Chapter 126: I Won't Leave

Seeing her finally smile at him again, the sharpness in Shen Hanzhi’s eyes gradually softened. He stared at her for a moment, then his expression turned serious. Clearing his throat, he spoke with unwavering resolve, “I will not marry Qiao Yumeng.”

Though he knew her sadness stemmed only from the words he had spoken that evening in the lounge, at this moment, looking at her, he deeply wished for her to understand this truth. No one could force him to marry someone he did not want to!

Though her simple mind probably wouldn’t care much about this, he still wanted her to know.

The man’s voice was earnest and low, causing Lin Nanxun to freeze. She lifted her gaze from her lap in surprise and turned to look at the man beside her. She blinked.

Seeing her suddenly fix her eyes on him, Shen Hanzhi frowned slightly, a faint trace of embarrassment flickering across his handsome face.

“Forget it.” She probably didn’t understand the meaning behind his words.

“It’s late. You should rest.” He pressed his thin lips together and said flatly, successfully steering the conversation away.

Upon hearing him say rest, Lin Nanxun obediently nodded, then glanced at him once more.

“I’ll stay here tonight,” Shen Hanzhi said after a quick look at her.

Startled, Lin Nanxun looked at him in surprise.

He glanced at his watch and then pursed his lips, commanding her, “Go rest in bed.”

It was very late now, and she had been worn out after a whole day with Ron. Since he had things to handle tonight that might keep him up late, he decided not to go back and simply rested here with her.

Hearing this, Lin Nanxun obediently got up from the sofa to head to her small bed but then hesitated, looking back at the man on the sofa with some unease.

Shen Hanzhi saw through her thoughts at a glance and raised an amused brow, firmly replying, “I’m not leaving.”

Upon hearing this, a relieved smile spread across Lin Nanxun’s face, and her steps lightened considerably.

Seated on the sofa, Shen Hanzhi watched the girl obediently climb into bed, tuck herself in, and even leave a space beside her for him. The coldness in his eyes softened instantly.

It was the first time he had stayed this long in her small room. Although she hadn’t lived here long, the place was already filled with her presence—a presence that calmed his restless heart.

Before long, the quiet room was filled with the steady, peaceful sound of her breathing as she fell asleep.

Shen Hanzhi pressed his thin lips together, then turned to leave the room, returning with his laptop. Sitting on the sofa, he began attending to his work.

By the time he finished, it was already past midnight.

He closed the laptop and instinctively glanced toward the bed. The girl was sleeping soundly; her gentle breathing was soothing to his ears, making him feel unusually comfortable.

His work had even progressed more smoothly today.

Rubbing his temples, he glanced outside where the sky was beginning to lighten with dawn.

Deciding not to bother moving again, he removed his suit jacket and lay down on the sofa to rest.

Perhaps because she often leaned against this sofa, it still carried the faint scent of her hair...