A soft sigh escaped Apel's lips as she subconsciously wrapped her arms around Chen Fei from behind. Resting her cheek on his shoulder, she blushed and whispered, "Respected sir, you truly are an amazing person… Do you know, this is the first time I've ever been alone with a stranger and felt so relaxed."

She paused for a moment, then lifted her swan-like neck. Her gaze was burning as she looked at Chen Fei and said softly, "But perhaps this is just my good fortune. Respected sir, I'm so delighted to have met you."

"My name is Chen Fei," he said with a smile, gently stroking Apel's well-kept hair. "Stop calling me 'respected sir.' I'm not used to it. Just call me by my name."

"I can really call you by your name?" Apel murmured, her smile brightening. From his simple gesture, she understood one thing.

Respect! He didn't see her as a plaything, but as a person—a woman—and he respected her.

Although Chen Fei had acted very approachable, in Apel's eyes, he was still a dignitary that even the great Brad Family treated as a most honored guest. His background was far too intimidating and powerful for her to even comprehend. How could she possibly address such a person by name?

But now, he himself has said it. He's willing to let me call him by his name, not with some formal, respectful title. What does that mean? It means that, perhaps, deep down, he truly has a sliver of respect for me, or at least sees me as an equal. The logic is simple. In an unfamiliar setting, when someone of lower status interacts with a superior, they might be perfectly polite and friendly on the surface. But the moment names and forms of address are involved, the hierarchy becomes starkly, unavoidably clear!

"Thank you…" A wave of emotion washed over Apel. A faint, sweet fragrance wafted toward Chen Fei as he felt her plant a firm kiss on his cheek. He even heard a distinct POP.

"You make me feel respected. Thank you, Chen Fei. You are the most charming, considerate, and gentlemanly man I have ever met."

After the kiss, Apel didn't let go. Instead, she hugged him more intimately, as if they were lovers. A moment later, she tilted her head thoughtfully and spoke with a serious expression.

"But I can't just call you by your name. That would be disrespectful… How about I call you Brother Fei from now on?"

"You really don't have to be so… ahem, fine. Whatever you prefer. Call me what you like," Chen Fei said. He initially felt it was unnecessary—what did respect matter as long as he knew his own intentions? However, seeing the determination on her face, he gave up trying to persuade her.

"You truly are a charming gentleman, Brother Fei. This is the first time I've ever wanted a boyfriend," Apel said with a beautiful smile, her eyes fixed on his face. She couldn't resist leaning in and giving his cheek another firm kiss, making another soft POP.

Before coming here today, she had mentally prepared herself for the worst. She had braced for losing her treasured purity, for facing even more degrading acts, for satisfying the depraved desires and twisted minds of so-called influential, high-society figures… She was ready for any number of unspeakable, tragic outcomes. In fact, beneath her fear, there was a numbness, a feeling of having already fallen into hell.

But what about now? It was as if God had heard her prayers and suddenly blessed her. There was no perverted magnate with depraved desires, no despairing and tragic fate. There was only this incredibly charming man from the East, who made her feel as if she had stepped into a romantic, beautiful, and unfamiliar dream. Her heart was now pounding uncontrollably.

She was genuinely starting to fall for him, this impossibly charming man she had only just met!

"A gentleman? I don't know about that. But I am a bit tired now. Come, rest with me for a while." Chen Fei smiled faintly and lay down on the bed, a trace of weariness on his face. The previous battle had drained him severely, and he was still exhausted, both physically and mentally.

"Oh, alright. I'll rest with you," Apel said. Her eyes first showed a flicker of disappointment, but she quickly noticed the genuine exhaustion on his face. It wasn't an act. A look of gentle concern appeared in her eyes as she took the blanket and carefully covered him. After a moment's hesitation, she surprised herself by slipping in beside him. Her curvaceous, perfect body settled close to his as she simply watched him. Then, the room fell silent.

Some time later, the doorbell suddenly rang.

Chen Fei's eyebrows twitched, and he slowly opened his eyes.

At that moment, Apel was lying only inches away, awake, watching him with a gentle tenderness.

When she saw he was awake and their eyes met, her cheeks flushed slightly. She sat up, straightened her nightgown, and walked towards the entrance. "I'll get the door."

A moment later, she let out a startled "Ah!" Her tone became exceedingly respectful and tinged with fear. "Res-respected Mr. Syria, hello."

The person who had rung the bell was none other than the Brad Family's Chief Steward, Syria. Standing beside him was a white-haired elder with crimson eyes. This man was the current Clan Leader of the Brad Family—Old Brad.

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