Sixteen, smoke or have a drink with me—you choose.

As dusk approached, the evening glow stretched across the horizon like spilled ink, vivid and resplendent.

Fu Zhouye and Shu Nian sat together in the spacious backseat of a Rolls-Royce.

The interior lights cast a soft, warm glow.

Yet Shu Nian’s heart felt as if it had been clawed by a kitten—restless and uneasy.

She stole glances at Fu Zhouye from time to time.

Countless little dramas played out in her mind.

What if I told him that Old Master Fu had sent me to gather information about him?

Would he think I was a spy?

Or worse—

Would he believe I was a mole sent by his father?

Shu Nian muttered silently.

She felt like one of those double agents in old spy films.

Only her acting was probably less convincing than even the supporting roles in those movies.

Because now, she had to perform in front of Fu Zhouye himself.

She glanced at him again, secretly.

He was gazing intently out the window.

The contours of his profile, bathed in the sunset’s golden light, appeared even more profound.

Shu Nian couldn’t help but sigh inwardly:

How could someone so handsome possibly have a father who would send me to spy on him?

This plotline was just too absurd.

Suddenly, Fu Zhouye turned his head and caught her looking.

Startled, Shu Nian quickly feigned nonchalance.

She began looking around, mumbling:

“The sunset is really beautiful today. Look at those clouds over there—they look like a rabbit warming itself by the fire, don’t they?”

Fu Zhouye chuckled at her words.

There was a hint of amusement in his eyes as he said, “Shu Nian, what’s going on with you today? You keep looking at me—do you have something on your mind?”

He had seen every trick and scheme in his years, more than many adults ever would.

Yet her guilty expression betrayed her.

Shu Nian’s heart tightened, and she waved her hand quickly.

“No, no, I’m just admiring the scenery. Just... just checking if you’re enjoying it too.”

“The driver is really speeding, huh?”

Fu Zhouye smiled faintly, as if he had seen through Shu Nian’s little secret thoughts.

But he didn’t expose her, remaining calm and composed.

He spoke softly, “Shu Nian, if there’s something you want to tell me, you can say it directly.”

Shu Nian took a deep breath, realizing this might be her chance.

Perhaps she could finally confess everything to Fu Zhouye.

Summoning her courage, she was about to speak when her phone vibrated.

A message from Old Master Fu appeared: “Remember your mission. Don’t disappoint me.”

Her hand trembled, almost dropping the phone.

She glanced at Fu Zhouye—he hadn’t noticed her momentary lapse.

She smiled bitterly inside: This mission was far more difficult than she had imagined. Was she acting in a spy thriller or a comedy?

***

Fu Zhouye noticed Shu Nian’s unease.

With gentle concern, he asked, “What’s wrong? Is it something urgent?”

Shu Nian quickly shook her head, deciding not to mention it for now—at least not yet.

She forced a smile. “Nothing, just a spam message. Let’s keep enjoying the view.”

Silence lingered inside the car.

In the dead of night, Shu Nian’s heartbeat quickened, gripped by an unreal sense of fear.

The cold, damp black room pressed down with suffocating dread.

Fu Zhouye’s image twisted in her dream—both familiar and alien—each of his movements unsettling her.

His brows furrowed deeply.

His lips held that usual gentle smile.

Yet now, it felt eerie and sinister.

Though the smile hadn’t changed, it instilled pure terror.

He held a short knife, its blade flashing coldly in the dim light.

Threatening words echoed in the dark room: “My dear wife, enjoying my money and status, yet betraying me.”

“No, I didn’t—I just don’t know how to explain.”

Suddenly, Shu Nian felt her throat tighten.

She tried to scream but no sound escaped.

Her heart pounded like a drum, cold sweat trickling down her forehead.

Her chest tightened sharply.

Like a beast’s gaze locked onto her, ready to hunt her down.

Pure, unrelenting terror.

She wanted to flee, but her legs were rooted to the spot, immobile.

“Fu Zhouye, please listen to my explanation…”

Shu Nian struggled in the dream, trying to clarify it was all a misunderstanding.

But her words seemed swallowed by darkness, unanswered.

Suddenly, the door to the black room was thrust open.

A blinding light flooded in, followed by a piercing scream.

Shu Nian jolted awake.

She sat up in bed, gasping for air.

Her heart still pounding violently.

She looked around, confirming she was safe in her own bedroom.

Not that terrifying black room.

She wiped the cold sweat from her brow.

Knowing she needed to calm herself, she took several deep breaths, trying to steady her emotions.

She understood it was only a dream, yet the fear felt so real.

Determined not to dwell on it, she chose instead to focus on facing reality.

She knew the real Fu Zhouye was nothing like the man in her nightmare.

She needed to find the right moment to confess everything.

Rising from bed, Shu Nian decided to take a hot shower.

To wash away both nightmare’s fear and waking anxiety.

After her shower, she felt much better.

***

She dressed and prepared to start a new day.

Knowing that whether in dreams or reality, she must face everything with courage.

Standing before Fu Zhouye’s bedroom door, her heart raced.

Her hand lingered where she had just pushed it open.

She didn’t understand why she had done so.

The door opened slowly—it wasn’t locked.

Inside, she saw a Fu Zhouye completely different from the man she knew.

He sat by the window, not in his usual sharp black suit, but dressed in light-colored loungewear.

A cigarette rested between his fingers, smoke curling around him.

A glass of red wine in his hand gave him an air of mystery and danger.

This man—the one she thought she knew so well—

Now seemed utterly unfamiliar.

Nothing like the refined gentleman she had always known.

Fu Zhouye said nothing, quietly smoking.

His presence pressed down on Shu Nian with unprecedented intensity.

She glimpsed a hidden side of him—a complex, profound soul beneath his gentle exterior.

She didn’t know how to explain her sudden appearance.

Finally, Fu Zhouye spoke, his voice low and commanding:

“Shu Nian, it’s so late. What are you doing here?”

Her heart pounded even faster.

When she remained silent, he frowned slightly, extinguished his cigarette, and stood.

Each step toward her increased her tension.

Suddenly, breaking the silence, Fu Zhouye reached out.

His hand gently but firmly grasped her chin.

The strong scent of tobacco filled her nostrils.

Though tender, the gesture conveyed undeniable control.

Startled by his piercing, cold gaze, Shu Nian’s breath caught.

Her eyes widened in surprise.

“Shu Nian,”

His voice deepened, laced with danger.

“I told you to stay away from me. Don’t disturb me.”

A crushing pressure overwhelmed Shu Nian.

Her heartbeat raced as she struggled to respond.

“I... I know.”

Her voice trembled as she tried to maintain composure.

But with Fu Zhouye’s hand lightly gripping her chin, she found it difficult to focus.

Seeming to sense her nervousness, Fu Zhouye gently released her.

His tone softened just slightly.

“Smoke, or drink with me. Your choice.”