Yan Capital Airport basked in hazy noon light.
Dressed in black and hiding beneath a sun-hat, Yanagi Shishi waved her suitcase in farewell, then vanished through the security gate.Shō Unkai waved back, a little unsatisfied—he still hadn't played enough.If Shishi could read minds she'd roll her eyes, Already frayed at the edges and you still want more?
"Let's go."Unable to see her silhouette, Shō turned away.
RING RINGHe glanced at the caller ID, eyebrow lifting.
"Hello, Auntie… yes, I'm in Yan Capital. Lunch? At noon? Sure, I'll come."Hanging up, he sighed. Madam Yanagi really is pragmatic—her daughter's been wronged, yet she still invites the "Prince Son-in-Law."
Liu Residence
"Mom, why did you invite that scoundrel?"Yanagi Kasumi wrinkled her nose as her mother ended the call.
Madam Yanagi set her phone aside and sat beside her daughter."Silly girl, I'm doing this for you. If you keep the cold war going, that vixen wins."She shrugged. "Besides, what man doesn't stray once he has power and money?"
"Isn't that a bit absolute?" Kasumi hugged her knees on the sofa.
"It's reality. Those supposedly honest men just haven't gained power yet."Seeing her daughter's blank look, Madam Yanagi tapped Kasumi's forehead."Listen, I've decided—Shō is my son-in-law."
"Son-in-law? I never said I'd marry him!"
Madam Yanagi flared."Stop being dense. A man keeping a woman outside is normal, as long as he doesn't bring her home. You've been in showbiz for years; you've heard plenty of stories."She lowered her voice. "I even checked Xinhan's marriage law—men can marry more than one wife there. Shō isn't a scoundrel by his homeland's rules."
"Mom, why are you always defending him?" Kasumi grumbled.
"For your own good." Madam Yanagi's gaze hardened. "Make peace with him. I can tell he cares; he agreed to lunch at once."Her tone softened. "Are you really willing to hand your happiness to that vixen? My daughter is far more dazzling."
Kasumi opened her mouth but had no retort.Three years of memories, first love, body and heart already given—could she truly let go?What stung most was that after a few half-hearted apologies Shō had stopped calling, making her feel unwanted.
"Kasumi, are you listening?" her mother pressed. "If this cold war drags on, you'll regret it."
The worry in those words melted Kasumi's pride; she gave a small nod.Madam Yanagi beamed, squeezing her daughter's hand. "Good girl. I'll start cooking—Shō loves sweet-and-sour fish."
Kasumi sighed. She understood perfectly why her mother was so eager, yet the thought of sharing still made her skin crawl.
Half an Hour Later
Shō arrived at the Liu home.
Madam Yanagi opened the door, all smiles."Shō, you're here—come in, Kasumi is waiting."
"I brought a little something for you, Auntie." He handed over a gift bag.
"You shouldn't have. I've told you—this house is your own."
Politeness aside, Shō knew never to come empty-handed; women's words could not be taken at face value.
Led to the living room, he met the gaze he hadn't seen in two months.Two pairs of eyes locked, silence stretching between them.
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