[Dear readers who have reached this point might wonder: What’s going on with Lan Die? After being forcibly kissed by He Canglan several times, how can she still interact with him so calmly? Shouldn’t she be calling the police? ^_^]
A man like He Canglan would never lack women who adore him—women of exceptional beauty—if he so desired.
As for what choices he makes, it all depends entirely on his personal preferences.
Around him, there are plenty of playboys who, despite having clear marriage prospects, still indulge in wild lifestyles. Yet countless innocent beauties continue to throw themselves at them like moths to a flame.
But rest assured, there are absolutely men who remain loyal to love from beginning to end. You must believe it to receive it!
And He Canglan is precisely the kind of man who loves to freely pursue love.
Having long been immersed in Western culture, he holds firm principles and convictions when it comes to pursuing love.
He only likes what he wants! Like a hunter, he has clear targets. Deep down, he harbors an aversion to arranged marriages.
Regardless of whether Lan Die appeared or not, he would never choose Wang Shuyi.
After meeting her just once, he felt no connection whatsoever.
If he never encountered someone who stirred his heart, he would have the courage to face a lifetime of solitude.
But the moment that girl who stirred his feelings appeared, he decisively took action, claiming her in his own unique way.
Lan Die, a 19-year-old junior in college, was going through a difficult time in her life. Yet she, too, had her own standards and fantasies about love.
As for He Canglan, she never dismissed him outright, even after he forcibly kissed her time and again. This showed she wasn’t entirely indifferent.
This was why, despite knowing He Canglan had feelings for her, she still didn’t avoid meeting him.
Her refusal wasn’t because she didn’t like him but because she was clear-headed.
The gap between their social classes was too vast; she might never be accepted into the He family in her lifetime. She feared becoming a laughingstock!
And He Canglan’s repeated lack of explanation only deepened her misunderstanding that he merely wanted to turn her into a caged canary, nothing more!
She was merely torn and wavering over whether to become his caged canary…
Because she understood that for her and He Canglan, the journey from love to marriage was as difficult as climbing to the heavens!
…
Lan Die knew that arguing with him at this moment was pointless, so she said nothing more.
He Canglan watched the slender, delicate girl in her snow-white lace nightgown, her jet-black hair cascading like a waterfall, making her exposed skin appear even more flawless, like pristine jade.
Like a well-behaved little creature, she slowly moved the cushion aside and quietly shifted her pillow to the very edge of the bed.
It was clear she wanted to stay as far away from his pillow as possible.
He Canglan remained expressionless on the surface, but inwardly, he chuckled. The bed was two and a half meters wide—Lan Die’s clever plan was quite well thought out!
But would he give her the chance? Even he wasn’t sure!
Watching her soft, orchid-scented body silently lie down at the very edge, curled up, her exquisite face ethereal and vivid amidst her dark hair.
She deliberately closed her eyes, her long, thick eyelashes trembling slightly like beautiful butterfly wings fluttering in the wind…
He Canglan’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he felt a growing dryness in his throat.
He picked up the cup from which she had drunk water and left the room, heading to the second-floor water dispenser. He filled a cup with warm water and slowly drank it, controlling his pace.
Until his mood had calmed once more, he returned to the bedroom, turned off the lights, leaving only a very dim nightlight glowing.
Lying down fully clothed, he glanced sideways at the figure deliberately keeping her distance from him. Her silhouette was graceful and alluring, outlined by the faint light of night, exuding a profound beauty.
“Lan Die, are you asleep?”
Of course she wasn’t! And she wouldn’t lie either. She replied softly, “Almost.”
He Canglan chuckled softly: “So you’re not asleep! Let’s talk!”
Lan Die’s heart skipped a beat—she could hear her own heartbeat. She said, “Okay!”
A moment of silence passed, but no one spoke again. The man’s long arm gently brushed against her hand. “Don’t you have anything to ask me?”
Lan Die quickly pulled her hand away. “How old are you?”
He Canglan’s lips curved into a smile. “Twenty-nine, Leo.”
“Which school did you graduate from?”
He Canglan was speechless. Was this an interrogation?
Still, he answered honestly: “Double master’s from MIT, currently pursuing a Ph.D. while working.”
She felt academically outmatched! Lan Die pursed her lips. “That’s impressive!”
“Do you want to continue studying?” He Canglan clearly leaned closer.
Lan Die quietly shrank further toward the edge of the bed. “I do, but reality doesn’t allow it, so I’ll choose to work first.”
He Canglan nodded. “I can help you!”
“No need! You really don’t have to!” Tears welled up in Lan Die’s eyes, but fortunately, it was late at night, so she didn’t have to hide them deliberately.
“He Canglan!”
“Hmm?”
“I don’t want… to be kept!” Her voice was low, clearly restrained.
The man’s broad, warm chest leaned closer, gently drawing her into his embrace.
A lean, strong arm rested on her waist, his large hand covering her abdomen, gently massaging it. “Does it still hurt?”
Lan Die didn’t struggle, her voice already tinged with tears. “Please don’t do this, okay?”
He Canglan seemed to be talking to himself: “Who would want to!” After a moment, his low voice came: “Lan Die, don’t overthink it. Sleep now, goodnight!”
He maintained a perfect sense of boundaries.
He only held her gently, not pressing too close, leaving a safe distance between their bodies.
He merely rested an arm over her, his large hand still covering her abdomen, keeping her warm.
The warmth was comforting, and drowsiness gradually washed over her. Lan Die didn’t press further and soon fell into a deep sleep once more.
The Pine Scent on him seemed to have a hypnotic effect. With him by her side, Lan Die slept exceptionally soundly that night.
When she woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. She was alone in bed, the person beside her long gone.
The large hands had been replaced by a very cute cartoon hot water bottle.
Lan Die got up and looked around the bedroom where she had slept for the night.
A large bed, a wardrobe, a sofa, a piano.
In front of the enormous floor-to-ceiling window was an elegantly designed leisure area for tea, rest, and enjoying the view.
Outside the window was a garden, filled with climbing roses, unique rock formations, a small bridge over a flowing stream, a pond brimming with lotus flowers, and a Viewing Terrace—all exceptionally refined.
She sighed softly to herself, “So beautiful,” feeling in high spirits. Pushing open the bedroom door, she found a kind-faced woman in her fifties waiting:
“Miss Lan, you’re awake? Please freshen up first, and I’ll arrange breakfast.”
“How should I address you?”
“Just call me Aunt Lan. I’ve been with the He family for many years. I took care of the second young master before he went abroad.”
“Oh! Then where is he?” Lan Die thought to herself, and the words slipped out.
“Young Master left early this morning! He’s very busy! If there’s anything, just let me know. Miss Lan, please freshen up and have breakfast first. The family doctor will come at ten to give you acupuncture!”
Acupuncture? Lan Die’s eyes lit up. It seemed she had already received it once last night, which was why her abdominal pain had eased.
She smiled politely. “Thank you, Aunt Lan!”
…