Indeed has a unique charm

The morning at Yundi Villa was so tranquil that even time seemed to slow down.

The smart curtains slowly drew back at the preset time, and the warm winter sun poured through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, spilling beside the custom bathtub large enough to accommodate five people.

Su Bai stood before the mirror, feeling refreshed as he adjusted his collar. Wearing a haute couture black cashmere overcoat, he stood as tall and straight as a pine.

Even after enduring such high-intensity labor last night, he was still as energetic as a newly awakened lion.

These Physique points were really useful.

Speaking of which, when would he get the chance to complete another system task and grind his Physique even higher?

What kind of scenery would two hundred Physique points bring?

It didn't matter, he would see for himself!

Meanwhile, on the oversized bed covered in Egyptian long-staple cotton, Zhou Jialu had wrapped herself up like a silkworm pupa, exposing only her delicate but slightly haggard face.

She genuinely couldn't get up.

Su Bai... you are a devil...

Zhou Jialu buried her head in the pillow. Her voice was hoarse, carrying a heavy nasal tone and a trace of sheer lethargy. My waist feels like it's broken... my legs are like jelly... Let alone going shopping today, I don't even have the strength to go downstairs to eat.

Last night's architectural acoustics test had been far too in-depth. As a result, this senior who used to run errands all day without getting tired was now thoroughly out of commission.

Since you're tired, just rest well at home.

Su Bai walked to the bedside, leaned down, and kissed her smooth forehead. Perfect. I was worried you'd be bored home alone, so I arranged a special service for you.

What special service? Zhou Jialu opened one eye warily. You're not trying to pull some new trick again, are you? Let me tell you, a truce today! I'm hanging up the white flag!

What are you thinking?

Su Bai chuckled and pinched her nose. It's a proper service. I called Xia and had her transfer a top-tier beautician team over from Shanghai. They'll be here in about half an hour to give you a full set of essential oil SPA and facial treatments right at home.

Xia Lin?

Zhou Jialu paused for a moment before rolling her eyes. You really know how to boss your connections around. Junior, your moves are getting more and more outrageous.

Although she complained verbally, Zhou Jialu was actually quite pleased inside.

In this unfamiliar city, the fact that Su Bai could consider her boredom of being home alone and arrange everything so thoughtfully showed a meticulousness that was better than any sweet words.

Zhou Jialu stretched out an arm as pale as a lotus root and waved it lazily. Hurry up and go, Junior. Don't delay my beauty routine. Oh, right...

She suddenly remembered something and propped herself up halfway. The blanket slipped down, revealing a large expanse of snowy, smooth scenery, but she didn't care at all. Instead, she stared at Su Bai with a serious expression.

That little girl... even though she's an old classmate and your employee, she's still a female college student in school, after all.

Zhou Jialu cast a pointed look at Su Bai's lower half. You have too much firepower. If you really can't hold back... remember to use protection. Don't go creating a life.

...

Dark lines formed on Su Bai's face.

What on earth was going on in this senior's head?

You're overthinking it.

Su Bai helplessly tucked her back into the blanket. We're just going shopping to catch up. Besides, I know my limits.

Moreover...

Su Bai silently summoned the system panel in his mind and glanced at the skill status of that [Causality XX].

[Status: Active]

With this divine skill in hand, so-called protection was completely redundant for him. Unless he wanted it, no woman in this world could ever conceive his child.

This was the absolute control a divine magnate had over his own genetics.

Alright, I'm off.

Su Bai didn't explain further; he turned and walked out of the bedroom.

...

At 2:00 PM.

The black Land Rover Defender once again parked at the entrance of the Yun County Textile Factory family compound.

This time, Su Bai didn't get out of the car; he merely rolled down the window.

Before long, a petite figure ran out from the stairwell.

When he got a clear look at the figure, even Su Bai, who had seen countless beauties, couldn't help but let a flash of brightness cross his eyes.

Ke Yujia had clearly dressed up carefully today.

She wasn't wearing that bulky pink puffer jacket from yesterday. Instead, she had changed into a short, off-white lamb's wool coat.

