Earlston, Scotland, 12:15;

Hours after, Xi Yuan woke up to Rong Xinghe's movements. Glancing at the clock on the table that read noon, he fixed his gaze upon the woman who was clearly tired by the indescribable things they'd done to each other not too long ago. The man smiled softly as he pulled her in his arms, placing a soft kiss against her lips.

"Not again... Yuan.", the girl mumbled in her sleep, eliciting a laugh from her darling. She was so adorable. And so irresistible at the same time. How was he ever supposed to get enough of her, he wondered.

The man adjusted the rumpled blanket over her again, covering her naked body with it before he leaned back a little to take in her sight. They were one. Finally. The man smiled at the thought of how far they had come. From that one party, from the first time they'd seen each other... to this. Friendship, heartbreaks, confessions, and rejections. It had been one crazy ride, really. But he didn't mind any of that. As long as the person on the other end of the string was her, he intended to hold onto his end with all his might. His Xinghe was just worth it all.

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

12:35:

Huang Biu was talking to her brother when Xi Yuan raced down the stairs to his bedroom, rolling his sleeves up in a hurry. "Do not let anyone in.", he instructed one of his security staff, "She needs the silence."

"Got it, Boss.", the man nodded, his tone resolute.

The man didn't so much as squiz at the woman drooling over him as he rushed into the kitchen, no one but the Butler following behind him, "Is Madam unwell, Young Master? She doesn't rest until this late usually.", the old man asked.

"She is... simply exhausted by the lack of sleep. After all, she stayed awake reading all night.", the man shook his head, skillfully concealing the prison and the 'lovemaking' part of the story. "She'll be up soon, though. I'll be needing your assistance in preparing a fine meal for her by then, Mr. Tang."

"Whatever you need.", the elderly man smiled.

"Could you chop the tomatoes and red onions for me?"

"Sure."

Xi Yuan waited for the man to vacate the space in front of the fridge before he grabbed some cucumber and red chilies himself. "What are you cooking for lunch today?", Huang Biu walked in, a gleeful smile across her mouth. The man simply blinked at the woman for a while before he turned to pick out a few more cucumbers. Of course, she would want to eat too.

"Panazella.", the man said then, trying his best to not sound inhospitable or unwelcoming. Had it been up to him, he wouldn't have even allowed her into the farmhouse in the first place. Unfortunately, he knew Rong Xinghe wouldn't entertain the thought. Now, how could he let his lovely fiancée down?

"I didn't know President Xi could cook.", Huang Biu grabbed a chair opposite the man, smiling at him more widely, "How impressive! Can I help you with something?"

'Just stop talking!', Xi Yuan almost yelled out. How could someone be this annoying, he was yet to understand. But of course, he had to say something a 'host' would say, even though this wasn't something he had wished for from the very beginning. "I'll be fine, Miss Biu.", the man said, inhaling a sharp breath.

"No need to be formal, Mr. Xi.", the woman waved her hands shyly, acquiring a jar of coffee from the kitchen counter, "You must be tired. Let me make some coffee for you, at least."

Swamped by Huang Biu's constant buzzing, the man simply gave up. Until and unless the woman wouldn't trouble his Xinghe, she was free to do anything.

It was now that the Butler approached the man from behind and stood by his side, chopping the vegetables assiduously, "This Miss is nothing like Madam, Young Master.", he complained to Xi Yuan in a whisper, "Always asking for something to eat, and criticizes a lot too. Very demanding."

Taken aback by the butler's words, Xi Yuan let out an inaudible yet surprised laugh, "You don't like her too?", he asked then, glad to have found a partner.

"Why, of course, I dislike her, Master.", Mr. Tang chuckled, "I've had so many guests in here all these years, yet, none so nagging. Even you, being the King to the throne of the Xi Empire, are so forbearing.

"And don't get me started on how kind-hearted Madam is. Her heart is made of gold, you see. But this woman, extremely arrogant."

"You have an eye for people, Mr. Tang.", Xi Yuan smiled, "Now, how do I convince Xinghe to kick her out of here?"

"I think you should play the victim, Young Master.", the Butler suggested, "Madam can't see you in pain. I've watched her glare at Second and Third Young Master through the video call during your long conferences."

"You are a genius!", Xi Yuan laughed, his tone a little high as a result of the excitement.

"Wh-- what happened?!", Huang Biu turned around, shocked by the man's sudden ebullition.

"Umm...", the old man exchanged glances with Xi Yuan before he looked at the woman, "I proposed another method to cook Panazella to Sir, is all."

"Huh!", the woman clicked her tongue, irritated, "You think you're eligible enough to advise him? How ridiculous.

"Don't listen to him, Mr. Xi. He is not that great a Chef himself.", she said then, turning to the younger man in the room.

Xi Yuan smiled plainly as he looked down at the knife in his hand. "You're right. Such an immodest woman.", he said to the man next to him, his voice low.

"I told you.", Butler Tang shrugged helplessly, "Only you can save us from her now, Young Master. Please encourage Madam to let her leave. Kindness isn't meant for everyone, you know."

"I agree... Stick with me, Mr. Tang.", Xi Yuan sighed, "I have no one but you against this wench. Let's get rid of her together, okay?"

"Yes, Master."