Morning sunlight filtered through the large glass windows of Ling's Touch, scattering golden rays across shelves of porcelain teacups and handmade vases. The gentle sound of a guqin recording filled the space — soft, peaceful, and rhythmic.
Xu Ling adjusted the display near the window, a satisfied smile touching her lips. Her business had grown steadily, one kind word at a time. She had never imagined people would love her work this much.
Min rushed in from the back, slightly out of breath.
"Madam Xu! You won't believe it — a magazine wants to feature your ceramics in their lifestyle column!"
Xu Ling blinked. "A magazine?"
"Yes! Elite Living! The one that covers the capital and surrounding cities!"
The words brought a mixture of joy and hesitation. Recognition meant exposure, and exposure could lead to unwanted attention. Still, she smiled gently.
"Prepare the best pieces," she said softly. "Let's not disappoint them."
Min beamed. "You'll be famous soon, Madam Xu!"
Xu Ling's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Fame was never her goal. Peace was.
---
At the Wang Residence
That same morning, chaos reigned in the main dining hall. The twins had decided that pancakes were better eaten with hands than forks.
"Xichen, stop throwing syrup!" Xu Ling scolded lightly, grabbing the napkin before it landed on Wang Zheng's sleeve.
Xiwei, the quieter one, muttered, "It wasn't me this time, Mama. It was him."
Grandma Wang laughed from her seat. "Let them be! They're boys. Look at their energy — like little lions!"
Wang Zheng looked at his sons, then at Xu Ling, and smiled faintly. "You're getting used to this madness."
"I've survived worse," she replied, pretending not to notice how his gaze lingered a moment too long.
---
Later that day, Xu Ling visited a nearby market to collect special clay. As she entered the stall, she overheard two women whispering.
"Did you hear? That woman living with the Wang heir — they say she's his secret wife."
"Secret wife? Please. Probably another social climber with a tragic backstory. They always come from nowhere."
The words stung, but Xu Ling didn't react. She quietly paid for her items and walked away, her calm steps masking the storm inside.
Wang Zheng had given her shelter, kindness, and peace — nothing more, nothing less. But rumors didn't care for truth.
---
Meanwhile, in the capital, the Lu family's matriarch, Aunt Mei, sat sipping tea, surrounded by society ladies.
"My dear nephew still refuses to marry," she sighed dramatically. "But I've decided — it's time to host a dinner. The most talented daughters will attend. A private affair."
Madam Zhao, one of the gossip queens from the Golden Spoon circle, leaned forward.
"Does he know about this dinner?"
Aunt Mei's smile was all sugar and steel. "He will. Eventually."
-
Two weeks later, Xu Ling received a letter — elegant script, gold seal.
"Your application for expansion has been delayed due to missing credentials."
Her brows furrowed. She had filed every document perfectly.
Min looked worried. "Madam Xu… I heard a new boutique applied at the same location. Maybe they pulled strings?"
Xu Ling sighed softly. "Business is like the ocean, Min. The current always tests you."
But that night, when she returned home, she found Wang Zheng waiting in the study.
He looked up from his laptop. "I heard about the delay."
Her eyes widened slightly. "How—"
"I have friends in the commerce bureau." He stood, walking closer. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want to trouble you. It's just a small setback."
Wang Zheng studied her face for a moment — calm, composed, refusing to lean on anyone.
Then, quietly, he said, "You don't trouble me, Xu Ling. You never have."
Her heart gave a slow, quiet flutter.
---
The Wang Family Visit
The next weekend, relatives from another branch of the Wang family arrived — cousins, uncles, and a rather outspoken aunt who adored gossip.
"Oh my! So this is the famous Xu Ling," the woman exclaimed. "No wonder Zheng has refused every proposal lately."
Grandma Wang's fan snapped open with a crisp sound. "Mind your tongue, Lanying. Some things are not for public curiosity."
The rest of the family chuckled awkwardly, shifting attention to the twins, who were currently stacking buns into a "castle."
"Xichen, Xiwei," Grandpa Wang said proudly, "these two boys will bring luck to the house!"
Xu Ling smiled, her heart warm despite the teasing.
Wang Zheng, from across the room, caught her gaze briefly. His eyes held quiet reassurance — don't mind them.
---
Meanwhile — The Capital Stirs
At the same time, in the capital, the Chen brothers were deep in discussion.
Chen Hao spread a series of digital maps across the table. "I've traced reports of a woman fitting our sister's description — near the Wang territories."
Chen Yu frowned. "Too close to the Li influence. It's dangerous."
The patriarch, calm but commanding, said firmly, "We move carefully. No contact until we're certain. No one must link her to us."
The brothers nodded. The search continued — silent, steady, unseen.
---
That night, Xu Ling found herself working late in her studio. Clay dust clung to her fingers, and soft music played in the background.
Wang Zheng entered quietly, watching her from the doorway.
"You never stop, do you?" he said, amusement flickering in his voice.
She smiled without looking up. "You don't either."
He walked closer, leaning on the worktable. "You know, for someone who claims she can't cook, you have surprisingly skilled hands."
Her cheeks flushed faintly. "That's… different."
"Hmm." His tone softened. "Still beautiful, though."
The silence that followed wasn't awkward. It was charged — delicate, unspoken, fragile.
When she finally looked up, his gaze met hers. Warm. Unwavering.
And for the first time, Xu Ling didn't look away.