《Forced by fate – Destined to be his Wife》


 Chapter 1 – TangShi

    TangShi Lei stared hopelessly at the paper in her trembling hands, a tear escaping with silent despair. Sliding across her delicate pale cheek as she stifled the sob which caught in her throat, burning painfully. Her heart and soul shredding as though a million sharp des were piercing every inch of her body and she knew that her new life was about to end before it had even begun.


    She¡¯d finally managed to escape the cold and miserable existence back home in Shanghai. From her cruel father, and hateful stepmother and sister, and now here she was, being summoned home like an object who had no will of her own. To fulfil the role her father ced on her as the family prize, to be sold to the highest bidder. A marriage alliance for the benefit of Lei Enterprise, her family¡¯s conglomerate.


    Her body gave out as her knees weakened, shivering, and slumping down onto the sofa behind her which saved her from a full fall as her tears began to drip in quick session. Her heart breaking in two. The agony of knowing she was so close, and yet never stood a chance of ever being free, and now he had new ways in which to call her to heel. She could never escape the responsibility of being the eldest daughter of the Lei family and what weight that held, even if he had never treated her as his child.


    She had worked so hard to get the schrship to this prestige art school in California, on her own merit, hard work, and undyingmitment to being free. He had finally been convinced by her stepmother Ava, to let her go and rid her from under their feet. Something Ava had wanted since she married him when TangShi was merely a toddler and became her new mother¡¯s burden. Just eight weeks ago she tasted joy, and now he was taking it all back. Loosening her reigns for the briefest moment before hauling her back to heel.


    It was her light in a dark world and a chance at fulfilling her dreams of one day bing a known artist who could support herself and live a modest life, far away from the Lei family and all it epassed. A world of socialites, rich families, and business moguls, of which she was never given the chance to really be a part of. Nor did she ever want to. If they were all as cruel and cold as her own family, she didn¡¯t want to be a part of that lifestyle ormunity.


    Shanghai was a ce of bad memories, cold nights, and the loss of her mother before she had ever known her. TangShi had never truly felt love, adoration, or warmth from her family that was meant to cherish her. All they had ever done was make her feel like a rabid dog that wandered in from the streets and took every opportunity to kick her down so very brutally. She had only ever known how it felt to be outcast and unwanted by everyone around her that wasn¡¯t paid to care for her.


    Wasn¡¯t her mother why her father hated her the most? That her mother died so she could enter this world, and he never stopped reminding her of the fact that she was a cursed brat who took the love of his life away in her act of selfishness.


    When Ava had Jeufeng, her younger half-sister, she had held her breath in hopes that he would finally move on and she would experience the gentleness of a sister in her life, but she was so very wrong. Ava hated her, was jealous of her natural beauty and quiet temperament, and soon made sure to give her father a new daughter to rece the one who disappointed him the most. Breeding it into Juefeng that TangShi was the enemy and a rival for her inheritance and position in the Lei family.


    Juefeng was a full seven years younger than TangShi. She was as cruel and as hateful as her parents, only with so much more venom as she hated that she was the second born of the family Lei and not the sole princess she always wanted to be. TangShi was nothing more than grit in her shoe.


    TangShi stared at his words once more and couldn¡¯t breathe through her despair any longer, choking as each ck inky knife-like letter on white paper wed at what was left of her sanity. Her tears saturating the letters and pulling watery ink down the paper with them.


    ¡°You will return home as soon as you receive this letter. We have arranged your engagement to the young Master of the Leng family, as you are the eldest child of Lei, and our two families wish to unite to better our standing in the corporate world. You will obey this request, or I will use any means to extract you from the USA and bring you home to make life unbearable for you. Do your duty, return at once, and begin preparations to be the Young Miss of Leng. Do not disappoint me further. I have spent time and money to raise you to adulthood and I expect you pay that back with obedience and cooperation. Do not embarrass our family name by ignoring my request. I have enclosed your travel arrangements and ticket for immediate return.¡±


    There was no love or affection in his letter. No asking her to think of her family and giving her options or kindness in the tone. Not even a hint of asking how she had been these past two months or fatherly concern. Just the same demands, orders, and the same vitriol she had known her whole life.


    His voice rang through her head as she read it, as though hearing the scorn and bitterness in how he always addressed her. Blinded by watery tears and unable to do anything but slump and die a little inside. She had no fight in her anymore, it was all sapped away with every year she endured this lonely unfairness. She knew refusing was pointless and her visa here depended on her schrship, but it wasn¡¯t forever. He had abilities to have it revoked and have her shipped back to Shanghai to face worse if she didn¡¯t obey.


    She had no idea who the young Master of Leng was, as it was a family so superior in riches, fame, and power, that she had never been allowed to cross paths with. TangShi was never taken to events, dinners, or functions that benefitted the Lei family. She was seen as the ck scar on the surface of the porcin wlessness of her father¡¯s reputation. The hidden shame.


    She screwed up her eyes and considered for a moment why he would now deem her worthy to be married to someone so influential. It dawned on her with a deeper heaviness that Juefeng was only seventeen, and so spoiled that she would never marry for anything less than love and adoration. Her father would never force his precious girl to marry this way. She liked to be chased and held suitors at arm¡¯s length, so it would be beneath her to be ordered to marry for position. As always Juefeng was to be pampered and coddled.


    TangShi knew her father was betting on her submissive nature and quiet personality, to be controlled, and used withoutint, and no doubt there would be conditions to be met for the duration of the marriage. TangShi wasn¡¯t stupid and knew how these things went. She had heard of many of the girls in her years at school getting married off for a contracted alliance. To supply heirs, name, funding, and then at the end sometimes a separation, a so long, and left to get on with life as a divorced woman to live in shame. She could only hope the term of this marriage was short and that they only wanted a union until whatever business affiliation was strengthened. She couldn¡¯t bear to think of anything more than just wasting a couple of years bound to this stranger. Thankfully divorce among the rich was bing moremonce and not the shame it once used to be.


    TangShi couldn¡¯t help herself but be resigned to fate and pulled out her cell phone, inte searching the identity of the young Master of Leng with morbid curiosity. Somehow knowing she had no way out; this was the only thing she could think to do to distract her from her own misery. Be proactive and try not to fall apart as her life came crumbling down around her.


    She inhaled her breath sharply when faced with dozens of red-carpet event images that sobered her tears immediately. Pages and pages of editorial pictures, paparazzi shots, news images, and so much more. He was famous enough anyway. So much so that his Weibo ount was listed on the first page, and she hovered over it indecisively. He seemed more celebrity idol than son of a well-known conglomerate. She had never paid attention to news or social media so to her, she had no idea who he was.


    YuZhi Leng was twenty-six years old, gorgeous in a wless and sculpted way, in his tall and muscr physique that seemed almost unreal. Straight and stiff in posture, exuding confidence in his own handsomeness. His eyes were oddly green in his beautiful Chinese face and mono-lids that somehow enhanced the beauty of his look under straight manicured brows. The effect was stunning.


    He looked like a movie star, his hair styled sexily at a longer length on top, short back and sides, and dyed a slight chestnut brown instead of his natural ck. He screamed of money, and pride in his appearance. Every other part of him was dark and sinister, shrouded in expensive tailoring, and a dignified cold look on that noble profile. He could make any woman melt with a face like that and his ruggedness shone through, even at such a young age.


    Looking at his beauty made her forget her woes for a second, but something about him pulled her back to a close-up picture of his face. Her heart rate upping a little, and her hands began to tremble as her emotions reacted. Swallowing heavily as a nagging detail in the back of her mind kept pulling her to search the images closely.


    There was a rare one of him smiling, so naturally at ease and caught off guard, and it tugged at something of the familiar deep in her heart. It changed his face dramatically, from cold and standoffish to a boyish charm that hinted at warmth. She couldn¡¯t ce her finger on it at first, just a feeling that she had met him somewhere, and began to search the endless articles of him. Each one on the arm of a woman in almost every single shot, but she ignored her and found one other of that smile.


    There was an inkling of memory once again as she gazed at the perfectly straight and white dazzling teeth that had seen thousands of dors¡¯ worth of dentistry. Those dark brows, that clear gaze that enhanced his youthful charm, yet also brought out a mature manly quality to the shape of his face. She was rendered speechless for a second and her mind wandered backwards in time, trying to ce him with the image that was fast fading in her own mind as the years went by.


    wing at a memory she had forbade herself to recall for so long, she hesitated. She tried to stop herself before the old pain of a wounded heart resurfaced to bruise her, but she couldn¡¯t hold back the glimmers breaking in. She was piecing together uneven pieces of a puzzle and trying so hard to make them fit. Still almost a decade on looking for answers to the mystery of a boy she had never been able to truly forget.


    How silly she was to think that it might be him, and even if it was, she would be stupid to ce any emphasis on that night. Stupid to try and figure out if YuZhi Leng was even him. The boy in her mind, eight years ago, was a fleeting fancy and nothing more than a cruel heartbreaker. Who lifted her up and made her feel cherished for just one perfect night. Right before abandoning her and casting her aside like everyone else did, the very next day.


    One night ofpanionship, warmth, and being kissed for the very first time was enough to have made her hope for something more in life, raising her spirit and giving her heart wings. They had talked all night, danced, connected on a level that made her feel alive and seen. She had been moved to believe in insta-love for the first time in her life and thought what she felt could be exactly that. A stupid young girl pulled in by an older boy with fake promises and too much charm.


    They had been inseparable even long after the bells chimed midnight. They had walked the streets, hand in hand. Giggled and ate street food before he snuck her home and helped her into the window of the hotel she was staying at with her ss that night. It had been a school trip, a chance encounter in another city, a masked ball, and yet he had ced a scar on her heart that bled still.


    Who knew he would then just forget her as quickly and leave her to weep her sorrows away in solitude when he never showed up at the bridge they arranged to reunite at the next day at noon. He had promised to meet her there and yet never showed.


    They had stayed masked, finding it exciting, mysterious, and promised to unveil one another when the bells chimed twelve again. He had all but proimed his love to her, and she had confessed how unhappy and empty her life was with her family,id her secrets bare, and told him how she nned to escape her life. The first time she had ever unburdened her truths to someone she didn¡¯t know. And yet, he hadn¡¯t made her feel gross, or unwanted, but kissed away her pain and called her his destiny. He had sworn to be her knight in shining armor and to help her escape the step dragon and the cruel gatekeeper of her personal prison. He had given her hope and made her feel seen for the first time. Worth something to another human.


    She had waited for four hours for him to never show face the next day, until rain soaked her through, and tears got muddled up with the water running down her face. He taught her a great lesson in believing anything a man would say to get what he wanted. Weeping in agony before she was forced to leave, abandoning that stupid whitece mask on the that damned walkway and never looking back to allow herself to relive that humiliation until this moment. She could only be d that she had never let intimacy happen between them and kissing was the only part he got to take.


    With the heartache and pain fresh in her chest and mind¡¯s eye, she blinked at his image one more time, evaluating those familiar misty green eyes and that smile¡­. unsure if he could be the same person but yet, not convinced he wasn¡¯t. There weren¡¯t many Chinese men who had green eyes, and they didn¡¯t look like he wore contacts on any of the pictures online. They seemed real and natural, much like those of the boy that night who told her his name was Yoonie.


    It just added again to the heaviness of her body, and she shook herself to bring her senses back to the present. A bitterness rising up once more that she had held down for so many years, and the tears dried on her cheeks as her skin burned instead. Him or not, he was a yer and not worth her residual pain of a nothing night. Maybe Yoonie was a nickname, or maybe it was a coincidence and green eyes on handsome men were moremon than she thought. Not that it mattered as either way, she was now going to be tied to this man whether she agreed to it or not.


    She knew she had no choice but to return home now, and if this was the same boy, then she wouldn¡¯t fall for his games or his coldness for a second time. She had learned her lesson when he ripped out her soul way back then and as she flicked her phone one more time, she fixated on the woman at his side. The same girl in every image, even when taken months apart and she clicked on one article from only a week ago with shocked wide-eyed disbelief. Curious that a yboy would frequent a single date.


    ¡°YuZhi Leng and long-term girlfriend Rhea Cheng¡±


    TangShi read it twice more before clicking on another, and another, her irritation rising as she was faced with the same result. No matter what the girl¡¯s hair was like, her clothes, her make up, it was definitely the same woman in all of them and was still apparently current. It seemed she had been by his side for many years, and this was no news to thements under the articles, praising them for being China¡¯s dream couple.


    Not only would TangShi be forced to wed this young master, but it looked like he would be forced to push his love life to the past to fulfill his end of this bargain. He clearly had a lover, and she looked like someone who wouldn¡¯t let go easily. The name Cheng was a known name in that city, and TangShi wondered at why he wasn¡¯t already married to her if he loved her deeply enough to date for at least three years.


    TangShi choked on her own salvia and coughed violently; a new sensation slicing her heart that wasn¡¯t quite like any pang she felt before and suddenly weird and angsty. Her eyes straying back to his hand in Rhia¡¯s and it almost suffocated her as she closed the webpage and tossed her cell aside. Refusing to acknowledge the rising hurt in her body.


    She knew it was stupid to still harbor anything from five years ago, and the chances are it wasn¡¯t even him at all. She had only seen him wearing a ck mask over a third of his face, she didn¡¯t know him at all. It was beyond stupid to feel jealousy, resentment or whatever this was.


    And the only token of that night she still had was hidden deep in her box of keepsakes back home in Shanghai. A stupid pressed rose he had worn in hispel, wrapped in a colored ribbon which was imprinted with some sort of crest all over in small repetition, she had never seen before.


    Despite how much he had hurt her that night, her silly sentimental self had saved that stupid flower in the pages of a heavy book, and thenterminated it into a useable bookmark so it would never fall apart. She had no idea why she did it. Other than to serve as a reminder to never trust any man, not even one with pretty green eyes, a soft smile, and a warm hand that made you feel like everything was going to be okay. Wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing. That¡¯s what he was, and she wouldn¡¯t forgive as long as she lived.


    TangShi picked up her cell once more and opened her email app with the heaviest of moods. Her eyes swimming once more because she knew what she had to do now was inevitable. She pulled up her tutor¡¯s contact with slow motions. Her friend, her mentor, who had weed her so openly and made her feel like she was finally home when she arrived and began typing in the message she did not want to write. Her soul dying a little with every letter appearing on the screen.


    She would have to forfeit her schrship as she had no idea how long before her father let her go again and she knew that without a doubt, once married she would have no freedom for fear she would bring shame to his name. She would have to let go of the little dorm room that had be her haven, and return to a city she always felt like she never belonged in. To a life she was never part of and y the ruse of good daughter to a noble house.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    She wouldn¡¯t be weed home with open arms, and she didn¡¯t expect it either, but at least she would be going back to where Linlin was, and that was the only positive.


    She missed her childhood best friend when she moved out here. It had broken her heart to say goodbye at the airport to the only real family she had ever known and knew that if anything could keep her going, help her through this, then it was Linlin. She was loyal, and kind, and would never let her face any of this alone. She had held her up for so many years and been her rock for as long as she could remember.


    Daughter of a notable family, a budding rising jewelry designer in her own right and always the life and soul of the party. Linlin would be the one thing that made going home not as devastating as it seemed. The diamond in her darkness!


    She sighed as she finished typing her resignation email before sending it out into the web with a lost and deste weight in her chest. She scrolled to her friend¡¯s number and started topose the text that she knew would be the next step on returning home.

 Chapter 2 – The first step

    TangShi tried not to fiddle with the thin belt of her simple white dress and stood upright and poised for fear of her father¡¯s anger this morning. They had been waiting around seven minutes in the bright, sunny hallway, for the arrival of the Leng grandfather, master of the family Leng, and his entourage. She had already experienced so many harsh words. Just by being present it seemed she irritated his mood. Her stepmother red her way, not bothering to conceal her dislike when in the presence of her husband and her sister sneered at her for her chosen outfit.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t have dressed up and made an effort? Are you trying to make us look poor?¡± her nasty tone fell over TangShi, igniting no response, because she refused to engage. Biting on her lower lip and turning her chin down as she looked over her clean and pressed dress. She had learned over the years to never talk back, never defend herself. It would pass quickly if she submitted to silence and let them say whatever they wanted without looking their way.


    Her dress was a basic and long ssic style, one of her favorites. She had never been given any kind of allowance by her father to indulge in personal things, so all she owned she had to buy for herself. Clothes of decent quality were not cheap, and she tried to spend a little more to buy things that wouldst. The dress wasn¡¯t that bad. A stark contrast to her designer d sister who was blinged out and looked ready to walk a runway.


    She had been selling her art in the form of prints for a number of years online, and it afforded her small luxuries. This dress was not the cheapest, it was a good quality fabric in a nice timeless cut, butpared to her female kin, she looked like the poor rtive. It was not shy, provocative, or gave an impression of being a daughter of Lei. It wasn¡¯t this seasons style or a named brand, it wasn¡¯t even a trending colour.


    Her hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail today, with delicate dark brown curled tendrils framing her face. Revealing a pure expression with bare hints of makeup and rosy lips. TangShi always liked to stay natural, as she felt it was when she looked her best, but it only seemed to anger her father who turned his attention to her. Pulled by his daughter¡¯s criticism as he appraised her outfit, he barely gave two nces when she came down here so hadn¡¯t noticed.


    ¡°You should have told me you needed a dress for this. I can¡¯t have you mocking our family by dressing this way. It¡¯s toote to change but go get a shawl or something to cover up.  Juefeng find her something of yours, quickly.¡± he pped his hands together, urging  Juefeng  to jump to it, and she knew better than to argue with him. He was a bad mooded man, quick to sh tempers and even Juefeng was wary despite being often indulged by him. TangShi¡¯s father had no qualms about hitting the women in his life.


    Juefeng rolled her eyes, huffed at being ordered about, and ran off quickly for fear of igniting their fathers rage further. TangShi ignored the sizzling atmosphere, and the angry tension aimed her way and focused on the marble floor instead. Counting down the minutes until this torture would be over.


    The hallway was grand, wide, and well-lit by therge south facing windows across the front of the entranceway. If it wasn¡¯t for all her bad memories in this ce, it would be a beautiful ce to live. Grand and opulent with ssy d¨¦cor. Her family were rich enough to be important anyway.


    Her nerves were already frayed as they stood here watching the clock tick slowly on. Their guests due at any second and her heart was thundering behind her rib cage in anticipation. Waiting for the first moments of meeting her fate and tying herself to the Leng family for the near future.


    She had spentst night by herself after getting back here, browsing the inte for more confirmation that YuZhi might be Yoonie after all and gave up. Unable to take the pain in her heart any longer by stoking embers of unwanted memories. She had to forget that night, what his kiss and words had done to her soul. It was all a lie and maybe he just resembled him, and it was just a coincidence that he was so like him. Fate taunting her with her old scars. The chances of him being Yoonie, in a poption the size of China was slim. Yoonie hadn¡¯t even met her in Shanghai, but in Beijing instead.


    She often wondered what she did wrong in a previous life to attract so many bad things in her short years on this, and it had created a quiet personality who endured far more than any other would have. TangShi had been suppressed for so long that she no longer knew how to fight back or stand up for herself. She had be an epting and empty shell who never spoke up about the mistreatment she received and instead graciously epted it with little emotion. It was said she had been ground into a sense of nothingness and her heart no longer knew how to soar.


    Like right now, waiting patiently to be sold off in the name of business. No thoughts to refuse because she knew her father would only make her living life worse than before. No real obvious reaction to it on the surface, as her feelings didn¡¯t matter. She always knew she was a prisoner in the family Lei, an object they would cash in on one day. What could she do if not obey?


    She had nothing and nowhere to go that her father would not chase her down and punish her. Over the years he had no qualms in beating her, locking her in her room, or taking his anger out on her when he deemed it necessary. She was the family punching bag so many times in so many ways.


    The doorbell rang loudly, and everyone jumped to attention, instant nervousness on show. Straightening postures, smoothing clothes, and stering smiles on their faces as Juefeng  came skidding back with empty hands. A look of disdain on her annoyingly pretty face. Her dark eyes glowing with mischief.,


    ¡°I had nothing¡± She sneered TangShi¡¯s way and shrugged to her father as way of an apology. A clear lie. She wanted TangShi to stand out and be embarrassed by herck of showiness, her simple outfit that Juefeng deemed unworthy. She smirked to herself that she was dressed far more proactively and eye catching than her older sister. She wondered if the young master would fall in love with her on sight and beg to switch the two, although she had no intention of being tied down so young. She had her choice of men, but she still liked to have them chase her.


    The butler opened the door and the Leng crowd of three was greeted warmly by the Lei family in all its glory. Standing to attention and eager to show their respects. An impressive presence as they crowded in therge opening and strolled inside like they owned the room around them. Each was intimidating in his own handsome way, clearly of the same family, and stood tall and strong despite differing ages.


    TangShi was pushed to the rear by her stepmother, harshly elbowed back as they greeted the neers and led them in. Somehow, she found herself trailing behind like a servant and no one noticed her at all in the babble of chatter and greeting. A swift moving of bodies like a perfectly synchronized wave as her mother enthusiastically greeted them verbally.


    TangShi was unable to get a glimpse properly and treated as an unwanted guest in a house she had known as her home. Her parents pawed and fawned over the new arrivals and led them to the sitting room, ignoring herpletely, where food and coffee wasvishlyid out for this meeting.


    Juefeng was all over one of the men in the group before TangShi, grasping his arm and acting over provocatively and demure. Her shrill voice sounding babyish as she flirted, giggled loudly in a dramatic way at something he said, and her father threw her a cross look which left her scurrying to go sit down. It was obvious this was the betrothed and her sister was making a y for him in a bid to show how much more worthy she was than TangShi. She loved her little games.


    TangShi meandered behind, sighing heavily at Juefeng ¡®s obvious shamelessness, never able to behave in the presence of handsome men. Her sister disgusted her with her brazenness sometimes, but she would never verbalize it. Juefeng was a spoiled and narcissistic brat.


    TangShi¡¯s eyes were trained on the floor as she was ustomed to doing when home and walked into the back of a suddenly halted dark figure by ident. Distracted with her own thoughts and foolishly clumsy to do such a silly thing. Banging her forehead against a solid mass that startled a reaction out of her.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± she muttered under her breath and stepped back in rm, bowing slightly towards the person she collided with. An apology on her lips as heat overtook her face and sheer shame washed over her. Her cheeks flushing at her own clumsiness and knowing her father would go crazy at her for it.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Stupid girl, go sit down¡± her father cursed her before she had a chance to speak at all, and upon lifting her chin was met with the icy cold snarl of her victim. He was turned her way in annoyance and frowning at her with piercing green eyes under furrowed brows.


    It was YuZhi Leng, and this close, basking in the pale beauty of his eyes, a scowl formed on his chiseled lips which somehow enhanced his masculinity, she stopped breathing. It felt like the world stopped turningpletely. Rabbit in the headlights or a defenseless small prey caught in the talons of a precise and experienced hunter.


    His nearness, his familiar scent borne from old memories, and the way he towered over her in his strong form, scratching at forgotten interludes. Something about him pulled back the night of the dancefloor and cemented a visual of him eight years ago right there in her head. It had to be him.


    This was more than just a simrity, or a thinking he shared small resemnces. His entire presence, the lording aura of a rich master of a powerful family she had sensed that night, though never asked him about. His eyes eating through to her soul, under straight dark brows, that had once captured her across a dancefloor in the same way. That jawline that weakened her knees and made her almost sway in reaction back then, and again now, when faced in the flesh this way. She would never forget how she trembled in his presence when he approached her and stole the very breath from her lungs. Much like he was doing now.


    ¡°Can you go sit? I don¡¯t like you being too close to me.¡± His frosty tone and unexpected harsh words made her blink back in shock. The unfriendlymand piercing her heart, bumping her back to earth and reality, and she stammered for a second, as though she hadn¡¯t heard him properly.


    ¡°Par¡­ Pardon?¡± She acted like a clueless fool who had forgotten how to listen, and it only seemed to pull an angrier expression from him. Turning her blood cold and leaving her stricken with so many mixed emotions.


    ¡°Sit down, TangShi. Stop being foolish¡± her stepmother snapped, and TangShi was quick to remove herself and hurry to a nearby seat. Unable to continue to look him in the face as her embarrassment tinted her temples. Dazed at his words andplete rudeness.


    The room became instantly quiet and tense as the butler began to dish out coffee to all those finding afy ce to sit, and the older man of the three, leaned in with a smile. Looking like a king among mortal men and it was obvious he was used to having great power andmand of all those around him.


    The family Leng was known to be the number one wealthy family in China, with their fingers in so many enterprises, that they had built a formidable empire. Lei family was honored to be a connection in this way, so it was no surprise her father jumped at the chance to strike this bargain with them. Compared to them TangShi¡¯s family were small fish with hardly any notable wealth.


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t beat around the bush. We all know why we are here, and this is just the final formality to finally meet the young Miss to proceed. My grandson and your daughter are to be wed, provide an heir to our two families, and bring Leng and Lei under one roof. It is good that we were swift to agree ande to this oue.¡± The older man, with his greying hair and long distinguished beard, eyes twinkling under thick brows, was just as intimidating as his grandson, and the family resemnce was strong. TangShi nced at him quickly. Unable to stop herself looking to YuZhi and meeting an angry frown which made her crumble.


    He seemed to sense her wandering gaze his way and had counteracted with a haughty response of ¡®leave me alone¡¯. She looked back down into herp, blushing fiercely and unable to ignore YuZhi¡¯s dislike of her. He wasn¡¯t happy about this arrangement at all, and he seemingly had already decided he didn¡¯t like her. She was a burden to him and probably the source of many family disagreements behind closed doors before this meeting.


    Disappointment flooded her heart that he didn¡¯t even seem to recognize her in the way she had him, or maybe he did. Maybe he had just toyed with her that night, and he didn¡¯t want to be bothered by her in this way. TangShi wondered if he too remembered anything that night, but his cold mood and piercing re didn¡¯t tell her either way.


    ¡°Two years, right? A child to be conceived quickly and born before they can separate?¡± TangShi¡¯s father sounded overly excited as he tossed away his daughter¡¯s freedom, careless with her feelings. As though talking about the weather. This was the first she was hearing the details of what was expected of her, as he refused to discuss anything when she returned yesterday. It seemed she was not important enough even in the nning of her own life. She inwardly smirked and sneered at just how miserable her family made her.


    She was sent to her room alone when she arrived, not even allowed to attend dinner at the family tablest night. Such was her lowly position in this ce. Only the servants had ever shown her any kind ofpassion in the past and even now, most of them had been reced over the years and she was mostly ignored by new ones. It seemed that any who had shown warmth to TangShi was chased out by Ava or Juefeng. The lived to make life as difficult as possible for her.


    ¡°Two years unless no child is born, in which case she will have to try harder. After two years, proving she has given YuZhi an heir, she shall bepensated and set free, and the child will be raised in the family of Leng. I expect quick results given her age and your reports showing her good health. I want a child as soon as possible. My grandson is twenty-six, he is not going to be young forever.¡± The old man threw a disinterested look over Juefeng, then TangShi, sitting quietly off to one side, appraising her and nodded with satisfaction. He seemed to like the overall presentation of herself enough to not refuse or mention her simple attire. Although he did gaze back at Juefeng for a long second and TangShi wondered if maybe she had an opportunity to be let go if they chose her sister instead. She hadn¡¯t allowed herself to really feel much of anything about this whole thing until now and was holding her breath in hopes she could get through this by some miracle and find a way out the other side.


    As much as she longed for that oue, a small ache in her heart shed through, surprising her and she felt herself sliding her eyes back to YuZhi with a sad glimmer of hope. d that he was at least gorgeous, if not warm.


    Stupid girl! She chastised her foolish heart. What really was her heart and head thinking of?


    ¡°So, we should set an announcement of engagement soon, and a wedding quickly after?¡± Ava gracefully smiled, fluttering hershes and TangShi tried not to make it obvious she was falling into a glum depression as she listened without having any control over her own life. She stayed still, held herself upright and in good posture and concealed the sadness breaking her heart. She felt her sisters cold gaze eating her up and her smug smile aimed ruthlessly, and ignored her.


    ¡°I want them married immediately, privately. So they can begin consummating and creating a child. We can announce an engagement formally, keep it a secret and thenter a wedding will appease theziens who follow my grandson¡¯s fame. I don¡¯t want to dy.¡± The grandfather had made his mind up and it seemed the only goal in his calcting mind, was that TangShi produce a child. Family was everything here, and future heirs were how a corporation survived.


    There was rumor that the Leng family was short on living rtives after a disastrous ne crash killed several a few years ago and the remaining grandchildren were mostly female and had failed to produce any children recently. Old man was getting on in years and wanted the joy of great grandchildren before he passed. YuZhi was the known heir to take over as CEO, that meant his children would bear more importance than anyone else in his family.


    YuZhi was the future of theirpany, the one set to inherit the majority shares when his grandfather stepped down in the next two years, hence their strict timeline. It seemed Grandfather Leng had found that Miss Cheng was not worthy of a union with his grandson for his first-born child, who would be set to inherit the futurepany after his father. Cheng was a name in fashion and design but was even lower than that of Lei Enterprise in terms of worth.


    TangShi shyly looked up at the second man, assuming it was YuZhi¡¯s father and was met with a nk stare of a quiet and bored person. The other gentleman was more on the age line of grandfather which confused her, and she wondered if his father had beente in life when he had a son. She didn¡¯t know the rtion of these two other quiet men to YuZhi or his grandfather for certain, other than they looked alike.


    TangShi couldn¡¯t help herself but be drawn back to YuZhi as the elders continued to talk and finalize the details of her life. Zoning out because she had no say and didn¡¯t want to listen anymore. It would all be written into a contract she would sign today, and she could read back at the worthlessness of her value when she was alone. She didn¡¯t really want to digest it while unable to cry or react with how she really felt inside.


    YuZhi was staring at his coffee, oblivious to the conversation and seemed disengaged and closed off. Lost in his own thoughts, even while managing to sit like amanding emperor and looking devastating and devilish all at the same time. TangShi¡¯s heartbeat hastened rapidly, her palms bing mmy and she looked away as the blush rose on her cheeks.


    Despite knowing this man was cold and heartless he was still the type of male who could reduce her to a trembling mess. She had thought him beautiful even masked, but seeing him fully now, her heart tore a little and her eyes dampened with regret at ever having let him wound her. One encounter was enough to leave asting impression and she regretted it deeply.


    She wished she could erase that night and meet him as a stranger. She felt it would be somewhat easier had she never tasted his lips and been eternally traumatized by his kissing her. It had ruined her to be ever being kissed by another and she had actively avoided dating men in the years following. Such was the crushing effect he had on her fragile heart by standing her up. Proving all his words had been lies. She wondered if herck of self-worth and neediness to find love had been catalysts to how much it had affected her. If she had been someone like Juefeng maybe she would have brushed it off and forgotten him in a matter of days.


    She had often felt herself weak and pitiful by being so broken over such a small episode in a long life, but seeing him again, she understood how he could devastate hearts so easily. He was like a god among men. She had basked in his light and been burned for eternity with unhealing wounds.


    ¡°So, she will leave with you today? So fast, I was not expecting it. We have not prepared her to leave just yet.¡± Ava¡¯s words pulled TangShi back to the present and she froze as they seeped into her brain and sobered her mncholy.


    Did they really just say she was being taken from here immediately? She thought this was just a meeting to agree to the pairing. To sign the documents.


    ¡°The license is easy to obtain, and we have means to make it happen tonight. We brought the dowry gifts and have transferred money to the ount you gave us. We have the papers andwyers waiting to put it all in motion if you would apany us, Mr Lei. Their wedding night should be under the roof of Leng and I don¡¯t see reason to dy.¡± The old manmanded, his voice booming as though someone dared to question his position and everyone present trembled internally.


    TangShi shuddered as she saw her father recoil, intimated by old man Leng, and it was scary to witness. Someone who had bullied her for a lifetime, dragged her to despair and back for his pleasure, was afraid of these new men and that did not bode well for TangShi. She looked down at her sped hands, held tightly, cold and white, and swallowed heavily. Trying to bring her heart rate to a normal level to ease the growing panic, before raising her chin with a gentle smile, forced to conceal her fear.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have many things to pack, father. I will do as asked and only need a moment to ready myself.¡± She uttered quietly, that dignified tone that brought all eyes to her and YuZhi almost choked on his coffee. Spluttering into his cup and clearing his throat before hastilyying it down.


    ¡°You¡¯re the girl? I thought¡­¡± he nced to Juefeng in rm, back and force between the two women and frowned intensely. Obvious dislike appearing on that all too handsome face and TangShi¡¯s blush deepened in heat. This was as good as a rejection and another blow from this cruel man¡¯s heart. She wondered why she ever had to cross paths with this brute.


    ¡°This is our youngest, Juefeng. You will wed TangShi. She is twenty-four, in good health and very obedient. She will cause no troubles for your family.¡± Ava interjected, hinting that Juefeng may be too headstrong and impulsive for such a deal, and YuZhi seemed to look right through her with obvious sarcasm.


    ¡°I thought she was an assistant, or a maid.¡± he rudely retorted, throwing another narrowed re TangShi¡¯s way. Snorting his distaste and making her melt into her seat in humiliation. She knew her attire probably suggested she was not of the wealthy Lei family, but she had always prided herself in her grace and poise that sometimes told people she was from a known lineage. She didn¡¯t think it was that obvious that nothing on her body was overly expensive.


    Despite her father¡¯sck of love, she had still been educated well and had all the manners of a wealthy daughter. YuZhi seemed oblivious to her positive traits and only saw her in dress, her simple hair, andck of essories. Things he had been attracted to that night of the ball. She guessed this was a shallow rich boy and not the same one who bought her street food they ate with their fingers, then walked barefoot in a waterfall in a poorer part of the city. That boy was either a good actor looking to gain a girl in his bed, or a in liar.


    ¡°She likes to be modest, to show what a good girl she is.¡± her father tried to cover with untrue excuses about hisck of ever giving her the means to dress appropriately for her title. YuZhi shrugged and turned to his grandfather. Seemingly bored and no longer caring which woman he was forced to be with. It didn¡¯t matter to him either way, as he didn¡¯t like either of them, or this situation and money could remedy what she wore.


    ¡°Can we go? She needs a dress if I am to be seen in public with her. Rhea would be disgusted if I was photographed with someone dressed like amoner. She¡¯s a fashion queen after all.¡± YuZhi¡¯s nasty statement riled up TangShi¡¯s heart to instant fury, shame pushed aside, and she scowled his way. Suddenly angered at his rudeness and the nerve that he would insult her right in front of her face. Also, the mention of his girlfriend, which made no sense given what they were here for. Did he have no decorum or respect for her family?


    Did he deliberately try to make it clear that even wed, he would continue with his mistress and still treat her as the Madame in this scenario? Was that a dig? TangShi found a piece of her that still contained fire and tried her hardest to simmer this alien emotion. Not used to erupting at any kind of conflict but her blood boiled, and her anger grew like an expanding balloon in her chest.


    ¡°YuZhi!¡± his grandfather snapped and seemed to remind him how inappropriate it was to say such things. Although there was no real malice in his scold, which suggested his grandson was the golden boy in his eye. A stubborn ring of frowns aimed at one another before YuZhi relented with a bow of his head and muttered apology. The old man seemed to be satisfied with that, smiling warmly at YuZhi before turning to TangShi and smiled to cover the moment. No cares about her father¡¯s shocked expression or Ava¡¯s frown.


    ¡°We shall go take you to change into something appropriate for a daughter inw of Leng. Then we will get the license, and you will spend your night in YuZhi¡¯s rooms. Wee to our family, please work hard to not disappoint and the rewards for being Leng will have no limits.¡± The old man tried for a gentler approach, but his insincerity shone through the veiled attempt at caring, and TangShi had to swallow her dislike. The man only saw her as an object to get what he wanted most, and that was grandchildren. She was a vessel to carry a baby and would be discarded when she fulfilled her side of things. She wasn¡¯t stupid enough to be drawn in by fake kindness.


    ¡°I will work my hardest to not displease you, Mr Leng.¡± TangShi lowered her head appropriately, her heart dying a little inside and simmering that spike of rage and feeling shame for being so easy to conquer. Knowing she had nowhere to run and hide and not even time to get used to this. By midnight her life would change, her fate sealed.  By tomorrow even her innocence would be gone.


    She nced towards YuZhi from her bowed position and caught him staring right at her profile. A look on his face that sent shivers through her soul and made her tremble in wariness. He looked like he wished death on her and her entire family, for forcing him into a position that he obviously didn¡¯t want.


    YuZhi snarled so slightly it was almost unseen, but TangShi saw it and a cold iciness moved into her soul and settled around her heart. Reminding her she was never to let her guard down around this man, for fear he would find ways to make her life worse than what it was already.

 Chapter 3 – Married

    TangShi looked at the reflection before her and stopped to wipe the single tear which made its way down her face. Tonight, had been a blur of so much going on that she had not even a moment to catch her breath, to process what was happening, and now her heart was finally allowing itself to catch up.  Sad for her situation, and bitter that there was no way out. Her dreams of returning to California were now dead for another two years.


    She stood alone in the spacious suite of YuZhi Leng, her legal husband, and yet she had never felt so alone in her life, or so unworthy. She had been swept away, dressed, tugged, pulled, and pushed by a stylist in an expensive boutique before being thrust into a car to her doom. Prettied up like a fancy cake about to be served at a feast.


    She had been led to a room where her father andwyers sat, signed the papers that sold her soul to the devil and made to digest all the details once more about what was expected of her.


    The license office was small, private, and they were rushed through, signed off, and told they were legally wed before she had a chance to read what she was signing. Her red book slid back towards her with the newly taken couple pictures and there it was, married.


    This family moved fast, and the secrecy was iparable to anything her father could have pulled off. It was unceremonious, unromantic, and made her feel like a piece of meat at market. Sold to the hungriest bidder for a measly price and then wrapped up and shipped home for devouring.


    YuZhi had barely looked at her at all the entire time, his utter disinterest in her was soul destroying. He didn¡¯t touch her, and even had the nerve to stand and use his cell phone while they waited on their documents, to call his girlfriend. TangShi had to endure listening to him sweet talking another woman and telling her he would see her in a day or two when he ¡®took care¡¯ of his duties. It was obvious to TangShi he meant her, and the fact he knew their wedding night was inevitable. She felt humiliated to be surrounded by these people, while witnessing her new husband croon down his phone at his mistress. It hurt her pride and caused a pain in her chest that was almost like being stabbed with a searing hot poker.


    None of the people around them had seemed shocked at his behavior or hearing him talk to that woman or whisper their farewell I love you¡¯s. TangShi¡¯s heart had turned to dust. It seemed part of the arrangement of their marriage between his grandfather and him was that Rhea could stay secretly hidden but continue to be hispanion, although not girlfriend anymore. She had heard old man remind him in the car that intimacy of a sexual nature was forbidden with Rhea and that Rhea understood they were now officially over. At least until after they parted in divorce, but what he did with his time as long as he was discreet was no problem.


    Old man even had the nerve to look TangShi right in the eye when he uttered those words, making it clear she better not raiseint, and ept the decision. TangShi had wanted to cry, blurt out about the unfairness of this, but nodded obediently and stared out of the window for the journey home. Lost in her own mind, and more miserable as the miles passed by. Her new forced husband would still spend his time with his ymate, and she would be left to do god knows what in a house all alone.


    ¡°Miss, do you need assistance in undressing and bathing?¡± The sweet young voice of the girl who had been assigned to her care brought her back from her lost thoughts, and she blinked at her reflection behind her. A small pretty girl in herte teens, a little short, and curvy, but utterly adorable. She had given TangShi a warm feeling at first meeting, and she hoped they would have a harmonious rtionship while under this roof.


    ¡°No, Xiaosu. It¡¯s fine, I can do it myself.¡± TangShi dismissed her with a smile, and a genuine warmth in her tone. Hoping the girl would not feel offended at being refused and turned her attention back to the image before her. She didn¡¯t want to appear ungrateful or cold, but she needed alone time.


    She looked nothing like she did a few hours ago. Teased into a slim and fitted red satin dress which hugged her curves and entuated her slender frame. Her makeup was heavier than she wore normally, her hair pulled into an up do that made her look older somehow.  Refined, almost identifiable as a young miss of Lei. Expensive and nothing like the girl she was.


    She wasn¡¯t disappointed by who she saw, it just wasn¡¯t her. Groomed into mourous, and almost noble, reeking of wealth. It seemed fake and shallow of her to get any enjoyment out of looking like she had stepped out from a pce, and she began to undo it all very carefully. It felt like a mask, one to cover the stench of her own shame, shielding herplete loss of any pride.


    This dress cost more than everything she owned, and she wasn¡¯tfortable with that fact. Despite growing up in a wealthy family, she had never experienced it as if she was. She was inferior, and things like this made her nervous. She didn¡¯t want to damage or dirty it and hoped it would be returned to old man Leng now her wedding duty was done.


    TangShi made quick work of undressing and showering and came out to see a nightdressid across the foot of the bed, while she was still in a dressing robe. It was clear Xiaosu left it here and her face zed with embarrassment as she picked up the scrap of sexyce and silk and knew exactly what this was for. Enticing her new husband toy hands on her and consummate their wedding.


    Trembling with nerves as the reality of this night loomed over her. This would be the first time she had sexual intimacy with a man. It was clear all the way here he had zero interest in her and Xiaosu had been instructed to assist by giving her something that might pique his interest. It made her feel sick and cheap.


    TangShi swallowed her nerves and her pride, swallowed down the thoughts of what was toe and tried to cool her burning cheeks. Pushed her nerves and anxiety aside to calm the churning of her stomach. She dried quickly,thered on her body lotion, and then slid on this scrap of a dress. It was short and clingy and left nothing to the imagination, shocking her toplete shame when she caught sight of herself. She had never been one to dress provocatively and now felt naked.


    Her hair loose and damp, her face free of makeup and looking somewhat wild with her current blush, she was a seductress in the mirror. Not the sweet girl she left at her father¡¯s home earlier. She moved to grab a robe, in a bid to cover up this scanty outfit but the noise behind her made her freeze in fear and spin to see what it was.


    YuZhi was sauntering in as if he owned the ce, his eyes sweeping over her for a moment, but he had no expression at all beyond that furrowed re he had worn since they wed. He didn¡¯t blink at her attire, but instead nodded at her hair and red harder.


    ¡°Dry that before you get in my bed. I don¡¯t want to sleep in dampness.¡± He walked past her, ignoring her mostly, and went and locked himself in the bathroom as the shower came on. The entire interaction was less than thirty seconds.


    TangShi stood in pale faced silence. Not only was she mortified to being seen dressed this way but hurt that hepletely ignored it and dismissed her so coldly. It¡¯s clear he wasn¡¯t inexperienced at seeing a woman in lingerie if he had little to no shocked response. No doubt Rhea would dress this way to entice him, so he wasn¡¯t all that moved by it.


    TangShi was his wife now, and tonight he would have to make it official andmit to only sleeping with her until they divorced. How could he still act like she was a bothersome fly buzzing around his head that he had to endure. YuZhi had absolutely no scruples and no sense of decency.


    TangShi stamped her foot, grabbed the robe and draped it around herself before making herself busy and drying her hair thoroughly. Doing so in temper and not being delicate with her movements. Riled by that same fury she encountered at her father¡¯s house and allowing it to warm her cold bones.


    YuZhi came sauntering out when she was finished, draped in a white towel around his waist. Boldly uncaring of not being covered in front of her and nudged her sideways out of his way as he leaned in for the drier in her hand. He didn¡¯t utter for her to give it over, but snatched it, avoiding her face in the reflection before them and switched it on to drown her out. He nked her presence and acted like she was not even there. It made her even angrier, and her simmering fury upped a notch.


    ¡°You¡¯re a jerk!¡± TangShi forgot herself, speaking out at his rudeness with a harsh snap, and then mming her lips shut and turning away to simmer with anger. Knowing she really shouldn¡¯t be causing fights on the night of her wedding.


    She had met her share of arrogant and rude people in her life, but this one waspletely the worst. She ignored his expanse of tanned and toned manly perfection he was so easily unting with hisck of clothes and instead marched to the bed. Grinding on her that he was sofortable being this way, that it was obviously not new to him to be undressed in front of a woman! He had no sense of decency at all.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Her shyness forgotten when reced with rage, she hauled off her robe, throwing it aside in a dramatic fashion, whipped back the sheets and got in angrily. She immediately scooted to one side, turned her back to the center andid on her hip to make it clear she had no interest in him either. The cold standoff, only horizontally.


    This pompous man could go to hell for all she cared, agreement or not. She knew when he got in there would be the inevitable sex if a baby was to be created. Of course, she was scared as hell, but her temper pushed all of it away. She would refuse him if he continued to make her feel this way. It¡¯s not like she had to be submissive at ALL times. She still had to consent before he could touch her in that way.


    Sheid there seething, cursing him under her breath and jumped when all the lights went out and left her in pitch ck just after he switched off the drier. TangShi froze and stayedpletely still, holding her breath as nerves increased, listening to the noises of YuZhi moving closer.  Her bravado dying a death and thoughts of refusal fading away when faced with impending sex. She swallowed her and tensed her entire body.


    The inevitable drop of his towel making a noise as it hit the wooden floor had her flinching, and she immediately wondered if he was naked and entering the bed as the mattress dipped. It made her roll backwards in shock, hands iling and unable to catch anything to stop herself. A little cry escaped her lips as his weight caused her to fully turn and collide with his naked chest as he too slid into the bed. Only he was facing her, and they smashed ungracefully, nose to nose. The mattress was too soft, and his weight had affected it too greatly so they had both been pulled to the center with a loss of bnce and an ungraceful roll.


    ¡°Arghh¡± TangShi¡¯s t palms met hard toned pecks,ing to a sudden stop as gravity finished the job of bringing her to him. Heat rushing up her limbs, tingles electrifying her skin, and coloring her face. YuZhi seemed to freeze at the unexpected contact before shoving her away from him aggressively and snapping cruelly.


    ¡°What are you doing? Are you this shameless that you think to seduce me the second I appear? Are you so desperate to have my baby inside of you? What kind of woman are you? I mean I am all for moving with the times and sex before marriage, but I have known you all of five minutes and you¡¯re throwing yourself at me.¡± he sneered in disdain, instantly hostile, his opinion of her lowering if that was even possible and TangShi scurried back from him messily. Meeting his eye in the dark and sticking her chin up in defiance. Pushed by him to temper once more.


    ¡°It was not intentional. You¡¯re too heavy, and you moved the bed. It¡¯s not my desire to touch you either! I wouldn¡¯t dare by choice! I don¡¯t even like you!¡±  She vented in temper, regretting her words the second they rushed out in impulse, as she saw the deepening level of rage move into his own pale eyes. The arrogance of wealthy men like this was almost a famous trait and she knew she just wounded a fragile ego so carelessly.


    ¡°Really?¡± he mocked her with a smug sneer and yanked her back to him by the wrist so quickly she gasped in reaction and couldn¡¯t fight. Falling against him with a small thud. ¡°You don¡¯t want to touch me? Those are words that shouldn¡¯t have been said so freely after signing away your life to tie yourself to me¡­  do you know how many women would give everything to be right here now? You¡¯re so ssless, no wonder you sold yourself for a chance at bing a Leng.¡±   His disgust was real, his voice low and raspy with an edge of danger that pulsated between them. He slid his arm about her waist and yanked her fragile body to him so brutally, he knocked her breath away. Hard firm muscle met soft curves and the growing desire between his legs made an imposing appearance as it was forced against her pelvis.


    It seemed she had aroused this man by pushing his temper alone and she knew that was not ever a good thing when it came to intimate acts between a man and a woman. TangShi was not experienced but she had read enough female magazines to know about the working of sex and assault.


    TangShi paled in terror, knowing her first night was not about to be anything but awful. She had angered him and insulted him and now not only was his body ready to seal their marriage, but he was also in no mood to make it anything pleasant for her.

 Chapter 4 – I don’t think so.

    YuZhi surprised TangShi by pulling her close in a threatening manner, her body rammed up against hard masculine muscle that she found hard to ignore, and then ungracefully pushing her away with a harsh shove. Her breathingbored from the sudden assault, it sent her rolling away by a foot, with a squeal, and she had to grasp the sheets to save herself from toppling right off the bed. He was juvenile and merely wanted to scare her while exerting his dominance on what he viewed as a pitiful creature.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I¡¯m not in the mood. You definitely don¡¯t do it for me either.¡± It was a sulky retort, fury seeping out from all over him in his stiff and gruff manner and TangShi nched in shock. She wasn¡¯t exactly rooting to have rtions with him after today, but she was still surprised he was refusing her. Especially in such a young petnt boy and tantrummy kind of manner. She was sure she had felt his arousal so this made no sense to her.


    After all, wasn¡¯t the shotgun wedding so he could immediately begin to start trying for an heir? This was their wedding night! Wasn¡¯t that the point of dressing her up, rushing this through and sending her to his suite as soon as they got here. To dress like this too.


    It was night by then, but she was still told to ready herself for the young master apanying her as soon as she walked in the door. Not even allowed to sit down and have an evening meal, despite not eating since morning.


    ¡°What do you mean? Your grandfather said¡­¡± TangShi forgot herself for a moment, her resistance reced with question, and spoke out. Confused and a little rejected by his suddenck of desire. She wondered if she was really so repulsive to him, even dressed this way, that he didn¡¯t want to touch her. Unable to understand what was wrong with him. Most men when aroused would have to follow through, right? That¡¯s what the magazines said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. I won¡¯t be forced, and I won¡¯t be seduced with slutty clothes. Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t see the intention. I have someone I care about and you and I, we¡¯ll only do what¡¯s required when your fertile, without all this¡­ I don¡¯t want to see it again. Cover up!¡± he grabbed the strap of hercy negligee, tossing it aside with a sneer of disgust on his face. ¡°Cheap¡­. Shameful. I prefer virtuous women, not ones who make bargains to sell their body to the highest bidders.¡± He snapped it in her face while TangShi reddened from the top of her head all the way down to her toes. Knowing she couldn¡¯t exactly refute it as that¡¯s what her father had done.


    Truth be told YuZhi had reacted to this outfit, just as a man should and it made him so incredibly angry at his ownck of impulse. Seething over the fact his body would forget Rhea so readily for this slip of a girl in sexy underwear. Even if Rhea knew that he had to do this for the sake of an heir and had promised to never hold it against him. It still felt wrong. He didn¡¯t care if was married to her, she wasn¡¯t his girlfriend and wasn¡¯t someone he wanted to have sex with.


    Suddenly ashamed that he thought the nightdress was her doing, TangShi didn¡¯t want to pass me to Xiaosu, knowing she was probably only doing as she was told. So she shook her head instead. Oblivious to YuZhi¡¯s conflicted thoughts and growing distance.


    Dumbfounded at how much venom he had in him for someone he did not know well and had made such awful judgment of. He had never mentioned their previous encounter either, so she wondered if this was all based on something she did back then and didn¡¯t realize it at the time.


    She couldn¡¯t recall anything other than letting him kiss her passionately so many times that night. Maybe that was it, maybe her allowing his kisses and handholding back then was the reason he discarded her so coldly. He thought women who allowed such intimacy were shameless? Cheap? Easy? Surely, he was more forward thinking than that, or maybe his grandfather¡¯s traditionalism was ingrained, and he really looked down on her for it.


    But then, he was the one who had kissed her repeatedly, and pursued it when she was too shy. He had held her hand, hugged her close ¡­. More recently he had a girlfriend who he obviously sleeps with if his manner is anything to go by.


    ¡°You misunderstand my character, I ¡­¡±


    YuZhi gave her no chance to defend herself at all. Despite her low pleading tone and the genuine sorrow in her expression. Her willingness to back down and the hurt in her expression at being judged like that.


    ¡°Pffft¡­ You think I don¡¯t know women like you? I¡¯ve had years of you throwing yourself my way, all the same kind! The only difference is one of you finally had a father to do your bidding who was worthy in my grandfather¡¯s eyes. You got your wish; you cajoled a bind to me where other¡¯s failed¡­ now go sleep over there and don¡¯t touch me. I want a list of your fertile days by lunch tomorrow.¡± He turned his back on her, making it clear he had no intention to touch her in any kind of way. His manner bleak, his wall of iciness up and she was intimidated by his strong aura ofmand.


    YuZhi¡¯s words and actions almost choked her, with both shock, insult, and sheer fury. He really did think so little of her and so much of himself. This arrogant and spoiled stupid man, looking down on her for something she wasn¡¯t even guilty of and had no control over. How dare he think she had whispered begging words in her father¡¯s ear to secure marriage to this man. This egomaniac and asshole. She wouldn¡¯t have asked to even share air with him if she was given a choice!   She only wanted a peaceful life and her independence far away from anyone in Shanghai!


    TangShi opened her mouth and red at his straight and foreboding figure in the darkness, outlined by the moonlight seeping in the cracks of the curtains in the window. Irritated by how blessed in attractiveness he was butcked any kind of charm. She had so many harsh words she wanted to say, to defend herself, to scold this idiot, but instead she snapped her lips closed.


    She wouldn¡¯t lower herself to someone like him. Let him think what he wanted. It made no difference to the situation she was in and in fact, maybe his not wanting to have anything to do with her was a blessing. She crossed her arms across her bust haughtily.


    She had heard of men pestering their women for constant sex until it becameborious and unenjoyable. Some endured it merely for a peaceful life and she had no high hopes that YuZhi would try and give her pleasure from the act. She was happy to be left to sleep! It dyed the inevitable pregnancy that might happen and gave her time to get her own life in order, and ns organized. She wasn¡¯t going to sit in this mansion and waste away her days waiting for him to grace her bed at night, and she wasn¡¯t about to organize her life around this jerk either.


    She turned her body away too, leaving a huge gap on the bed between them where the sheets dipped down to form a visual boundary. Both stiff and angry, mirrored in posture, and each staring at nk walls ahead of them in a silent standoff. TangShi had lived through her fair share of insult and injury from callous people, but never had she been as incensed as this at the hand of a stupid man. He seemed to be able to trigger a fiery response that had longin dormant in TangShi, and she could not push down the urge to turn around and smack his head with her pillow. She had never had violent tendencies of any sort and here she was wishing to hit him with anything close by.


    ¡°Stop moving, you¡¯re annoying me.¡± YuZhi¡¯s arrogant and snooty tone flickered her way and made her even more furious.


    ¡°¡­¡± She bit her lips tight to hold back the swear words which lingered. She wasn¡¯t moving in anyway at all, as still as a statue in this huge unmovable bed. So he was just looking for a reason to criticize her and talk down to her some more. TangShi huffed, made an udylike snort of distaste and made a point of moving around on the bed to getfier. Plumping her pillow, lifting herself up to bash it around, and adjusting the sheets in a slow and deliberate fashion to rile him for the sake of it. She took great delight in tugging the sheets, so his arm was moved by her action. He turned angrily, leaning up on one elbow to re at her shadowy face as they came eye to eye. Two storms meeting in a chaotic ocean.


    ¡°Really? Are you trying to piss me off?¡± He snapped, his biting tone carrying a threat and yet TangShi found the inner strength to not back down. Even as a child who suffered so much and held her tongue in so many ways, she was still stubborn when it was called for. He had found the button to ignite some of her pride. Finally, someone had.


    ¡°Goodnight, Mr Leng¡­ If my moving bothers you, there¡¯s a couch over there. Try it. I hear it can be good for the back. You certainly look like a posture adjustment might help reduce some of your anal tendencies!¡± She cooed in a haughty tone of superiority, admiring her own ability to find the skill to do it.  Right back at him and smiling sweetly, flinching at her own sudden sass and goading this man in a way she had never goaded anyone on purpose before. She didn¡¯t know she had it in her. He seemed to bring out the need in her to rebel.  A little flicker of excitement that made her feel suddenly alive and willing to stand up for herself.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°This is MY bed!! How about YOU go sleep there. Might help remove the stick from up your ass.¡± hepletely lost his temper at her sassy suggestion and yanked the sheet from between them, tugging it his way so TangShi was pulled towards him in a ferocious manner. She fell against hisrge body, almost on top of him with a gentle thud, and had to brace herself on her arms pinning over his shoulder and head.


    ¡°You¡¯re a bully and a brute! So not the esteemed master of Leng, or gentleman they all say you are! You¡¯re a despicable and immature little boy!!¡± TangShi regretted the words but at the same time, felt exhrated at her sudden burst of brave.


    Pulling back to regain her distance from him and showing no hint of fear. It felt good to answer back after years of being trodden down, and despite his curt manner, and oozing hostility, something told her he was not a man who would beat a woman. For he surely would have done it already with how she was pushing his buttons. Her father would have so much faster.


    Maybe her memories of him that night tainted her instincts so stupidly, but there was a feeling that she could push his bottom line and he wouldn¡¯t cross the boundary her father had so many times. Or maybe, it was that she had been beaten so many times in her past that she no longer feared it and knew it could not be worse than anything she endured before. Her father was cruel and ruthless and had made it so she could bear pain better than most.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a shame¡­ given you fought so hard to win me. Guess you got what you asked for! Now I know you hate it so much, I¡¯ll be sure to increase this manner and let you enjoy how despicable I can be.¡± He was furious too, to be called such things by this little waif of a woman. He lifted his hand pushing his pointer finger into her forehead and shoved her away as forcefully as he could and watched her fall back onto her space in his bed.


    She had looked so pitiful and weak in the marriage office, for a moment he had felt remorse for her, and now, spitting at him like a devil in his own bed, he saw through her and that victim act. He really disliked her arrogance through and through. She was a very good actress at hiding her true ugly nature and he had no room in his heart for a maniptive female who wanted his title and his money.


    She had drawn a line in the sand, an act of war and it thrilled YuZhi more than having sex with her did. He really did not want to betray his ex-girlfriend even if he had no choice. Three years of life with Rhea and yet his grandfather refused her as his wife and made him do this instead. It had left a bitter taste in his mouth and TangShi was the one he was forcing and venting all his emotions on. He couldn¡¯t take it out on anyone else so she was the perfect target.


    He wasn¡¯t going to make it easy for this scheming woman and her gold-digging family. He couldn¡¯t hate his grandfather for forcing his hand, he loved him deeply, but he could use this annoyance as his way to offload negative feelings. He would enjoy seeing her suffer for pushing him to marry into her family while relieving his stress about the whole thing. God, he knew Rhea would be thrilled to find out how much he detested his new bride.


    ¡°I hate you!¡± TangShi¡¯s emotion broke, her voice hoarse and croaking with painful knots in her throat. Her heart wielding the pain of both eight years ago and his manner now. Something inside of her finally giving way for the years of being treated as unworthy and it came out in her rage towards YuZhi. He seemed like a good ce to let it all out.


    ¡°Feeling¡¯s mutual, now shut up and sleep. Some of us have work in the morning. Some of us have things to do.¡± It was a vicious reprimand and retort, highlighting his understanding that she was a pampered young miss of a wealthy family and probably had never worked a day in her life.


    It shocked her that a man with his own rich upbringing looked down on noble women this way, but she sniffed back her brewing tears. He had no idea that she was nothing like this at all.   In fact, her contact with Linlin these past two days was about arranging to meet as soon as she could free herself from her family, to start looking for a job to support herself. She would never rely on money from Lei or Leng to get her through the next two years. She would still paint and sell her prints online as before, but she wanted a job to fill her days and make time pass quickly so she could see the day her divorce was finale faster.


    That was what she was clinging to and knew that thepensation for her life here would be enough to run far away this time. With money she could outrun her father once and for all.


    She knew she had to give the family Leng a child, but the contract was clear on those details. After the birth they would take the child away to be raised by their own, and she wouldn¡¯t have a chance to do anything or even see it. She couldn¡¯t fight it and knew denying them that right was pointless. Her father signed away her right to even be a loving mother to the heir she bore and it was obvious YuZhi would never keep her around after she gave him what he wanted.


    It was a shocking and painful realization, but she had to be strong. She knew she had to focus on the bigger picture instead. To detach her emotions while stuck with YuZhi and forced to carry his child. She had to think of herself as a surrogate and not even his wife. She knew he had only Rhea in his heart and made it clear she was still going to be in the picture, no matter what sacrifices TangShi made toe here. She needed to endure, push down the emotions and ride the storm until she could be free again. The child would be raised by another woman, and she hoped would receive the love TangShi never had.


    TangShi knew she had the patience and will power to get through and as she finallyid back down and turned back away from this hateful man, she pushed her heart into a dark corner and told it to be still, be quiet, and no longer let this disappointing male affect her anymore.


