A Love That Crosses the Line

[Ten-year age gap + fatherly boyfriend + growing-up-together romance + no blood relation + both leads’ first and only love] The Ji family is one of the capital’s most powerful families, and every son is exceptional. The eldest, Ji Tingchuan, became a major at a young age and has always been strict and uncompromising with his two younger brothers. That is, until an orphan who had lost both her parents came to live with them. The first time Ji Tingchuan saw her, he was in a crisp uniform, his features cold and stern. Xia An’an timidly called him “Big Brother,” and from then on, this “Big Brother” took charge of every aspect of her life. “That skirt won’t do. It’s too short. Change into another one.” “No. That university is too far from home.” “No. You came back too late. From now on, you have to be home by eight in the evening.” His younger brothers were dumbfounded. Since when had their iron-fisted eldest brother, who always had the final say, become so fussy? Xia An’an was confused too. It wasn’t until the night she saw her university admission letter that she discovered her big brother had changed her application choices. “The north is too cold. It doesn’t suit you.” His voice was low, his fingertips brushing past her ear. “Big Brother, Jing City is in the north too, and I want to go…” Xia An’an murmured in protest. Ji Tingchuan’s gaze darkened, the muscles beneath his uniform tensing slightly. “I don’t agree.” “Why?” Xia An’an looked up and met his unfathomable gaze. Ji Tingchuan clasped her wrist, his grip restrained yet burning hot. “Because…” He leaned down, his breath scorching. “The girl I raised can only stay by my side.” Later, everyone in the capital knew that the Ji family’s iron-fisted heir had a weakness. And Xia An’an, the weakness in question, was nestled in his arms as he ground out: “That guy who brought you home last night? I’ve already had a ‘talk’ with him.”