Chapter 84

In the library of the white castle, the summer day was peaceful.

Yan Su sat in a wheelchair playing the violin, the melody slow and soothing. The morning sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting a halo over his distinctly handsome face, giving him an angelic serenity.

Zhen Ai lay on the carpet playing with seashells, all of which were brought back from Welling Island. The little parrot, Isaac, perched on her shoulder, having grown quite familiar with her over the past few days.

Zhen Ai rested her cheek in her hand, her legs crossed and swaying up and down. Occasionally, she would lose her balance, tipping herself over, only to awkwardly roll back into position, resembling a clumsy, slow-reacting bunny. The parrot swayed along with her unsteady movements.

Yan Su pretended not to notice, but when she blushed and lowered her gaze, he glanced at her and the bird, thinking to himself, Fool. 

But he liked this fool. She was focused on playing with the colorful seashells, flipping her long hair and tucking it behind her ear, revealing her fair, smooth skin.

This fool, resting her cheek with lowered eyes, looked as serene as an angel.

As she gently stroked the smooth surface of a white shell, she smiled secretly, as if thoroughly entertained by herself.

Yan Su took a quick glance at the shell and, without stopping his violin playing, lazily said, "That's a cowrie shell."

"A cowrie shell?" Zhen Ai looked up, admiringly, "That name sounds beautiful."

Yan Su enjoyed the light in her eyes and eagerly explained, "For centuries, cowrie shells have been a symbol of fertility and childbirth. People give them to brides, wishing them a smooth delivery and many children."

The beginning sounded proper enough, but the last part seemed odd. Zhen Ai, fascinated by the shell's delicate groove, asked, "Why does it symbolize that?"

Yan Su answered, ever so slowly, "Because its shape resembles a woman's vulva."

Isaac picked up the new word, flapping its wings excitedly and repeating, "Vulva! Vulva!"

Zhen Ai froze, blushing as she took a closer look. The central groove, the soft, curved edges—it did resemble a woman's private part. And he had just been watching her happily stroking it!

Her face turned bright red, and she muttered to herself, "Just play your violin! Why tell me this?"

But Yan Su, with his sharp hearing, thought she was asking him a question and sincerely replied, "Oh, seeing you play with that shell reminded me that I've touched your 'cowrie shell.' It felt much better than the one you're playing with now."

Zhen Ai's face burned with embarrassment. This man seemed to possess a natural ability to ruin any sense of decorum.

Yan Su, however, didn't find anything unusual about the situation. He simply turned his attention back to his violin, continuing to play.

The sunlight poured through the glass, casting colored beams onto the white piano keys. As Yan Su gazed at them, he thought of the seven iPods Chace had left for Zhen Ai—each in a different color. They looked perfect.

But silver was missing. That was Zhen Ai's color.

Yan Su had an idea of who had taken it but wasn't sure of the motive. He decided to wait a bit longer and see how things played out. However, if his suspicions proved correct…

The violin music suddenly stopped.

Zhen Ai looked up in surprise. Yan Su set the violin aside, got up from the wheelchair, and sat down on the carpet. Out of the blue, he suggested, "Ai, how about I recite bacteria names for you?"

Zhen Ai sat up, carefully putting the seashells back into a glass jar like little treasures. She wasn't sure why he had this sudden idea but was delighted nonetheless. "The 7,516 bacteria species that I like?" she asked excitedly.

"Yeah, the 379 we both like, and the 7,137 you like on your own."

She eagerly nodded, "Sure, let's do it. You remember them all?"

Yan Su glanced at her with mock disdain. "You doubt my memory?" He pointed to his head, "Everything's stored here, organized into 'Zhen Ai,' 'Bacteria,' and 'Intimacy.'"

These three seemingly unrelated categories made Zhen Ai blush slightly, her thoughts drifting back to their time in the candy house.

But Yan Su didn't notice. He began seriously naming the bacteria: "Acetobacter, Bifidobacterium…"

Zhen Ai hugged her knees, tilting her head attentively, occasionally chiming in with comments:

"E. coli is a short, chubby little guy."

"Anthrax is an angry boy."

"Bifidobacterium has cute little antlers."

The two not only discussed the bacteria's personalities and appearances but also planned to talk about the chemical elements Chace was most familiar with during their next conversation. Even Isaac remembered a few names.

And so, the morning passed… a pleasant morning.

Zhen Ai was thoroughly delighted, and Yan Su seemed content too. But toward the end, his smile gradually faded, and he shifted the conversation, "Ai, am I boring to be around?"

