For three consecutive days, Lin Kuang took Zhantai Mingyue out to have fun. In those three days, they explored nearly every corner of Yanjing, tasted all its delicacies, and bought everything in sight.

Over these few days, their relationship grew increasingly close. They held hands and shared small kisses—all of it was fine.

Occasionally, Lin Kuang even managed a quick grope of her chest. If not for Zhantai Mingyue’s innocence, he would have made her his long ago.

However, all good things must come to an end. On the morning of the fourth day, people from the Zhantai Family finally arrived.

Zhantai Mingyue had been gone for several days, so the Zhantai Family had naturally grown worried. They brought men to Yanjing and came straight to the Lin Family estate.

At that moment, Lin Kuang and Zhantai Mingyue were giving the old patriarch a massage.

When the two men from the Zhantai Family walked into the courtyard, Lin Kuang and Zhantai Mingyue both looked toward the main gate. Neither of them noticed that the old patriarch, who had his eyes closed, suddenly opened them, a sharp light glinting in his gaze.

In that instant, the two Zhantai Family members stiffened, their expressions turning grave.

But just as quickly, the old patriarch had closed his eyes again, as if nothing had happened.

"Second Uncle, Third Uncle, what are you doing here?" Zhantai Mingyue asked with a smile, though a pang of sadness touched her heart.

She knew that her family’s arrival meant she would have to part with Lin Kuang.

Hearing her, Zhantai Jing and Zhantai Xuan smiled slightly. "You little rascal, you’ve been gone for days. How could the family not worry? So, we two old-timers came to take you home."

"Oh, going home so soon? I haven’t had enough fun yet," Zhantai Mingyue pouted, her beautiful eyes glancing at Lin Kuang, full of reluctance to leave him.

Seeing this, Lin Kuang’s heart ached slightly. He reached out and patted her head. "It’s alright. It’s not like we’ll never see each other again."

A smile appeared on his face as he spoke. But in truth, with Zhantai Mingyue’s sudden departure, Lin Kuang’s heart was filled with reluctance.

Noticing the intimacy between Zhantai Mingyue and Lin Kuang, both Zhantai Jing and Zhantai Xuan frowned.

"Mr. Lin, propriety dictates that men and women maintain a proper distance. I trust you will refrain from getting handsy with Mingyue," Zhantai Xuan said with a foul expression, his gaze turning colder.

"Since when does the Zhantai Family have the right to tell my Lin Family what to do?" the old patriarch, still sitting in his rocking chair, suddenly spoke up. His imperious eyes fixed on Zhantai Xuan.

For some reason, although Zhantai Xuan could sense that the old man’s life force was nearly gone, he still felt an inexplicable pressure. It was as if he wasn’t facing a man, but a giant, ferocious beast with its maw wide open—a terrifying sensation.

"Hehe, you must be Old Patriarch Lin, I presume?" Zhantai Jing stepped forward, bowed slightly, and asked with a smile.

"I am," the old patriarch replied calmly.

"My third brother here has a fiery temper. Please don’t take offense, Old Patriarch. The thing is, Mingyue is our niece, and we must take her back with us," Zhantai Jing said with a smile.

Although his tone was mild, his words carried an undeniable firmness.

"Mingyue is a member of your family. It’s only natural for you to take her," the old patriarch said calmly.

"Good." Zhantai Jing nodded, his gaze falling on Zhantai Mingyue. "Mingyue, let’s go. Come home with us."

"Oh, wait a moment, Second Uncle. I need to pack my things," Zhantai Mingyue said, standing up and pulling Lin Kuang into the room.

"I’m leaving now. You have to miss me, you hear?" Zhantai Mingyue looked at Lin Kuang and pouted like a small child.

"Yes, I know. I’ll visit you when I have time," Lin Kuang said with a smile, gazing at her pretty face.

"You have to keep your word," she said again.

"I certainly will," Lin Kuang nodded.

"Good. Pack these clothes, I’m taking them," Zhantai Mingyue said, grabbing the leather bag she had bought earlier.

They quietly packed the clothes, and the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly somber.

Once everything was packed and the bag was zipped shut, Zhantai Mingyue threw herself into Lin Kuang’s arms. "I don’t want to leave you."

Clutching him tightly, she spoke with great reluctance, tears streaming from her beautiful eyes. This time, Zhantai Mingyue was truly crying.

Hearing her sobs, Lin Kuang’s heart ached. He held the pure, foolish girl close and said softly, "Mingyue, if you really don’t want to go, I promise they won’t be able to take you!"

"No, I can’t do that. If I did, you and the Zhantai Family might become enemies, and I don’t want to see that happen. Besides, the Zhantai Family is extremely powerful. So powerful that even someone as strong as you is no match for them."

As a member of the Zhantai Family, she knew its true strength all too well.

"It’s fine. Even if I’m not their match, I can still protect you," Lin Kuang said earnestly.

"No, not now. I still have to go. Lin Kuang, remember to miss me," Zhantai Mingyue looked at him and reminded him one last time.

Hearing this, Lin Kuang nodded again. He held her delicate body and fiercely kissed her red lips.

Zhantai Mingyue blushed and offered no resistance, her arms wrapping around his neck as she returned his kiss.

Only after the long kiss did they finally separate.

"Mingyue, this pendant is for you. When you look at it, it’ll be like seeing me," Lin Kuang said, pulling a pendant from his pocket.

It was a pendant she had admired the day before. It was too expensive, so she hadn’t bought it, but Lin Kuang had secretly purchased it for her.

Seeing the pendant in his hand, the tears welled up in her eyes again.

"Thank you."

"Silly girl, why are you thanking me? Stop crying. My little cutie won’t be pretty anymore if she cries," Lin Kuang said with a smile as he wiped the tears from her face.

"Okay, I won’t cry," she sniffled, and Lin Kuang placed the pendant around her neck.

"Alright, it’s time to go," Lin Kuang said with a smile, kissing her forehead.

"Mm, let’s go," Zhantai Mingyue whispered. She started walking out, and Lin Kuang followed close behind, carrying the leather bag, leaving the room they had shared for the past few days.