A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "You still attack first, ask later."
Her eyes widened as realization dawned. "You— you saved me?"
He released her wrist, stepping closer. "You're welcome."
His tone was lazy, teasing, yet the weight of his gaze sent a ripple through her chest. She hated how her pulse quickened under that calm stare.
Su Ning crossed her arms, masking her fluster. "I could've handled it."
Qi Xiyue chuckled lowly. "Is that so? Because it looked to me like you were seconds away from being kidnapped."
Her lips twitched. "…You saw that?"
"Every second," he said, eyes glinting. "You fought well. But you shouldn't underestimate tranquilizers. They're designed for people far less ordinary than you."
That last line made her tense slightly — did he know?
But his expression remained indifferent.
Qi Xiyue took a step closer, close enough that she could feel the faint warmth radiating from him. The air between them thickened.
"Next time," he said softly, "call me before someone tries to kill you. I might actually enjoy showing up sooner."
Su Ning blinked, speechless at his audacity.
"Do you always flirt with people you rescue?" she muttered.
His lips curved. "Only when they try to punch me after waking up."
Her cheeks warmed despite herself. She turned away abruptly, hiding her expression. "Where's my phone?"
He reached into his pocket and held it out. "Right here."
As she reached for it, he tapped the screen, unlocking it easily. Then, before she could protest, he typed in his number, pressed call, and his phone on the table rang.
Su Ning blinked. "What are you—"
"Now," he said with that same teasing calm, "you can call me if someone else tries to drug you. Or kidnap you. Or if you just feel like thanking me properly."
Her expression froze between disbelief and irritation. "You're impossible."
He saved her contact on his phone as 'Little troublemaker', showing it to her with a faint smirk. "It suits you."
"Delete that," she said sharply.
"I won't."
Their gazes locked again, his calm and dark, hers fiery and unyielding.
The silence that followed was charged, heavy with unspoken things neither dared to voice.
Finally, Su Ning exhaled, defeated. "…Thank you."
Qi Xiyue's smirk softened into something almost imperceptible. "Don't mention it."
By late afternoon, the capital sky had turned a soft gold. Qi Xiyue's private airstrip lay beyond the outskirts — guarded, secluded, and exuding quiet power.
The sleek black jet waited, its metallic sheen catching the light like a blade.
Su Ning stood beside Qi Xiyue. Her hair loose, flowing behind her like silk.
"You could've taken me to the airport," she teased lightly, "this feels too extravagant."
Qi Xiyue gave her a sidelong glance. "You were attacked under my watch. You leave under my protection."
She rolled her eyes. "Possessive much?"
He smiled faintly. "Call it insurance."
They walked toward the jet. His subordinates followed silently, efficient and respectful.
At the steps, Qi Xiyue paused. His phone vibrated — a message flashing across the screen. His expression shifted slightly, calm giving way to focus.
"Something came up?" Su Ning asked, sensing the change.
He nodded, not disclosing the full details. "A problem in one of the overseas branches. I'll have to stay behind for a few days."
He turned to her then, voice lowering. "Two of my men will escort you safely to City F. They'll follow your instructions as they would mine."
Su Ning nodded. "You don't have to worry about me."
"I will, when it comes to you."
She blinked, startled by the quiet intensity of his words.
Qi Xiyue's eyes softened for a fraction of a second. "Get some rest on the way. And stay out of trouble."
Su Ning gave him a small, knowing smile. "No promises."
He laughed quietly — a rare sound. "I didn't expect any."
Then, as she stepped into the jet, he caught her wrist briefly. Their eyes met, an electric pulse passing between them.
"Next time," he murmured, "I'll be the one visiting City F."
Su Ning arched a brow. "We'll see if I let you."
He released her, watching as she disappeared inside the jet. The engines roared softly to life.
Qi Xiyue stood there for a long time, his gaze fixed on the departing plane until it vanished into the horizon.
Then his expression darkened, his voice low as he turned to his aide.
"Find out who hired those men," he ordered. "And make sure they never breathe again."
"Yes, Monarch."
As the car door closed behind him, the city lights reflected off his eyes — cold, sharp, and unreadable.
And somewhere high above the clouds, Su Ning sat by the window of the private jet, her fingers brushing her phone screen where his number glowed faintly.
Then saved his number as 'Not my type'.
A small smile curved her lips.