In the bustling metropolis, in the heart of Xinyi District, the 40-story Yan Corporation building stands tall and proud. Its glass curtain walls glisten in the sunlight, a modern eco-friendly structure that ingeniously incorporates natural light and innovative design.
However, no matter how much times change or how designs evolve, one rule remains eternal: the top floor is always the symbol and core of power. Only the leader who issues commands has the right to sit there.
Placing her employee ID card on the sensor, the elevator doors beeped open, and a graceful figure stepped inside, waiting quietly as the elevator ascended to the 40th floor.
The woman was slender, standing around 165 cm tall. Her neatly fitted suit and half-inch heels accentuated her long, elegant figure. Her hair was tied up in a simple yet stylish bun, revealing a delicate and beautiful face—arched eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, a delicate nose, and cherry lips. Her skin was smooth and flawless, the epitome of a classic beauty.
Only high-ranking employees of Yan Corporation could access the 40th floor, and this woman was no exception. She was the personal assistant to the vice president of Yan Corporation, a position that spoke volumes about her competence and efficiency. However, unlike the typical arrogance and pride often seen in high-ranking executives, she exuded a gentle, almost fragile charm, more akin to a delicate young lady from a wealthy family.
Ding! The elevator doors opened, and the woman stepped out, heading straight to her desk. She deftly organized the documents on her desk. She had just escorted an important client for the vice president, and glancing at the digital clock, it was almost time to head to the airport to meet the third son of the Chiba Corporation, who was arriving from Japan.
Thinking of the young Chiba heir, she couldn’t help but frown. After a light sigh, she picked up a stack of documents awaiting approval and headed to the vice president’s office. She knocked gently on the closed door before pushing it open.
The spacious office was quiet. The man sitting in the leather chair seemed to be dozing off. Not wanting to disturb him, she tiptoed in and quietly placed the documents on his desk.
Her gaze lingered on his slightly tilted face, where faint signs of fatigue were visible.
His head rested against the back of the chair, his chiseled features tense. His side-swept bangs fell casually, revealing his sharp, upward-slanting eyebrows. His long lashes rested against his closed eyes, and his thin lips were pressed into a straight line. His angular jawline and slightly pale, smooth skin made for an exceptionally handsome face.
The man was tall, around 180 cm, but not bulky. His slender frame gave him the appearance of a gentle scholar, exuding an air of kindness and warmth.
At this thought, the woman couldn’t help but smile softly. The word "gentle" was the last thing anyone would use to describe him. Anyone who knew him even slightly would never associate him with such a term.
Indeed, beneath his handsome exterior lay a fiery temper. He was quick to anger, prone to outbursts, and had a sharp tongue that spared no one.
This man’s self-defense mechanisms were stronger than anyone else’s, and his pride was so inflated that he couldn’t tolerate the slightest insult. He was the vice president of Yan Corporation and the future heir—Yan Tianyou, the young master of the Yan family.
And she, Ding Yixin, had been by his side ever since she was adopted by Mrs. Yan from the children’s home at the age of seven. Unknowingly, twenty years had passed since then!
Ding Yixin sighed softly in her heart. Looking at the man who was still dozing, she couldn’t tell if he was just resting his eyes or had fallen asleep from exhaustion. Feeling a pang of heartache, she decided to let him rest a little longer.
Just as she was about to quietly leave, Yan Tianyou suddenly opened his eyes. She froze, caught off guard, and their gazes locked.
Taking in her dazed expression, a mischievous glint flickered in his dark eyes. He lazily straightened up, running his fingers through his slightly disheveled hair in a careless yet undeniably captivating manner.
Ding Yixin felt her cheeks flush. As his gaze turned mocking and a smirk tugged at his lips, she felt a lump in her throat. Hurriedly, she composed herself and managed to find her voice.
“Oh… it’s time…” She stumbled over her words, feeling inexplicably guilty. “It’s time to head to the airport. The third son of Chiba Corporation should be arriving soon.”