    Maybe she was always meant to meet him again. So any stupid hope she had held onto which stopped her from ever letting his memory go would soon be squashed.   How could she harbor any kind of anything when faced with this arrogant and unlikeable Prince of Leng.

 Chapter 5 – Good Morning, wife.

    TangShi stretched out and yawned, balling a fist in her sleepy eyes, forgetting her predicament for a second, and sighed with just how exhausted she was. It was a fitful night of unrest, given her not being used to sharing a bed with a warm body, and the lingering anger which had made her toss and turn most of the night away.


    YuZhi seemed to sleep soundly, oblivious to her presence and not phased at all that she was in his bed and hating on him so venomously. It only served to anger her on a whole other level and the result was fatigue, and dark circles under her normally bright eyes. She felt muggy and heavy, and her mood was already low. He was clearly no stranger to sharing his bed with a warm blooded female.


    There was a rapid chap on her door that gave her the distinct impression someone was in a hurry and turned to see if YuZhi intended to reply. Only she found his side of the bed waspletely empty and the room around her was bright and quiet, showing her he was not here at all. She had no idea when he got up and left.


    ¡°Miss Lei, can Ie in?¡± the hurried tone and sheepish voice sounded a lot like Xiaosu and TangShi quickly slid out of bed to go open the door and let her enter. Remembering toote that she was wearing a scrap ofce and covered her chest in embarrassment as Xiaosu¡¯s eyes widened at first sight. The girl blushed and looked away with a small smile before averting her eyes to the ground and remembering why she was so frantic.


    ¡°You¡¯rete for breakfast and old master has already left in such a terrible mood.¡± Xiaosu¡¯s hastened words, her strained tone, and instant paling of her skin told TangShi this was not a great start to her new life here and she had already offended the grandfather.


    She had a vague memory of being told the household were expected to eat breakfast with grandfather at dawn and anyone who waste would be in the bad books for days. This was a tradition of this house and would cause great offence to the rigid old miser. He liked his routine and TangShi had already messed up.


    TangShi red back at the empty bed one more time, cursing YuZhi under her breath because he obviously got up and left her asleep on purpose. He had every opportunity to wake her and make here down for breakfast. The fact is, he wanted to see her screw up and face his grandfathers wrath.


    ¡°Quickly, help me get ready.¡± TangShi pulled Xiaosu inside, suddenly frantic and panicking, knowing she had no idea where any of her clothes had been put when she arrived here. She was relieved to notice Xiaosu was carrying a dress and bag of undergarments for her. She had brought along something for her to wear that would not offend the remaining members at the breakfast table and it looked pleasantly like something TangShi would have chosen herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯te for you before now. Young Master Leng had me go to collect the milk and eggs from the nearby vige that Aunt is so fond of far earlier today and told me to not bother you until I returned.¡± Xiaosu flushed crimson, knowing what she said made it clear YuZhi had dyed the girl and did this to make TangShi annoy his family members as much as she annoyed him.


    That man! How childish for a future CEO of the Leng empire to scheme against her.


    TangShi gritted her teeth, hurried into the bathroom to quickly wash her face and pulled on the clothes that Xiaosu held out for her. It was a simple lemon dress with a daisy print all over, in a soft floaty fabric. The underwear was white and simple, not at all sexy, with new white slippers to wear downstairs.


    This was more TangShi¡¯s style and judging by theck ofbels, it seemed these had not just been bought. There was a fresh scent ofundry detergent and they seemed to have been ironed meticulously already.


    ¡°I brought them from my room because I heard young Master tell the Madame he expected you toe down dressed for a strip club. He seems to have had your clothes that you brought with you left downstairs to be disposed of.¡± Xiaosu knew she was saying things she really shouldn¡¯t, given she had worked for the Leng home for many years, but the girl was sweet by nature and had taken an instant liking to TangShi the first moment she met her. She felt YuZhi was being unusually cruel for his normallyid back nature and unfair to sabotage the young miss first days in his family, for no good reason. She could sense she was not the scheming and spoiled rich brat that YuZhi told his aunt she was.


    He was mad at the world for his grandfather forcing his hand in marrying a girl from a suitable family, but Xiaosu did not feel this was TangShi¡¯s fault. She seemed like she too was put in a position she didn¡¯t ask for. His hatred for her made no sense to Xiaosu.


    ¡°Thank you, Xiaosu, this really means a lot to me. I can¡¯t thank you enough for your kindness today.¡± The girl was a little shorter and curvier than TangShi, but this style of dress was loose and long and on her slender figure it looked pretty. Casual and formal enough for breakfast and TangShi hurriedly brushed her hair before following Xiaosu in haste to the awaiting breakfast table.


    She had spent years of her life at hostile dinner tables, so she braced herself for a scolding and an unpleasant meal. Knowing she could endure it without losing too much face.


    Damn this YuZhi!


    TangShi was surprised when she hurriedly walked into the open, beautiful breakfast room, to see only two people sat at a long low table, at far ends. A table which would easily sit twelve people or more with a little squeeze. She expected a grand family of angry faces, but then she remembered the Leng family had suffered many losses in recent years and the numbers were low. Many rtives no longer lived in Shanghai. The table was mostly empty with only a te in front of the older woman who sat near the window which framed the ornate garden.


    It was still early in the day and when TangShi entered, she felt eyes all turn to her as she blushed apologetically. Lowering her head to show her remorse and averting her eyes from the granddy who was piercing her with a stiff re.


    The older woman was dressed in a beautiful, midnight blue, satin house robe, that was traditional in style yet adorned with beadwork and beautiful embroidery, giving her an air of elegance.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry I seem to have overslept due to not being used to my surroundings, it won¡¯t happen again. I¡¯ll do better.¡± She gushed towards the hostile faced woman who was appraising her with scrutiny. She then flicked her eyes to YuZhi, who was smirking like a smug oaf while ncing over some documents in his hand. Lounging casually while he took in her annoyed, pinched expression, and seemed amused with it. He was very casual in his lounging position despite being dressed in a shirt and dark grey waistcoat over matching dress trousers, his suit jacker over the back of his chair and striped tie sticking out of the pocket.


    ¡°Good morning, Wife. Lazy as well as rude. Your talents surpass each one the more they show face.¡± He smirked and went back to picking up his coffee mug and swirling it slowly before taking a deliberate sip.


    Every mannerism was slow, precise, and graceful as though he knew he was far superior to her in every way. His posture, despite being rxed, still exuded an air ofmand and it only made TangShi despise him more.


    TangShi¡¯s spine stiffened and the anger in her heart towards him increased tenfold. She was absolutely sure now he did this to make her look stupid, and now the grandfather was gone, and this woman was ring at her like an evil imposter. He was trying to give them all the worst impression of her and make her lose face in the home she would have to continue living in.


    ¡°Sit down and eat. I don¡¯t want apologies; I just require punctual attendance.¡± The aunt snapped; her irritation heavy in her low voice. She didn¡¯t even introduce herself but given her attitude and the mature aging of her face, TangShi assumed she was either YuZhi¡¯s grandmother or his aunt that Xiaosu mentioned. Maybe his mother, if his father had been the older gentleman she met yesterday, but she gave no maternal sense to TangShi and didn¡¯t seem overly sweet to YuZhi at this moment either.


    TangShi quickly sat at a seat one away from YuZhi to give herself space, not caring if it looked petty, and he cocked an eyebrow at her and raised a mocking smirk her way. Seemingly even more amused with her not wanting to sit near him.


    ¡°Nice dress. What happened to your little ck number? Shame not to see you parading around in that all day.¡± he was purposely trying to cajole her in front of this women and her face med crimson. He was referring to the sexy nightdress which she had been given, and he knew fine well it was not appropriate for anything beyond the bedroom. She would never wear it again.


    ¡°What happened to my clothes?¡± she mumbled under her breath in a hissing response, low enough to only be directed at herself but YuZhi had sensitive hearing and chuckled to himself. He was amused that she already knew her clothes had been discarded and she had nothing else for the time being.


    TangShi clenched her fists and sat back when Xiaosu returned with a tray of food for her.


    ¡°Here, Miss lei, Aunt has ordered your diet should be suited for being fertile and readying for childbirth.¡± She slid down two bowls in front of TangShi that she had never seen before. In all her years living in China, she had never eaten anything that looked like this.


    One was in broth with noodles and sliced vegetables and smelled nd and salty, while the other contained some sort of fermented paste, mixed with eggs that stunk to high heavens and TangShi gagged at the sudden assaulting scent. She had no idea what these dishes were at all. They looked like someone who had no idea how to cook had thrown together what was left in the food store in a hope they wouldn¡¯t go to waste.


    ¡°I¡¯m not pregnant yet!¡± She nched in shock, looking at the unusual breakfast as her stomach churned then lurched in disgust, and looked at the woman present for some kind of help. She just tutted, rolled her eyes in disdain at this bothersome girl and returned to staring out at the garden. Ignoring her with a cold face and making it clear she was only causing herself further dislike.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s always good to get ready for it¡­ eat up. Aunt RuiZi is being more than hospitable by taking care of your dietary requirements to benefit our future child. Be grateful, she has a million more traditional recipes and herbal medicines for you to savor.¡± YuZhi was enjoying this. He didn¡¯t know finding himself a live-in feuding partner could be so satisfying and was really excelling at his mischief this morning. Lately life had been dull and monotonous and now he had a new challenge to y with.


    He had watched her sleep so soundly when he rose, looking deceivingly angelic, and left the room smiling to himself that he would make grandfather curse the woman he had chosen over his more filial and wonderful Rhea.   His n was simple enough. To make his family regret never letting him choose his own wife and mother of his future children, while punishing this scheming girl for daring to force him to this oue.


    TangShi couldn¡¯t respond, or retaliate, knowing it was futile, and had to grit her teeth, clench her fists and steady her rapid breathing to conceal how angry she felt in this moment. She hated his cheesy and malicious smile as much as she was starting to hate him but decided to not let him see it.


    If there was one thing TangShi had perfected all these years, it was not showing someone who was bullying you that they were affecting you. She had plenty of practice at it.


    She picked up a spoon and chopsticks and dug in with forced fervor, trying not to gag on the mix of tasteless noodles and over stewed vegetables, or the fishy and sour apaniment that had literally no spice to numb out the awfulness. She was sure she had never heard or seen either of these in the whole time she had lived on this and whoever the cook was, had overdone everything until it had the texture of mush. No doubt another gift from YuZhi, in ordering the servants to help make her life worse. Already the cook was even against her.


    TangShi swallowed it all down, so painfully, and controlled every outward reaction and facial expression like a pro. Acting as if this was the most delicious thing she had ever eaten, while inwardly retching and struggling to swallow, and even avoided drinking water or allowing Xiaosu to pour her tea until she was done. She didn¡¯t want to look like she was washing it down, she wanted to seem like this was adequate and tasty and YuZhi wasn¡¯t getting to her at all.


    The old aunt asionally looked her way and her expression seemed to get more ridged with every bite TangShi swallowed. Her obvious dislike of the girl growing as she watched her, because she hated high and mighty women who tried to save face when they should be bowing.


    TangShi didn¡¯t know if it was insulting her by beingte or if YuZhi had already said bad things about her to color the water before she came down. She guessed it was probably both.


    ¡°Well, as enjoyable as yourpany is, I have to go to work. Can¡¯tze around like a coat tail riding trophy wife all day, can I?¡± YuZhi picked up his documents and pushed his mug away, winking TangShi¡¯s way with mischief, scooping his phone from the table as it lit up and smiled at whoever¡¯s name was shing on screen.


    He leaned in towards TangShi with a devilish look and for a moment she paused, holding her breath, so sure he was going to kiss her on the cheek in a show of shock affection. He didn¡¯t. Instead, he leaned in and whispered in a threatening tone.


    ¡°Stay out of my way. Don¡¯t expect anything from me to ease your stay here. Obey the rules, do what you¡¯re told and be ready to produce an heir. Other than that, my life is nothing to do with you and it¡¯s going to stay that way. Hope you¡¯re happy with what you asked for.¡± he nudged against her arm and shoulder as he slid past, causing her to spill what was left on her spoon all over herp and cursing him under her breath. Xiaosu immediately rushed forward to help mop it up, knowing she only had this dress and nothing else to wear. TangShi stiffened and held herself still so as not to react. Cursing the man to death in her mind.


    YuZhi sauntered to the door before throwing a nce back, enjoying the moment and hoping she had gotten his loud and clear message in thest twenty-four hours. She was the thorn in his side, and he was not going to make anything easy for her while he had to endure their marriage. He wanted nothing to do with her and already had instructed Xiaosu to supply her fertile days to his phone by noon, after she was examined by his doctor. He would do his duty, and the rest of the time, he wouldn¡¯t touch her in any way. He intended to ignore her presence unless he felt like torturing her a little.


    ¡°You will be taken for a new wardrobe today; I do hope you have something clean to wear. I had your luggage burned as it was not suitable for this household. You don¡¯t need to carry on the act of poor and modest my dear, it doesn¡¯t fly with me. Your father is one of the wealthiest men in Shanghai, yet you y the victim to turn favor. Despicable.¡± It was aunt who spoke the venomous words, tossed TangShi¡¯s way in a bitter sneer. Clear that for whatever reason, she had joined her nephew in the dislike of TangShi and life was looking less rosy by the minute.


    Of course, they wouldn¡¯t believe that a daughter of Lei would be penniless and downcast, struggling to make ends meet. They only saw that her clothing was fake and an act to appear pitiful.


    ¡°I will find something.¡± TangShi could only hope Xiaosu would have another dress, as the only things upstairs when she dressed was her nightdress and the gown she got married in yesterday. It was hardly something you would wear to go shopping. It was an evening gown and only to be worn with jewels and high shoes.


    ¡°Good. My assistant will take you; she¡¯s also collecting my pride and joy to apany you and Xiaosu. Such a good girl and wonderful fashion sense. She will help you with your style and stop you from embarrassing us further.¡± For the first time some animation and light flooded the aunt¡¯s face and her eyes sparkled with adoration.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Your daughter?¡± TangShi inquired trying to sound as pleasant and polite as she could, showing an interest in hopes of warming the atmosphere. Knowing she had to walk on eggshells with this woman already if she was going to survive.


    ¡°No, I have no children of my own¡­ My future niece of course. My darling Rhea, such a joy. Someone you will never rece and should never have had the opportunity to stand in front of.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±

 Chapter 6 – Meeting Rhea

    TangShi was sitting in the ck stretched-out Rolls Royce with it¡¯s tinted out windows, beside Xiaosu¡¯s small and cheerful frame and staring ahead at the cold tailored women facing her. She had tried to be polite. Warm even. When sincerely greeting this assistant on entering but had been met with an icy stone-faced response of dislike.


    Xiaosu had greeted her with an almost fearful expression. As if this was a woman she already did not like, making it clear this wouldn¡¯t be a pleasant ride. The atmosphere was tense, conversation nonexistent as they awaited Rhea outside her home, so it was clear the women in this car had been forced together.


    Lang Je was Aunt RuiZi¡¯s personal assistant; a sour faced mature woman in her thirties, who wore perfectly fitted and severe business attire at all hours of the day. She was used to running errands all day long for the surprisingly productive Aunt, who ran a sessful and famous fashion magazine that employed Rhea as a columnist. She had low tolerance to frivolous women and a severeck of warmth and humor. She certainly had no desire to apany these girls on a shopping trip of such a mundane nature either, and she was making it clear.   She had been taken from her regr duties today to act as babysitter and it had put her in a foul mood.


    Her boss had been insistent though, that she was to make sure TangShi was given enough clothes and essories to represent the Leng family without causing embarrassment once she stepped out in the public eye. She had no choice but to be here. To pay the bills, direct them to appropriate boutiques and be the word of Leng in terms of what was purchased. She had been given a spending allowance to meet and she was not going to disappoint by not doing her duty. After all, Aunt had a reputation of being the Queen of high fashion and her new family member was already a disappointment. She had to remedy that today!This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    TangShi inwardly sighed for the tenth time, annoyed at all this hassle for something so shallow. She had never followed trends or been overly interested in the designer world, or famous brands. It meant nothing to her.  She loved to paint, so most of her clothes would end up soiled in some way. She had very few items she called her ¡®best¡¯ although Aunt had destroyed them all.


    It seemed these people were so obsessed with style and overall appearance that it had be a major thing they found fault over when it came to her. She hadn¡¯t thought her attire had been as bad as they made out, but after eating her breakfast, the aunt had given Xiaosu a list of things she expected to be done in the next three days. It had spun TangShi¡¯s head and made her ears pop. They were all about being showy. Being picture perfect ready and acted like TangShi would be out there on a runway just because she was now of the family Leng.


    It seemed her hair was not the right color, groomed or fashionable enough, her nails were in a poor state, her teeth needed brightening, and her skin required spa treatment. Aunt ordered that her scents, her lotions, her every pampering product was to be revamped by professionals and she was to have a beauty regime set in ce to suit the family she now stood in front of. Waxing, tinting, eyebrow restructuring and even lip fillers were mentioned.


    Even her footwear had a long list of requirements and she was thrust a checklist of every kind of event imaginable she would need clothing for. She felt like they were trying to make her over into some sort of pretend celebrity, a living doll, and Xiaosu had to exin that YuZhi was indeed practically that. TangShi had to be up to a standard to be able to stand next to him before they announced she was the woman who would be stealing Rhea Cheng¡¯s ce in his heart. YuZhi had celebrity status because of both his position in society and his naturally gorgeous looks which attracted women like flies.


    After all part of the Leng name was that they were trend setters in style and ss, and Rhea Cheng was a retired fashion model turned stylist. She had high standards to meet.


    What TangShi hadn¡¯t really paid attention to when searching the inte for information about her new husband, was that he was certainly very famous in Shanghai outside of business endeavors. He had a huge youth following that outshone many pop idols, for just being a handsome and young wealthy heir who was about to step up as CEO for the cities most revered empire. He even had a fan club, overseen by a PR team, and his own group of assistants which solely paid attention to keeping him in the public eye and making sure his poprity stayed current. Just because he was charming, rich, and beautiful, and apparently that¡¯s all he needed to be. He rubbed shoulders with famous people, went to glitzy events and was photographed as though he was truly a movie star.


    YuZhi Leng was Shanghai¡¯s heartthrob, despite his shrewd business brain and qualifications, and girls across the country wished to be able to call themselves his Rhea. After all they were the golden couple and loved by all and had been for three years of red-carpet life.


    TangShi was depressed at the thought of what she knew was toe, her head aching with all this new information this morning. She hated the limelight and now she was going to have to face it head on, for a man who despised her. Smile in public while being forced to transform like Cindere.


    Xiaosu had tried to confide in her and ease her worries by rying little snippets she had overheard between YuZhi and his family in thest days to ease her worry. It had only given her more to be upset about. Knowing so many details and ns of her own life had been taken care of, and her input was nil.


    It seemed the talk of marrying TangShi had been ongoing while she was in California, and her father had only informed her in thest moments that this was even happening. The Leng family had known for almost two months. All this time, they had conspired, nned, and made arrangements for her life. While she was oblivious and studying fine art. Living in a happy bubble that hadn¡¯t yet been popped and dreaming oof a simple life away from home.


    If she had known two months back that she was to be called back, she would never have gone in the first ce. She just couldn¡¯t understand why her father agreed if he was already nning this for her, unless he wanted her out of the way in case the Leng family saw her as unfit for purpose. Kept her hidden until they had fully agreed, then thrust her upon them. She wouldn¡¯t put it past her scheming father.


    ¡°Good afternoon, sorry to have kept you waiting.¡±


    TangShi¡¯s thoughts were interrupted before she pondered any further on the details of her lost life, startled by the seductively sweet voice of a woman sliding into the car beside Lang Je. She raised her chin and instinctively smiled a wee as she was faced with an angel who seemed to glow with warmth and weing.


    TangShi knew at first sight that this was the woman they had been waiting for and was yet startled by how she looked, up close in real life. Her pictures had not really shown how naturally pretty she was in the flesh, with her elegant posture and slender figure in expensive clothing. TangShi was surprised and had expected to see a less mourous girl than what the media portrayed, yet she was wrong. She was the same in person. A wless woman of great beauty who had a softness about her that made you immediately like her.


    Rhea Cheng had jet ck hair, over a pale and slight set of delicate features. Eyes a littlerge for her elfin face but it somehow made for an innocent yet beautiful looking girl, that oozed a sense of vulnerability. Her eyes were darker brown than TangShi¡¯s, but with her neutral make up in peaches, and her stained rose lips, her eyes sparkled like ck obsidian at the two women facing her.   She truly was breathtaking and a little surreal, especially dressed in a cream floatyyered chiffon dress, and nude stilettos, that screamed of wealth.


    She had poise, an atmosphere of elegance and when she locked eyes on TangShi and gave her a soft and heartwarming smile, it seemed to melt away the superior quality. TangShi was faced with someone who seemed extremely loving and honest. The maternal aura seeped out so fluidly, and try as she might, TangShi couldn¡¯t feel any dislike at all.


    ¡°Hello, Miss Cheng. It¡¯s nice to meet you.¡± TangShi answered, matching her gentle tone and wide smile, and pushing away all her preconceived notions about this woman. First impressions were, that unlike YuZhi and his arrogant personality, Rhea seemed to be an enchanting and genuinedy. She gave off an approachable aura and looked you directly in the eye when she spoke. It made you feel special and heard, like she really acknowledged your presence. A sharp contrast to all the hatred TangShi had met these past days.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that we had to meet under such strange circumstances, and I know this must feel so awkward and ufortable. Given you¡¯re now married to my fianc¨¦e¡­Sorry¡­I know, I know¡­. My ex-fianc¨¦e. It¡¯s hard to remember that and get used to it.¡± Rhea blushed, lowering her eyes as a pained expression crossed her face, genuine apology on show as she unsessfully tried to hide her obvious heartache. It was clear to TangShi that this girl loved YuZhi very much and she suddenly felt an overwhelming ache of guilt and difort on her behalf.


    ¡°For the time being. We all know the ns are for you two to marry once he has his heir.¡± Lang je cut in with a biting tone and raised a catty brow at TangShi, before she had a chance to even reply. As though she somehow was the instigator in Rhea¡¯s unhappiness and solely to me. TangShi swallowed down her hurt expression, smoothed on an understanding smile instead and tried to formte a response that wouldn¡¯t anger the assistant further. It seemed she didn¡¯t need to do anything to feel their contempt since marrying YuZhi.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so harsh, Je. I¡¯m sure TangShi knows all this and it¡¯s not necessary to be so rude, or cruel. We should wee our sister. We have to learn to live in peace and get along, so that this time moves fast and with little drama.¡± Rhea covered Lang Je¡¯s hand with her own, giving her a slight squeeze as if to smooth her ruffled feathers and press the point that she wanted harmony, not war. She looked back to TangShi, no hint of malice in her misted gaze, only a gentleness that pulled you to trust her. ¡°It¡¯s been hard to adjust, for everyone. Grandfather sort of pulled this out of thin air, after so many years of letting us think he would eventually give his blessing to us. Don¡¯t take it to heart. There are many loyal and unhappy people right now who believed it was only a matter of time until we wed. I¡¯ve been family to them all along. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re equally having a hard time processing this change in your life and walking into this situation.¡±


    TangShi was stunned, that this was the first person to not assume TangShi orchestrated and schemed for this, and she almost nched that maybe Rhea really was someone she could like. Would it be weird if they became friends, even while she had to have rtions with YuZhi to make a child? TangShi could not get her head around it at all.


    TangShi returned a sweet nod and smile, trying to show she understood, but was also gobsmacked at just how much she actually wanted to get to know this pleasant girl. Rhea did not seem to be as she expected, or any kind of nasty of jealous at all and it wasn¡¯t hard to see why YuZhi loved her so much. Her fears about meeting this love rival, a clingy nasty schemer who would make life worse, died an instant death and she rxed a little. Genuinely liking this goddess. She even felt deeply remorseful about the fact her presence had ruined Rhea¡¯s own happiness. She didn¡¯t want to be a person that caused anyone suffering, let alone a sweetheart.


    ¡°I admit, this wasn¡¯t how I expected to spend my next two years. I don¡¯t want to cause trouble or make anyone unnecessarily unhappy. I¡¯ll try my hardest to be the best I can be.¡± TangShi meant every word. If she was shown kindness, she would be the person she always tried to be in her life. Fair, and respectful. She only retorted when people pushed against her abrasively. She didn¡¯t want to fight or live her days angry. She wanted a peaceful life, and a goal to look forward to.


    ¡°Hmmm, okay as you wish. Now let¡¯s get going as we have a full day nned and a lot to aplish.¡± Lang Je butted in, ncing at Rhea with a curt smile, but then red at TangShi once more, and TangShi¡¯s heart sank all over again. Despite Rhea offering a glimmer of hope that things might start to improve in this family, the assistant made it clear that the majority were against her no matter what. She had many battles to face to make them endure her position.


    TangShi knew this was going to take time for them all to ept that TangShi was YuZhi¡¯s wife for now, no matter what they felt about it, or what they did, and two years suddenly felt like a lifetime to get through.

 Chapter 7 – Linlin

    ¡°So, you really liked her?¡± Linlin expressed her confusion on the phone, while talking to her lifelong best friend now she had a moment¡¯s peace. A little astounded at this strange turn of events. It seems her good-hearted, honorary sister, from another mother, had been befriended by her new husband¡¯s ex-girlfriend. Linlin thought this was beyond weird, ridiculous even, and didn¡¯t have as muchpassion or understanding as TangShi in this situation. She had always been more of a protector of this girl, and this baffled her, that TangShi was so willing to get on with Rhea. In Linlin¡¯s mind, Rhea was the enemy.


    ¡°Yes, I guess. She spent the day guiding me, helping me. We picked out enough clothes tost a year; she has such ssy taste, and she was so patient and gentle and kept that horrid Ling Je away from me. I truly think she¡¯s not as bad as I was expecting.¡± TangShi smiled, genuine affection gracing her pretty face, because she was speaking from the heart. Rxing as she soothed away the pains of her tired body by rolling her shoulders and stood casually looking at gorgeous scenery.


    ¡°TangShi, you have lost your mind. She¡¯s your love rival¡­.¡± Linlin eximed, trying to inject some sense, a voice of reason. Outraged that maybe TangShi was being taken for a ride by a master of scheming, an actress that surpassed most. She couldn¡¯t really believe that Rhea would be so gracious to the woman who just robbed her of her blissful future with YuZhi.


    ¡°I don¡¯t love him, nor do I like him, and I never intend to.¡± TangShi was firm, a biting tone so instant it made her blush. A sudden fire in her belly,ing up to ignite her wounded heart as she stared from the window of the bedroom in the Leng mansion. The only thing that could prick up her aggression and anger tonight was that man. One mention of him and boom, a stick of dynamite was lit.


    She stood her ground, aware of her outburst, taking calming breaths to return to her Zen state of before, aware this was an overreaction. Overlooking the pretty flowers in bloom below to return her calm state of mind.


    All while Xiaosu put away all her new purchases behind her inpanionable silence and kept her eyes on her task. The day wasing to an end and TangShi was not looking forward to dinner with the grandfather before being allowed to go to bed. She still had to face YuZhi too, but she knew with her schedule now, that he wouldn¡¯t do anything until her fertile day came in three more days.


    Linlin sighed helplessly at the other end of the line. Knowing that TangShi was just trying to find a way to navigate this living situation, but Linlin was a romantic who had other ideas about why YuZhi stood her up five years ago. Stubborn and impulsive, she wanted TangShi to loosen up a little, to the possibility of her new situation. YuZhi was rich, famous, and gorgeous. Despite his attitude towards her little lotus, she knew TangShi would win him around before long and she was certain YuZhi had reasons for that night.


    ¡°Even if YuZhi turns out to be your masked fantasy from your sixteenth birthday? Can I just say though, he gives me crazy strong Shawne Dou vibes, as you know he¡¯s my ultimate bias actor. He could be his twin¡­. You never told me he was that level of gorgeous!! How I didn¡¯t know your masked man was YuZhi Leng is beyond me.¡±


    Linlin knew all about him, about how hurt TangShi was afterwards, even if she hadn¡¯t been there to apany her on that trip so long ago. She had been held back for family affairs while TangShi had been sent out to give her father a break from looking at her face. Her birthday was spent with strangers on a convenient school trip in another city, so her family didn¡¯t have to make effort, and her best friend wasn¡¯t even allowed to be there. It still angered Linlin to this day, that her girl suffered all by herself and then came home with a broken heart. Linlin would have hunted YuZhi down had she known it was that infamous poser and dragged the truth from him.


    ¡°What difference does it make? He¡¯s not a nice person, even if he looks like your current celebrity crush and that night, it was all about seducing me. I see that now. I didn¡¯t give him what he wanted, so he left me on that bridge. If it¡¯s him, then it¡¯s all the more reason to dislike him.¡± TangShi had given this a lot of thought this afternoon, when getting to know Rhea and seeing how sweet a soul she was. It shocked her that someone like her, would be with someone as aloof and cold as YuZhi, and strengthened her heart against him. She had alsoe to realize that it was the fact she was only seventeen that he left such asting impression. She had implied to him she was eighteen, assuming he was too, and her na?ve little heart had been suckered. The reality was, he was turning twenty, now she could count it backwards. Mature enough to know how to y with a girl¡¯s heart.


    ¡°You know what I think about that night¡­¡± Linlin started again but TangShi cut her off with that tone she hated so much. Stern, yet also stubborn, while somehow sounding calm andmanding.


    ¡°I do. You think he might have had some grand reason for noting and that fate concluded it was not our time to meet. Linlin¡­.¡± TangShi sighed. ¡°You read too many romance books. He didn¡¯t even acknowledge me, so it looks like I left such a small impression, that he didn¡¯t even recognize me.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he is pretending. Maybe his heart swooned, and he kept it secret because it will betray Rhea?¡± Linlin knew she was being overdramatic and giggled as she said it. Lightening the mood once more, but TangShi could only sigh. A deep heaviness in her heart even if she had repeatedly reminded herself YuZhi was a liar, and a womanizer.


    ¡°Then asked me if I was the maid? Yes, sure¡­. such a charming line.¡± TangShi reminded her of rying the details of thest few days when she first got her chance to call her. She didn¡¯t care that Xiaosu could hear every word. Somehow in such a short time she had invested her full trust in the girl. She had no doubts about her at all. Xiaosu seemed to be loyal, true, and very protective of her new Miss already. Today she had yed dampener between Lang Je and TangShi anytime she got close, and Rhea was preupied. She was already so fond of little Xiaosu and didn¡¯t want secrets between them if she was to spend her every waking hour with her.


    Xiaosu was folding clothes and putting away her new dresses and shoes. Listening, but really not trying to. Her heart raced at the mention that Miss Lei may have known YuZhi so many years ago and had some sort of romantic interlude before he dated Rhea. Xiaosu was a believer in fate and these past years she had watched the young master with a growing sadness. She believed if YuZhi truly loved Rhea as he made out to the world he did, nothing would have stopped him from marrying her and already producing heirs. There was nothing old grandfather could have done to stop them had an illegitimate childe out of their union. He would have insisted on a fast marriage. Yet YuZhi never betrayed his grandfather, and despite having Rhea by his side, he never truly seemed content or happy. There was affection, and maybe stability and mutual trust, but there was no passion. To Xiaosu they looked like best friends who enjoyed one another¡¯spany but the intimacy and affection you expect between young ones in love always seemedcking.


    The sad fact was Xiaosu could honestly say YuZhi had not been a happy person for the many years that she had been employed by the family. Since first his father, then mother passed. Followed by the tragedy of his extended family and an ill-fated ne crash.  Xiaosu believed Rhea picked up the pieces at the right time and was the only reason YuZhi finally let a woman close enough to start dating andmit. Xiaosu didn¡¯t believe that YuZhi had fallen for her truly and instead he was dependent on her and used her as a shield and a crutch.


    ¡°So, Miss Lei, when are youing out to y so I can properly hug my sister, and introduce her to Shanghai high society? I have missed you too much¡± Linlin changed the topic as she could feel TangShi was getting tired of turning it over; her mood souring and it¡¯s thest thing she wanted. Linlin finally had her home again, so much sooner than nned and she wasn¡¯t going to waste time. Even though TangShi was now married to the Leng family, Linlin saw it only as a blessing.


    It brought her more freedoms than she ever had in the Lei home and it meant that someone, even if grudged, would now take care of TangShi¡¯s health and finances, where no one did before. Linlin could see that even in a hostile environment she was still better off than being with her own family. YuZhi may not be kind to her, but at least he had to show her some kind of care to make sure she carried a healthy child, and in public, he would have to acknowledge her as his loving wife. Linlin could only hope that soon he would see how pure and good of heart her TangShi was, and that he would soften to her better traits. She had pure faith that anyone who spent real time with her best friend would fall head over heels in love with her good heart andpassionate soul.


    ¡°Not for a few days yet. Not that I have ever been part of high society, nor do I wish to be.  It seems I am to be primped and preened and turned into a beauty queen. I had an examination today too and now my belly aches with the amount of remedies and supplements I was given to improve my womb¡¯s health. I feel like a walking prized baby oven.¡±


    TangShi had endured an hour in an office, being questioned and examined until her face med and she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole. Embarrassed about the topic, and mortified her male doctor had to ce hands on her and do things she had never experienced before. She now had an app on her phone to track her periods and fertile days, and Xiaosu had obediently taken all written documents and left them in YuZhi¡¯s assistants care at noon. He whisked them away for YuZhi to inspect and make ns. It all felt very sterile.


    Theck of romance in the whole thing, the cold reality of it had made TangShi feel so many bitter emotions. Yet she swallowed them and reminded herself that this was her path to freedom and a better future, and she just had to endure.


    ¡°Boo. Oh, well. I guess that gives me time to make ns for us to have some fun. I start my second term of fashion school soon, so we have limited time before I have to return to my dorm and be a good student. Father told me I was allowed no outside activity when term time was on because he¡¯s paying enough for such a ¡®pointless¡¯ education.¡± Linlinughed at her father¡¯s grumpy words. Someone who hated fashion and the entertainment business, yet he spoiled her too much and did whatever his daughter asked for. This was her third career change in five years, and he allowed her to do whatever she wished. The girl had first been an entertainment journalist and then started a business degree before switching to fashion. She was too impulsive.


    ¡°He knows you too well, Party Queen. It¡¯s not good for you to drink so much and go dancing to clubs so often. It¡¯s not a good reputation to have for a notably wealthy Shanghai heiress.¡± TangShi scolded her gently, that maternal tone moving in because she only wanted what was best for her friend and she knew Linlin was a wild child. She loved to drink, party, and go out for fun andughs. Very few knew that she had little to no interest in meeting men at these times though, only TangShi knew that Linlin¡¯s heart was on her career when she chose which path that was and her future, but she liked to use fun as a stress reliever.


    Linlin had sworn that despite her inclination towards marriage, she never wanted to do it.  Maybe because her father was on his third wife, and Linlin¡¯s own mother was on her second husband. They had tarnished her view of marriage forever. It was a wonder she had such a penchant for romance at all, well when it was not rted to her own beating heart anyway.


    ¡°Pffft. You, what do you know? You¡¯re such a good and quiet little specimen and that¡¯s been your problem for too long. You¡¯re protected now. Going out, being seen, attending parties¡­ it¡¯s all beneficial to Mr Leng and I am going to make full use of your new status. After all, someone needs to apany the heart of Master Leng and treat his wife to the social side of Shanghai.¡± Linlin was excited even thinking about all the opportunities they would have now Father Lei didn¡¯t control TangShi¡¯s activities.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think YuZhi will be too thrilled with those ns. From the schedule his assistant handed Xiaosu today, it seems my life is controlled by him now and my appearances will be at his side. He has everything mapped out for our slow introduction to the world.¡±


    TangShi had almostughed at the almost military nned operation of TangShi¡¯s being put in the public eye while Rhea was slowly receding. The PR team had timelines, nned dates, and even Rhea and TangShi double dating in six weeks¡¯ time to show she supported the new woman in YuZhi¡¯s life.


    It was bizarre, but the story was that YuZhi and Rhea realized after a lifelong friendship that their romance had faded, and they were truly only friends. They had amicably decided to part and ining weeks, TangShi was to be introduced by Rhea and supported in the dating, engagement, and then marriage of her ex-boyfriend. It was ridiculous to read but knowing the power of theziens and the poprity of this prized couple, it was apparently a necessity. The public opinion held power and they didn¡¯t forgive easily. Especially not a golden couple breaking up for a third woman to enter.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    No one wanted scandal, no one wanted YuZhi to be called a cheat, or Rhea to be portrayed as a broken-hearted victim. Leng¡¯s reputation was everything and grandfather got what grandfather wanted. An heir from a family he respected, an obedient and married grandson and the name of his empire still held intact.


    If only they all were to find out how grandfather pushed aside YuZhi¡¯s love and arranged this marriage purely on title. How would they feel about the great Leng group if they found their idyllic love couple were ripped apart and YuZhi was being forced to have a baby with someone he despised?


    A stranger who was picked out and thrust in his bed after a rushed marriage they would be lying about until it was appropriate to reveal it. So many shady secrets and pretense. That kind of gossip would cause all sorts of drama.


    This marriage was a joke and with a foundation of lies, TangShi knew it would only get worse.

 Chapter 8 – YuZhi

    YuZhi sat behind his huge, real walnut wood desk, alone in his spacious, modern, top floor office, which overlooked the curve of the Huangpu River, and was a spectacr sight when the sun set every evening. The oriental Pearl tower in his line of vison and acted as a sundial for times of the day as shadows moved around it against the skyscrapers beside it. He chose this particr side of their foreboding spike tower in the sky to savor this every day and remind him of how small humans were inparison to the city around him with its ever-changing energy.


    He often workedte and felt it was the mostforting sight, when red sky kissed Lujiazui in such a fiery way and made all the buildings around somehow glow with an ethereal kind of magical light. He loved his city, loved the contrast of old and new, and the history contained within the fiber of this bustling ce. It made him feel his most content when stood up here overseeing it all.


    It was at this hour, this setting of the day, and moving to night, that YuZhi often found he did his best thinking. When his mind was clear of the day¡¯s hustle and bustle and he could unwind to a slower pace to finish off what he needed to do, and other thoughts were allowed to invade his mind.


    Most of the Leng group employees had left for the day and only some of the higher ups, like YuZhi, still hung on to oversee the smallest details of the empire. He may not yet be the CEO, but his grandfather had been filtering the responsibilities his way for the past three years in readiness for the final take over, and he felt he was more than ready and willing. He just needed to cross thisst hurdle, to meet his grandfathers end of life wishes and then YuZhi could have the life he had finally nned. Two more years, then his vows would be lifted.


    ¡°Hey, you busy?¡± ZhengLi¡¯s voice pulled him out of his daydreaming as he stared at the contract in his hand and realized he hadn¡¯t taken in thest few paragraphs he had been reading for thest minutes. He sighed, throwing them down in disinterest and looked at his personal assistant¡¯s smiling face, always warmed by his best friend¡¯s presence. One of the highlights of his life, was having his lifelong friend always by his side and carrying the burdens of the day.


    ¡°Yes, but I need a break. Want a drink?¡± He nodded to the bar in the corner and ZhengLi moved without answering to pour them both a well-deserved scotch, knowing fine well today had been a long and hard shift for them both. So much was happening this week in terms of the Leng group, and it didn¡¯t help that YuZhi had to take a whole day off to attend to his personalmitments. They were in the middle of a takeover and so many details were up in the air that time off was nearly impossible.


    ZhengLi was only too aware of YuZhi¡¯s recent life changes and his resistance to his forced marriage, and where he was yesterday. ZhengLi felt sorry for his friend, but knew that some traditions were hard to refuse, especially when it came to old Grandfather Leng. He was just d his own family held no such power over his future choice of a bride and when the inclination took him, it would be someone he loved. He was form wealth too but as the youngest son of five he wasn¡¯t required to uphold his family business or birth line and had chosen to work with YuZhi instead of joining Yutian Corp with his brothers.


    ¡°Thanks. What¡¯s up anyway?¡± YuZhi took the decanter of thick ss from ZhengLi, swishing the dark liquid inside, and ced it to his lips as he tugged his tie loose to give him a more rxed look. He was uptight today, carrying tension in his upper body and had been on edge since that damned wedding paper was signed. He didn¡¯t want to think about it as every time he did, he got that awful knot in his stomach, and he couldn¡¯t shift it away.


    ¡°I have the full PR schedule ready for the public announcements and your wife¡¯s assistant brought over the medical notes you asked for. Are you really going to n out your nights of intimacy to the letter? Kill the passion and make it a sterile union?¡± ZhengLi chuckled, a little amused by the cold approach YuZhi was taking to this arrangement and then stopped smiling when met with that dark scowl on his friend. ZhengLi was his closest ally, but he even knew when YuZhi¡¯s mood turned dark, he should shut up. His bestie had a bad temper sometimes, a brewing sort of sinister, and with his three years of voluntary military service behind him in his younger years, capabilities of beating ZhengLi up. YuZhi wasn¡¯tid back and fun loving as ZhengLi, and he had a line you shouldn¡¯t cross.


    ¡°It¡¯s an unavoidable act in terms of pregnancy but doesn¡¯t mean I have to do it, there are other methods. Rhea is barely able to stomach the fact I have to do it at all, and I don¡¯t want to harm my future with her. I found a clinic that can inseminate.¡± YuZhi scowled; mentioning Rhea¡¯s name always brought out the worst kind of mood in the man when this was the topic. ZhengLi had heard two months¡¯ worth of his fuming and venting over his grandfather¡¯s request to marry from the Lei family, and nothing had swayed his mind. Rhea¡¯s tears only added to YuZhi¡¯s mindset on this and ZhengLi knew it was a sensitive topic.


    ¡°Inseminate? ¡­. Are you serio¡­.¡± His chuckle of disbelief and question was met with a nk look of seriousness, and he shook his head, backing down in disbelief. He never thought YuZhi could still shock him after all these years and yet it seemed he was wrong.


    For some reason, old man had it in his head that a grandchild muste from two of the wealthiest families in Shanghai if the future of Leng was to be secured, and as YuZhi was a doting grandson who worried over the old man¡¯s health, he didn¡¯t disobey. ZhengLi knew it was nonsense, as thispany was soaring to new heights as time passed by and he had faith that YuZhi would be an even more impressive master at the helm. In just three years with him as acting second inmand, they had already broken so many records and achieved a profit rise of sixty three percent fromst financial year. Grandfather was Set in his ways, and maybe a little broken from the loss of so many from the family these past years, and it had colored his requests when YuZhi came of marrying age.


    ¡°You¡¯re not exactly giving the girl a fighting chance.¡± ZhengLi sympathized for TangShi, having seen her briefly when Xiaosu, the little cute house girl, jumped out of the car to hand over papers at noon. ZhengLi smiled at the memory of that tiny, curvy, little bundle of joy, and often thought if she wasn¡¯t one of YuZhi¡¯s house servants, he would have had some fun with her. He was a hot-blooded male after all.


    ¡°And?¡± YuZhi snorted, cradling his drink and went back to staring idly at his paperwork without really taking it in. He wasn¡¯t in the mood to work anymore, yet he had no will to go home either. He didn¡¯t want to go spend time in his space where she now invaded. And Rhea wouldn¡¯t being over anymore as she did, now they had to y a certain way for the public.


    ¡°She¡¯s pretty, seems quiet, and ¡­¡±


    ¡°Scheming? Cold? Calctive and spoiled?¡± YuZhi finished, reciting all the things he had gained from meeting with the Lei father these past months. He had figured that a man like Lei with his list of unpleasant traits would surely have passed them down to a daughter who sweet talked her father into arranging a wedding. He had no stomach for women like this and had seen way too many who had tried to seduce him over the years, to get a chance at being the next Young Miss of the Leng family.


    ¡°I can see that you already decided she wasn¡¯t worth giving a chance to.¡± ZhengLi sighed and perched his butt on the edge of the desk, pulling his tie loose, thenpletely off before shrugging his jacket from his broad shoulders and tossing it on a nearby chair. As specimen of masculinity, these two shared many good traits and people often thought them cousins. As teens both had equal female followers although YuZhi became famous with his position in Leng Group while ZhengLi tried to stay out of the spotlight so his life could remain free.


    ¡°Why should I? I already chose my wife, and she¡¯s just a stop gap to fulfil a role. I don¡¯t need to do anything except endure her and ignore her.¡± YuZhi grimaced and then finished his drink in one gulp, savoring the burn as the alcohol made its way down his throat.


    ¡°Sometimes I miss the old YuZhi¡­.. the guy who had a little warmth.¡± ZhengLi joked but his words were half true. The fact is that eight years back, YuZhi stopped being the boy who had been carefree and happy. Theid back and loving younger son of Leng. His father died so tragically and revealed such a heartbreaking secret that had affected YuZhi on so many levels. Then his mother¡¯s death followed because she couldn¡¯t bear to live the lie anymore, although the public only thought she had a severe sickness and not that she had taken her own life.


    Leng family had so many skeletons in their closet in the past half decade and YuZhi was shouldering the responsibility of so much. It had worn him down, pushed the joy and care from his heart and created this cool and often heartless man. ZhengLi often wished things had turned out so differently, and maybe if one little incident back then had yed out better, he might have had that glimmer of happiness to help him through. One night, a girl he was instantly smitten with, might have been the crossroads to a different oue.


    ¡°Rhea seems to like her.¡± ZhengLi added as though that fact would sway YuZhi in some way and only met a frown, an unhappy look of ¡®who cares.¡¯ Infuriating as that was.


    ¡°Do you have something other than my new burden to talk about, or was that the whole point ofing in here to bother me?¡± YuZhi red at him, his irritation rising. Normally ZhengLi¡¯s hanging out with him was a mood lifter, but not today.


    ZhengLi burst outughing, heartily, at the pinched expression of his bro, and the sudden stiffness of his posture despite his loosened and slightly rumpled clothes.


    ¡°I came to hang out with my bestie, and to drink. You¡¯re so sulky tonight, my boy. Why don¡¯t we get drunk and you finally go home and feel a woman the right way. You have a willing new toy that doesn¡¯t need a clinic to intervene on your behalf.¡± ZhengLi knew he was pushing the boundary with his bold remark, but he didn¡¯t care. YuZhi could go on acting like Rhea was his whole world, but ZhengLi knew he had never once told Rhea he loved her, and he could never understand why. If he did, why couldn¡¯t he tell her he did? She hadid it all out there for him, heart and soul, and yet, YuZhi had never uttered those three little words.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I can hold off until I get my girlfriend back.¡± YuZhi ignored the obvious attempt at goading him and got up to fetch himself a second drink. He could tell ZhengLi was in one of those moods, where he pushed his buttons for the fun of it and he had no desire to bite. He was tired.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Come on, at least admit to me of all people, that you find her sexy. Attractive? That a part of you isn¡¯t d that old man gave you such a beauty. I mean, I wouldn¡¯t say no to her¡­. she¡¯s certainly got that whole natural thing going on.¡± ZhengLi had always been more casual when it came to sex and women, much like YuZhi used to be. He wasn¡¯t a womanizer, but he appreciated pretty girls and had dated, with sex, before. ZhengLi saw the marriage pictures and was pretty surprised that YuZhi¡¯s new bride was extremely beautiful in her own way. Something soft yet familiar about her.


    YuZhi stood stock still, his posture emanating a power of threat and warning without even trying as he poured himself a drink and ignored his friendpletely. His sex life was his business, and he didn¡¯t want to discuss it.


    ¡°You can¡¯t lie to me, brother. I know you think she¡¯s hot. I saw her, remember? She¡¯s totally your type. She kind of reminds me of that girl back in ¡­¡± ZhengLi hinted at where his thoughts had already strayed but didn¡¯t finish because YuZhi spun on him, his expression under a furrowed brow, an instant dark mask of sinister, warning, and even ZhengLi knew to stop midsentence.


    ¡°Don¡¯t. We don¡¯t ever talk about her in rtion to this woman. That girl, she stays in the past, and there¡¯s no simrity. Miles apart. I told you a long time ago, I was done looking for her, and I won¡¯t talk about it again. I have Rhea. That¡¯s the end of it.¡± The snarl, the venom of his tone, and the killing intent made ZhengLi sigh.


    ¡°And you say you forgot her, yet you act like this when I bring her up? It¡¯s been eight years, so why do you get so mad? It was one night that didn¡¯t go beyond cuddling up and making out!¡± ZhengLi was maybe bold enough to push him, but not stupid enough to be close enough to get beaten for it. He swiped his ss and moved to the other side of the room to lounge on the long leather sofa, pretending he needed to sit, while really, he was moving out of the firing zone.


    ¡°Why are we even talking about her? This has nothing to do with now¡­ she¡¯s gone. Everything that night was probably a lie, and she¡¯s never been seen again. Maybe I imagined it, and her. Maybe I was drunk and hallucinated and she was really ugly and old. I looked and no girl named Alice was registered at any of the hotels there. So she even lied about her name.¡± YuZhi had this conversation so many times in the first year after the masked ball, and he didn¡¯t want to rehash old wounds.


    Truth be told, the thought of that girl gave him a stabbing pain of regret in his heart, even all this timeter. He didn¡¯t want to think about how she had made him feel that night, and how she had lingered in his thoughts all those years after when he failed to meet her on that bridge.


    ¡°Then I must be sharing your hallucinations, because I saw her too, and masked, she was still cute. I also saw the two of you running off into the sunset together. I must also be infected by your madness.¡± ZhengLi smirked, amused by this, and knowing that despite YuZhi¡¯s roaring temper, there was a part of him that still pondered what ever happened to her. I mean he did spend a year looking, and then another year after, trying to let go. ZhengLi had never forgotten, and he found it interesting that his new wife held some simrities to the girl he remembered from the past, even if the stories didn¡¯t match up.


    And they didn¡¯t, because it was the first thing he checked when he saw the photo two months ago of this TangShi Lei. He had felt hope, possibility, even though he liked Rhea, and then lost it when he saw she was a beloved daughter of Lei Enterprises. Not some poor unloved semi orphan whose father tossed her away, as that girl had told YuZhi. TangShi didn¡¯t seem to have an alternate English name either which would have exined the ¡®Alice¡¯.


    ¡°Can you stop. I¡¯ve things to do and I want to call Rhea and wish her goodnight before I have to go home. Everything is messy now that old man insists I share my bed with her¡­¡± He grumbled, finally stalking back to his seat and slumped down in such a disheartened way. His head was starting to ache, and his mood was only going to be sourer from this hour on.


    ¡°She has a name you know. Quite a nice one, it means sunshine or something¡­..¡± ZhengLi teased, knowing that was a lie to vex him and got the cocked brow and re sent right back.


    ¡°Funny, as I heard it was a boy¡¯s name and probably doesn¡¯t mean anything of the sort. Maybe her father expected a son and was toozy to give her an appealing name.¡± YuZhi dismissed his friend with a hand gesture and went back to staring at his desk before lifting his expensive shoe d foot and propping it on the shiny surface. He acted like he didn¡¯t care but ZhengLi knew he was just being moody. Acting out like a prepubescent child.


    ¡°ording to her file, her birthname isn¡¯t TangShi anyway, but that her father uses the name he bestowed on and not what was registered at birth, so I guess that¡¯s why. Did you not see when she signed the marriage license what name she used; I can get it for you if you don¡¯t believe me. After all you made me take everything and file them for you in the safe!¡± ZhengLi shrugged, finding his friendsbative attitude towards an innocent girl somewhat irritating and decided to no longer y. He figured YuZhi would cool down in the next weeks as he got used to this new role as husband and maybe his hostility to the poor woman would improve. ZhengLi wasn¡¯t a bad guy, and he didn¡¯t like seeing people treated badly, especially not by his best friend.


    YuZhi really didn¡¯t care either way, but it did pique his interest to wonder what other name this girl might have. Maybe it was even uglier and was the reason she didn¡¯t use it. Imagine if her name was worse, and she hid it in shame for being graced with something unlovable. The thought amused him, as petty as it was, and on some sadistic level he smirked his friend¡¯s way.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he inquired, only half interested. Hoping it was something he could tease her with if he ever felt like.


    ZhengLi paused for a moment, a new tinge of light in his eyes as heid himself out casually, stretching himself taller and gettingfy. A sense of smug moving over him that the name he read, actually was pretty ironic.


    ¡°It¡¯s MingYun.¡± ZhengLi smiled wider, a little happy that he knew this would annoy YuZhi, the trantion of the word not lost on him and YuZhi stared back in disbelief. He snorted at his friends¡¯ stupid joke, shrugged like he was a total liar and turned away with a dismissive wave.


    ¡°Asshole. You¡¯re not even close to funny.¡±


    YuZhi didn¡¯t believe for one second that his new burden, the un-joy of his life, the changer of all his ns, the thorn in his side, was actually called Destiny¡­

 Chapter 9 – Life begins

    TangShi sat through an awkward and veryte, strained dinner at the Leng family table. After brief introductions to a few new faces for the meal and of course the sulking grandfather who ignored her presence, it seemed the family was already too focused on other things to notice her. Because of the surge of extra bodies, she had been seated at YuZhi¡¯s right hand and was quietly eating the same nd so-called nutritious food from aunt¡¯s rigid diet n while everyone around her was indulging in some spicy noodles and beef. Even the array of side dishes was out of bounds for her, and she had been forewarned to eat only what wasid before her on Aunt¡¯s orders.


    They smelled divine and with the several opulent dishes to make her mouth water, TangShi had no appetite for the clear broth in front of her and her simple side sd with no dressings. Everything was tasteless andcked spice or vorings. She was sure the cook was deliberately over boiling anything edible to make it unptable too.


    ¡°Why are you not eating?¡± A female voice demanded of her sharply and she lifted her eyes to see auntie was ring her way, and the fact she was using her spoon to push the liquid around rather than eating it. It had been fifteen minutes at the table, and TangShi had swallowed only three mouthfuls in total.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Auntie, I¡¯m just not feeling hungry tonight. It¡¯s been a long day and I¡¯m tired. I¡¯ll eat it.¡± TangShi forced herself to swallow another down while counteracting her need to gag, her body stiffening as she pushed the soup into her belly but tried to remain expressionless.


    She heard YuZhi snort his amusement under his breath as he dished himself another serving of beef and the smell made TangShi yearn for a little taste of the delicacy. She wouldn¡¯t ask him though, as she had told herself not to let him see how much any of this was getting to her. She could ask Xiaosu to fetch her food in the night when most had gone to bed, and she could eat something with taste. YuZhi was a sound sleeper she had learned, and never stirred once when had had passed out from the world so wouldn¡¯t be aware, she would get up to eat.


    ¡°Auntie is going to so much bother of personally overseeing your nutritional needs, the least you can do is appear to like it.¡± He scolded her quietly, for her ears only, and TangShi blushed at the sudden direct instruction from him. His voice low and husky that gave it a sort of seductive and dangerous edge when he whispered it so carefully this way. She had to hold herself still to not re at him for his unwanted input even if he had tantly ignored her for thest day or so. She didn¡¯t wee his sudden attention.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say I wasn¡¯t enjoying it.¡± TangShi gritted out in an equally hoarse tone for his ears only, not knowing what it was about this man that made her always want to talk back but she really didn¡¯t like his arrogance at every sparse interaction they had.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to be.¡± YuZhi added not knowing why it was he insisted on talking to her when she was in his space. He had sworn on his drive home from the office that he would nk her presence and go to bed, yet here he was whispering like a secretive couple at his family table. Try as he might, whenever he had to put up with her, he wanted to behave like a juvenile and get some sort of reaction from her. It wasn¡¯t who he was in life, yet she seemed to make him want to act this way. Normally his cool and aloof personality was what he was famous for and yet with her, it was tit for tat and immature mini squabbles with every word from his mouth. She affected his moods and even at work, anytime he thought of her, he acted like a sulking child.


    He caught his grandfather watching them and leaned away from her to continue eating, aware how this may look. Aware that his grandfather had already scolded him for not being more gracious to the woman who was now part of his family. YuZhi cleared his throat and focused on his food, moving away to show he was putting distance between them, and she should stop talking.


    TangShi lowered her chin and put all her effort on getting through the two bowls in front of her. Zoning out so she didn¡¯t taste them as much and hoping she would be excused as soon as she was done. It had been an exhausting day again, with all the ns and appointments thrust on her after yesterday¡¯s shopping trip, and tomorrow she had a full half day at a beauty salon to change her hair and take some make up lessons. She felt this frivolous waste of her time was beyond boring and would rather be painting alone in her suite.


    Auntie had been persistent that she wasn¡¯t to be seen outside these walls anywhere near YuZhi until she was considered presentable by aunt¡¯s standards. Which meant magazine worthy given her position in the fashion industry, which exined her anal attitude towards it. And unluckily for TangShi, today had been minus the protective and somewhat calming presence of Rhea.


    ¡°You are looking very well today, TangShi.¡± Grandfather startled her by suddenly addressing her directly and she almost choked on her mouthful of unsalted broth, ncing his way and covering her mouth with a napkin to save herself from spitting up everywhere. Swallowing hard to clear her mouth, she nodded and lowered her head towards the old man and gave him a soft smile. Her heart racing because much like his grandson, he had pretended she didn¡¯t exist for thest couple of days.


    ¡°Thank you. Under aunties great direction and care I spent the day taking note of my skin health and my fitness. I aim to be better.¡± TangShi replied in the way she knew was expected of her, secretly hating the fact she had underwent hours of waxing, preening and being smothered in various ys and creams and having her body rolled and massage until she was ck and blue. Some called it a pamper day but to TangShi it was sheer torture with a high price tag. Even her nails were currently manicured and adorned with tiny, encrusted diamonds that made her hands look nothing like that of an artist who worked with paint and charcoal.


    ¡°En. Good¡­ this family expects it.¡± He gave her a curt answer with a nod, but he didn¡¯t seem as annoyed with her as when she first sat down to eat, and she wondered if this was his way of finally saying he forgave her for beingte for breakfast yesterday. TangShi smiled at him as genuinely as she could, satisfied he wanted no more conversation beyond his little acknowledgment of her and turned back to her food, catching YuZhi ring at her from the corner of her eye.


    She could feel his icy coldness waving her way from his stiff posture and she could tell that it annoyed him that the old man had mellowed already. He seemed to want the old man to dislike her as much as he did and now, he would have to do something else to mischievously cause another misunderstanding. She was aware of it this time and wouldn¡¯t be trapped like that again. This man was so immature.


    YuZhi picked up his ss and drank some of his water, unsure why grandfathers two second conversation with this girl would irritate him so much but it did. In life he had more control over his moods, but the second he met this woman, something inside of him just picked up a red g and stuck it in his face.


    ¡°If you¡¯re done eating, go to bed. You have to take care of your body for my child¡¯s sake and sleep is of great importance. You¡¯re dismissed.¡± Hemanded her loudly, drawing the attention to the eating diners who were not all that interested in her, making it clear he wanted her to leave already. Aunt seemed to smirk while the younger woman next to her, who looked a lot like YuZhi nced at TangShi and yet seemed to frown a little.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m done. I¡¯ll do as you say. Thank you for the meal.¡± TangShi appeared to be obedient to her new husband, but the truth was she had been looking for any excuse to escape since they came in here. She hadn¡¯t eaten much but it seemed YuZhi was more focused on making her go away than to care anymore. TangShi was relieved and exhaled with a soft sigh.


    Xiaosu caught her eye from the edge of the room where she had been patiently awaiting her Miss and TangShi nodded for her to exit and lead her out. Her path to freedom and on the way, Xiaosu could bypass the kitchen and grab her some fruit or whatever was to hand.


    ¡°Wait.¡± A new voice that had never addressed her before called out to her, and TangShi turned quickly to not appear rude. Aware that despite introductions earlier, no one had made it clear what their standing in this family was, and this sounded young so could be either of the two young misses present.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She replied, unsure which woman this came from and gave a sweeping nce around and then to the youngestdy who had focused on her a moment ago. The one who held a strong resemnce to her annoying husband, and she hoped they didn¡¯t share a personality too.


    ¡°I feel so rude to have not done this before we started eating, but I won¡¯t be here in the morning. I¡¯m Jun, your sister-inw. My brother should have introduced us when we sat but I¡¯m afraid he has all the manners of a spoiled brat. So wee, TangShi. I hope we can be close sisters in time.¡± Jun smiled as she said the words, making it clear it was with affection and not a real insult and no one at the table blinked an eye at her teasing of her brother. For a moment it softened TangShi¡¯s tight nerves, and she rxed with a genuine smile in response.


    TangShi bowed lightly towards the girl, aware of all the eyes of the half dozen diners now filtering her way as she was suddenly on show with standing here. Thest few days had been a strained existence, but she was determined not to make things worse while under this roof. If she had to submit, smile her days away, and be as timid as she could, then so be it. She wanted a peaceful life.


