Wenxian's gaze locks onto Captain Lu the moment they meet, her heart already surrendering to his charm. "Tell me," she purrs, "what will it take to captivate you—should I be direct, or will honeyed words do the trick?" Lu Xiao exhales smoke through a wry smile, his tone cutting. "You're a celebrated star; I'm just a captain in this remote post. My pockets run empty and my prospects emptier. What could possibly draw you to someone like me?" "Your refusal," Wenxian replies without hesitation. "The way you resist me is intoxicating." Lu Xiao's composure fractures, but he turns away before his walls crumble further. "You're incorrigible. Stop this foolish pursuit at once." By morning, his defenses have shifted. "Were you merely acting on impulse yesterday?" Wenxian's eyes gleam with calculated intent. "Not impulse—strategy."