Underneath was a pink turtleneck sweater. For her lower half, she wore a plaid pleated mini skirt. Even though it was the dead of winter, the length of this skirt remained extremely youthful.

The most killer part was her legs.

She wore a pair of white pantyhose. That milky white color with a slightly sheer texture wrapped around her legs—which, though not particularly long, won out by being well-proportioned and perfectly straight. On her feet were a pair of small black leather shoes.

This outfit, paired with her round baby face and twin-tail hairstyle, was simply the perfect embodiment of the word loli.

The impact of that intertwined innocence and allure was sometimes even more fatal to men than a mature older sister type like Zhou Jialu.

B... Boss!

Ke Yujia ran to the car, her small face flushed red from the cold wind, her breathing a bit hurried. Um... am I late?

No, right on time.

Su Bai pushed open the passenger door from the inside, his gaze lingering for a second on her legs wrapped in white tights. Wearing so little? Aren't you cold?

N... Not cold!

Ke Yujia scrambled into the car in a flurry. Her white-stockinged legs flashed before Su Bai's eyes, carrying a faint, sweet girlish fragrance. These are... these are bare-leg artifact tights! They're very thick! They're fleece-lined inside!

Actually, she was lying.

To look good and make her legs appear slimmer, she had specifically bought the thinnest type. At this moment, her knees were actually already a bit numb from the cold, but to show her most beautiful side in front of Su Bai, what did a little cold matter?

This was the fighting will of a woman.

Alright, as long as you don't freeze to the point of crying.

Su Bai smiled and casually turned the car's heater up a bit higher.

The Land Rover Defender started up and drove toward the newly opened ancient street in Yun County.

Inside the cabin, the atmosphere was somewhat subtle.

Ke Yujia sat bolt upright, gripping her seatbelt with both hands. Her eyes stole secret glances at Su Bai from time to time, and whenever they met his gaze, she would quickly look away like a startled fawn.

What's wrong? I didn't bring your senior along today, so it's just the two of us alone, and you're feeling shy?

Su Bai steered the wheel with one hand, teasing her in a relaxed tone.

N... No!

Ke Yujia retorted with a blushing face, It's just... it just feels a bit unreal. Yesterday I was still thinking about how to ask my boss for time off, and today my boss is acting as my driver.

At the company, I'm your boss. Here, I'm your old classmate.

Su Bai corrected her. From now on, in private, you can just call me by my name or call me Brother Su Bai. Don't keep calling me Boss, it makes me sound so old.

B... Brother Su Bai...

Ke Yujia called out tentatively, her voice as soft and sweet as freshly spun cotton candy.

This call of Brother made Su Bai's heart tremble.

Such damn sweetness.

Sure enough, Zhou Jialu was right; this different kind of flavor was indeed quite intoxicating.

...

Yun County Ancient Street.

This was actually a "man-made attraction," a very common sight across the country in recent years.

The bluestone pavement was brand new, the antique-style buildings were just cement structures with decorative facades, and even the items sold on the street were all the same: stinky tofu, iron-plate squid, candied haws, and those inauthentic "internet-famous milk teas."

The so-called "ancient charm" probably only existed on those artificially aged signboards.

"Is this what you meant by 'very unique'?"

Su Bai stood at the entrance of the ancient street, raising an eyebrow as he looked at the bustling crowd and the greasy smoke wafting through the air.

"Uh... it actually looks a bit nicer at night when the lights are on..."

Ke Yujia scratched her head in embarrassment. "And... and there's a stall here that's really delicious! It's not one of those internet-famous shops; it's the authentic old taste of our An City!"

"Oh? Lead the way."

Su Bai's interest was piqued.

The biggest thing he looked forward to upon coming back this time, aside from visiting his elders, was tasting those memorable flavors from his childhood.

The two of them squeezed through the crowded street.

Because Ke Yujia was petite and wearing wedge heels, she wobbled a bit as she navigated the crowd.

Seeing this, Su Bai reached out and naturally took her hand.

"Hold tight, don't get lost."