    YuZhi sighed, gave his sister a frown and carried on eating as if this was somehow nothing to do with him. Obviously annoyed she intervened on his chasing away his new bride. Jun was not as clueless as she made out and she had a keen eye for details and small interactions. This girl TangShi interested her, because of the way her brother seemed to revert to being a prickly teen in her presence. She hadn¡¯t seen anything but cold and disinterested from him for a number of years. Rhea was the only one which pulled any kind of thawing but even then, he was so proper and prim even around her it was like he was a feeling-less corpse.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Jun. Thank you, I hope we will have a great rtionship in time.¡± TangShi sounded polite and robotic as she churned out another expected response then grimaced when she realized how forced it sounded. She was normally better at social interaction, but she was dead on her feet and needing to slide away to peace and quiet. Her body ached, her head was weary, and she wanted to go. Three days of nonstop doing was not how she normally lived her life, and the constant tension of living under a strained atmosphere was wearing her down.


    ¡°I will be back in a week, Ie every Tuesday, maybe I cane earlier in the day, and we could sit out in the garden and get to know one another. I¡¯m at college and live in dorms so I am not often around.¡± Jun was persistent but TangShi softened a little, for like Rhea, this girl gave her no hints of ill intention and she rxed a little. Hoping her gut instincts on judging people were not letting her down and she epted gratefully. Any kind of warmth from these people was to be jumped on and treasured for she was sure she wouldn¡¯t get a lot of it in the next two years. Already she could tell among most of them her position was not important, or even noticed.


    ¡°I would like that, thank you, Sister-inw, Jun.¡± TangShi made one final bow and with a gracious goodbye she turned and followed Xiaosu into the hallway and they made their escape with a heave of relief and hurried steps.


    Jun narrowed her eyes at her brother, and he caught her smiling his way, looking like a Cheshire cat.


    ¡°What is it, Brat?¡± He frowned at her, pushed some braised beef into his mouth and ignored her continued fixation on his face.


    ¡°Nothing. Just curious¡­why my ice-cold brother suddenly acts like a moody boy and treats his wife like an unruly, unwanted employee, when it¡¯ more your style to re and ignore. Don¡¯t you have more grace? You barely looked her way at all unless it was to tell her off and seemed you can¡¯t stop yourself from doing it. Do you dislike her so much or is it that you¡¯re so intrigued that you¡¯re worried you might like her too much?¡± Jun had always been bold and to the point, something that YuZhi both adored at times and, sometimes, like right now, abhorred.


    ¡°Shut up. You have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡± YuZhi red her way, instantly angered by her foolishness and denied itpletely. Shaking his head and throwing his focus back on his food. Sometimes he was sure his sister had been dropped on her head as a baby.


    ¡°You doth detest too much!¡± Jun grinned, amused by his instant snap, thinking she had found something to toy with, but her brother then reverted to the person she had been surprised not to see since she got here.


    He instantly closed up, his face returned to a mask of indifference, and he shrugged nonchntly. The armor in ce and he exuded an immediate improvement in maturity as he sighed at his sister as though she were a mere annoying fly. All too good at putting himself back in ce and being who he usually was when that dammed woman wasn¡¯t riling him.


    ¡°You young people, think you know everything and yet have a lot to learn. Eat your food or go home. Either way, get on with it, brat.¡± YuZhi smirked at her and winked, taking some of the harshness out of his words but his fiery little sister only shook her head. She waspletely unfazed as the family ignored their bickering and continued with eating and small talk. They were used to the siblings being this way with one another and it was nothing interesting to listen to. Even grandfather ignored their squabbles with an affectionate smile.


    Jun tucked her chin down to eat, but a small ember of something grew in her brain and she nced her brother¡¯s way and then at the empty doorframe where that girl had gone. She was going to get to know TangShi and figure out what it was about her that made her brother so tantly unkind and impatient with her. He had always been a distant kind of person with most people, and it had only worsened in thest few years, but this girl struck something in him, and she was intrigued to see where it would go. Fanning his temper was better than the iceberg he had been for years.


    She pushed his patience, for which he was famed. She brought out a side of him that was missing for a long time since he came home from the military, even if it wasn¡¯t his best side, and she wasn¡¯t so sure her brother¡¯s dislike was that at all. She had seen him with people he truly hated, and yet he was good at ying cool and undisturbed and theck of reaction and emotion always made him less human. It was how he handled all conflict and never let his enemies ruffle his feathers or get under his skin, no matter what they did.


    Why was this girl so different?


    She hadn¡¯t done anything near as bad as people he truly disliked over the years. Jun couldn¡¯t help but feel hopeful that with even an ounce of her brother¡¯s mask being moved that maybe this girl would help revive other parts of her brother that she missed so much too. He may be mean, but any kind of reaction was better than theck of any. Eight years of nothing and Jun was excited to see a ripple.

 Chapter 10 – That Man!!

    It waste after her snacks and tea in their suite, TangShi was tossing and turning ufortably, aware YuZhi woulde up to bed soon. In only a couple of nights, she had picked up on his bedtime habit of around eleven twenty pm and wanted to be asleep before he showed up, but it wasn¡¯t happening. She knew tomorrow night was the first of her fertile days on the schedule and the thought of having to let that man finally take her virginity and join their bodies, made her sick to her stomach.


    It¡¯s not that he wasn¡¯t attractive, but his personality was foul and his attitude towards her made her cold and unwilling. She knew of course that it was inevitable and was the main purpose of this marriage, but it still didn¡¯t sit well with her.


    She was highly stressed about the impending D Day and had overworked herself into a frenzy of nerves as it approached. Her heart had sunk when the doctor gave her the fertility n and she saw how close her first date was. She would just have to bear it and know that this would only happen sporadically and only until she fell pregnant.


    She jumped a little internally when the bedroom door clicked open and thrust herself onto her side to face away from him, closing her eyes to pretend she was asleep, so they didn¡¯t have to interact. She could hear him moving around after entering as he pulled off his navy three-piece suit and shirt, tossing them onto the ottoman by the window and stalking back to the bathroom before going inside and turning the shower on. He didn¡¯t close the door, assuming she was asleep and only took a few minutes to shower beforeing back out. She could almost time him such was his precise schedule every night before bed.


    TangShi tried to will herself unconscious and didn¡¯t dare to move as the scent of shower gel and shampoo wafted past her as he made his way to the walk-in closet on her side of the room. She didn¡¯t dare look but knew he would only be wearing a towel and would dry himself and dress in there beforeing back out. He had no qualms about parading about like that in front of her and she had figured out quickly it¡¯s because he liked the shocked and embarrassed reaction he saw in her every time. He was a sadist for sure.


    Her heart pounded through her chest, her nerves all over the ce as she tried to ignore him but in her mind¡¯s eye, she kept fixating on tomorrow night and what was expected of her. Somehow a damp, half naked YuZhi wandering around in the semi dark of their bedroom brought it home way more than having to sit beside him at dinner, that time was ticking down to a night where they finally would consummate their marriage. Everyone in the household assumed he had already done the deed with her given how fussy Aunt was being over her taking supplements and she knew it was unavoidable.


    ¡°I know your awake. You¡¯re breathing like an asthmatic dying horse. It¡¯s really attractive and I did consider that you might need CPR but couldn¡¯t be bothered.¡± YuZhi swaggered back in by her side of the bed wearing only pajama bottoms and rotated his shoulder to ease the tension of the day before flicking on amp at the dresser and picking up the drier for his hair. TangShi ignored him yet opened her eyes to scowl at his back as he walked away. She rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her bust, riled so easily by the stupid things he always said to her.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Tomorrow I¡¯ll pick you up at eleven thirty, so be ready. We¡¯re going somewhere. Don¡¯t make me wait as I have a busy schedule and no time to hang around.¡± His tone was bossy, domineering CEO, and only made TangShi want to throw her bedside cup of water at him. She stuck up her middle finger at him by the side of the bed so he wouldn¡¯t see, and it gave her great satisfaction to curse him out.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± She asked stiffly. Not giving in to him and replying in his same curt manner.


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out when you get there. Wear something that¡¯s easy to take off. Don¡¯t dress up, it¡¯s nowhere public or shy.¡± He was being evasive of looking her way and switched on the hair dryer to drown her out before she could ask anymore questions. Irritated by her mere questioning of their ns.


    TangShi waited until he was done andid it down, silencing it with a flick of the switch and turned back her way with a frown. She cursed herself for automatically eyeing up the six pack and abs and those rounded firm shoulders of a man who knew what a gym was for. Internally chastising herself that while also wanting to physically throw things at him, her brain couldn¡¯t help taking a peek at the beauty of a very sculpted male body. He was a cover model for Men¡¯s health a few months back and it¡¯s no surprise given what he had to show off. He caught her travelling gaze and narrowed his eyes at her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get any ideas about tomorrow night¡­you¡¯ll find out why before lunch.¡± He smirked, seemingly pleased with himself and padded to his side of the bed before sliding in and turning away from her smoothly. He reached out and flicked off the light, casting them in darkness once more but TangShi felt unexpectedly riled by him and no longer able to lie here and close her eyes.


    ¡°You at least owe me an exnation of where I¡¯m going. I¡¯m not a dog. I don¡¯t juste when you click your fingers.¡± She snapped churlishly.


    ¡°Really? It seems like you have done these past few days. Maybe I should buy you a cor to clear up the identity crisis.¡± Sarcasm oozing in his voice and the under hints of utter disdain.


    ¡°Why are you such a jerk?¡± TangShi lost her temper, pushed by the ever cold nasty remarks he could never bypass, turning to his naked back sharply, ring furiously at him and unable to simmer what he triggered. She hated that he of all people in the world could make her crazy with a sentence andpleteck of even trying.


    ¡°DNA probably.¡± He shrugged with one shoulder. Brushing her off with aeback that did nothing to alleviate her growing temper.


    ¡°Haaa. At least you can admit it. God, if all those delusional fans out there could see the real you for five minutes, I¡¯m sure all the swooning would stop.¡± TangShi violently plumped her pillow with a fist, rather crazily, lifting her head angrily to expel some of her fury and mmed her head back down on top of her newly fluffed mound and deted it right back down.


    ¡°You get to see this side of me, and it hasn¡¯t stopped you swooning all over me, so I think I¡¯m good.¡±


    ¡°Oh my god, you¡¯re insufferable. I have never swooned over you. I despise you and would rather sleep with any random hobo than endure you.¡± TangShi knew that was utter rubbish but she hated how he always had such quick and cutting retorts to anything she said and always with that smug tone that drove her insane. That cocky asshole and superior way of talking down to her that pushed her normally stable mood into that of a riled shrew.


    ¡°Sure about that? I mean your eyes were glued to me as I walked over, maybe I should test it. I hate liars.¡± YuZhi spun on her, rolling inwards when she least expected it and caught her wrists before she had a chance to react or figure out what was going on. He somehow maneuvered her in the sh of a blink, so she was under him with both wrists by the side of her head and his body positioned over her with enough weight to stop her being able to escape.


    Caged in and held down, in military precision by a man who had stealth ninja skills. TangShi felt real fear for the first time in his presence since she met him and was no longer so sure he was a guy who wouldn¡¯t hit her.


    He brought his nose down to hers, his eyes locking on her in the almost pitch dark, so she was unable to nce away and instead became still and submissive out of sheer intimidation. His mouth strayed close so that her breathing stopped of its own ord, and he moved near enough that one tiny flinch and his lips would be on hers.


    ¡°You would rather sleep with a homeless man than let me touch you, huh? You don¡¯t seem to be putting up much of a fight right now. Seems like I could do anything, and you¡¯d let me.¡± He moved closer, his voice husky and low and it sent her stomach into a fluttering mess, his nose grazing the side of hers, his breath meeting her lips and TangShi was renderedpletely mute. Her body froze, her heartbeat rapidly ignited into a booming frenzy and her whole body turned cold and goose bumped all over.


    YuZhi angled closer still, making it crazy intimate so his words tickled her skin, making it clear he was moving in to kiss her. TangShi came to her senses and started to struggle realizing what he was doing. Understanding that this was nothing but a game and a way to torture her all the more.


    ¡°Stop it.¡± She uttered breathlessly, the panic rising from her gut that if he did close the gap and kiss her then she wouldn¡¯t be able to resist him, despite everything she thought about him. His proximity reminding her of the past and an ache of longing and heartbreak swept in and knocked her for six. She knew her resistance was dwindling away when he held her this way and got this close.


    TangShi was aware of an electric current thrumming through her body as she began to heat up and his nearness and focus on her lips sent her hormones into meltdown. Hate him as much as she did, he somehow triggered a burning desire in her and she didn¡¯t like this new control or power he seemed to have unearthed in one quick capture. The chemistry of eight years ago, the familiarity of a touch she thought she had forgotten.


    YuZhi leaned down to push the boundaries as close as he dared so that only a hairbreadth was between them. Inwardly smug at torturing his ything, aware of her rapid breathing, the way her heart rate elevated, and he could feel her trembling beneath him as he molded his body to hers. For a second, he rejoiced at how easily he exposed her lie and truly wanted to push it to the max before coldly rejecting her again, but something stopped him as his lips almost grazed hers. As though his dark fog of contempt for her suddenly met a break in the clouds and a moment of something else flickered between them. A spark, a hesitation, a tiny w in his game.


    A scent from a past memory, a familiar feeling of intimacy being this way with her, the lurch in his chest as his heart flipped over, and his mischievous bad behavior suddenly lost its courage. His gaze on those soft pouted lips, the way her curves somehow fluidly fitted his and ignited some blurry recollection of something, killed all thoughts of devious intention. His own heart rate picking up and a strange sensation in the pit of his stomach scared him enough to pull away from her harshly, shoving her aside so as to get some space away from her. Anger igniting that when he got close to humiliating her, something inside of him faltered and a feeling he couldn¡¯t exin terrified him. A tight gnawing grip on his stomach and heart and it repelled him backwards at speed, knowing she was the cause.


    He had no clue what she just did to him, but he had misunderestimated this wenches tricks and somehow allowed her to get under his skin. Whatever that moment was, he was lightheaded and rolled as far away from her as he dared to bring his pulse back to a normal rate. He despised that she made him react this way.


    TangShi was stunned and still, caught in the effects of whatever that was between them. Aware her body reacted to his and her entire being had anticipated his lips on hers. She cursed herself inwardly and rubbed her face to try and push the feeling of him from her body. Simmering temper growing once more, aware that this time she was disappointed in herself.


    ¡°You really are scum.¡± She spat his way, hauling herself upright, tears hitting her eyes unexpectedly, and yanked herself out of the bed to march to the bathroom. She wanted space to breathe and calm down and wouldn¡¯t let him see how much he messed her up by testing her that way. He was right, she would cave, and she hated herself for it.


    ¡°Better than being a liar.¡± He snorted trying to hide the shake in his voice and buried his hands in his hair to calm himself down when she mmed the bathroom door. He had never had the rug pulled out from under him that way by his own emotions before and it rattled him. He closed his eyes and tried to count to ten but an image he had long refused to recall popped up in his mind¡¯s eye and rendered him temporarily still.


    ¡°You can call me Alice. Like In Wondend¡­.¡± The sweet voice of the girl who had pulled his interest across the dancefloor drowned out every other noise around them. Her eyes twinkling in the soft lighting of chandeliers over their head.


    ¡°Well Alice, will you dance with me. I sort of made a bet with my friend over there that the most beautiful girl in the room would be in my arms to the next song.¡± YuZhi stepped closer to her, seeing her hesitation as she pulled away and her face flushed with shy awkwardness.


    ¡°Then why are you asking me?¡± TangShi bit on her lip, shyness making her hands tremble, her insides twisting up with nerves that this tall and gorgeous mysterious boy would single her out this way ande homing in right for her across a room so vast. She truly didn¡¯t believe she was the prettiest girl here, but he didn¡¯t take his eyes off her for a second. He grinned, perfect teeth and a gorgeous smile that she didn¡¯t doubt could make girls weak for him.


    ¡°Trust me, I am asking the right girl. And now I think I might have fallen for you all the more for not believing you are. Dance with mee on. I¡¯m looking like a fool standing here with him watching.¡± He held out his hand and bowed in a manner fit for a gentleman. ¡°Trust me. I won¡¯t do anything inappropriate. I just want to dance.¡±


    TangShi inhaled slowly to calm her chaotic body and gently took his hand in hers. Aware her skin had turned cold and mmy, and she began to tremble at the warm strong touch of thisplete stranger.


    ¡°I¡¯m Yoonie. Remember it, because I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a name you won¡¯t forget in a hurry.¡± YuZhi closed his hand around hers, liking the soft feel of her delicate hand dwarfed by his, and the smooth softness of her skin. Pulling her gently to him so he could maneuver her in to hold for a waltz. Her body fitting to his despite her obvious reluctance and shyness and he couldn¡¯t help but slide around her all the more. Instantly protective of her slight form and much smaller height when drawn into him this way, on cloud nine as her perfume and scent invaded his air in a heady mix. There was something about her, and it ignited a sensation in his stomach and chest that felt like fireworks and fear, but in a good way. He wanted to kiss her so badly, just from proximity alone and could feel the sparks of chemistry igniting between them, but he knew he shouldn¡¯t. He could tell she wasn¡¯t that kind of girl.  He rarely chased good girls given he knew his military enlistment was fast approaching and thest thing he needed was a girl waiting here for him for the next three years.


    YuZhi came fading out of his memory and found himself still alone in the vast empty bed of his room, the sensation of Alice¡¯s skin still on his fingertips, the dissipating scent still lingering around him subtly before he lost itpletely. He blinked at the ceiling and then looked at his hand and then towards the bathroom door before shaking his head and casting the questions away. Confused, his thoughts racing but he refused to connect the dots.


    Alice was a girl that managed to knock him off his feet and turn his world upside down in one night. Something no other girl had managed before or after, not even Rhea. She had made him feel that love at first sight could be a real thing, even to a sceptic like him, and he had been willing to bet on a rtionship despite how crazy their meeting was. Even with his draft to the army looming and knowing nothing about her social background or anything about her life. Alice had imprinted herself on his soul that night and the death of his father had yanked him home after dawn leaving her behind in his memories. Eight years and she still persisted in parts of his brain that he tried hard to close.


    She wasn¡¯t the only girl in the world who could have chemistry with him, and he had ignored all kinds of feelings for years after that. Logically there could be a million women in this world who could fire up the same emotions Alice did back then if he had been open to it after the deaths of his parents. She stuck in his head because she was thest of his happy days and good memories, before his world came crumbling down and he lost everything that could make him smile. The death of fun loving, free spirited Yoonie


    Most girls were soft and smelled good, it had no bearing on anything that she seemed familiar and conjured up an almost forgotten scent. He used to date and hook up, maybe it was just a shback of the days before Rhea and the thrill of a new body. Stirring up a memory like that was purely coincidental, maybe not even urate, and he refused to believe that TangShi had any rtion to Alice, the girl he regretted never going back to meet.


    Apart from Rhea he hadn¡¯t been close to another woman in years, by choice. Pushing them away and only dating for physical pleasure before he settled down. Closed off and not willing to feel any connection to another woman while his mother¡¯s confessions ruined his entire existence. This was just a reaction to someone who wasn¡¯t Rhea, and he wouldn¡¯t let it happen again.


    He had promised her that despite being broken up, he would do nothing that could stop them from a future together and tonight he was going to draw a line for himself to not do anything like that again.

 Chapter 11 – Do What?

    ¡°So, are you still mad at him?¡± Linlin giggled in her sweet sunshine tones at her friend on the phone, swinging a leg over the arm of her oversized armchair as she listened to TangShi vent and strop around her room while picking out clothes. She had been ranting nonstop since picking up her call thirty minutes ago and seemed to be on the warpath with YuZhi again. This was bing a daily urrence now. Linlin smiled brightly, the phone propped under her chin and against her ear as she painted her nails in neon orange for the day ahead.


    ¡°If you are asking if I am still not talking to him, then no, I¡¯m not. He¡¯s the most infuriating man I have ever met, and do you know what he did to me for breakfast?¡± TangShi stopped mid pacing, her voice pitched and her anger obvious, and threw another dress on the bed to join the pile she was amassing there. Each one tossed in an undignified heap as she tried to expel these wound up feelings and urges towards violence.


    ¡°No¡­but I can guess it was something annoying.¡± Linlin grinned to herself and stopped to blow on her pointer finger and admire her handiwork.


    ¡°He made a point of asking me what foods I don¡¯t like so he could have my diet n altered and then had the cook make me everything I told him I hated. He¡¯s beyond immature and petty and everyday he finds a new level of low to hit. I honestly couldn¡¯t think he would get any worse!!¡± TangShi was even more annoyed at herself over this, that she had fallen into his trap and stupidly given him a list of foods she hated. She must have been momentarily dumbstruck.


    Linlin snorted withughter and then tried to cover it with a cough and pressed her lips together to stop the noise before her friend murdered her. She couldn¡¯t help it but to her these two were really something. She found their antics oddly amusing rather than cruel and was starting to enjoy these daily updates. To her, they were two kids ying house and finding ways to one up each other in this weird war. She hoped sexual chemistry was the basis for this behavior and still held out hope that YuZhi would eventually fall for Tang¡¯s charms.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dareugh.¡± TangShi scolded with a stern tone. Not amused at her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°I heard you. Now get off the phone so I can get ready, he¡¯ll be here soon, and I don¡¯t want a row about my beingte.¡±


    ¡°Still no idea where he¡¯s taking you? And when can we meet, you¡¯re way too busy since marrying that asshat?¡± Linlin interjected bringing back to the main reason TangShi had called her today. Linlin wanted to see her and was trying to make hermit to a lunch date tomorrow but as always, the Lengs were keeping TangShi active around the clock.


    ¡°Soon, I swear, and no. He seemed smug about it too so it can¡¯t be anywhere good. He hinted that it had a bearing on tonight, you know, umm¡­..¡± She trailed off shyly and Linlin beamed at the innocence of her sweet girl.


    ¡°Consummating your marriage? Getting it on? Losing your V card? Gurl, you need to just grab that man and get over it. He¡¯s YuZhi Leng. Unless you are blind, I cannot see any reason you would turn that fine thing down. He¡¯s hotter than a heatwave in Hawaii. If I could go back and lose mine again, I would give all my money for a chance at that man. He¡¯s one of the seven wonders of the world.¡±


    ¡°Hardly, and you¡¯re not really helping. I¡¯m not shallow like you and happen to need more than some poser who knows he¡¯s attractive. If you like him so much, then you try living with him. He¡¯s unbearable.¡±


    ¡°Except¡­ you already had some pretty steamy make out sessions with him some time ago so we both know he floats your boat. I would dly swap but his family want Lei babies and I¡¯m not qualified.¡± Linlin poked fun at her bestie, them both knowing that despite her saying she would hook up with YuZhi given half a chance, they both know she never would. It was part of the best friend code and Linlin had now pegged superstar hot boy YuZhi Leng as her friends first love and a man to never be touched. He was on the no go list.


    ¡°Again, not helping!¡± TangShi¡¯s face med at her inability to deny what Linlin was saying, hating that she always brought this up. Eight years ago, even with a mask on, he had made her heart flutter and her knees turn to jelly. Without the mask YuZhi was definitely a face you couldn¡¯t ignore but he was also still a massive jerk.


    ¡°I¡¯m just sayin!!! Two years locked up as Mrs. Leng, you have to find the perks. YuZhi in my book would be one of those if he could keep his mouth shut whenever he entered the boudoir.¡± Linlin¡¯s dirtyugh erupted like a bubbling brook and TangShi could only sigh, knowing fine well they would never agree on this. Linlin and TangShi hadpletely different personalities and views on sex.


    ¡°Dammit. It¡¯s almost time and I¡¯m not dressed. I need to go!¡± TangShi had caught sight of the clock across the room and cursed herself out for wasting so much time. She had no idea why picking an outfit to go somewhere alone with him was causing her so much trouble. This wasn¡¯t the first time they would be just the two of them but it was the first time he was taking her somewhere alone.


    ¡°Kay, gurl, call meter and tell me what it was all about. I¡¯m intrigued.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I love you, bye.¡± TangShi air kissed over the phone and hung up quickly before hauling out the very first dress she had dumped there and rushing to get it on over her underwear. Checking her makeup and brushing her hair again quickly, she rushed out grabbing her bag and shoes and made her way to the main stairs to go and meet him. Panic stricken at beingte.


    She dropped her slippers in the main hall of the entranceway, slid on the ufortable heels that she had in about every color and made her way outside into the bright sunshine to meet her ride.  Just as she swept down the stairs, her floral summer dress floating gracefully around her legs, the beaming shine of sun against ss reflected at her and alerted her to the caring up the drive. Synchronized almost to the second as the hands hit the half past.


    YuZhi had several sports cars but today he opted for a ck chauffer driven four by four that was used by theirpany and had tinted out windows so no one could see inside. Today he needed the secrecy considering they were going to a fertility clinic, and he didn¡¯t want questions raised as to why his femalepanion wasn¡¯t Rhea. This week the news of their split would go public and their statements about there not being any romantic love between them anymore. Last thing he needed was to be spotted with TangShi out and about before the prenned timeline of Rhea getting them together.


    He hated that his life required this level of deception and a story to cover their asses, but such was his life as a an heir to one of Chinas biggestpanies, and a life in the public eye as a celebrity. Netziens could destroy a family name and hurt their stocks, so they didn¡¯t want any scandals. He never asked for the fame, it just sort of happened thanks to good DNA and an easy personality that tranted well in interviews. Those who favored wealth and good looks put him on a pedestal and had turned him into one of Shanghai¡¯s most sought-after men. It amused him sometimes, but mostly he found it tiring.


    The chauffer jumped out and opened the door for TangShi as quickly as he could, knowing they had a tight schedule, ushering her into the semi dark interior. She climbed in as gracefully as she could, avoiding looking at YuZhi and sat in the seat beside him while leaving a considerable distance between them. She waited until the door was slid closed again, giving them privacy once more, to turn to him andy down her bag on the seat between them.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± She asked with a nervous shake to her voice. Her anxiety had been ramping up all morning over this details and as she didn¡¯t trust him at all she had worked herself up into a nervous wreck imagining the worst.


    ¡°A clinic. Sit back and enjoy the journey it¡¯s a thirty-minute drive.¡± YuZhi didn¡¯t even look at her.


    ¡°What kind of clinic and why? Haven¡¯t I been examined, prodded, and poked enough? What else could you want to test me for?¡± TangShi was incensed that he was putting her through even more medical procedures after a week of this family massacring her body in so many ways. Between beauty treatments, hair salons, blood tests and even smear tests and fertility examinations, she had had enough. It didn¡¯t feel like she had any say over her own body anymore.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°A fertility clinic. So we don¡¯t have to have sex to have a baby.¡± YuZhi shrugged, lifting the iPad in hisp and going back to the documents he was reading on the way here. He wasn¡¯t overly thrilled about this appointment either, but it was preferable to having to have sex with his bride when he didn¡¯t want to. He had to think of the future and going back to Rhea when this was over and being unfaithful wasn¡¯t in his nature.


    ¡°A what? I don¡¯t understand. We haven¡¯t even begun trying and you are taking us to a fertility clinic? Do you think I¡¯m sterile or something?¡± TangShi gushed at him, her words slightly scrambled as she held back the frantic feelings overwhelming her. She couldn¡¯t understand what he was thinking.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s not that kind of procedure. He¡¯s a good friend of mine, discreet, and willing to do this without a record or registering us. A simple five minutes of your time while he takes what I dump in a cup and inserts it in you where I don¡¯t want to go. Simple¡­. Clean, and easy.¡± YuZhi couldn¡¯t see a problem with this n and had no idea why she gawped at him in horror as though he had just in a puppy in front of her. He thought she would like the idea of no physical contact to produce an heir.


    ¡°No way!¡± She snapped ¡°You want me to let some man insert and ¡­. I can¡¯t even.¡± She turned away jerkily. shaking her head, her anger spreading from zero to a hundred in a second and her whole body started to tremble in reaction. She really couldn¡¯t fathom how no matter he did, he still never failed to shock her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t really see the difference. I¡¯m some man you would let insert¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop. Don¡¯t even say it. What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± TangShi flushed, cutting him off, her cheeks instantly hot and pink with embarrassment at his crudeness and yet YuZhi really didn¡¯t seem bothered at all. He was way more experienced and worldly than her and felt like she was overreacting.


    ¡°Is the virgin Mary act because you¡¯re disappointed I won¡¯t bang you or is it because you really are a prude and some sweet untouched innocent? I really didn¡¯t think you would be the pure type to be honest. Not at twenty-four with passable looks and a half decent figure.¡± YuZhi eyed her up with a smirk, a halfpliment but also not. Making her skin crawl and she could only scowl back at him.


    ¡°What is that supposed to mean? Does your ego ever just stop inting itself?¡± TangShi swung away from him again, to haul her bag into herp and stare moodily out of the window. Hating that once again he reduced her to this.


    ¡°I mean who am I to judge if you¡¯re not? We live in twenty, twenty-one. I¡¯m not a traditionalist and I sure as hell am not a virgin either. I don¡¯t care what you¡¯ve done before this or what you do after, as long as only my DNA mingles with yours until we¡¯re divorced.¡± He chuckled at his own euphemism, amused at his own humor.


    ¡°Eww.¡± TangShi screwed her face up at him, skin ming and unwilling to admit she had never gone beyond kissing anyone in her life, and that anyone was him. She hadn¡¯t really done any dating in thest eight years or before that night of the ball. It wasn¡¯t something she actively pursued while trying to escape a life she hated and focusing on her schrship. ¡°Could you make this sound anymore icky?¡± She deflected.


    ¡°What¡¯s ¡®ickier¡¯ than having to do this with you?¡± YuZhi retorted, quick as always and she silently cursed his smart-assebacks and deadpan expression when delivering them. She hated his sarcasm and that cold and cool persona that other women seemed to swoon over. She didn¡¯t know if he was quick witted because of a high IQ or if spending your days with cutthroat businessmen made it a necessity.


    ¡°Whatever. You know, I really don¡¯t see what it is Rhea likes about you. She¡¯s pleasant, likeable, and actually warm. You¡¯re¡­. well, not.¡± TangShi wasn¡¯t in the mood for trying to be sarcastic and witty, but she was mad enough to want to wound him with words too.


    ¡°Is that supposed to be a burn? Nice try. Rhea likes cold, distant, and sexy¡­so I don¡¯t really care if we are opposites. I also don¡¯t care if you don¡¯t understand the rtionship as it doesn¡¯t concern you.¡± YuZhi flicked the screen of his iPad and turned a page to make it clear he had work to do and didn¡¯t want to keep talking to TangShi. She was an irritation in his day and already taking up his valuable time to do this.


    ¡°What if I say no?¡± TangShi dropped that question sweetly while still watching the passing scenery fly by, with a heavy weight in her stomach. The thought of a clinic doing something like this consuming her and making her feel wretched. She hated going to the doctors as it was, and this was going to be both embarrassing and evasive. She couldn¡¯t imagine anything worse.


    ¡°Then I guess I have to get drunk and make a woman of you.¡± She felt his eyes on her as he turned her way and nced just in time to catch his wink her way. A smooth, bad boy, and giving no cares kind of gesture before he smirked, showing off a hint of those shiny white teeth and going back to his device. TangShi inhaled heavily and gritted her teeth so as not to react and balled her fists instead.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather go to a clinic¡± she ground out petntly. Weighing up the two she didn¡¯t really like either option, but the appointment was a lesser of two evils. She could bear it.


    ¡°Good. I can rx knowing we agree on something. We¡¯lle here twice this week, then again a month from now if your periods show up in two weeks. We¡¯ll n ordingly until you¡¯re pregnant.¡± YuZhi spelled it out in an even disinterested tone and carried on reading while TangShi nched at how easily those words came out of his mouth.


    Most men in her life would never talk openly about anything like this with any females she had known growing up and yet he seemed unfazed and uncaring. He didn¡¯t seem all that invested in the fact that all this was to make him a father at the end of it. He really didn¡¯t show any kind of emotion about that at all.


    ¡°Anymore questions, or can I go back to what I was doing? I have a meeting this afternoon and several reports to read before then. I¡¯d prefer if you just sit and be quiet and pretend, I¡¯m not even here.¡± He dismissed her airily, eyes back on his screen and infuriated her.


    TangShi didn¡¯t respond but red at him for a long moment wondering if there was any person ruder than him in this world, until he looked up, clocking a brow at her expression and smiled.


    ¡°d you agree.¡± He turned away, slid in his seat to adjust his position and lifted a leg to wedge his foot against the middle rest so he could use his knee to prop up his tablet in an easier position. nking her out and ignoring her presence.


    TangShi turned way, so many emotions stirring up inside like a tidal wave looking for release, and she hated the fact that he made her feel like this anytime they interacted. Abination of anger, a sense of uptightness, and a deep wounded feeling in her soul. He always made her upset and annoyed.  All muddled together to confuse her as to what she felt and left her in the worst kinds of moods.


    YuZhi got to her for a million reason and now she could add this to the list of things he did that made her feel worthless. Using a clinic rather than physically touching her to get pregnant had to be about the worst way to tell a  woman she repulsed you, and it left a scar on TangShi¡¯s heart despite hating him with a passion.

 Chapter 12 – Reflection

    Reflection


    TangShi stared absently out of the restaurant window, reserved and low in mood now that the excitement of being reunited with Linlin had calmed down. Cuddles and tears out of the way after their long separation and nowfortable camaraderie once more. As if they never parted.


    YuZhi agreed to drop her off here on the way home instead of taking her all the way back to the house and Linlin was happy to oblige in rushing out to meet.


    ¡°I never saw that oneing at all. Really? What is wrong with him? I thought a red-blooded lothario like him would at least take advantage of a new squeeze in his bed and a free pass to do whatever he wants with her for two years.¡± Linlin crossed her arms and leaned on the table while observing TangShi. Digesting the details about the clinic.


    TangShi didn¡¯t respond, instead she was still smarting and touchy about the ordeal she had just experienced in thest hour. The clinic was clean and pleasant but having that done to her made her feel dirty and emotional. Still cringing at the sensations and having to let a male doctor down there between her thighs to administer an implement. It was mortifying for someone like her.


    When changing back into her clothes and discarding the medical gown in the changing room she had cried like someone she loved had died. Broken down about how sterile and clinical this was, how shameful it felt, and that getting pregnant this way was degrading to her pride. She would legitimately be a virgin carrying a baby soon enough and it seemed ridiculous to her. He had gone to such lengths to not touch her, and it was getting to her more than it should.


    YuZhi had seeded in hurting her in a whole new way and he wasn¡¯t even aware of it. She put it down to residual and stupid feelings and hopes from a long time ago. Na?ve dreams and pointless memories. She shouldn¡¯t care that he chose this method and should be happy about it, but she wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Linlin brought her out of her daydream, aware something was off with TangShi¡¯s normally upbeat mood and threw her a warm smile.


    ¡°Yeah. Just feeling a little fragile. It wasn¡¯t exactly pleasant, and I think I need to process my feelings a little. I mean. I might be pregnant after this¡­.. that blows my mind.¡±


    Linlin was sobered at that thought too and reached out across the table to scoop up her hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I never even thought about it like that. Just try and see all this as a temporary learning curve in your life. A path to a future away from all of them. A stopgap.¡± Linlin had always been an optimist who saw something good in every scenario.


    ¡°I know.¡± TangShi sighed and then physically shook herself to cast off this weary mood because she didn¡¯t want to drag Linlin down with her into depression. ¡°Let¡¯s order. I¡¯m starving.¡± In other words, can we please stop talking about this and move on. TangShi was never one to dwell and tended to bottle things up to moon overter.


    ¡°You know you could look at this as a blessing in some ways. YuZhi doesn¡¯t want to tie you up in bed and demand sex at every opportunity. You have more freedom with him than ever with your father, financial security. I mean, look where he willingly dropped you off, and handed you a credit card to cover it. Maybe try and get along with him while dealing with what¡¯s expected. Who knows, maybe it won¡¯t be so bad and it¡¯s not like he¡¯s some sort of drunk, wife beating tyrant. Rhea seemed happy all these years so he must have some good points.¡±


    TangShi exhaled heavily and nodded. Unable to refute what Linlin was saying. YuZhi did bring her here, to a restaurant in Pudong, one with a high price tag, without questioning it. Linlin¡¯s favorite ce to eat, the Aura Lounge of the Ritz Carlton and didn¡¯t mention the fact he was dumping her at a hotel. He just handed her a ck card and told her to be home before it gotte or else his grandfather would send out a search party. A nothing conversation and he seemed uninterested in her ns even when she began to exin out of habit about who she was meeting. He shrugged it off, waved her out of the car and didn¡¯t give her a second look.


    She didn¡¯t know if it disappointed her that he truly didn¡¯t care, wasn¡¯t curious, or if her emotions were already spiraling downward because of what she just endured before it.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I want hotpot. I have a craving and they don¡¯t do it here. Do you want to go explore and have some fun?¡± Linlin wanted to bust TangShi out of this weird mood and knew that ssy surroundings and expensive food were not the remedy. TangShi was a girl of simpler tastes.


    ¡°Hotpot sounds good. Exploring¡­. Maybe.¡± A smile lifted the corner of TangShi¡¯s mouth as she turned it over in her head.


    ¡°You know you want to and before long you will join the celeb A list and have to hide for fear of the paparazzi. Let¡¯s enjoy your freedom before YuZhi makes your face a household image.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t remind me. I still haven¡¯t got my head around that aspect yet and I don¡¯t really like the fact my life is going public. Especially not under these circumstances.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a little bit of pie in your dad¡¯s face though, right? All these years hiding you away like some shameful secret and boom¡­. YuZhi is going to put you in the limelight and make you a household name just by marrying you. Suddenly Lei Enterprises will be hot topic and shares will go up, just because they chose you.¡±


    Linlin found this ironic, that after treating her like a leper from birth, TangShi was doing more for the Leis in one arrangement than he had done his entire life.


    ¡°Not to mention the coboration I know he bartered for. It¡¯s yet to be announced but something big is in the works between them which will catapult Lei Enterprises up nearer Leng Group in status, all because of my sacrifice. Will he ever acknowledge it? No, he will pat himself on the back for being so clever in selling me off to someone like Mr Leng.¡± TangShi¡¯s words were sour in her mouth and brought bitterness up from the depths of her stomach. Anything rted to her father was always a sore point but particrly this.


    ¡°Ughhh, this is why high society sucks, and I¡¯m d my parents don¡¯t care about any kind of marriage alliance to boost what we have. They are both too busy ying with lovers and taking vacations to care about managing things. As long as they have enough dough to support it, they have no ambitions to grow it.¡± Linlin raised a ss of water to toast her parents, thanking her lucky stars that she never had an upbringing like TangShi.


    ¡°I¡¯m d that they raised a daughter like you, so I had a friend all these years who didn¡¯t care about high society and myck of status all that much. I would have been lonely without you.¡±


    ¡°I guess we can high five Ava for sending you to an all-girls private school to get you out of the way and falling into my clutches, my littlemb. She done us both a favor, although I am truly disappointed that in my raising you, I didn¡¯t even corrupt you a tiny little bit.¡± Linlin grinned, shing a mischievous twinkle in her eye at the years of escapades she had gotten TangShi into. Not regretting a single one.


    ¡°You corrupted me a lot!¡± TangShi burst into joyfulughter as a million memories flickered through her mind too. So many naughty moments orchestrated by her best friend and started to feel a lot better than when she arrived. Linlin was always a mood enhancer and a ray of sunshine on the darkest of days. All these years she knew that Linlin was the reason she kept going, kept reaching for something better and never lost her optimism.


    Linlin motioned for them to get up d they had not yet ordered anything and led TangShi out of the restaurant in search of a hotpot caf¨¦ they could walk to from here. She hauled out her phone and hooked TangShi¡¯s arm in hers as they hit the street into the dazzling sunshine and went searching.


    ¡°Oh, look before I forget. I found thisst night while scrolling our old pictures on Weibo. It was taken eight years ago, right before your trip to Beijing. We look so young.¡± Linlin turned her phone to show the saved picture. It was a photograph of a proid photograph held in Linlin¡¯s hand. A little blurry but still easy identifiable as both of them hugging and smiling. They looked like two different girls entirely in terms of fashion and beauty style.


    ¡°Oh my god, why is my face so round?¡± TangShi squealed and grabbed the phone, pushing it almost to her nose to scrutinize the baby face staring back at her.


    ¡°I know right, you look like you lived on a diet of instant noodles. Little puffy face. And your hair is so dark and t. Did we even know how to beautify back then?¡±


    The girls bothughed and poked fun at one another by pointing out a few other things in the picture, about their appearance, their weight, their general look, passing it back and forth to giggle at the memory.


    ¡°It makes sense though, that YuZhi didn¡¯t recognize you now. I mean he has his green eyes and that jawline he¡¯s had since he was a kid so you couldn¡¯t mistake him. You slimmed down, your face became more defined and delicate. You got some decent eyebrows and you lightened and styled your hair way different. I honestly couldn¡¯t pick you out if I was him, especially if you wore a mask that entire night.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, I guess.¡± TangShi was reflective and took the phone one more time to give it ast look. She had to agree, even though she didn¡¯t think she had changed all these years, she had lost her puppy fat and childlike cuteness and grown into a woman in the past eight years. It made her feel a little less devastated that he had no idea she was the same girl.


    ¡°Maybe you should just tell him?¡± Linlin offered with a shrug and then hauled TangShi to the left at the opening alleyway to a caf¨¦. A hotpot favorite in sight.


    ¡°There¡¯s no point. It¡¯s the past and if it mattered, he would have shown up or found me all these years. He didn¡¯t. Maybe I held onto it a lot more than he ever did and it¡¯s nothing but a blip in his littered history of girls.¡±


    ¡°TangShi?¡± A voice interrupted them form behind and cut into the conversation before Linlin could argue the point. She still felt YuZhi should know.


    TangShi turned to see Rhea walking out of a nearby boutique, waving her way with a genuine and warm smile, beaming across that pretty face and felt Linlin stiffen up beside her as she tightened her grip on her arm.


    ¡°Aye, aye, it¡¯s the love rival¡± Linlin hissed mischievously and TangShi elbowed her in the ribs.


    ¡°Rhea. Hello. How are you today?¡± TangShi was pleasantly surprised to see her out here, especially unescorted but wasn¡¯t unhappy. She liked the girl genuinely and didn¡¯t have any issues with her. Evan if Linlin did.


    ¡°Out getting air and picking up a dress. Where are you off to?¡± She closed the gap between them and nodded a smile at Linlin.


    ¡°Oh, this is my best friend Linlin Choi. Eldest daughter of Anux Travel.¡± TangShi gave a brief introduction and leaned back as the two women shook hands. Linlin instantly reserved and cool towards the other woman and yet remained polite.


    ¡°Pleasure.¡± Linlin smiled.


    ¡°Anux Travel? The holiday agency? I know where toe when booking my next trip. You¡¯re listed among the most known and respected. It¡¯s lovely to meet you.¡± As always that kind and warm persona you expected form Rhea shone through, enveloping Linlin¡¯s hand and smothering her with friendliness.


    ¡°The one and only. If you need a hook up, we do great discounts for friends of friends.¡± Linlinid on the charm thicker than honey and TangShi tried to remain impassive and not react. She could feel Linlin¡¯s dislike and the sarcastic tone was subtle but still there. She wanted to strangle her for being so obvious.


    ¡°Where are you off to?¡± Rhea was oblivious to the hostility.


    ¡°To eat. The hotpot ce behind us is the best in Pudong and we¡¯re starving.¡±


    ¡°Oooh, Hotpot. I haven¡¯t had it in forever. YuZhi never eats it so never wants to take me for it! Can I join you?¡± Rhea¡¯s enthusiasm was infectious, but Linlin squeezed TangShi¡¯s arm in objection getting a silent rebuff as she shook her arm free.


    ¡°Sure. It¡¯ll be nice to spend more time together and get to know one another a little better.¡± TangShi turned to lead the way, throwing Linlin a quick and hidden warning scowl to behave and getting a cross eyed tongue stick out in response. Shielded by TangShi¡¯s body so rhea didn¡¯t catch it. She had zero chance of controlling her best friend.


    ¡°Yahhhh, sure, let¡¯s eat.¡± Linlin spun on her heel and followed with a trot and a wiggle, her brain calcting what mischief she could pull off through lunch and kept her guard up. Her bestie was maybe a soft touch and all too willing to let people in to be ¡®friends¡¯, but Linlin was made of sterner stuff. She didn¡¯t like that subtle dig from Miss Rhea I am too good for themon folks, bringing up YuZhi¡¯s name and eating preferences like she wasn¡¯t trying to rub salt in. She didn¡¯t trust this wench as far as she could toss her and no one was going to mess with TangShi while she was around.

 Normal Life Begins

    TangShi put down her brushes and arched her back to work out the kinks from scooping over for too long. Leaning back to admire her handywork on the canvas in front of her and smiled at the results. Watercolors were her favorite medium, and she loved the way the colors subtly blended into soft hues in the pond scene she had created like a beautiful harmony. Gentle white and orange Koi meandering under a rippling blue surface and bringing peace to her as she worked.


    It had been a quiet few days of getting used to the workings of this family and settling into a life she didn¡¯t want. And things didn¡¯t seem as terrible as the first couple of days here if today was anything to go by. Now that a lot of her appearance demands had been met, her wardrobe changed and her body primped and preened to Hollywood standards, Aunty was leaving her to find her own busy.


    She had been to the clinic twice now this week, both times as soul destroying and shameful to her, making her d the next trip was a month away as long as her periods showed. Even though she knew the point of this was to fall pregnant, a part of her was reluctant to have it happen and she hoped her body would give her a little time, even if she did have to endure those procedures.


    YuZhi had gone out of the city for a couple of days on business and left her alone to her own devices too. Although he hadn¡¯t changed any and was still finding every possible way to get to her and spark reactions. It seemed like he was even beginning to enjoy making her angry or upset. She was still torn about her feelings towards him despite how much of a jerk he was being.


    The media was milking the public announcement of the breakup for all it was worth and hashing up articles from the past three years to paw over what could have gone wrong between them. The golden couple imed to have stopped being in love, while still loving one another as best friends and the public weren¡¯t buying it yet. There were spections, gossip, and way too much interest in something TangShi found ridiculous. She had never really followed social media, the news or anything of the entertainment rags and yet now she had been flooded with snippets thanks to Xiaosu. Netziens seemed obsessed, angry, and even broken hearted over the news.


    ¡°So pretty, Miss Lei.¡± On cue the young girl wandered behind her with a cup of saffron tea andid it beside her as carefully as she could so as not to disturb the painting supplies. Admiring the finished piece. ¡°You are very talented; I can see why you have so many online sales of your prints.¡±


    TangShi smiled at her, pride swelling at her words andid down her brush with a swell of warmth in her heart. Nothing made her feel better than someone appreciating her hard work. This piece would be sent off to thepany who dealt with scanning her art, producing prints to order and shipping them off while she was paid hermission in profits every month. It was a good system that had paid her well all these years and she had a growing fanbase under the artists name Alice Lin. Koi art was her best seller so she was sure this one would be popr too.


    She found this room the best ce to be to pass the day and focus on getting back to her art and revitalizing her mojo. It helped her ept things as they were now and not pine for the school she left in California quite so much. She missed the students and the teachers, but she knew she had no chance of going back there. This was her life for now.


    The sunroom annex off the back off the mansion was never used much, where the view was over the gardens and ponds were gorgeous and she could watch the day slowly go by. In a peaceful quiet ss room, where Xiaosu brought tea and food on demand.  The Leng family probably used to fill every room in this house, but now they were sparse, and the members left behind spent their working hours elsewhere. Even grandfather.


    Rhea was the only constant daily visitor who stopped by for an hour a day to drink tea and chat with TangShi thest few days. To solidify the bond they would be showing publicly soon enough and convince the world their friendship was toe before the matchmaking. The ruse that TangShi and Rhea met through the Lei, Leng coboration of the announced shopping mall build that hit the news this morning, and would be the driving force to setting up her ex-boyfriend with her new best friend. Rhea would be the one to take credit for their falling in love, so as to appease the public that she was supportive of YuZhi moving on.


    It was a ridiculous story, one thought up by suited PR experts in YuZhi¡¯s business. It abhorred TangShi that they had to go to this extent just to protect their precious family name and their stocks.


    ¡°Thank you. Painting fish are my favorite thing. I find it therapeutic and somehow helps me rx and ease away all my stress.¡±


    ¡°Mr Lei is the one who bought all the Koi for therge pond over there by the waterfall. He seems to like them too and often buys special fabric prints of Koi for his aunt when he goes on long trips. Maybe you two have that inmon?¡± Xiaosu was never ending in her eagerness to warm TangShi to YuZhi. Having spent years as this family¡¯s house maid she saw a side to him that TangShi didn¡¯t and hoped in time they would at least find amon ground and be less harsh to one another.


    ¡°What are our ns today?¡± TangShi ignored any kind ofpliments towards YuZhi, disinterested in talking about him. The clinic situation was making her even more resistant to trying to get along with him and the undertones of constant sarcasm between them was tiring.


    ¡°The house is empty. Grandfather Leng has taken Auntie, Uncle and his brother to watch an opera. Rhea called to say she couldn¡¯te today as she has a full schedule in prepping for a runway show for Aunt¡¯s magazine. So, it¡¯s us, a quiet night and there¡¯s a new drama starting that I want to watch after we catch up with our ongoing one.¡±


    ¡°Let me guess? Another romance featuring Zhang Mingen.¡± TangShi grinned at Xiaosu as her face turned a darker shade and her cheeks flushed pink. The girl had the worst kind of crush on the Chinese actor. She had made TangShi sit through a dozen episodes already of a show called ¡®Nice to meet you¡¯ and didn¡¯t seem to be willing to let her pass up the rest of it.


    ¡°He¡¯s simply the cutest man alive.¡± Xiaosu flushed even darker, sped her hands by her chest and fluttered dreamy eyes as she was lost in her own head. ¡°You know¡­. ZhengLi Kim is a dead ringer for him and just about the only man alive I would seriously switch out my crush for.¡± She beamed gleefully.


    ¡°Who?¡± TangShi stopped arranging her brushes and nced at Xiaosu, wondering if this was another famous Chinese man she had proimed her undying love to. Xiaosu had a list of handsome celebrities.


    ¡°Young master Leng¡¯s best friend, his whole life¡­. And his assistant at work. Here, I¡¯ll show you. I thought you would have met him by now.¡± Xiaosu quickly pulled her phone from inside the apron she was wearing and scrolled it. Pulling up a Weibo ount, she turned it to TangShi to show her a handsome man posing for some event. It was erged on the screen and gave her a very good view of his face and shoulders.


    She stared at it for a long moment, not denying he was very good looking and did look strikingly like the actor Xiaosu was crazy for. Yet there was something else in his face that was familiar about him, and it made her take the mobile in her hand and look at him closely. Scrolling through a few of his more natural images that were selfies topare and one of him surfing with YuZhi before it struck her like a lightning bolt. It was seeing them together like that which did it.


    ¡°Oh my god. He was¡­¡± she trailed off, realizing what she was about to say out loud and quickly slid the phone back into Xiaosu hand. She recognized him, the only person at the ball that night who didn¡¯t seem to care about wearing a mask. The ¡®friend¡¯ that YuZhi said bet him he couldn¡¯t dance with her. This solidified everything. YuZhi really was Yoonie and ZhengLi was there that night too. It sent a strange sensation through the put of her stomach and her blood turned cold.


    ¡°I know, right? They could be sexy brothers. He¡¯s even better in the flesh too. So handsome, and so charming. Very tall and he has a nice physique.¡± Xiaosu was off on a dreamy tangent and oblivious to TangShi¡¯s sober expression.


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s cute.¡± She answered emptily and went back to trying to pick up her brushes in a bid to shake this from her head.


    ¡°He¡¯s rich too. Son of Yutian Corp but as he¡¯s fifth in line then he chose to work with YuZhi rather than waste his days with menial jobs in his own familypany. I heard it caused so much drama to start with.¡± She giggled like a child, somewhat enamored with the bold move.


    ¡°Yutian Corp?¡± TangShi was shocked to know exactly who that family were as they were of the same social standing as the Lengs. Even someone like her knew exactly who they were. It¡¯s no wonder there was scandal if the fifth son opted to work as YuZhi¡¯s assistant instead of take his rightful ce with his brothers. It was practically unheard of.


    Thinking back, she remembered the almost rebellious and mischievous young man who was all smiles and winks and seemed to goad YuZhi on that night. He did seem the type to make his own rules and shrug off the importance of a decision like that. He had disappeared with a young pretty girl in a leather jacket after YuZhi made it clear TangShi and he were leaving to go find an adventure in the streets of Beijing. ZhengLi was a rich yboy type at that age, and she wondered what he was like now. Surely he wasn¡¯t still as wild and carefree as he seemed back then.


    ¡°Xiaosu, stay away from men like that. They can only lead to trouble and heartbreak. I¡¯ve met ZhengLi Kim, and he seemed like aplete womanizer.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, no¡­. you have him all wrong. He¡¯s such a sweet gentleman when hees here and never been inappropriate towards me at all. He barely notices me.¡± She made a finger cross motion as if promising she wasn¡¯t being dishonest and TangShi sighed. Xiaosu was na?ve and blinded by a crush. TangShi had be so protective of this girl in such a short time and didn¡¯t want to see her pulled down by a rich spoiled jerk that hung around with the likes of YuZhi, ying with girl¡¯s hearts. Simr types always flew together and encouraged bad behavior.


    ¡°Just be wary of wolves in sheep¡¯s clothing. Not all ¡®nice¡¯ men are actually so. ZhengLi is a fifth generation rich boy and he has all the ws of being one.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss.¡± Xiaosu knew when to back down and give up and even though she didn¡¯t agree she could tell TangShi was deflecting her feelings about young master YuZhi and tarring ZhengLi with the same brush.


    ¡°Can¡¯t argue with that!¡± YuZhi¡¯s smug, husky tone came at them from behind and startled both girls into snapping around to gawp at the figure standing in the doorway. He was smiling with amusement, one side of his mouth perked up with a dimple on show.


    Unannounced and unexpected , TangShi¡¯s face colored with heat at realizing he could have been standing there for a while without either girl noticing. He might have heard more than he should.


    ¡°Although ZhengLi might not be all that happy to hear the home truths. Do you talk about trash me with the same tone, Miss Le?¡± He winked at TangShi and then pushed off from the doorway casually and meandered in to drop his coat on the nearest chair. He was still dressed in his favorite navy three-piece suit, minus the tie, and his shirt was open at the neck. His outer jacket discarded, and he followed by hauling off his suit jacket and throwing it on top of it with an easy movement.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go fetch more tea.¡± Xiaosu made a quick exit, embarrassed at being caught and avoided his eye as she took off at speed and left them alone. Eager to escape.


    ¡°You¡¯re back early. I thought you said you would be in Japan for a few days.¡± TangShi turned back to her artwork and pretended his presence didn¡¯t affect her heart rate, body temperature or focus. He only left yesterday evening.


    ¡°Did you miss me?¡± he walked up to her side, intruding on her space, ignoring her obvious stiffening of posture and picked up the now dry painting in front of her and holding it up to inspect. His aftershave and his own scent swirled around her, and she looked away form him to gaze at the windows to trey and ignore how good he smelled.


    ¡°No. Did you have toe back early and disturb me?¡± TangShi answered curtly. Caught off guard and now feeling strange that he was so close.


    ¡°I was worried my wife might be crying alone in our big bed. I couldn¡¯t stand being apart a minute longer.¡± He smirked, his tone heavy with sarcasm and he dropped her picture back in front of her and walked off to look at the garden.


    ¡°I guess business is done? Don¡¯t you have somewhere else to be? Like work, as it¡¯s the middle of the afternoon and I don¡¯t recall you using this room muchst week either so why wander in here?¡± TangShi wasn¡¯t in the mood for his usual war of words or his presence. She couldn¡¯t ignore the fact her hands were trembling at his surprise rerun and it was doing odd things to her stomach.


    ¡°All wrapped up and a cancetion. The paparazzi are out in the droves thanks to my public breakup and the announcement we are building a mall with Lei Enterprises. I have no energy to deal with them after flying home and my offices are swarming.¡±


    ¡°Great. Well, if you¡¯re staying here then I¡¯m leaving. Enjoy your quiet hiding time.¡± TangShi got up and picked up her case to start packing her supplies and jumped when body heat and the undeniable presence of arge male came right up behind her and made the hackles rise on her neck. His sudden calcted maneuver making her feel hemmed while simultaneously sending her body into overdrive.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even get a wee home kiss?¡± He whispered, so close to her shoulder that his breath tickled her neck and she shivered involuntarily, hating him for this childish crap he pulled all too often. She knew he did this for her reaction, and he was getting better at picking out the tactics that got to her the most.


    ¡°Can you not?¡± She pushed her ass out and shoved him in the groin, backing up to move him with force, before turning and swiping her brushes into the bag and pulling it from the table as she stepped away. She wasn¡¯t nning on leaving her paints down here but she no longer had a desire to stick around to deal with him in this mood, and could get Xiaosu to fetch themter.


    ¡°Anyone would think you don¡¯t like your own husband. I¡¯m so heartbroken. I might cry.¡± He mocked her, moving back to the window at a casual unbothered pace where he leaned against the ss with his hip and shoulder and watched her with that predator like smug expression. Amused by sensing her change in mood.


    ¡°Not biting today. I have better things to do.¡± She snapped and avoided engaging his focus with hers.


    ¡°Running away? You¡¯re no fun today.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not running away from you. That would imply you intimidate me or affect me, and you don¡¯t. I¡¯m just busy. Go find some fun with Rhea or ZhengLi Kim!¡± TangShi brushed him off with a non-interested wave, hoping it sounded true and scowled at him as she zipped up her bag and turned on her heel to leave.


    ¡°Guess I¡¯ll see you in bed, baby. Keep it warm for me.¡± YuZhi had to hold in hisughter as he let the words slide out in a honey thick tone. Eternally amused with the feisty and hateful reaction she gave him anytime he switched up his mood to the offensive like this. Arguing with her,batting with words, or seeing her recoil and run when he added some sexual inuendo was bing a hobby and toying with her wasn¡¯t getting old yet.


    He still disliked her, what and who she was, and this marriage, but at least thest few days had seen things begin to feel like some kind of livable situation where her presence no longer made him want to throw her out the window.


    She was quiet, never reallyined or got too emotional. She tried to stick to the house rules and seemed respectful of his family even while Aunt was trying to make life hell for her. She didn¡¯t mention or moan about the god-awful diet Aunt had her on and she didn¡¯t seem to be a creator of drama either. He knew it wasn¡¯t as bad as he feared when he was first told this was happening, but he still wasn¡¯t going to give her an inch. Her personality was bearable, but nothing more.


    She was the singr reason he had to break up with Rhea and put his life on hold for two years and he wasn¡¯t about to let her forget it.

 Zhengli

    ¡°How are you holding up with this chaos?¡± ZhengLi perched his ass on the end of YuZhi¡¯s huge desk and dropped a few folders in front of him that required signatures for ongoing projects.


    ¡°Hmmm¡± YuZhi didn¡¯t lift his eyes from hisptop screen and carried on typing. Shrugging in a nonmittal way.


    ¡°Still being followed and hounded by the press?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s dying down, but they are still lingering. The articles online seem to be less regr now too. We¡¯ll be old news soon enough.¡±


    It had been a full week since the announcements and despite the Leng and Lei coboration being bigger news in the business world, the media were more interested in his breakup, and it was really starting to grate on him. He couldn¡¯t go anywhere without a mask, baseball cap and sunsses as they were invading his life way worse than before.


    ¡°How¡¯s¡¯ Rhea holding up? She seemed distracted when I saw her yesterday at the fashion show rehearsal. She didn¡¯t say much though but even she had a following paparazzi.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s used to the limelight, and trying to pretend this is all okay. I¡¯m trying to see her less and make this easier for both of us. That way it will give them nothing to photograph.¡± Even though YuZhi knew that in two years when this was over, they would reunite, he didn¡¯t want toplicate matters in keeping on dating secretly. The breakup was real, they had a tacit understanding of that, and they had both agreed that whatever happened in this time, they wouldn¡¯t hold it against one another in the future. It didn¡¯t make it easier even if they both knew it was temporary and were trying to navigate the situation.