Knowing her discomfort, Yan Tianyou deliberately remained silent, resting his elbows on the armrests of his chair and interlacing his long fingers. Every movement was slow and deliberate.
“Chiba Nosa?” he asked, feigning ignorance.
“Yes. I’ve reserved a VIP room at Huyue Pavilion for tonight to welcome him,” Ding Yixin replied, her tone all business now, her mind clearly back in order.
“You go in my place,” he said languidly. “Be a good host and make sure he’s well taken care of. Don’t offend him.”
What did he mean by “take care of”? She wasn’t a hostess! Ding Yixin wanted to retort but instead lowered her gaze, hiding her thoughts, and calmly agreed. “Yes.”
Her quick compliance no longer fazed Yan Tianyou. Her obedience was a given. No matter what he asked, she never refused. She would do anything he demanded.
“Anything else?” he asked, clearly eager to dismiss her.
“These documents are urgent. I’d appreciate it if you could review them today,” she said, pointing to the stack she had just placed on his desk.
Glancing at the files, Yan Tianyou opened a drawer, pulled out a pair of surgical gloves, and began flipping through the documents without another word.
“I’ll have the driver pick you up at six,” Ding Yixin said before quietly exiting the room.
Once the door closed, Yan Tianyou tossed the pen aside and leaned back in his chair, lost in thought.
Everyone knew about the third son of the Chiba family—his reputation as a womanizer was well-known. Especially when it came to beautiful women, he never missed an opportunity to take advantage, regardless of whether they were business partners or not.
If it weren’t for the long-standing business relationship between Chiba Corporation and Yan Corporation, Yan Tianyou wouldn’t have bothered dealing with such a despicable man.
That said, during Chiba Nosa’s last visit to Taiwan, he had already set his sights on Ding Yixin, constantly trying to get close to her. Yan Tianyou had turned a blind eye, not intervening as Ding Yixin fended off the man’s advances.
This time, Chiba Nosa had boldly requested that Ding Yixin accompany him during his stay in Taiwan, making his intentions crystal clear.
Knowing full well what Chiba Nosa was like, Yan Tianyou still chose to send Ding Yixin into the lion’s den. Did he really dislike her that much? Did he not care about her at all?
This complex and contradictory emotion was something only Yan Tianyou himself could understand.
After a grueling day and a night spent fending off wolves, Ding Yixin finally made it home unscathed.
However, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had played the role of a pimp.
The reason? She had hired two professional hostesses to keep Chiba Nosa company all night, which allowed her to return home early.
Dragging her exhausted body back to the Yan residence, Ding Yixin couldn’t wait to soak in a fragrant bath and wash away the stench of smoke and alcohol clinging to her.
But as soon as she stepped into her room, her fingers barely brushing the light switch, she was intercepted.
In the darkness, a tall figure emerged. The door slammed shut behind her, and a strong arm wrapped around her slender waist. Another hand deftly undid her bun, letting her smooth, silky black hair cascade down.
The man buried his face in her hair, inhaling its scent, before lifting a strand and brushing his lips against her ear.
Ding Yixin felt her strength leave her, her body melting into the man behind her.
Suddenly, he released her, tossing her onto the bed before pinning her down…
The morning sun filled the room with warmth, marking the arrival of early autumn.
Opening her eyes, Ding Yixin’s gaze fell on the familiar profile of the man beside her. She quietly withdrew her arm from his chest and shifted her body away, propping herself up on her elbow to study the face she had known for twenty years.
This reclusive man, who had been by her side for two decades, still made her heart race.
Yan Tianyou’s face was unusually soft in sleep. His bare chest was lean, though stronger than it had been in his youth—a result of his long-term martial arts training and physical conditioning. However, his skin was not a healthy tan but a pale, almost porcelain-like smoothness, a consequence of always wearing long sleeves.
