Earlston, Scotland, 09:00;

Another week passed by, but Xinguan barely stepped out of their place. It had started to snow out there. And unlike Earlston's liquid-equivalent regular snowfall, this year was different. It was white and deep. Dangerously dry, at that.

The couple didn't mind staying in, though. The girl had an entire library to herself, while Xi Yuan, on the other hand, had her to take care of. Ensuring that she'd stay warm, preparing meals three times a day with her distracting him, reporting her brothers about her recovery status; were but just a few of his daily activities.

Although the 'supposed' attack hadn't happened yet, both their security teams had been summoned to the land of the castles. The couple's safety could not be compromised, not for even a second. While one was the backbone to Country X's defense, the other one's indirect taxes alone accounted for about 5.8% of the nation's finance collection, per annum. Not to mention, the international spotlight they brought to the country, individually, and together, was pretty much unparalleled. How could their lives be taken for granted in such circumstances, then?

"What are you doing so early in the morning?", Xi Yuan walked in into the kitchen, placing both his hands upon the girl's waist, resting his chin over her right shoulder.

"Cake.", the girl answered, rubbing her right cheek to his clean, shaved one, akin to a playful little kitten.

"What is this?", the man laughed out, satisfied by the girl's cute, subtle gesture, "Preparation for your great 'post retirement' bakery business?"

"Kind of.", Rong Xinghe smiled, filling the piping bag with the whipped cream, "I'll still need a sponsor or something though."

"I could finance you.", Xi Yuan shrugged, nibbling onto the mole behind her ear, his favorite spot on her body. "Don't...", the girl sighed, her hands coming to an abrupt halt. Damn, this man! Such a distraction. Did he even realize the effect he had on her?

The man chuckled against the girl's skin before he lowered his index finger into the bowl of vanilla-flavored cream, turning the girl around then. Puzzled by the man's actions, the girl looked into his eyes. He did too, not giving away anything but.

Seconds later, the girl felt the sweet coldness of the cream on her lower lip. And the next thing she knew, he leaned in on her, arresting her sensitively soft lips into his. The kiss was insanely vehement. Strong. Mirthless. As if he'd desired for this for years.

Only when the man had licked the cream off of her lips did he chose to part from her, taking in the sight of her flushed, red face. "Sweet.", he grinned, "Now that's the kind of dessert I like."

"Shameless!", Rong Xinghe squinted her eyes at him, "I would never want a Boss like you."

"Why?", the man asked, confused.

"Because you'll never let me bake in peace! Such a buzzing bee.", the girl scoffed, "Now get out, will you? I need to decorate the cake."

"Fine.", the man rolled his eyes, "I am going. Just remind the maid to clean up the kitchen after you are done. I need to cook the afternoon meals."

:::::::::::::

Earlston, Scotland, 09:30;

"Got it.", Xi Yuan nodded faintly, his eyes fixed to Xi Fang's face upon his laptop screen, "I'll stock up the essentials. Thanks for forewarning about the upcoming blizzard, Fang."

"Don't mention, brother.", the young man on the other side smiled, "Scotland is used to snowstorms by now, but this one is expected to last for a while apparently. So just stay safe, you two.

"By the way, what's the update on Steven1984?"

"Nothing.", Xi Yuan shook his head, "He'll make a move, though. I am sure of that, given his past records. He must be waiting for some sort of opening."

"In that case, do you need me to send over more men?", Xi Fang enquired.

"I am with a woman who is used to leaving behind a trail of bodies wherever she goes, little brother.", the man laughed, shaking his head in dismissal, "I really don't think I'd be needing any more security personnel. She is recuperating really well."

"I am glad to hear that.", the younger man laughed back, "By the way, I took care of what you asked me to do yesterday."

Xi Yuan shut the files in his hands close, his expression solemn now as he looked at the man. Diablos. So he had a soft spot too. Perfect!

At this time, Rong Xinghe walked in, both her hands holding onto the large, fragrant cake, "Care to taste this baby, Mr. Xi?", she giggled, her sweater a mix of vanilla and chocolate sauce she'd used in an attempt to beautify it.

"Sure.", the man stood up as he helped the girl place the dish over the table, next to his laptop.

"Thank God Wei isn't here, Sister-in-law.", Xi Fang chuckled through the other end, "He would have been crushed to see you feed just brother. That guy is already missing your food over here."

"He is?", Rong Xinghe raised her brows, surprised, "My Little Panda is the best. Tell him I'll make up for it as soon as I come back, alright?"

"Okay."

BANG!

Xi Yuan was about to sit down on the couch when the sound of the gunfire traveled to him followed by a feminine scream, and instinctively, he pulled the woman beside him much closer to himself. "You okay?", he questioned her, running his gaze over her face, and the middle, and then to her legs.

"Yeah.", Rong Xinghe nodded, "I am fine."

"Go and change your clothes upstairs. In the meantime, I'll have a look outside.", the man inhaled sharply, his tone relieved, "Also, keep my revolver by your side, just in case. It's in the bottom drawer of your closet."

"I am coming with you, Mr. Xi.", the girl resisted, clearly not liking the idea of abandoning her darling. "There might be paparazzi out there, Honey.", Xi Yuan smiled helplessly, a sweet sensation of warmth running through his heart. He liked how concerned she was for him. He truly did. "You are a public figure, Military Chief. Just change quickly. Besides, I will be careful. Promise."

It took the girl a few more seconds to finally agree to his idea, still. As she disappeared from his line of sight, the man turned to pick up his overcoat from one of the couches. And then, he rushed out of the living room. "What's going on?", he demanded as he proceeded toward the group of assembled soldiers in front of the lawn.

"Someone shot this lady, Boss.", one of the men informed dutifully, "From a distance. We couldn't locate it. But the shooter seemed to be a professional."

"Who is the woman?", Xi Yuan frowned as he reached the unmoving body as the officers surrounding her slowly dispersed.

"It's the young lady from the Huang family, Sir.", another soldier bowed down, "Miss Biu, if my memory serves me right, is her name."