    ¡°Did you see this today?¡± ZhengLi slid his cell out and pulled up a news article that popped up before lunch. It was a candid shot of Rhea and TangShi arm in arm on Huaihai Road, out shopping designer boutiques. ¡°They are interested in this unknown daughter of the Lei Empire. Seems TangShi has caught the media¡¯s attention too. They are questioning where she was hidden all these years and where this new sisterly friendship as Rhea ¡®struggles¡¯ through break up came from.¡±


    YuZhi nced up, seeing the image of the two women facing him and took the phone to inspect the story and picture.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s a good thing. If they seem like they¡¯re best of friends and she¡¯s memorable then the PR n should work without a hitch. As of right now no one even knows I know TangShi. Make it seem genuine.¡± YuZhi stared at the two faces for a moment,paring them in their simrities and contrasts.


    Rhea was a born model with symmetrical and elegant features that could handle any angle, lighting, or make up. She had an unearthly wlessness that sometimes looked airbrushed or photoshopped, but she had never undergone enhancements or surgery. She was beautiful, seductive, with thick straight brows, a tiny nose and cherry plumped lips that were suited to bold make up and high fashion style. Every guys dream girl. She looked wealthy and she had the mannerisms and presence of an international model.


    TangShi however was the other kind of beautiful, and even if he hated to admit it, he could see it. Natural and earthy. She had an innocent and sweet quality and softer features like the girl next door type. Small nose, pouted lips, delicate cheek bones, butrger eyes that came off as doe like and cute. She had a youthful prettiness that looked good in natural make up and soft hair that hung gently to frame her face and curled at the ends. In pictures she sometimes looked shy and vulnerable rather than confident and sassy like Rhea and in this one, she seemed much younger and almost doll likepared to his ex-girlfriend.


    For a second, there was a hint of protectiveness for her, as the picture was clearly shot from a distance, and she looked utterly unaware they had even been captured. Rhea on the other hand was in full pose mode and working her best angles, so had spotted the hidden camera man and made sure she looked good. TangShi was looking at Rhea with a wistful smile on her face, eyes locked onto the other woman talking and seemed way too trusting for a moment as she listened intently to whatever was being said.


    Anger pricked up in his heart, proceeded by gnawing guilt and a heavy weight as he thought of the fact that he knew Rhea was only getting close to her because she was meant to. It was orchestrated by them, for the good of all of them, and Rhea was a grade A actress who could do her part well. She was pleasant to everyone and could charm whomever she set her sights on, so it didn¡¯t chock him to see them so close. He told her to keep TangShi sweet but looking at the picture now he was irritated by how genuine the look of affection from TangShi was and how oblivious and uninterested Rhea¡¯s true expression came off. He knew her well enough and could see from a nce she wasn¡¯t all that invested in her new shopping buddy.  It was all an act.


    Because of him he was forcing Rhea to lie, build rtionships she didn¡¯t want, and still end up alone and hurt while he stayed married to another woman for two years. It made him sick to think about it. Souring his mood as he mulled over the unfairness of his life.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gone awfully quiet¡± ZhengLi was watching his buddy zone out at the screen and got up to walk around and head to the hidden bar. The day was nearly over, and they had done enough overtime this week already.


    ¡°Just thinking about how much this situation sucks. Rhea doesn¡¯t deserve this.¡± He put the phone down and slide it away before returning to hisptop. Not willing to waste more time making him feel worse about it.


    ¡°And TangShi does? Have you even read the file I got for you on her background? Pretty sure she never asked for this either.¡± ZhengLi had made sure to get all the dirt he could on the Lei family when entering this merger and it had kicked up a lot of interesting titbits about the eldest daughter. Such as she was dragged home from abroad, ditching a prestigious art school and full schrship only two days before the wedding. If she was so intent on having YuZhi, why even leave and start a semester, when talks about marriage were going on a month prior to that.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the inclination or the time. She is low on my list of priorities.¡±


    ¡°Really? Yet you spent more time staring at her image than Rhea¡¯s.¡± ZhengLi nodded at his discarded phone and smiled in amusement as YuZhi¡¯s brow flickered in irritation, a tony frown forming as he pretended not to hear.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the gym. I have way too much tension in my shoulders. I need a good session in the ring with you.¡± YuZhi answered in a nd tone.


    ZhengLiughed heartily.


    ¡°Did I touch a nerve? Boxing really trantes to you wanting to kick my ass for making you mad.¡± He went about dumping ice in two sses.


    ¡°It¡¯s all in your head, buddy. Maybe you should get that checked out.¡± YuZhi closed hisptop with a heavy sigh and leaned back in his chair to stretch his legs out. It had been a long day and he was stiff and tense all over.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you rather go get drunk and see people we haven¡¯t in a while. I heard the club has put up missing posters for you because it¡¯s been so long.¡±


    ¡°Funny!¡±


    ZhengLi chuckled at his partner in crime, finally poured them both a scotch on the rocks and brought it over to hand to him.


    ¡°Seriously though, Cheng has been asking us toe by and hang out. It¡¯s been a month already. Work has been crazy and we deserve a night ying. We could take Rhea and TangShi and start leaving the breadcrumbs of how she introduces you two.¡±


    YuZhi exhaled in an ¡®argh¡¯, loudly, expressing frustration and dislike and picked up a rubber stress ball from his desk and threw it at ZhengLi¡¯s head. ZhengLi dodged expertly andughed at the attempt to assault him.


    ¡°I spend every night with her, I don¡¯t want to have her invade my hangouts before I¡¯m even publicly dating her. I really do not want to be all cosy on threesome outings with her and Rhea.¡±


    YuZhi wanted one night of normal, where he could forget everything to do with this situation, to do with work, wives, and just kick back with his friends. A couple of mergers were giving him headaches this month and he had been working like a dog.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking a date, so don¡¯t get all pissy with me forck of one for you. Invite Rhea or be the sad single for the night. You know Cheng will have multiple women on his arm.¡±


    ¡°You know, I heard it on good authority you were a spoiled, rich boy, womaniser. Maybe you should consider a reform of your personality and leave women off the list for one night.¡± YuZhi drolled at him in pretend disdain.


    ZhengLi clutched his heart in mock shock, looking dramatically offended. Opening his mouth in a gasp motion.


    ¡°Who would say such a thing?¡±


    ¡°The one person you keep trying to champion and warm me to. Maybe you should take note of that. She thinks you¡¯re to be avoided at all costs and not all that nice.¡±


    ¡°Damn, our little TangShi is harsh. I wonder if I wronged her in another life. Little miss needs me to set her straight and win her over.¡± ZhengLiughed at this promation and wasn¡¯t really insulted at all. He was no stranger to the opinion that he was a wild womaniser who had yet to settle down.


    ¡°Good luck with that. She¡¯s an imprable wall of hostility. She doesn¡¯t appear to like men.¡± YuZhi sighed.


    ¡°No, baby cakes. She doesn¡¯t like you. There¡¯s a world of difference and I can fully empathise with her. She doesn¡¯t have to work and y with you the way I do.¡± ZhengLi dodged another flying object that YuZhi aimed at his head and stuck his middle finger up in retaliation. The normal banter between them in full swing.


    ¡°I second my suggestion that we go to the ring tonight.¡± YuZhi raised his brows, his expression serious and tone heavy with intent.


    ¡°Admit you just want to get up close and personal with me and it¡¯s nothing to do with boxing me to death.¡± ZhengLi winked saucily, blew him a kiss and then picked up the scotch bottle to top up his drink as he wandered past it.


    ¡°I suddenly have the urge to repeatedly roundhouse kick someone in the head, so maybe you do have a point.¡±


    YuZhi and ZhengLi had been kick boxing buddies most of their life and were equally skilled, but this was an ongoing joke between them. They used it for exercise, stress relief, sometimes to settle disputes between them, and a way to spend time together outside of work and away from nightclubs. They had gone through their crazy young years together, done some wild things that should have made headlines and created so many scandals, but they had managed to avoid it somehow.


    About three years ago they both settled down a little, trying to be more mindful of their images and the possibility they would create news if they didn¡¯t behave. Thanks to bing prominent in the Leng Group running¡¯s. It didn¡¯t kill all the urges in them though.


    ¡°You know, it really bothers me that my new sister-inw is biased against me. I am so heartbroken and can only assume you have told her the worst about me.¡±


    YuZhi gave him a t look as if to say, ¡®I don¡¯t even talk to her so why would I?¡¯


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you romance her and be friends. That way you can keep her out of my hair.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to make you jealous. As much as you deny it, I think a little part of you likes her being around. Shees up in conversation way too much for you to be indifferent.¡± ZhengLi cocked his eyebrow and gave YuZhi a knowing look.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who brings her up. Every single time.¡± YuZhi pointed out, cocking one brow in return and adding a wry smirk. ZhengLi stared back at him for a long thoughtful moment, thinking back to how this conversation started and shook his head.


    ¡°Whatever. I am still not convinced that you dislike her as much as you say. There¡¯s that for one.¡± He motioned to a brown a4 envelope in the tray on the desk, knowing fine well what was inside. YuZhi nced at it, picked it up and immediately slid it in his drawer out of sight with a shrug.


    ¡°Xiaosu gave it to me as a gift. I like Koi.¡± He stood up and hauled his suit jacket from his chair and began putting it on. Pretending that it was no big deal but ZhengLi could see through his deflection technique.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You asked Xiaosu about TangShi¡¯s painting and if she had done anymore, and two dayster she gave you that print. I know you definitely asked her to get it for you, even if you deny it. Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know you then searched up the website from the back and looked through the rest. I saw you. Pretty sure we are expecting a package of more.¡±


    ¡°I like art, especially watercolours, and fish. She¡¯s talented, which I didn¡¯t expect, and her paintings are peaceful and nice enough to hang.¡± He dodged the implication that it was because it was TangShi¡¯s art, denying it had any rtion.


    He had been surprised to see her work a few days ago when he got back from Japan. He never knew she was an artist, and she had a nice style that made him want to see more. Not that he would ever tell her that or that he bought three pieces to be framed inrge sizes for some business acquaintances. The website had the pieces listed as Author A. Lin, but he could tell right away they were all her.


    ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s move, I¡¯m tired of this infernal denial you¡¯re in. Where to? Gym then Cheng¡¯s ce? I think we could pull an all nighter and work hungover tomorrow like the good old days. I am ready to take that beating if it puts you in a better mood.¡±


    ¡°How about no? My grandfather would kill me if I rocked into the stockholders annual meeting tomorrow like that. He almost disowned me that one time I went from the club to the press release for our fifth shopping mall a few years ago.¡±


    Both of them grinned at the memories of that debacle and the fact grandfather almost skinned both of them alive right after.


    ¡°Good times, brother. Good times.¡± ZhengLi patted him on the back as they both walked out towards the reception area, leaving work behind and transitioning to boys at y. Casting off mature and shrewd wolves of themercial world and regaining easy boyishness.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you call home and tell the wife you won¡¯t be home tillte?¡± ZhengLi poked fun at him with a finger prod in his shoulder. Knowing he was skating on thin ice if he kept pushing the topic like this.


    ¡°The wife is right here.¡± YuZhi grabbed ZhengLi¡¯s hand and grasped it tight before picking it up to pretend to kiss the back of it with a cheeky smile. ZhengLi was quick to haul it out of his grip andsso him around the neck with one arm instead. Casually leaning on him and matching his stride with his best friends. Being equal height and build meant it was afy way to walk.


    ¡°Babes, I didn¡¯t realise we had finally gone public.¡± Heughed heartily as they made their way out to go kick back and cause mayhem.

 I’m Sorry

    TangShi held her breath as the sound of the familiar and confident steps of YuZhi strolled in, her skin goose bumping all over at his presence. Even if she didn¡¯t like him, her body could still differentiate between him and others in the house like a weird sixth sense, his looming aura of being nearby. She sunk down under the sheets and closed her eyes tight. She wanted to be asleep before he came up tonight and now, she would have to pretend given it was early for him to be up here.


    Shey as still as a statue as she listened to him wander into his study, right across from the bed, after he entered the room but he left the door open and didn¡¯t seem intent on settling in there to work. Not that he used it much anyway. He came back out a momentter, seemed to dump something like a file on the dresser, and then proceeded into the bathroom by walking past her side of the bed and shut the door.


    TangShi peeked her head out and squinted at the glimmer of light under the bathroom door and it made her heart sink. The sound of the shower causing her to swallow heavily in dread. It could only mean he was getting ready for bed and had no intention of leaving again. He always showeredst, no matter what, as he liked to be clean before going to sleep. She had thought, like always, he woulde up hereter as for now it wasn¡¯t even nine Pm yet and he was already washing in readiness. YuZhi never slept before eleven normally.


    TangShi cursed him under her breath and turned on her side to will herself to sleep quickly and ended up staring at the smooth wall in front of her like a nk listless being. Her body tense and her heart hammering as she began to count the shadows that crisscrossed across the pale d¨¦cor filtering from the window coverings. She flinched with every noise that came from the bathroom, well aware she was building herself up into a nervous mess. Counting the seconds until he came in here and feeling stupid that he affected her this much.


    Today had been a weird one and his attitude seemed off, more moody than normal and had set her on edge. He had been testy at dinner, picking her apart while she ate and looking for things to criticise. He seemed to be all over her, nagging that she ate too little, then too fast, then too much, and it was oppressive as hell to eat like that. He bickered with her over dessert because he could. Unhappy with everything from how she held her spoon, to her clinking her water ss, and then coldly told her to leave when Rhea showed up to visit and have tea with the Lengs. His tone all evening had been snappish and harsh, and no one dared to mention it, not even grandfather who threw him questioning nces every so often. Rhea even stayed silent when she was chased away with a grim expression. It was like a major row was building between them for no apparent reason, just when she was beginning to think life here was settling into a routine she could deal with.


    He had a bug in his ass, and she didn¡¯t want to know why. She just wanted him to leave her alone, but himing up at this hour could only spell trouble. Her gut said he was looking to find his torture toy to irritate her more. That his only reason for an early night was to carry on and have that row with her.


    YuZhi didn¡¯t take long to shower and dress in light sleeping attire and headed out to the bedroom with damp hair and a towel draped around his shoulders casually. TangShi screwed her eyes shut and kept as still as possible to fool him into thinking she truly was asleep, but he didn¡¯t seem to care. He nced towards the body in the huge bed and smirked to himself. He was not in the mood for her today at all and just the sight of her at dinner had pissed him off.


    He normally wasn¡¯t one to take his pissy feelings out on other people, but she was an easy target and today he couldn¡¯t get over how much he hated being married to her. He had enough reminders all day.


    He picked up the dryer and tended his hair as noisily as he could, knocking his brush on the counter, seemingly intent on bashing it repeatedly. Not concerned if the racket disturbed her, and then proceeded to turn onmps around the space as he wandered and illuminated the room in an unnecessary way. TangShi honestly felt like he was purposely trying to wake or disturb her and fought the will to turn and re at him. Instead, she held still, didn¡¯t move a muscle, and gritted her teeth in stubbornness as if she was sound asleep and so far into dreand that his presence wasn¡¯t felt. Her fury rising with every bump and thud he made around her.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re awake. I can tell by how you¡¯re lying. After a few weeks in my bed, I know the difference.¡± YuZhi pointed out with a nk expression and no kind of emotion to his words, while TangShi tensed and clenched her fists into balls under the sheets. Her anger spiking because he just admitted he was goading her.


    She had no idea what was eating him today, but it was clear he was honing in for her and wouldn¡¯t be happy until he had her bite back.


    ¡°How anyone could sleep with all that noise and storming around? Don¡¯t you know how to behave when someone is already in bed? You¡¯re so ignorant!¡± She turned around snappily, forgetting her act of being asleep and locked her eyes on his arrogant face. Her face pinched and her expression sour as dislike beamed his way. YuZhi only shrugged with one shoulder, seemingly pleased with her instant fury and rxed his posture into a casual lounge.


    ¡°Why pretend then? Are you avoiding me?¡± He smirked, pulling off the towel from his shoulder and threw it across the bed into the hamper by the other corner with perfect aim. Missing her by inches. Acting like Mr Control and owning the bedroom, which annoyed her further. TangShi shook her head in disbelief at this man¡¯s manner, at a loss for words, and turned her back on him again.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like I have reason to not avoid you. You have been like a bear with a sore head from the minute you walked in and it seems I have somehow offended you!¡± She huffed to herself, her voice muffled as she pulled up the covers over her face and tried to settle back down into afortable position. She was going to ignore him and not show he was riling her. After all, she knew it¡¯s what he wanted.


    ¡°You¡¯re my wife. You should be waiting up to see if I need anything before bed¡­ maybe take care of me a little. Tend to my mood¡­.. or sleep elsewhere and leave me alone. Either is fine.¡± YuZhi mocked, in a tight tone that barely disguised his underlying sarcasm and brimming bad temper. He was in a weirder mood tonight after she left the dinner table, unable to shake his irritation, and yet again, couldn¡¯t stop himself from seeking her out and trying to rile his little woman even though he told her to leave. It was bing a really annoying urge that he didn¡¯t understand and had no control over. When she was there he wanted her gone, but when she was gone he needed to follow her and create conflict.


    Two contracts fell through today and problems arose with the Lei coboration that gave him a migraine and would take weeks to resolve. Dealing with TangShi¡¯s father for three hours of his day reminded him of every reason he abhorred this forced fucking marriage. The man was unbearable. It drove home how sordid and shit this contract between their families was and how he was basically held hostage to produce an heir before he could get his life back. That he got no say in who the mother of his first born would be, when he would be a father, or how he wanted to live his own god damn life. He had never felt real resentment towards his position or family for this until today, and now he was simmering and hateful and looking to rage it out. She was to me in his eyes and here he was.


    ¡°You sent me to bed ¡­ To sleep! To get away from you!¡± TangShi turned on him once more, stating it as an usation, nching at his words. Never understanding this push and pull thing he did with her. Over these past weeks she really felt like sometimes he was warming to her, starting to ept their fate and give her a little breathing space.  He improved, mellowed, and let her alone sometimes. Then other days, like today, that venom of their first encounter returned and he treated her like the enemy. She could feel his dislike and disdain for her like it was pulsing in the room between them and it wounded her to the core.


    ¡°I changed my mind. I need my wife to massage my shoulders a little, because I¡¯m tense. Today¡¯s workload was heavy, and I can¡¯t unwind.¡± YuZhi had no idea why this was the first thing that came to mind and could only conclude that making her touch him would infuriate her in a whole new way.  At times he couldn¡¯t understand his own head or the way his mouth said words he didn¡¯t pre-n or even mean. Last thing he wanted was her touching him, in any kind of way, but he¡¯d said it now. If he didn¡¯t have physical outlets to blow off steam, then massage did help and she was the only person around who he could ask to do it without it being weird. He sighed internally, shaking his head at himself for wherever his brain had gone.


    ¡°Are you kidding?¡± TangShi sat upright fast and scowled at him through loweredshes of a sneer. Thest thing she had the urge to do was massage him. If he wanted one, he could go ask his girlfriend and leave her be.


    ¡°We¡¯ll do more than that tomorrow night, so maybe you should get used to being physical in other ways. After all, as your husband it¡¯s my right to have you touch me when I need it.¡± He shrugged like he really didn¡¯t care at all, like tomorrow night wasn¡¯t a big deal either and sat down on his side of the bed. Truth be told, he was stressed about that too, resented it also, and this act was getting to him on a whole other level. He would be d when they didn¡¯t have to stick to a script and y at stupid set ups.


    Now that Rhea had been publicly making their rtionship as best friends obvious, and the scandal of their breakup was old news, there was an official double date nned for the three of them and an actor friend. Stage two of transitioning to a new woman to avoid a new outcry from his fans.


    Je Hyun was popr right now as a drama actor and he was a good enough friend to pretend to date Rhea without actually doing it. Notable enough to be remembered and with the acting ability to pull it off. It wasn¡¯t YuZhi¡¯s idea of fun. To be out with TangShi for the first time making it obvious romance was blooming between them, while the woman he loved cuddled up to one of his closest friends to prove there was no love left. The thought of it made him sick to his stomach.


    He turned and pulled his night shirt off in one even swoop, aggravated at reminding himself about the damn date. Annoyed that he had nowhere to vent tonight except here as ZhengLi had prior arrangements elsewhere and he couldn¡¯t be bothered with anyone else¡¯spany. Seeing Rhea was too risky, and he didn¡¯t have the energy for it either. All she did nowadays was get emotional, question his time with TangShi, get more insecure and cry at the stupidest thing. He was finding it hard on his own and she was making it harder.


    TangShi¡¯s face burned with heat as she turned her eyes away from his naked upper torso. Outraged yet also mortified he would take his clothes off in front of her again. Her heart rate escting, and her body temperature soaring, making her feel breathless all in one go. She had given up trying to deny that she still found him attractive, because in all honesty YuZhi was gorgeous. There was something about him that no other man had everpared to.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. I¡¯m tired, go to sleep.¡± She stammered out, hiding her crimson face by pulling the sheet up to her upright position, but YuZhi was persistent. He could sense her anger and knew the coy act wasn¡¯t fake. This girl was not one to spend her time with half naked men if this is how she reacted, and despite himself, it eased his mood a little. Weird stuff like this was bingmon between them and he stopped trying to analyse it when he realised she always pulled contradictory feelings out of him.


    ¡°You¡¯re refusing to give your husband some much needed stress relief. What kind of cold and heartless woman are you? Come here¡­ it¡¯s the least you can do. We¡¯re already married, soe touch me, there has to be some perk to living with you.¡± YuZhi turned to her, intent on a massage now he pushed it this far and leaned over, catching her wrist to pull her closer to him. His strong hand enveloping her delicate small limb too easily and his tug was harsh for someone of her size. He overestimated her weight, strength, and position and pulled her like he would a heavy man resisting.


    TangShi lurched forward with momentum, a little too easily given how small she waspared to him and somehow ended up on her knees in a sh, which boosted her up and over clumsily. She lost her bnce, arms iling wide as he let go of her and fellpletely on top of YuZhi in an awkward fashion that sent both tumbling backwards. He hadn¡¯t expected this weird manoeuvre or her sudden copse on top of him, so was unprepared to have his bride suddenly jerk up ande tumbling down with speed.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    He grappled his arms out to counteract the uneven weight load on how he was bent over. Instinct had him throw his hands to her waist to grab onto an anchor as she knocked him over like a ten pin.


    They ended up falling from the bed, his arms encircling the small frame of the womaning with him and theynded on the polished wood floor with a heavy thud. Him shielding her and taking the full brunt on his back while grasping her tightly to make sure she wouldn¡¯t go flying away on her own and injure herself. It wasn¡¯t his mind that chose this way of falling with her, but a deep instinct to protect someone smaller and delicate. YuZhi had always been a man who had strong protective reactions.


    TangShi¡¯s nose bumped YuZhi¡¯s cheek firmly as he grunted with the ooomph of beingnded on. They both exhaled with an impacted ¡®Ugh¡¯ and came face to face in apromising moulding of two bodies. Eye to eye, lips an inch apart, and noses side by side when everything stilled. Stunned into silence at this unexpected ident. It was intimate as hell and rendered both mute. TangShi and YuZhi¡¯s heart rates elerated in union although neither was aware.


    TangShi froze, her eyes stuck on YuZhi¡¯s as his widened in shock and realized he was restricted under her slight frame while her limbs were hanging around him in the least innocent way. Body parts pressed against one another suggestively, her knees on either side of his thighs, her palms stuck to his naked shoulders, while wearing a skimpy silk nightdress and he wasn¡¯t wearing much in the way of clothes. Right under his chin was an impressive view of her cleavage that was boosted by being on his pecks and he was aware it was in his line of vision. Every inch of her was glued to every inch of him and only separated by thinyers of satin.


    His build dwarfed her slender curves and even as a cold man with no sexual urges for her, he still had a heated reaction in his pants to feeling her this way. His hands had somehow made their way from her lower back to the upper curve of her ass in the tumble and he removed them fast, in slight panic, as though she burned him.


    TangShi¡¯s face reddened to the colour of beetroot. She cringed at the contact, pulled back to untangle herself while inwardly freaking out and dying of shame at the same time. This was so not what she had in mind when she came up here tonight. YuZhi seemed rooted to the spot, motionless apart from letting her go and holding his hands up by his sides in a surrender pose as he stared at her with a strange expression.


    He had lost all thoughts of anything else when her body and his collided, yet a sense of familiar stirred inside of him, just like once before. Her lips so close, her pretty eyes on his which seemed to somehow silence him. The unique scent of this woman that was more alluring than any expensive perfume had had ever smelled on Rhea and brought back aching longing of the past. Once again Alice strayed into his head without invitation and set off the pangs of regret.


    It stirred that strange painful emotion in his chest and he felt like he¡¯d been here before, all over again. A long-forgotten faded memory that held him still and quiet while his brain tried to rack through and pinpoint why TangShi was the one that made him feel this way. Pressed to her, breathing her air, it knocked him for six for just a second. He forgot his need to bully her, forgot to move, and even forgot how to breathe when she was this close.


    TangShi hit hysterical panic and thrust herself up in a bid to escape. Her body on fire and her mind running haywire at all the inappropriate ways they were touching. She was mortified, and her face crimson. She pulled herself into a crawl position to get her body off his, sliding legs up onto his thighs, pushing against his strong chest to lever her weight and somehow managed to kneel on his groin with force. It almost killed him in the process with the unexpected and non-deliberate assault.


    YuZhi reacted like a wounded animal, crunching up with a yelp, suddenly tensing all over like she stabbed him in the balls. Grunting as he curled up and tossed her sideways from his body with a groan. He sent her flying off him at speed, ungraciously. TangShi rolling with a bounce onto the hardwood and banging bones and limbs while he crumpled up and covered his genitals with two cupped hands.


    ¡°You!¡­. Why are you such an asshole?¡± TangShi burst out because of wincing pain. Anger and embarrassment colouring her tone snappishly. She sounded haughty and upset as tears filled her eyes because of sharp shooting spasms up her elbow and hip. The thud of her exposed skin on the hardwood floor had hurt and winded her, giving her a painful shock.


    She pushed her body up from the ce he had deposited her like unwanted trash, mbering to her feet, and pulled her nightdress straight while stomping away from him. Not willing to let him see she was starting to cry even though crying wasn¡¯t something she often did. Her eyes misted over because it had not only hurt bones when he dropped her onto the wooden floor so coldly, but her pride. In that one throw she had felt like he was tossing away disgusting garbage and it wounded her heart. Even though she should expect it from him.


    She had no idea it was a pain reaction from squashing his genitals with her knee and he hadn¡¯t meant to be so aggressive in moving her off. YuZhi actually felt guilty about shoving her, but he was in too much difort to say anything yet. He needed a moment for the burning ache to subside and to be able to catch his breath for a moment before he could make words work. She had no idea how excruciatingly painful this was. TangShi was maybe small and light, but not when she pushed a knee into his baby making tackle.


    YuZhi was temporarily stunned and blinked her way through watery eyes  as she stormed off and got into bed like a petnt kitten who had been scolded. Unable to do very much about it except pray it would pass quickly.


    ¡°You threw yourself at me, and yet I¡¯m the asshole?¡± He responded finally, breathless, his voice croaking. That cool manner of his slicing in to get thest word and even he knew that isn¡¯t what happened. He was still too lost in his own head, his throbbing injury, and trying to figure out why this girl screwed up all his reactions. Why his body hadn¡¯t rejected her, and his heart was hammering from having her on top of him. He couldn¡¯t get the scent of her skin out of his nostrils, and it was trying to drag him back to something lingering in his mind.


    YuZhi pushed it away with irritation at his own weakness and got up carefully. Rolling to his side while being slow and precise about standing up and taking a much-needed deep breath. She had no idea how sore that was and how ZhengLi would be nursing a broken face had it been him to knee him in the balls.


    YuZhi started walking off what she just did to him, returning to aloof and controlled on the outer appearance before stopping by the bed to look at her. Pushing all other emotions away to regain the upper hand in this, he didn¡¯t want to lose face more than he had already.


    ¡°I have nothing to say to you.¡± TangShi mumbled like a weak and scolded child from her wrapped up ce in the bed where she was now hiding in the sheets. She was stiff as a board on the far edge of her side and making herself as small as possible. Making it clear he should stay away.


    She too was suffering from the effects of his familiar touch and began to cry softly as the vivid and clear memories of five years ago started to gnaw at her mind. They brought her only pain and remembrance that once upon a time he had held her close, kissed her lips swollen, and gazed at her like she was his only. She had never believed in love at first sight until she had met YuZhi Leng that fateful night and never imagined he could treat her with the contempt he did nowadays. He made her feel alone in this house, more so than she ever was in her own.


    YuZhi felt ufortable standing watching her obvious despair and the encounter didn¡¯t bring him any sense of entertainment like he had expected when he began to tease her. Instead, he felt weird and awkward, and her body heat and weight still clung to his skin like he hadn¡¯t pushed her away. He didn¡¯t like this uncertain and confusing feeling, and his manner droppedpletely to his famed deadpan as he pushed it away and didn¡¯t let it show. The masking up to shield the war of inner feelings. He was unhappy that he had made her cry, even if she was trying to act like she wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°I have work to do so go to sleep. I won¡¯t be in bed until I¡¯m done. Don¡¯t disturb me¡­¡­ I¡¯m sorry I pushed you, I didn¡¯t mean it. It was a reaction. I¡¯m sorry I hurt you.¡± YuZhi didn¡¯t wait for a reply, his apology brisk and quick in a rush of words but marched off towards his office and nced back despite himself as he got to the door. A slight hesitation in his normally decisive behaviours.


    She didn¡¯t move from her little cave of covers and for the first time since he met her, YuZhi felt shitty about hurting her. He wasn¡¯t a guy who got a kick out of pushing women around and he would never hit one. A flicker of guilt that teasing her wasn¡¯t all that fun if she responded to him with tears instead of rage. He knew it was probably because he physically hurt her, not a mental or emotional kind of upset and yet, it bothered him a lot. He could deal with her res, her temper, or her sarcasm, but he didn¡¯t like hearing her cry. He was human after all. And she was a girl.


    He walked off into his study, deciding tonight he would sleep in there on the pull-out couch instead and give her some space, hating himself that when he turned to shut the door, he lingered again. Staring at the mound in the bed and cursing himself out for being soft all because she turned on the waterworks. He always was a sucker for girls crying. He exhaled slowly, forced himself to shut the door and turned around to rest the back of his skull against the t wooden surface.


    He really needed to get a grip where she was concerned because this wasn¡¯t him at all and he needed to remind himself that TangShi was not someone he should ever care about.

 The Date

    ¡°Stop fidgeting and act natural.¡± YuZhi hissed at TangShi,cking patience as he led her into the dark nightclub by the hand, guiding the way and keeping an eye out for their group. He was dressed in faded jeans and a ck tee tonight, paired with a ck leather biker jacket that made him seem like a different person to TangShi. For the first time she felt unattractive and inferior beside someone who could pull off this look. He was suave, and the casual style made him seem sexier than usual, especially over boots rather than his normal Italian leather shoes.


    Rhea had set them up at a table in the centre of the club, for maximum exposure, with various friends from their social circle and guaranteed attention attractors. A few were known public figures while most were famous for being rich kids, or heirs to conglomerate families. Tonight, the aim was for pictures to be leaked of the two of them with their respective dates and seemingly happy about it while hanging out together. That way the fallout over YuZhi getting engaged soon would be minimal and the scandal of marriage averted, leaving them free to proceed and produce an heir in time. This was the start of dropping hints that TangShi and he were dating, and he couldn¡¯t be more unhappy about it. The beginning of having to cuddle up, hold hands, and y lovers whenever they were outside their own home.


    ¡°Don¡¯t walk so fast, I¡¯m not used to these shoes.¡± TangShi tugged at his hand, stumbling behind him, aware of how hot and strong it was when clenching onto hers. To outsiders it looked intimate and sweet as though they needed to touch but to her, it was a vice grip borne of reluctance and he was dragging her in at speed. He didn¡¯t care if his pace was faster than hers, or his hold was making her fingers ache.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    ¡°Why did you change your dress from the white one and make uste? You blend in too much. Just about every woman here is wearing ck.¡± He turned and appraised her up and down with a frown. The point was to be seen and she had switched out a somewhat cutesy whitece number for this cocktail dress that was too sultry and sexy. Something Rhea had chosen on a shopping trip for her and not TangShi¡¯s style at all. He preferred the white, as it somehow suited her more than this, brought out her natural beauty but he wasn¡¯t about to admit that was the issue.


    ¡°My period came.¡± She dropped her tone, her cheeks heating with the admittance as she leaned in to whisper it loud enough for him to hear. Her heart sinking at the reminder that she had now failed twice to do what was required. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to be paranoid about leaking.¡±


    YuZhi turned to nce at her, this time with a furrowed scowl and calcted the dates in his head. Second month of going to that clinic and the second time her period had shown up like clockwork two weekster. He sighed, not overly disappointed about not having to start that whole mess towards fatherhood, but it just meant he had to keep visiting that ce and jacking his load into a cup twice a month. It wasn¡¯t pleasant and he hated going there. If his grandfather wasn¡¯t so set on their timeline before he became CEO he would never be trying for a baby.


    ¡°Over here! YuZhi!!¡± Rhea¡¯s voice drifted their way, saving TangShi form a response form him, and YuZhi led her on, increasing the pace until she was almost tripping to keep up again. She gritted her teeth and tried to run behind him.


    ¡°Hey, all. I am sure Rhea has filled you in on my bringing a girl tonight¡­¡­ This is the gang we normally hang with, Miss Lei. Gang ¡­ TangShi.¡± YuZhi pulled TangShi level with him as they came to a huge round table that seemed crammed with morous people. Nodding to her as he flicked his chin at the assembled group, all giving her little waves and head nods of wee. TangShi was d to have a moment to catch her breath and didn¡¯t struggle to let go of YuZhi¡¯s hand as it was obvious he wasn¡¯t about to. Some of the faces she recognised and some she didn¡¯t, so she smiled warmly, out of her depth when in a ce like this and nodded respectfully.


    ¡°Well, well, who is this little buttercup and why are we only meeting her now?¡± A tall man to TangShi¡¯s right stood up, suddenly looming over her, and eyed her from head to foot in an invasive manner before extending a hand towards her. Dressed simrly to YuZhi and around the same age, although he was nowhere near as handsome or exuding the same presence.


    ¡°My girlfriend.¡± YuZhi answered ndly and leaned over to take a beer being handed to him by a familiar looking face perched on a stool. One that winked TangShi¡¯s way, a mischievous knowing look and half hitched smile, and she instantly clicked it was ZhengLi Kim. TangShi gave a curt little smile in return and turned away from Mr Kim, to deal with this new intrusion.


    ¡°Nice to meet you. What family are you from, TangShi?¡± The man pressed on, ignoring YuZhi¡¯s disinterest in a proper introduction, pulling her attention to him fully and moved in as close as he dared. Invading her air so that she instinctively stepped back against YuZhi¡¯s arm and her grip in his hand tightened impulsively. She was never really at ease around strange men, especially ones getting in her space like this.


    ¡°The Lei family, as in Lei Enterprises.¡± She nodded respectfully in a semi bow, aware this was another rich heir to probably a more worthy family than hers and epted his outstretched hand to shake. She knew better than to be rude. He was quick to envelope it in a mmyrge palm and yanked her forward out of YuZhi¡¯s grip, forcing his hand to release her on the other side as she tumbled at least three steps forward.


    ¡°Well, hello, TangShi Lei. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s the best date you could pick up tonight. How about you and I get better aquant¡­.¡± He slurred into her ear, making her skin crawl and her heart hammer in rapid anxiety with the sudden assault. Retracting her body as best she could without being obvious and turning her face away to avoid his alcohol stenched breath. She inwardly yelped as she was tugged back with a new grip on her waist, which sent her tumbling into a hard form behind her and meeting a sudden stop as the hand slid around her abdomen and a t palm held her tight.


    ¡°Out of bounds. Hands off, Kai! She¡¯s already my girlfriend, not just a date you can try and poach.¡± YuZhi pressed a pointer finger into the man¡¯s forehead in a yful manner and pushed him away with a little force, grinning as though they were friends, and this was all in jest but there was an undercurrent of seriousness. TangShi was relieved at being rescued, but uneasy that YuZhi¡¯s aura seemed to be turning a little hostile as she leaned against his chest, holding her breath at the sudden proximity of his body jammed into her spine, while his hand was keeping her against him.


    ¡°Hey, you know I¡¯m only kidding, Yoonie! Just ying with your pretty little thing.¡± The manughed and swiped up a beer to hold up and clink against YuZhi¡¯s as a sign of apology. Seemingly unbothered by the change in mood and ying it off.


    ¡°TangShi, avoid people like Mr. Yang. You never know where he¡¯s been.¡± YuZhi leaned down so his nose was level with her ear and said it loudly enough so everyone could hear.


    ¡°I second that. Come sit, we are waiting to introduce my bestie to everyone properly. YuZhi you are so useless. Come over here you two.¡± Rhea¡¯s bright and bubbly voice cut through the noise of the busy bumping nightclub and YuZhissoed TangShi around the shoulders with a protective arm, releasing his current hold, guiding her to the seats Rhea vacant at the other side of the table with Rhea. It was almost a natural manoeuvre, but it made TangShi¡¯s heart stop for a second as she was nestled in against him and pulled forward this way. She had never had any man hold her like this and she felt small and vulnerable.


    TangShi had been well prepped about how tonight would go. That YuZhi would y the part of smitten date and convince everyone present they were falling in love. That meant he would make a point of touching her, cuddling up and making it clear they were already an item. She had to act adoring, y nice with this mix of friends, and be aware of people taking pictures. With the recent YuZhi and Rhea news, many bystanders would be quick to upload candid shots to social media of these well-known faces. This was why Rhea chose this club, and this group of friends to make their rtionships public, without actually doing so.


    YuZhi pushed her in first so she would be seated next to Rhea, never letting go of her fully as his hand slid from around her to rest on her shoulder and he followed her to sit down, sliding in, moving close, and cing his arm behind her across the back of the seat to cage her in when they were seated. TangShi squirmed a little. Aware her heart rate was haywire; her skin was abnormally warm and she was ultra-sensitive of every single touch and brushing of YuZhi¡¯s arm against her. She was having trouble remaining calm and normal while her insides were a fluttering mess of nerves.


    ¡°What do you want to drink?¡± He leaned in, his nose brushing her cheek as he asked in her ear directly. His voice low and husky, and less tight a tone than when they arrived. Making it seem like he was looking for any opportunity to touch his date and get intimate.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really drink so I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve never been to a club before.¡± TangShi whispered back, trying not to get in his face as much as he did her and blushed at how pathetic she seemed admitting that to him.


    ¡°Really?¡± He asked wryly, wrinkling up his forehead in disbelief.


    ¡°Really! Why would I lie? I Don¡¯t really go out like this, to clubs, or go drinking.¡± She leaned back to lock him dead in the eye and tried to ignore the doubt in his expression.


    ¡°Sex on the beach, then?¡± He winked at her, testing to see if she knew this cocktail and then broke into a smile when she gawped at him with utter shock. Her change in manner and an expression she couldn¡¯t fake told him she had no idea what it was.


    ¡°What?¡± Is the only thing she could say. Her face reddening with the heat of embarrassment at thinking he was suggesting something crude.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re not lying then. Okay, allow me.¡± YuZhi smirked, lifted his hand and clicked his fingers towards a passing waiter to get him over. Leaning back over the chair he issued a drink order beforeing back to slide his arm down from the seat and around her shoulder instead, pulling her close against him so his mouth was almost pressed to her ear and her heart exploded at how intimate this seemed. Aware of Rhea right next to him them who was acting like this didn¡¯t bother her at all and feeling weird and ufy at this whole thing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s soda. I can¡¯t have you getting wasted on the bare minimal and making an idiot out of me. If you don¡¯t drink, I can assume you have zero tolerance, so I am best keeping you sober.¡±


    ¡°Thank You.¡± She sighed in relief, for once meaning it, and pulled away from him guiltily to get her breathing space back. Turning to her saviour beside her and instead focused on her and not at how much YuZhi was moving into this touchy-feely role that was doing strange things to her emotions.


    ¡°You look really pretty tonight.¡± She nodded at Rhea¡¯s dark red dress, that clung to her like a second skin in all the right ces while not actually revealing too much. She really did have great taste and knew what suited her the best. It was ssy and yet seductive, while being modest. Rhea turned and threw her arms around her in an exaggerated fashion, giving her a hug that took TangShi by surprise. Almost like she was d that TangShi separated herself form YuZhi¡¯s cuddle.


    Rhea already smelled strongly of alcohol, and she could tell when held like this, the woman was a little drunk and swaying. They had arrived here an hour before her and YuZhi did, and it was clear they wasted no time in drinking. TangShi hugged her back and then tried to rx when Rhea kept one arm around her, shoving YuZhi¡¯s away like an annoyed child and pulled her up tight beside her to stay like that. It felt territorial like she was giving YuZhi a clear message.


    TangShi didn¡¯t know if this was a jealous reaction and making YuZhi let go, or if this was all for show of painting them as the closest friends and that she fully supported YuZhi¡¯s rtionship but didn¡¯t want him stealing her away. TangShi was not one to y games or act up scenarios like this and she was a little out of her depth when trying to read the meanings.


    Soon her drink was brought to her and YuZhi handed it over, amused with the way Rhea was all over her and keeping guard as she stuck to her like glue. He turned away as ZhengLi moved to be beside him and the pair fell into conversation easily. Leaving TangShi to look towards Rhea and listen in as she talked animatedly to the other woman around them. It wasn¡¯t exactly a rxing and fun ce to be, but it wasn¡¯t unbearable either and for once YuZhi was not being his usual nasty jack ass self.


    ¡°So you two, really are over and this is all ¡­fine?¡± One particrly pointed faced woman opposite them was motioning towards TangShi and then YuZhi with a doubtful expression and scrutinised Rhea¡¯s response.


    ¡°Mmm Hmmm. We have been ying the couple game so long for fear of hurting each other and neither wanted to admit we no longer loved one another that way. Scared to lose our best friend. It was a huge relief to finally admit it and find we were both on the same page. We are friends, we love and care as friends but there¡¯s no romance anymore. I think we just should have stayed as friends all these years.¡± Rhea was a very good actress and yed the role convincingly. Not a single fault in her prepared answer and TangShi felt sad for her that the lie could be so convincing.


    ¡°And so, you introduced him to TangShi, or he met her through the coboration?¡± The girl beside pointed face, smaller, prettier, but with a resting bitch face was the one throwing questions now and TangShi realised this was an interrogation thy had to pass. If they couldn¡¯t convince this group of friends, they would never convince the public. TangShi had been well versed in responses to and wade din hoping to help.


    ¡°We met first, at the fashion show venue. Rhea saw me looking lost and came over and introduced herself.¡± TangShi put everything into acting natural.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Her father gave her the job of scoping out the day one of rehearsals. We clicked as soon as we met, and I just had to let YuZhi meet her once we grew closer. She¡¯s my darling, sweet angel. This girl has brought so much joy to my life, and I didn¡¯t want to be greedy and not share her with my favourite person in the world.¡± Rhea slid an arm around her and gave her a squeeze for added effect, beaming at her like an adoring mother. No hint of malice or jealousy.


    ¡°But dating her???  I mean¡­.¡± The two women exchanged odd nces as though this was all a little suss to them. ¡°You really didn¡¯t care?¡±


    ¡°Why not? He¡¯s single, there¡¯s no regret between us, and she¡¯s awesome. What better thing than to see my two besties hit it off and have an attraction. And they look so good together.¡± Rhea wasying it on thick with her Oscar worthy performance and TangShi could only sit and smile and hope she didn¡¯t look as forced and ufy as she felt. She wanted the ground to open and swallow her whole as the lies just kept pouring out. The heavy weighing pain in her heart at the deception, and the guilt that Rhea was being hurt by all of this. TangShi didn¡¯t feel good at all.


    ¡°And you and Lu Jeng? You two came together and seemed cosy, right up until he went to sit with Trey. Are you dating him? Does YuZhi not care?¡± More doubts, more prodding from pointed face.


    TangShi turned to where they nodded and caught sight of a tall and handsome guy sat down nearby, animated in his conversation with another man. She recognised his side profile as being someone in a drama she watched with Xiaosu so figured it must be him. The friend who would y her adoring date. He was wearing a suit jacket in a blue, over a light tee and had simr jeans on to YuZhi. A casual stylish outfit over a fit body. Gorgeous as well, with nice hair.


    ¡°Things are blossoming and I¡¯m not unwilling to see where it goes. YuZhi and he are friends and he gave us his full blessing. I swear, we truly are okay with this. It¡¯s a relief to be free.¡± She yed coy and broke into a smile as the two women also mellowed and began grinning too.


    ¡°I mean, he¡¯s not YuZhi, but he¡¯s hot too, and I guess I can see why you would go for him. He¡¯s a bit of a mystery guy and I like that.¡± Pointed face brushed back her hair and made flutteringshes his way, eyeing him up with a predatory lick of her lips and then back to Rhea to show her approval.


    ¡°It¡¯s early days. Much like for TangShi here. Don¡¯t scare her away while YuZhi is only just starting to win her over. She might run. You know how aloof and cold he can seem, and she¡¯s only been seeing him the shortest time.¡± Rhea jested, trying to y interference but YuZhi picked up on hearing his name. He leaned their way resting his arm back on the rear of TangShi¡¯s seat, so he caged her in and came painfully close. His knee pushed against hers as he slid his hand on her thigh in a way which screamed ¡®mine¡¯. TangShi¡¯s stomach lurched over and the butterflies therein all died of shock.


    ¡°Did I hear you say you¡¯re trying to make my new girlfriend run away? Can¡¯t have that, I have zero stamina for chasing tonight. It¡¯s been a hard week.¡± He smiled naturally, charm on the full offensive as he leaned in smoothly and pecked TangShi on the cheek with a chaste kiss. A soft brushing of his lips against her skin that sent tingles electrifying every pore on her body.


    She almost jumped with the unexpected touch and managed to keep herself still while clenching her hands together and pasting a smile on her face that seemed real. The two women visibly melted and swooned at his show of affection and Rhea pulled off a convincing grin and patted TangShi on the other knee.


    ¡°When you two get married, I want to be the maid of honour and tell the world how I was the one who pushed you together. Your first daughter better be named after me.¡± She winked, leaned in and kissed TangShi on the other cheek, pressing hard and with less grace, lingering for a moment, before getting up and motioning towards the dancefloor.


    TangShi felt trapped and suffocated. Not just by them one either side, hemming her in like she was some weak prey stuck in a  weird game, but by all of this. The mirrored touches and the heavy messages shooting between YuZhi and Rhea that only TangShi was picking up. The pretence, the show they were putting on and how easily they did it. She had never been one who could lie or be deceitful and her only way to deal with this was to smile, blush, and say very little. They were born performers who were used to the public eye and twisting the truth for the benefit of their image. TangShi felt sick, her anxiety peaking because this wasn¡¯t her at all and she was aware her ownck of ability could smash this ruse.


    ¡°Come,e, I want to dance with you.¡± Rhea motioned with a grabby hand, offering a way out and some respite from YuZhi¡¯s invasive presence. He was causing havoc to her hormones and her heart rate. Rhea pulled TangShi up without waiting on a reply and away from YuZhi¡¯s clutches with a tug that almost sent her falling forward onto the table. She wasn¡¯t entirely sure it was an ident.


    YuZhi was quick to catch her with one hand, his reflexes had always been good. He caught her by the waist and straightened her to upright before letting her go and watching her walk off with Rhea. Once again, the moon eyes of watching women going all gooey at how he was so tuned into his woman that he couldn¡¯t bear to see her fall.


    He leaned back and rested his head against the padded seat as he took a long slow swig of his beer and heard ZhengLi chuckle in his ear. Lowering his voice so only the two of them would hear.


    ¡°This is going to be an interesting night. Show¡¯s only just staring and already it¡¯s entertaining. I¡¯m impressed your acting skills.¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡± YuZhi nudged his knee against ZhengLi¡¯s but got only augh in response. That eternal mischievous nature of his best friend was rarelypressed.


    ¡°Rhea is jealous, and your wifey looks terrified about being here. I never expected her to be such a pure lily-white virgin type. I feel bad for her, knowing how your mean ass has been treating her these past two months. She looks like amb being led to ughter.¡±


    YuZhi didn¡¯t reply. His eyes fixed on the two of them navigating the crowd, followed closely by the two women they had been chatting to and another girl from the seats beside them. He couldn¡¯t help but see how much, even in a cocktail dress, TangShi didn¡¯t fit into his crowd or this scene. Despite being a rich Lei daughter, she really had no awareness of how to blend into this type of affair.  She was nervous, ufortable, and seemed like a fish out of water who had no desire to be here. Her acting skills were almost non-existent and for the first time he regretted throwing her into this shark pit full of biters. He had legitimate doubts about her being the maniptive girl he first pegged her as when faced with the reality that she sucked at lying or pretending and if it was pushed, she would probably cave.


    Rhea could handle anything thrown at her, especially when it came to this group of people, but TangShi looked like a kitten that had been abandoned on a motorway. The only thing he could do to keep this ruse intact was to cling to her until tonight was over, smother her with attention and stop anyone else getting close or chatty with her before taking her home before someone got her drunk. They only had to do this once, and then it was in sailing once the news broke that they were a couple and theziens outraged panned out.


    He just had to hold onto that and then get ready for taking her as his date to every public affair he could in the next month or two. Every passing week was a step closer to this ordeal being over and two yearsing to a closer end.

 Can We Go?

    TangShi had had enough. A night of noise, invasive people around her, dancing on a crowded floor while surrounded by drunk women she barely knew, and Rhea was clinging to her and pulling her around like a puppy dog. Rhea was so drunk she had begun to behave like a needy child and TangShi seemed to be her anchor. It was suffocating and she longed to leave and go back to the peace of home.


    Her head was aching, her body hurt, and her stomach was cramping like crazy due to having her time of the month at the worst moment. She was tired, fed up, and emotional about being bombarded all night with questions, interrogative stares, and constant alcohol pushed her way which she tried to dodge. In the end she had drunk maybe three red wine tops all night and was feeling woozy and unsteady on her feet, but she was sober enough to still have her senses. It didn¡¯t taste good, and she didn¡¯t like the sensation of dizziness or dreaminess.


    YuZhi had stayed mostly with the men at the table, throwing back beers and seemingly having a good time. Oblivious to this hell she was being subjected to, or that he really didn¡¯t care. He barely looked her way in thest hours and she had the urge to go over and ask him to take her home. She was so over this y, and she was sure many pictures had been taken all night of her and Rhea cuddled up dancing, whereas none of YuZhi, given his distance. That had been the whole point of this!


    TangShi wasn¡¯t happy. She didn¡¯t care if he got mad at her saying she wanted to go. She had cash on her and a credit card and would leave alone if he was difficult. Worst case scenario, she could call a cab or phone Linlin toe get her. She lived in this region of Shanghai and would drop everything even if it was getting to the early AM¡¯s.


    TangShi managed to uncurl a very intoxicated Rhea from around her, with a guise of going to the bathroom again. She had been possessive of her all night and seemed like she didn¡¯t want TangShi straying back to YuZhi¡¯s side, the drunker she got. TangShi knew in her heart it wasn¡¯t Rhea¡¯s fault. That level of insecurity and growing jealousy was only natural, especially as she was drinking and losing her sense of reality where emotions were bubbling up uncontrolled. TangShi was to monopolize and y at love with her soul mate, and nothing could be done about it. TangShi felt for her and understood and had tried all night to pacify her, but it wasn¡¯t easing her heartache. Being obedient and staying over here wasn¡¯t helping TangShi any.


    YuZhi looked up just as TangShi pulled out of the heaving crowd and made her way towards him on shaking legs, visibly exhausted and he noticed she seemed paler than before. His attention was pulled her way despite himself, distracted by how she looked, and when she slid up and into the booth to get closer to him, he became aware of eyes turning his way from nearby club customers. Stiffening up because he knew he had to continue with the loving boyfriend act.


    ¡°Hey, baby.¡± YuZhiid it on as naturally as he could and reached up to catch her by the wrist and waist to guide her to sit beside him as she closed the gap. She was like a newborn deer on fragile legs and he managed her weight with zero resistance. TangShi wasn¡¯t expecting the sudden affection or help but was too tired to react and flopped down against him. Her weight pulling her so she couldn¡¯t stop the way she copsed against his shoulder like a filled sack of rocks. She didn¡¯t care anymore about this fake concern or intimacy, she wanted to sleep, and he was a warm and safe harbor.


    ¡°I want to go home. I¡¯m drained and my feet hurt.¡± She barely managed a whisper, but he heard her, and slid an arm around her back and hauled her up against him in a hug. So her head was tipped to his upper arm, and she ended up leaning in cozily looking to all eyes like a couple who werefy with touching one another. It wasn¡¯t entirely untrue. TangShi was used to YuZhi¡¯s presence after thest two months of sharing a bed most nights meant she trusted he would never do anything inappropriate to her and she was limatized to his presence, even if it usually came with a bad attitude.


    ¡°Hey, TangShi. Finally, I get a chance to say hello properly. I have a feeling we¡¯ve met before. Do you remember me?¡± ZhengLi wasted no time in leaning over YuZhi to get her attention, now she was within range. It had been on his mind all night, how much he got that inkling of familiar, and his gut was still holding onto some connection to Alice of eight years ago. She had something about her that brought that girl to mind, and he wanted to know if he was right.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember if we have. It¡¯s possible.¡± TangShi deflected, not willing to rekindle those memories. Sighing and keeping her chin tilted down so he wasn¡¯t seeing her full face.


    ¡°I can¡¯t ce you but you¡¯re so familiar to me. Maybe a few years back¡­.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going.¡± YuZhi cut in coolly, killing the interaction dead. Knowing exactly what ZhengLi was going to ask her and didn¡¯t want to deal with this. ZhengLi was like a dog with a bone sometimes. He had already told him the subject of Alice was mute, and TangShi was not her. He knew what he was doing and didn¡¯t want it to continue. Some things were better left in the past.


    ¡°So early? Or are you taking your girl home for extracurricr activities?¡± A male from further along the seating leaned forward to wink at them both, a wee interruption, and YuZhi batted his face away.


    ¡°None of your business. ZhengLi take Cheng back to his own club and get him away from unsuspecting patrons. He¡¯s starting to turn feral.¡±


    Cheng gave him a thumbs up with a goofy smile andughed at YuZhi¡¯s weirdly nk reaction. Normally they could banter and joke about most things, but tonight YuZhi had seemed tense and distracted and barely drunk anything by his normal standards. Theid-back seasoned drinker and regr to his club, had spent the night acting like he didn¡¯t want to be here.


    He had noticed YuZhi had kept one eye on the dancefloor all night and at first wondered if it was regret at breaking up with Rhea. Maybe his emotional state wasn¡¯t good, and he had longing to get back together with his girlfriend of three years. That was until he saw his focus had followed TangShi always, without deviating to Rhea once, and he was wondering if his buddy was really falling hard for this new girl. That maybe it was more a matter of being hyperaware and watching over her, feeling nervous someone may charm her away from him in their early dating days. He had never been the possessive or overly watchful type with Rhea and always so confident in their rtionship. It was a weird contrast.


    ¡°Come on.¡± YuZhi moved and pulled TangShi with him, knowing they should go without a show. It was almost as though she weighed nothing as he slid his arm around her waist to pull her up and keep her pinned to his side. Her feet didn¡¯t really have any impact on her moving. She covered her mouth with a balled fist as she yawned and nodded but never responded verbally. Going with the flow and relieved he was taking her out of this ce. He could feel herck of resistance and the sluggish way she moved and ducked down to see if she was even conscious.


    He could smell the slight scent of wine from her, and as her eyes were heavy and her cheeks rosy from an alcohol reaction, he realized she was close to falling asleep. He cursed her under his breath at the fact she drunk and now she was barely awake so he would have to cradle and baby her out of the club. He wasn¡¯t in the mood to be a nanny for a drunk girl, but he no other option.


    TangShi had given up and the levels of fatigue at being out sote had taken over. That and this hazy weirdness which was getting worse now she had stopped moving around and dancing. She allowed him to haul her with him and move her out of the booth while being stuck in his embrace. He stopped her for a moment while he slid off his leather jacket and hung it around her shoulders before taking her further, aware it waste out now and would be colder than when they arrived. An unusual motion of consideration on his part that wasn¡¯t motivated by onlookers but because he used to do this for Rhea any time they went out.


    TangShi caught a sh or two from the far left but was slow to see where it came from and assumed it was lights from camera shing. Even now,te into the night people were still keeping tabs on them and it depressed her. Knowing this would be her life for the near future. To eternally be of interest to strangers.


    She stumbled as they headed onward, YuZhi turned momentarily to wave at his friends and motioned a call sign at someone to the right while TangShi looked around to see if Rhea was waving. Rhea came into view, her eyes wide and tearful, clearly upset with the view of YuZhi holding TangShi so tightly, before Lu Jeng pulled her aside and gave her a hug, drawing attention to them from onlookers. Lu Jeng was fully aware of the situation and his part in this story and thankfully acted before Rhea reacted in a way that people noticed. TangShi caught the look of sadness and felt terrible, immediately moving to push YuZhi away in reaction but he caught her in his arms and tugged her back into his chest.


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving and now more eyes are on us than earlier. Stop resisting.¡± YuZhi leaned down, rasping into her ear before sliding his arm around her waist and moving her in front of him so he was cradling her behind instead. His chin over the top of her hair. He had seen Rhea¡¯s face and it felt like a sucker punch to his heart but there was nothing he could do about it, they had to get used to this. Walking TangShi forward a little awkwardly but holding his jacket around her as if his only concern was keeping her warm as they made it into the breezy entrance hall. Pushing aside all thoughts except getting this drunk pain in his ass home.


    As soon as they got out into the foyer, he let her loose with one hand and pulled his cell phone out to book a cab on his app, stopping to look over his shoulder for a moment to see if Rhea was still staring after them through the ss fronted hall exit, but they had disappeared back into the crowd. He sighed heavily, knowing how awful this must feel for her, but they had gone over this a million times. This is why he had told her they should spend less time in contact and try to separate their schedules for the duration. Really break up and try to not interfere in each other¡¯s lives for their own sanity. She had been clinging on and making demands and putting him in an awkward situation and pushing their rtionship onto rocky ground the longer this went on. He worried at this rate they would cause so much damage that they wouldn¡¯t be able to back peddle when this was over.


    TangShi was worse with the hit of fresh air and her eyes began to swim, blurring everything around her so she clung to his hands. As did all sense of reason and maturity and she giggled at the predicament she found herself in as he halted her on the curb to wait on their ride. She felt lighter, freer as though all those self-imposed rules and needs to behave in a certain way, all went out the window.


    ¡°Who knew¡­¡­. Yoonie, Yoonie, would be cuddling me again and finding me a cab? Deja vu!¡± She murmured under her breath, caught in memory and finding amusement in how human YuZhi was acting towards her for once.


    ¡°Huh?¡± YuZhi was distracted from his phone by her words and leaned to the side of her head to nce at her face from his taller height. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Shhhhhh!¡± TangShi turned awkwardly, and t palmed his mouth, swaying and wriggling out of his embrace and then giggling at his frown and poking him between the brows with her other fingers. Finding him irresistible and cute when this close and uncaring about her behavior. He truly never lost his sexy appeal in all these years.


    YuZhi pulled back, annoyed, and caught her wrist before pushing it down and shaking his head at her in irritation. His mood was already sensitive, and he wasn¡¯t drunk enough for nay weird crap form her either.  Exhaling heavily because he really didn¡¯t have the patience for this tonight of all nights.


    ¡°Great, now you¡¯re worse. Don¡¯t make me carry you. Can you please stand still and behave?¡± He threatened but TangShi only beamed at him and threw her arms around his neck in a dramatic fashion, pulling him close in a conspirational huddle. Her nose almost touching his and he had to turn sideways a little to avoid a full-on face collision. He hesitated at how close she wasing willingly and had to relinquish his phone to his pocket to use both arms to keep her upright.


    ¡°I won¡¯t tell anyone that you used to be sweet to me. It¡¯s our little secret, Yoonie, boonie. Can¡¯t ruin your street cred!¡± She was talking nonsense, so intoxicated by the wine and air that her brain was scrambled. Finding fun in this and unaware of his widening stare, or the intense changes to his expression. YuZhi heard her properly this time and his furrowed brow deepened as he appraised her face for a moment. Soberingpletely as his heart started hammering through his chest.


    ¡°Why are you calling me that, and what are you talking about? When was I ever nice to you?¡± he swallowed nervously, something wing at the back of his brain and refusing to acknowledge it. They had only met on the day of their marriage, not before, so he was never nice to her.


