Huabao's Settling of Scores After Autumn

"Ah," Chen Hong sighed, "It's all my fault for not being capable back then, making so many children suffer with me."

"Little Xuan was so mature it broke my heart. Later, his family found him and took him back. The Lin Family was wealthy, and I thought Little Xuan would finally live a good life. I never expected that the Lin Family didn’t care about him at all—their own flesh and blood. They abused him freely, even starving him at times."

Chen Hong’s face was full of pain. "Once, I ran into Little Xuan on the street. His wrists were so thin they looked like they’d snap with a pinch. His condition was even worse than when he was at the orphanage. I asked around about his situation in the Lin Family and wanted to take him away, but he insisted on staying."

"Thankfully, Little Xuan finally woke up and left the Lin Family. He’s built his own career now, and I can finally rest easy."

Chen Hong smiled in relief. Seeing how well Little Xuan was doing now, he was genuinely happy for him.

"Su Hua," Chen Hong said, "You must get along well with Little Xuan from now on."

"Mm," Su Hua nodded.

Of course, she would treat A-Xuan well—how could she bear to let him suffer even a little?

Worried that Su Hua and Lin Xuan might be feeling too heavy-hearted, Chen Hong lightened the mood by sharing some amusing stories from Lin Xuan’s childhood at the orphanage.

Chen Ling stayed in the living room the whole time.

Watching Su Hua and Lin Xuan’s tightly clasped hands, her heart burned with jealousy.

Sooner or later, the one holding Lin Xuan’s hand would be her!

At six in the evening, Su Hua and Lin Xuan left. Once they got into the car, Su Hua’s expression remained unchanged, but Lin Xuan’s heart was pounding nervously.

After their shower, Su Hua, clad in a white silk nightgown, curled up in Lin Xuan’s arms.

Lin Xuan hesitantly asked, "Hua Bao, why were you so nice to Director Chen at the orphanage today?"

"Because he’s the one who raised you. He’s your savior. Anyone who’s good to A-Xuan deserves my kindness in return," Su Hua replied.

She could tell how much A-Xuan cared for Chen Hong.

She didn’t want anyone else occupying an important place in A-Xuan’s heart—even if it was a man. But she still had to keep up appearances.

"So that’s why," Lin Xuan nodded.

That explained Su Hua’s unusual behavior earlier.

"But A-Xuan," Su Hua suddenly pinned him down on the sofa, "you really have a way with women, don’t you? Promising to marry someone else at such a young age."

Su Hua had no intention of telling Lin Xuan that Chen Ling still had feelings for him.

She didn’t want A-Xuan paying too much attention to other women.

A thought flashed through Lin Xuan’s mind—Hua Bao was settling scores now.

No wonder. Back at the orphanage, when Chen Ling mentioned their childhood game of playing husband and wife, Su Hua had seemed indifferent. It was all an act.

"Hua Bao, that was just childish nonsense," Lin Xuan explained. "I swear, I have zero interest in her."

He should’ve just stayed in the dorm with Su Hua instead of going to the orphanage. Even rolling around in bed would’ve been better.

"Oh?"

Su Hua smiled faintly. Of course, she knew Lin Xuan had no feelings for Chen Ling, but she couldn’t help feeling jealous.

The way Chen Ling had looked at A-Xuan today had irritated her.

Su Hua was jealous.

But her jealousy wouldn’t make her lash out at Lin Xuan—except in bed.

She had originally planned to let him rest for a while.

But now, a fire burned in her chest. Chen Ling liked A-Xuan, and as the director’s daughter, she’d inevitably cross paths with him again.

Yet Su Hua couldn’t do anything about it.

So she could only take it out on A-Xuan.

"Then prove it to me," Su Hua whispered against his ear, her red lips brushing his skin. "Show me that your heart—and your body—belong only to me."

Lin Xuan: "!!!"

Damn!

His kidneys…

Nine days straight…

Why did the heavens bless Su Hua with such stamina but not give him indestructible kidneys?

Since he was at fault, he had no choice but to comply.

Su Hua lay motionless on top of him, waiting for his next move.

Gritting his teeth, Lin Xuan wrapped an arm around her waist and flipped their positions, pressing her beneath him.

Su Hua’s eyes darkened with desire. "A-Xuan, better make it good, hm?"

Lin Xuan braced himself. "Then Hua Bao should just lie back and enjoy."

He’d been drained dry before—who knew if he even had anything left? If not, he’d be utterly humiliated.

Lin Xuan lowered his head, capturing Su Hua’s soft lips in a kiss.

Her pale legs instinctively wound around him, sliding up his back.

Su Hua’s cheeks flushed pink, unbearably tempting.

The temperature in the room rose steadily, the air thick with muffled moans.

In the end, Su Hua couldn’t bear to push him too hard. This time, it only lasted an hour before she covered his mouth with her hand.

"A-Xuan," she said hoarsely, "I’m a little tired. Let’s stop here for today. We’ll continue another time."

Lin Xuan blinked at her in confusion.

Hua Bao was tired already?

But he was close to his limit too, so stopping now was just as well.

"Okay," he agreed, rolling off her.

They lay quietly side by side.

Lin Xuan vowed, "Hua Bao, you have to believe me. My heart—and my body—will always be yours alone. I’d never get intimate with another woman."

Su Hua alone was enough to overwhelm him—how could he even think about others?

Did he want to keep his kidneys or not?

"So, Hua Bao, no more jealousy, alright?"

Su Hua lowered her lashes.

She knew all this, yet she couldn’t help the jealousy gnawing at her.

Besides, if she agreed, she’d lose her excuse to lure A-Xuan into bed.

Not wanting to answer, she closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep.

Lin Xuan felt the woman in his arms grow still. Glancing down, he saw her deep in slumber.

He sighed.

Hua Bao’s jealousy stemmed from insecurity. He’d just have to reassure her through actions from now on.

For the next two days, Su Corporation kept Su Hua busy at work, leaving Lin Xuan free to rest at home.

Lounging on the sofa, legs crossed, snacking on fruit while scrolling through his phone—life couldn’t be better.

Ugh, why have I been so exhausted lately? Falling asleep at my keyboard every day…

Thanks to Tianxing’s River, Shadow of the Wandering Dragon (who loves crispy potato cakes), Mingyu (who adores fish head stew), and other sweethearts for the gifts!

Uu.