Chapter Three: A Hint of Ambiguity

With his beautiful companion by his side, Chen Siyuan faced no dilemma between being a gentleman or something less. As a top-tier lawyer, he possessed immense patience; there was no need to rush. He did not act rashly, simply lying down to rest. Perhaps he was truly exhausted, for before long, he began to breathe softly in sleep.

Liu Xiaoli turned to look at Chen Siyuan, who lay within arm's reach. A man in his early thirties is at the peak of his charm. In his sleep, Chen looked nothing like he did during the day; he appeared more like a boy next door. Sometimes, it felt surreal to her—they had only just met, yet they already shared such profound trust, and now, they were even husband and wife, lying in the same bed.

Liu reached out, wanting to stroke his face, but restrained herself, fearing she might wake him. She turned away again, closing her eyes. Since arriving in New York, she had struggled to sleep, but that night, she enjoyed a rare, restful slumber.

When she woke the next day, however, she sensed something amiss. Chen’s head was resting against her chest, his hand placed on her hip. Her own hand was cradling his head, and her leg was draped over his waist. They were locked in an incredibly intimate embrace. Her face flushed instantly. What had happened last night? Why did she have no memory of it?

Carefully, she peeled his hand away and moved her leg from his waist. Just as she managed to put some distance between them, Chen’s eyes fluttered open.

"Good morning, Li. Did you sleep well?" His voice held a lazy, magnetic quality.

Liu’s heart skipped a beat. "Good morning. I slept very well. I'll go make you breakfast!" Flustered, she scrambled out of bed and hurried out in her pajamas.

Chen sniffed the air, a satisfied smile touching his lips. A home, he thought, truly needs the scent of a woman.

***

When Chen came downstairs after freshening up, the first thing he saw was Liu Yifei sitting at the dining table.

"Good morning, Daddy!" Her eyes lit up as she saw him, and she greeted him sweetly.

"Good morning, Xixi. Did you get used to sleeping alone last night?" Chen sat beside her and asked with a warm smile.

"It was great, Daddy. I love it here!" Her eyes sparkled.

"I'm glad you like it. I'll take you to school after breakfast."

"Mm, thank you, Daddy!"

Yifei beamed. She had truly found the fatherly love she craved in Chen. Watching this from the kitchen, Liu Xiaoli felt a stir in her heart. Perhaps keeping things this way would be fine; Yifei did indeed need a father’s love.

"What are you two chatting about so happily? Breakfast is ready." Liu brought over the meal—toast and fried eggs, a fusion of East and West.

"Mom, Daddy said he’s taking me to school after we eat!" Yifei was brimming with excitement.

Liu looked at Chen, touched. "Siyuan, thank you."

Chen took the tray from her hands, teasing gently, "Mrs. Chen, you’re being far too formal."

Liu rolled her eyes, momentarily at a loss for words.

"Daddy, is there anything I should be careful about at school?" Yifei asked, acting like a little adult.

"Coming into a new environment, it’s normal if you’re not used to it at first, but you’ll adapt in time," Chen advised. "But if anyone bullies you, you must tell me when you get home. I’ll handle them!"

He took this opportunity to make his point. Other Chinese children might have to swallow their pride if bullied, but his daughter would never be pushed around.

"Thank you, Daddy. You’re so kind!" Yifei threw herself into his arms, tears welling in her eyes. She felt the sincerity of his protection. Seeing this, Liu felt her last lingering anxieties vanish.

After breakfast, they packed up and set off in Chen’s car. The school Yifei would attend was in the town of Douglaston, not far from their home. However, since they had to take Liu to the New York Dance Troupe afterward, driving was necessary.

***

When they arrived at the school, Principal Smith was waiting at the gate with several board members to greet them. Chen wasn't surprised; it was just a matter of mutual benefit. He exchanged polite pleasantries with them before walking into the school with Liu and Yifei.

"Principal Smith, could we handle my daughter’s enrollment first? I need to take my wife to the dance troupe shortly."

"Of course. Ms. Anna, please come over and handle the paperwork for Crystal," Smith called out to a stout Black woman nearby.

The woman froze when she saw Liu and Yifei, but she dared not delay when summoned by the principal. As she approached, Yifei tugged on Chen’s sleeve. He leaned down, putting his ear to her lips.

"That’s the woman," Yifei whispered. "When Mom and I came to consult her about school before, she was very rude and eventually kicked us out."

Chen smiled and whispered back, "She has already recognized you. But don't expose her. That way, she’ll remain on edge and always hold you in awe."

Yifei’s eyes brightened, and she nodded vigorously. The look she gave Chen was filled with newfound admiration. Liu had heard the exchange and couldn't help but chuckle to herself. She hadn't realized Chen could be so "mischievous." She had no intention of spoiling their little scheme, so when the woman looked over, Liu simply offered a polite, distant smile.

The woman didn't dare breathe a word, rushing to process the paperwork. With so many school leaders waiting, the process was completed in a flash. Things that had seemed so difficult before now appeared incredibly simple.

A group of people then escorted Yifei to her classroom. Chen had handpicked this specific class because the grandson of one of his neighbors was in it—a boy who idolized him and would surely look after Yifei.

"Will, you must take good care of Crystal, understand?" Chen called the little boy over.

"Yes, Master! Don't you worry! I'll definitely take good care of her!" Little Will said, patting his chest with excitement.

The Justice League was in action.