"Huh?" Zhen Ai was still caught up in the earlier fun, not fully grasping the question at first.

That was answer enough for him.

Yan Su's lips pressed together in a thin line. After a moment of hesitation, he finally asked quietly, "Ai, do you know the speed of light?"

"2.998 times 10 to the eighth meters per second."

"If light can travel so fast, why can't your reaction time be a little quicker?"

What was with him all of a sudden? He had been fine just a moment ago.

Thinking back to their recent days together, Zhen Ai realized they mostly did their own thing. He played his violin, read books, designed cryptography, and occasionally helped the CIA or FBI decode something, while she was busy in the lab. When at his house, she usually perched on the high railing in the library, reading and running around.

They would glance at each other during breaks and then continue with their activities.

Oddly enough, they seemed to talk most during cooking sessions, where he mocked her, and she admired him in return.

Upon reflection, could it be that he was worried she might find him boring, which is why he spent time reciting bacteria for her?

Feeling a warmth in her heart, Zhen Ai quickly answered, "Not boring at all, I had a great time!"

Yan Su's expression softened slightly as he asked, "A day might not be boring, but what about a week?"

Zhen Ai shook her head.

"And what about a month?"

Zhen Ai shook her head again, this time quickly answering, "We've known each other for over half a year now, and I've never been bored when I'm with you."

Although it was his leading question, Yan Su took her response as a confession and compliment. A faint flash of pride appeared in his eyes, quickly fading. He cleared his throat and asked, "So, what if we've known each other for many years?"

Zhen Ai still shook her head, obediently replying, "Even if we're together for many years, I won't be bored. It's only with others that I feel bored."

Yan Su smiled.

Zhen Ai was about to continue complimenting him, thinking his slight insecurity was quite endearing, but before she could say more, he raised an eyebrow and proudly said, "Ai, I'm quite pleased. Ever since you met me, your taste and spiritual realm have made significant strides."

Zhen Ai was silent for a moment, then said, "But before I met you, I didn't think life or work was boring either."

Yan Su's face stiffened for a second. He murmured to himself, "I didn't account for that."

Zhen Ai, holding a glass jar filled with seashells, had no idea what he was focusing on. The little parrot perched on her shoulder, tilting its head to preen its feathers, thought these two were incredibly boring—they couldn't be more boring.

Yan Su asked, "Ai, have you ever thought about the future?"

"Huh?" This question stumped Zhen Ai. The future? She had never considered that before. With her identity and circumstances, the concept of a future was never something she contemplated.

But Yan Su had once told her, Don't ask about the past, and don't fear the future.

Could she plan for a future like a normal person?

She didn't know. She felt uneasy, apprehensive.

This time, Yan Su didn't mock her for being slow.

He lowered his gaze to look at her, so calm and natural, then asked, "If you've thought about the future, have you ever included me in it? If you haven't thought about the future, can I apply for a place in your future?"

Zhen Ai's face went blank as she stared at him wide-eyed.

Was he... this series of gradual, well-thought-out questions, what was he leading up to?

He leaned forward, holding her hand, his thumb unintentionally brushing her pulse. Her rapid heartbeat was fully in his grasp.

His clear, bright eyes locked onto her dark, clear ones, and his voice was like an enticing spell:

"Ai, are you angry?"

She slowly shook her head.

"Do you want to make love with me?"

She shook her head again.

He gave a faint smile and raised his hand to pat her shoulder, once, twice. "Ai, don't be afraid."

There are only three reasons for dilated pupils: fear, anger, or desire.

Hearing this, Zhen Ai's racing heart began to calm. She gazed deeply into his eyes and smiled softly, "Yes, I'm very scared. When I'm alone, I'm not afraid; but after falling in love with someone, I've become afraid."

"What are you afraid of?"

"I'm afraid you'll get hurt, afraid you'll die," she said with a smile, her voice catching a little.

He was nonchalant. "Do you know how many people die each year from car accidents, tsunamis, earthquakes, and other natural disasters? Even more are injured. Everyone faces accidents, no matter who they are."

She couldn't help but laugh through her tears. He had come up with such a terrible reason to comfort her.

Zhen Ai felt both warmth and heartache, but she stubbornly argued, "Even though accidents happen, people still try to avoid danger, don't they?"

"But you're not the danger," he countered easily. "Ai, we've discussed this before, about the length of life and the topic of death."

