Chen Kuo

Li returned to the study room a few minutes later, her steps light and hurried.

Beside her walked a man.

The moment Yue saw him, her breath caught.

He was tall, with sharp features and calm, deep-set eyes. His presence alone seemed to quiet the room. He wore an elegant dark coat, tailored perfectly to his frame. Yue recognized the cut instantly—it was unmistakably Nua’s design.

So even his clothes are custom-made…

He looked wealthy, confident, and distant, as if he were used to being admired but never impressed. His expression was polite, yet restrained, and there was a faint coldness in his gaze.

For a brief second, Yue forgot where she was.

What a handsome man.

Her thoughts spiraled without permission.

How did Li get a man like him?

He doesn’t look easygoing at all.

He’s the kind of man people don’t approach casually.

Her eyes flicked unconsciously toward Li.

Li stood beside him, smiling softly, her posture graceful and assured. She looked perfectly matched to him, like someone who belonged at his side.

How did she charm him? Yue wondered, her heart tightening slightly.

She quickly shook her head, annoyed at herself.

Why am I thinking like this? He has nothing to do with me.

Li cleared her throat and began introducing him to the family.

“This is Chen Kuo,” she said. “He’s my boyfriend.”

Murmurs spread through the room. Several relatives nodded in approval, while others quietly observed him more closely.

Kuo greeted them politely, bowing his head slightly. His manners were impeccable—measured, composed, and distant.

Yue felt an inexplicable urge to step forward.

Before she could stop herself, she smiled and said, “Hi, I’m Yue—Li’s cousin.”

Her voice sounded steady, though her fingers curled slightly at her sides.

Kuo turned to look at her.

His gaze paused for a fraction of a second longer than necessary, assessing her calmly. There was no obvious emotion on his face, only mild curiosity.

Yue, emboldened by the attention, reached out lightly and touched the sleeve of his coat.

“What fabric is this?” she asked casually. “It feels very fine.”

The room went quiet.

Kuo stiffened almost imperceptibly.

His expression darkened just a little—not anger, but irritation. He gently shifted his arm away, creating a clear distance between them.

“It’s just fabric,” he replied shortly.

The coldness in his voice made Yue’s fingers freeze.

Before the awkward silence could deepen, Li quickly stepped forward and took Yue’s hand, pulling it back gently.

“Yue, please,” she said softly, her smile polite but strained.

Yue realized too late that she had crossed an invisible line.

Ling immediately stepped in, her tone apologetic. “I’m very sorry, Kuo. Yue can be childish at times. Please don’t mind her.”

Kuo gave a brief nod. “It’s fine.”