Ke Yujia stiffened, feeling a warm touch on her wrist that sent a jolt of electricity coursing through her entire body.

She looked down at the large hand holding hers, her heart pounding like thunder. She obediently let him lead her, following closely behind him.

It felt just like when they were kids, when he would hold her hand and lead her through that alley full of little delinquents.

It was safe and made her crave more of it.

...

After twisting and turning through several paths.

The two arrived at an inconspicuous little alley in a corner of the ancient street.

There were no noisy hawking sounds here; only a faint aroma of caramel and glutinous rice lingered in the air.

Deep in the alley, there was a simple, rustic stall.

A white-haired old grandmother was tending to a large iron wok, golden oil bubbling inside it.

"Is this..."

Su Bai's eyes lit up, and he walked over briskly. "Youdunzi?"

"Yes! It's Youdunzi!"

Ke Yujia nodded excitedly. "And it has shredded radish and those special little dried shrimp in it! The shop at our school gate was torn down a long time ago. I searched for so long before I found this place, and the taste is exactly the same!"

Youdunzi, known as "Mianwowo" or "Duanzi" in the An City dialect.

It was made by mixing flour into a batter, wrapping it around shredded radish, chopped green onions, and dried shrimp, then placing it in a special iron spoon and deep-frying it until golden and crispy. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, one bite would release the sweet freshness of the radish and the savory aroma of the shrimp—a childhood memory exclusive to the people of An City.

"Boss, give us two!"

Su Bai didn't mind the humble stall at all; he simply pulled Ke Yujia over to sit on the small folding stools nearby.

"Coming right up!"

The old grandmother was quick and nimble. She soon scooped up two piping hot, golden Youdunzi, wrapped them in greaseproof paper, and handed them over.

"Careful, it's hot."

Su Bai took one, blew on it, and took a bite.

Crunch.

A crisp sound echoed out.

The long-lost flavor spread across his tongue.

"That's the exact taste."

Su Bai narrowed his eyes in satisfaction. "When I was a kid, I got scolded a lot for eating this. Because if I ate too much, I wouldn't eat my dinner."

"Hehe, me too."

Ke Yujia held her Youdunzi, taking small bites like a little hamster eating. "Back then, I didn't have much pocket money. I couldn't afford a whole one, so I could only buy half. Or... or I'd wait for someone to share a bit with me."

Saying this, she stole a glance at Su Bai, a hint of slyness flashing in her eyes.

"Hmm? Share with you?"

Su Bai asked casually as he ate. "Who was nice enough to share their food with you? A boy?"

"Yeah."

Ke Yujia blinked. "That boy was very generous. Every time he bought a Youdunzi, he would break off the piece with the most shrimp and give it to me. And... and during nap time, he would secretly slip White Rabbit candies to me, afraid that I'd cry from having nightmares."

"Pfft—"

Su Bai almost choked.

He snapped his head around, staring intently at Ke Yujia.

White Rabbit candies?

Nap time?

Crying?

This memory was like a dusty lock being opened, instantly becoming clear in his mind.

When he was little, at the Yun County Government Kindergarten.

There indeed was a little girl.

She was the smallest, always wearing an ill-fitting smock, with two trails of snot hanging from her nose, crying at the slightest touch. During nap time, everyone slept on a large shared bed, and she happened to sleep right next to him.

Because she was always waking up from nightmares, Su Bai, trying to act like a "man," would often give her the candies he secretly hid, patting his chest and promising to protect her.

The little girl's name... he really couldn't remember clearly, only recalling she was called Jiajia or something.

"You..."

Su Bai looked at the smiling, youthful girl in a short skirt and white stockings before him, and connected her to the dirty Little Sniveler in his memory.

The contrast was greater than Mars colliding with Earth.

"Ke Yujia... Yujia..."

Su Bai muttered to himself, "It was you? That Little Sniveler who liked to drool in her sleep and rub her spit all over my sleeves?!"

"Ah! I don't drool anymore!"

