“By the way, Nam Châu, I've read your thesis. It's still not up to par. Why don't you rewrite it—”
My father turned to me, “Why did you come here?”
“I forgot my keys.”
Dad handed me the keys while pushing me out the door, coaxing, “Baby, next time just call Daddy if you forget your keys. I'll bring them to you. Don't come to campus anymore.”
“Mhm. Thanks Daddy.”
An An asked what happened. I blinked innocently, “Nothing.”
That afternoon, Hạ Nam Châu texted me to meet at his university's cafe.
I cheerfully told my father, “Daddy, I won't be home for dinner tonight! Nam Châu asked me out~”
At the cafe:
Hạ Nam Châu stared vacantly at the towering stack of books before him. I bounced into the seat opposite him, “What's wrong, boyfriend?”
He forced a smile, grasping my hands with exaggerated tenderness, “Baby, let's tell your dad we broke up first. After I graduate successfully, we'll go public. Okay?”
06
Tears rolled down my cheeks, “Why? Daddy would never stop us! You saw him this morning – he didn't say anything!”
Hạ Nam Châu grimaced, “Your father... ah, you're too naive. Whenever your dad lectures, any casual conversation becomes about you and your sister. He...”
“Thi Thi.” My father materialized like a ghost nearby, “Finished your date? Come home for dinner tonight. I'm cooking personally. Nam Châu hasn't visited our home yet.”
I happily tugged Hạ Nam Châu's arm, “Come on! See how much Daddy likes you!”
While Dad cooked, I played video games as Hạ Nam Châu fidgeted nervously.
He tried reasoning with me – if this continued, my father would discreetly destroy him.
I said he was overthinking.
My sister returned from a business trip. Spotting the stranger, she asked, “Who's this?”
“My boyfriend!” I declared proudly.
She snorted at Hạ Nam Châu, “Good luck!” before retreating to her room.
At dinner, I kept piling food onto Hạ Nam Châu's plate.
Dad's face darkened.
My sister inquired about our romance. I recounted everything, especially emphasizing how Hạ Nam Châu got me drunk and offered me 200,000 monthly.
Dad crushed a wine glass.
My sister – an investment banker obsessed with work – started discussing investments with Tạ Nam Châu.
I was Daddy's little princess, content to be a carefree nepo baby forever.
07
After Hạ Nam Châu left, Dad said, “Baby, he's a playboy! He's cycled through countless girlfriends at school.”
I protested, “Daddy, he's not a playboy! He's my Prince Charming!”
Dad smiled meaningfully.
Days later, Hạ Nam Châu invited me to a bar with two friends – one rakish, the other bespectacled and exuding refined restraint.
Both were exceptionally handsome.
I gleefully clung to Hạ Nam Châu's arm, “Boyfriend, why bring such attractive third wheels on our date?”
He shoved me off, “Thi Thi, I was blind before. Now that I know you're the professor's daughter, stop toying with me!”
“Why say I'm toying with you?” I feigned innocence.
“Your sister told me everything! You're just getting revenge. Let's end this charade – I admit defeat, okay?”
He downed several shots in quick succession. His embarrassed friends excused themselves.
Watching them leave, I asked, “What's the name of the taller one with glasses?”
“Chu Đình Việt.”
“From that Chu family?”
He nodded.
Smiling sweetly, I gripped Hạ Nam Châu's chin as he swayed drunkenly. Pouring liquor down his throat, I whispered, “If you were selling drinks, I'd buy you too.
“Let's call it even. But you'll help me chase your friend... or I'll tell Daddy I'm eloping with you.”
08
Hạ Nam Châu provided Chu Đình Việt's comprehensive dossier. I devoured every detail.
He mentioned Chu Đình Việt's upcoming island birthday celebration, suggesting I attend as his dance partner. As payment, I told Dad we'd broken up.
Dad struggled to suppress his grin, “Oh? Why? He seemed nice.”
I shrugged, “Too busy. I don't date workaholics!”
When Hạ Nam Châu graduated, he sent his diploma photo. I couldn't care less.
[What color dress does Chu Đình Việt like?]
I sent two options – red and white.
[White for day, red for night.]
Makes sense.
Dad left for an overseas conference, instructing me to stay home safely with An An. I agreed sweetly... then boarded Hạ Nam Châu's private jet to the island.
“Get him a gift?” Hạ Nam Châu asked.
I showed diamond cufflinks.
He tweaked my ear, “So the princess does give gifts.”
I slapped his hand away, “Don't touch me! Chu Đình Việt might misunderstand!”
Smirking, he attached the cufflinks to himself, “I like these.” Before I realized, we'd landed on the deserted island.
“Where are the others?”
“Just us.” He leaned in maliciously, “Since you love games, little师妹, I'll play with you here – properly.”