Though his skin was smooth, it wasn’t hard to spot the faint bruises scattered across his body, like marks left after a collision. These were signs of subcutaneous bleeding.
When Ding Yixin first saw these marks, she had been shocked. Now, they only filled her with heartache. Though they didn’t cause pain, they were unsightly.
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No matter how hot the weather, Yan Tianyou always wore long sleeves, never revealing his skin in public. The thought of others looking at him with fear or disgust was something his pride couldn’t bear.
In truth, Yan Tianyou suffered from a rare condition called “platelet dysfunction.” His blood had an abnormal clotting mechanism, a condition so rare that there were only two or three known cases in Taiwan.
Though his platelet count was normal, they lacked functionality, likely due to an anomaly in the 17th chromosome.
In simple terms, when he was injured, his blood wouldn’t clot properly. In severe cases, he could bleed uncontrollably, even to the point of death. Every moment of his life was under threat.
Since childhood, he had been in and out of hospitals, unable to live a normal life. He couldn’t eat, drink, or play freely, always living in fear of injury. It was as if he were a delicate flower that could only thrive in a greenhouse. This rare condition had undoubtedly shaped his extreme personality and volatile temper.
Ding Yixin sighed softly in her heart. He was truly a man to worry about. Not only could he not afford to get hurt, but he also couldn’t overexert himself. Yet, he always pushed himself to the limit, just like last night—Another sigh escaped her lips. Ding Yixin realized she was growing less and less able to understand him. She could never quite grasp his thoughts. As they grew older, the distance between them seemed to widen, even though he was right beside her, the closest person to her. Yet, he felt so far away.
She knew he kept his heart tightly locked, shutting her out. No matter how many years passed, no matter how hard she knocked, he refused to open that door.
After they graduated from university and joined Yan Corporation, it became even more apparent. Whether it was business or personal matters, Yan Tianyou often assigned her to entertain this CEO or that socialite, even acting as a dance partner or tour guide for some young master. It was as if he was deliberately trying to push her into the arms of other men.
But did that mean he didn’t care about her at all? Not quite. He was possessive of her, demanding complete ownership of her body and heart. It was only in those moments that he showed her any warmth, making her feel loved, as if he truly cared for her.
Perhaps it was all just an illusion. Maybe he didn’t love her at all. But even if the truth was harsh, she didn’t want to wake up from this dream. She was content to stay in this small bubble of happiness.
So, no matter how contradictory his actions were, no matter how he treated her, even if she became his puppet, she would accept it willingly.
Pulling her thoughts back, Ding Yixin’s gaze lingered on his sleeping face. Knowing that his low blood pressure would keep him asleep for a while longer, she gently kissed his lips, pulled the blanket over him, and quietly slipped out of bed.
Entering the bathroom, she ran her fingers through her waist-length hair. Maintaining this mane was no easy task—it was time-consuming and labor-intensive. She had once considered cutting it short, but the man in bed had vehemently forbidden it.
But if the man she loved liked it this way, then it was all worth it.
By the time the man in bed woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.
Realizing that the person beside him had already left, Yan Tianyou sat up lazily, regulating his breathing before slowly getting out of bed. He walked to the door connecting his room to hers and returned to his own room to shower and dress.
Dressed in a loose white shirt and khaki pants—his usual at-home attire—Yan Tianyou draped a towel over his head, gently drying his damp hair as he stepped onto the balcony to bask in the sunlight. Before he could fully settle, the sound of familiar laughter and children’s playful voices reached his ears. He looked down to see a woman, two children, and a large, goofy dog playing a game of chase in the garden.
The woman was Ding Yixin, who had spent the entire morning in the garden with the two children and “Little Fluffy.”
The children, aged eight and six, were the offspring of Yan Tianyou’s sister, Yan Weien, while Little Fluffy was the Yan family’s beloved Saint Bernard.
