"..."
The heiress, who always had a guilty conscience when facing him, averted her gaze and muttered under her breath, "No."
Ethan Jiang reached out and gently ruffled Elena Shen's hair.
He pulled her out from under the blanket and handed her clothes to wear.
"Breakfast is ready, wash up and go eat," he said matter-of-factly.
"I've already arranged for your leave today. If you want to visit campus, go ahead. If not, just rest at home."
"And, I have to go on a business trip to Lin City for a couple of days. If anything comes up while I'm gone, call me anytime—or just ask the butler or my assistant. They'll do whatever they can to take care of you."
Elena barely registered his instructions. She let them pass through one ear and out the other.
But when he mentioned the business trip, a flicker of emotion passed through her eyes.
She hesitated for a moment, then carefully broached the subject.
"You'll be gone for two days… Do I have to stay here during that time?"
Ethan paused halfway through pulling up her zipper.
Lowering his head, he looked down at the girl who was tilting her face up at him.
"What are you trying to say?"
Elena's eyes darted away from his, her lips trembling slightly as she replied in an even tone,
"My apartment is closer to the university. It's more convenient."
His fingers slipped from her clothing, but the arm propped on either side of her remained.
"Elena, this place isn't far from your school either."
She fell silent and attempted to climb out of bed.
But just as she bent her leg, her wrist was gently held back.
Warm fingers wrapped around her skin, and she heard him say:
"You can stay wherever you want these two days. It's up to you."
Her eyes lit up slightly, about to speak—
Only for him to add,
"But… in two days, I expect you to come home."
"Elena, I never planned on living apart right after marriage. That apartment of yours is a single flat—it's too cramped for both of us. If you really don't like it here at Yushan Residence, I'll have Eric arrange for a villa right across from your campus."
The assistant team was already waiting outside. After Elena finished her breakfast, Ethan got into his car and departed from the Yushan Residence.
Inside, the full household staff had been reinstated. Once Ethan left, Butler Pang approached Elena with a kind smile and asked what her plans were so he could arrange things in advance.
Elena held her juice in hand, considered it for a moment, then declined.
"No need for that, Uncle Pang. I'll be heading back to campus later."
The butler seemed mildly surprised. "Sir said he had already requested leave for you, Do you still need to go to school, ma'am?"
Elena blinked and gave a casual response.
"I'd be bored at home alone. I'll go catch up with Annie."
The butler nodded with a smile, then asked again,
"Will you be coming back for lunch or dinner today, ma'am? I'll have the chef prepare accordingly."
"No," Elena said, "I'll come back in two days."
The butler bowed his head slightly. "Then I'll have a car prepared to take you to campus."
But Elena didn't go directly to school.
Her whole body ached, even walking was uncomfortable. If she showed up like this, Annie would tease her to death.
So she asked the driver to take a detour to her apartment. Once inside, Elena collapsed onto the soft, familiar bed and slept nearly the whole day. It wasn't until late afternoon that she arranged to meet Annie at a nearby café.
It had been several days since they'd last seen each other—ever since Elena flew abroad to meet Aurel.
The moment Annie stepped into their usual coffee shop and spotted her best friend, she rushed over and flung herself into Elena's arms like a giant bear.
"I've missed you like crazy, my little Elena! Come here, give me a hug!"
Her tackle wasn't exactly gentle. Elena was beyond grateful that she had arrived early and was already seated. Otherwise, given Annie's enthusiasm, she might've been knocked clean to the floor.
"If you're trying to kill your best friend, go ahead and use a little more force." Elena patted the arms that had looped around her neck, casting a cool sidelong glance at the overly energetic girl.
Annie let go, rubbing her nose with an awkward cough. "Well, it has been forever."
She sat down across from her. Elena had already ordered their coffee.
Annie took a sip, then leaned her chin in her hand and asked after Aurel.
"How's Aurel doing, darling?"
"He's doing much better. Nothing serious now."
Annie had been bored and annoyed these past few days with Elena away from campus. Now that they were reunited, she chattered away about all the strange and silly things that had happened at school lately.
After venting, she fell quiet for a beat, then gave Elena a suspicious once-over—her gaze narrowing as she studied that unusually radiant face.
"Elena, be honest—have you had something good happen to you lately?"
Her skin was glowing, her face all rosy and soft—like someone well and thoroughly pampered.
"A happy occasion?" Elena stirred her coffee slowly, considering the question. Then she lifted her eyes and replied with deliberate calm:
"Well… I did manage to squeeze in a marriage certificate amidst all the chaos. Does that count?"