Daddy! Come Home for Dinner!

He immediately took out his phone and deliberately turned off the camera sound.

Then he quickly captured many photos of Zhao Dingli dragging a suitcase and leaving together with Li Xiaoyun.

***

Zhao Dingli drove all the way back because Li Xiaoyun was in the car.

Moreover, this time Li Xiaoyun would be directly staying at his place and wouldn’t be leaving.

So, the whole way, Zhao Dingli’s mood was especially relaxed and happy.

He even felt a bit like humming a tune.

Once home, Zhao Dingli parked the car.

As Li Xiaoyun was unbuckling her seatbelt, Zhao Dingli had already gone around to her side of the door and opened it for Li Xiaoyun.

After helping Li Xiaoyun out of the car, he went to the back and took the suitcase out of the trunk.

It wasn’t the first time Li Xiaoyun had been to Zhao Dingli’s place.

She had been here once before.

But this time she was coming to live here, so her mood was different.

The last time was her first visit, so she was particularly nervous.

And this time, she felt even more nervous than the last.

The two arrived at Zhao Dingli’s doorstep.

After unlocking the passcode lock, Zhao Dingli didn’t let Li Xiaoyun enter right away. Instead, he said, "Hold on a second."

He then tapped a few more times on the passcode lock and said, "Here, place the finger you usually use here."

Li Xiaoyun also had a passcode lock at home, so she naturally understood Zhao Dingli’s intention.

She looked at Zhao Dingli, surprised.

Was Zhao Dingli implying she could come and go as she pleased?

"Since you’re going to be living here, of course you need to be able to open the door yourself," Zhao Dingli explained.

"Although I usually pick you up for work and we come and go together, if I have to work overtime and can’t pick you up, I’ll arrange for someone else. Eventually, you’ll need to open the door yourself, right?" Zhao Dingli said.

The passcode lock at Li Xiaoyun’s place was set by herself.

She skillfully registered the fingerprint of her left index finger.

Only then did they enter the room.

"Come, I’ll show you your bedroom first," Zhao Dingli said.

Li Xiaoyun followed Zhao Dingli.

Surprisingly, the bedroom Zhao Dingli prepared for her was right next to his.

Upon opening the door, the bedroom was no smaller than Zhao Dingli’s.

Yet, it was still not particularly furnished.

Just the essentials: a bed and a wardrobe.

"This room is usually reserved as a guest room," Zhao Dingli explained, "So it’s not really decorated."

But that’s also Zhao Dingli’s style.

Even his own bedroom is quite minimalistic, let alone the guest room.

Besides, Zhao Dingli also seized the opportunity to bring Li Xiaoyun back on short notice.

He hadn’t prepared much in advance.

And hadn’t managed to prepare many things for Li Xiaoyun beforehand.

Now, it seemed a bit hurried.

"Whatever you lack, if we can supplement it tonight, we will. If not, then tomorrow," Zhao Dingli added.

"No need, this is just fine, there’s nothing really lacking," Li Xiaoyun said.

After all, she was only staying a few days. Even if something was missing, she could manage.

No need to go all out and buy this and that just for a few days’ stay.

Unexpectedly, after Li Xiaoyun finished speaking, Zhao Dingli suddenly pinned her against the wall.

Li Xiaoyun gasped, what was happening!

Beside her was Zhao Dingli’s arm, looking strong and sturdy.

Zhao Dingli suddenly lowered his head and leaned in closer to Li Xiaoyun.

Though not close enough to feel each other’s breath yet.

But at this distance, Li Xiaoyun felt it was very close.

She never imagined there would be a day when Zhao Dingli would be this close to her.

"Didn’t I tell you, if you keep acting distant, I’ll have to punish you?" Zhao Dingli said.

His voice was of moderate volume and struck Li Xiaoyun’s heart.

Making her heart feel like it might leap out of her throat.

Li Xiaoyun’s lips involuntarily started trembling.

So, what exactly was the punishment Zhao Dingli was talking about?

Li Xiaoyun’s nervous breathing became erratic.

And Zhao Dingli continued to lean closer to her.

Finally, they were close enough to feel each other’s breath.

Li Xiaoyun held her breath in nervous anticipation.

But when she could no longer hold it, she cautiously and incrementally took in air.

Li Xiaoyun felt like Zhao Dingli’s nose was nearly touching hers.

His lips were right in front of her, as if only a breath away.

Making Li Xiaoyun too scared to speak.

If she spoke, she would inevitably move her lips.

If her lips moved, they might touch his.

Because they were so close.

Li Xiaoyun’s eyelashes quivered with nervousness.

Little did she know, her trembling eyelashes were brushing against his heart, making it itch.

Zhao Dingli even considered kissing her eyelashes.

Li Xiaoyun’s eyelashes fluttered, pondering whether to close her eyes.

If Zhao Dingli intended to kiss her, she wouldn’t object.

She might even... look forward to it.

With that thought, Li Xiaoyun’s eyelids drooped slightly, almost closing.

However, Zhao Dingli didn’t kiss her.

He invited Li Xiaoyun to stay, not to take advantage of her.

But, he also needed Li Xiaoyun to slowly understand his feelings.

Yet, judging by previous behavior.

She treated him distantly even just as a friend.

Let alone anything further.

Silently, Zhao Dingli sighed, realizing he needed to take things slow.

Zhao Dingli slightly pulled back, raising his hand to pinch Li Xiaoyun’s cheek.

"I’m not the type to take advantage, but next time, I won’t stop," Zhao Dingli said.

Li Xiaoyun: "..."

What did he mean by that?

Did he really want to kiss her?

Li Xiaoyun’s eyes widened with surprise.

But Zhao Dingli didn’t give her a chance to ask questions.

Or rather, Li Xiaoyun missed her chance to ask.

Zhao Dingli had already straightened up, pointing to an empty spot in the room and said, "I feel like it’s missing a dressing table. I remember you have one at home."

Li Xiaoyun had quite a few skincare products in jars and bottles.

"A couch or lounge chair, depending on what you like, we can look for something together," Zhao Dingli said.

Checking the time on his wrist, he continued, "Tonight’s not possible, the furniture stores are likely closed. After work tomorrow, we can check them out. Ideally, we’d find something ready for delivery."

Zhao Dingli pondered for a moment and added, "Alternatively, you could browse the brand website first. If something catches your eye, we could have it delivered during the day."

Truthfully, Li Xiaoyun felt there was no need.

She would live here for a few days and leave, leaving furniture Zhao Dingli wouldn’t use.

Even though Zhao Dingli wouldn’t mind spending a bit on furniture, that’s not the point.

However, at this moment, Li Xiaoyun dared not voice another disagreement.

"Are you tired?" Zhao Dingli asked.

Li Xiaoyun shook her head, "Not tired at all."

After all, she hadn’t done much today.

Zhao Dingli raised his hand and tousled Li Xiaoyun’s hair.

It seemed after pinning her against the wall earlier, Zhao Dingli was starting to let loose.