Chapter 4

Julian drove his parents and Serena to registration. Tiffany had been pleased to hear Julian was going to the office, but then he changed his mind.

Serena walked ahead with their parents. Tiffany, feeling uneasy, asked Julian with a hint of complaint, “Why did you change your mind? Didn’t you have an important meeting?”

“It’s fine. Serena’s starting college. Her big brother should be there.” Julian smiled. “When you started college, the whole family drove you too.”

Tiffany curled her lips and nudged Julian with her elbow. “Do you think Serena is pretty?”

Julian replied calmly, “She’s pretty. She looks like Mom.”

Tiffany went on, her words tinged with disdain. She felt Serena’s beauty was just that of a delicate, small-town girl—not grand enough. Unlike herself, raised as a lady of high society, bright and elegant, praised by many for her noble air.

The real daughter was nothing special.

She was feeling smug when Julian’s thoughts had already drifted far away.

His skin contact with Serena had stirred him. Especially when his palm touched her soft, full, elastic breasts. For a moment, he even wanted to lift her T-shirt—that thin layer, easily torn—and feel those little bunnies skin to skin.

Even if she struggled, he had ways to make her yield.

He looked refined and gentle, but underneath, he had a streak of roughness and dominance, rarely shown. Yet with Serena, he had nearly revealed that dark side.

He despised himself for it. But his dreams were beyond control. As soon as he fell asleep, those dark thoughts bred in his dreams, keeping him awake all night, constantly reflecting on his own depravity.

Until the next morning at breakfast, when Serena looked at him with her clear, smiling eyes—and he felt even more like a beast.

Serena picked up her new student supplies and checked in at her department. Everywhere were students as expectant as she was.

Serena was stunningly beautiful, with a vulnerable air that easily aroused protective instincts in boys. Mr. and Mrs. Lin sat in the shade with Tiffany, leaving Serena alone. In just a short while, several upperclassmen came over to talk to the new girl.

Julian watched with irritation. He walked over and asked gently, “Serena, did you finish the paperwork?”

Serena waved and smiled. “Julian, come help me carry some of this stuff. I feel like I need four hands.”

Julian took her suitcase. Serena carried a stack of new books and materials. “I didn’t realize there’d be so much reading. I almost couldn’t carry it all.”

Julian, tall, glanced down at the overconfident boys, then escorted Serena to her dorm.

The dorm room was a quadruple. The girls chattered and quickly became friendly. Serena was good-natured and quiet, just listening. The others teased her, pinching her soft cheeks.

Julian wanted to help set up her room, but Serena insisted on doing it herself. Soon, she had made her bed cozy.

She wiped the sweat from her forehead. Her phone buzzed. It was Leo—several messages. She had been too busy to notice.

Leo kept asking where she was. Serena bit her lip, looked up at Julian cautiously, and ventured, “Julian, Leo texted me. Can I see him for a bit?”

Julian disliked Serena contacting Leo. But seeing her hopeful, pitiful expression, he reluctantly agreed. “Fine. Just meet him downstairs.”

Serena immediately shared her location with Leo.

Julian went to find their parents and Tiffany, saying that Serena’s dorm had new student activities and they should wait elsewhere. Tiffany was happy to suggest her café. Mr. Lin agreed.

Tiffany shared her business achievements with Mr. and Mrs. Lin. Mr. Lin was pleased—her simple coffee shop had grown into a well-run business with branches in other cities.

Julian sipped his coffee absently. His mind kept wandering to Serena and Leo, wondering what they were doing.

He reminded himself that he just didn’t want his sister involved with that family. Leo’s friendliness might be an attempt to take advantage of Serena’s newfound status.

People were unpredictable.

But what annoyed him most was the way Leo looked at Serena. It wasn’t just brotherly care—it was a male’s desire for a woman.

“Julian, what do you think of the new blend?” Tiffany turned to him with a bright smile.

“It’s good. You’ve always had great taste.” Julian’s voice was gentle.

Mrs. Lin, watching their closeness, smiled. “Julian, why don’t you and Tiffany go to the UK together? Your father and I are thinking of handing the overseas branch over to you.”