Little Fluffy, a purebred Swiss Saint Bernard with soft white and reddish-brown fur, was massive in size but endlessly amusing. Following in the footsteps of his father, “Fluffy,” he had become the most cherished member of the Yan household.
Gazing at the figure in pink sportswear running and laughing, her face undoubtedly flushed from the exertion, Yan Tianyou couldn’t help but admire her natural beauty. Even without makeup, her simple ponytail and unadorned appearance were strikingly beautiful.
Yan Tianyou knew she was always modest, never one for elaborate outfits or accessories. Her clothes were simple and comfortable, and she never wore jewelry, not even a watch. Her nails were always neatly trimmed and smooth, a precaution she took to avoid accidentally harming him. Her thoughtfulness was something he understood all too well.
She was kind, intelligent, and radiant—a woman like her deserved someone better, someone who could provide her with the happiness she deserved. How could a man like him, who couldn’t even guarantee his own life, ever be worthy of her? He couldn’t even offer her the simplest, most basic form of happiness.
Sensing a pair of intense eyes on her, Ding Yixin looked up to the second-floor balcony. Her gaze met his deep, inscrutable eyes. It wasn’t so much that she was quick to notice but rather that she had been keeping an eye on that balcony, always aware of the possibility of his tall figure appearing there.
At this distance, it was hard to make out each other’s expressions, but Ding Yixin could feel the heat in his gaze. Similarly, Yan Tianyou could sense the warmth in her beautiful eyes.
They locked eyes, neither able to clearly see the other’s face, yet both acutely aware of the emotions swirling between them. The unspoken affection hung heavy in the air, reaching each other’s hearts, though one of them refused to acknowledge it.
Yan Tianyou was the first to look away, turning without hesitation and retreating back into his room.
Yan Tianyou arrived downstairs just in time for lunch.
The Yan family''s patriarch, Yan Xiaohong, and his wife, along with Yan Weien and her husband, were already seated at the dining table.
The nearly sixty-year-old Yan Xiaohong and his wife were as loving as ever. Though their well-maintained figures were no longer young, they still exuded charm. Yan Xiaohong''s face, resembling his son''s, bore the marks of time and experience. His wife, though also touched by the passage of years, remained beautiful and captivating in her husband''s eyes.
On the other side of the table sat the younger couple, also a model pair. The eldest daughter, Yan Weien, had inherited her mother''s beauty and gentle temperament, as well as her father''s sharp intellect. She adored her younger brother, who was ten years her junior, but due to the age gap and his special health condition, their relationship had never been particularly close.
In truth, with Weien''s intelligence and capability, she was more than qualified to take over the family business. However, she had no such ambitions. Her greatest wish was to be a devoted wife and mother. After the birth of her children, she dedicated herself entirely to being a homemaker, leaving her husband, Wu Juncheng, who had married into the Yan family, to assist her father in managing the corporation.
Wu Juncheng was a rugged and charismatic man, with a strong, athletic build. In the prime of his life, he was mature, steady, and highly capable. He respected and cared for his elders and doted on his wife, making him a model husband and father.
All in all, the Yan family was a harmonious and happy one. If not for Yan Tianyou''s rare condition, it would have been a picture of perfect happiness. But alas, life rarely goes as one wishes.
"Tianyou, you''re awake?" Mrs. Yan exclaimed upon seeing her son, immediately instructing the servants to set the table. "I thought you''d be up later."
"Mm," Yan Tianyou replied expressionlessly, taking his seat and nodding slightly in greeting to everyone.
The entire Yan family had always doted on their sickly young master. No matter how bad his temper or disposition, they always gave him leeway. He was, in essence, the little emperor of the Yan household.
Even his parents never raised their voices at him, let alone scolded him. This was partly out of guilt and a desire to compensate for his condition.
