You are my heartbeat

The Next Night—

When Shen Ning returned, she quietly climbed through her window and made her way to the kitchen to wash the box, placing it back where it belonged.

Just as she finished, she heard footsteps behind her. "Where did you go?"

Shen Ning jumped, the box slipping from her hands and crashing to the floor. "Oh my God! Brother, do you have to sneak up on me like a ghost?"

Shi Fu raised an eyebrow and pointed to the fallen box. "What's this?"

"Oh, this?" Shen Ning quickly recovered. "I found an injured dog outside and helped it." She picked up the box, washed it again, and placed it back in its spot.

"You?" Shi Fu gave her an incredulous look. "Helping a dog?"

Seeing that he didn't believe her, Shen Ning sighed, rolling her eyes. "That dog was hurt badly. I'm such a kind person, after all. What if it becomes my loyal dog? You know, dogs remember kindness."

"Him? How do you know it's a male?" Shi Fu's voice was tinged with disbelief.

"Just a guess," Shen Ning said, shrugging nonchalantly. "Why are you asking so many questions? Ugh, I'm so tired. Good night, Brother!" Without giving him a chance to respond, she fled to her room.

---

The Next Day—

It was almost noon when Shen Ning arrived at the small cottage.

"I thought you weren't coming back," he said with a small smile when he saw her.

"Yesterday, my cousin caught me sneaking back home, so he might get suspicious." Shen Ning placed one box on the bed and handed him another along with a mask. "I won't be coming at night, so this is your dinner. You'll have to make do."

After he ate, Shen Ning handed him her phone. "Call your family and have them come get you. This place isn't safe. Someone might accidentally stumble upon it."

"Alright," he said, taking the phone and dialing. "My assistant will be here tomorrow."

Once he finished, Shen Ning stood up, ready to leave. "Can I know your name?" He asked her name hurriedly.

"...Ning."

She didn't want to share too much with a stranger. He understood and didn't press further. With that, she left and didn't return.

---

The Following Morning—

When his assistant arrived, he looked around the modest room. "CEO, are you alright?"

"Hmm," Qin Yuheng responded, his mind still on the girl.

"Shall we leave?"

"Wait," Qin Yuheng replied. He had hoped to say something to her before leaving. What if she came looking for him? What if she had questions? But as the night passed and she didn't return, he frowned. She had been so kind, so attentive—there was no way she'd just abandon him like this.

And so, just like that, he lost contact with her.

Flashback Ends—

A Week Later—

Shen Ning's condition had improved dramatically after the surgery.

One month after her recovery, the Shen family was sitting in the living room.

Father Shen looked at his daughter. "Ning is getting married in two days."

Everyone froze, shocked by his words, except for Mother Shen, who seemed unfazed.

"Dad, what do you mean?" Shen Ning asked, her voice trembling with surprise.

"Your marriage is fixed," Father Shen stated calmly. "You'll register the marriage directly."

"I don't agree!" Shen Ning stood up, her face full of defiance.

Father Shen pursed his lips, his tone unwavering. "Objection denied. If you still consider us your parents, then you'll agree to this marriage."

Shen Ning looked at her mother, seeking support, but when she saw that her mother wasn't opposing her father's decision, she retreated to her room in a whirlwind of frustration, slamming the door behind her.

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