When was the last time someone made Ru speechless... Hmm... That was indeed an interesting question.

But it surely wasn't the first time. However, it could be called the second time that a guy managed to stun her with his words.

But the last one was the memory of a person she never got to see. But the memory might not be as clear to her as it was to Xiao Zhi Ren himself.

*Flashback*

"I heard from the doctor that you're making a speedy recovery. Even he is surprised." He had said as he entered the room.

"Why are you here?" She asked without giving any reaction.

He looked at her for a while before replying, "Because you are here."

"You should do what you really wanna do. Stop wasting your time in the hospital."

He rolled his eyes at her and said, "No. I don't want to."

"And why is that?" She couldn't understand herself why she was insisting on this argument but she couldn't stop herself.

"Because I am already doing what I love to do." He answered softly while she felt his presence closer to herself.

"What is that?" She asked curiously.

His peppermint breath brushed past her cheek as he whispered, "Being here with you."

Although he couldn't possibly see her expression because off the excessive wounds on her face, he still knew that she was stunned because she didn't bother saying a word after that and pretended to sleep.

*End of Flashback*

Xiao Zhi Ren smiled at that beautiful memory and turned to see Ru still frozen stuck where he left her. Now that he noticed... He realized she was really adorable with that speechless look on her face.

"Aren't you coming?" His voice brought Ru back to her senses.

Ru shook her head to calm herself again and joined him while they walked together towards the apartment complex.

"Didn't take you for a cats person..." Ru casually remarked to get over the turmoil running amok in her heart.

"That's a stray cat, I found her last week. She was quite weak. I wanted to take her home but Yuan is allergic to cats. So, I could only do this much." He explained seriously.

"And then he says I'm not a saint," Ru mumbled to herself.

"What did you say?"

"I said you could have taken her to a shelter." Ru tacitly changed her words.

"And why would I take her freedom from her? She seems happy in this wilderness. And who knows if she'd get a good home or not?" Seeing him getting all sentimental, Ru was really amused.

"You and your obsession with saving lives."

"If I remember correctly, I saved your life as well; right on this very road." Xiao Zhi Ren replied cheekily.

"And I gave you a wish in return." She retorted.

"Since you like traditions so much..." He abruptly stopped while turning her to face him and went on, "I heard there is a saying that one should pay the debt of saving a life with one's body. How about devoting yours to me?"

Ru choked on air and started coughing profusely. He rubbed her back to soothe her while Ru had complicated emotions. 'What's wrong with him? Wasn't he introvert in flirting? When did a fox's spirit take over him?'

Ru took a step back and said, "Something is seriously wrong with you tonight."

"There is..." He replied while taking a step towards her.

"What's wrong?" She asked on instinctively.

"I am happy."

"Why?"

Gripping both her arms in his own, he pulled her close. Their faces were barely inches away from each other. "You are here. That's enough to make me happy."

Ru knew she was supposed to struggle out of his grip but why wasn't her body moving. She was supposed to, right?

Giving a dry laugh, she said, "Having a sworn brother like me can make anyone happy."

Xiao Zhiren leaned forward just enough to let the tips of their nose touch but this slight touch was like a scorching heat that spread not just in their bodies but also in their surroundings giving an ambiguous view.

"I have been wondering whether your lips taste as good as they look..." Ru's eyes widened as she stared back into his eyes that were right in front of her... So up close. "But it's a shame we wouldn't find out since you are my SWORN BROTHER." He emphasized the last two words on purpose before letting his grip loose and stepping back.

Nothing happened. It seemed like that for anyone. But only Ru and Xiao Zhiren knew what this small interaction did. For Xiao Zhiren, he finally took another step forward and not like a thief this time. For Ru, he was making their bond unclear.