Professor Xie, isn't this a case of forcing customers to buy products that don't match the

Shang Song numbly followed Lin Zhou through the winding corridors.

The garden was eerily quiet at night, with only the sound of their footsteps and the faint sound of flowing water in the distance.

The courtyard lights glowed softly, the strange rocks remained silent, and the ancient trees swayed gently.

As Shang Song walked, he suddenly caught a glimpse of two dark figures standing near the moon gate in the distance.

He subconsciously focused his gaze and noticed that the two men were wearing matching dark uniforms, and it seemed that they had something clipped to their waists.

As he turned another corner and the headlights changed angle, he saw it clearly.

gun? !

Shang Song abruptly stopped, his blood running cold.

Holy crap! Real guns?! These people... these people are carrying guns?! Where on earth is this place?! Who exactly is Xie Jing?!

Lin Zhou noticed him stop, paused as well, and turned to ask, "Mr. Shang?"

Shang Song's Adam's apple bobbed with difficulty. Pointing in the direction of the two people in the distance, his voice was tight and filled with doubt and surprise: "Mr. Lin... those people... they have... guns on them?"

Lin Zhou glanced in the direction he was pointing and immediately understood. He calmly replied, "Yes, Mr. Shang. Xishan has a high level of security, and some personnel are equipped with appropriate equipment in accordance with relevant regulations."

"According to regulations?!" Shang Song's voice was even drier. "Who...who exactly are you people? Xie Jing...is he your leader? Is this...some kind of illegal organization's hideout? Are you trying to...recruit me?"

The more he talked, the more likely it seemed, and cold sweat broke out on his back.

Lin Zhou tugged at the corners of his lips, revealing an expression that resembled helplessness, but he quickly composed himself, his tone even softening as he tried to reassure him: "You've misunderstood, Mr. Shang."

"The Xie family has a long history and holds a special position and responsibility in cultural heritage preservation and some important international fields. Therefore, it is entirely legal and compliant to ensure that the core members and important assets of the family are protected by relevant departments and equipped with appropriate levels of security forces."

He even bowed slightly, saying, "If you are concerned about this, I can provide you with copies of the relevant filing and permit documents."

Shang Song: "..."

Access to relevant filing and permit information?

So it's...legal gun ownership?!

Shang Song was even more bewildered, his voice completely trembling: "Legal? Private property...can you legally carry a gun? Xie Jing...who exactly is he? I mean, besides that nominal professor..."

Lin Zhou paused for a moment, seemingly considering how to answer this sensitive question carefully. In the end, he could only choose his words carefully, trying his best to appease the situation:

"You asked who the head of the family is... His most fundamental and important identity is naturally that of the head of the Xie family. But please forgive me for not being able to say more about the origins of the Xie family and the specific areas it is involved in."

Shang Song: "..."

What's the difference between saying it and not saying it at all?!

Lin Zhou continued, organizing his thoughts: "As for the patriarch's other identities, the title of Honorary Professor at S University, as you know, is indeed a publicly held title. But apart from that..."

He paused briefly, then changed the subject, his tone clearly reserved: "Due to his family's heritage and personal achievements, the head of the family also holds other higher-level and more specialized identities and positions. These identities involve advisors, honorary titles, or important ranks in fields such as literature and history, heritage preservation, and certain international affairs."

"As for the specifics, it would be more appropriate for the head of the family to tell you personally when you have a more in-depth conversation with him. What I can say now is that because the head of the family sometimes deals with matters of national interest, he, as well as all those related to him, are under a very high level of security."

"Like tonight's situation, if you have an argument on the street, in any public place, or even just in front of your apartment, it would be a serious security risk for the homeowner if it were noticed by someone who shouldn't be watching."

"Therefore, he has to bring you back and handle things inside Xishan. It's absolutely safe here, with no outside eyes, so you can have a proper talk with the head of the family."

Shang Song was stunned, his mind a complete mess.

He understood each word individually, but he couldn't grasp the meaning of them together.

He knew Xie Jing was wealthy, but he had initially thought Xie Jing was at most a university professor with a slightly more powerful background.

He's a bit more learned, a bit more reserved, and drives a better car—that's all.

Now, someone is telling him that the piece of wood he's been tossing around for half a year is a mysterious figure with such a special status that his daily safety requires him to be armed.

In fact, because that piece of wood has such a special status, it can't be allowed to argue outside, so... that's why we brought him here!

Lin Zhou raised his eyes, looked at the completely stunned Shang Song, and added earnestly, "Bringing you back tonight was certainly the head of the family's personal wish. But objectively, it was also to avoid any potential risks to you. Please believe me, the head of the family has no ill intentions towards you; on the contrary, he values ​​your safety very much."

Shang Song opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found his mind even more confused.

So, during the year they dated.

He suggested going to the movies, but Xie Jing said that cinemas are crowded and unsafe.

He suggested going to eat hot pot, but Xie Jing said that restaurants on the street weren't safe.

He said he would go for a walk by the lake at school in the evening, but Xie Jing said the lights were dim and it wasn't safe.

At the time, he thought it was just a perfunctory excuse, that Xie Jing was too cold and aloof, and that he wouldn't bother doing the things that ordinary couples would do with him.

It turns out that it really wasn't safe for Xie Jing.

He was also annoyed that Xie Jing was always a beat late in replying to his WeChat messages, sometimes taking at least half an hour.

Looking back now, Xie Jing was probably dealing with something important while he was waiting for the WeChat message.

And then there was that final over-the-shoulder throw; at that moment, he felt utterly rejected, his dignity shattered.

But looking back now, perhaps... it really was Xie Jing's instinctive defense against any sudden close contact.

When Xie Jing said he wasn't used to the sudden contact, he wasn't just making excuses.

"I...I understand," he could only say dryly at the end.

But he didn't actually know anything; he was just overwhelmed by a barrage of information.

He needs time to process this; no, he needs to reboot his brain.

Lin Zhou noticed his confusion and ended the conversation at the right time: "It's late, and you've had a fright today. Tingyun Residence has been cleaned up; it's a very comfortable and quiet courtyard. Please get some rest. If you have anything to say, you can talk to the head of the family tomorrow."

He gestured for Shang Song to enter, leading him towards the exquisite courtyard.

Shang Song followed, shuffling along in his slippers, his steps unsteady.

The garden was tranquil under the moonlight, the armed guards were still there in the distance, and Lin Zhou's words still echoed in my ears.

He tried to process what happened tonight, but only came to a few incoherent conclusions:

Xie Jing wanted to force himself on him.

But he's still that quirky, wooden-headed guy.

Xie Jing's identity is very special, and he needs more than just armed protection.

She's someone who can't stand arguing in public.

They're the kind of people who, even if they're going to argue, have to go back to their own backyard.

He used to think that Xie Jing was cold, perfunctory, and pretentious, and that he was unwilling to be with him in this or that way.

Now I realize that what they were doing wasn't an act.

It's really high-class.