I'm telling the truth

The female celebrity's mind began to stir.

Previously, she had never considered seducing the company's boss, thinking he was old and unattractive. To her surprise, the real boss was the complete opposite of what she had imagined.

She thought, perhaps she could try to charm him.

If she succeeded in seducing the chairman of Tianmu Group, wouldn’t top-tier resources in the entertainment industry fall right into her lap?

She could even live the luxurious life of a wealthy wife.

As for the boss having a girlfriend—that meant nothing to her. Once she successfully seduced him, she could just convince him to dump the other woman, and then she’d become his girlfriend herself.

After all, the one who isn’t loved is the real third wheel.

With her stunning looks and skills in bed, as long as she put in the effort to pursue him, there was no way the boss wouldn’t fall for her charms!

A determined glint flashed in the actress’s eyes.

Meanwhile, Lin Xuan sped back to Night Garden in his car.

As soon as he entered the villa, he asked a maid who was cleaning, "Is Hua Bao still in her room?"

"Yes," the maid nodded. "She hasn’t come out at all. We prepared a meal for her earlier, but she wouldn’t let us in."

"Master Lin, the young lady’s mood doesn’t seem right," the maid added.

"Alright, I understand."

Lin Xuan nodded and headed upstairs to the bedroom.

Inside, all the curtains were drawn, and the lights were off, leaving the room shrouded in darkness.

At that moment, Su Hua sat on the bed in her pajamas, hugging her knees, looking fragile and uneasy.

Even though Jiang Qing had revealed most of the truth to her, an overwhelming sense of insecurity still gnawed at her.

She was afraid—afraid that what Lin Xuan had said to her on the island was true.

Afraid that her Ah Xuan was just acting, biding his time until he could leave her.

So, after Lin Xuan had left Night Garden for a while, she couldn’t help but play the role of the vulnerable girl again.

Books said that the more delicate and helpless a woman appeared, the more a man would pity and protect her.

If Jiang Qing could see Su Hua now, she’d surely sigh in disbelief.

Miss Su had truly gone all-in on playing the delicate, tea-sipping damsel—and her acting skills had reached perfection.

"Hua Bao."

When Lin Xuan turned on the light and saw Su Hua’s pitiful state, his heart clenched.

He strode over, crouched in front of her, and asked softly, "Hua Bao, what’s wrong?"

Su Hua’s eyes lit up the moment she saw him.

She threw herself into his arms, clinging tightly to his waist.

"Ah Xuan, you’re finally back."

Lin Xuan didn’t speak, only stroked her hair in silent comfort.

"Ah Xuan," Su Hua said hoarsely, "I dreamed again that you left me. In the dream, you said all your kindness was a lie—that once you had the chance, you’d abandon me."

"Silly, why would I ever leave you?" Lin Xuan sighed.

"Don’t be afraid, alright?"

Su Hua lifted her head, lips pressed together. "Really? You’re not lying to me, Ah Xuan?"

"Why would I lie to you?" Lin Xuan replied helplessly.

"Mm."

Su Hua nodded. "I believe you, Ah Xuan."

She truly did.

So, Ah Xuan… please don’t ever deceive me.

"Hua Bao, let me check your wound."

Lin Xuan carefully unwrapped the bandage on Su Hua’s chest and saw that the injury had nearly healed. Relieved, he said, "It’s almost better now. Just be careful these next few days—if you bump it again, it might scar."

He couldn’t help but remind her again, worried she might hurt herself on purpose like before.

Even though he could heal her without leaving scars, he hated seeing her in pain.

"Mm, I’ll be careful."

Su Hua bit her lip.

During her recovery, Lin Xuan had barely left her side.

Part of her wanted to reopen the wound just to keep him close, caring for her.

But she couldn’t. Scars would mar her perfection, and she wanted to remain flawless in his eyes.

Even though Su Hua’s injury was almost healed, Lin Xuan still didn’t trust her to walk downstairs alone—he carried her.

At dinner, he fed her himself.

Afterward, they lounged on the couch together, watching TV.

"Hua Bao, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about what happened on the island, but something always interrupted us," Lin Xuan said.

Su Hua tensed.

Those "interruptions" weren’t accidents—she had deliberately cut him off each time, terrified he’d confess he planned to leave her.

She was about to pretend to fall asleep again to avoid the conversation.

But then Jiang Qing’s words echoed in her mind—maybe there really was a misunderstanding…

Lin Xuan, afraid of another interruption this time, got straight to the point.

"Everything I said to you back then was a lie."

Su Hua clenched her hands.

Was he talking about the Shadow Organization?

Seeing that Su Hua wasn’t stopping him this time, Lin Xuan relaxed slightly.

"Whether on the island or during our time in the Shadow Organization, every harsh word I said to you was just an act," he explained.

Su Hua’s lashes trembled.

Even the things on the island were fake?

She thought she must have misheard. "Ah Xuan… you mean the island?"

"Yes." Lin Xuan nodded firmly.

Hearing his confirmation, a glimmer of hope flickered in Su Hua’s beautiful eyes.

"Hua Bao," Lin Xuan continued, "back then, I never resented you for trying to kill me. You were being hunted, and eliminating a stranger was just survival. As for the people you killed—they came for you first. They got what they deserved."

Su Hua stared at him, searching his face for any hint of deception.

"Hua Bao, I swear everything I’m saying is true."

Lin Xuan raised two fingers as if taking an oath. "If I’m lying, may I—"

Before he could finish, Su Hua pressed her lips to his, silencing him.

Lin Xuan froze.

Why had Hua Bao suddenly kissed him?

Su Hua had only meant to stop his vow, but once their lips met, she couldn’t pull away.

Before she knew it, she was straddling him, arms wrapped around his neck, kissing him deeply.

Thanks to my dear "Fu" for the character summon!

Thanks also to Yi Kewen, User92724925, Sugar Chestnut, Water Beats White, User62631734, and others for the gifts!

Goodnight, everyone!

I’ve got another exam next Sunday, so back to studying~

Uu.