**Q:** Is Xiao Rongyu smart?
**A:** At the very least, smarter than Shen Youchu.
**Q:** Is Xiao Rongyu sensitive?
**A:** At the very least, more sensitive than Shen Youchu.
For Chen Hansheng, it was far better for Shen Youchu to discover Xiao Rongyu than the other way around.
Especially now, seeing Shen Youchu in her royal blue down jacket, Xiao Rongyu might grow curious and step out of the car to ask a few questions. Shen Youchu couldn't lie, and the outcome would inevitably lead to a direct confrontation.
And this wouldn't be the type of confrontation Liang Meijuan had discovered before. This would be a face-off right in front of Xiao Hongwei, a situation far worse than even the fires of hell.
Chen Hansheng couldn't even begin to imagine the chaos that might ensue.
So, at the exact moment Xiao Rongyu began to lift her head, Chen Hansheng spoke up.
"Xiao Yu'er."
"Hmm?"
Xiao Rongyu turned her head, her bright eyes filled with curiosity.
Chen Hansheng paused for 0.886 seconds before reaching out to gently wipe the corner of Xiao Rongyu's mouth.
"You just had some Sachima earlier—there are still some crumbs left."
This was probably the first time Chen Hansheng had ever acted so affectionately in front of an elder, especially in front of Xiao Hongwei. The move left Xiao Rongyu blushing with embarrassment and even drew Xiao Hongwei's attention.
"Next time you eat, be more careful," Chen Hansheng said tenderly.
Xiao Rongyu suddenly felt a surge of emotion, almost on the verge of tears. It had been so long since Chen Hansheng had acted like this—so long that she couldn't even remember the last time.
"Thump-thump-thump. Thump-thump-thump. Thump-thump-thump..."
This was the sound of Chen Hansheng's heartbeat. Who could have imagined that behind his composed appearance, his heart was pounding so furiously it nearly went into spasms?
Even Xiao Hongwei noticed something was off.
"Hansheng, why is your hand trembling?"
"Oh, nothing."
Chen Hansheng glanced at Old Xiao and replied sheepishly, "This is my first time wiping a girl's mouth. I'm just a little nervous."
"Oh~"
Xiao Hongwei nodded in understanding, though he still found it odd. Nervousness might be plausible, but with Chen Hansheng's composure, it shouldn't have been to the point of trembling hands.
What Xiao Hongwei didn't know was that while he wasn't looking, Chen Hansheng had also sneaked a glance at Shen Youchu.
Thank goodness, she was slowly walking toward another stall.
That spot was behind a bus stop sign. Unless Xiao Hongwei deliberately looked for her, he wouldn't notice.
"Are you done? My mouth is starting to hurt," Xiao Rongyu asked, a little impatient.
It had taken Chen Hansheng almost 20 seconds to finish wiping her mouth. By now, not only were the Sachima crumbs gone, but her lips had turned red from being rubbed.
"Done, done."
Chen Hansheng pulled back his hand with a smile. With the diversion successful, Xiao Hongwei and Xiao Rongyu both forgot whatever they were planning to say or do earlier.
However, the crisis was far from over. Shen Youchu hadn't left yet, and as long as they were near the main entrance, there was always a chance of them running into each other.
"Uncle Xiao, should we head to the east gate instead?" Chen Hansheng suggested cautiously.
"Why?" Xiao Rongyu asked curiously. "You can't drive through the east gate."
Xiao Hongwei also waited for an explanation.
"This area is way too congested. Who knows how long we'd be stuck here? It's already past three in the afternoon, and if Uncle Xiao drives back to Port City at night, it might not be safe," Chen Hansheng replied steadily.
Using "safety" as a reason made sense to Xiao Rongyu, who immediately took it seriously. Her expression turned thoughtful.
"Also, while you can't drive through the east gate, it's closer to your dorm. The car just can't stop right in front of your building, that's all."