Having her "dark history" exposed on the spot, Ke Yujia blushed bright red, wishing she could bury her head in the Youdunzi. "That... that was just because I was little and didn't know any better!"

She admitted it.

She actually admitted it.

Su Bai looked at her cute expression, which was caught between dying of embarrassment and holding a hint of anticipation. A massive wave of pleasant surprise and an indescribable softness surged in his heart.

In this world, how many people could reunite in such a way after being separated for over a decade?

Moreover, the Little Sniveler from back then had now turned into such a soft, adorable little bunny wearing white stockings.

This wasn't just a surprise; this was simply a blessing sent by the heavens.

"Hahaha!"

Su Bai couldn't help but laugh out loud.

He suddenly put down the Youdunzi in his hand, stood up, grabbed Ke Yujia's wrist, and pulled her up from the stool.

"Boss... what are you doing?"

Ke Yujia was startled. Before she could react, she felt her body become light.

Su Bai gripped her waist with both hands and lifted her straight up like a child, spinning her around twice on the spot.

"Ah! Su Bai!"

Ke Yujia cried out in surprise, instinctively wrapping her arms around Su Bai's neck as her legs kicked wildly in the air.

At this moment, her little legs clad in white stockings dangled by Su Bai's waist, her skirt fluttering. The scene was as beautiful as a youth idol drama.

"It really is you!"

Su Bai tilted his head up, looking at the flustered girl in his arms, smiling like a big boy who had just gotten a new toy. "I was wondering why you looked so familiar! It turns out you're the little sidekick I used to keep around!"

"Put me down quickly! So many people are looking!"

Ke Yujia's face was so red it was about to drip blood. There were indeed quite a few tourists around casting kind yet gossipy glances their way.

But Su Bai did not let go.

He held her steadily, letting her sit on his arm, just like the posture of holding a daughter.

That sense of strength made Ke Yujia feel as light as a feather.

"What are you afraid of?"

Su Bai leaned close to her face, their noses almost touching. "When we were little, not only did I carry you, but I even wiped your snot. Now that we are grown up, what is wrong with a little hug?"

"You..."

Looking at that handsome face so close to hers and smelling his pleasant scent, Ke Yujia's heartbeat completely lost its rhythm.

The feeling of being spoiled and cherished made her go completely soft.

"Brother Su Bai..."

She called out softly, a hint of a tremble in her voice. "Am... am I heavy?"

"Heavy?"

Su Bai bounced her slightly in his arms and gave a wicked smile. "You are as light as a cat. Looks like you haven't been eating properly. From now on, when you are with me, I will have to fatten you up."

"I don't want to be fat! If I get fat, I won't be able to dance!"

"If you can't dance, you can just be my mascot."

Su Bai set her down, but he kept his arm wrapped around her shoulders. His movements were far more intimate and natural than before.

If before they were just boss and employee, or ordinary old classmates.

Then at this moment, the term "childhood sweethearts" finally felt real.

"Let's go."

Su Bai took her hand again, and this time, he intertwined their fingers.

"Since I have found my little shadow from back then, today your big brother will take you on a proper stroll. Whatever you want to eat, whatever you want to buy, just take your pick. We are going to make up for all those fried radish pastries you didn't get enough of back in the day."

Ke Yujia looked down at their clasped hands. She couldn't stop the corners of her lips from turning up, the smile in her eyes practically overflowing.

"Mhm!"

She nodded vigorously.

At that moment, the bustling crowds of Ancheng's ancient street seemed to fade into a mere backdrop.

In this winter filled with memories, Ke Yujia felt like she was probably the luckiest girl in the whole world.

Because her little hero had not just returned.

He was also spoiling her like a little princess.

As for Su Bai...

He looked at the little girl beside him, wearing white stockings and smiling with absolute contentment, while thinking to himself:

Hmm, with the causality skill in hand, it seems this little rabbit won't be escaping anytime soon.

Moreover...

He recalled the physical sensation of picking her up just now.

It certainly had... a unique charm of its own.

That ultimate lightness and softness was something a curvy, mature woman like Zhou Jialu simply did not possess.