AMRWFA -Chapter 368 He “Came Back” for Dinner

At some point, there was a sound at the door. When Ruan Yaoyao looked up, she saw Xie Xiuming walking in from outside, a suit jacket draped over his arm.

The light by the entrance fell on him, outlining his tall, slender figure. Half his face was in light, half in shadow, giving him an air of nobility and elegance, his presence striking and refined.

She had always known he was good-looking, but caught off guard like this, Ruan Yaoyao was still momentarily stunned—almost dazed by how breathtaking he looked.

The living room had only her in it. The main lights were off, leaving only the floor lamp beside her sofa. She wore a knitted long dress, a thin blanket draped over her legs. Her long hair had been let down, softly framing her face, accentuated by the moon-shaped earrings at her ears, making her look especially delicate and gentle.

Seeing her like this, Xie Xiuming suddenly felt his throat go dry.

“Sis?”

His voice was low and slightly hoarse.

Ruan Yaoyao subconsciously lifted her head, revealing her beautiful face. Her dazed expression suddenly felt an unfamiliar sense of pressure. Standing so close, he seemed incredibly tall—so tall she could only look up at him.

For a brief moment, Xie Xiuming almost reached out to touch her face. His fingers twitched, restrained, as he said, “Sis, it’s so late. You’re still not asleep?”

As if startled awake, Ruan Yaoyao leaned back. Her back hit the sofa, but her head tipped into empty air, startling her so much she almost cried out.

“Are you okay?”

Xie Xiuming was also startled. He guessed he had frightened her, though he wasn’t sure whether it was his voice or her own distraction that caused it.

Either way, he felt a twinge of regret—thinking he should’ve been more careful. If he had been, maybe she wouldn’t have been scared.

“I’m fine!” Ruan Yaoyao raised her hand to block his reaching hand. When she realized their hands had touched, she pulled back as if she’d been caught doing something wrong, both embarrassed and annoyed.

Ahhh, what am I even thinking?!

I’ve gone crazy!

Xie Xiuming: ????

In the hallway, Ruan Zhihe—who had just returned from the restroom—was equally confused.

I only stepped away for a moment. What happened?

Seeing that only Ruan Yaoyao and Xie Xiuming were in the living room, while even the butler stood far away, not approaching, she hesitated—should she step forward to check if something was wrong, or follow the butler’s lead and keep her distance?

Why did she feel like the butler had better judgment than her?

So… what exactly was the butler looking at?

The butler, sensing someone staring at him: ????

His gaze landed on Ruan Zhihe, puzzled.

Why are you looking at me?

Xie Xiuming’s hand hovered midair, unsure whether to withdraw or continue forward. After a moment, he slowly pulled it back. His gaze fell on Ruan Yaoyao’s face, watching as a blush gradually spread across it. Suddenly, he realized something—

He was standing too close.

She was nestled into the single sofa, small and delicate. He, having stepped forward in concern, was now almost right beside it, his upper body leaning forward, nearly trapping her within the sofa.

Realizing this, Xie Xiuming could hear his own heartbeat.

Thump—

Thump—

For a fleeting moment, he truly wanted to reach out and make it real—trap her there for real.

But even if he did… what then?

Reason told him the timing wasn’t right. If he acted now, he’d only scare her away.

After all, between them, it wasn’t just the age difference—there were also societal expectations. Until he completely broke through her defenses and found a place in her heart, any rash move would only make her run farther away.

And what he wanted wasn’t a fleeting moment.

He wanted a future—one where they could stay together for a long, long time.

As if nothing had happened, Xie Xiuming stepped back, picked up the suit jacket from the floor, and casually teased, “Scared you, didn’t I? That’s what you get for burying your head in your phone—your eyes were practically glued to it.”

Thump—

Thump—

Ruan Yaoyao’s heart was pounding wildly. Only then did she realize her phone had slipped from her hand at some point and fallen onto the carpet beneath the sofa.

She bent down stiffly to pick it up and followed his lead. “You’re how old now and still playing tricks like that? Are you a kid? You know scaring people can scare them to death, right?”

【Not just scare me to death!】

【My heart nearly stopped!】

While straightening his suit jacket, Xie Xiuming said, “How was I supposed to know you’re so timid? I didn’t exactly sneak in. I made noise when I came in, walked all the way over, even greeted you. You were too absorbed in your phone to notice me standing right in front of you—who’s to blame?”

There was a teasing lilt in his voice that made Ruan Yaoyao grit her teeth.

She gradually relaxed but still glared at him. “If I wasn’t waiting for you, I’d have gone to sleep already. Look at the time! If I didn’t use my phone to stay awake, how could I hold out? Good intentions wasted—next time I won’t wait for you. Serves you right if you come back to an empty, cold house with no one around.”

She didn’t notice the subtle implication in her words—she said come back, not come over.

Still fuming inside, she thought:

【Was I even looking at my phone?】

【I was looking at you, okay?!】

【Damn brat, why do you have to be so good-looking?】

Thinking of all the male celebrities and young idols she had seen—some matched his looks, but none had his aura—Ruan Yaoyao grew even more annoyed.

【What a menace!】

【If this were a story, he’d be a soul-stealing male demon!】

Xie Xiuming almost laughed out loud. Thankfully, he covered his mouth with his fist, coughed lightly, and suppressed it just in time.

Why did he suddenly find Yaoyao so adorable?

He had thought she was scared by something serious, but it turned out…

Standing outside the reach of the floor lamp, his eyes gleamed almost dangerously. Taking advantage of the fact that she couldn’t see him clearly, he stared at her boldly—like a hunter eyeing his prey.

When Ruan Yaoyao didn’t get a response, her dissatisfaction grew. Just as she was about to say something, she felt a sudden chill—but when she focused, it disappeared.

She felt baffled.

“Have you eaten?”

“No. Sis, didn’t you say you’d save me some food? I came straight here after working overtime.”

“You didn’t grab something at the company first?” she asked in surprise. “Look at the time—it’s already 11! Are you crazy? Don’t you care about your health—”

Forgetting her anger, she hurried into the kitchen, bringing out the food she had saved for him, while continuing to nag.

“You’re already an adult—can’t you take care of yourself?”

“You might feel fine now while you’re young, like you can handle it—but how many days can you keep that up? What if your body gives out?”

“By then, it’ll be too late for regrets!”

“Your health is the foundation of everything. Without it, making money is pointless. Only with a healthy body can you truly enjoy what you’ve earned, understand?”

…

Under the warm dining light, Xie Xiuming stepped forward to help. A smile lingered at the corners of his lips. He didn’t argue, occasionally responding, as if he were truly listening to her scolding.

From afar, the butler and Ruan Zhihe watched in silence.

…Why did this feel so much like a young couple?