In Ye Zimo's study, he sat upright in the armchair, his expression even colder and more stern than when he was in the hall. His icy gaze pressed down on the butler with immense authority, causing the butler's shirt to be soaked with sweat. After a long pause, Ye Zimo spoke with a definite tone: 'You are playing favorites! This is the first time, and it will be the last. If I find out again, you will consider the consequences yourself!' The butler wanted to argue a few words, but before he could open his mouth, he was forced back by Ye Zimo's cold and hard stare, only daring to agree repeatedly. 'I'm sorry, Mr. Ye! It's my fault, I will definitely not do this again in the future!' 'Go back!' 'Yes, Mr. Ye!' The butler said respectfully, then left the room, only daring to stop and wipe off some sweat once he was outside the door. Everything here was under surveillance, so no matter how angry or resentful he was, he dared not show any expression on his face. When the butler was not around, the six maids were almost divided into two factions. Fang Lina and a few others were still whispering bad about Xia Yihan. Even though Ye Zimo personally said that Xia Yihan had no kissing experience, they did not believe it at all. Only heaven knew how much they hated, envied, and wished that it had happened to them. Jiu Jiu also brought the topic to this, her little face slightly red, looking at Xia Yihan with envy and said: 'Oh my, the Crown Prince is so domineering, my heart is completely captured. Yihan, why didn't you take the chance to kiss him back? Are you dizzy or silly, how could you push him away?' Liu Xiaojiao also whispered in agreement: 'That's right, Yihan, if you seize the moment, would you still be afraid of them bullying you?'

Their questions caused Xia Yihan's cheeks to quickly flush with embarrassment... No, Xia Yihan, he is not Mo Xiaojun, so you should feel disgusted by him. Seeing that she didn't speak, Liu Xiaojiao continued to persuade her: 'Seize the opportunity, I've heard that the Crown Prince's interest in women doesn't last long.' These words reminded Xia Yihan that she should get closer to Ye Zimo when he wasn't being so repulsive to her. This incident further proved that only he could allow her to stay here. If one day she could become friends with him—even though it was almost impossible, she should still strive for it. 'Jiu Jiu, Xiaojiao, wait for me a moment, I'm going to personally thank Mr. Ye. If it weren't for his words today, I might not be here.' 'Okay! Go quickly! It's best if you take a very long time to come back!' The two of them were obviously much more excited than she was. Xia Yihan encountered the butler in the corridor, and she forced herself to squeeze out a smile, although at this moment she hated him more than Ye Zimo, she still had to smile at him to stay. 'Butler, could you please tell me which room Mr. Ye is in?' The butler's face piled up with a smile, and he said very politely: 'Yihan, Mr. Ye is in the study.' His smile, his politeness, made Xia Yihan's spine feel cold. Being so kind to her without reason, who knew what he might do to her in secret, it seemed she needed to be even more vigilant. 'Thank you very much!' After saying this, Xia Yihan, following the butler's directions, gently knocked on the door of Ye Zimo's study. 'Come in!' She took a deep breath, turned the door handle, stood at the doorway, and said softly: 'Mr. Ye, I came specifically to thank you.'

"Come here!" he commanded without a shadow of doubt, his tone and expression that of an emperor. Was this the man who had protected her reputation in front of everyone? How could he so quickly revert to such a superior demeanor? The small distance she had felt closing between them in her heart seemed to be widening again. She thought he was paying attention to her. But why should he? From his perspective, she was just an ordinary little maid, perhaps as insignificant as dust. Walking up to his spacious desk, Xia Yihan stopped and thanked him very solemnly. "Mr. Ye, I am very grateful for the opportunity you have given me again today." "Come here!" he interrupted her, speaking in a deep voice. The oppressive feeling of these two words made Xia Yihan unconsciously tense. She glanced at the positions of the two of them; if she moved forward, she would reach the desk. Did he want her to come next to his chair? She was very afraid of such a close distance. He wouldn't, Xia Yihan, relax. He wouldn't make things difficult for an ordinary woman like you, it's just that he likes to keep everything under his control. Don't be nervous, just act as if nothing has happened. She tried to calm herself as she walked around the desk and came to his side, but before she could stop, her arm was suddenly grabbed by his strong hand. "Mr. Ye! Please, please let me go!" She said what she thought was the calmest sentence, only to find her voice trembling. Ye Zimo seemed to have no intention of letting go and asked, "Do you like or hate being kissed by me?" "I..." Xia Yihan didn't know how to answer. To say hate, she feared it would anger him. To say like? No, she couldn't say those two words to anyone, even if it was a lie. She tried to break free, but it was impossible. Clearly, the answer he wanted, she had to give. "Say it!" he ordered coldly.