He scratched the back of his head. "My bad... got sidetracked."
i laughed softly. "Clearly."
"I’ll be there soon."
"You better be."
The mont the call ended, West stood up instantly.
"...Right."
No more thinking or distractions, it was ti for action.
He stepped forward and jumped.
Fwwwhiiii~
The city blurred as his figure traveled in an arc across the air, causing wind to roar past him.
He landed on the next building rooftop effortlessly before charging forward and jumping towards another.
Each leap carried him dozens of feet across the skyline as his body moved with unnatural speed.
He didn’t slow down for even a mont, making the distance between buildings completely aningless.
Within minutes, he reached his area and leapt from the top of an 80-storey building to his own 30-storey apartnt.
He landed smoothly on the balcony, completely ignoring the stares of awe coming from down below.
And just like that, he was back in his own apartnt.
...
...
West arrived at exactly 6:00 PM at Renzhi’s residence.
The gates of Renzhi’s estate opened smoothly, and he stepped out of the vehicle with the kind of confidence that didn’t need to announce itself.
His outfit struck that perfect balance between casual and standard. He was clad in dark fitted trousers that tapered cleanly at the ankle, a charcoal long-sleeve shirt with the sleeves slightly rolled to reveal his forearms, and a light tailored jacket draped over it that gave him a refined but effortless look.
His hair had been slightly tousled, purposely making it less neat than usual, giving him a more relaxed, almost roguish appearance.
The fake moustache sat subtly on his face, enough to distort recognition without looking ridiculous.
To anyone who didn’t know better, he was simply "Smith."
The door opened before he even reached it.
"Right on ti," i voiced while leaning slightly against the fra with her lips curving into a pleased smile.
West smirked faintly. "Wouldn’t want to keep my girl waiting."
She reached forward and planted a kiss on his lips before stepping aside to let him in.
Her hand brushed briefly against his as she guided him inside.
"Everyone’s already at the table."
"Of course they are."
As they walked through the mansion, West’s gaze remained calm and observant with a relaxed composure.
By the ti they reached the dining area, the entire table turned, setting their eyes on them.
Rin’s expression lit up instantly. "...Wow."
She didn’t even try to hide it.
"You’re much hotter in person."
The words ca out bluntly, without hesitation, breaking the tension in the room imdiately.
Before anyone could react, she was already on her feet, rushing over.
"Co, co—sit here!"
She grabbed West’s arm and pulled him toward the seat beside her, completely ignoring any formality.
i sighed while rubbing her temple. "Rin..."
West chuckled softly, allowing himself to be dragged along. "I like her already."
Rin grinned proudly. "Of course you do. Muhuahaha what’s not to like?"
West settled into the seat with a relaxed posture as he glanced around the table.
"Good evening," he greeted with a smooth and respectful tone.
Eric gave a small nod in acknowledgnt, quiet as always.
Lianhua didn’t speak imdiately but her eyes flickered toward him for just a fraction of a second before she looked away again, maintaining composure.
West turned toward Renzhi, stood slightly and extended his hand.
"Nice to finally et you."
There was a long pause as Renzhi’s gaze lingered on West’s face, studying him carefully, almost as if trying to peel sothing back.
Then, he slowly reached out and their hands t.
Renzhi squeezed, putting a asured pressure into the handshake... the kind that would make normal people wince but West didn’t.
His expression didn’t change in the slightest... if anything, he even looked a little amused.
Renzhi noticed that West was unaffected but he hid it well, releasing the handshake with a neutral expression.
"...You look familiar."
West tilted his head slightly. "Do I?"
Renzhi narrowed his eyes just a fraction. "...Have we t before?"
West smiled lightly. "I just have one of those faces."
Renzhi leaned back slowly before speaking again. "...You’re not what I expected."
West rested his arm casually against the table. "How so?"
Renzhi’s gaze moved over him again. "You don’t look like the typical fitness instructor."
He was referencing it without saying it outright... West was clearly in shape, but not exaggerated. He was not the bulky, overly built type one would expect.
West shrugged before displaying a faint smile. "That’s kind of the point of fitness... balance."
"Having the right amount everywhere... instead of just being unnecessarily large."
Renzhi opened his mouth to continue but i’s eyes shot toward him.
Without saying a word, she was giving her father a warning to stop with the incessant questioning.
Renzhi paused and coughed lightly. "...Right."
Dinner began and if it wasn’t for Rin, it would have been painfully quiet but Rin had no intention of allowing that...
She spoke nonstop, moving from school gossip to activities to random social dia trends and inevitably... to West.
"Smith."
"So you’re i’s boyfriend, right?" she questioned while leaning forward slightly. "Do you guys kiss? Like, a lot? Or do you do—"
"Rin!" Renzhi’s voice cut in sharply.
She blinked. "What? I’m just asking."
West chuckled under his breath as Renzhi’s grip tightened around his cutlery subconsciously.
Snap~
The utensil broke cleanly in his hand causing the maid to imdiately step in, replacing it without a word.
"Rin," Renzhi called again. "can you keep quiet for one second?"
Rin huffed but leaned back.
"...Fine."
anwhile, West was thoroughly enjoying himself.
Every reaction... every flicker of discomfort from Renzhi... every ti Rin pushed just a little too far...
It was... entertaining.
Because Renzhi had no idea that the man sitting across from him, smiling politely and answering questions, was none other than the sa West he hated.
And was also...
Far more involved in his household than he could ever imagine.
Under the table, i’s foot brushed lightly against West’s as she shot him a sultry look.
She trailed slightly upward before retreating just as quickly.
User Comments
0 comments from readers