It took Zhen Ai a while to remember, but she recalled their conversation during the drive to New York when he had said, If my life's journey ends here, I could face death with a clear conscience, for I've never used my strength in the wrong way.

Yan Su saw that she had remembered and said, "Ai, I believe being with you is not a misuse of my energy. It's precisely because I cherish life that I cherish you."

Zhen Ai was deeply moved, as if the emotions from that moment were replaying now.

Even if misfortune followed her, she decided she would still face it with clarity and openness.

Her love was without regret. Even if it were to end abruptly, there would be nothing to regret.

As for him, his life and his love had always been fearless, bold, and open.

She smiled. "Okay, I'm not afraid."

Yan Su lowered his gaze to her hand again, his thumb slowly tracing along her slender left ring finger, stopping at the base, gently rubbing the spot.

He seemed lost in thought—did she prefer colorful things? Should he fetch the Vanderbilt family's blue sapphire from his grandmother or the Yan family's antique jade?

Between blue and green, which did she like more?

Her little hand stiffened in his palm, as if she had realized something and became nervous.

Yan Su looked up and saw her lowering her gaze, her long, curled lashes fluttering. He suddenly smiled and said, "Ah, what a pity. Hands used for experiments probably shouldn't wear anything."

That statement made it quite clear—wasn't he talking about a ring?

Zhen Ai grew even more nervous. Was everything that had just happened a prelude to a proposal?

She tried to stay calm, but all she could hear was the sound of her own heartbeat.

"But," he leaned in, lifting her small hand, his lips brushing the base of her left ring finger, where he pressed a deep kiss, lingering. His lips were warm and soft.

Her heart trembled as he straightened up and looked at her, saying, "There. All done."

Zhen Ai blinked. All done? What did he mean? Don't leave me hanging!

The warm atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by the sound of the doorbell.

Not long after, Marie came in to report that an unfamiliar lady was outside. Marie mentioned that Mr. Yan does not see uninvited guests, but the lady was adamant about staying, claiming that she had met Mr. Yan once at the Maple Street bank.

Zhen Ai grew cautious—could it be that crazy woman, Amper?

When she walked into the foyer, Suki was standing at the door.

Zhen Ai remembered her well. During the bank robbery, Suki had remained remarkably calm. Taking the initiative, Zhen Ai invited Suki in and had Marie serve tea.

Yan Su glanced at Zhen Ai, noting the natural air of authority she displayed as the lady of the house, but he chose not to comment.

Once seated, Suki explained her reason for coming. It turned out that Yan Su had left a strong impression on her that day, so she had looked into his background and learned about his intelligence. Thus, she had come to ask for his help.

Suki said her boyfriend had gone missing.

Yan Su showed no interest, his hands in his pockets as he swiftly stood up. "Finish your tea and leave. I won't be staying," he said.

Suki quickly called out, "You've both met my boyfriend."

Yan Su paused mid-step and turned his head to look at her.

"The writer who went with you to Silverland," Suki added.

Zhen Ai was puzzled. "But Yan Su said he was a police officer. If he's missing, the police will look for him."

A flash of embarrassment crossed Suki's face. "He used to be a police officer, but he was dismissed from his position a few years ago. He's no longer with the force."

Yan Su then asked, "What's your profession?"

"Secret agent."

Zhen Ai was surprised but quickly understood. No wonder Suki had handled the bank situation so well—she was a professional.

Yan Su returned to his seat, cutting straight to the point, "Why haven't you called the police? Why come to me?"

"Miller was dismissed years ago due to external forces beyond his control, which resulted in significant financial losses for the country. He's been trying to make amends ever since, gathering information on his own. We believe there's a mysterious organization behind it all, but we don't have any evidence. We've reported it several times to higher-ups, but each time we've been dismissed."

Zhen Ai remained silent, eyes downcast, as Suki continued, "Miller found an informant and eventually learned the name of this organization: Holy Gold, a sex club."

Zhen Ai looked up. Not S.P.A.?

Did Officer Miller go in the wrong direction? But on second thought, S.P.A. had a vast network of affiliated organizations, so it was still unclear.

"That club is specifically designed for men," Suki said, choosing her words carefully. "They collect women—many different kinds. Membership requires a substantial fee, and the members are elite figures from the uppermost strata of society."

With that, she pulled a photo from her bag. "This is the informant Miller found."

Zhen Ai glanced at the photo and frowned. "Isn't this the kindergarten teacher?"