    TangShi sighed somewhat sadly, losing her fun burst oof energy and yful and rested her cheek against the hollow of his throat as her body began to sag. The effects wearing off fast and that extreme tiredness kicking in. Her heart finding mncholy as those happy memories fizzled away and reminded her that YuZhi wasn¡¯t Yoonie anymore.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe to the bridge like you said you would? I waited until I got soaked through¡­.¡± Her voice trailed off as her words died on her lips, hints of genuine sadness and TangShi finally passed out. It was sudden, mid words and YuZhi had to catch her.


    Her body crumpled and he had to grapple to keep her upright, finding her like a deadweight in an instant before leaning down and lifting her into his arms to stop her meeting the concrete sidewalk. It was easier than attempting to keep a sagging body straight and upright. He stared at her for a long silent moment as he cradled her up close and bounced her into a better position, his head crazy with thoughts and his heart pounding like a war drum. She was peaceful and dead to the world, sleeping like a baby in his arms and all he could do was stare at her.


    He couldn¡¯t deny what he heard, and he couldn¡¯t really keep denying his gut feeling when sheid out there so clearly, he couldn¡¯t mistake what she said. They met before, she knew he was once called Yoonie, and she said she waited on a bridge for him. In all the experiences of his life, there was only one time that those details matched up and had haunted him ever since.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He didn¡¯t want to admit it. He didn¡¯t want to see it. Every part of him wanted to dump her ass down and walk off to get some much needed breathing space to figure this out. There¡¯s no way in hell that TangShi could really be Alice.

 What Do I Do Now?

    YuZhi tossed the bundle of newspapers and magazines across the desk, so they slid in all directions, and one dropped off before ZhengLi scooped down to pick it up and threw it back on the pile. Amused at his friends agitated behavior.


    ¡°Looks like our PR campaign so far is going smoothly. Nice pictures by the way, I hate how damn photogenic you are.¡± Heughed at YuZhi¡¯s sour expression, who was leaning back in his chair scowling ZhengLi¡¯s way. ¡°Shanghai¡¯s Golden couple double date outing! Really catchy. Or this one ¡­. YuZhi Leng and Rhea Cheng find love again so soon! Bit cheesy but it¡¯s better than this one¡­¡± ZhengLi held up a known gossip magazine and waved it with a mischievous grin on his face. ¡°Foursome dates for the Heirs of Shanghai!¡± Heughed heartily at that one. Shaking his head at the implications, beforeying it on top of the others with equally bad healdines.


    ¡°Can you stop. I¡¯m not in the mood. They have been hounding me all day.¡±


    Once again, the press was swarming the buildings outside, and they had been followed from the crack of dawn right from his own drive. Online news was trending, and his social media ounts had been humming all morning. They expected attention with the news he had a new girlfriend, but this was more than anticipated. All day the call lines were bombarded with reporters, security had to escort many out and Rhea was facing the same over at the fashion show venue. TangShi was told to stay home and not go near windows or outside until this blew over.


    Everyone wanted to confirm that the pair were still friends while dating alongside one another. Such was the curse of fame and being a hot topic these past weeks. They also wanted interviews on Rhea¡¯s view of YuZhi dating her public best friend while the film world was abuzz that Lu Jeng had been seen with Rhea. Not to mention the interest in TangShi, who she was, what she did for a living and general titbits for an heir who seemed invisible until now.


    ¡°You should frame this one. It gives me serious drama vibes and would make a good cover image to a bossy CEO and his love, plot.¡± He held up one of YuZhi standing behind TangShi, his arms around her protectively as he leaned in and pressed his nose to her cheek. It shielded the fact he had whispered in her ear and looked more like he was nuzzling her seductively. TangShi¡¯s eyes were half closed from being drunk and yet it came across as something else in the picture. She looked ready to jump his bones and haul his clothes off. YuZhi waved it away, annoyed that so many images had been released despite only brief moments together at the club. Someone must have been glued to them all night waiting for picture opportunities.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have actual work to do? Sure I don¡¯t pay you to hang at my desk all day and irritate me.¡± YuZhi didn¡¯t sleepst night, unable to get eight years ago out of his head and was yet to tell ZhengLi about TangShi¡¯s confession about the past. After dumping her in bed he spent the night in his study, to avoid staring at her and wondering,paring, touching her. Trying to see if she really did conjure up the image of her past self. He had mulled it over a million times in his head trying to debunk the details and separate her from Alice, but he couldn¡¯t. She could only be her and he was not happy about that. His emotions were frazzled and he was feeling raw.


    ¡°Why are you so grouchy today. You¡¯re either silently sulking and ring at your paperwork or being techy. Do you have your period?¡± ZhengLi poked fun at him but YuZhi¡¯s face soured further, being reminded TangShi got hers and was another month of no baby, and more trips to that clinic. He was starting to regret this arrangement.


    ¡°I¡¯m busy. And now this is public¡± he gestured at the papers which ZhengLi was stacking up neatly once more. ¡°I have to deal with the Leng and Lieu family dinners after this. Now they want the public to expect a marriage, of course all of that will be carefully nned so we meet somewhere expensive and popr. ¡± He sighed and threw his pen down, discarding the contract he had been trying to read and kicked his feet up to the edge of his desk to push himself away in frustration. So many steps to be able to announce his marriage and future baby.


    ¡°How about we go take a walkaround the new build? Expend some tension.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t. That idiot Lei will be there trying to lord over the construction again, and I may actually punch him in the face this time. He¡¯s driving me insane and not an easy man to do any kind of business negotiations with. I don¡¯t get how someone like him can produce such an undemanding daughter like TangShi.¡± YuZhi rubbed his temples at the thought of Mr Lei. Every encounter was difficult, and he really didn¡¯t like the man. He wished his grandfather had stayed with the coboration after signing, so he could continue to interact with him instead. Unfortunately, his grandfather handed him off faster than hot coals the second YuZhi married TangShi and now he knew why. Mr Lei was a slimy and morally devoid human who only saw dor signs.


    ¡°Was that a positive? Youplimented her, right? I may need to clean my ears out.¡± ZhengLi widened his eyes in mock shock and smirked when YuZhi threw his pen at him with a swipe from the desk.


    ¡°She has some good points, just not many.¡± YuZhi faltered, brain flicking tost night and the fact she may be Alice which put a whole new spin on how he saw her. He hesitated again about telling ZhengLi and pushed it back down. It wasn¡¯t that he was hiding it, but he knew his smart ass bestie would make a song and dance about it and hit him with ¡®I told you so¡¯. He wasn¡¯t ready to admit it to himself, let alone deal with that.


    ¡°She¡¯s pretty and you two look really good together. I mean you and Rhea were always like this Hollywood couple who were too perfect to be real and it was intimidating AF. TangShi with you, it seems natural and real like I can actually visualize you guys married with kids. It¡¯s a whole different vibe.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let Rhea hear you say anything like that. It¡¯s already bad enough between ustely.¡± YuZhi couldn¡¯t focus on work anymore and got up to walk around his desk and perch beside his assistant. Sliding up beside him so they were almost leaning against one another.


    ¡°I did notice things were strained. She seems to like TangShi genuinely, but on the other hand she also hates seeing her near you. I agree about you two separating and staying apart until this is over.¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t understand that I have to deal with this and y at being a doting husband for the sake of my future kid. That if we keep fighting and she keeps trying to tug me to do what she wants, then we¡¯ll end up resenting each other. I already agreed to the clinic and yet it¡¯s suddenly not enough.¡± YuZhi was frustrated. He understood why Rhea was jealous and didn¡¯t want him near TangShi in any romantic way, it wasn¡¯t easy for him to see Lu Jeng y boyfriend either, but she was asking the impossible.


    ¡°Such as?¡±


    ¡°She wants me to send TangShi to stay in my apartment alone. To not touch, hold hands, or have any public intimacy after the news dies down and they stop following our dating habits. To basically meet her at the clinic until she¡¯s pregnant and then keep away from her until we divorce.¡±


    ¡°She does know this is for two years and TangShi being your date and escort to every event, party and dinner is nonnegotiable. That your family agreed to a marriage and not a fake one.  That her family agreed to that too, because they want you to present a healthy and happy marriage and not an alliance of businesses that will harm their stocks. They also think you¡¯re sleeping with her already.¡± ZhengLi knew Rhea had been constantly nagging him but this wasn¡¯t feasible, given the nature of the marriage. Alliances born of manipting wealth and status were not encouraged, so this had to seem real.


    ¡°Rhea doesn¡¯t care.¡±


    YuZhi was distracted by his phone vibrating in his pocket and pulled it out, furrowing his brow at the screen and turned it to ZhengLi with a further frown. His mood nosediving at her name on screen when he was surviving on zero sleep and a mild hangover.


    ¡°Speak of the devil.¡± He sighed heavily as Rhea¡¯s picture shed intrusively. She had been calling him all through the night and then again this morning. No doubt fixated on events ofst night and looking for reassurance while interrogating him. She had done this a lot these past months. He had avoided answering, knowing fine it was alcohol fueled at first and now it was probably not wise to pick up after ignoring her until noon.


    ¡°Answer it. She¡¯ll show up here otherwise and make a scene. You know how she gets.¡± ZhengLi warned, knowing that the sweet and calm side of Rhea was only half a picture and there was a fiery and terrifying temper that hated when she wasn¡¯t getting her own way. Rhea was spoiled and used to things her own way. She wasn¡¯t a bad person but there had been times when hermon sense flew the nest, and she had some pretty questionable behaviors when mad at YuZhi.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go out to eat. Tell the secretary we¡¯re out for business all day if she shows up. I can¡¯t deal with this right now while my head¡¯s elsewhere.¡± YuZhi kicked the toe of his shoe into the rug, obviously tense and distracted and ZhengLi narrowed his eyes at him in suspicion.


    ¡°Where else would your head be? On some other pretty perhaps?¡± ZhengLi pricked up his interest, seeing YuZhi frown before turning away and dodging answering. He got up and walked back around the desk. ¡°Yo¡­. Dude? Don¡¯t ignore me.¡± He pressed him and followed YuZhi around his chair as he retrieved his suit jacket before bumping into the back of him with the sudden stop.


    ¡°Just something. Forget it.¡± YuZhi was way too defensive for this dog to not want that bone.


    ¡°Spill bro¡­ you can¡¯t leave me hanging like this.¡±


    ZhengLi was relentless and followed close at his heel as he made his way out from the desk, picking up his car key and wallet from the side drawer and moving out to leave. Trying his best to appear normal and ignore his new shadow.


    ¡°Later. Maybe when I have had a chance to digest it a bit more.¡±


    Ughh no, now I have to know, or I am not stepping foot out of here.¡± ZhengLi leaned back on the desk behind him, perching his butt and crossed his arms. Stubborn on show and refusing to move until he got some answers. He could sniff intel.


    YuZhi¡¯s shoulders sank and his hand paused on the handle to the door, knowing his best friend would hold true to his words. He would sit there all day, even if YuZhi walked out and left him. This was pointless and he didn¡¯t want to hang around waiting for Rhea to show up in a foul temper to make his day worse. There¡¯s nothing he could say to her that hadn¡¯t been said hundreds of times already. The awareness they had a time restratint hitched up his anxiety levels and he shed his friend a pleading look.


    ¡°Well? I¡¯m waiting¡± ZhengLi fixed his focus on YuZhi¡¯s face and cocked one brow.


    ¡°God dammit. Okay!¡± YuZhi relented. Snapping at him and turning before slumping back against the wooden surface of the door and looked tired and fed up suddenly. His skull banging a little forcefully as though he was trying to expel demons. ¡°TangShist night, she said some things that¡­¡­ ughhhhhh. I can¡¯t get my head around it, but she said we met before, that it was in Beijing and that I made her wait at a bridge and never showed.¡± He blurted it out rather than saying ¡®She¡¯s Alice¡¯ because he didn¡¯t want to admit it to either of them.


    ¡°No way!!! Wait¡­. NO!¡± ZhengLi was more excited and shocked rather that deted like YuZhi seemed to be. His gut instinct had been right, and he wanted to jump for joy because he knew it all along.  ¡°She¡¯s Alice?¡± he grinned and jumped up to march over and pat YuZhi on the head as though he was a good puppy. YuZhi swatted him away with a re.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that. She just might be¡­what with calling me Yoonie and..¡±


    ¡°She called you Yoonie? That¡¯s a name I haven¡¯t used in a long while. Although, I¡¯m sure Yang used itst night. She might have heard it there.¡± ZhengLi¡¯s brain was in overdrive and his PI skills in full throttle.


    YuZhi shook his head, knowing the way she used it and what she said, felt a lot like she had known him as that name. Eight years ago. He didn¡¯t think she just repeated something random she heard.


    ¡°It¡¯s really her?¡± ZhengLi was reading the weird vibes from YuZhi, seeing the confusion and troubled mood moving in and patted him on the shoulder in a much gentler way. Friend mode initiated and moving to try and be the serious shoulder for once. He could be that guy when needed and knew when jokes should be dropped. ¡°Look dude, if it¡¯s really her, maybe you should try being a little nicer and talk about why you didn¡¯t show up back then. I know you think TangShi is some kind of awful maniptive marriage climber who wants status, but I didn¡¯t get that from her back then, orst night. She seems like a sweet girl who has no say in what her father decides. You at least owe her an exnation about Beijing and why we didn¡¯t show.¡±


    YuZhi made a ¡®hppphhh¡¯ noise under his breath. Memories of her telling him a long time ago all about a father that treated her poorly and a family that didn¡¯t want her and he tried to piece it together with what he knew of the Leis and the TangShi he had been leaving with.


    ¡°She told me back then she was unwanted and her father treated her like a leper. Why would Lei push her at me if that was true? This contract relied on a good rtionship between our families.¡± None of it made sense. Mr Lei cing so much on this marriage if TangShi was a rejected daughter or an outcast. Not to mention that if it became clear he threw his family shame at them for this deal, then it would seriously damage the alliance. It was disrespectful as hell.


    ¡°Maybe they made up since then. It was eight years ago, and she was still very young.¡±  ZhengLi had his doubts about Mr Lei, but he knew it would take time for YuZhi to process this and think it through. ¡°What now though? I mean she¡¯s the girl you kept in your heart all these years and yet TangShi is someone you treat pretty coldly.  Has it changed how you feel about her?¡± ZhengLi knew it was possible, given in his mind Alice was YuZhi¡¯s first love and he had never really given that part to Rhea all these years. Only ZhengLi knew how much he looked for her after his father¡¯s funeral and how unsettled he was for a long time in feeling like her lost a girl that should have been a huge part of his life. ZhengLi had never understood how one night could cause such a bond between them, but he witnessed his friends regret all these years and the fact he never forgot her.


    ZhengLi wasn¡¯t built like that and had never fallen in love. He was a yer who liked casual rtionships and stress-free fun. For him, he never understood YuZhi¡¯s need to settle down and pin one woman to his side the way he did with Rhea. Their rtionship on the surface seemed perfect and morous but ZhengLi had always felt like it was a show love, and empty below the surface. A codependency that grew from tragedy, at a time when YuZhi needed someone to support him, and that he had be this emotionless hard ass who couldn¡¯t tell the difference.


    ¡°Why would it? She¡¯s TangShi now. I don¡¯t like her, and I love Rhea. There¡¯s no confusion there.¡± YuZhi was quick to answer in a defensive tone, refusing to acknowledge his own confused feelings about her, but even as the words came out there was a nagging feeling in the back of his head and a tight anxious knot in his chest. This was why he hadn¡¯t slept and instead had churned over memory and memory of that night in his head. Torturing himself with the details and instead of seeing that masked sweet young girl, he had conjured up TangShi instead. It messed with his head.


    ¡°Talk to her. Forget everything up until now, wipe the te clean and try treating her like a human from here on in. She¡¯s still the same girl!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. If I soften to her and we form any kind of rtionship, even friends, it will make Rhea worse. I have to think of the future and salvaging my rtionship one day. It¡¯s better to stay cold and distant and leave TangShi to fulfil her side of the contract.¡± That¡¯s what he had been telling himself all morning, but ZhengLi could see the hesitation in his words.


    ¡°Why are you so certain that Rhea is your future? Have you ever told her that you held onto a mystery girl in your heart all these years? And if you did are you going to admit to her it¡¯s TangShi?¡±


    YuZhi paced away from ZhengLi, back to his chair and slumped down as though he had lost all will and energy. He knew what ZhengLi was getting at and it was out of the question.


    ¡°I told her about Alice a long time ago, when we were just friends¡­. If she finds out TangShi is her, she will implode. Her insecurity is already intense, I can¡¯t imagine what that detail would do. She will never know, and I won¡¯t give her reason to suspect it either.¡± YuZhi was sure about that.


    ZhengLi exhaled heavily, knowing that this was a mess that would one day unravel, no matter how hard he tried to conceal it, and Rhea was a ticking time bomb. He knew nothing would go as YuZhi nned, because life was never easy that way, and he was curious to find out after the drama explosion if Rhea or TangShi would be the woman he was left standing with. ZhengLi was cing bets on TangShi, his gut had said it from the second he saw her picture months ago and he was secretly rooting for her.

 Confused

    ¡°You stupid girl! Pick it up, don¡¯t you dare leave a single piece on the floor. I am not moving until you pick it all up!¡± Aunt RuiZi was screeching at TangShi so loudly it was hurting her already delicate head. Suffering from her first time being drunk, and she was trying to ignore the washing machine stomach or pounding fluffy brain. Auntie her usual mean self and picking out absolutely anything she could to make TangShi¡¯s life hard. If it wasn¡¯t restricting her food, criticizing her hair, clothes or make up, day in and out, then it was finding random things to scold her for, like this.


    She was suffering fromst night and was being unusually clumsy today. Having idently walked into aunt who was carrying a ss of water and knocked it out of her hand in passing. The shards all over the floor were mixed with the undrunk water and Xiaosu was screamed at for trying to help her tend to it. Aunt was in a bad mood, as usual, and TangShi was always an easy target.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get a brush and dustpan and some paper towels.¡± Xiaosu offered as a way of help, but Aunt red at her with that nasty venom she was good at and Xiaosu quietened right down. She knew better than to intervene when she had been warned off.


    TangShi pulled the wastepaper basket from under the nearby table and walked back to the mess glittering the hardwood floor. It was hard to see where all the shards were in the water and began blindly picking at anything sticking up, scratching her fingers as she did so, but Aunt was not sympathetic.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so clumsy. Don¡¯t you drip blood everywhere. I¡¯m cursed to have you living under my roof and now look at the mess you¡¯re making!¡± Her high-pitched shrill tone was piercing and TangShi jumped. Slicing her index finger on arge piece she was aiming for by ident. Her nerves were already frazzled today, and aunt wasn¡¯t helping.


    She tried to stem the blood by pressing her other finger against it and continuing to pick up ss with her other hand, turning to Xiaosu with a sober expression.


    ¡°Can you get me some tissues for my hand? So It doesn¡¯t make things worse.¡± She asked with a gentle quiet tone, hoping aunt would at least allow her something to stop the blood dripping all over the floor.


    ¡°Yes, Miss.¡± Xiaosu didn¡¯t wait to be told she wasn¡¯t allowed and ran off at speed to go find the first aid box, feeling horrible for her Miss Lei. Xiaosu hated seeing her being bullied day after day and hated how indifferent YuZhi seemed about aunts mean temper towards his wife. TangShi was too sweet a girl to throw shade back at the elders, and it infuriated Xiaosu how much she put up with.


    TangShi pulled back as a sharp stabbing sensation shot up her pointer finger on her uncut hand and pulled back to stick it in her mouth as fresh blood started seeping from another slice. Aunt looked so furious she might self-implode.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing it on purpose, aren¡¯t you? Stupid, idiot girl. Clumsy and pathetic, I curse the day they brought you home.¡± She had hit a new level of shrill, her temper ring, and she waved a glitter tipped finger close to TangShi¡¯s face as she crouched down, making her flinch but she kept her calm. TangShi had years of practice being on the receiving end of this kind of treatment and didn¡¯t react at all. Doing what she always did, eyes down, face nk and continued to try and finish the task they were yelling at her to do.


    The blood wasn¡¯t stopping thanks to the water which was making her hands drip. Small slices looking worse as the blood diluted and ran further on both hands now. She kept trying to proceed but the droplets of red were spreading as they hit the puddles on the floor and tinting them too, so it was starting to resemble a mini murder scene.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± YuZhi¡¯s hostile tone made TangShi jump with the unexpectedness of it, and Aunt snap her head up to the two approaching male figures that just walked into the hallway. Both men d in three-piece grey suits and looking like handsome book ends getting off work. YuZhi spotted the mess, the blood around her feet and TangShi¡¯s hands from his angle and his face turned thunderous. Isn¡¯t switching from tired and relieved to be home, to snarling protector.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    ¡°Nothing. She broke a ss and now she¡¯s making a mess cleaning it up.¡± Aunt scoffed in a superior tone, sniffing at TangShi with unconcealed dislike.


    ¡°What the hell.¡± YuZhi was beside her in a sh, hauling her upright and pulling both wrists towards him for inspection. She turned unsteadily on her feet and stepped backwards to right herself with his ungraceful tug. YuZhi grabbed her tighter and yanked her forward so harshly she inwardly gasped, collided with his torso, and realized she would have stepped on remnants in thin slippers had he let her follow through and had saved her feet from massacre too.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Xiaosu to clean this up, and why are you naming her pick up ss with her hands? She¡¯s not the maid and this was obviously an ident so why are you punishing her?¡± YuZhi seemed pissed, not his usual smug and tolerant mood whenever he caught aunt terrorizing TangShi. He was radiating angry energy and kept her close, holding her hand sup between them like she was his prisoner.


    ¡°I¡¯m here. I have these.¡± Xiaosu appeared like an angel, carrying a first aid box in one hand and a brush and pan in the other and beamed when she saw YuZhi cradling her miss and the handsome that is ZhengLi standing behind him looking amused and gorgeous. She knew aunt had no chance of bullying her further while YuZhi was standing up for her.


    ¡°She smashed it; she should clean it up!¡± Aunt RuiZi was not for backing down and enraged that for once, her nephew was not siding with her.


    ¡°Look at her hands!¡± YuZhi snapped right back. His posture stiff andmanding, using her and waving TangShi¡¯s wrists her way as though she needed a visual reminder.


    ¡°Self-inflicted and looking for sympathy. Don¡¯t be manipted and drawn in!¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding me right now? Her hands are important to her. She¡¯s an artist, who paints and draws. She wouldn¡¯t do anything like this just to make you feel bad. She isn¡¯t like that!¡± YuZhi was incensed that his aunt was being this cruel, while turning TangShi back to him to stem the bleeding by holding them upright as Xiaosu opened up the first aid kit.


    ¡°Here¡­. Let me.¡± Xiaosu made an attempt to guide TangShi towards her with a gentle hand on her arm, but YuZhi tugged her back to him with a determined frown.


    ¡°Take it all through to the sunroom. I¡¯ll do it. Come on TangShi.¡± YuZhi pulled her with him, not letting go, staring his aunt down in passing with a shake of his head, who was spitting nails she was so angry. YuZhi always sided with her no matter what tantrum she was having and had never openly defied her like this before. It made her loathe the stupid girl even more and she would be sure toin to Rhea and have her scold him.


    TangShi didn¡¯t know what to say, dumbfounded by the change in him, and allowed him to guide her at speed, aware of the hateful looks aimed her way as they abandoned Aunt RuiZi in the hall. She knew she would suffer for YuZhi sticking up for her the second he left the house again but for now, TangShi was oddly touched.


    She nced at his side profile meekly as they walked, her stomach warm and fluttery and emotional that he intervened and was acting like he cared for once. Her normal defensive wall that rose whenever he showed face was wavering and she was reminded of the sweet boy he seemed so long ago. This wasn¡¯t because they were in public and on show either, he seemed to really want to help and tend to her wounds.


    He put her in the nearest seat as they walked into the spacious ss house, sliding the first aid box from Xiaosu¡¯s hands. He put it on the low table beside TangShi and motioned for the housekeeper to go back and tend to the mess with minimal words and a hand wave. YuZhi was simmering a bad mood aftering back to witness this, visibly riled, while ZhengLi strolled in casually behind them with a smile on his face. Amused at YuZhi¡¯s natural reaction to an injured TangShi when they arrived and mentally added another tick to his ¡®will YuZhi fall for TangShi¡¯ scoreboard.


    ¡°Auntie has retired to her room with a headache. You¡¯re probably being written out of her will as we speak. Naughty nephew. And here she thought you were her favorite.¡± He poked fun and wandered off to sit on one of the wicker seats opposite to watch YuZhi y doctor.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡± YuZhi ignored thements and worked on TangShi¡¯s hand as she sat in silence. Subdued and pale, she watched in numb quiet and seemed like a wounded animal knowing their savior was trying to help. It tugged at YuZhi¡¯s chest painfully.


    Drying her skin first, before using sterile rub and cotton to clean them thoroughly, he applied band aids to the worst of them. With so many it took him a few minutes and TangShi patiently held still without making a murmur at all.


    ¡°Where is the sassy attitude you give me when facing other people, huh? You can stand up for yourself. I¡¯ve seen you do it.¡± YuZhi scolded under his breath, although his voice had no real hints of anger. He was frustrated that this whole thing was making him feel weirdly enraged.


    ¡°She¡¯s my elder, and your aunt. She runs this house. It¡¯s easier to let it go.¡± TangShi mumbled, keeping her focus on her hands and not on him leaning in at her so their heads were almost touching. His proximity was doing weird things to her emotions, her stomach was unsettled with butterflies, her skin prickling with every soft touch of his warm hands.


    ¡°So? If she¡¯s bullying you, say something. Don¡¯t take it from anyone. Especially not in this house.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s ironicing from you.¡± TangShi whispered, amused by YuZhi¡¯s obvious mood and yet couldn¡¯t believe his hypocrisy. Him of all people in this house, spent weeks trying to goad her and cause trouble. He had sat by and done nothing about his aunt for weeks and now here he was, lecturing her.


    YuZhi quietened for a second while he finished dressing thest of her cuts, after inspecting the deepest thoroughly and deciding it wasn¡¯t in need of stitches. He held her fingers for a long moment as though still examining them for others, keeping his eyes averted but aware of her nearness too. His temper finally calming now she was dealt with and none of them were as serious as they looked when he first walked in.


    He knew it was time heid some ground rules with his aunt and stopped this ongoing petty behavior. It was amusing at first when he hated everything about her being here and wanted to see her suffer. As time went on though, and after he made her cry, it didn¡¯t entertain him or give him the same kick as it had and instead, he felt slightly sorry for her. Even TangShi eating that awful diet had lost the fun factor and he hated watching her nd meals every time he ate at home.


    He didn¡¯t want to admit it to himself, but even before he found out she was Alice, he had started to get used to this situation and her presence. Started to see that she wasn¡¯t some maniptive or spoiled god digger who coerced him to get what she wanted. She was almost a girl who tried to be invisible in her own life and avoided conflict with those around her so she could hide away in peace.


    YuZhi had even begun to be thankful that TangShi had a quiet personality and was respectful and obedient when it came to his family. She didn¡¯t cause him drama, andtely with all the arguing and tears from Rhea,ing home to her in the evening always felt peaceful. A relief. Even when they bickered and tried to get a rise out of each other. He knew he had mellowed towards her; he knew he wasn¡¯t as hateful as before.


    TangShi had a calming aura, a sweetness about her that told you she probably was a caring and loyal person if you gave her the chance. Maybe it was because she wasn¡¯t someone who would hurt out of malice or be cruel intentionally that got him so pissed when he saw her bleeding all over the floor and enduring his aunt screaming abuse at her downturned head. In that moment she had looked exactly like that girl eight years ago when he had been drawn to her vulnerability.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± He uttered, losing himself in thought while still turning over her delicate little hand in his and smoothed over the biggest band aid with his thumb as softly as he could. TangShi trembled at the alienness of how he touched her and shrugged, tensing all over.


    ¡°Tell you what?¡± She was confused by this. Wondering if he meant tell him that Aunt was horrendous to her at every opportunity. Surely he knew it. He¡¯d seen it before today.


    ¡°Who you were¡­.. that you were Alice.¡± He murmured it, looking up as he caught her head snap up, softly gasp, and she widened her eyes at him in shock. Her heart catapulting to her mouth because she had no memory of telling him she was. Her brain racked through the night before when she began to feel really drunk and cursed herself as a slight recollection came back to her. A memory of asking him about the bridge. Her face heated with embarrassment, and she hesitated before pulling her hands out of his and nervously touching her Band-Aids to cover her reaction.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think I had to tell you¡­ I ¡­. I just assumed it wasn¡¯t important.¡± She stuttered, her heart pounding like a drum and her brain going haywire that they were actually talking about the one subject that could cut her to the core. She had avoided telling him for multiple reasons, but one was this exact awful confrontation. Her heart didn¡¯t know how to cope with it.


    ZhengLi perked up over in his quiet bubble, hearing his bestie finally broach the one topic he had been waiting on, and smiled like the Cheshire cat, leaning forward to hear better. Ready for some progress and trying hard to stay inconspicuous.


    ¡°Why Alice? It¡¯s not your name? Why didn¡¯t you ask me why I didn¡¯t show up? Why not ask me if I remembered?¡± YuZhi spewed out the words in a manner that wasn¡¯t his usual style as nerves seemed to invade him from nowhere and he found himself wringing his hands together before rubbing them on his thighs. Instant mmy skin and a tightness in his throat. Uptight in a sh and having palpitations for the first time in his life. He didn¡¯t understand his own physical reaction to asking her these questions.


    TangShi blinked at him, stupefied with the interrogation, and still reeling from the shock of him putting it out there between them.


    ¡°Alice is my ¡­¡­.¡± She sighed, grasping for the words to exin, fidgeting under his scrupulous focus on her face. ¡°Linlin named me ¡®Alice through the looking ss¡¯ when we first became friends, because she felt it suited me. It was a silly nickname which stuck, and I used it for a while when I didn¡¯t want people knowing I was from the Lei family. You know how that can be. Now it¡¯s my artist pseudonym, Alice Lin. A nod to Linlin, the person who pushed and supported me to even start selling my art.¡± TangShi shrugged again, a habit borne of nerves and feeling hemmed in as her face blushed increasingly and she was sure she must be pink right up to her temples. Avoiding his eyes and biting on her lower lip and wishing he wasn¡¯t this close to her when she was struggling to stay calm.


    YuZhi mirrored her mannerisms subconsciously, biting his own lip and looking away for a moment.


    ¡°My father died. That night¡­.. A car wreck. It¡¯s why I didn¡¯t show, and I didn¡¯t know how to contact you. I Didn¡¯t forget, I just didn¡¯t recognize you. You¡¯ve changed.¡± He blew out the breath he had been holding, finally engaged eye contact again and swallowed hard. ¡°I Don¡¯t even know why I¡¯m exining or bringing this up now, it¡¯s just¡­.. you made it clear who you were and it¡¯s bothering me. We had no closure back then, I guess.¡± YuZhi, the normally cool,posed, and confident heir of the Leng family, was reduced to that teen boy who felt out of hisfort zone, weirdly angsty and couldn¡¯t keep his focus on her. Maybe it was because the subject brought up old pain and regrets and unearthed long forgotten feelings. It was awkward for them both.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about your father. I Didn¡¯t know that¡¯s how he passed, or when. I¡¯m sorry. It makes sense that you left in a hurry and had your mind on other things. I was just a girl you didn¡¯t really know.¡± TangShi didn¡¯t know what else to say, and her words brought YuZhi to a halt, his gaze fixing on her as he stared at her nkly for what felt like an eternity. She couldn¡¯t read him at all, and his emotions were maskedpletely.


    He was looking for more of a reaction in her manner and eyes than what she was saying, a glimmer of residual something. He finally exhaled heavily seeing nothing and looked away, glimpsing over his shoulder to see his friend still listening intently with a wry smile on his annoying face. He shook his head at him, narrowed his eyes and turned back to TangShi.


    ¡°It¡¯s the past, right? We were kids and many years have gone by. I¡¯m sorry I stood you up. I regretted it for a long time, but¡­¡­. Here and now, Rhea is the girl I will go back to. She¡¯s my future. This changes nothing but I didn¡¯t want to ignore it. I hope we can go on from here on in on a better footing and try to get along.¡±


    His words were reasonable and expected yet they cut TangShi¡¯s soul in a way she never expected. A slicing stab in her chest that made tears prick the back of her eyes and she smiled to hide it as she inhaled slowly and put on a brave face. She always knew Rhea was the end goal, and the thought of trying to be amicable was something to be happy about but it still stung. It was stupid and made no sense to her.


    ¡°I know that. And Rhea is my friend whom I want to see happy. I don¡¯t want to keep fighting with you. I Don¡¯t want to make her sad either. I just want to do what¡¯s asked of me and then get on with my life when it¡¯s over.¡± TangShi looked down at her hands timidly and subconsciously curled them up together, making her appear small and vulnerable with such a childish mannerism. Trying to ignore a huge bridge she would have to cross one day in giving up the baby she would give birth to for him. She didn¡¯t want to face that yet.


    ¡°Right. So maybe we can start over. Try to be friends? I mean from here on in, we have to publicly date and be seen together a lot. It¡¯ll be easier if we can get along.¡± YuZhi nodded, as though this was the perfect solution, and they were agreeing to leave eight years ago behind them. Agreeing to leave their weird war of the past two months on the floor to start anew. Watching her and ignoring hi own torn and confused emotions as they grew up inside like a tornado.


    ¡°We can try. I just want to get through this without being miserable.¡± She smiled weakly, for once not reaching her eyes when she blinked back up at him and her tone was tinted with an unmistakable sadness that cut YuZhi to the bone. He couldn¡¯t deny it when it was right there in front of him.


    It had never bothered him before if she was unhappy living here or how things were turning out, until now. He had brushed her aside, ignored her, been mean when he could and been the biggest source of teasing her and finding ways to make her upset, and he knew this. Finding out who she was had been like a p in the face and made him see her in a new light entirely. He could no longer separate her form that vision of eight years ago, no matter how he tried, and he couldn¡¯t be cruel to Alice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try harder.¡± YuZhi relented, sticking his hand out to solidify the deal.


    TangShi stared at his tannedrge palm for a few seconds before coyly sliding hers into it. He closed his fingers snugly around hers, being careful not hurt her wounds. They shook hands as though confirming a business deal, and even though that¡¯s what this was and had started as, YuZhi lingered, holding her there. For some reason, now they hadid things out on the table, and he could no longer deny who she was, or what she had once been to him, he felt even more anxious. Like something was wrong about this whole thing and he didn¡¯t know how to shake it off.

 The Art School

    ¡°Are you sure this is the ce?¡± TangShi wandered around the beautiful scenic courtyard of the traditional building, looking like something out of a historical drama with a curved tiled roof. It framed with billowing cherry blossom, draped over the eaves, lit by the sun of the day in an almost magical scene and she pulled out her phone to take a picture. It was too pretty not to.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    ¡°Mmm hmmm¡± Linlin was already glued to her own cell, oblivious to this breathtaking view, checking the address and pulling up the details of the teacher she had been corresponding with.  ¡°We¡¯re lucky he is going to meet with us. He rejects ny percent of applications right off, but when I told him your name, he jumped to meet you. Seems you have a fan.¡± Linlin raised a brow but not her focus.


    ¡°He¡¯s a teacher, a well-known one. Why would he want to meet me?¡± TangShi was dubious. She hadn¡¯t been sure about this when Linlin called her yesterday, but she knew her best friend was only trying to make her life better. This is what Linlin did. She would chase something that she felt would make her friend happy and cut out the steps and inconvenience for her and hand it out on a tter for her to take if she wanted it.


    ¡°Why not? Your artwork is amazing and has a special quality to it that makes it stand out. It¡¯s whimsical meets realism but with the soft quality of watercolors. It¡¯s beautiful every time you create something.¡±


    ¡°If I¡¯m so good then why do I need an art school? I think you¡¯re exaggerating.¡± TangShiughed and hooked Linlin through the arm, beaming with affection, when she finally put her phone in her bag. Linlin bopped her on the head with a yful smile and the two leaned in together inpaniablefiness. TangShi knew she was blessed and lucky to have her all these years.


    ¡°True, to me you¡¯re already aplished and don¡¯t need a school, but I know you¡¯ve been sad about giving up your schrship and expanding your studies into painting. I want you to be happy and this is the best alternative I could find. He¡¯s highly noted as a teacher and his students all be famous in their own right. He¡¯s very picky.¡±


    Linlin had listened to TangShi¡¯s woes for the past weeks as she pined for the Californian school and how bored she was amusing herself everyday at the Leng manor. She was losing her motivation to paint the longer she lived there and Linlin could not let that happen.


    ¡°Hmmm. I¡¯ll trust you. You never steer me wrong.¡± TangShi clung to Linlin as they walked the long length of the cobbled path  to the inner garden, under an archway of ivy and flowers to very beautiful double doors that were nked by overflowing nt pots of various sizes and colors. It felt like walking into a mini paradise and whoever tended to all this was a green thumb master of gardening. It was an idyllic setting for creative souls and painters.


    Linlin rang the hanging brass bell that dangled on the porch roof, finding it quaint, and jumped when a young man approached from the side of them rather than opening the door.


    ¡°Miss Choi and Miss Lei I presume?¡± His smooth husky voice had them both turn and momentarily rendered mute for a second at the young handsome man standing there.  He was not what either woman was expecting and both blinked hard for a minute in case he was a mirage. If he was the ¡®teacher¡¯ they couldn¡¯t understand how. He looked barely thirty, was tall, dark haired with good bone structure, muscr, and boyish. He was dressed more like a rich casual weekend visitor on holiday than a stuffy old art major. Linlin had expected traditional clothes, white hair and a long tapered beard, judging by the rumors about him. Not this sexy young hotty who could give YuZhi a run for his money. He had something of the executive about him.


    ¡°Teacher Cai?¡± Linlin queried, confused that someone this youthful could be the legendary art master who churned out talent. Surely his experience wasrgely based on years, but that wasn¡¯t possible if he was only thirty!


    ¡°Sort of. I¡¯m Rong Cai, my father is Teacher Cai, but I am one of his ex-students. I help here. Well¡­ I run things and he gets to paint all day.¡± He smiled, charming them effortlessly.


    Rong Cai appraised the two very attractive women,paring them in their differences. One was fashion conscious and bold, a daring bob haircut died light chestnut with artistic make up and essories that hinted she loved being extra. The other was girl next door, long wavy dark hair, natural make up, delicate features and big eyes, and a simple summer dress and sandals that entuated her feminine frame. They were so different, yet both beauties.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Mr. Cai. I¡¯m TangShi Lei. The one who applied.¡± TangShi leaned forward extending her hand for the polite shake and smiled softly while bowing her head as they greeted one another. Always respectful and poised.


    ¡°I¡¯m Linlin Choi the one who has been emailing and texting. You can call me Linlin.¡± Linlin purred seductively and gracefully flicked out her own hand in a demure manner, full on flirt, and was greeted with a friendly manner.


    ¡°Wee. I¡¯m a fan of your work Miss Lei. My father doesn¡¯t really use technology so it¡¯s me that deals with the applications and interviews. He¡¯s old school and traditional about his life and craft so I became an assistant of sorts. I¡¯m the one who evaluates the talent first and he will look over and agree or not if I like what I see.¡±


    ¡°I see. Linlin said she sent my portfolio, so I am assuming I passed one step to get here?¡± TangShi liked this man¡¯s warm manner and non-intrusive energy. He wasid back, easy to rx around, and was good looking enough to be a pleasant view.


    ¡°Yes, I already knew your name first though and as soon as I saw your ¡®fireworks over the pond¡¯ piece, I was very excited to put two and two together. You are one of my favorite up anding artists in China. I heard you had gone to the US to study but I guess not.¡±


    TangShi had a very small blog run by Linlin with asional artist updates, videos of her painting, and thest posting had been her farewell to China as she ventured to California. She hadn¡¯t updated it since because she didn¡¯t want to share her failures and sadness with her art fans or admit she had given up on her dream. No one knew her real name or how she looked so no one would connect her to the public TangShi Lei, new girlfriend of Lengs heir. He had obviously recognized TangShi¡¯s painting and known it was an Alice Lin.


    ¡°I did go but my personal life had some changes and I had to return unexpectedly.¡± She answered with a sober expression which made it clear she didn¡¯t want to expand on the details.


    ¡°She was granted a full schrship because of her talent and is so heartbroken having to abandon it ande home. She¡¯s not ready to give up studying and really wants to be here.¡± Linlin intervened, pressing the point that TangShi was dedicated to furthering her art. Hoping he could see that by earning a schrship, she was extremely talented.


    ¡°That¡¯s really sad. I am sure you had good reason though. Look, today is a formality because we have to do a face-to-face interview, but I can already tell you that I know your work, have watched your process videos and want you in our school. My father already saw your portfolio and agrees. I think you are a good fit for what he teaches here. Traditional meets modern Chinese art. I think you and him could learn a lot from each other.¡±


    TangShi¡¯s heart elevated to an excited rhythm, blushing, and beaming at the same time and grinned like a child. Her little ray of light and hope which had been extinguished two months ago flickered as it came back to life.


    ¡°Really? I cane here as a student, just like that?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re work is hardly unknown. Your attention to detail and your precision and good understanding ofposition and color makes your art outstanding as it is. You recognize it immediately, which is a rare gift when your portrait subjects aremon things like koi and animals in nature.¡±


    Linlin was beaming beside her best friend and felt like whooping for joy. She knew TangShi had it in her to go far and just needed guidance and a push. From day one Linlin had been her champion when it came to her skills and never stopped trying to get her to find her own way on this career path. She knew she could make a name for herself once she got out from under the chains and shadows of her family.


    Marrying YuZhi had given TangShi a little more financial freedom as he was generous in that department and YuZhi wasn¡¯t too controlling in how she spent her days or time. He wouldn¡¯t care if she came to school to further her skills as long as she didn¡¯t make drama or cause headlines for him. Linlin thanked the stars that YuZhi was a pretty decent husband in terms of this, the contract wasn¡¯t all bad for TangShi. Her family had kept her as a penniless prisoner, but YuZhi was not concerned with doing the same.


    Rong Choi couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the pretty TangShi, enamored by her natural beauty and something about her that drew you in. She was shy, spoke carefully in a sweet and gentle tone and conjured up this feeling that you wanted to shelter and protect her. It wasn¡¯t that she came across as overly submissive or weak, but it was a vulnerability that made you feel that she needed to be loved and cared for.  A hint of sadness or maybe loneliness that you couldn¡¯t pinpoint.


    He wasn¡¯t shocked at all that the artist behind the soft and tranquil painting was this girl standing here, it somehow matched her, and he found himself wondering if TangShi was single. His hopes lifting that she might be someone important to his future.


    Linlin could see the way he was appraising her friend and narrowed her eyes, suspicion moving in but kept quiet as the two continued to talk about her work and the school. He led them on a small tour around the building and gardens, casually meandering, as Linlin fell behind to observe them and let TangShi ask what she needed to. She wasn¡¯t really rooting for TangShi to find an admirer, but she thought he might be useful as a distraction and something to make YuZhi feelpetitive over. She knew this could get interesting, especially now YuZhi knew that TangShi was his sweetheart of eight years ago. It wouldn¡¯t hurt YuZhi to see other men desired TangShi and he might lose out on her if he stayed to aloof and distant with her for the next two years.


    Linlin had made TangShi relive yesterday¡¯s scene a million times on the drive here. Extracting every detail about how YuZhi reacted, what he said, and was even more sure that the man was definitely not as indifferent about it as he made out. Her hands were evidence that under the cool exterior, he was caring enough to fix her up, tend to her, and even had words with his aunt this morning. TangShi had heard them arguing in the breakfast room before he left for work and the very clear orders he gave, that Aunt RuiZi was to treat TangShi like a beloved niece from there on in. The bullying was to stop and he was going to make sure of it.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll like it here. I¡¯m excited to start.¡±


    TangShi¡¯s voice brought Linlin back from her daydreamy thoughts and she zoned back into the pair in front of her, checking her watch. She was shocked to see they had been wandering for almost an hour already. So lost in the serenity of this ce while they two had be acquainted and she could see TangShi wasfortable in this man¡¯s presence already. That was rare for TangShi.


    ¡°The new semester starts in thirteen days, so your timing is impable. I¡¯ll email you the list of supplies you¡¯ll need and your ss schedule. We run it pretty much like a regr school, and most students bring their own lunch and snack for breaks. There are six students starting, you included, for this term so it¡¯s small and manageable.¡±


    TangShi was glowing all over and Linlin warmed at her little happy face. Her hearts welling with maternal pride that her littlemb was finding the joy in life was once. Her passion for her art shining through and it always animated her in the cutest way.


    ¡°I¡¯m so excited I can¡¯t even tell you. ¡±


    ¡°Wee to the Cai institute of fine art. I hope you¡¯ll be happy here and look forward to an amicable rtionship for the next three years.¡±


    Rong Cai was looking forward to spending five days a week getting to know TangShi better. She intrigued him, and there was a definite attraction to her that was rare for him. He liked how easy she was to converse with and be around. In only an hour he was truly smitten by her. He was still single at thirty-one because he had been waiting for the right girl to show up all these years, and his heart was hopeful that he may have just found her.

 The Family Dinner Prt 1

    ¡°Here, take my hand and rx. Lift your chin up, you look pretty, stop fidgeting.¡± YuZhi gently scolded TangShi as he helped her out of his ck Lotus Emira. His boy toy that he rarely got to drive nowadays due to needing his cked-out chauffer driven SUV to avoid the press. It was low and hard to slide out of when wearing heels and a satin dress, so he had to tug her up and catch her to set her upright. Being the attentive date tonight.


    TangShi inhaled heavily, her nerves frayed about this dinner and tugged at her dress to make it longer, aware it was showing more leg than she was used to. It was one that Rhea picked out for her in a recent shopping outing, seeing as they were still making a point to hang out once a week for the lingering nosey reporters.


    A fitted navy shift dress that clung to her curves and brought out her nice figure but was shorter than what she wasfortable with. Formal enough for a family dinner, but dressy enough for an upmarket restaurant in thete evening. Paired with killer silver heels that were slowly destroying her feet and a matching clutch bag. She was so stiff because she felt like she was on disy.


    Xiaosu had spent an hour on her hair and makeup in case they were photographed, so she was red carpet material tonight. She felt like she was ying Barbie dress up, but YuZhi had taken one look at her and wolf whistled when he arrived at the house to collect her. For the first time he had openlyplimented her without a hint of malice or untruth, and she had been blushing ever since.


    YuZhi was in a ck fitted roll neck under a ck open suit jacket, dark grey jeans, and ck boots. He was going for casual tonight, even if he should have made more effort. He looked suave and mysterious; his usually ultra-smooth sexy self that was always camera ready that came with good genes and a great face. His hair styled like always which suited his features perfectly. He hade from the gym so had ditched his work suit for somethingfy as he knew tonight was going to be painful enough.


    ¡°Come on. The faster we go in there, the faster it¡¯s over. Try feeling as confident as you look. You¡¯re knockout in this dress.¡± YuZhi had to tug her away from the car as she was reluctant to move, and he could sense her growing nerves, despite her intensified blush at his words. The past week had seen them being less conflicted with one another and developing a mutual understanding and amicable way of interacting. He was trying to not be such a jerk, be patient with her, and show her some warmth and TangShi was trying to believe it was real. Having been someone who was rarely givenpliments and care growing up, she was finding it hard to trust this massive change in him.


    ¡°Linlin said she would be here. I don¡¯t see her.¡± TangShi resisted, pulling his wrist back to stop him leading her on and shook her head when he nodded, gesturing her to move.


    ¡°We can wait for her inside. I¡¯m sure we¡¯re first here anyway.¡± He tried pleading, not really wanting to drag her with him when the car park was already busy with people wandering about. It was cold out, dark, and the mosquitos were already biting.


    ¡°Uh uh.¡± TangShi caught the handle of his car with her free hand and held on, looking like a scared child who was about to put up a fight and YuZhi, despite his irritation found himselfughing at her. Amused with her cuteness, he reached up and bopped her on the end of her nose with his fingertip. TangShi recoiled, the heat of her face spreading further and tried to ignore the crazy heartbeat in her stomach and flutters he had been causing since he picked her up.


    ¡°What? You think they¡¯ll eat you in there if she¡¯s not here. Am I worthless as a protector?¡± Her big-eyed timid look was melting his frustration at not moving, and he rubbed the back of his head to relieve his agitation. He hated standing around in public because he knew it was a matter of time before some passing citizens would recognize him and take pictures. Not that it would be a bad thing being caught here with her, it would add to their cover story and news about tonight would leak faster.


    TangShi felt sick. It had been a long time since she saw her family and things at the Leng¡¯s were not exactly a happy environment. She would have to sit at a table with mostly people who didn¡¯t like her and despite YuZhi seemingly putting down his battle weapon when it came to her, she wasn¡¯t secure in his presence. She needed Linlin to be there. She needed to feel that one person was going to be on her side and swoop in to help her if she needed it.


    ¡°Call her. We will wait as long as she is close. If she¡¯s not, I¡¯ll carry you in there if I have to.¡± YuZhi leaned in, an edgy tone to make it clear he wasn¡¯t ying and smirked when she turned from doe face to ring at him. A little sass on show at his threats and he looked away to hide his amusement. Somehow that fierce hint of fire she sometimes popped out with was a mood enhancertely. He just wished she used it more often when dealing with people like Aunt RuiZi.


    TangShi pulled out her phone from her bag, shaking his hand free so she could do it and called Linlin.


    ¡°I¡¯ming, I¡¯ming. I¡¯ll be there in like a minute. I was caught in traffic and some ass is up my rear revving at me like he doesn¡¯t want to live. Soon as I stop, I may have to dent his car. He seems to be following me.¡± Linlin answered without giving her a second to speak. She was pissed, ring at the yellow Lamborghini behind her who was blinding her with his high beams and cursed him out over her music before sticking her middle finger up in the center of her windscreen hoping he could see it.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°We¡¯re standing near the door. I¡¯ll wait for you.¡± TangShi sighed a breath of relief, knowing she was close, and turned away from YuZhi to watch the entrance, rubbing her arms tobat the cold. She jumped when YuZhi hung his jacket around her shoulders in an unexpected move to keep her warm and again had to deal with another eruption of internal butterflies and her insides going to goo. It seemed any hint of him being nice and TangShi melted inside.


    ¡°She has three minutes, tops.¡± He warned, pacing away to lean on the bo of his car, casual model pose with a foot propped up on the bumper and pulling out his own phone to scroll.


    TangShi sighed with relief as the small orange VW beetle came rolling on in, loud and invasive, much like Linlin herself and screeched around the car park to find a spot. She was tailed by the yellow car that sheined about and it did seem to be following her closely. Linlin spun around in a U turn finally separating from it and abandoned it in a spot before jumping out and marching TangShi¡¯s way. Her face thunderous as she red at the car who had gone to the far corner at the opposite end and reversed in smoothly to another spot.


    TangShi walked towards her to close the gap but caught sight of YuZhi heading off from the bo and making his way to the car that just came in. She hadn¡¯t said anything but maybe he had seen the reckless driving and was going to have a word. TangShi gawped after him, aware Linlin too was staring in confusion until the familiar figure hopped out in all his glory and TangShi sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s ZhengLi Kim¡­. I should have known. You¡¯re about to meet YuZhi¡¯s best friend and assistant. Your idiot driver is his ultimate bromance.¡± She pushed Linlin in the curve of her waist as a warning to y nice, even if she was mad as hell.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care who he is. I¡¯m going to smack him in the face for driving like that.¡± Linlin was brooding as they watched the two men walk together, back towards them, and ZhengLi threw a devilish grin at Linlin. Looking her over from head to foot and liking what he was seeing.


    ¡°We finally meet. YuZhi here has told me you¡¯re Linlin Choi. I¡¯m¡­..¡±


    ¡°The idiot who can¡¯t drive and thinks having an expensive car gives him the right to drive like a jerk and get up in people¡¯s space. Yeah, I met you. Maybe you should stay at my rear seeing as you like it so much and that way I don¡¯t have to acknowledge you!¡± Linlin sassed him right out, not caring one bit if it was YuZhi¡¯s friend, turned on her heel with a hair flick and sashayed off dragging TangShi by the hand without a backwards nce.


    ZhengLi stood in open mouthed admiration for this mouthy little hellcat until YuZhi swatted him in the shoulder and brought him back to reality.


    ¡°How many times have I told you to not drive like a schmuck. Way to go, pissing off the best friend right before we have this dumb dinner. Like I need bad moods and drama like I need another hole in the head.¡±


    ¡°Hey. I was trying to catch her attention to tell her that her taillight was out. For once I was driving carefully!¡± He defended himself, but YuZhi just shook his head and motioned for them to follow. ¡°She¡¯s pretty sexy though. Just my type and spirited too. I need that girls WeChat.¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s more likely she will draw blood if you dare try and ask for it. She¡¯s the most terrifying miniature girl I have ever met.¡± YuZhi mocked but he was only half joking. For a tiny thing Linlin had big person energy and she had enough attitude that TangShi had never needed it. He could sense from the briefest of encounters the girl was trouble with a capital T if you crossed her.


    Linlin dragged TangShi at speed, stopping only to check with the ma?tre de where they were to be seated and didn¡¯t wait on the men to catch up. She was in bossy mother mode, here to shield TangShi from the idiot family and act as support and dampener with her evil stepmother. Linlin hade ready for battle, knowing fine well YuZhi¡¯s aunt, uncle, and grandfather were going to be here too, and she didn¡¯t have any sort of good impression of them either. No one in this family circle was treating her best friend the way she deserved and tonight, she was not going to keep quiet if they did anything to her. She would be ady as long as they were nice to her girl.


    ¡°Sit here. Next to me.¡± Linlinmanded and pulled out a seat at the table that was close to a pir so TangShi would be shielded almost in a corner. Her n was to hem her in a corner where they were less likely to single her out.


    ¡°Nope. She¡¯s mine tonight. Here.¡± YuZhi caught TangShi¡¯s arm from behind and pulled her over to the seat on Linlin¡¯s other side, where she would be between him and Linlin red at him for a long silent moment. ¡°She¡¯s my date, not yours.¡± He raised a brow and challenged her with a long look of his own.


    ¡°Fine, but I¡¯m watching you. Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know that she hasn¡¯t exactly been treated like the princess she is for the past couple of months.¡± Linlin warned him.


    ¡°I think I just fell in love¡± ZhengLi mocked, blowing a kiss at Linlin before walking around the three of them and plonking himself in the seat Linlin had first picked out for TangShi. It put him right next to the feisty mini girl. Linlin turned her re to him, locking eyes in a battle of wills and yet sat down slowly and deliberately without blinking or taking her focus of his for a second. ZhengLi had to admit as an intimidation technique it was effective and he swallowed a little harder than normal.


    ¡°Feel free. Means your close enough all night to stab you with my cutlery should you annoy me further. I¡¯m ordering steak¡­ ites with the sharpest knives.¡± She turned away and picked up her napkin, whipping it his way to unfold it and narrowly missed his face.

 The Family Dinner Prt 2

    ¡°Terrified and turned on. I think we should date.¡± ZhengLi applied the charm and smiled as brightly as he could while dodging almost losing an eye.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    TangShi was so busy staring at them both in bewilderment that she allowed YuZhi to maneuver her into a seat he pulled out. He slid her in against the table before sitting down next to her with a sigh. Already he was regretting inviting ZhengLi, but because TangShi had invited Linlin he thought it would look less odd. Normally ZhengLi was a goodpanion and slotted into formal duties like a pro. When it came to women, he was a rogue and without YuZhi¡¯s family presence to keep him in line he was being his usual shameless self.


    ¡°You¡¯re a hooligan¡± Linlin flicked ZhengLi¡¯s arm to tell him to move away from her, tutting loudly, and he beamed back at her with delight. His eyes twinkling with mischief.


    ¡°You seem like the type to sort me out. Maybe it¡¯s fate. A hooligan like me might need someone to kick him into line.¡±


    The air sizzled between them as sparks flew. Both good looking in their own way and could acknowledge that each of them was high on the attractive scale, but Linlin was pissed at this maniac, and she wouldn¡¯t back down. Normally ZhengLi would be her ideal type of man to have fun with, but he had given her a bad first impression and she was the mother of all grudges. ZhengLi on the other hand was enamored with this small fiery goddess and he wanted her as his next ything. He could only imagine what a demon she would be between the sheets.


    ¡°Is your friend mentally okay?¡± Linlin turned to YuZhi with a serious tone,plete nk expression and YuZhi shrugged.


    ¡°I ask myself this every day. I still don¡¯t have the answer.¡± He mocked, raising a palm and not offering any help to his friend.


    ¡°Linlin, behave. Look.¡± TangShi interrupted and nudged her gently, motioning across the room at the figure of Grandfather being led by aunt who had her arm in his while helping him walk over with his stick. He was getting on in age and his mobility was in decline. YuZhi got up as soon as he spotted them and went to take over bringing his grandfather to the table.


    ¡°Rx. This isn¡¯t my first rodeo.¡± Linlin assured her before turning a scowl on ZhengLi. ¡°That goes for you too. Behave! I will maim you if you don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Agree to dinner and I¡¯ll be good all night. Might even help warm up the Leng¡¯s to your sister here.¡± ZhengLi¡¯s raised his brow with a cheeky wiggle and got another scowl from Linlin.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your help, or your date offers. I¡¯m not desperate. I¡¯d rather stab myself in the eye with a shrimp fork. Now shut up.¡±


    YuZhi came back to the table with his grandfather in tow, missing the bickering as it quieted down and they all stered on merry smiles. His aunt and uncle behind him and everyone stood to make the perfunctory greetings. Showing respects for their elders, bowing as they were seated. The Lei family was almost right behind them and soon the whole table was settled with the addition of Mr Lei, his wife, and Juefeng, TangShi¡¯s sister, after a second round of polite wees while TangShi avoided looking family members in the eye.


    Juefeng sneered at her half-sister although she tried to conceal it and hated how much she appeared to have changed. She was dressed in designer clothes and her hair and make up was different to the TangShi she knew. Her hair had been cut into long stylishyers and had some natural lowlights added. Her skin was looking healthier and glowy, with a professional application of makeup, and her nails were manicured and stylish to match her outfit. Juefeng hated it all and mmed her hands onto herp to conceal her jealous reaction as she sat down. Like this TangShi was passable as a rich daughter of the Leng family and it angered her more so that YuZhi seemed rxed beside her in apanionable way. She had hoped his obvious dislike on the day she left would continue and grow once he was stuck living with her. There didn¡¯t seem to be any obvious friction between them now.


    TangShi spent the duration of the dinner in silence, her eyes on the courses of food that were served to them and listened into the idle chatter among the seated. She made sure she concentrated on eating and trying to remain invisible in case anyone should notice her.


    Linlin asionally tried to talk to her quietly but knew that TangShi was so out of herfort zone in this setting that she wouldn¡¯t really interact. She was the queen of reverting inside her own shell sometimes. YuZhi however had be hyperaware of her beside him, could sense her shrinking into herself and had been watching the Lei¡¯s and their attitudes towards her for thest hour with growing resentment. Concluding that everything Alice had told him eight years ago, held merit. They didn¡¯t act like they were pleased to see her or missed her after all this time. Instead, there was a cold distance between them and her, and he could have sworn he had caught sneers from the two women while TangShi kept staring down. He was biting his tongue not to say anything but the longer they sat here the worse his temper was getting.


    ZhengLi and he shared a couple of nces towards one another, that confirmed ZhengLi agreed and could see it too, and this strange protective instinct in him fired up somewhere from his soul. He finally had enough of seeing her like this.


    ¡°You¡¯re quiet. Are you tired? Unwell? Sit up, show the table your pretty face.¡± He coaxed her loud enough that the girl opposite him who had been making eyes his way in an unconcealed manner would hear. He tucked his pointer finger gently under TangShi¡¯s chin to lift it up and force her to stop stopping down. ¡°Stop staring into yourp. I want to see you when I talk to you.¡± He coaxed with a warmer tone, encouraging her.


    ¡°She¡¯s shy. She doesn¡¯t do social gatherings very often and turns into a scared little mouse. She needs to limatize bying out for dinner more often.¡± Linlin smiled warmly, making excuses for her, and deflecting conversation away. Protecting TangShi like she always did and swooping in to always shield her from criticism.