Over time, Yan Tianyou''s spoiled nature had grown, making him arrogant and willful. However, as he matured, he had become more sensible. Though he no longer threw tantrums, old habits die hard. He still wore a perpetual scowl and rarely showed anyone a pleasant expression.
To be honest, deep down, Yan Tianyou harbored a sliver of resentment toward his parents, lamenting his imperfect body.
"Is Yixin still playing outside?" Mrs. Yan asked, glancing toward the garden.
"Cai Jie has gone to fetch them," Weien replied softly.
Taking advantage of Ding Yixin''s absence, Mrs. Yan finally voiced the hope she had been holding in her heart for so long.
"Tianyou, you and Yixin have been together for so many years now. You really should give her a proper status. How about you two get married by the end of the year?"
Here we go again! Yan Tianyou raised an eyebrow, his mood souring, and his expression grew impatient. "Who said I was going to marry her?"
"What kind of attitude is that?" Mrs. Yan chided gently, her voice still soft. "Stop fooling around and settle down. Let us have some peace of mind, won''t you?"
"What is she to me?" Yan Tianyou smirked, hearing faint footsteps approaching from behind. Without hesitation, he declared, "She''s just a playmate—no, more like a bedmate, to be precise."
"What are you saying?!" Mrs. Yan shook her head, sighing in dismay on behalf of Ding Yixin. "Yixin has already given herself to you. You can''t keep treating her like this. Don''t ruin her life!"
Yan Tianyou''s expression turned icy. "Don''t forget, it was you who forced her on me. The ones who ruined her life are you."
His harsh words echoed in the room, and no one dared to speak up or refute him, because what he said was true.
The most heartbroken was Mrs. Yan. After all, she was the one who had brought Ding Yixin into the Yan family and pushed her onto her son.
Yan Xiaohong grasped his wife''s hand, wanting to comfort her but finding no words. He glanced at his son''s cold, handsome face, wanting to scold him but unable to bring himself to do so. Even Weien and her husband were at a loss for words. The silence was finally broken by a soft, sweet voice.
"You don''t have to wait for me for lunch. I''ll go change and then head out," Ding Yixin said, having overheard everything but acting as if nothing had happened. Her tone was light and gentle.
The Yan family collectively exhaled in relief, temporarily avoiding the sensitive topic.
"It''s a holiday today. Where are you going?" Weien exchanged a grateful glance with Ding Yixin.
"The third son of the Chiba Corporation is in town, and I need to accompany him on a tour," Ding Yixin replied, her eyes involuntarily drifting toward the proud, solitary figure. She was somewhat thankful she didn''t have to face those penetrating eyes directly, or she might not have been able to keep up her cheerful facade.
"Are you going alone?" Yan Xiaohong frowned.
"Yes."
"That Chiba heir has a bad reputation. It''s not safe for a young woman like you to go alone," Yan Xiaohong expressed his concern.
"Don''t worry, Uncle Yan. I can handle it," Ding Yixin replied with a gentle smile.
Sighing, Yan Xiaohong wondered if this was his son''s doing. "Tianyou, aren''t you going with her?"
"He specifically asked for her. Why should I meddle?" Yan Tianyou retorted, his face dark with displeasure.
"This... still doesn''t seem right," Yan Xiaohong hesitated, unsure how to intervene as a senior family member.
"She said she can handle it. Don''t interfere," Yan Tianyou snapped.
"But..."
For some reason, everyone exchanged glances, and all eyes eventually landed on one person. The unlucky man had no choice but to step up.
"How about I go with Yixin? I don''t have anything to do today anyway," Wu Juncheng offered, taking one for the team. "Tianyou, you don''t mind, do you?"
Yan Tianyou shot a cold glare at his family, his eyes finally settling on the meddlesome man. After a long pause, he gritted out, "Do as you please."
"Then it''s settled," Weien quickly added, turning to Ding Yixin. "When are you heading out?"
"In an hour," Ding Yixin replied gratefully. "Thank you, Juncheng."
"No problem."