Chen Hansheng patted his chest. "With me around, I'm a strong and free porter at your service."
Hearing this, Xiao Rongyu felt it was a reasonable suggestion. Thinking of her father's safety, she said, "Dad, let's go to the east gate. You can head straight home after dropping us off. Xiao Chen will take me upstairs."
Xiao Hongwei agreed and turned the car toward the east gate, leaving behind this Shura-like battleground that Chen Hansheng had narrowly escaped.
While pretending to direct the way, Chen Hansheng glanced back one last time. Whether by instinct or coincidence, Shen Youchu also looked over at him.
Chen Hansheng's expression didn't waver as he calmly continued to guide the car.
Thanks to the tinted windows, no one outside could see inside the vehicle.
At the east gate, traffic was much lighter. When the car stopped, Chen Hansheng stepped out, holding the luggage in place.
"What's wrong?" Xiao Rongyu asked, concerned.
"Nothing. My legs just fell asleep from sitting too long," Chen Hansheng replied calmly. He couldn't admit his legs were weak from nerves, so he blamed it on numbness.
This was a common enough excuse, so Xiao Rongyu didn't think much of it.
Before leaving, Xiao Hongwei reminded Chen Hansheng, "Hansheng, take good care of Xiao Yu'er. You're more mature than she is, so be patient and understanding."
These words carried a deeper meaning, but Chen Hansheng nodded in agreement. Xiao Rongyu shyly glanced at him, her radiant smile lighting up her face.
After a while, Chen Hansheng's legs regained their strength, and he carried the luggage into the school.
As Xiao Hongwei drove away, he glanced back at the still-congested main gate, feeling like he'd forgotten something.
"That girl was taller than Xiao Yu'er and just as pretty, if not more so," he mused.
What Chen Hansheng didn't expect was that Detective Team Leader Xiao Hongwei had not only caught a glimpse of Shen Youchu but also remembered her face clearly.
"I'll have to ask Hansheng or Xiao Yu'er about her sometime. A girl like that wouldn't go unnoticed on campus."
---
The east gate of Donghai University opened onto a road leading to Dongshan Town in Jiangling District. Just as Chen Hansheng and Xiao Rongyu were about to enter the school, a sports car slowly pulled up by the roadside.
"Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to 157 Dongshan Industrial Avenue?"
Chen Hansheng turned to see a woman leaning out of the car, asking for directions in slightly accented Mandarin with a Cantonese lilt.
"Dongshan Town is just ahead, but I'm not sure about Industrial Avenue," Xiao Rongyu replied helpfully.
"157 Dongshan Industrial Avenue?" Chen Hansheng repeated, studying the woman closely.
She wore oversized black sunglasses, making it hard to determine her age. However, her straight nose, rosy lips, and coffee-colored hair draped over a high-end wool coat gave her an air of elegance.
Noticing Chen Hansheng staring, the woman offered a polite smile.
Chen Hansheng returned the smile and carefully drew a map showing the route to Industrial Avenue.
"Thank you. Your girlfriend is the most beautiful girl I've ever seen," the woman said graciously before driving away.
Chen Hansheng's gaze lingered on the car as it disappeared.
"What's the matter? Want to chase after her on a bus?" Xiao Rongyu's annoyed voice sounded behind him.
Chen Hansheng shook his head. "Why are you getting jealous? She just asked for directions."
"Hmph."
Xiao Rongyu snorted. "You've never been this helpful before."
Chen Hansheng thought to himself, *How could I not be? Industrial Avenue 157 is the address of New Century Electronics. Considering the rumors about the 'big shot' from Hong Kong, this woman is most likely connected.*
"She said you're the most beautiful girl she's ever seen, so you must be prettier than her," Chen Hansheng joked.
Having safely navigated the Shura-like battlefield and made a good impression on the "big shot," Chen Hansheng was in an excellent mood as he sweet-talked Xiao Rongyu all the way back to her dorm.