    ¡°We should double date regrly and help her get used to it.¡± ZhengLi offered, winking at Linlin when seeing an opportunity, who rolled her eyes and ignored him.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m just enjoying my food and listening to everyone talk.¡± TangShi offered in a low tone and quickly nced up at YuZhi. She sat back trying to lift her chin and look confident like he was asking her to and immediately caught her stepmother¡¯s direct stare. That hint of disgust and intolerance and could have sworn she heard her tut.


    ¡°Nice to see you settling into your new life and looking so¡­. Polished. If only you had taken such care about your appearance when you lived at home, we might have taken you out more. Who knew you could be almost pretty?¡± Mrs. Lei raised a catty brow, her disdain subtle in her smiley tone, but her words left no doubts. YuZhi was a seasoned people reader and disliked her instantly when she sat but now, he began to internally rage and despise her with a passion. Hating her snide remark given TangShi didn¡¯t look all that different to the day he took her from their house. He hadn¡¯t given her much attention at their previous encounter but now she was on his radar, and he could sense TangShi¡¯s apprehension to reply was not unfounded.


    ¡°Maybe if they hadn¡¯t kept you like a beggar and earning your own money to clothe yourself¡­¡± Linlin mumbled under her breath, so it was barely a whisper but TangShi, ZhengLi, and YuZhi all caught it as TangShi nudged her under the table to hush.


    ¡°Thank you. Being a public interest meant I had to care more. I do try now.¡± TangShi deflected, but YuZhi hated that her response which was probably conditioned from years of living with them was self-depreciating. His sh of temper grew from a small warm spot in his belly and erupted into his chest a bit like a growing fire.


    ¡°There was nothing wrong with how she looked or dressed before. She¡¯s a natural beauty who doesn¡¯t need designer clothes or expensive haircuts. She¡¯s not just pretty, she¡¯s beautiful, even as she was.¡± He snapped, losing his calm control momentarily and letting his words rasp out.


    Aunt RuiZi caught YuZhi¡¯s eye with a sh and scowled a warning at him that his edgy tone was disrespectful and that in her opinion his words were wrong. She had been another one who felt TangShi was a in mess on arrival and couldn¡¯t believe he was defending her. She shook her head to warn him to back down and narrowed her eyes to scold him. YuZhi bit his tongue knowing he should relent but she made him madder.


    ¡°Nothing wrong with self-improvement. She looked great before, and great after.¡± ZhengLi was the master of diffusion when the time called for it and he raised a ss with a grin and clinked his fork against it. Raising it high to pull all eyes to him. ¡°How about a toast. To the meeting of two notable families who will be joined by a joyous union. Theing together of two great names in Shanghai and future business alliances. A big wedding, a happy event, and hopefully some future Leng babies.¡±


    ¡°Here, here¡± Linlin joined in, helping move them from uneasy bad feeling, even though she knew this was all fake and for show, but all she cared about was getting the focus from TangShi before she threw something at these awful women. She was about ready to jump up and rip hair extensions out of the hags opposite had YuZhi not spoken first. YuZhi had impressed her though and cemented in her heart that under that coolness, he was a good guy after all.


    Grandfather raised his ss andmanded with a loud ¡®Here, here¡¯ in response and no one dared to defy him so quickly joined in. It was a mix of moods, mostly concealed disdain around the table, minus the four sitting to one side who were ready to end this and leave.


    YuZhi hated all this, hated the formality and that it was a necessity in this y of a story. He had been over this crap before they even started being hounded by the press weeks ago.


    TangShi was desperate to go home and hide and ZhengLi and Linlin were both hoping to cut loose with their best friends and find a bar to shake this experience off. This formality didn¡¯t need to be repeated anytime soon as no doubt theziens would soon have gossip swirling that the families dining together were a sure sign of an impending marriage. The public opinion about them dating was mostly positive now Rhea seemed to be happy and also rumored to have a new famous boyfriend. Things were going to n.


    They were halfway there. Next was an engagement party, a big one to show that the Leng¡¯s had money and status and were overjoyed about this union, and finally the wedding would be thest curtain call. After that they could rx and have a rtively normal life until TangShi gave birth to an heir. Once she did that, she would be free, and a quiet divorce could take ce and give them some time before announcing a separation. It seemed so easy, but it was a lot of jumping through hoops.


    Dinner progressed as before with conversation dying away to business, polite small talk, and obvious boredom from Grandfather. Dessert was eaten in near silence and YuZhi couldn¡¯t take anymore hateful stares from the brat facing him, towards TangShi anymore. If he had to endure one more sly scowl he would end up dumping his wine over her head.


    ¡°We have ns, so we four really should be tying this up and saying our goodbyes. It¡¯s gettingte.¡± YuZhi announced loudly, sitting up and throwing his napkin on the table so he could lean and see his grandfather from his angle. He had always been a confident member of his family and had no qualms about drawing all attention.


    ¡°Oh, you young ones and your night life energy. Don¡¯t get into trouble.¡± Grandfather had always favored him and was weirdly tolerant of YuZhi and ZhengLi¡¯s wild behavior of the past and their ongoing love of frequenting clubs. He saw it as a man¡¯s pursuit and a way to let off the stresses of working in their line of business. He himself had been a frequent drinker and fun lover when he was young.


    Juefeng scowled at her sister one more time, hating that all through this meal her husband seemed attentive and caring and not at all how he was when they met that day. She hoped it was an act and that at home he treated TangShi like trash. She didn¡¯t deserve happiness. Her mother was equally hating on her stepdaughter from her own seat, pondering over the fact the young master seemed to like her and couldn¡¯t fathom what was wrong with him. TangShi¡¯s father could only see money and opportunity and was smug that he had passed her off with little drama and no one was displeased about it.


    ZhengLi was pleased with the new n. He knew it was probably just a ruse so they could all leave, but he liked the idea of a foursome and a bar. If he could get this wildcat to mellow with a couple of drinks and let her ws down, maybe she would take him up on the date offer. And tonight, his only goal was getting her number.


    ¡°We should get going too. I have medication to take on a schedule and I¡¯m feeling weary.¡± Aunt RuiZi excused herself and with one show of breaking this up, it seemed everyone who had been poised to leave all nodded in agreement and started readying themselves to get out of here. It spoke volumes that no one here actually enjoyed this or wanted to linger longer.


    ¡°We¡¯ll head first and get out of your hair. Let you say your goodbyes and make any ns between you about our future engagement date.¡± YuZhi got up and bowed to all the elders at the table, leaning down to catch TangShi¡¯s hand and helped her slide her chair back as she got up. He pulled her with him, gesturing for their friends to follow and they all said their goodbyes as they walked past the remainder of the table.


    ¡°Run.¡± ZhengLi joked when they got far enough away not to be heard and Linlin and TangShi both exhaled heavily, d it was over without any drama and felt instantly lighter.


    ¡°That was awful.¡± Linlinssoed TangShi around the waist with her arm and gave her a squeeze, wiping away any trauma from that dinner. ¡°You did well though. Managed to sit and eat without being cursed out or insulted for almost two hours. Guess they were on their best behavior tonight.¡±


    YuZhi shed a frown down at TangShi, hearing Linlin¡¯s words and that prick of anger spiked in him again. Every confirmation that her family treated her like garbage, made him hate them all the more. He said nothing but tugged her hand so she was pulled up next to him and made a point of keeping her close as they navigated their way out. To onlookers he was an adoring boyfriend who needed his girlfriend close and touchy.


    ¡°How about we actually do go and get some drinks to get over this stifling affair. I could use something stronger than wine and we need a dancefloor to let off some steam.¡± ZhengLi offered and despite still thinking he was aplete jerk, Linlin perked up with the option of a fun night. She was never one to turn down a good night at a club.


    ¡°I¡¯m game.¡± She winked at TangShi who seemed to shrivel against YuZhi as though somehow she expected him to refuse on her behalf.


    ¡°I don¡¯t drink all that well. Or go to clubs often.¡± She mumbled waiting for his refusal because she didn¡¯t expect him to want to hang out with her by choice. She looked up at him expectantly when he said nothing and raised a brow as if to urge him to talk. She caught his eyes on her as she lifted her chin and the weird soft way he was looking at her as though he had been lost in thought.


    ¡°Drinking will help your tolerance and I¡¯ll take care of you if you get drunk.¡± He offered as way of an answer, making it clear he was into this idea too. He hadn¡¯t meant it when he said it but now hanging out with these three seemed like a better option than going home. TangShi was rendered mute because it was not what she expected.


    ¡°Parteeeeeee. I have waited so long to be able to start taking you out in Shanghai, my little buttercup. I can¡¯t believe I am finally going to corrupt my angel and get her clubbing and drinking. Let¡¯s make a real Shanghai woman out of you!¡± Linlin shook her arm in jubtion and then danced off ahead full of glee and excitement, while ZhengLi automatically followed, his own face a beaming grin.


    ¡°What if I make a fool of myself.¡± TangShi bit on her lip, eyes wide and mumbling anxiously as she studied YuZhi¡¯s face. He shrugged as if it didn¡¯t matter. His mood was returning to calm and rxed the further they got away from TangShi¡¯s family and the promise of a good night, and he smiled softly.


    ¡°Everybody does. The trick is to get drunk enough that you don¡¯t remember it the next day. Come on, I¡¯ll teach you how to get hammered and make sure you get home in one piece.¡± He let go of her hand and instead slid his arm around her shoulders, feeling happier as the night air hit them and watched Linlin taking off at speed across the carpark before tuning and throwing her handbag at ZhengLi¡¯s head with uracy. He had no idea what warranted it but assumed it was well deserved. The two of them were running around like children on a ypark already and neither had drunk more than one ss of wine with dinner.


    ¡°Maybe I should just drink one or two.¡± TangShi¡¯s nerves peaked aware she was out of her depth when it came to all of this and knowing she already made an idiot of herself the night she told him about the bridge. She was used to being the stay home, invisible ck sheep, not a social butterfly.


    ¡°If I¡¯m going all out, then so are you. ZhengLi is no fun at being a drunk buddy and he¡¯s distracted. I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll be all too interested in keeping mepany while Linlin is around. You have to take responsibility for me and be my drinking mate tonight. It¡¯s sad to drink alone and I refuse to do it.¡± YuZhi leaned down with a constitutional wink, feeling yful and enjoying this aura they were building between them of possible friendshiptely. TangShi wasn¡¯t bad to hang out with and he wasn¡¯t against it anymore.


    She was like that sweet na?ve friend that you wanted to introduce to all the things the world has to offer, just to see their reaction and joy, while still feeling protective and responsible for them. He wanted to be there to watch her try a few firsts and figured it would help pass the next months ahead of them with less stress.


    ¡°I¡¯ll trust you.¡± She uttered solemnly, a serious look on her cute face as though she was telling him her life was in his hands and it hit him sort of weird in the chest. Aching at his heart, tugging some forgotten emotions to the surface as a memory shed through his skull. A simr response to him whisking her out onto the streets of Beijing to sample street food so long ago and it knocked him for six. Her big doe eyed look of fear and wonder back then was so like now as she stared up at him with so much innocence as she had uttered those same words. It almost choked him as the vision clenched his stomach into knots and made his insides erupt like a hundred butterflies taking flight.


    It made him uneasy for a moment and aware that Rhea had never made him react like this in all these years.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll show you how to have fun and kick back.¡± He deflected his own emotions away, putting them down to nothing but being overworkedtely, and focused on getting her into his car for a night of stress relief.

 Fun Prt 1

    ¡°Selfies!!!¡± Linlin pushed in behind YuZhi and TangShi on the dancefloor, holding her phone up high to capture while on tiptoes above the three of them as they huddled in then waved frantically at ZhengLi toe over. She was picture happy tonight, more so the drunker she got because she wanted to document TangShi¡¯s first night partying with her. It was a long time dream of hers to have TangShi live a normal life of a twenty odd year old girl in Shanghai and she never for a moment thought a contract marriage would be the key to achieving it.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    ¡°Stop taking so many.¡± TangShi giggled but still smiled and posed as YuZhi pulled her in beside him with an arm around her shoulders to ger in on screen, sticking his two-fingers up in a V sign as the three of them were caught for all time on Linlin¡¯s cell. He was an old hand at selfies and having pictures taken and seemed to have no bad angles. ZhengLi wandered over with his tray in hand and a new round of shots and motioned them all to sit. Frowning at his click happy date and her reel of way too many pictures of tonight.


    ¡°You missed it!¡± Linlin used, waiting for him toy it on the circr table in the center of their booth before hauling him down beside her and forcing him to take one with just the two of them. He sighed, smiled, and obeyed. Willing to appease her in anyway because he was having way too much fun in herpany.


    They had been here for a couple of hours already and the four of them were at the merry drunk stage and getting more so. Companionable atmosphere had grown between them all and it had rxed TangShipletely. It felt like four good friends out for a normal weekend session. ZhengLi and Linlin had gone from enemies on the battle front torades in arms and were trying to outdrink one another and flirting heavily while doing so.


    TangShi was trying to be reserved in her alcohol intake, but the more rxed YuZhi became with his, the more he encouraged her to keep up. He had no problem seeing her get drunk as he was confident he could handle his booze and wouldn¡¯t let anything happen to her. He wasn¡¯t old fashioned or overly sexist and believed women should be able to kick back and have fun as much as men did.


    ¡°Here.¡± YuZhi handed her a tiny ming shot ss very carefully and motioned her to watch him before trying it. ¡°Blow, Tap on the table, and down.¡± He raised a brow at her and then did exactly that to show her what he meant. Blowing the me from the top of his liquor, tapped the base on the polished marble surface, and then swallowed it down in one flick back of his head before turning it upside down and thumping it on the table. It was a practiced move and he seemed very skilled at drinking. ¡°Your turn.¡± He winked at her, stuck close by her side like he had been all night and she nervously chewed her lip as she fiddled with the hot little ss. So far she had stuck to the less alcoholic cocktails but ZhengLi was pushing shots for thest two rounds. One she refused already, and she was tempted to try it.


    ¡°What if I don¡¯t like it?¡± She queried and was met with a cheeky smile that brought out YuZhi¡¯s dimples. His hair was a little messier than earlier, his outer jacket discarded, and he seemed casual and approachable when he wasn¡¯t so immacte. She wasn¡¯t aware that in thest two hours her faith and trust in him had expanded hugely. They were no longer awkward or stiff sitting here together but seemed very much like oldpanions.


    ¡°No one really likes it. Burns going down but it gets you smashed, and everyone likes that feeling.¡± He lifted the base of her shot with his fingertip to motion her to do it and she obliged by following his instructions. Eyes glued to his the whole time as though seeking instruction or approval and he didn¡¯t blink or look away.


    Blow, tap, and drink, and then she coughed like a maniac, thumping her chest with a balled fist as the warm foul and bitter liquid burned all the way down her throat. A taste that was so strong it made her eyes water, and she did not like it at all.


    ¡°Good girl.¡± YuZhi rubbed the top of her head with genuine affection like she was a puppy dog who had performed amand. TangShi giggled at how proud it made her feel. She was tipsy or maybe more for sure and felt light and giddy. All her woes had fluttered away on the breeze and her inhibitions were starting to follow. She liked this joyous feeling, and she actually liked this venue.


    The busy club was more weing than the one Rhea had arranged thest time she drunk, it was darker, had separated booths, and sections that kept dancers and drinkers apart. It was big and crowded but it felt small and intimate with its clever design andyout.


    She had seen Mr Cheng wandering around talking to customers and assumed this was his club, the one she knew YuZhi frequented. It felt private and safe even though it was full of people, but no one seemed interested in them at all and hadn¡¯t caught anyone sneakily taking pictures either. She was sure she had spotted an A list celebrity in a far corner from one of Xiaosu¡¯s dramas and wondered if Cheng made sure this ce was a confidential ce for famous people to rx. YuZhi didn¡¯t seem to care about being seen in here and if he frequented it for years, no pictures of this ce had made it onto the inte.


    ¡°Want to try another one?¡± YuZhi queried, leaning forward to scoop a different ss with a new shade of liquid inside and handed her one. This wasn¡¯t on fire and smelled sweet and sickly as she took it from him. ¡°You¡¯re only allowed one of these though, as I¡¯m afraid it might mess you up.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± TangShi squeaked nervously looking at it with obvious suspicious and realizing on closer inspection it was green.


    ¡°Absinthe. Don¡¯t drink it yet. Look. Do this with it.¡±


    YuZhi pulled his ss forward and lifted a strange t metal thing from the tray andid it over the top of his ss, it had small holes in it like a sieve and he picked up a sugar cube from a bowl on the table andid one on top, so it was suspended over his drink. He grabbed a small water jug and poured a tiny amount over it so it trickled on the cube and filtered into his drink before cing the jug in front of TangShi.


    ¡°Let it dissolve a little and as soon as the absinthe turns cloudy, tip it in and use the spoon to stir the sugar awaypletely. Don¡¯t down it but drink it slowly. That¡¯s how you drink Absinthe.¡± He demonstrated by waiting for a moment and then doing what he said and mixing thest remnants of the cube into his drink. Tanghin copied him exactly with her little ss and then both of them lifted in unison and took a  sip of the strong liqueur.


    TangShi Coughed and wretched and screwed up her face in distaste. Visibly shuddering as it went down and couldn¡¯t hide her abhorrence of this awful stuff.


    ¡°Eww, it¡¯s like sweet aniseed and tastes disgusting.¡± She wretched and patted her chest to alleviate the burning while YuZhi chucked under his breath at her.


    ¡°You get used to it but congrattions on being initiated into the seasoned drinkers club.¡± He patted her on the head again, smiling at her for at least tasting it even though she put it down and pushed it away with a head shake. It wasn¡¯t for her and YuZhi drank his up seemingly entertained with her reaction. He had been so patient with her tonight, acting like a teacher of sorts and enjoying watching her try some drinks for the first time. She had an expressive face, and he found her mannerisms irresistible.


    ¡°I¡¯m drunk.¡± TangShi blurted out as the woozy feeling hit harder,ing over her like a heavy cloak. Her shot obviously working fast, and slumped back against her seat so her flopped to his shoulder. She was instantly lifeless, swaying her foot to the low music drifting this way that barley covered nearby chatter of other clubbers.


    ¡°You¡¯re a lightweight. I need to up your tolerance by bringing you here a lot more.¡± He continued drinking from the beer he had ced aside, done with shots for now as he knew how to pace himself. He rxed back to watch Linlin and ZhengLi who were now on the dancefloor pushing one another around, propping a foot up on the corner of the table so he was angled against TangShi to provide a better cushion for her. He knew that tonight those two would be going home together as their sexual chemistry was off the charts. Two free spirited party animals who were obvious about fancying each other.


    ¡°What if the clinic is sessful this time.¡± TangShi broke in, knowing they had an appointment in two days so drinking after that wasn¡¯t wise until she knew is she fell pregnant. ¡°I can¡¯t get drunk and frequent clubs if it is.¡± She pointed out with a sigh, her mood deting at the thought of it, and lifted her feet to wedge in the bar under the table to prop them up like his. She was feeling ultra-rxed now and warm and cosy by his side.


    YuZhi was a surprisinglyfortablepanion who had kept his promise of taking care of her tonight. He had stuck by her and been the guide when it came to booze and what to order. He had even danced with her a couple of times and proven he was a smooth mover. She felt like she could let her hair down and trust he would get her home just like he promised.


    ¡°Maybe we should skip it this month and go with the flow. Have some down time to go out and have fun. There¡¯s no rush, we have two years and work has been a nightmaretely. I need the stress relief.¡± He shrugged, mellowed by alcohol and turned his head to see the little face that was now tucked in against him and concealed by shadow. She looked sleepy and smiley and he had the urge to hug her.


    ¡°Hmmmm¡­.. I hate going there.¡± TangShi sighed, being honest with this new liquid bravado in her stomach an YuZhi tensed a little. Guilt gnawing at him that his choice made TangShi ufortable, but it was a necessity he could do nothing about.


    ¡°Me too, but the alternative isn¡¯t usible. Rhea would never forgive me for sleeping with you.¡± He took another swig of his beer and pushed down rising questions that were nipping at the back of his skull.


    TangShi giggled inappropriately at his words and poked him in the cheek with her pointer finger. Reverting to a yful child.


    ¡°But you sleep with me every night.¡± Sheughed at her own joke and YuZhi chuckled at her innocence, genuinely amused by how cute she could be when she was drunk.


    ¡°You know what I mean. We share a bed which is no different to sharing a couch, while both unconscious. Besides, it keeps things straight, less messy. No sex means less chance of emotions getting misced. It¡¯s better this way.¡± He had told himself this a million times and yet had purposely avoided telling Rhea that grandfather had made them share a room and one bed from day one. He knew it would only upset her and cause doubts even though he never touched TangShi when they slept.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t your grandfather approve of Rhea as a wife and mother to your heir? The public lover whom everyone adores and she¡¯s ¡­.. lovely.¡± TangShi slurred, always curious as to why he had never married his girlfriend or made moves to fall pregnant so his family couldn¡¯t refuse it. He was respectful of his grandfather¡¯s decisions but why did he let them date and then change his mind.


    ¡°It¡¯splicated. My grandfather has a pretty reasonable grudge against the Cheng family. I forced his hand by making us public so he couldn¡¯t stop me from dating her, but he refused to agree to engagement or marriage and forcing a baby into that situation wouldn¡¯t have gone the way you think. He would have disowned it¡­. I thought in time he would change his mind, until he introduced me to your family, and I knew he hadn¡¯t.¡± YuZhi¡¯s tone soured, and he shifted to pull his foot down, drinking more of his beer, obviously frustrated with the memories.

 Fun Prt 2

    ¡°Why? He seems so loving towards you and it would still be his grandchild. I thought he liked Rhea?¡±


    YuZhi downed the remainder of his drink, his own head swimming a little and shook his head. Sobering with a little dip in his good mood and feeling weirdly inclined to open up to TangShi properly. He wasn¡¯t someone who spoke about his personal issues with just anyone, usually just ZhengLi so it was a weird feeling to want to tell her. She had this way about her that pulled all sorts of emotions form him and a need to share. Maybe he was just drunk and overthinking it.


    ¡°My dad, the night he crashed¡­. He caught my mother having sex with Rhea¡¯s father. He was mad as hell, driving recklessly, on a call to my grandfather telling him he wanted a divorce when he swerved off the road and ended up in a ditch. My grandfather has never forgiven the Cheng family and sees Rhea as part of the problem. He lost his son because of an affair, so he tolerated her but always made it clear he would rece her when it was time for me to marry.¡±


    TangShi was rendered speechless and sat upright with a start, blinking at him with a shocked expression. Her heart chumping into her chest with the shock of his story.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I never knew¡­ Wow, that¡¯s pretty¡­. a big deal.¡± His words sobered her enough to realize how much of an issue that was and couldn¡¯t imagine how much grandfather must have been against Rhea to prohibit any future for them both. She could empathize with his grief and heartbreak and didn¡¯t want to judge him too harshly. She assumed YuZhi understood it too, hence why he never outright defied him with a pregnancy or wedding.


    ¡°Ironic really. It was because of what our parents did that Rhea, and I grew closer than before. We were both hurt and ashamed and she carried the guilt of me losing my father.  She tried to support andfort me as a friend. My mother¡­¡­ shemitted suicide two monthster because she couldn¡¯t live with my father¡¯s death. Guess she loved him and regretted it in the end.¡± His words trailed off quietly, sitting forward to stare down between his feet as he picked at thebel of his bottle and TangShi¡¯s soul ached for him.


    TangShi was silenced and her heart tore in two. Realizing why YuZhi was the type to conceal his pain and emotion and keep women at arm¡¯s length. His mother betrayed them all and then left him to fend for himself in the aftermath. His trust must have been destroyed and his once happy family devastated. She knew that a couple of yearster the Leng family had a ne crash that saw a huge chunk of them perish. He had lost so much.


    She had known his mother died in that time frame, but the press implied she had a long ongoing health issue. Nowhere had it been made public that she took her own life and TangShi automatically slid her arm in his and rested her head against his shoulder tofort him. Not knowing what else to do but wanting so badly to give him something. To show she was feeling for him and truly sorry for what he lived through.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know why I¡¯m telling you this.  I don¡¯t ever talk about them.¡± He shrugged, picking up a new beer and took a swig to distract himself from the wave of raw emotions threatening to spew out. Something he had learned to control over the years. Leaning forward further to dangle it between his knees while TangShi stayed cuddling against him. He was bing limatized to her touch and presence and didn¡¯t mind having to hold hands or be this way with her anymore. It was reassuring, like he had a constant warmth and haven by his side who didn¡¯t judge him for things he didn¡¯t tell others. He knew deep down that TangShi wasn¡¯t the type to hold the truth against him given how crappy her family situation was.


    ¡°I can see why your grandfather is so against it. He mes her whole family and somehow it would be a betrayal to your father to have a Cheng grandchild as heir. I understand it. But why is your aunt so pro Rhea if her brother passed that¡­¡± TangShi was even more confused by that.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t know. My grandfather told only me. And I told Rhea. My sister and family have no clue why my father died that night, other than it was an ident and my mother took her life because of her grief. Rhea doesn¡¯t know it was suicide either.¡±


    ¡°I promise I won¡¯t tell a soul, not even Linlin.¡± TangShi leaned back and made a crossing motion of her heart which softened YuZhi¡¯s mood, and he smiled gently at her, leaning in to bop his forehead against hers in a show of affection. Swaying a little due to being drunker than he thought, yet d he had offloaded some of this onto her. It felt nice to tell someone and not immediately feel anxious they saw you differently or would take on more guilt like he thought Rhea would have back then. Only ZhengLi knew all the details of everything.


    ¡°You know, I¡¯m sorry about being such a jackass to you the first couple of months. If I had known we would be friends in time, I wouldn¡¯t have made life hell for you. I feel like an idiot for making you suffer. For being cold when you¡¯re¡­¡­ like this.¡± He was truly apologetic and regretted all the times he deliberately goaded her or created situations to cause her upset or stress. She had turned out to be the sweetest girl he had ever met and probably the most genuine heart he hade across and it bothered him looking back that he abused that sort of girl. Even not knowing she was Alice; he had been able to see that TangShi was a rare find. Not many girls were so gentle natured and forgiving as she was and undeserving of anyone treating her poorly. His desire to protect and shelter hertely grew stronger the more he got to know her.


    TangShi shrugged and smiled at him. Pushing all of it into the past and exhaled softly. She was someone who had learned to let things go in her life or else the grudges would weigh her down.


    ¡°I can understand why the situation made you hate me. My father never gave me a choice and I had to abandon school ande home which made me resent you too. I never knew about any of this until two days before we got our marriage license. I don¡¯t hold it against you, I too wasn¡¯t that nice to you.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± YuZhi was shocked by that confession. He had known for weeks before marrying her all about it. He had agreed to give two years of his life on the understanding he would marry Rhea one day. It¡¯s the only way he could get his grandfather¡¯s approval for the future he wanted, bypromising on a timed deadline instead of a lifetime marriage. He still hadn¡¯t told Rhea that children between them might not be a doable thing though; grandfather still hadn¡¯t agreed to him having any other kids beyond one with TangShi. He was a stubborn old coot and not yet ready to relinquish that use.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    TangShi didn¡¯t get a chance to reply because Linlin dived on them awkwardly, like a heavy bomb of human bones and skin and almost killed her in the process. mbering all over them as she tried to crawl between two closely sat bodies and injuring them mildly in the process. TangShi shoved her by the ass to the back of the seat to assist her.


    ¡°Picture time!!¡± She sang loudly in TangShi¡¯s ear before rolling over the backrest and jumping behind the seating booth to get between them. She leaned forward pushing them together so she could fit her head in between them awkwardly. ¡°Zhengy¡­take one¡­e on, bubba!¡± She motioned and cooed at her drunk ymate who sighed and obediently trotted over, pulling his cell out of his pocket to do as he was told. It was clear he wasn¡¯t as drunk as her and was humoring her requests.


    ¡°Why do we need three thousand pictures tonight?¡± he raised a brow at her in question and she waved at him in annoyance.


    ¡°Ughh, for my WeChat moments. Stop talking and start doing.¡± She pped her hands, ushering him to obey and ZhengLi nodded. Muttering under his breath about the weirdness of women and making sure he zoomed into their faces only and cut out their pretty private club in the background. He rarely took pictures, and this was weird for him.


    ¡°Okay, on three. One! Two! ¡­.¡± ZhengLi positioned his phone sideways and got ready to click when Linlin suddenly darted back, grabbing the back of YuZhi and TangShi¡¯s head systematically and bopped their faces together with speed and force neither sawing. The result was a startled pair jumping at the contact and turning towards each other in reaction, which meant a full face on collision as ZhengLi snapped the shot. It was a mildly painful experience and as soon as she released them, they both darted back with shocked expressions.


    ¡°Woohooo, let me see.¡± Linlin whooped in glee at her naughtiness and climbed over, pushing them further apart ungracefully so she could retrieve his phone. Almost getting TangShi in the face with a stiletto heel in the process.


    ¡°Linlin!¡± TangShi smacker her leg as she scurried away and rubbed her face where YuZhi had smashed lips against her in that painful encounter. Her face ming with heat and feeling the blush creep up her skin. It was an intimate ident, and her heart was flipping over at the assault. Suddenly unable to look him in the eye as shyness overtook.


    ¡°She¡¯s worse than him!¡± YuZhi too was rubbing his chin and lips where they had been bang pressed for a millisecond and yet he could taste the peach tinted lip-gloss from TangShi¡¯s lips, and it wasn¡¯t entirely unenjoyable. He wasn¡¯t too phased about having inadvertently kissed her as it wasn¡¯t like he hadn¡¯t kissed many in his lifetime. It was not on purpose and no big deal; besides he had kissed her a hell of a lot more eight years ago.


    It was a brief meeting of mouths,pletely closed and t faced into one another but YuZhi still got a weird feeling in his stomach about it. A gnawing of guilt and something else.


    ¡°Oh my god¡­look. You two totally kissed!¡± Linlin smiled like a mischievous brat and turned the phone to sh them a picture. It did look in fact like they had briefly pecked one another on the lips for the picture. Linlin was obscured behind them where you couldn¡¯t really even make out her hands mped on the back of each head. It did look like a candid kiss shot of a couple. TangShi blushed even harder and fidgeted with nails while biting on her lower lip.


    ¡°Shut up. You are mentally about his age, you know that.¡± YuZhiughed at her antics, unbothered, and sat back while scooping his beer and handing TangShi a half-drunk cocktail she started before shots to stop her picking her crystals off her manicure. This had sobered them both a little and culled their heart to heart.


    ¡°ummm, I think I have more maturity than this wild thing.¡± ZhengLi hooked Linlin from behind and scooped her into his arms for a back hug, pressing his chin on top of her head to annoy her as she wiggled and tried to throw him off.


    ¡°You two can both go to hell. TangShi loves me just the way I am. It¡¯s being youthful and fun loving. You¡¯re just mad because I got a priceless kiss shot and she looks more attractive than you in it.¡± Linlin gloated, waving ZhengLi¡¯s phone in the air, and then pulled it back to open the WeChat app. ¡°Totally putting it on my moments.¡±


    Linlin was oblivious to the fact it wasn¡¯t ¡®her¡¯ moments on WeChat and uploaded it with a smile for her mutual friends of her private ount to see. She tagged the club and posted it with ¡®Love¡¯s young dream¡¯ as the title. Happy with herself for another memory that they couldugh about another day. She was abuzz with how close TangShi and YuZhi seemed to be tonight and very pleased with her mischievous trick.


    ¡°Enough of that. More drink, less talk.¡± ZhengLi snatched back his phone and slid it into his pocket, hooking her hand and hauling her back with him. Intent on getting all of them so drunk they wouldn¡¯t be able to see straight. ¡°I¡¯ll go get another round!¡±

 Drama Prt 1

    ¡°You two look so cute together, you know?¡± Linlin cooed at YuZhi who was casually lounging in the corner of the booth, his arm stretched out along the back of the chair while dangling his beer bottle from it. TangShi was tucked into him under it, her head on his shoulder andpletely out cold from far too much alcohol consumption and thete hour. It was almost two am and all four of them had gone far beyond the tipsy stage of drunk.


    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m handsome, and she¡¯s pretty.¡± YuZhi smiled, confident in his own attractiveness, still not slurring anywhere near like Linlin was as he had higher tolerance and still had his wits about him. He dipped his chin to check on TangShi, watched her breath slowly and deeply for a moment and then went back to drinking his beer,fy like this and not too bothered about being used as her cushion. She was peacefully and blissfully unaware of the noisy club carrying on around her.


    They had enjoyed the night so far and Linlin and ZhengLi had finally progressed to kissing and cuddling in the chairs opposite him. Making out every so often and getting handsy until he told them to go get a room, worried TangShi was ufortable with the show. He knew this would probably be a short-lived affair as he knew ZhengLi wasn¡¯t the settling type, but Linlin didn¡¯t seem to be either. Two birds of a feather.


    ¡°What about us? Don¡¯t we look cute together?¡± ZhengLi had her in his arm, almost a choke hold and prodded her in the cheek with a mischievous wink before pulling her phone from her hand to scroll the pictures of tonight. There were a million selfies of the two of them, more of them as a group and an rming lot of sly TangShi and YuZhi shots. He sent the best Linlin, ZhengLi smooch one to his phone that caught them both at their best angles while enamored with one another.


    ¡°Obviously we are the far superior hot couple, but I have to give my girl some love. Look at her. Angelic littlemb just cannot handle booze.¡± Linlin slid out of ZhengLi¡¯s embrace to stagger over and awkwardly bent to kiss TangShi on the forehead, almost falling on top of her if it wasn¡¯t for YuZhi¡¯s fast reflexes. He caught her by the waist with one hand and managed to hold her upright until she straightened again and the danger of squashing TangShi passed.


    ¡°Leave her alone. She did well for a nondrinker and the fact we plied her with about a dozen shots. She¡¯s lucky she¡¯s still alive. I¡¯m proud of her.¡± He jested, leaning in to brush her hair back from her forehead where Linlin messed it up and managed to make her stir with his touch despite Linlin¡¯s kiss having zero effect.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± TangShi mumbled, not quite aware of her surroundings as she came to and tried to sit. Dazed as it all came rushing back to her and she blinked around to get her bearings. YuZhi helped her up until she was able to prop herself into a semi straight position while she rubbed her eyes to remove blurriness. She had no idea when she passed out, only that she was nowhere near as drunk. YuZhi watched hering around properly and brushed her hair back out of her face as he appraised her from hiszy point of view. She was tussled and sleepy looking and irresistible to him like this; it brought out a fierce protective instinct.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s about time we think about heading home. I have work tomorrow and you look done.¡± YuZhi was reluctant to go as he was having a mellow time, but it waste, and ZhengLi would stay until he passed out and bail on him tomorrow otherwise. They had important business at the moment, and neither could afford a day off.


    ¡°We should. We have that noon lunch meeting.¡± ZhengLi wasn¡¯t as gone as Linlin and still had some semnce of wits about him, pushing her onto the seat when she flopped onto hisp so he could get up to make her move. Catching her by the hand and hauling her with him, grabbing her bag and waving it in her face to signal it was home time.


    ¡°Come on crazy. Your bed is calling to you.¡± He bopped her on the forehead with it and jumped back when she lurched up unexpectedly.


    ¡°You better take her home and tuck her up in bed like the princess she is. Or I¡¯lle for you Leng!! Linlin swayed on unsteady legs, pointing YuZhi¡¯s way with a scowl and a ck tipped talon, which earned her a pat on the head from ZhengLi.


    ¡°Okay tiny terror, he¡¯s well and truly scared, so can I please escort you home now. I thought you were a seasoned drinker? I may be the one tucking certain princesses into bed at this rate.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so mean¡­. YuZhi is nice to me.¡± TangShi tried to defend him, but it came out like a childish breathy statement as she hupped then giggled at her own weirdness.


    ¡°I think home is probably for the best.¡± YuZhi got up, shaking his head at the state of both and helped TangShi to her feet too. Evaluating whether he might have to carry her and was surprised to find her nap had sobered her enough that she seemed capable of walking again. She had zonked out on him for a good forty minutes while he watched his friend y Romeo and listened to the music in the club, lost in his own head and d of the break form life.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I need the bathroom.¡± TangShi yawned, head spinning around to navigate the direction it was in while YuZhi hooked her hand in his and nodded ahead.


    ¡°That way, it¡¯s by the door so we will pass it. Come on.¡± He tugged her lightly, entwining fingers snugly to keep her close, so she started to follow and picked up her bag and his jacket with one hand. Aware how tired he was now he was upright.


    They walked off leaving ZhengLi to deal with Linlin who had decided she wanted one more shot before hitting the road. They made their way out into the dark and quiet hallway which housed the doors to the bathrooms and cloakroom before the main entrance.


    ¡°Meet me here when you¡¯re done, I¡¯m going to tell Cheng we¡¯re leaving and to pay the tab for tonight.¡± He watched her walk into the first door marked with a symbol of a female and turned on his heel, assured she was not going to fall over or pass out.


    TangShi spent a little time in the toilet, freshening up her face with some cold water to wake herself fully, patted on her cheeks in a bid to be alert again. She was dizzy, felt slightly surreal with a merry mood. The sleep had done her some good, but her feet were now killing her in her high fashion shoes, and she was looking forward to going to bed. It seemed like today was about three days long already.


    She wandered out into the empty corridor on fragile legs, limping a little forma newfound blister and caught sight of YuZhi at the far end where the bar curved round to let people in. He was talking to Mr Cheng, and she turned away to wait on him.


    The door at the other end opened with a gust of wind, and a dark figure slid in, blowing in to give her a chill and the smell of oing rain. The glimpse of view showing the duskiness of the early morning sky outside which distracted her from the entering person. It was only when her eyes trailed down to glimpse the human walking this way did she realize she knew the figure and face of this woman and she was marching right for her with intent, at a fast and angry pace that made TangShi step back timidly.


    ¡°Rhea? What are you doin¡­¡± TangShi never got the full sentence out of her mouth, registering surprise in her tone, before Rhea pped her hard across the face with such force that it knocked her sideways. TangShi was stunned, sped her burning cheek in reaction with her left hand and stumbled against the bathroom door which stopped her fall. Blinking back up at the red eyed and tear stained woman in utter shock, she managed to slide up the shiny surface but kept her distance as tears pricked her own eyes. She had no idea what was going on.


    ¡°What the hell, Rhea?¡± YuZhi¡¯s hostile tone pulled TangShi back to reality from shock as he stormed in between them, pushing Rhea back by the shoulder where she seemed to be gearing up for a second attack. She was poised and filled with hatred and aggression, wild eyed and staring down TangShi as though she was her worst enemy.


    He turned to see if TangShi was okay, instinct pulling him to her and cupping her small face with a gentle hand to lift it up to him. His face was ashen, and his eyes narrowed with a brewing storm of emotions and rage as he checked to see how bad it was. ¡°What the actual fuck are you doing? Why would you hit TangShi of all people? For what?¡± He snapped over his shoulder at Rhea.


    ¡°Let go of her!¡± Rhea spat, grabbing him by the back of his sweater with a vicious clutch and hauled him backwards so he let go of TangShi¡¯s face and stumbled to right himself before turning on her and grabbing her wrist. His grip firm as he unhooked her without a care if he hurt her and threw her hand aside coldly.


    ¡°What are you doing? Are you out of your fucking mind?¡± YuZhi was beyond angry, seething at her and couldn¡¯t wrap his head around why she would storm in here and do something like this. She wasn¡¯t prone to violence, or erratic behavior and this was in no way eptable to him.


    TangShi¡¯s legs were shaking violently and she was too shocked to say or do anything except stand there and rub her face to try and calm the swelling aching pain and the burn of what she assumed was a handprint on her cheek.


    ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be my friend!¡± Rhea spat usingly at TangShi, pushing YuZhi to one side so she could face her down, but he stepped back between them right away. Lifting his arm to create a barrier between them and shielded TangShi from another attack.

 Drama Prt 2

    ¡°Whatever you¡¯re pissed about, aim it at me. She¡¯s done nothing wrong so what the hell are you going on about?¡± It made no sense to him and judging by the mess Rhea was in, her hair ruffled, her make up streaked down her face and smudged, he could tell she had been crying so something had set her off. The subtle stench of alcohol from her was simr to his own so was clearly drunk and could exin some of this, but not all.


    ¡°This¡­. THIS!!¡± She snatched her cell phone from her handbag, dumping it open on the floor, so the contents spilled out and thrust her phone in his face to show him something. Her movements aggressive and hurried. From her angle TangShi could see it was a photograph. The one Linlin took earlier when she forced their faces together and made it look like an impromptu kiss. ¡°Your best friend posted this bullshit right here. What happened to all this being fake and not crossing boundaries which could damage our rtionship? What happened to trust? What happened to not being able to stand her, YuZhi?¡± Rhea screamed at him, almost deafening with a high pitched shrill and threw her cell into his chest when he attempted to take it.


    YuZhi blew out his breath and took a moment to reel in his own anger and calm himself. Otherwise, he knew this would escte and he didn¡¯t have the energy for it. He scooped to pick it up and turned off the screen before holding it back out to her, a quick nce over his shoulder to check TangShi was okay and gritted his teeth at seeing her puffy red face on one side swelling still. She had hit her hard and he was not happy about that at all.


    ¡°You talk about trust but storm in here smacking people before asking me what this even is? It¡¯s not what it even looks like and even if it was, we broke up. We agreed not to do this shit. You knew there would be a need for me to convince people that I love her and sometimes, that involves shit like this in public.¡± YuZhi was trying to keep his voice low and stable, trying so hard not to lose his temper with her but the burning rage of him hitting TangShi was making it hard to hold onto it.


    ¡°How can it not be what it looks like? You¡¯re kissing her and your best friend is posting it to his public WeChat ount for the world to see!¡± She yelled at him, pping the phone out of his hand with spiked fury, so it fell in the floor and kicked it away like a tantrumming child.


    TangShi trembled watching this and tried to pull herself together, to help clear up this misunderstanding. She knew she was to me in this, and he shouldn¡¯t be taking the brunt of it on his own.


    ¡°Rhea it¡¯s not what you think. It was Linlin ying around, and she pushed us together. It¡¯s not¡­¡± Her voice quivered as she moved forward with upraised palms, hoping she was showing her sincerity.


    ¡°Shut the hell up! Don¡¯t talk to me. You backstabbing bitch.¡± Rhea lurched forward at her, tears streaming once more but YuZhi caught her by the shoulders and harshly shoved her back a step to put her back on her feet where she previously was.


    ¡°You touch her again, I swear, Rhea, you¡¯ll see another side to me. And don¡¯t talk to her like that.¡± It was a real threat, born of fierce protective instinct and anger and intolerance to people bullying TangShi.


    ¡°You¡¯re siding with her? Over me!¡± Rhea bawled at him, a new fresh wave of tears yet her voice was forced out through gritted teeth.


    ¡°She hasn¡¯t done anything to defend or side with. You¡¯re blowing something out of proportion that¡¯s nothing and don¡¯t even deny the only reason you¡¯re maintaining a friendship is to keep tabs on me. Don¡¯t talk to her about friendship, Rhea. She doesn¡¯t owe you any loyalty. Besides, she¡¯s telling the truth. It¡¯s not how it looks, and you need to calm down so I can exin.¡± He was losing his patience; aware people were wandering to the open end of the corridor to see what all the yelling was and caught sight of ZhengLi pulling Linlin back with force to quell her hellcat tendencies at seeing her friend in a scenario. She was battle ready and had a face like thunder which tranted to ¡®I¡¯m gonna kill me some bitch¡¯.


    ¡°Me calm down? What about you? Isn¡¯t this all getting to be a little too regr, hanging out with her, cuddling up? You sure it¡¯s an act, YuZhi? It¡¯s getting hard to tell anymore!¡± Rhea had been torturing herself with insecure fears for weeks and had gotten drunk tonight when he didn¡¯t answer her calls all day. Something he had started doingtely due to her incessant need for his reassurance, which only made her a hundred times worse. He kept telling her they needed to cool off and stay apart and instead she had begun to desperately cling to him for fear he was slipping away.


    ¡°You¡¯re suffocating me and making constant demands. I¡¯m just trying to navigate this, so no one is hurt, and we all can live peacefully. She¡¯s my friend, nothing more. That picture is innocent and you¡¯re blowing it way out of proportion.¡± He tried for cool and calm again, aware he needed to bring her down from her own hysteria and could feel TangShi behind him cowering. Stuck between them and wishing he could take TangShi by the hand and walk out.


    ¡°End it. Be done with this shit and let¡¯s publicly announce we¡¯re back together. That it was all a mistake. Tell your grandfather it¡¯s over, we can¡¯t do this.¡± She grabbed his arms and clung to him like a drowning woman finding a lifeboat. Sobbing as her heart broke in two and shredded her heart to bits. Blinded by tears and sniffing as her emotions broke free and YuZhi tensed up aware they were attracting an audience and how this looked.


    ¡°You¡¯re drunk and being erratic. Go home, sleep this off and we will talk tomorrow, just the two of us. You¡¯re causing a scene and this ce isn¡¯tpletely safe. You need to sober up.¡± He was trying hard to make her listen, but she wasn¡¯t having any of it.


    ¡°Come home with me or I¡¯ming home it you. I want to sleep beside you tonight! I miss you, I miss us.¡±


    TangShi had a physical reaction to her words and the way she was wrapping herself around YuZhi, turning her face away as her heart constricted in pain. She knew this was because of her own stupid feelings for YuZhi, and even though she genuinely liked Rhea before this. In this moment though she resented her presence and wanted her to leave. Resented the way Rhea just wanted to toss TangShi away like she was a worthless rag and no part of YuZhi¡¯s life.


    ¡°No. I agreed to his deal. I¡¯m not doing that to TangShi either. Imagine the shame this would cause her and her family. The press would go crazy, and she would bebelled a home wrecker. It¡¯s just drama, Rhea. It would damage Leng Groups reputation too and my grandfather would hate you more.¡± The fact she couldn¡¯t see that made him irritated and unable to sympathize with her like this.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. You¡¯re supposed to love me. So prove it.¡±


    ¡°Stop it. I¡¯m not doing this. If you¡¯re not leaving, we are. I won¡¯t do this tonight.¡± YuZhi caught hold of her hands and tugged them off his clothes, pushing her back to stand her on her feet so anyone lingering wouldn¡¯t have an opportunity to take pictures. He turned to wave at ZhengLi in the distance and motioned a call sign with his hand, implying he should call her a driver, and then turned back catching a quick glimpse of TangShi stood solemnly by the bathroom door.


    TangShi¡¯s face was pale, her expression nervous with wide eyes and yet she stood silently and patiently out of the way so as not to make this worse. YuZhi immediately wanted to scoop her up and hug her, especially with the painful imprint of Rheas hand on her delicate face. She was killing him by looking vulnerable and wounded, without even trying.


    ¡°ZhengLi will make sure you get home. Go sleep. I¡¯ll call you tomorrow.¡± YuZhimanded her with a tone he reserved for dealing with employees who were making him angry. Motioning for TangShi to follow him. She did so at speed and skirted around Rhea in a wide berth to make sure she wouldn¡¯t reach her a second time, afraid of angering her further. YuZhi lingered close to Rhea until TangShi passed him too, in case he had to intervene, and then followed her out the door without looking back.


    ¡°You walk away, and we really are done, YuZhi Leng! You hear me? You leave now, with her, and go screw a future with me. I¡¯m not ying.¡± Rhea screamed after them, desperation taking over and killing her sanity, shrew like in her screaming. She picked up her bag and the spilled contents of makeup, keys, money and phone and threw them after him in a childish tantrum.


    ¡°I¡¯m not biting. Go home.¡± YuZhi turned and shrugged her way, aware she had always been a spoiled diva type. Pushing open the door with one hand and holding it so TangShi at his side could leave. He made sure not to touch her or do anything to provoke Rhea further and then followed TangShi outside and let it go. He knew he shouldn¡¯t just abandon her when she was like this, but he had no alternative. He wasn¡¯t about to leave TangShi alone to get home and staying would make things worse.


    ¡°Are you really leaving her there?¡± TangShi asked with a trembling voice, her whole body shaking with adrenalin at what just happened. She was shellshocked and emotional, like she had just encountered something traumatic.


    She shivered and then flinched away in guilt when YuZhi automatically slipped off his jacket to put on her and nced back at the club in case Rhea followed them.


    ¡°Uh uh. She won¡¯t like it.¡± She shook her head and pushed it away cautiously. Rattled by Rhea¡¯s behavior and intimidated that she might erupt again if she saw. It had been harmless and innocent tonight, but now she felt like she behaved in the worst way and caused all of this.


    ¡°Yes, and I didn¡¯t ask for her opinion on who I give my jacket to. It¡¯s cold, and you need it.¡± YuZhi ignored her gesture and forcefully put the jacket around her before tugging her forward to close the buttons so she couldn¡¯t shrug it off again. ¡°She¡¯s drunk and being unreasonable. If I stay, it will erupt, and I can¡¯t deal with her like that. I¡¯ll say things I don¡¯t mean like she has just done.¡±


    He knew Rhea was spitting venom to make him react how she wanted and could brush it off. She had always been a control freak in her own way, and this was her emotional ckmail to get him to toe the line. She had used simr over the years when they fought, and it no longer worked. He also knew her temper and what she was like drunk, that staying was the worst case scenario. He pulled out his cell and text ZhengLi to make sure he would see her home, worried that she might refuse to let him once YuZhi was gone.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get us a car.¡± He muttered to the bewildered looking TangShi and opened the app to do that while waiting on ZhengLi¡¯s reply, d to see there was an uber a minute away and their wait would be minimal. The best thing for both of them right now was to go home and get out of sight.


    ZhengLi responded with assurance and told them to leave. That he had Rhea in a seat and was calming her down with some honey water and Kleenex, but that Linlin had stormed off to the bar in a rage and was refusing to sit with her. He didn¡¯t tell TangShi though as she would want to go back in to retrieve her friend and the situation would erupt again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home and sleep. It¡¯s going to be okay. I¡¯ll talk to her tomorrow, and she¡¯ll apologize to you for this. You didn¡¯t do anything to warrant this so stop stressing over it.¡± He reached out and gently stroked her face, in two minds about calling Cheng toe out with an ice pack when the taxi rounded the street and pulled into the carpark. He hesitated, looked at her face and then the car and decided he could better tend to it at home.

 Starting School Prt 1

    ¡°Are you sure this is everything? We could check out the new store over there.¡± Linlin offered but TangShi shook her head without looking to see what the store was and finished putting the shopping bags into the boot of Linlin¡¯s orange car. d to have finally finished ticking off her list.


    ¡°I already have so many supplies and don¡¯t need much. It¡¯s an art school, not a college for schrs, and I¡¯m sure I can pick up anythingter I may have forgotten.¡± TangShi was excited about her starting date in only a few days and was eagerly counting them down. It seemed like it wasing so fast, and she was more than ready to start. To have something to fill her days with.


    ¡°Clothes?¡± Linlin offered with a small smile. ¡°I¡¯m sure you need some fashionable and arty overalls or something!¡±


    ¡°You mean, TangShi do you want to go shopping so I can spend money on things I don¡¯t need in the name of passing time?¡± TangShi cocked a brow at her friend and smiled as she closed the car boot.


    ¡°I always need clothes; besides I have a hot date with that jackass yboy ZhengLi, and I need to out sexy him. He thinks too highly of himself, and I should put him back in his ce and remind him how lucky he is that I am giving him the time of day.¡±


    It had been almost a week since the nightclub incident where Rhea had pped TangShi, and Linlin had seen ZhengLi three times already. Both adamant that it was a friend with benefits rtionship and no serious ties, but TangShi could tell Linlin liked him enough to break her own rule of seeing the same guy only once in a week.


    It had been quiet since YuZhi had smoothed things over with Rhea and set the record straight, but she still hadn¡¯t shown up or called TangShi to apologize about hitting her. TangShi still felt uptight and antsy about it and would check her phone every so often in case she missed a call. YuZhi had left that night in the past and told her not to worry about it, but TangShi couldn¡¯t shake the nerves she felt over it. If Rhea really was fine then why hadn¡¯t she reached out, and why had she stoppeding to the house to see TangShi since? She was too reluctant to reach out to her first in case it made things worse and was scared Rhea really did hate her now and suspected her of trying to seduce YuZhi.


    Cheng thankfully had very particr standards of clientele for his club, ones who valued their privacy when being there. This meant event though the whole scene had been witnessed by many, not a single report, video, or picture had shown up and TangShi could stop worrying it would. Cheng¡¯s club was a private ce with a keypad entry for members. Only those who were epted could get in and those inside all had reason to stay out of the public eye.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have other ns, so lead the way.¡± TangShi relented, knowing she would rather get sore feet from following her shopaholic friend around for the afternoon than sit at home alone and stress over her current predicament and overthink. Although things were better between YuZhi and her and they had started to find a bnced way of co-existing, it was the only rtionship in that house that was easy, excluding XiaoSu. It wasn¡¯t a home for her and when she was there, she tiptoed around, either staying in their room or sitting in the sunroom to paint. She tried to keep out of everyone¡¯s way and always felt uptight.


    Grandfather ignored her or avoided her and seemed like he didn¡¯t want to make anysting bond to a girl who would leave one day. Aunt still treated her like a leper and Rhea¡¯s inferior, and the other uncles and asional family gave her the cold treatment or bored expressions. They didn¡¯t want pulled into Aunt¡¯s drama and knew she would flip out if they were kind to TangShi, although some felt a modicum of pity for her.


    YuZhi¡¯s sister had gone abroad for a few months and never got around to hanging out which had disappointed TangShi, hoping she would have had a friend and ally in her. She figured it was Auntie¡¯s doing that she was suddenly whisked off to a six-month educational trip of importance the minute she showed interest in being friends with TangShi. That meant the house was big and lonely , with only Xiaosu in the day to talk to and YuZhi when he came home at night, sometimeste.


    ¡°We could do lunch, shop, then go hang out at my house. I want you to help me find an apartment. I want to move out from my parents seeing as they are never there. It¡¯s too big and I can¡¯t stand their d¨¦cor choices.¡±


    This had been something they had talked about many times, that Linlin wanted her own ce, but never evermitted to doing it. She probably wouldn¡¯t this time either.


    ¡°Sounds good to me. Only, can we not go anywhere too high profile, I¡¯m really not in the mood for being followed.¡±


    The press was calming down ofte, once again stirred up by the picture on ZhengLi¡¯s WeChatst week but there was lingering paparazzi and the odd citizen who recognized TangShi. She wasn¡¯t used to this and was starting to get why celebrities stayed out of sight or wore masks to move around the city. It was exhausting to always be aware of people around you and monitor your own behavior andpany.


    ¡°I want western food though and nowhere cheap and cheerful does what I want.¡± Linlin whined, puppy eyes making TangShi feel guilty for denying her and she sighed heavily.


    ¡°Fine. As long as we leave if I start getting unwanted attention. I¡¯m not in the mood.¡± Some reporters were relentless and would question and yell after her while snapping a hundred pictures, shes going off in her face. She couldn¡¯t understand why people were even interested.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    ¡°Coolio!¡± Linlin darted up and kissed her taller friend on the cheek with a mischievous grin on her cute face and hooked her arm in hers as TangShi¡¯s phone to started to ring. TangShi could never resist Linlin¡¯s requests.


    ¡°Hold up a second.¡± She slid it out of her bag and smiled impulsively when she saw YuZhi¡¯s name on screen. He didn¡¯t often call her, so she rushed to answer it, that familiar feeling of butterflies rearing their heads in her stomach and a ripple of happiness that ignited her childish bubbly side.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Her voice was immediately softer, pulling a raised brow from Linlin who observed with interest. Seeing the physical change in her friend was a sure sign her suspicions of TangShi falling for YuZhi again were confirmed.


    ¡°Hey. Are you busy? I need you to do something for me.¡± YuZhi was lounging at his desk with his feet propped up, halfway down his chair in a mirroring pose to ZhengLi on the other side of his desk. Both recently stuffed themselves on take out after going through today¡¯s schedule and were letting it digest.


    ¡°Not really, just shopping with Linlin for my school supplies. What is it?¡±


    ¡°Be my date. I have this thing this afternoon that requires one. I¡¯ll pay for an outfit; I just need you to get here for four pm. Outside my building. If you want to, that is?¡± YuZhi slid up in his chair, pulling his feet down and motioned for ZhengLi to move his as he pulled documents from under them. ¡°It¡¯s a formal early dinner. So, something modest and understated. It¡¯ll be a table of old men and their rich wives so nothing to cause high blood pressure.¡± He jested as he found the contracts rted to this afternoon and then tossed him to ZhengLi while motioning that he needed three copies. ZhengLi heaved up, sighing that their break was over while still nursing his food baby and scooped up the papers to go back to his own desk and copy machine. Throwing a backwards handwave and thumbs up at his friend.


    TangShi¡¯s nerves rose, and her face colored at the thought of something like this and she faltered as she replied. Knowing that public things like this were expected, but it still made her antsy.

 Starting School Prt 2

    ¡°Do I have to do anything?¡± her voice trembled a little, making it obvious she was nervous about it.


    ¡°Just look pretty and be polite. The model fianc¨¦e. I¡¯ll do the talking and you can hang on my arm or hide behind me if you like. If I don¡¯t take a date, they¡¯ll try marrying me off to their daughters before they let me leave.¡± He joked, smiling to himself as he listened intently to her shallowed breathing, knowing she wasn¡¯t a fan of this kind of thing. It still made him feel bad that he had once bullied this girl relentlessly. The more he knew her the more it amped his guilt because she was like a sweet kitten with no real ws, and she got uptight about the weirdest things.


    ¡°Okay. Linlin can help me pick something. She can drop me off too.¡± TangShi nodded at her friend, asking if that would be okay, getting Linlin¡¯s nod and thumbs up as approval.


    ¡°She can amuse my assistant while I¡¯m gone if she wants. He¡¯ll be free from four onwards.¡± YuZhi smirked, teasing because he was aware those two had been hooking up since that night at Cheng¡¯s, even if ZhengLi was denying anything between them beyond kissing that night. It wasn¡¯t like him to y coy and hide the sordid details of his ythings, so he had a suspicion this was different.


    ¡°Oh, they already have a date tonight anyway.¡± TangShi offered innocently and YuZhi burst into a full smile on the other end of the call. He had implied he was busy tonight but not with whom, but it was all fitting together.


    ¡°Is there anything else?¡± TangShi waited with a pensive breath.


    ¡°Nope. I¡¯ll see you at four, outside. Don¡¯t forget. I¡¯m sure Linlin knows where Leng Group HQ is though, right? I¡¯ll be waiting for you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, she does.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ Tang¡­.¡± YuZhi had started shortening her name these past few days and it always made her feel a little peculiar. As though it was a sign that his affection for her was growing. It felt personal somehow, almost cute. ¡°Rhea might be there tonight. Her father is one of the investors and it¡¯s not abnormal for him to take her as his partner. I know you two haven¡¯t talked since the club, so maybe it might be a chance to smooth things over. I didn¡¯t want you walking in without a heads up.¡± He rolled his shoulders, the pit in his stomach tightening as though he was getting stressed on her behalf.


    He had spoken to Rhea a few times since that night and told TangShi it was all sorted, which was a little white lie. The truth was that Rhea was being difficult and her insecurity and jealousy had amped up to another level. She epted his exnation and admitted she shouldn¡¯t have touched TangShi, but YuZhi¡¯s threat had left them at a cold standoff. He told her that if she everid hands on TangShi again or verbally attacked her then they would be over for good, without reprieve. And he meant it. He couldn¡¯t stomach women who used violence to sort their conflicts, especially against other girls who would never retaliate.


    He had never made any kind of threats like this in the whole time they dated, it was more Rhea¡¯s style, but this was something he was furious over and Rhea was sulking and pissed about it. He assumed it¡¯s why she hadn¡¯t contacted TangShi and was probably mulling over it like a spoiled child while holding back the apology in pettiness. Rgea could be a stubborn child at times.


    ¡°Oh. Okay.¡± TangShi didn¡¯t know what else to say. Her insides turning over like a washing machine cycle had been switched on and she swallowed hard.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it though. Rhea knows you did nothing wrong but she¡¯s stubborn and sometimes takes a bit of time to admit to a mistake.¡± That was an understatement.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I can handle it.¡± TangShi wanted to reassure him even if she didn¡¯t feel great about it.


