him tightly, leaving him momentarily stiffened in surprise. This unexpected advance from Little Tear filled his heart with a quiet elation. It was a promising start for his dream of a harmonious palace, though uncertain of its future course.
"Alright, about the contract... think it over carefully and choose an appropriate time to contract with Little Tear. It will give her a sense of security," Little Tear advised after a lengthy embrace, her cheeks faintly flushed as she stepped back.
"But what about you, Little Tear?" Zhang Fan asked, puzzled why she only mentioned Little Tear and not herself.
"Don't worry, I will always be yours and never leave. But have you considered Little Ai's feelings? I promise, once we have reclaimed our father's collections and avenged him, I will leave everything behind to contract with you," she assured, caressing his cheek tenderly.
"Is that so? I understand. I'll wait for that day and do everything in my power to help you," Zhang Fan declared, clenching his fist in determination.
"I'll be waiting for that day," Little Tear affirmed and then, in an unexpected gesture, she leaned forward and lightly kissed Zhang Fan's lips before pushing him gently out of her room.
"Is this a privilege?" Zhang Fan stood dumbfounded after Little Tear's sudden kiss, only regaining his senses once outside her door. Touching his lips, a faint smile appeared on his face. Motivated by this 'privilege,' he was ready to strive even harder.
The next morning, Zhang Fan woke up early, eager to get to work. Godai had informed him that the Automatic Tracking Scan Cameras would be ready soon. He wanted to join Little Tear and the others to figure out how to deal with these devices. But during breakfast, an amusing incident occurred that left Zhang Fan both laughing and exasperated.
As usual, the Western-style breakfast prepared by Little Tear – toast, coffee, and fried eggs – was a testament to her domestic prowess. After spreading butter and jam on the toast and serving Zhang Fan a steaming cup of coffee, a brief touch of their fingers turned Little Tear's cheeks a delicate shade of pink.
This tender moment did not escape the eyes of the four girls present, each harboring different thoughts: Little Tear's contentment, Little Tear's envy, Rebecca's slight jealousy, and Little Ai's...
"I'm off to school now!" After breakfast, Little Ai stood up and, seeing Zhang Fan and Little Tear resembling a newlywed couple, she unexpectedly bowed slightly and said something that caught everyone off guard.
"Mom and Dad, I'm leaving now!"
Zhang Fan choked on his coffee, and Little Tear's face turned beet red. Taking advantage of the awkward silence, Little Ai made a swift exit. The atmosphere that followed was undeniably awkward.
For Zhang Fan and Little Tear, it was mere embarrassment, but Little Tear's teasing smile and Rebecca's reproachful gaze made Zhang Fan hasten to finish his breakfast. Clearly, the best course of action was to make a quick exit.
"Looking good today, Junfu. Have they caught the arsonist?" The first customer to visit the café that day was Junfu, who appeared unusually cheerful.
"No, they haven't," Junfu shook his head, but Zhang Fan could easily tell that he was lying.
"Not caught? I suppose it makes sense. How could they incarcerate a poor woman who simply sought revenge?" Zhang Fan spoke nonchalantly,