Tiffany immediately understood Mrs. Lin’s implication. Her cheeks flushed, and she took Julian’s hand under the table.

Julian thought for a moment, then nodded. “Okay. Tiffany and I will go together.”

“Good. Be good to each other over there. Let us know your travel dates.” Mr. Lin also reminded them.

Tiffany’s anxiety eased. Even if she was no longer the Lins’ only precious daughter, she would still be their beloved daughter-in-law.

Julian met Tiffany’s happy smile, but in his mind, he was already planning the branch office and the wedding.

The four chatted idly. Julian glanced at his phone. It was about time to pick up Serena.

The girl was carrying a bag of peaches, standing next to a familiar young boy. He listened attentively to her advice.

Leo was handsome and full of youthful energy. Standing next to slender Serena, they made a striking pair—passersby turned to look.

The sight irritated Julian. He walked over without hesitation and took the bag from Serena—five or six large peaches.

Leo saw him and said coldly, “Those are for my sister.”

Julian glanced down and sneered inwardly. “Thanks. The Lins have plenty at home too. If Serena wants peaches, she can have as many as she likes.”

These were a new variety—juicy and sweet, tasting like pure peach nectar, and thus expensive.

Julian’s words made Leo angry. He puffed his cheeks like a fierce but helpless little beast.

Serena quickly patted Leo’s shoulder. “Leo, you should head back. Text me when you get home. You’ve got a cold—drink plenty of water. If you don’t want to take medicine, just sleep it off. Eat something that’ll make you sweat.”

Leo nodded, but his gaze at Julian remained fierce.

He suddenly hugged Serena. “Serena, I’ll come visit you when I can. I’m going to study hard and get into your school. Then I’ll take care of you.”

“I’ll thank you on Serena’s behalf—if that dream comes true.” Julian didn’t hide his sarcasm.

Serena could feel the tension between them. She urged Leo to go home. Leo agreed. Then Serena got into the car with Julian.

Julian tossed the bag of peaches into the backseat. “You like peaches? I’ll have someone send you some fresh-picked ones.”

“These were picked this morning. Leo saw they were fresh and brought them to me.”

Julian sneered. “Serena, I’ve told you before. Don’t get tangled up with the Zhous. It’s not good for you.”

“Tangled up?” Serena fastened her seatbelt, a little displeased. “Mr. and Mrs. Zhou treated me badly, so I don’t associate with them. But Leo never bullied me. We grew up together. He’s always looked out for me. Now that I’m starting college, he came to see me and brought me peaches. How is that ‘tangled up’? And I know Leo. He’s not some schemer. I enjoy spending time with him.”

“You have no idea what Leo really wants.” Julian slapped the steering wheel, his voice sharp.

He had never shown this harsh side to Serena—that was for his business rivals. Now, suddenly, he frightened her.

Her eyes widened in shock and fear. Julian took a deep breath, softened his tone, and said, “Listen to your brother. He has ulterior motives.”

Serena didn’t understand what “ulterior motives” Leo could have. She didn’t dare argue anymore. She just lowered her head and stayed silent.

Julian watched her “ostrich pose” and felt conflicted.

He had seen Serena getting along with her roommates—laughing softly, showing the tender charm of a girl and the innocent joy of youth.

And when she was with Leo, she had smiled like a crabapple blossom, her eyes clear and full of Leo’s reflection.

Leo had said something, and she had laughed, covering her mouth. Leo had then naturally wiped the sweat from her forehead, and she hadn’t minded.

But with him and the Lins, she was always careful and reserved.

“Serena, remember—you’re a Lin, not a Zhou. You and Leo have no blood relation. I’m telling you this because the Lins’ reputation has been built over decades. It’s not something we can afford to gamble with.” Julian spoke sternly.

Serena looked up. Her eyes went from confusion to shock and disbelief.

Was Julian accusing her of ruining the Lins’ reputation by being close to Leo?

The委屈 she had endured since childhood at the Zhous’ now mixed with this humiliation. Her face burned. Her stomach churned. Her nerves tightened. She wanted to jump out of the car.

She bit off a piece of skin from her lip. The taste of blood spread in her mouth. She held back the sting in her eyes and said, “I understand.”