    Linlin eyeballed her weirdly, knowing something was up and frustrated at only hearing half a conversation. She narrowed her eyes and leaned in to listen, but TangShi batted her away with a yful poke in her temple.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You can! So, four. We can go do something fun after to make it up to you. Maybe a movie? A walk after? You pick.¡±


    TangShi wasn¡¯t expecting the offer to do something like that after, and blushed profusely, aware that her feelings for YuZhitely were gettingplicated and scolded herself for being stupid. She knew that as they grew closer, he was treating her like a friend and trying to make this amicable, but things like invites to a movie confused her emotions and made her hope for things she shouldn¡¯t. She had to remind herself frequently that he loved Rhea, and this was only a tonic arrangement. That she shouldn¡¯t be disloyal to Rhea either, as apart from that one night, she had shown her kindness and friendship while others were being cold.


    ¡°I¡¯d like that. I¡¯ll see you at four.¡±


    ¡°Have fun shopping. Don¡¯t let Linlin max your credit card.¡± He joked with a smile, his mood light because TangShi always made his day seem better, even with the briefest of interactions. She was a sunny personality that had long been missing in his life. She had a pure innocence about her that you never had to question or doubt. What you saw is what you got, and she had no devious ns behind the smile and sweetness. In this society of the super-rich, it was rare.


    They hung up without further conversation and TangShi ryed everything to her best friend. Eyeing her up in confusion as Linlin beamed brighter and brighter and her grin overtook her face.


    ¡°A fake date followed by a real one. Maybe we should add lingerie shopping to the list.¡± She jested, poking TangShi in the ribs and then dodging a well-aimed retaliation p.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡± TangShi¡¯s face reddened right up to the top of her ears, and she turned away to hide it.


    ¡°Sure it isn¡¯t! You know, ZhengLi is with me on this. That you two are not as tonic and straightforward as you both want to pretend. That it¡¯s only a matter of time!¡±


    ¡°Not again.¡± TangShi covered Linlin¡¯s mouth with her palm, shaking her head at her for once again bringing this up. ¡°I could say something simr about you two. You say it¡¯s a no strings arrangement, yet I have never seen you date one man at a time, and so many hook ups in one week. Hmmm?¡±


    Linlin batted her hand away instantly defensive and turned to shake her ass at her friend. Winking over her shoulder with a sassy grin.


    ¡°He¡¯s good in bed and he¡¯s an amazing kisser. Of course, I¡¯m going to get full use of it before I move on to the next one. I¡¯m indulging my needs until he bores me.¡± Linlin deflected wandering off in search of the nearest ce to eat in hopes the rise of her own blush wasn¡¯t noticeable but refused to admit to herself that she had a major crush on ZhengLi Kim. He wasn¡¯t like any other guy she had ever known. He was better at game ying and being aloof than Linlin and for the first time in her life, she was not the master behind the wheel of a new dating partnership. ZhengLi was pulling all the strings.


    ¡°Except¡­I know you haven¡¯t slept with him, so that¡¯s a lie. And another clue this is not all about hook ups.¡± TangShi followed, knowing that had they had sex she would know all the sordid details, because Linlin was not one to keep them to herself. So far, she had told her about every date and nothing after. That was a big clue that ZhengLi was dropping her off and not staying over. She just didn¡¯t understand the fact Linlin was hiding it. She also was confused about theck of sex, given both ZhengLi and Linlin were born yers and fine with casual one-night stands.


    ¡°Pffft. You have no idea.¡± Linlin blushed, caught out by her friend and ignored the thumpity thump of her own betraying heart. The truth was, ZhengLi hadn¡¯t made any moves to get her into bed yet and Linlin was strangely apprehensive about crossing that line. She had lost all confidence in her sexual prowess when it came to him.


    She had never hesitated about sex with a hot man before, yet when things got close to it with ZhengLi, she lost all her vavoom and her nerves almost suffocated her. He didn¡¯t seem all that worried about pushing her into it either. Infuriatingly cool and thest two dates he had kissed her until her toes curled and her breath was crazy heavy, at the door, and left without pushing for more. She couldn¡¯t read him at all. It was like he was enjoying getting her worked up and turned on, just so he could walk off and leave her frustrated. If this was a game n for him, she wasn¡¯t going to fall for it and be the one to beg or make the moves.


    ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s eat fast, you have to help me pick out suitable clothes.¡± TangShi dropped the subject, caught up to her friend so she could link arms and was led down a side alley to find somewhere they could get some western food. Excitement brimming inside because she was starting to love spending time with YuZhi, and this was going to be a whole afternoon and evening with him.

 Two dates Prt 1

    ¡°Thank you Mr Kamamoto. It was a pleasure doing business with you.¡± YuZhi shook the man¡¯s hand, bowing to him and his wife as they made their parting greetings and TangShi stood obediently beside him and waited for the polite goodbyes too. She was stylish in a long navy wool shift dress, and t pumps. Her hair wavy and sat prettily around her naturally made-up face, free of jewelry apart from one dainty ne and she exuded an air of elegance. Many of the male diners had been enamored with YuZhi¡¯s date and it had been a pleasant and friendly evening.


    They worked through all the dinnerpanions as they made their way out of the dining area, after a two-hour long dinner, and YuZhi took her hand in his which was now bing an automatic maneuver whenever he was with her. Finally free and heading for the carpark.


    ¡°You did really good. They seemed impressed with my girlfriend.¡± He smiled, knowing she knew he was joking about the title and fell into a matched pace. d this was over and satisfied he got what he needed out of the meeting.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t so bad. I found it interesting listening to you talk about your investment n and the newpany you want to start up. The food was nice. I liked it here.¡± TangShi had genuinely enjoyed herself and despite working herself up and expecting Rhea, she never showed up at all. Her father brought his assistant instead and they had a rxing meal talking over a proposal that sounded interesting.


    ¡°Yeah, work stuff can be boring, but this was one project I actually have interest in. Something new and exciting.¡±


    They werebining an established fashion line with one of their popr cosmetic brands to create a theme for a known artist. Putting her designs on both prints and essories, but also packaging to tie them up into limited edition items. And a business venture that was something to do with building a media center in Shanghai. YuZhi had seemed so mature and capable as she watched him as a CEO, and it impressed her how on top of everything he was.


    ¡°Have you figured out what we¡¯re going to do now?¡± YuZhi guided her outside quickly, pulling her into his side as they moved past other diner¡¯sing in and helped her navigate to their parking space. Looking forward to letting their hair down.


    ¡°A movie sounded fun but there was nothing showing that I want to see. How about we go to the Bund? I read there¡¯s a street performance and some craft stalls and attractions tonight. It sounds fun and there¡¯s a nned fireworks disy at nine pm.¡± TangShi had put a lot of thought into what she wanted to do tonight, and this was entirely up her street. She wasn¡¯t a lover of shy outings, five star surroundings orplicated trips, and loved to see the culture and fun of people enjoying things like this.


    ¡°Sure. Do you need a change of clothes, or footwear?¡± He nced down, fine with whatever she decided on and seeing she was already in t shoes. She also had a jacket this time and seemed to havee prepared for ate-night walk.


    ¡°Nope. I nned in advance, and I have a bag in your car with my scarf.¡± She beamed at him, proud of herself for her forward thinking and even picking a warmer dress.


    YuZhi nodded, a ghost of a smile crossing his face as he tried not to link this kind of date to them having an adventure in the streets of Beijing so long ago. That was a night of street stalls, a parade, and an impromptu festival which ended in fireworks too. She didn¡¯t seem to have made the connection, so he kept quiet and helped her into the car when they got to it. Opening her door and guiding her inside before closing it for her. Tonight, he was airing his boy toy once more and leaving his driver at home. He liked the intimacy of the two of them in his sports car alone.


    ¡°To the Bund then.¡± YuZhi slid into his seat and got them moving. Pulling out into traffic and heading for the historical part of Shanghai where he hoped it wouldn¡¯t be too crowded. He was tired after keeping up with the social niceties tonight and wanted some chill out time to unwind. He could do walking around and a crowd as long as no one bothered them.


    TangShi was a peacefulpanion and even though he got a pang of guilt for taking her out tonight after everything that happened with Rheast week, he pushed it away. This was nothing sordid and part of the agreement with his grandfather that he would have a believable marriage for two years. Besides, they were hanging out the same way he and ZhengLi would and there was nothing in it.


    Rhea had to ept it, even if she didn¡¯t like it, as he felt like he was doing it for all of them. He genuinely liked TangShi¡¯spany and keeping up appearances like this was good for his family name while fulfilling a promise. They were friends now and she was a major part of his life that he couldn¡¯t ignore.


    ¡°Are you excited for school starting?¡± YuZhi added in afterthought, eyes on the road as they drove through the city traffic. Turning on the radio low to y background music.


    ¡°Yes. I get so bored and lose my will to paint when I am stuck home all day. I feel like it¡¯ll be good for me. Something to do and a way to improve my skills. It¡¯s so beautiful and peaceful too and all the staff seem kind and approachable. I think I¡¯ll be happy there.¡± She smiled brightly, casting him a nce before rxing into her seat and looking out at the passing scenery. She was feeling merry already, even though she hadn¡¯t drunk any alcohol through dinner. They had gotten to the stage where small talk was free flowing, and silences were no longer ufortable. That being together felt easy and natural, and she could breathe easy and not feel she had to perform or be someone else.


    YuZhi was warmed by that fact. That she was d to be starting and had found something like this to help her art. He approvedpletely and was only too happy to pay for whatever she wanted to do or needed. She was talented, but above all he wanted her enjoying life while stuck in this arrangement, so she no longer regretted it or felt upset about how they started out. He was dealing feeling bad about how he used to treat her.


    ¡°I wanted to talk to you about that actually. About, home. About the current arrangements.¡± He shed a look her way to gauge a reaction and saw only confusion. This was something that he had wanted to broach the past few days but had never found the right time. It had sounded unusible in his head and he didn¡¯t know if she would take it the wrong way.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Where we live right now, it¡¯s not actually where I lived. I moved home as part of the arrangement for this ¡­.. marriage.¡± YuZhi hesitated at the title, which always felt like a dirty word between them. He nced her way, uptight for no reason and way too interested in her reaction.


    ¡°Where did you live then?¡± She asked in genuine curiosity blinking at him and giving him her full attention, not really making the connection he was hinting at. Innocently intrigued.


    ¡°I have an apartment near Leng Group HQ. I was nning on moving back there once we got¡­¡­ you know¡­¡± He stalled and TangShi bit on her lip, guessing the answer and blushing.


    ¡°Pregnant?¡± Her voice waivered and she looked away, prickling with embarrassment at the topic she never broached. It was the one thing neither of them ever brought up beyond clinic appointments.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yeah. Only now, with things like this, I know it¡¯s going to sound weird but ¡­¡­ I want us to move to my apartment and carry on as nned there. I hate travelling so far tomute every day and you¡¯ll have your own room, your own space, and own bed. We can exist with less eyes on us from my family and I know you¡¯re not happy with how they are towards you. Aunt RuiZi especially. We¡¯ll have more freedom to rx and you might find it less boring to be home without an atmosphere.¡± He swallowed hard, unsure why this was making him nervous and mmy, and his heart rate had upped. Hanging on her response by holding his breath. He had thought about it a lot this past week and it made sense to move them. Grandfather wouldn¡¯t let him leave her alone at home and this way they didn¡¯t have to exin outings to the clinic or have anyone keeping tabs on them. It would ease so much pressure and they could forge out a proper life for the duration of this.

 Two Dates prt 2

    ¡°You want me toe and live with you in your apartment?¡± She repeated it slowly as if she wasn¡¯t sure if it was a joke.


    ¡°Yeah. I figured now we are close, that it won¡¯t be as weird. We can do our own thing, no diet restrictions, nned meals, standing to attention at the family dinner. We only have to go there for Sunday lunch once a week, like I used to.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re sure you want to, then I have noints. It sounds like it would be closer to the art school too and easier for me tomute¡­. That is, if Rhea doesn¡¯t hate it.¡± TangShi turned it over in her brain and didn¡¯t see that it was much different to sharing his room at the big house, only she wouldn¡¯t share a bed anymore. Her nerves hitched as thest sentence tumbled out and YuZhi automatically frowned, slight irritation that TangShi always considered Rhea¡¯s feelings above her own.


    He knew it should make him feel better that was she was this way, and considerate of his ex-girlfriend considering their circumstances, but this decision had nothing to do with Rhea and he didn¡¯t really care if she liked it or not. He ignored herst words and carried on regardless.


    ¡°I can drop you and pick you up if we move there. It¡¯s on my way to thepany and we can figure out the times. It makes sense and will be easier on everyone.¡±


    TangShi blushed and turned away with a shy smile, overjoyed and feeling gleeful at this unexpected arrangement. Assuming by everyone, he meant Rhea too and took it that she approved. If everyone was fine with it then so was she.


    Never had she ever imagined YuZhi would want to move her out of that sterile environment into something that sounded a lot better for them both. More time together, away from prying eyes and judgmental stares. She would be able to rx and eat what she wanted to eat. Sleeping apart would be weird after so long but she always felt it wasn¡¯t appropriate with Rhea in the picture. A sad thought passed over her though and her face crumbled as her feelings died painfully.


    ¡°Xiaosu?  I won¡¯t see her anymore?¡± It sobered her happiness and she turned back to him with genuine conflict written all over her face.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why not? She¡¯s part of my family¡¯s staff. I can have here and work for us there. Commute back and forth when you want or need her. I mean, I tend to cook for myself or eat out so never had need for a housekeeper beyond the one whoes twice a week to clean. If you want XiaoSu toe instead, it can be done.¡± YuZhi just wanted to keep TangShi happy and if that did it, it wasn¡¯t a hardpromise. She really didn¡¯t ever ask for anything from him. She was low maintenance all the time, so he didn¡¯t mind making allowances when she did ask.


    ¡°I¡¯d like that. We can figure it out once I get used to my schedule and all of this.¡± TangShi beamed, a little ray of happiness bubbling inside and leaned back to enjoy the view once more.  YuZhi watched her for a long second and smiled to himself, at that peaceful and content expression her face. She really wasn¡¯t hard to make happy and he wished all these years Rhea had been this amicable and easy to please. His life would have been less stressful if she was as mellow as Tang.


    They drove on, making small talk for the best part of a half hour before they finally pulled into park within walking distance of the bund. The waterfront mile long walk that passed by every historical and beautiful building in the city, while offering gorgeous views of Huangpu River.


    While they moved and made their way to the attraction, they could tell a small music parade was in full swing, noise drifting on the air and heading this way. The scene was bright as there were temporary fairy lights strung frommp post tomppost for over a mile of the walkway, making it a magical and surreal view. There were food stalls and makeshift boutiques dotted along the railings, all visually pretty and they moved aside to join the watchers as the bright costume heavy parade moved on by.


    YuZhi kept a hold on TangShi¡¯s hand, fingers intertwined, and moved them to a position where she could watch without being shoved around by the crowd. Holding onto her and shielding her from behind when she became excited and childlike and started bouncing up and down to see. She was impulsively waving to the merry makers and grinning with joy at how beautiful it all was. TangShi forgot all her worries and stresses and fully immersed in the celebratory atmosphere and the happiness of the people around her.


    Loud but enchanting music surrounded them, an array of bright and wonderful costumes, including a dancing Chinese dragon, swaying about and even a torch wielding dancer who swallowed fire. She watched in wide eyed awe, amazed, and mesmerized by the disys and forgot about everything else. TangShi was enamored with all of it and pulled YuZhi from stall to stall, pointing out performers and light shows and giggling crazily as they found something to look at with every turn. She was beyond happy, infectious with her enthusiasm, and loved the craziness of the people around her, all out enjoying a mild and clear skied evening. It was the perfect weather to be strolling this evening. Not too warm but dry and no hint of rain.


    ¡°Here, let¡¯s try some of this!¡± TangShi gushed with excitement and tugged him by the hand to another nearby food vendor who was selling moon cakes. TangShi had all the energy and aura of a hyped-up puppy dog tonight and YuZhi was entertained by how animated and bright she was. Refusing none of her requests and allowing himself to be led about in her frenzy of excitement.


    He was used to seeing calm and sweet TangShi and yet tonight she was like an inquisitive kid, running around tugging him to everything for fear she wouldn¡¯t get to see it all. Pushing him to stalls to buy them random foods of fancy and bouncing giddily at everything that gave her pleasure. He found himself picking up on her buzz and feeling it too, joining in and really enjoying himself. Increasing his enthusiasm to make her happy and getting involved in with how much she was enjoying all this. It felt like he was viewing his city through the eyes of a child, suddenly aware of how mesmerizing Shanghai could be when you stopped enjoy it this way.


    ¡°Ooooh, candy floss!¡± She squealed in delight, pulling his jacket to attract his attention while he paid for their moon cakes.  He almost missed grabbing the paper bag before she had him stumbling sideways in her eagerness to catch the walking seller who was moving through the crowd with bagged floss of pastel colors.


    ¡°Tang, honey¡­.. you need to slow down.¡± YuZhiughed at her, following obediently, and had to pull ahead and lead her instead to catch up with him.


    ¡°Here¡­ one of those, any color she wants.¡± He motioned the seller, nodding at his wares, and stopped to dig out his wallet again as TangShi leaned up on tiptoes and pointed at a pastel rainbow concoction in the bundle over the man¡¯s head.


    ¡°That one. It looks like unicorn fluff.¡± She beamed, hauling it down and ripping it open in eagerness without waiting on YuZhi to pay. He handed the money over her head looking a lot like an indulgent boyfriend and thanked the man before sliding an arm around his preupied date. Guiding her to a nearby bench to sit because she was in a walkway and most likely about to get trampled while being too engrossed in her treat. He wasden with bags and packages from this food sprint they had been doing and they had only tasted about a third of what he was carrying so far. They wouldn¡¯t need to stock up on snacks for a week or two.


    ¡°We could go dump these in the car and head over there to watch the show. There¡¯s a big disy of fireworks still toe and we need a nice quiet view.¡± YuZhi watched her, happy with how content she seemed, sitting picking at her floss delicately and propping it in her mouth while she tapped her feet to the nearby band ying music. He loved seeing her like this. Carefree and young with no inhibition and no care about acting a certain way or pleasing people around her. She seemed free in this moment, and it was infectious, making him feel like being wild and reckless too and enjoying it all the way she seemed to be doing. This was the girl he met eight years ago, that seemed shy at first and made his night one that he had never forgotten. She came alive and left the reserved TangShi behind when she was truly happy.


    ¡°Okay. I want to get boba tea to wash this down.¡± TangShi smiled his way, swaying her head from side to side to the song, looking unintentionally cute and heughed at her and bopped her on the head with a gentle fist. She was adorable without trying and he wondered how had missed it for the first months they lived together.


    ¡°I swear you have reverted to fifteen years old tonight. You should be like this more often. I like it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m having fun.¡± TangShi shrugged not really feeling like she was being all that different, it¡¯s just she was letting him see the side only Linlin usually got to see. Rxing because out here no one was expecting anything from her, and she trusted being in hispany now. That he wouldn¡¯t judge her or bully her anymore. She was opening up to him and being herself more often.


    YuZhi leaned in and stroked her hair from her cheek that was caught in her food, and tucked it behind her ear softly, sliding to move closer.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy that you¡¯re happy. We should do this more often. Make it a regr thing. Date night.¡± He grinned, chuckling at her when her face turned pink, and she shook her head at him, looking shocked.


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t call it that, even if you¡¯re joking.¡± She lowered her voice so others wouldn¡¯t hear in case nosy citizens were hanging around. She still always had Rhea in the forefront of her mind whenever he said things like this, and that tremor of guilt ran over her. A shudder and shback of her tearful face that night in the club and her unconcealed hatred.


    ¡°Come on, lets go to the car so I can have my arms back. I couldn¡¯t eat another thing.¡± He motioned for her to follow as he gathered it all in one arm and hooked her hand in his once more to lead the way. Catching sight of someone aiming a cellphone their way and he turned his head towards her and shielded her best he could.


    He knew this would be making the rounds tomorrow and no doubt spur another flood of calls from the currently silent Rhea. Another bout of jealousy, and he sighed in detion. He knew he wasn¡¯t being fair to her in all of this and avoiding conflict while her emotions were all over the ce. He just didn¡¯t know how else to navigate it and the cracks that had always been in their rtionship were starting to gape wider and be prominent. He had no energy for any of it right now and he had no words to help Rhea get through this. They needed to cool off and get used to separation for the duration.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you fed up? Tired? Do you want to go home?¡± TangShi felt his change in mood and wrongly assumed it was because he was bored with this now.


    ¡°No. Pictures.¡± He inclined his head to the left as way of exnation and TangShi flushed and looked down at her feet automatically to hide her face, losing all the joy of a moment ago with that reminder of reality. Crashing in on herself and suddenly aware of her behaviors and how she would look in a picture. It made her self conscious.


    ¡°I wish they could leave us alone.¡± She sighed, sobering her mood and YuZhi pulled her close and slid his arm around her instead to help her feel secure. Agreeing with her that tonight he really wanted them to be able to be themselves without worrying about being seen or photographed. It felt like an invasion tonight, more so than usual.


    ¡°You get used to it but maybe we should drive somewhere and watch the fireworks from afar. Secluded. Get away from this to enjoy the fifty-two varieties of street food we¡¯re packing.¡± He jested, motioning all her purchases and broke her sad mood, bringing a smile back to her face. Her happiness picking up again.


    ¡°On one condition?¡± She prodded him in the cheek, feeling yful and the photographer forgotten almost instantly.


    ¡°Hmmm?¡± YuZhi answered absentmindedly as he navigated her through a dense crowd of people as they headed for the carpark. Hyper aware always of people knocking into her small frame or getting between them to separate them while it was so busy. Pulling her into his chest and moving her around as she seemed oblivious to it.


    ¡°Wey on the bo to watch them. I always wanted to do it that way. Like in the movies!¡± She giggled as though it was some extravagant request, blinking up at him with a pleading cute girl expression and he broke into a smile. She never ceased to surprise him.


    ¡°Sounds good to me. On the condition you don¡¯t make me eat anymore or I might throw up. I¡¯ll happily sleep on the bo, under the stars, if we can stop buying cakes.¡± He joked and led her on to go find his car, knowing exactly where he was going to take her to view the show. Somewhere he had never taken Rhea, but it was a ce close to heart and a ce he hadn¡¯t gone since his father passed away. It was secluded, high up and somewhere not many people ventured.

 Fireworks Prt 1

    Prt 1YuZhi drove them to a secluded area on the far end of the bund, where many private buildings had their own parking and navigated through a gated entrance using a keypad. Thendscaping for this particr park was slightly raisedpared to the road in and they got as close to the waterfront as possible before he parked his car, facing towards the disy area in the distance. It was a perfect sightseeing spot for the bund from here and they could still hear the music from the bands.


    TangShi was regretting eating her candy floss so fast and was sporting a stomachache now, curled up in the passenger seat, being quiet and pale faced but still eager to see the show. They hadn¡¯t driven far but this area was darker than the surroundings and had some trees concealing the private parking lot, so it seemed secluded. It felt like they were out in the woods if it wasn¡¯t for the high-rise buildings peeking all around them and the glow of the city lights all around. There was a jetty off to the edge that looked like a port for a small private boat, and she pondered how he knew about this ce. He had the keypad entry pin, so she wondered if this was something to do with Leng Group.


    ¡°Are you sure we are allowed in here?¡± She queried him, sliding off her seatbelt to follow him as he got out of his own side. She didn¡¯t wait for him to open her door and came around the front of the car to meet him, looking around at the prettyndscaping that edged almost all sides.


    ¡°Yeah. I own that building right there and this is its parking allotment. It¡¯s pretty, huh?¡± He gestured to a smaller building nestled behind them. Only ten floors in height, not particrly outstanding in its in grey structure and shrouded in utter darkness as if nothing and no one was inside.


    ¡°It looks empty. Don¡¯t you use it?¡± TangShi was intrigued and tilted her head to observe him as he shook his, seeming evasive as she questioned it. He dodged her eye, shrugged and seemed immersed in looking for the start of the show.


    ¡°Not really.¡± He hadn¡¯t been here in years and left it to be maintained by hispany although he had never okayed a use for it. It had belonged to his father, with a purpose in mind as their first project as father and son working in Leng Group when he left the military. His father died before that happened though and this building was left to YuZhi with no real purpose.


    ¡°My dad and I woulde here sometimes and talk about the ns for it. Spend time eating lunch on the top floor and watching the river from there. Oring here to get air and watch the boats go by. Seems pointless now he¡¯s gone. It¡¯s sat abandoned for so many years that I no longer know what it¡¯s for.¡± He shrugged it off and then pointed into the far skyline as the first fireworks exploded in the darkness and took her hand in his. Eager to drop this subject because it was still raw after all these years. ¡°Scoot up.¡± He motioned behind him, and TangShi giggled when she realized he really was going to let hery on his car. She dropped the conversation about his dad, sensing it still hurt him and beamed back at the sleek bo instead, of his ck mean machine.


    ¡°We might scratch it. It¡¯s okay. I know how much you love this car, and I was only joking anyway.¡± Sheughed, warmed by the gesture, feeling guilty that they might damage his prized possession. YuZhi shook his head at her and then shocked her by scooping down and picking her up like a bride to be before she had a chance to click onto what he was doing. Bouncing her up into a firm hold. TangShi squealed in fright and instinctively grabbed on around his neck so as not to be dropped. YuZhi grinned at her with a hint of mischief in his eye and walked around the car and deposited her on top carefully. Holding her until he was sure she wouldn¡¯t slide off and then grinning harder at her shocked expression and crazy grip on him like she was hanging off a cliff.


    ¡°YuZhi!¡± She halfughed, half choked as she began to slide at his loosening hold and clung onto him, but he pushed her further over with ease and climbed up to follow before turning her onto her back and maneuvering beside her. He figured the best way to anchor her was by using his own body as his clothing was less slippery. Satisfied this was a good idea and the best way to watch fireworks.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Theyy side by side as he wriggled into afier position and pulled them up higher so he could bend his arm as a cushion for her while putting his hand behind his head and leaning them on the windshield. In a lounging posture that made it feel like a bed. TangShi was caught in a giggling fit and snuggled closer to him, pulling her jacket closed tobat the night air and found thefiest way toy on his shoulder and still stay secure on this slick surface.


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy.¡± She smiled up at him and poked him in the cheek with a pointer finger. Enjoying the parts of YuZhi that came out to y when he rxed and showed her his less serious side. This was him of eight years ago and still the personality that could make her heart flutter and build a tiny hope deep in her heart. Even though she knew it was futile.


    ¡°Me? You were the one who wanted to do this. Most expensive bed I have everin on. I could spend a night here though.¡± He teased, winking at her before staring up into the sky and enjoying the breeze that was a contrast to the hot engine underneath them. Not caring that they might scratch his baby, because her pure joy made it worth it.


    ¡°Look, look.¡± TangShi burst out and sat up so abruptly she gave him a fright and he had to catch her around the waist to make sure she stayed put. Pointing at the now several booms and rainbow bursts in the sky as the disy got under way. They turned into dozens of sparking pretty flickers, crackling, and sparking. Magical dancing lights above them.


    YuZhi sat up beside her and leaned in close, putting his hand behind her so they were almost cheek to cheek, and he could make sure she wouldn¡¯t fall off. Caging her in while being near enough to share body heat without touching one another. They watched the light show with soft smiles on their faces and a sense of contentment at this conclusion to what had felt like a perfect evening. It somehow felt special watching it from over here in a quieter part of the city. The illusion of the trees around them making it feel intimate and romantic.


    ¡°I love this. Thank you for today, tonight. I really enjoyed myself and love the fact it¡¯s ending with fireworks. I love things like this. They¡¯re so pretty.¡± She rested her head on his shoulder, confident andfortable with theirpanionship that had grown over the weeks, and he moved his chin to amodate her before leaning against the top of her head. Snuggling close, still mesmerized by the sky, apanionable silence as they observed it.


    It was thirty minutes of splendor and booms. Littered with sporadic idle chatter about nothing, and the odd joking remark or second of teasing from YuZhi when TangShi seemed too engrossed in what they were viewing. They could hear distant screams, apuse, andughter from others watching the disy while they sat on the fast-cooling car and the night grew colder. Neither wanting it to end when it seemed perfect. The music weas fading and the hour was getting close to ten. Soon this would be over.


    YuZhi became aware that TangShi was starting to shiver before it ended and nudged her with his nose against her temple. Sliding his hand over hers and finding them cold and curled up to preserve what little warmth she had left.


    ¡°Tang, you¡¯re freezing. Let¡¯s go and warm up, stop for coffee on the road home and thaw out. If we stay here, I may have to chip you off the car.¡± He rested his cheek against her temple and hugged her with one arm to pass his body heat, nudging against her to provoke her to move and do as she was told. Still yful in his manner towards her and starting to feel tired too.


    ¡°Hmmmm.¡± TangShi deflected because she didn¡¯t care she was cold as she wasn¡¯t done watching this. She didn¡¯t know if they would ever do this again and she was treasuring every second with a reluctance to it ending. She was so rxed she was almost asleep in his hold and lifted her chin to look up at him from her lower perspective.


    ¡°Five more minutes, it¡¯s almost over. I¡¯m not that cold.¡± It was her sweet and quiet tone that always melted him to the core. A soft cute expression with half sleepy eyes and a rosiness to her face that made her look ethereal. Her body was almost numb despite not admitting it and her limbs were stiff, but she was enjoying this too much to go home yet. YuZhi couldn¡¯t deny her anything when she looked at him this way, but the telltale signs were all over her pale skin.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. Look at these little red cheeks and that nose.¡± He caught her under her chin with his free hand to angle her face towards him, grinning as he pressed her cheeks with two fingers to make her lips pout and pressed his nose to hers to check if it was icy. Laughing at the sudden sulky facial expression and the frown at him for doing that to her face.


    ¡°You¡¯re bullying me.¡± TangShi mock sulked and smacked his hand from her face with a gentle tap, pouting her lip out by herself and it only made YuZhiugh harder.


    ¡°Why are you this cute? What happened to that sassy pain in the ass that threw me angry res and haughty frowns? You somehow morphed into a kitten.¡± He leaned in to catch her chin with his thumb and forefinger again and tugged her towards him yfully. Moving too suddenly when leaning too far forward and inadvertently caused TangShi to slide.


    Because her body was so taut with being numb, she couldn¡¯t counteract the movement and iled her arms out in panic as her butt moved down and catapulted her back against the shiny surface. YuZhi with his quick reactions made to catch her, somehow managing to get his arms around her as she caught him too. Losing his own grip on the polished surface with her added bodyweight. His attempt to pad her head with his hand to avoid collision and leaning over with one arm around her waist to anchor her only pulled him along with her.


    They both slid with speed, slumped over, unable to stop gravity when the surface was cold and slick. It was so fast it happened in a heartbeat and YuZhi crumpled on top of her with a gentle thud as they skidded right down the front of his car. His nose bumping hers as they jerked to a halt at the very edge where YuZhi¡¯s foot finally met the t road below. Both bnced and holding on to one another in a tight embrace and held by only one of his legs overhanging the bumper.


    Breathing hard, TangShi clung onto him, aware they were precariously held in ce, only a whisper apart as they locked eyes and the atmosphere changed dramatically. From a squeal and giggle of their impending doom, YuZhi swallowed hard, his breath hitching at the nearness of her face. The closeness of her beauty, the invasion of her perfume and scent that he always liked, and the intimacy of that delicate body wrapped up in his. YuZhi¡¯s head fogged out and his senses overtook as his pupils dted and he couldn¡¯t tear his eyes from hers. Somehow this pose threw all thoughts of tonic out of his head.


    TangShi¡¯s breath hastened with the way they were curled up and pressed to one another. Aware of every one of his hard taut muscles against her soft feminine curves. His gorgeous green eyes boring into her own dark brown ones and holding her captive with a look she hadn¡¯t seen on him before. She forgot how to think, breathe, or move, when caught in his overpowering charms this way.


    It wasn¡¯t the first time they had ended up nose to nose or on top of one another, but this felt different from any other time and YuZhi couldn¡¯t ignore the fact his heart began to race while his insides fluttered. There was a deep stirring inside his soul and an urge drowning out all sense. He moved only enough to graze his nose against hers, his breath mingling with TangShi¡¯s, and her skin seemed to ignite a crazy desire in him that he was powerless to resist. Growing closer these weeks had made this kind of up close and personal interaction mean something else entirely.


    TangShi blinked up at him innocently, captivated by his warmth and touch, afraid to move for fear she would break the spell and stayed exactly as she was. It only served to make him want her more, always a sucker for the angelic purity of this girl. Heaviness between them as something grew and the air turned static. Heartbeats pounding in unison and shallow breathing bing obvious. Both minds went nk and were aware of only the here and now while nothing else seemed to matter between them.

 Fireworks Prt 2

    YuZhi dipped his head thest millimeters, all thought lost to him as instinct took over and pressed his lips to hers in a moment of weakness. Unable to fight the way she felt under his body and how much he was attracted to her. Knowing it had been growing little by littletely. His heart exploding with warmth and electric sparks as he tasted her soft smooth lips. It was only a second, but it made TangShi tremble and stop breathing. Poised and stiff in case she made him stop. His mouth on hers elevated her body heat and heart rate and she impulsively kissed him back, sliding her hands up onto his shoulders to grip him tight and encourage what he was doing.


    Mouths met and opened as YuZhi got lost in reaction and parted his lips to mold to hers properly. Needing to feel her out and taste the sweetness that he had never forgotten all these years. Kissing her with longing and pulling her face to him with the hand behind her neck as they got lost in each other and surrendered to the passion that had built to crazy levels. He French kissed her, probing her mouth with his tongue, exploring the sweetness that was uniquely her and almost lost himself as he spiraled into crazy lust. TangShi was drawn into memories of their first kiss and overtaken by the need and desire to allow him to do whatever he wanted to her. Surrendering as he made love to her mouth and curled her toes.


    It was YuZhi who came to his senses first, as chaos racked through his head and guilt kicked him in the stomach by pushing Rhea to the forefront of his mind. It was like she pped some reality into him, and he recoiled at speed aware of what he was doing. He yanked back, confused, and bewildered that he could do something like this, losing all sense of reason and loyalty. Inhaling hard to calm himself down while internally berating himself for forgetting he loved someone else.  He let her go and got up to right himself before hauling her to her feet to make sure she didn¡¯t fall and stepped away quickly as if she caused an electric shock.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­. I didn¡¯t mean that. I Shouldn¡¯t have done that.¡± He apologized, his wordsing out in a strangled rush, and he ran his fingers through his hair, mentally shaking himself for what he just did. His head was close to imploding. He was visually rattled, pacing away from her and swallowed hard as he tried to organize his rambling thoughts.


    ¡°It was my fault. I kissed you.¡± TangShi was shellshocked and her legs were trembling and felt like jelly. Her body weak and her heart racing because of what they just did, and she was hot all over and unable to clear her head. She was ready to take responsibility for her part in it and was blushing from her roots to her toes, ashamed that with one kiss she was willing to let him do whatever he wanted to her. Her body tingling all over with an internal war drum beating loudly and stupidly aware that she had no control over her feelings for him anymore. That kiss was proof that she would easily forget Rhea and follow her heart and it made her feel ashamed and sick to her stomach.


    His kiss had given her a long dormant longing and desire she had only ever experienced once in her life. Eight years ago, when he kissed her dizzy and made her melt just like he did tonight. She was struggling to calm herself down but also hyperaware of how awkward and conflicted he seemed, and it made her feel sorry. She felt like all she ever did was cause him problems.


    ¡°Tang. This was on me. Maybe we should go. Too much romance, sugar¡­.. we just got carried away. Caught up in a moment with this atmosphere. It was a mistake. It doesn¡¯t mean anything.¡± He was making excuses all while his body was making it clear to him that he was wound up with that brief touch and crazing the kind of touch he hadn¡¯t had since he broke up with Rhea. He put it down to ack of sex and hormones and tried to ignore the fact that he couldn¡¯t tear his eyes from her pouted lips or get that peaches and cream taste of her lip tint out of his mouth. His body was on fire, and he seriously needed a cold shower.


    He couldn¡¯t look her in the eye while he felt like this as he no longer trusted himself and inwardly curse that he couldn¡¯t even me this on alcohol. TangShi avoided looking at him too, conflicted with her own shame as she pressed her hands to her cheeks in a bid to cool the flushed rise of heat.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Her voice was low, strained, and muffled and YuZhi hesitated at her tone, thinking he had upset her and that she might cry. He knew it might have wounded her and was aware for the first time that maybe she saw him more than a friend and it sucker punched him in the gut. He never considered things between them would getplicated like this and had been so assured that their closeness was tonic. Confident in their friendship and putting his affection for her down to liking her as a kid sister. He was wrong.


    ¡°Tang, wait.¡± He caught her impulsively, with a need tofort her, by the elbow and tugged her back to him so he could see her face. Throwing thoughts aside with genuine concern he hurt her feelings and hated himself for doing it.  Spinning her with a little strength because he was panicking and twirled her right into his embrace without meaning to.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She ended up with her palms syed t against his chest muscles, feeling out his thundering heartbeat, her nose level with his cor bone as she bumped into him with a tiny ¡®ouch¡¯ and fully embraced in his arms where both of their heart rates shot back up again.


    Aing together of two bodies that hadn¡¯t recovered, and it was easy to ignite the same sparks. His touch all these weeks which had seemedforting and familiar was now electrifying and caused goosebumps.


    ¡°Sorry¡­. I.¡± YuZhi lost all his confidence when back this close and pushed her away by the shoulders abruptly to make her step back again. Forcing distance between them so he could breathe once more. Aware of the fact he couldn¡¯t handle her proximity right now. He was awkward and nervous in crazy levels he had never experienced before and couldn¡¯t get his emotions under control in the heat of the moment. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s leave. It¡¯s for the best if we ¡­ummmm¡­¡­ leave.¡± He had forgotten what else it was he meant to say and acted like her touch burned him. Mentally scolding himself and thinking tonight he might stay over at ZhengLi¡¯s to give them both space. He needed his friend to give him a beating for this. He turned and headed for the driver door, motioning weirdly over his head for her to get in the car.


    TangShi turned in a hurry, her own skin ming and her mind melting with conflicted thoughts and feelings. She got into the passenger side while trying to avoid looking his way, her heart hammering through her chest and aware of how out of control her emotions were. Her bottom lip trembling because she now felt like crying and she had no idea why. She knew these past weeks she was starting to fall in love with him all over again, but this didn¡¯t make her feel good at all. It felt wrong and like she just betrayed her friend.


    YuZhi sat for a moment in stunned silence, staring straight ahead out of the windscreen without starting the engine, his own head swimming with reasons, excuses, and tried to separate his emotions from his thoughts. ncing her way and seeing her pink cheeks spreading to her hairline, he had the urge to lean over and hug her to tell her this was all okay.


    Only he knew it wasn¡¯t. He shouldn¡¯t. Rhea would never forgive him.


    He gripped the steering wheel as a surge of regret hit him hard and he pictured her crying face that night at the club when she thought he kissed her back then. Twisting his insides and physically causing him pain at knowing he had just broken Rhea¡¯s heart for real and would never be able to lie about it. Now he was an actual asshole who really did follow through and was still reeling from the taste of another woman¡¯s lips on his. Rhea nted herself firmly in his head, giving him the urge to go see her and somehow try to fix this while he started the engine with a grim look of determination on his face.


    TangShi could read his expression a little and sense his change in mood and felt utterly deste. He was cutting her off and closing her out to resemble the cold and aloof man she met months ago, putting her back on the other side of the wall.  Her own heart panging with pain because all this proved he didn¡¯t want her that way and he regretted it. And then there was her own guilt and regret because she thought she was a better person than this who valued friendships. Rhea had always been good to her and trusted her not to cross this line. She never thought herself capable of being this girl.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just forget it. It¡¯s fine.¡± TangShi broke the silence with her sweet and feeble tone, an edge of something in there he couldn¡¯t quite decipher, and he flinched. Feeling like aplete jerk for making her this way and fucking up everything of thest weeks with one stupid moment. He knew he crossed a line and initiated the kiss, but TangShi was doing what she always did when trouble arose. med herself and took the full brunt of responsibility. Ingrained into herck of self-esteem and worthlessness to always be the one people med. He hated that about her.


    It enraged YuZhi, irritationing up from somewhere in the pit of his stomach at hearing her words. Without thinking he spun towards her, dived forward and caught her chin in his hand to tug her to him so they were a foot apart and she blinked in wide eyed shock at his sudden hostile behavior. Silenced and intimidated by the coldness in his face.


    ¡°I kissed you. I¡¯m the asshole here and you did nothing wrong. I don¡¯t want to hear you say that again. This is my problem, not yours.¡± He scolded her, sat back, letting her go and deliberately banged his head against his headrest as he screwed up his face, closed his eyes and sighed heavily. Questioning his life. Looking pissed even though it made no sense to react like that and TangShi recoiled back to quietly watch him from her corner. Not sure what to do or say and carefully clipped on her seatbelt to focus on something to do. Nervous around him and this unpredictable behavior.


    He opened his eyes and hit the start button a little hard, thrust his car into gear before clutching the back of her headrest to lever himself around to peer out of the rear window and reversed at speed. Making her nervous with this change in him, the lurch of speed and his crazy driving, and she shifted to face forward. Straight and stiff, focusing on the windshield and remained silent.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you home and stay with ZhengLi tonight. Maybe we should cool things between us for a while. Stick to the n and make some new clinic appointments. Not hang out for a bit.¡± He was reverting to his bolt hole, hiding behind hostile and cold in a bid to put some reasonable distance back between them until he figured out what to do about this. He knew he couldn¡¯t keep it from Rhea.  Hating that he felt like shit for being this way to TangShi and knowing she didn¡¯t deserve it over a kiss.


    He was always someone who reversed away fromplicated emotional mess faster than hell, like he had been doing with Rheately. Aware that made him an asshole but it was an ingrained instinct ever since his parents died. He had no idea how to navigate or handle it and was running scared. Confused at his own feelings.


    ¡°Okay.¡± TangShi mumbled, almost incoherently but he heard her, and it caused a sharp pain in his chest to hear her deted and hurt. TangShi couldn¡¯t understanding why he was being like this, but she couldn¡¯t say anything about it. Looking down into herp before sighing and focusing on the scenery to force herself to push tears away as they got out into traffic. She could feel the wall growing between them and wished this hadn¡¯t happened at all.

 Aftermath Prt 1

    ¡°Where you at, buddy? I need toe see you.¡± YuZhi called ZhengLi once he dropped TangShi off at the house on his hands free as he drove back towards the center of Shanghai, making way to his friend¡¯s apartment. Squinting at the windscreen as tiny drops of rain started to fall and added to the mncholy of his mood.


    ¡°I¡¯m at Dream in Changning district with Linlin, What¡¯s up?¡± ZhengLi was standing at the bar of a popr nightclub while getting his table a fresh round of drinks. It was quiet given it was a Wednesday night, so the volume was low. He was a seasoned party animal who often hit clubs on a weekday and still managed to work the next day. He turned to watch Linlin sashaying across the dancefloor with two girls in tow, giggling merrily and unaware of his watching them. Amused by his date for the night, her wildcat antics and dirty dancing she had been doing minutes ago that had held him standing there longer than required.


    ¡°I¡¯ll head to your ce then. I¡¯m staying there tonight, and I¡¯ll see you when you get home. Don¡¯t rush on my ount.¡± YuZhi lifted his hand to hang up, not wanting to impose when ZhengLi was with Linlin, but ZhengLi cut in smoothly. Recognizing the strain in his tone and the curt and cool manner.


    ¡°Wait for me. I¡¯m not in the mood for this tonight, so I¡¯ll head back. Have to keep the little woman on her toes and make her miss me. I¡¯m getting too essible and she¡¯s undervaluing my worth.¡± He grinned, lounging casually with his hip against the bar, propping an elbow behind him and motioned her a little e here¡¯ gesture as he caught her eye.


    Linlin stopped in her tracks, leaving her two friends to wander back to their table without her where a group of them were convening and made her way to ZhengLi with a sassy catwalk. Her face lighting up at being summoned and aware of pushing her bust and butt out to appear as sexy as she could be. They weren¡¯t drunk at all yet and had only been here a short time, meeting up with a mix of his friends and hers in a so-called casual meet. Neither would admit it was a real date and were still ying the hot and cold game with one another in some strange power struggle that was exciting them both.


    ¡°If you¡¯re busy¡­¡± YuZhi felt guilty about ruining his ns, but ZhengLi was having none of it. His friend sounded stressed and rarely made calls for help so he knew something was up. ZhengLi was maybe a heartbreaker when it came to women but was loyal and true when it came to his friends.


    ¡°Dude, I¡¯ll be ten at the most. Buy some beers, you owe me a drunken stupor.¡± ZhengLi hung up before YuZhi could refuse, knowing he would, and turned to smile towards his tiny vixen, strutting her stuff up to him in stilettos and a zebra print, strapless mini dress that went well with her new fuchsia pink hair. She was a knockout in a small package and crazily addictive for him since the first time heid eyes on her. Linlin was a bold girl when it came to style, and he liked that she was fearless in expressing herself through her hair, make up and fashion, and her bad temper.


    ¡°What? I was going to sit down and await my cocktail. You better not have gotten me over here to carry the tray?¡± she used, tilting her chin towards the drink order the bartender was sliding behind him and narrowed her eyes while pouting like a child.


    ¡°Baby, you¡¯re too weak to carry that big old tray. I have to disappoint you I¡¯m afraid and apologize in advance. I have another hot date and can¡¯t stand them up. So, I have to go.¡± He grinned wickedly, reaching out to bop her on the side of the chin in a yful gesture. Enjoying the way her face switched from cute sulking with a hint of sexy, to enraged murderous thunder as a scowl pinched her pretty pink lips.


    ¡°You what?¡± She snapped at him, blinking in shock that he woulde out with this crap to her face, prodding him in the firm abdomen in angry reaction with a lethal finger. ¡°What hot date? What the hell, ZhengLi Kim? Why ask me out if you¡¯re going to ditch me and run off with another bitch? What kind of shameless bastard are you?¡± Linlin was beyond mad. Furious and seething with green eyed fury, unable to reallypute that he would be this much of an asshole and not able to control her outburst. She knew they weren¡¯t exactly exclusive, but this was a whole other level of jerk


    ¡°Baby, are you mad? Is this jealousy?¡± He smirked, leaning in close to bridge the gap between them in a smooth manner. His voice lowering to that seductive husky that he knew drove her wild while tapping her on the tip of the nose and almost losing his head in the process as she aimed a p to swipe his hand from her. Scowling and gritting her teeth while trying to control her outward reaction and failing, Linlin stomped her foot and narrowly missed his toes. He dodged back, chuckling as she stomped again to aim this time and then kicked him in the shin in rage because she never was one who could hold in all that internalva when it started spewing.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± ZhengLi barked and hopped back clutching his leg and making an ¡®eeesssssh¡¯ noise through clenched teeth.


    ¡°Jerk. Go choke on your hot date. I don¡¯t like you all that much anyway. No loss to me.¡± Linlin spun away, throwing her hair in his face, turning to march off as he hobbled to right himself, frowning at his banshee woman. Amused.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hate the bromance. A man must do what he must do when the brotherhood calls for back up!¡± He called after her, grinning at his own humor when she stopped dead in her tracks about three feet away and snapped her head back around to him.


    ¡°Bro?¡­. You utter asshole. You¡¯re ditching me to go run after YuZhi Leng? Oh my god. Why would you imply¡­.? Ughhhh! Well, have fun, I spotted a handsome man over there who looks lovely and lonely. I¡¯ll not miss you. Go, toddle off and y with your boyfriend.¡± Linlin stuck her tongue out at him and went back to stamping her feet in the direction away from him.


    ¡°Baby¡­ Linnyboo? Princess Choi?¡± he limped after her at a surprising speed and caught her by the back of the dress, catching a handful that jerked her to a halt. Spinning her his way he caught her in his arms so he could tilt her back while he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Silencing all that building fire with a smooth move and a cheeky smile. He loved nothing more than riling this wench and she was so easy to make bite.


    Linlin lifted her hand and pushed his head away with a t palm to his forehead, ring at him and wriggling to get loose. Held at a ny-degree angle so she had to hold on with one hand on his shoulder to stop her feet sliding out. Madder than hell that he kept saying and doing stupid things like this to press her green-eyed button and thenughing at her in amusement as though it was all very entertaining. He was infuriating and immature and kept her on her toes by acting like she wasn¡¯t all that important to him. She had no idea why she kept on agreeing to seeing him when he made her want to stab him in the throat with her shoes.


    ¡°I hate you.¡± She snapped, still trying to fight her way free and feeling useless as her body cooled down at his irresistible touch. Her mind simmering because his kiss was like a drug and she could never get enough of them. He could disarm her so easily after making her furious.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, it makes for better sex when I finally invite you back to my bed and end all this crazy tension we have building.¡± He winked, standing her up and pushing her to rights before letting go and patting her on the head like a puppy. Appraising her dress because it was pulled up higher, exposing more thigh on the sexiest legs he had ever seen. Not having sex with her was getting harder with every date, even a saint would raise his willpower, but he wanted Linlin to chase him as much as he did her and he could wait it out until he broke her.


    ¡°Pffttt. I would rather sleep with a homeless person than you. Who says I will ever grace your bed?¡± She bit, turning on her heel in the worst of moods because he was leaving her and taunting her all at the same time. Disappointed because despite being an annoyance, she had the most fun when he was around.


    ¡°Ughhhh, wounded. I even had a pillow embroidered with your name, just for you. It sits right beside mine.¡± He mocked and clutched his heart dramatically, before following her with the tray of drinks back to the table and sliding them on the surface while casting her another smile and wink. He nodded to his friends at the far end, some guys from his gym, and gestured for his jacket as a hint he was leaving. They barely registered, too engrossed in chatting up Linlin¡¯s pretty girlfriends to care and tossed it his way. He waved at them before turning back to his tiny crazy sulker.


    ¡°Behave. I don¡¯t want to have toe back and save poor defenseless boys from you.¡± He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead, lingering a moment to enjoy the feel of her skin and the seductive scent of her perfume before he walked off without a second nce to head home. Getting only a few feet before a tall leggy blonde stopped in front of him, blocking his way on purpose, and he recognized her as a past ything. He sighed, knowing this isn¡¯t what he needed when eager to go.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°ZhengLi? I thought that was you. It¡¯s been a while. Why don¡¯t youe sit with me and have a drink, we could catch up and rekindle old mes?¡± She purred seductively, sliding a hand up his abdomen over his white button shirt to his muscr chest and he dropped his chin to look at it¡¯s progress before raising a brow at her. Amused that she was being this brazen and assuming she was drunk. The girl was not this bold in the past and had bored him by being all too nice and vani.


    ¡°I¡¯m busy. I don¡¯t have time nor inclination. Can you move.¡± He smiled at her, full on charm offensive despite his harshmand and yet didn¡¯t get her reply because a tornado swung in between them and shoved the girl back with an agressive thrust. A pint-sized head of pink hair and an ass thrust into his groin to shove him back away from her.


    ¡°He¡¯s not interested. He has a date. It¡¯s me, and I don¡¯t share with drunk hoes. Toddle off before you end up with a sore face.¡± Linlin squared up to her from her smaller height, full on hostile and rammed her hands on her hips with attitude that was bigger than she was. ZhengLi chuckled at her little warrior self and slid his hands onto her naked shoulders to tug her back against him and save her from a cat fight she didn¡¯t need to get into. He had zero intention of switching he rout anytime soon.

 Aftermath Prt 2

    ¡°You should listen to her, she bites, and she isn¡¯t inocted. It would be messy and probably lethal.¡± ZhengLi chuckled, patted Linlin on the top of her head and shooed away the other woman with a gesture. Smiling as she took the hint, tutting and storming off to show her anger while he kept Linlin restrained against him.


    He leaned down to kiss her on the cheek from behind to cool her jets and say farewell and then patted her ass before walking around her, with a backwards handwave over his head as he left to go. If he was going to hook up with any girl tonight, it wouldn¡¯t be anyone else but his three foot demon and he shook his head at how much her bad temper floated his boat. She was never dull and definitely not too nice a girl.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you, Linnabelle. Laters.¡± He didn¡¯t look back and strutted off smiling to himself, merry at seeing her hackles rise and that show of possessiveness when faced withpetition. ZhengLi liked Linlin, but the girl was hard to handle, had zero interest in being a one-man woman and was a little too bossy and stroppy for the likes of him. He had his own ego to contend with.


    He was pulled to a halt by his trouser waistline being tugged from the back, and his small terror strutted around him, forcing a t palm on his chest to keep him in ce with a warning look of ¡®Don¡¯t take another step¡¯. ring at him with fury and he couldn¡¯t help but rx back into a casual posture and smile at her.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say goodbye.¡± She pouted, letting go of him to reach up and catch the open cor of his shirt with both hands and yanking his face down to her so she could reach. He was surprised by the show of force, the impressive tug that hauled him to her level but closed his eyes as her mouth met his and allowed her to kiss him passionately. Sinking into her as he progressed it to a proper make out with tongues and heavy panting, catching her head in his hands to angle her for a better fit before she released him. A look of victory in her eye and a hint of color high on her cheeks because she had raised both of their temperatures and sparked crazy sexual urges. ¡°Laters.¡± She smirked, letting him go to stumble to right himself and swallow hard. A little breathless at her assault. She toddled off without another nce his way in the direction she came from with a sway of her sexy ass while ZhengLi stood for a moment to admire it and cool his own jets. Crazy turned on, feeling the heat between them sizzling all over and seriously reconsidered leaving her here.


    He knew if he wanted her as a long-term ymate, he would have to bend her to his will a little and find thepromise if this friends with benefits thing was to pan out. He had met headstrong in the past, but he always had the upper hand. Linlin was different and she yed as many mind games as he did, always looking to be the boss and the one to call the shots. It was thrilling, and fun and he was enjoying the fact he put her nose out of joint by abandoning her tonight. He knew he would have to grovel for the next date because she would surely make him suffer and he looked forward to the challenge. He was starting to think he was some sort of masochist when it came to her.


    YuZhi let himself into ZhengLi¡¯s apartment and dumped the crate of beers on the kitchen counter. Sighing and throwing his jacket off onto the grey leather corner couch as he paced to the windows that covered the whole wall of the sitting room and stared out over the Shanghai skyline. It waste, almost midnight, and yet YuZhi was wired and strung out and had a head full of chaos that signaled no sleep tonight.


    He kissed TangShi and it made him feel like shit. So many conflicting thoughts and feelings and somehow like a psychic connection, right about when he pulled into the drive to drop TangShi at home, Rhea started calling him. It drove it home more that he was an epic jerk, and he couldn¡¯t fathom how to fix this situation. She pushed his guilt to a new level and when he answered her on the way back, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to say much. Rhea made small talk, clear her mood was over now and she was looking to y nice again. No mention of the night she hit TangShi.


    ¡°Yo, bro, you here?¡± ZhengLi kicked his front door open while bncing a couple of crates of beer in his arms he decided to pick up on the way and noticed all his lights had been turned on. Catching sight of YuZhi standing at the window and grinned at him. ¡°Something is definitely up. What¡¯s with the dramatic brooding silhouette as you stare pensively at the city?¡± he joked, mocking his friend and dumped the boxes beside the one YuZhi brought in, wasting no time in ripping them open to fill the refrigerator and then popping the caps off two for them to drink. He walked over to YuZhi and handed him a bottle, before matching his pose. Mirroring him against the window and gazed out at the sea of night lights and flickering signs at the view below them. This was a penthouse apartment and had one of the highest vantage points in the surrounding buildings. A bachelor pad with minimal d¨¦cor and modernforts.


    ¡°I fucked up.¡± YuZhi lifted his beer and swigged it, taking a long slow drink and exhaling heavily before pulling it back down and wiping his mouth on his sleeve. ZhengLi copied, his eyes on YuZhi while he drank and knew he wasn¡¯t done talking. ¡°I kissed TangShi.¡± YuZhi admitted and somehow saying it out loud made it feel worse as he shook his head, heaved his shoulders, and exhaled another long breath. A weight over the top of him that was like sitting under a suffocating heavy ck cloud.


    ¡°And?¡± ZhengLi shrugged, tapping his bottle against YuZhi¡¯s and grinning at him with a kind of proud look.


    ¡°And? I shouldn¡¯t have. It¡¯s messing with my head and now I can¡¯t even look her in the eye.¡± YuZhi knocked his bottle away and shoved his friend¡¯s shoulder with his two fingers in yful pushiness. Aggravated that ZhengLi of course would not see the problem in this.


    ¡°Did you like it?¡± ZhengLi cocked a brow at the despair in his tone and went straight into the interrogation. Wanting details rather than guilt confessions. YuZhi had always been an overthinker and on the pessimist side of life, while ZhengLi was more of a ¡®you only live once, have fun and go out in a ze of glory¡¯ type.


    ¡°The point is, that Rhea is going to freak out and tonight I told TangShi about moving to the apartment¡­. before I kissed her. I don¡¯t know what to do now.¡± He felt hopeless and couldn¡¯t think straight. The apartment idea seemed stupid now.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell Rhea, for a start. Not yet. Give it another neen months or so when you get to the stage of rebuilding your rtionship. In the meantime, it will only make her worse and cause drama. She doesn¡¯t need to know until you¡¯re ready to wipe the te clean and date again.¡± ZhengLi hoped that day would nevere and was counting on neen months of his best friend¡¯s life being the changing point in his future. He had nothing against Rhea as a person, but he didn¡¯t think Rhea was YuZhi¡¯s person.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re right. She¡¯s already jealous and insecure and suspects TangShi is trying to seduce me behind her back, but I shouldn¡¯t lie.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a lie, it¡¯s merely non-disclosure of all the facts. It¡¯s better for Rhea that way and healthier for you. Less chance of losing genitals or your life.¡± ZhengLi smirked, seeing the funny side in the dilemma. It was not a big deal the way YuZhi was imagining it was.


    ¡°I feel like I cheated, and I can¡¯t shake it out of my head. And then there¡¯s Tang. I can¡¯t face her after what I did, and what do I do about moving to my apartment? Do I leave her at the house?¡± YuZhi really was in over his head with this and had no way to navigate it. The kiss hadn¡¯t felt bad, or wrong and that in itself had been wing at his brain as much as his guilt was. Messing up all his carefullyid ns.


    ¡°Are you a ten year old? You kissed a girl so now you can¡¯t look at her and fear being in herpany in case you have the restraint of a starved pig when tossed scraps? Come on, buddy? Be a man. It¡¯s not like she¡¯s your first kiss.¡± ZhengLi poked fun at him and pushed his beer bottle into YuZhi¡¯s shoulder,ughing at his fragile emotional state and not seeing the problem. It was just a kiss. TangShi was probably more embarrassed about it than he was, given YuZhi used to kiss girls a lot as a teen. His smooch count was easily in double figures from his wild Romeo days. This was no big deal but YuZhi was obviously missing the point as to why it was a big deal to him.


    ¡°It¡¯s not what I mean. TangShi and me¡­. we¡¯re close now. It feels like I made this into something else and I felt like I upset her. I don¡¯t want her to get the wrong idea about us. Give her hope and then hurt her.¡± YuZhi really was in turmoil. Denying the fact she had made his heart race and his body respond and still put it down tock of intimacy since ending things with Rhea months ago. He didn¡¯t want to admit, that kiss had made him regret losing her in the past all over again.


    ¡°You have given her boundaries enough times that I¡¯m sure she knows that you don¡¯t want this marriage to be real. As for moving¡­. You already share a bed and a room. The apartment will separate you to your own at least, it still makes sense. More so if you really want to avoid a repeat of¡­¡± ZhengLi made kissy kissy noises and moved at YuZhi in a mock pout to get his cheek.


    ¡°Get off, you weirdo.¡± YuZhi batted his face away and shoved him back to separate him, dodging his affectionate assault. ¡°I guess you¡¯re right, but I need to sleep on it and try and find the nerve to face her. Put us back to tonic.¡± He downed another long swig of his ale and went back to staring off into the manmade stars of Shanghai.


    ¡°Being in a rtionship for thest three years has turned you into a wuss. I¡¯m so disappointed in you.¡± ZhengLi smiled at his friend before leaning forward and rubbing him on top of his hair, messing it up, but it was done with genuine affection this time. A normal mannerism between them when they were being serious. ¡°I know you¡¯re going to give her the cold shoulder and put distance back between you. It¡¯s what you do when people get too close or stray over the lines you set. Just remember, TangShi is a sweet girl, and you should go easy on her. She¡¯ll be around for a long while yet and you have to live with the consequences.¡± ZhengLi felt like he needed to remind his friend because he could already predict YuZhi¡¯s knee jerk reaction in theing days. Until he got his head around this nothing kiss, he would try and freeze TangShi out to drive it home it would never happen again.  He knew his friend could be cold and cruel even if it wasn¡¯t his intention. He was emotionally stunted for such a smart guy.


