"What Do You Do for a Living"?

Days melted into nights, and the bond between Yi Chen and Ai Xinyi deepened within the confines of her luxurious mansion. Time seemed to lose its significance as they navigated the uncharted waters of companionship. The wounds that had initially brought them together began to heal, both physically and emotionally, as they discovered unexpected solace in each other's presence.

The private doctor, whom Ai Xinyi had called over in an attempt to ensure Yi Chen's full recovery, was met with stubborn resistance. "No need," Yi Chen had gruffly insisted, his voice carrying a quiet authority that spoke of a lifetime of discipline and self-reliance.

Ai Xinyi had reluctantly agreed, her worry for his well-being overshadowing her professional curiosity. She watched as he clenched his jaw against the pain during her meticulous administrations of his wounds, his determination both admirable and concerning. She saw beyond the hardened exterior, glimpsing a man who had faced battles that extended far beyond physical ones.

One evening, as the sun set in a blaze of orange and pink, Ai Xinyi found herself sitting opposite Yi Chen in her elegant dining room. A spread of gourmet dishes lay between them, untouched as they engaged in a conversation that wove through casual anecdotes and guarded secrets.

"You've been so secretive," Ai Xinyi mused, her gaze playful yet probing. "I told you my name and everything about myself, yet you remain a mystery."

Yi Chen's lips quirked in a half-smile, a mixture of amusement and caution in his eyes. "Some mysteries are best left unsolved. Name's Yi Chen. That's about it."

Ai Xinyi leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. "Fair enough. But I'm curious about one thing – what do you do for a living?"

A heavy pause hung between them, filled with unspoken thoughts. Yi Chen's gaze flickered, his fingers tracing the rim of his glass. The weight of his secrets pressed against his chest, a reminder of the choices he had made and the burden he carried.

After a few moments, he spoke, his voice measured and enigmatic. "Let's just say my work involves protecting things that are valuable."

Ai Xinyi raised an eyebrow, her curiosity undeterred. "So, you're some kind of guardian?"

Yi Chen's smile was enigmatic, a glint of something deeper in his eyes. "You could say that."

The air shifted, the unspoken understanding between them mingling with the scent of the gourmet meal. Silence hung like a veil, until Ai Xinyi broke it with a proposition that was both daring and sincere.

"You know," she began, her voice laced with a playful tone, "if you're not doing anything right now, I could use an assistant. Temporarily, of course."

Yi Chen raised an eyebrow, intrigue replacing caution. "An assistant? Doing what?"

Ai Xinyi's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Running errands, managing schedules, that sort of thing. Plus, I have a spare room in this house – you could stay here for free. And of course, I'll make sure your salary is above average."

Yi Chen's gaze held hers, a mixture of contemplation and disbelief. The offer was unexpected, and he found himself torn between the allure of the proposition and the echoes of his past that whispered caution.

"Think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement," Ai Xinyi continued, her eyes locking onto his. "You help me out, and I provide you with a safe haven."

For a few heartbeats, the room was charged with anticipation. Yi Chen's gaze wavered, uncertainty dancing across his features. He was a man used to making decisions based on strategy and instinct, yet here was a choice that defied calculation.

Finally, he let out a breath, a subtle surrender in his posture. "Alright," he conceded, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "But on one condition."

Ai Xinyi leaned forward, intrigued. "And what's that?"

His eyes bore into hers, a rare vulnerability in his expression. "You have to promise me that you won't ask too many questions about my past. There are things I can't – and won't – share."

Ai Xinyi nodded, her eyes sincere. "You have my word."

And with that, an unspoken pact was forged. Two souls, each harboring their own scars and secrets, found themselves embarking on a journey neither could have foreseen. The walls that had initially separated them began to crumble, replaced by a connection that was as fragile as it was powerful. As they navigated the uncharted waters of this new arrangement, they would soon realize that the bonds they were forming were not just between an enigmatic soldier and a captivating actress, but between kindred spirits who had found something they had both been seeking – a sanctuary of the heart.