Contract Over: Heiress Unmasked

Chapter 16: He Came for Her Every Year

Maybe Jiang Shixu sensed her unease, because he stopped near the stairs and said, "Look around and let me know if you’re missing anything. I’m going to head up and shower."

"Wait."

He paused, turning back to her. "What is it?"

Chutang reached into her backpack and pulled out the bottle of milk, extending it toward him. "Shixu-ge, could you help me get this to a lab? I think it might be spiked."

Shixu’s gaze instantly sharpened. "Is someone trying to hurt you?"

Chutang gave a heavy nod. "I think so. I’m not entirely sure, but I’d rather be safe."

"Consider it done." Shixu pulled out his phone and made a call as he walked toward the far corner of the suite. "Get up here. I have a task for you."

As his figure disappeared around the corner, Chutang let out a long, shaky breath. When she’d handed him the milk, she had accidentally locked eyes with him. For a split second, her heart had flatlined.

His eyes were captivating. Honestly, his entire face looked like a masterpiece—the kind of look that made your pulse skip without permission.

With Shixu gone, Chutang took a proper look at the penthouse. It didn't feel like a hotel room; it felt lived-in. There were personal items scattered about, suggesting someone stayed here long-term. It was strange. Jiang Shixu lived in Jiangcheng, so why keep a permanent residence here in Haicheng? She pushed the thought aside. It wasn't her business.

She retreated to her bedroom to unpack, only to realize she had clothes and skincare but had forgotten slippers for the shower. Just as she was debating whether to ask Shixu, the doorbell rang.

A hotel staff member stood there with a tray in one hand and a shopping bag in the other. "Good evening. Delivery for Mr. Jiang."

Chutang took the fresh glass of warm milk from the tray and the bag. "Thank you."

Closing the door, she stared at the milk. *Does he have a bedtime milk habit too? What a coincidence.* She set the milk on the table and opened the bag. Inside was a new pair of women’s slippers, two plush towels, and a full set of luxury toiletries. Her chest tightened with a surge of warmth. He was incredibly thoughtful.

"Did everything arrive?" Shixu appeared at the top of the stairs.

"Yes, thank you, Shixu-ge." Chutang looked up, their eyes meeting again. The dynamic felt different now. He wasn't just the boy next door anymore; he was her fiancé.

He walked down the stairs, stopping beside her. "The milk is for you."

"Oh?" She blinked in surprise. "I thought it was yours."

"I don't have a 'milk habit.' Drink up." He walked to the door, where the assistant from the lobby was already waiting. "Get this to the lab for testing."

"Right away, Mr. Jiang."

As the door closed, Shixu turned to find Chutang watching him. Her eyes were wide and curious, making her look like a startled kitten. Shixu felt a strange, fluttering sensation in his chest—like a feather brushing against his heart.

He reached out and ruffled her hair, a gesture as gentle and protective as it had been when they were kids. "Get some rest. What time do you need to be up? I'll wake you."

"Ten o'clock," she said, looking up at him from the sofa.

She had a faint white mustache of milk on her upper lip. The sight was unexpectedly intimate. Shixu’s eyes darkened for a fraction of a second. He swallowed hard and looked away. "Go to sleep. Night."

He didn't wait for her to reply before heading back upstairs. Chutang, oblivious to his inner turmoil, simply went back to sipping her milk.

***

The next morning, Jiang Shixu knocked on her door exactly one minute before her alarm went off. "Chutang, time to get up."

She checked her phone: 9:59 AM. Perfect timing.

By the time she finished getting ready and walked out, breakfast was already on the table. It was a simple bowl of wonton soup.

Chutang sat down, took a sip of the broth, and her eyes lit up. "Wait... this tastes exactly like the place near my firm."

Shixu sat opposite her, focused on his own meal. He gave a non-committal, "Mhm."

Chutang paused, her spoon halfway to her mouth. "What does 'mhm' mean? Is this actually from that shop behind my office?"

"Yes," he said flatly.

"How do you even know about that place?" she asked, her suspicion rising. That shop was ten miles away from this hotel. There was no way he’d just stumbled upon it.

Realizing he couldn't play it off, Shixu finally came clean. "I’ve... been to Haicheng to see you before."

Chutang froze. He’d been here? "Wait—" She choked on a sip of soup, coughing.

Shixu immediately handed her a napkin. "Slow down."

"When? I never saw you."

"The first year after you left. The second year. And earlier this year," he said, his voice calm and steady.

Chutang’s heart hammered against her ribs. He had come to see her every single year—secretly. No wonder this suite looked so lived-in. He wasn't just passing through; he was staying here for her.

The realization was overwhelming. She didn't dare look him in the eye, quickly changing the subject to hide her burning cheeks. "Thank you, Shixu-ge. These are really good."

Shixu saw the tips of her ears turn bright red and a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He didn't push it. Instead, he transitioned smoothly. "By the way, I know a world-class restorer. She’s worked with the Palace Museum. She might be able to help with your doll."

"Really?" Chutang looked up, her eyes sparking with hope.

He nodded. "When we get back to Jiangcheng, I'll take you to see her."

"Okay." His words felt like a lifeline. The crushing weight that had sat on her chest all night finally began to lift. She didn't know why, but she trusted him implicitly. If he said it could be fixed, it would be.

Her mood did a total 180. Jiang Shixu was full of surprises, and for the first time in years, she found herself wondering just how much more there was to him that she didn't know.