"What's your name?" Chen Fei asked, looking at the apprehensive and frightened Apel. He put on a kind smile, hoping to alleviate her unease.

"Respected sir, my name is Apel." Even though she had already introduced herself more than once, she didn't dare show any annoyance at his repeated questions. She simply answered obediently.

Seeing the kind smile on his face, especially given the vast gulf in their status, did indeed relieve some of her panic and unease. She became slightly less restrained. In fact, she began to steal glances at Chen Fei's handsome face and kind smile, which sent ripples through her heart like a pebble tossed into a still lake. Inexplicably, her heart began to thump erratically, and a blush crept up her cheeks, warming her ears.

On the absurdly large and luxurious bed, Chen Fei and Apel just gazed at each other.

Chen Fei wasn't a smooth talker and didn't know what to say to break the awkward atmosphere, so he opted for silence. Apel, on the other hand, was too afraid to speak. She worried her clumsiness or an inappropriate word would anger this important figure—someone even the Brad Family treated with such reverence. Unsure of what to say, she too remained quiet.

This quiet environment, however, gave Chen Fei the perfect opportunity to observe her up close.

Perfect.

The single word surfaced in his mind. Nothing else—just perfect. Whether it was her sultry charm that would drive any woman mad with jealousy, her delicate and defined features, or her overall bearing, the woman before him truly deserved the title of 'Italian Goddess.'

Her only flaw was her fear. She was too afraid of him—or rather, of his terrifying status as someone the Brad Family would host with such enthusiasm. This fear robbed her of her confidence, leaving her looking uneasy and apprehensive.

"Alright, don't be afraid. I'm not a bad person. I don't know why they brought you here, but you can rest assured that I won't do anything to you."

In the quiet atmosphere, Chen Fei suddenly reached out and gently stroked Apel's trembling cheek, smiling as he spoke.

Hearing this, Apel froze, her beautiful, pearl-like eyes staring blankly at Chen Fei.

For some reason, his words and his simple, gentle caress seemed to carry a deep magic, making her feel as if she had fallen under a spell from which she could not escape.

After a long moment, Apel suddenly let out a soft laugh. A feminine charm, completely absent before, blossomed on her perfect, well-defined face.

"Respected sir, I'm sorry, I still don't know your name... but you are a very strange man. Do you not find me beautiful? Or... do you perhaps prefer it like this?"

Driven by a sudden impulse, Apel wrapped her arms around Chen Fei and gently pressed her soft lips to his cheek. Her face flushed as she whispered shyly.

She was genuinely shy; it was the first time she had ever said or done such a thing. It was her first kiss.

Chen Fei touched the spot on his cheek where she had kissed him. He paused for a moment, then lightly flicked her on the head and chuckled. "Are you trying to say I have incredible self-control, or that I'm just no good in that department? In China, that's not considered a compliment."

"Ouch~"

Apel pouted like a little lamb, her beautiful, watery eyes brimming with a hint of mock grievance. It was a look that would stir pity in anyone's heart.

"Did that really hurt? I'm sorry, I didn't hold back..." Seeing her reaction, Chen Fei actually thought he had used too much force and began to apologize with an embarrassed smile. But in the next moment, that smile froze on his face.

Because Apel's pained expression vanished, replaced by a triumphant grin. She hummed happily, "Respected sir, my apologies... it didn't hurt at all, haha."

"You…" Chen Fei was speechless as dark lines seemed to form on his forehead. To think that he, a man of worldly wisdom, had been so easily tricked by this young woman. It was absolutely infuriating.

Reaching out, Chen Fei gave her beautiful forehead a couple more light flicks.

He didn't use much force, but seeing her pout with puffed-out cheeks, Chen Fei found it all very amusing. He felt completely relaxed.

"This is the punishment you deserve."

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