    ZhengLi knew though that it wasn¡¯t because TangShi turned him off, it was because deep down he knew YuZhi wouldn¡¯t trust himself not to do it again now he had done it once. The history of eight years ago was still lingering between them even if YuZhi denied it was a factor anymore. ZhengLi saw how he was with TangShi these past weeks, and he knew it waspletely different to the boyfriend he had been for Rhea these past years. He was attentive, considerate of her, and fiercely protective.


    TangShi brought out a softness in him, a boyish fun side that only ZhengLi got to see normally. He let his guard down and he seemed to rx around her as though being by her side was as natural as breathing. They had something between them and ZhengLi had seen it beginning to grow. Thest time ZhengLi had seen him that way was a long time ago, before the loss of his family had closed his heart and ripped the light from his eyes. He had waited years to find something to help heal his brother¡¯s pain and now all his money was riding on the sunshine girl who was thrust into his dark life.

 Rong Cai Prt 1

    TangShi stretched out and rotated her shoulders to ease their stiffness as she put down her mixing bowl and spat, pleased with the natural paint they had been learning to make all day. She now had several soft colors and some ground dried nts and herbsid out before her to use in tomorrow¡¯s ss. This was the most enjoyable and unexpected lesson she had ever had and bode well for her days here after this. A first sess, and she was thrilled to be here under the watchful but also gentle care of Master. Cai.


    He was exactly how Linlin had imagined him. An old man with soft grey hair that was kept neat and trim around his head, but his beard was long and tapered into a point midway down his chest. He was on the older side in age, but utterly adorable. He was wrinkled and tanned but a smiley fellow who loved to spend his days wearing the traditional Manchu style of clothing thatpromised of a long-fitted cotton coat that buttoned high to the neck, over loose pants. His were navy in color andcked any kind of artwork or embroidery in case he got paint on them. She assumed this was his uniform of choice when teaching his students and he was exactly how she imagined a professor of fine arts with a lifetime of experience should look. He fitted the tranquility of this ce well. He was approachable and friendly and seemed like the most patient man she had ever met.


    TangShi picked up her phone and checked her call list for the hundredth time today. All day her mind had been on her work mostly, but the pull of distraction had her hoping to see a message or call from YuZhi even once today. Her heart sinking when she saw there were no missed calls or unread texts.


    He knew it was her first day, but he flew to Hong Kong a few days ago for work. The morning after he kissed her and stayed out all night and hadn¡¯t been in touch much. An asional text to give her the keypad entry code for his apartment and some instructions on moving their before her term started. He was still pushing her to move closer to his office, despite his weird distance, and arranged for ZhengLi to sort her out with keys and other things she would need to transition there.


    TangShi and Linlin had done just that and moved her out of the house with the help of Xiaosu and gotten her settled in YuZhi¡¯s own apartment on Puming road in Pudong quickly. All packed and moved in one afternoon. It was a penthouse apartment with three bedrooms, and she had been shocked to find the building had many perks. A gym, pool, clubhouse, among the amenities, a maid service and even an onsite restaurant to list a few. It was a spacious and modern bachelor pad with every luxury you could imagine. It felt like she wasn¡¯t worthy to live in such high-ss surroundings, but it was also strange to spend the first days alone there after weeks of sharing a bed with YuZhi. It was huge and empty after coexisting in a family home.


    YuZhi was avoiding her, and she knew it. That night he dropped her home in silence and never returned until next morning to pack a case and left without saying much to her. It was awkward and hurt her and she had cried for an hour after he left, feeling like she had done something wrong. Unlike the days of his being cold and mean when he saw her, this time it felt like he was nking her as though she didn¡¯t exist. She couldn¡¯t understand how one simple kiss could have made him U turn and cast her off like an unwanted coat. Her heart was aching, and she was depressed that despite being close, he had pushed her away. She felt like she had lost her closest friend.


    ¡°Looks like you have the hang of it. Well done.¡± A male voice came at her from behind and caught her off guard, so she jumped in fright, giggling at the silly reaction. Turning she saw Rong Cai standing close behind her as he peered over her shoulder to admire her handywork and he smiled softly, eyes full of warmth when she nced up. It was the first she had seen him since their tour here a few weeks ago.


    ¡°Thank you. It¡¯s fun and I never imagined we would learn how to make supplies this way.¡± She blushed with his praise but slid out to stand up and face him as his close proximity was making her uneasy in a seated position. She was never good at talking to men even though they had met before, but that had been at least two weeks and her shyness had returned.


    ¡°You look perfect for this ce. Your dress is pretty and suits the beauty of the view.¡± He nodded at her simple white cotton dress, which was long and flowy, paired with a pale pink cardigan that fitted her upper body neatly. She had gone forfortable and simple today and was glowing with a romantic vibe and a long, curled ponytail to keep her hair out of her face..


    ¡°Thank you. I felt overdressed when I saw the other students wearing overalls.¡± Sheughed softly and nodded to other people in the background who were still working hard.


    ¡°Would you like to take a walk with me before you pack up for the day? I have somewhere in the garden to show you that you will love.¡± He beamed at her, aware of the fact he still felt giddy and fluttery in her presence. The initial attraction of the first day he met her had not faded and he was mesmerized by her natural charm. His heart beating faster as her smile drew him in. He had been counting down the days to her starting here to meet again and annoyed when her first day he had to travel out of town for a meeting. He had rushed back to catch herst half hour.


    ¡°Sure. I could use one to loosen my muscles. I have been leaning over for too long.¡± She stepped out to let him lead the way. Nodding gracefully and politely.


    ¡°You know, we are so happy you decided to study here. I feel you may be our student with the most promise this semester. I have high hopes for you, Miss. Lei. I wish I could have been here to wee you.¡±


    ¡°Please, call me TangShi. I feel like in time we might be friends and I¡¯m not one for formalities.¡± She walked with her hands sped in front of her, hanging low, and kept her eyes down on her steps. They made their way through the ss to the wide ss doors opening to the ornate garden, which felt like a paradise to her. Her tone polite and friendly as she tried to rx in his presence again. This was a magical ce nestled in the center of Shanghai¡¯s financial district in a tiny secret nook. It was almost as though it defied logic and brought her a sense of peace and tranquility.


    ¡°I like that. Maybe as friends we could go out to eat sometimes, on lunch, or whenever you need a break. I¡¯m usually around and free.¡± He knew he shouldn¡¯t be encouraging a student away from the school mid-day but for her he would make an exception. Trying to keep his enthusiasm under wraps and make the invite sound innocent and normal.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    TangShi smiled, her cheeks heating as she blushed at the offer and her mind ran instantly to YuZhi and theck of eating with him these days. She couldn¡¯t shake the mncholy of him leaving her out in the cold after sharing such a magical night together and somehow it made an invite like this seemcking. She missed him and didn¡¯t want to fill the void with some other male dinner partner.


    ¡°Your sses are done for the day, right? Maybe you would allow me to take you for dinner before you go home. If you¡¯re not busy?¡± He knew he was pushing his luck and his nerves piqued as his heart rate spiked. Hands mmy at asking her out but he couldn¡¯t bypass it in hopes she might be interested in dating him.


    TangShi didn¡¯t see the invitation was a loaded one with an underlying intent and innocently assumed he was being polite and weing.


    ¡°I promised Linlin to have dinner with her to celebrate tonight. She is the one who helped me enroll here, so I can¡¯t let her down.¡± She declined, d to have a legitimate excuse.


    ¡°I see. Maybe another day. I would love to introduce you to some of my favorite hidden gems in Shanghai. We have so many good food ces that most people don¡¯t know about. I think you seem like the kind of girl who loves to eat good food in cozy ces that have a great atmosphere.¡±


    ¡°Miss. Lei, we are all cleaning up now.¡± A voice echoed their way, breaking up their conversation and she nced back to acknowledge the young girl calling her. Somewhat relieved that she was being pulled back and avoiding this conversation continuing. It¡¯s not that Rong wasn¡¯t nice, she just didn¡¯t want toplicate things and start making ns with him. She felt like he was being too forward about hanging out so soon.


    ¡°I¡¯ming.¡± She nodded and smiled graciously back at Rong Cai. ¡°I must go and pack up. Thank you, anyway. I can see whatever it waster, Linlin promised to pick me up.¡± She brushed him off knowing she couldn¡¯t linger today. Linlin would pull up outside the main doors as soon as her scheduled end of ss came around and she didn¡¯t want to idly hang around.


    ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that.¡± Rong Cai called after her, disappointed with the refusal and the instant end to showing her the koi ponds, but he couldn¡¯t help but smile after her as she walked away. She was beautiful and warm, and he knew in the next weeks he would enjoy growing closer to her. He had set his sights on her and wasn¡¯t the type to give up a pursuit.


    TangShi set about putting away all the ingredients and equipment and storing the paints and tools in her own locker by the side of the door. She cleaned up the spills and drops and put her desk space back to rights before packing up her own belongings and pulling her bag onto her shoulder. Motioning a wave to her ssmates as they began to leave, and she gave a gracious goodbye to Master. Cai before she too filed out from the airy open-air room. Making her way down the central pathway and catching sight of Rong Caiing her way as she got to the main doors, walking out from the shade into the bright evening sunshine.


    ¡°TangShi, hold up. Just a minute.¡± Rong Cai followed her at speed, smiling her way and caught up to walk her thest few paces to the car park outside while he held the gate open. ¡°I wanted to give you this.¡± He held out a long cream envelope that he slid from his inner jacket pocket, with a pretty scroll of cursive on the front which was her name in English. Blinking at it and then him and looking confused, TangShi epted it carefully.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°An invitation to a gallery show next week. A friend of mine has his first show and I thought you would like to go with me. It¡¯s a small gallery and there will be hours d¡¯oeuvres, champagne and a nice atmosphere. It¡¯s a style I think you would appreciate.¡± He gazed at her fondly as she opened the envelope and pulled it out to read the gold embossed card that held all the details. Her face stiffening and blood running cold as she was unsure how to reject something like this. It felt weird that he wasn¡¯t handing every student one as they left.


    YuZhi sat in his ck four by four and watched TangShi talking to the young man who walked her out a few seconds ago, trying to decipher who he was and what he handed to her. He shifted in the driving seat to edge forward and leaned his wrist on the steering wheel while he red and squinted their way, in two minds about getting out. His mood nosediving with the appearance of this good looking and obviously interested dude who was all smiles at TangShi. His bodynguage couldn¡¯t be mistaken.

 Rong Cai Prt 2

    He got home early today and nned on going to the office, but his gut had told him he should pick her up and be there for her first day. He maybe had been trying to cool things between them, but he knew she viewed this as a special day and guilt gnawed at him for not being there this morning to drop her off as he said he would. It bothered him to let it pass by without showing face.


    He had been dodging her while he tried to sort his head out these past few days and get his feelings under control, but he couldn¡¯t ignore the fact that he missed her. Hong Kong had felt a million miles away and at night in a bed alone he couldn¡¯t sleep for wondering what she was doing. He felt worse anytime he text her to pass on info about the apartment, keeping it brief, and he had driven here almost instinctively as soon as he picked up his car. Telling himself he needed to see she was okay and that she might need a ride home. In full denial about anything else.


    He watched herugh prettily at this guy, her cheeks turning rosy at something he said and then caught the unconcealed gaze of attraction from whoever he was as she looked down. A stirring ember of anger spilled through YuZhi¡¯s stomach and raised his irritation and he found himself jumping out of the car impulsively, to fetch her instead of continuing to wait. His blood raising to boiling temperatures at howfortable and informal this asshole seemed in addressing her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it. I will check and see if I have anything to do that day.¡± TangShi deflected the invitation, sure it coincided with the first clinic appointment YuZhi had arranged and aware she wouldn¡¯t feel like doing anything after that if it was. They still made her feel dirty and fragile for the entire day after having it done.


    She didn¡¯t know Rong Cai yet, not well enough to feelfortable with him, and she didn¡¯t want to spend an evening with him when they were only just getting to know one another. It felt inappropriate.


    ¡°I hope you cane. I would love to show you their work. I would love to see what you think and your reaction to it.¡± He pressured her slightly with a tone that was borderline pushy and YuZhi¡¯s temper snapped.


    ¡°I¡¯ll check our diary and see if we¡¯re free.¡± YuZhi cut in catching the tail end of their conversation and intruding as he walked up behind them. A crazy orb of anger building in him the closer he got, and he didn¡¯t know why. He didn¡¯t like how close this guy was to TangShi or the way he was leaning all over her and smiling like a cheesy asshole.


    ¡°YuZhi?¡± TangShi was stunned by his appearance and turned in shock, her eyes widening before her face med hotter and her blush spread all the way to her ears. Her stomach flipped over at his sudden appearance but yet there was a warm glow in her heart at seeing him here. ¡°What are you¡­. when did you get home?¡± TangShi was aware she should watch what she said in public and scolded herself for seeming shocked. She smiled as best she could and tried to look happy at his arrival.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°My flight got in an hour ago. I wanted to surprise you, honey.¡± YuZhi wasted no time in walking to her side and slinging his arm around her waist in a show of possessiveness that he hoped told Mr. Smooth to back off. Pulling her in against his hip and leaning into her to make it clear she was out of bounds.


    ¡°Ummm, I¡¯m Rong Cai, pleased to meet you, Mr¡­¡± Rong held out his hand somewhat awkwardly, his eyes flitting from TangShi to this invading guy while trying to conceal his dislike. His mood diving at how touchy feely the stranger seemed, and he inhaled to calm his impulse to say something rude to the way he pushed in. Hating him on sight and wanting to rip his arm off TangShi.


    ¡°Leng. YuZhi Leng, Tang¡¯s future husband. Isn¡¯t that right, honey?¡± YuZhi turned to TangShi, a smile spreading over his face and a sense of smug at how annoyed this Mr. Cai seemed to be at his sudden appearance. He turned back to shake his hand firmly and briefly, before dropping it like a lead weight, making it obvious this was fake friendly, and never removing his hold on TangShi. He weighed him up and decided he didn¡¯t like him one bit or how he was trying to get cozy with his wife.


    ¡°Leng? Of the Leng group? I am in awe Mr. Leng. I must say I have heard of your family and yourself, in terms of big business in our city. It¡¯s my honor to meet you,¡± Rong¡¯s voice was lowered, and he pulled his arm back to his side, bing visibly stiffer as he tried to appraise this idiot with his hands all over TangShi. Despising him more now he knew he belonged in the silver spoon variety of spoiled rich kids of the elite. He hated these types of men, who grew up getting anything they wanted with the click of a finger and yet never valued anything, especially not women.  Ufortable rage sparked and annoyance to see him cozying up to the girl he liked.


    ¡°yes. He is.¡± TangShi cut in shyly, sensing the tension between them and tried to y along as adoring girlfriend while inwardly she was trying to figure out how to react. Still shook that YuZhi was here and being this way. From no contact and cool behavior to sudden jealousy acts and holding onto her in a grip that made it impossible to move. It made her head swim. ¡°Thankyou for the invite, we¡¯ll think about it, but we really should be going. We have ns and I need to go home and freshen up.¡± TangShi nced around wondering where Linlin was and then realized ZhengLi would have informed her of YuZhi¡¯s return and intention to collect her. She probably had texts by now from her friend, but her cell was stuffed inside her bag.


    It made her happy that he came but this atmosphere was killing her. She could only stand and paste a smile on her face while looking to get them out of here fast.


    ¡°I guess I will see you tomorrow then.¡± Rong seemed a little more stilted in his manner and since YuZhi showed up his friendliness had seemed to have evaporated.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drop her off in the morning from here on in. Have a good evening, Mr. Cai.¡± YuZhi was heavy with his fake niceties and tugged TangShi with him as he turned them away and led her to the car. Gripping on and taking her bag from her shoulder with his free hand as they crossed the carpark.


    Rong watched them walk off and felt nothing but bitterness and dislike towards this rich snooty asshole. Swooping in like lord of the manor and making it clear he was marking his territory. He didn¡¯t like it at all, and he didn¡¯t think someone rude like that deserved to be by TangShi¡¯s side. Possessive like she was an object and not a kind human who deserved gentleness.


    He wasn¡¯t going to give up on getting close to her because he didn¡¯t think YuZhi was going to be a future problem. TangShi would never stay with a guy like that, she was too sweet, and he was going to make sure of it.


    ¡°Why are you here for me, where¡¯s Linlin?¡± TangShi¡¯s voice was hushed, and she whispered it to him as he guided her to the passenger side and opened the door to let her in. Aware Rong might hear her if she spoke normally. Wanting so badly to ask him why he had been such a jerk these past few days and all but ignored herpletely, but let it die on her lips. Afraid of the answers he might give.


    ¡°Can¡¯t I collect my girlfriend from school? Linlin knows I¡¯m here, so she said she¡¯ll see youter at the restaurant.¡± YuZhi helped her up into the higher seat of this particr vehicle with a hand on her waist and handed in her bag before closing the door. His tone tight and unreadable.


    His mood was still simmering, and he had an urge to call ZhengLi to go have a few rounds in the gym after this. He hadn¡¯t been to his boxing ss in a couple of weeks and now really wanted to punch someone.


    ¡°You seemed close?¡± He snapped as he jumped into his side of the jeep and yanked his belt on, hating how angry he sounded but he couldn¡¯t curb it. He came home feeling like an ass for nking her for days, hated the fact he was missing her like crazy and yet his first five minutes in herpany he was acting like this. He internally scolded himself for being an idiot and turning into the Spanish inquisition because of some sleezy jerk who asked her out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know him that well. This is only the second time we met.¡± TangShi faltered, unsure how to reply when his mood seemed weird and hostile, and she bit her lip and pulled on her seatbelt to focus on anything but him. Unsure how to handle him like this.


    ¡°And he¡¯s already asking you on a date?¡± YuZhi snorted under his breath, mentally taking note of Rong Cai¡¯s name and putting him on the watchlist. He didn¡¯t trust him where TangShi was concerned.


    ¡°He¡¯s the teachers son and the one who runs the school.¡± TangShi added defensively missing what he muttered and trying to exin, not knowing why he was being like this with her and lowered hershes before sighing and looking out of the window instead. She didn¡¯t know if this was residual bad mood from what happened between them a few days ago, or if this was a genuine dislike for Rong Cai.


    ¡°Just stay away from him. He seems like he doesn¡¯t understand boundaries. I don¡¯t like him.¡± YuZhi verbalized his impulsive thought, like a stroppy teen and then cringed at his own statement, knowing he was overreacting and sounding like a petty controlling boyfriend with insecurity issues.


    Nothing had happened except a conversation and an invite and here he was ready to go five rounds with him. This was a new emotion for him and one he had never experienced before, so he wasn¡¯t sure if it was jeg, exhaustion, or just because he was hungry and frustrated about this entire situationtely.  He had never had an outright Jealous tantrum over Rhea, and she had many guy friends. It was making him antsy and wired and he needed an outlet for this bubbling anger.


    ¡°I¡­. I can¡¯t avoid him. He¡¯s the teacher¡¯s son¡­. he runs the school.¡± She repeated it again only this time emphasizing her words in a bid to make him understand he was being unreasonable. Wondering if this was a return of the mean and moody YuZhi who tormented her in the first weeks living together. She couldn¡¯t understand the reversal.


    ¡°Forget it. I¡¯m tired and I have a headache, let¡¯s go home.¡± YuZhi deflected, throwing her a tight smile as if to say sorry in a way and then frowned at the fact he knew he owed her an exnation about thest few days but couldn¡¯t formte one. He exhaled, screwed up his face and then shook it off and put his focus on driving.


    He started the car, shifted into gear and pulled out to get on their way. Catching the sight of the man in the rear view still standing in the open gate watching them leave. One shoulder propped by the post as he followed their route with his eyes, and YuZhi scowled, anger returning instantly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drop and pick you up every day from now on. Don¡¯t make ns without checking with me first. We have a busy few months with thepany and I need you on my arm at all events and dinners.¡± It wasn¡¯t a lie; they did have a hectic schedule for the next few weeks, but YuZhi also knew it was a sure-fire way to stop Rong Cai being able to get his clutches into her any time soon with non-innocent gallery show invites.

 Let’s Fix This Prt 1

    TangShi walked out of her bedroom and into the open n living room to finish getting ready before leaving for school. The apartment was eerily quiet and felt empty although she hadn¡¯t heard YuZhi depart for work yet. It was early though, maybe too early for him. The sun was barely up but today she nned on going to breakfast with Linlin before ss started.


    Dinnerst night hadn¡¯t helped her sort out her confusion over YuZhi¡¯s behavior and as he took off after getting home and didn¡¯t return tillte, she didn¡¯t see him again. She was feeling all kinds of listless and uptight and unable to rx over this and Linlin was a good mood leveler any day of the week.


    TangShi padded into the kitchen in her house slippers and outfit of the day to get a bottle of water and froze when the click of his bedroom door echoed, alerting her to the fact he was most definitely still here. Hurrying to get to the refrigerator and turning her back on him so he wouldn¡¯t see how flustered she was.


    YuZhi wandered out of his room rubbing his face, still tired as he had only just got up. In long cotton pajama bottoms and a t-shirt, he strolled out in a casual meander and spotted TangShi in the kitchen already. Internally tensing up because he didn¡¯t expect her at this time of the day and had hoped a coffee would get his head sorted before approaching her. Yesterday he knew he wasn¡¯t in the right frame of mind after meeting Rong Sleazy Cai, so had avoided her to get his shit together. Even with school starting this was an early hour for her and he had hoped to dy any interaction until he was more awake.


    ¡°Morning.¡± He faltered, aware how nervous he felt at seeing her. His insides doing a loop de loop. He knew he had to talk things out with her on the drive to school without fail and was not looking forward to having to share his head mess with her. He needed to apologize to her. That was a given.


    ¡°Morning.¡± She returned his greeting with a soft distant tone and didn¡¯t look his way, instead sticking her head into the refrigerator to find some snacks for her bag. Immersed in packing her premade lunch and ignoring him.


    ¡°You look pretty. Why are you getting ready so early? Don¡¯t you start ss at eighty thirty?¡± YuZhi walked to the nearest counter and leaned his elbows down on it to give her space in the kitchen, watching her intently, sensing she was closed off and not her usual sunny self. His mood sank lower knowing this was going to be difficult.


    ¡°I¡¯m meeting Linlin for an hour before I need to be there. I¡¯ll get out of your hair. Have a good day.¡± She responded in a polite and tight tone and closed the door before swinging her bag up and moving on.


    ¡°Tang, wait.¡± He stood up as she slid out of the kitchen and headed to the main door without ncing at him once. ¡°I¡¯ll drive you, give me a minute to change.¡± He pleaded, panicking that he was losing out on the chance to fix things between them, and it would follow him all day until he collected herter. He couldn¡¯t handle another full day of knowing she was mad at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s a ten-minute walk, longer by car.¡± She shrugged and moved to the outer hall to put her shoes on, brushing him off. She was internally all over the ce and looking to escape his presence. Nervous, uptight around him, and her face was slowly turning pink.


    ¡°Please. I have something to say to you.¡± He stood firm, lifting his hands, palms out, in a ¡®wait for me¡¯ gesture and then turned and hightailed it to his room to get ready.


    TangShi sighed heavily and slumped back against the hall wall, looking up to the ceiling in a ¡®help me, god¡¯ hopeless gesture. Aware she was not ready for any kind of heart to heart and afraid of what he might say. She had been nervously pensive for days, expecting him to return to the cold and aloof mean guy of their early days. Her gut was telling her that¡¯s what this was.


    YuZhi got ready in record time, hauling on a fresh tee over jeans and racing back into the kitchen area with trainers in hand. His heart racing from the exertion and yet aware his palms were mmy because he knew this wasn¡¯t going to be an easy conversation. He wasn¡¯t one toy things out in the open or ever say sorry in this way, so this was a first.


    TangShi stood up quickly, pulled her bag onto her shoulder and walked out before him, making sure to show him no hint of her emotional turmoil. To him, she was a picture of calm and disinterested.


    They made their way to the elevator and quietly stood as it came to their floor as if neither knew how to start this conversation. A heavy quiet stretching between them that highlight their awkwardness. Once inside YuZhi exhaled heavily and nced her way, realizing her bag looked heavy and took it from her automatically.


    ¡°Let me. Look¡­. Tang, I ¡­¡­ I know I have been a total jackass these past few days.¡± He cleared his throat with a subtle cough, pulling her bag onto his shoulder and hating how she stood staring ahead with an unreadable nk expression. It gave him a hint on how it must feel to be on the other side of it and he didn¡¯t like it at all.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± She responded with a non-response as they reached their floor. She didn¡¯t give him a chance to carry on and walked out at speed, looking for the usual ck four by four, or his sports car.


    ¡°Over there.¡± YuZhi caught her by the elbow and guided her, not letting go, aware of how much he had missed touching her these past days. Her warmth and closeness making his stomach tighten and his heart ache as her familiar perfume and scent invaded his senses and it felt likeing home. TangShi had a unique smell, and it was up there with fresh baked cookies and hot apple pie.


    They made their way to the car in silence once more before he opened her door and settled her in, walking around to get in the driver side. Starting the car and moving in a bid to get going fast and be able to feel more at ease at talking to her. He hoped with the road as a focus the words might slide out with less stress.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Tang. For thest few days and disappearing on you, being distant. Notmunicating.¡± He blurted it out in a fit of nerves, hoping doing it fast would be like pulling a band aid off and nced her way for a sign of a facial reaction. He got nothing but her calm and nk gaze out the windscreen. Making his guts tumble around in antsy nerves.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± She uttered in response. Her tone empty. Not sure what else she should say.


    ¡°It¡¯s not fine. You didn¡¯t deserve me treating you that way and you did nothing wrong that warranted me nking you. Believe me, I¡¯m sorry, and it won¡¯t happen again. I needed headspace to figure some things out.¡± He rambled on, filling the space and silence with words and hoping it sounded sincere.


    ¡°I get it. You don¡¯t have to exin.¡± TangShi deflected again closing him out and not willing to get involved in a topic that might make her cry.

 Let’s Fix This Prt 2

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like this.¡± YuZhi reached out impulsively and stroked her cheek with his thumb, wounded at her not interacting and rting all the more how shitty it must have been for her that he did this exact thing. It brought it home and sobered his mood. ¡°I want to exin. Can I at least do that?¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡± TangShi flinched at his unexpected touch, and it rattled her that he was back to being affectionate. It had been missing and it made her chest ache with oing tears. TangShi had been listening to Linlin a lot these past days, on how not to cave and go running back to forgiveness and being a pushover, especially where YuZhi was concerned and was trying so hard to conceal her emotions. Linlin was furious at him.


    YuZhi sighed and gripped the wheel, slowing at a red light in traffic and tapping his thumb on it in agitation. His thoughts scrambling in what to say to her to make this right.


    ¡°I freaked out. I was confused about how I could cross that line with you, guilty over forgetting Rhea in that moment, being able to do that and not knowing how to cool things between us and take it back. I over reacted.¡± He again nced her way and saw the tiny waiver in the corner of her mouth as she turned away to stare out her own side window and avoid him. TangShi¡¯s heartbeat had elevated, and her stomach was tensing from the rawness of her own emotion. Feeling herself caving because he was being the YuZhi she loved and not the distant jerk.


    ¡°I thought if I went to Hong Kong on a business trip and gave us a few days apart, we could forget and carry on as before. I realize now that I ran away¡­.. and I hurt you. Tang, I¡¯m sorry. I was a coward, but you have to understand that since my parents died I have avoided any kind of emotional conflict in my life this way and never had the courage to deal with it head on. I don¡¯t do feelings andplications very well.¡±


    ¡°Then how do you manage to run a business like Leng group if you just run away from problems?¡± She snapped at him, finally angered into a reaction by the way his words were cutting her soul. Feeling like he was makingme excuses for wounding her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not like this when ites to work. I¡¯m a problem solver and fearless because it¡¯s something I know how to deal with. You¡­. me¡­.. I don¡¯t even know how to define us.¡± He moved off again following the ongoing traffic as the lights finally changed and spotted Linlin¡¯s car parked over by a trendy caf¨¦, so he pulled in to the nearest spot and parked up without turning the engine off. TangShi noticed the bright orange VW too and pulled her seatbelt off, ready to escape, but YuZhi caught her wrist and pulled her to him.


    ¡°Tang,e on. Please don¡¯t leave until we figure this out and you believe how sorry I am.¡± He pleaded, holding her wrist and adding a second hand to it to cradle her, in a sign he wasn¡¯t letting her go yet. He felt desperate and this was from resolved.


    ¡°I believe you. You¡¯re sorry, won¡¯t happen again, neither will a kiss. I get it. There¡¯s nothing left to say.¡± She shrugged it off, shaking her hand to be free and then giving up when he refused to budge. In a way YuZhi was kind of proud of her for standing up to him and not being too easy to win round. This is the side of her he encouraged but it sucked to be on the receiving end.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make it up to you. Dinner, movies, flowers, jewelry, whatever you want. Please can we just go back to how we were. I miss you.¡± It was the most honest he had ever been concerning his feelings with any woman, aware he had never uttered anything like that to Rhea in all these years, nor tried to bribe her with dates or gifts to win back her favor. When he fought with Rhea she was always the one who had toe groveling to him no matter the issue. He always knew he was cold and fights never affected him, or so he thought, until now.


    TangShi paused; took a moment to exhale, to calm her anxiety, slowing her thoughts and inner chaos and she turned to him finally with a stubborn set to her jaw.


    ¡°What about Rhea? Are you going to tell her or should I?¡±


    She knew this was a burning question with drama attached but she was willing to take the fallout. After all in her head, she did something wrong even if it wasn¡¯t at the time Rhea thought it was.


    ¡°No. For now, we¡¯re not. It will only make things worse, and she doesn¡¯t need to know. I am trying to keep her, and I separate for the next two years and then I¡¯ll deal with all the fallout when our contract is up. It was a moment¡­ caught up in a romantic date, memories. It was nothing.¡± YuZhi had told himself this repeatedly over thest few days and he almost believed it now. TangShi narrowed her eyes at him and then relented.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be mad at you anymore. I don¡¯t want to fight.¡± She softened and his familiar TangShi¡¯s sweet girl expression returned, her eyebrows dipping slightly as she frown, and he slid his hand from her wrist to her fingers and held them gently. The urge to smooth out her brows made him smile.


    ¡°Friends again?¡± he tugged it into hisp and held it there, so she had to look him in the eye. Nestling her finger sin his palm, aware how much he missed the feel of her small hand in his and the soft warmth of her skin.


    ¡°I guess. Are youing in to eat with me? It¡¯s early and you have time.¡± She nodded towards the caf¨¦ across the street, knowing Linlin could probably see them from here as she was at a window seat. It felt like her version of extending an olive branch and YuZhi understood it. He was crazy d.


    ¡°Uh uh, not if I want to live. I know Linlin is gunning for me, Zheng already prewarned me. Buy her a lot of good things on your card, bribe her for me. Tell her I¡¯ll take us all out to dinner this week, somewhere expensive, if she doesn¡¯t maim me.¡± He jested, impulsively leaning in with his free hand to stroke a stray hair back off her temple, behind her ear to join her ponytail. Warmed by how good if felt to be like this with her again. All felt right in his world once more.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    ¡°Okay. I guess I¡¯ll see you after school.¡± She blushed, her mood improving by the second and forgiveness leaching out. She could never stay mad at any one and somehow the sun was shiner brighter in her little world now YuZhi had spoken to her and wiped it all clean. She knew she was too easy and Linlin would berate her for giving in too soon, but this felt better than thest depressive days.


    ¡°I¡¯lle back for you in an hour and take you to school. I told you I would.¡± He added, mentally visualizing that asshole Rong Cai and not willing to back down where he was concerned. He would show up morning and evening for Tang to show that guy he was a permanent fixture and not willing to share. He didn¡¯t trust him at all.


    ¡°Okay.¡± She smiled brightly, a true and genuine one and he grinned back, aware how much lighter he felt at seeing it. Satisfied she wasn¡¯t upset anymore.


    As she went to turn and get out YuZhi gave her onest tug by the hand and yanked her into his arms for an impulsive hug. Needing it more than ever after the agony of Hong King and half torturing his mind to hell and back. He squeezed her around the upper arms and nestled his cheek against hers for a few seconds, letting her rx before finally releasing her with a rub on top of her head. Back to being his normally affectionate self with her.


    ¡°An hour. Don¡¯t tell Linlin because she mayy in wait or mow me down with her car.¡± He jested, letting her go as he watched her pick up her bag and slide out. A smile fixed on her pretty face as she waved his way and walked around the front to cross the quiet street. YuZhi watched her until she safely made it to the other side and then disappeared in the door before putting his hands on the wheel again. Happy, lighter, and yet he still had a lingering headache.


    One problem was resolved, the important one, and yet the next was to return Rheas call, and answer her about the three of them having dinner to clear the air. Rhea was looking to grovel, and his guilt was gnawing at him over it.


    He would ask TangShi in an hour, knowing this hadn¡¯t been the right timing. Rhea wanted the air cleared and TangShi back as her sweet public friend, and YuZhi wanted everyone to find some kind of peaceful middle ground, even if technically they had done exactly what Rhea was pissed over in the first ce.

 Rhea prt 1

    Rhea flicked her hair back off her face, trying to control her inner temper and hit redial on her cell for the fifth time. Pacing the empty corridor of the runway hall for the event tonight and aggravated more as seconds ticked by and he still didn¡¯t pick up.


    She had been trying to call YuZhi for thest two days, after he agreed they would sit down, the three of them, and talk things out. Since she pped TangShi in the face she had avoided her, raged about the whole situation, cried, hated, and then relented and contacted YuZhi. She knew she had been wrong and even ZhengLi confirmed the whole incident had been innocent and drunken antics and mixed-up phones.


    She had no idea why now after agreeing, he had gone off the radar again and was nking her once more. YuZhi was getting too good at doing it. Since this whole stupid arrangement, he had been trying to distance them, keep them apart, and was continuously reminding her the breakup had to be real. She never got to see him anymore.


    He said he was doing it for their future. To avoid conflict and emotional damage that could ruin everything in time by building resentment or making them fight. That he felt while things needed to be a certain way they should get on with their lives and put these two years down to time to grow as people and follow different paths. As long as they both had a goal in mind to start dating again when it was over, it was like he didn¡¯t understand how difficult this was for her. He didn¡¯t seem to be struggling in the same way she was.


    YuZhi had never been the overly emotional and clingy boyfriend, like Rhea was as a girlfriend. He had always been able to regte his feelings, keep his pain and frustration hidden and got on with life no matter how much his was falling apart. It¡¯s what had drawn her to him in his darkest days. His strength and ability to get up and keep moving forwards.


    He had never been the jealous type who would question her about his male friends or scold her for going out and partying and not letting him know she would bete home. He didn¡¯t keep tabs on her or call or text her constantly the way she did him. He had been an easy andid-back boyfriend who didn¡¯t try and control any aspect of her life, or interfere in her choices in anyway, and now she evaluated it, she started to doubt if he ever loved her the way she loved him. Maybe his easy going nature of the past three years hadn¡¯t all been rtionship security and his personality.


    ¡°Answer the god damn phone!¡± She snapped into her mouth piece and mmed her mobile on the window sill beside her, anger bubbling up like a volcano and then scooped it up to text him instead. Gripped by the rising hysteria that seemed to hit so much easier nowadays.


    I¡¯m in a meeting. I can¡¯t answer. I¡¯ll call you in an hour.


    The text came before she could type an angry rant, and she simmered at seeing his name on screen. Instantly quelled as she blinked at the words that felt like a ray of hope in her darkness. Her temper dying down and she sighed with defeat that he could so easily change her entire mood with one response.


    ¡°Why do I feel like you¡¯re lying to me.¡± She whispered to herself and slid her phone against her aching chest to stand and stare at the scenery outside. She caught her breath and cooled down by regting her breathing and staring at the prettiness of the day. She didn¡¯t want anyone to see how much of a mess he made her. This wasn¡¯t the persona she presented to the world.


    There was a time, YuZhi relied on her for everything and she felt she was the center of his universe. After his parents died, and he was a zombie of a boy who seemed hopeless in life who cut off his emotions and avoided any trauma. She was his friend, his rock. She did everything in her power to help him rebuild his life and be someone worthy of standing in Leng in his father¡¯s ce. She made him famous, styled him, taught him how to curb his wild streak and present a cool and calm fa?ade instead.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He had been the kind of boy that gave his father headaches. Party obsessed, wild, with strings of adoring girls following him and naughty behavior that only worsened when ZhengLi and him hit their puberty years. Two strong willed spoiled teens who thought only of being young, rich, and fun loving. The military was good for him in terms of bringing him to heel, but his parent¡¯s dying curbed all ounces of that fiery rebellion that had kept them at loggerheads for years and created a filial and calm man. She clung on in hopes that one day he would return her feelings for him that she had shone his way since their childhood, so stuck by him through it all. No matter how much it hurt to watch.


    Despite years of having to only be his friend, he finally epted her love for him. It was no granding together and confessions or anything romantic. In truth, she always suspected it was like he felt obligated to give her more because it¡¯s what she was pushing for and he knew he owed her. She had been trying to ignore and deny that fact for years. Telling herself that real love grew, and he wanted to marry her. She wasn¡¯t even sure if YuZhi really knew what he felt for her and it was all tie dup with his guilt, confusion and grieving of the past.


    Rhea brushed herself down and went to move, but a thought crossed her mind and she hesitated, trembling as her heart flipped over, lifting her phone to stare at the screen as a flicker of suspicion crossed her mine. With where her thoughts had been, it suddenly seemed important.


    Determination pushing her to start typing a response as she bit down on her lip, fear gripping her soul but unable to stop herself hoping she was wrong.


    If you don¡¯t call me now, I am going to see TangShi and take her out to lunch to talk without you. I want this resolved. I don¡¯t need you there.


    She knew that YuZhi had be weirdly protective of TangShi these past weeks, and she hated it so much it made her throat ache and her chest tighten. A jealous haze moving in to remove traces of her senses as her breathing becamebored.


    YuZhi picked up his phone to nce at the text in absentmindedness, ready to dismiss it until he saw TangShi¡¯s name in the message and swiped it to read properly. He was almost done with his briefing as his colleagues carried on reporting to the men at the table, talking and pointing at the projector screen on the wall facing him. He zoned out and gritted his teeth when he read what Rhea threatened, exhaling heavily, igniting irritation and got up to go out and call her back.


    ¡°Excuse me. I have an urgent call.¡± He bowed to the other board members seated, catching ZhengLi¡¯s eye as he frowned a ¡®I can¡¯t be doing with this¡¯ at him and walked outside.


    There was no way in hell he was letting Rhea near TangShi to talk one on one about this. TangShi couldn¡¯t lie and he knew she might blurt out the truth or an apology without him there and end up with another violent rage from Rhea. It didn¡¯t bear thinking about. It brought him out in a cold sweat.


    Rhea saw his name sh on screen as the call came in and her heart erupted in splicing pain, biting on her lip as she stifled a sob in her throat and shook her head. Her worst fears confirmed. That when it was to do with TangShi, he called back without hesitation, and it spoke volumes to her.


    ¡°You¡¯re meeting is suddenly over?¡± She snapped upon answering, her tone bitter because she couldn¡¯t conceal her anger and disappointment in him.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not. I had to slip out. What are you doing? Leave TangShi alone. She¡¯s at school and you¡¯ll only cause a scene. I told you I would think it over and tell you if we would meet.¡± YuZhi tried to keep his voice low aware of by passers in the hall. Knowing that anyone could hear something out of context and cause issues.


    ¡°No, you agreed on a dinner with the three of us. Now you¡¯re backtracking. Why?¡±

 Rhea prt 2

    YuZhi blew out his breath and leaned back against the nearest wall, tired suddenly. His temples already throbbing.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s what we should do. I think where we are at with the PR and progress of the cover story, we should all leave it alone. There¡¯s no reason anymore for you and Tang to be out together a lot. They believe you are friends, and that she¡¯s my fianc¨¦e now, no public outcry. I still stand firm on our decision to separate our lives and go our way for now. The public will see that we are really moving on and happy to be apart. You also know my reasons for it.¡± YuZhi was tired of going over the mountain of reasons that the breakup had to be real, that for a future they couldn¡¯t create misunderstandings and pain in the next two years from staying in each other¡¯s lives this way.


    ¡°I can ruin that all in one little interview¡­. I can destroy yourpanies cover story.¡± Rheashed out, bitterness oozing and YuZhi held his tongue. He knew she would react like this. This is what she did, and he expected it. When she didn¡¯t get her own way, she tantrummed, threw out things she didn¡¯t mean and tried to control him. It was exhausting when they were together andtely being apart he found it even more loathsome. He endured in the past, because all it took was his submittance to what she wanted and she was all smiles again, forgetting the fight. It was different now and he couldn¡¯t give in to her requests.


    ¡°We both know you won¡¯t. If you do, my grandfather will never let you near me or my family ever again. You know his stance on this, and you would only be provng him right that your family isn¡¯t worthy of Leng.¡± It was harsh, and delivered with an icy tone but he had zero tolerance for this today


    Company matters over a recent takeover had him hectic and overworked, he barely had time to spend with TangShi in the evening and he had missed two family dinners already this month. Rhea was low on his list of priorities right now. He only had the mental space for so much at a time.


    ¡°How can you push me away so easily? I thought you loved me?¡± She began to cry, her voice breaking in despair and YuZhi gripped his cell a little tighter. His emotions torn in two, between frustration that she was doing this now and genuine sorrow for hurting her.


    ¡°Keeping going over and over the same shit, Rhea. It changes and helps nothing. We¡¯ve done this so many times. You agree with me to cool things off and then five minutester you start spam calling me again, trying to see me all the time and causing me headaches. You weren¡¯t like this before and it¡¯s suffocating. I don¡¯t know how to deal with you.¡± YuZhi vented the truth behind his avoidance of her these months, knowing she would breakdown and apologize and promise to stop, before starting it all again tomorrow. He was tired of this whole scenario. This separation had brought out an ugly side to her that he had only ever seen sparingly before.


    ¡°I feel like you¡¯re slipping away and I¡¯m losing you. I don¡¯t want to let go. I can¡¯t do this.¡± The tears trickled down her face, her heart in true agony and more than aware that once again YuZhi never uttered those three little words. In all the years together as much as she tried to ignore it, YuZhi had never verbalized his love for her in that way.


    ¡°It¡¯s done. I¡¯m married. I agreed to what my grandfather wants, Rhea. TangShi gave up her life, her school, her freedom¡­.. I won¡¯t turn around and put the three of us through drama and public criticism. It would affect Leng Group, affect her life, and ours. Maybe you should go abroad for a while, like you wanted while things cool down and some time passes.¡±


    ¡°Now you¡¯re trying to get rid of me?¡± Rhea snapped, her tears stopping instantly and instead reced with fury and hatred for what he just said. That inner indignation born of being a spoiled and pampered girl her whole life, who always got her own way.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid. I just mean things might be easier if you¡¯re not here. Take time out, go do things you always wanted and have a break. Stay in Paris a while.  It¡¯ll be good for you; it¡¯ll pass faster if you¡¯re not here to watch my every move.¡± YuZhi hoped she would take the offer from a Paris fashion magazine to coborate with them for a season, it would give them both head space.


    ¡°Come with me.¡± The anger dampened and the tears returned. From furious and seething, to breaking down and getting exhausted too. This whole thing had taken a massive toll on her mental state. She knew she was clinging onto a crumbling wall, over a fall that she would never survive.


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t. Please, Rhea, for both our sakes. Take time out and go on a vacation. Stop following the news and keeping tabs on me. Stop questioning my every move. If you¡¯re like this now, how are you going to feel when TangShi falls pregnant, and the news erupts? What about the wedding?¡± He knew they still had all of that toe and he could no longer Rely on Rhea to keep up appearances.


    ¡°I¡¯ll deal with it. I don¡¯t want to go away and not see you. I¡¯ll behave if you keep seeing me.¡± She was holding on once more, losing her fight and reverting to pleading. YuZhi sighed because this was the same cycle, the same conversation all over again.


    ¡°We can¡¯t see each other for now. Or the near future. Only in public. You know what my grandfather stipted, and I don¡¯t want to make you misunderstand by seeing me alone.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t want TangShi to misunderstand you mean?¡± She snarled it down the phone, mostly under her breath but he heard her and curbed his urge to respond. Silence growing heavy between them.


    ¡°Look my meeting isn¡¯t done. I have to go. Book a flight, go away for a few days and then I promise, I swear, Rhea, I¡¯lle see you and talk. Leave TangShi alone for now.¡±


    He knew it would be the same as this but if he gave her that hope, of seeing him, of talking it out, he knew there was more chance of her going away for a few days and he definitely didn¡¯t want her near Tang when she was like this.


    YuZhi scrubbed his hand down his face as he waited for her reply, hearing only a soft ¡°okay¡± after what felt like a long ten minutes. The reality was it was only half a minute of her thinking.


    ¡°I need to go. Stop calling me, okay. Give me a few days. Work is crazy and I barely have time to sleep and eat right now. Let alone take personal calls.¡± It wasn¡¯t a lie, and he hoped it made her think it was not avoidance but genuine crazy scheduling and that TangShi wasn¡¯t seeing him either. If she thought this was just his current life, her jealousy would calm down.


    ¡°You better call me¡­. if you don¡¯t¡­¡± She started but he cut her off, a new wave of irritation growling in his stomach at yet another threat.


    ¡°I know. I will, I gotta go. Bye.¡± YuZhi hung up before she could finish, knowing she had inadvertently figured out a sure-fire way to get a response out of him that he never expected and he regretted taking the bait. Rhea wasn¡¯t stupid and now she knew how to make him answer, she would use it. TangShi was her leverage and if he didn¡¯t call her when he said, she would go see her alone and that would be the worst possible oue.

 Fans prt 1

    ¡°I¡¯m so full. We ate too much.¡± TangShi flopped back on the couch, nursing her food baby belly and groaning as Linlin picked up the takeout containers from the coffee table and dumped them in the kitchen.


    ¡°You could use a little extra fat; you¡¯re so thintely.¡± Linlin appraised her with a critical eye. d that since moving here to YuZhi¡¯s apartment she seemed less stressed out and unhappy in life and was back to being her fun and sunny friend. The diet that nasty Aunt had forced on her had made her lose weight and it was her job to fatten TangShi back up again. Feeding her anyway she could.


    The girls had met up after TangShi was finished with school and had gone shopping, before heading here for take out and rxing with a movie. YuZhi and ZhengLi had been MIA these past few days, something to do with an entertainment center being built in Shanghai and it was causing them endless issues with funding.


    ¡°What shall we watch?¡± Linlin wandered back and pushed her deadweight of a friend over so she could climb on the long space beside her to getfy. Shoving her with a cushion to make her move.


    ¡°Hmmm anything. I am so sleepy I may fall asleep. I don¡¯t have your energy and I was at school all day before you dragged me to walk miles.¡± TangShi protested, sitting up to turn and curl up against Linlin instead. The girls intertwined arms and legs, snuggling up as she browsed menus on the huge TV on the firece wall. YuZhi liked his gadgets, and his house had all the best technology.


    ¡°Nothing romantic, I am not in the mood.¡± Linlin huffed and then pouted as ZhengLi crossed her mind. Lately his absence was getting on her nerves even though he had a valid excuse. It had been over a week since theirst date, in which he abandoned her and four days since hest called or text her. They had no definite ns for anytime soon either and it felt like she was being ghosted. She refused to be the one to reach out and chase him.


    ¡°Still mad at him for having a job?¡± TangShi poked her in the cheek, grinning and adoring her stroppy best friend. Still amused with this denial that ZhengLi was more than a passing fad, and that her feelings for him were growing.


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± Linlin snorted, waving towards the window, that TangShi should close the blinds as a way to avoid the question, and she did so obediently. Picking up the remote to plunge the room into darkness.


    The door entry pad tones going off made them both sit up slightly to look in that direction and TangShi impulsively checked her watch.


    ¡°It must be YuZhi. He¡¯s early for once, it¡¯s only eight.¡± She knew that wasn¡¯t early by normal standards but sometimes he didn¡¯te home until after ten orter. Lately he had been after midnight more frequently and as she was asleep she didn¡¯t see him until breakfast. Linlin had been her chauffer most days as her own part time college was near where TangShi went to school.


    TangShi and he had reached thatpaniable easiness again where they had left the bad feeling in the past and had settled into cohabiting in peace. Having their own rooms meant they saw one another less than before with his schedule and she was missing him. Getting used to his habits in their own spaces and also spending time alone, more than she ever did when home.


    The two men wandered into the apartment carrying heavy box files and YuZhi blinked around in surprise at theck of light. Bncing his load on his leg, reaching up to feel out the switch despite this ce having an automatic system and then almost blinded the two women as he illuminated the apartment on high.


    ¡°Hey!!¡± Linlin squeaked and covered her eyes at the assault. They had been in low light before the blinds were shut so this was a shock to their retinas.


    ¡°Well, well. This is a wee surprise.¡± ZhengLi¡¯s smooth tone came over like warm honey as he put his boxes on the floor and casually wandered over to them to haul Linlin over on the couch. ¡°I missed my she devil and yet here she is. Looking irresistible, like a little prize.¡± He smirked, sitting down and sliding her towards him so he could put an arm around her shoulders, which she batted away.


    ¡°Do I know you?¡± She snorted and crossed her arms giving him the cold shoulder. Sulking about theck of him in her life but it only amused him.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Linnybooo, you know I¡¯ve been busy. Show me some love.¡± ZhengLi leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, earning a palm to his face as she shoved it away and remained stiff and unyielding. Refusing to look at him.


    ¡°Hey, Tang.¡± YuZhi ignored the two of them, used to this push pull behavior of that pair, and wandered straight to TangShi, perching his ass opposite her on the coffee table so they were only a couple of feet apart and reached out to hand her something. ¡°Here. They were giving these out to the employees today and I knew you would want one.¡±


    TangShi sat up promptly, spying the small cupcake box in his hand and leaned for it with excitement. Despite being stuffed she always had space for cupcakes and beamed at him. Happiness in the small things always lit up her entire face and made YuZhi rx.


    ¡°Cake! Thank you!!¡± TangShi blushed at his thoughtfulness, coiling her legs underneath her while she focused on opening it. Basking under his content gaze at watching her happy with her gift.


    Linlin wasn¡¯t the only one who felt TangShi had lost too much weight these past months and YuZhi made sure to bring her snacks and treats frequently and keep the refrigerator stocked so she ate. All the medicines aunt sent for her were resigned to a cupboard by him where she couldn¡¯t see them as he didn¡¯t really agree with forcing her to take anything until she was pregnant.


    ¡°We have a lot of work, so we decided toe home and do it here. We won¡¯t disturb you guys. I guess it¡¯s movie and junk food, huh?¡± YuZhi nodded at the array of unopened sweets and crisps on the table beside him and had spotted all the takeout containers in the kitchen when he walked in.


    ¡°Hmmm. Undecided on what to watch as someone is against love and fluff today.¡± She side eyed Linlin who was being coaxed and whispered to by a smiling ZhengLi and the pair were battling with hushed words and juvenile hand pping. TangShi sighed at them.


    ¡°They¡¯re entertaining for sure. Love¡¯s young dream.¡± YuZhi mocked in sarcasm and got up patting TangShi on the head gently before wandering back to his boxes of files. Deted by the thought of the long night ahead.


    ¡°Have you eaten?¡± TangShi got up and paced after him, giving those two space as it seemed like they were getting a little too touchy feely to be around.


    ¡°Not yet. We worked through dinner and packed up for home soon as we got most of it done.¡± YuZhi piled two boxes on the counter and put one between his feet as he figured out which he needed first.


    ¡°I can make something. Beef noodle soup, or seafood porridge? TangShi offered,ing up beside him.


    ¡°No, go enjoy your downtime with your friend. I can order in and take it to my study with Zheng. You look tired. Don¡¯t cook for me.¡± YuZhi impulsively reached out to brush her hair from her face, his thumb trailing over her cheek softly in that way he had developed of stroking her. TangShi¡¯s cheeks warmed, and her inner happiness bubbled up.

 Fans Prt 2

    ¡°You work too hard. Don¡¯t skip meals.¡± TangShi scolded him.


    ¡°I know. I swear, we¡¯ll eat. Go do your thing.¡± YuZhi turned her by the shoulders and gave her a gentle push back towards the couch, but TangShi caught sight of ZhengLi and Linlin kissing and turned back abruptly, her face ming and eyes wide.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Ummm.¡± She mumbled, flustered, and YuZhi looked up over her head to see why. Shaking his head and chuckling at his best friends antics, before catching TangShi¡¯s hand and tugging her with him.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go down and buy some food. Leave those two to get it out of their system. Anyone would think they were actually dating.¡± He smiled.


    TangShi followed obediently as he swiped his wallet and car keys out of his jacket and stood at the door while she pulled her shoes on. Walking out together hand in hand and down to the car park.


    They drove to the nearest take out and wandered in together while he ced an order for the usual food him and ZhengLi frequently ate, pulling TangShi beside him at the counter so he could rest his arm around her shoulder to lean on her. He was tired from the past few weeks and work and somehow he always felt better when she was around. It was his favorite part of the day seeing her in the apartment and feeling calm because she had that kind of aura around him.


    ¡°Mr. Leng, can we take your picture?¡± A young over excited voice pulled them from behind and he turned to see two teen girls standing side by side, clutching their cell phones and bouncing on the spot at having bumped into one of their idols. YuZhi got this frequently and didn¡¯t hesitate in nodding and smiling like it was no big deal. Knowing one bad experience could start a trend on Weibo, while he felt TangShi curl away to hide.


    ¡°My girlfriend too, or just me?¡± He nodded at her, knowing she was too shy to assume she should be in it and tried to step away to let him enjoy his spotlight.


    ¡°Oh my god. Both, please. You two are hot topic in the fan groups.¡± One of the girls held up her phone, shing it at him and he squinted seeing some sort of YuZhi Leng fan page, chuckling at his own face as a banner image and reaching out.


    ¡°May I?¡±


    ¡°Yesss¡­ oh my, yes.¡± The girl seemed excited to share it with him and let him scroll the images and articles that were all about him and TangShi recently. So many candid shots that he wasn¡¯t aware had even been taken in their normal daily life around Shanghai. This seemed to be a private fan group of two hundred thousand members, and all the recent posts were about how happy they were for the engagement announcements. It wasn¡¯t a major shock as he had over a million followers on Weibo and hadn¡¯t had any negativements. The PR was working.


    ¡°I¡¯m one of the admin who keep the page going and we don¡¯t allow anyone to be negative or nasty. We really like Miss. Lei and love how her and Miss. Cheng are close friends and the reason you met. So romantic.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so dreamy.¡± The other girl mooned at them in equal enthusiasm, eyes soft and gooey as she clenched her hands to her chest. TangShi couldn¡¯t help but giggle at them and obediently stepped in when YuZhi pulled her back into his arm. Curling up against him and making it look real.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take one and then we can swap.¡± Girl one volunteered and they patiently posed first with one girl and then the other before they thanked them profusely and bid them farewell.


    ¡°That was weird.¡± TangShi admitted, having never had this herself yet, even though she had seen enough online pictures of YuZhi to know it happened a lot. To her it was a really unusual urrence that she doubted she would ever understand.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it. Most of the time they either take pictures from afar or are extremely polite when asking. Be nice, smile, let them leave feeling good.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s easy for you to say. You look like a cover model for vogue in any outfit, no matter the time of day and your hair is always like this.¡± She reached up ruffling the front of his expensive styled hairdo, that she had never seen weird even after being in bed. He was infuriatingly perfect at all times. Handsome in a striking way and his tall height and muscr body gave him a presence you couldn¡¯t ignore.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think you¡¯re beautiful?¡± YuZhi asked with interest, turning at the sound of the food server telling him their order was ready. Being serious in his question because to him, TangShi was stunning.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m just average.¡± TangShi blushed. Having been told her whole life by her so called family she was a in jane and worthless as a beauty.


    ¡°Tang, you¡¯re beautiful. In any outfit, even with bed hair, at anytime of the day.¡± He smirked, ruffled her hair like she did him and then hooked her hand in his as he picked up the carrier bag of food and nodded a thank you at the server.


    ¡°You have to say that in case someone hears you insulting your ¡®fianc¨¦e¡¯!¡± She winked at him, not being serious and fell into an easy pace beside him as they strolled back out to the car. Aware the girls were huddled across the street with others who all stopped and looked their way as they made their getaway. Phones out to catch them leaving.


    ¡°I don¡¯t lie. You¡¯re a natural. You don¡¯t have to try to be pretty, you just are.¡± He turned and bopped her on the nose with his forefinger, before opening the car door for her and ushering her in and handing her the bag. ¡°Besides, don¡¯t believe me¡­ believe what their fan site said. They were calling you a goddess and hoped our future children took after both of us.¡± YuZhi smiled, warmed by the things he had scrolled quickly, about the public eptance of TangShi and d that it wasn¡¯t just the hot news topics, but among his fanbase they seemed to like her. He walked around the car, waving to the group as he left, eliciting squeals and more shes from cellphones before hopping in and getting them on their way.


    ¡°We might be a trending topic tomorrow.¡± He shook his head as they drove out, watching her rx back now they were no longer on disy and eased his shoulders to disperse his own tension. He needed her to get used to this side of his life, because so much more wasing. They had their first public date to an event in a week and she would experience the red carpet for this first time. He didn¡¯t want it to scare or intimidate her and was just as nervous as she was about taking her to something like that where Rhea would be with her new fake boyfriend.


    He wasn¡¯t sure if it was going to be a great night, or a night with Rhea drama given her recent behaviors.

 A Kiss Prt 1

    ¡°Thank you, Master Cai. Today¡¯s lesson was enjoyable, and I really learned a lot.¡± TangShi bowed to her teacher, holding her bag as she was readying to leave and thanked him again for today. Time was passing so fast being in this school and her daily schedule here was a highlight of her life. She had found her love of painting again and her days were passing in rtive happiness,pared to before.


    ¡°You are a good student. Rong was right about your talent and dedication, and I am enjoying seeing your skills grow, Miss. Lei.¡±


    ¡°That means a lot, thank you. I am so happy here, that words cannot express it. I bid you a good evening and shall see you bright and early.¡± TangShi bowed once more, full of the joy of having her respected tutor praise her and carried the rolled-up watercolor with her from yesterday. It was a practice piece while studying light on water, but she was incredibly proud of it and wanted to show YuZhi the piece. He was supportive of her time here and had hung herst lesson piece in his study at home.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°TangShi. Wait up.¡± Rong Cai called to her as she made her way to the gate, allowing him to catch up with her without fully stopping. She knew YuZhi would be waiting today as he had text her that he was taking an early day so he could pick her up.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mr. Cai?¡± TangShi turned briefly, pulling the gate as she did so as she was eager to leave. They had ns for dinner and she was excited to see YuZhi after another couple of days of his absence. His work was slowing down enough to afford him one early night.


    ¡°How many times, TangShi? Call me Rong. We¡¯re almost the same age. And I feel like we¡¯re friends now¡­. friends don¡¯t use titles.¡± He smiled, reaching over her head to open the gate fully so she ducked and quickly stepped aside so as not to end up in his armpit. Not overlyfortable with the way Rong always seemed to get very close to her in innocent ways. She couldn¡¯t say he was not a nice guy, as he never openly did or said anything to make her doubt him. He was always pleasant and helpful and chatted to her respectively. It was just her own sense of personal space always felt invaded when he was close, and she was sensitive to it. He always seemed to find at least one instance a day to talk to her alone and never other students, so it made her wary. She wondered if it was because of how YuZhi reacted the first time they met, and it was a subconscious thing because he had told her to stay away from him.


    ¡°The school is thinking of hosting a small gallery in a month¡¯s time. It¡¯s a regr annual thing we do. Taking our promising students and showcasing them in an amateur gallery for a few days. Then we repeat at end of term with the same artists. It always brings a lot of interest, especially when those who regrlye get to see the progress in our students. It always fuels new applicants every semester.¡±


    ¡°Sounds amazing.¡± TangShi replied with only half interest, ncing over her shoulder into the carpark but didn¡¯t yet see YuZhi¡¯s jeep. Aware she was increasingly eager to get moving.


    ¡°I want Alice Lin to be one of the named artists. Of course, I know you like to keep her anonymous, but we don¡¯t need to expose you. Just disy your art and you cane as a guest to view the gallery showing. We can be go between for any interviews, so you don¡¯t reveal your true identity.¡±


    ¡°That sounds awesome. I¡¯m sorry though, can we talk about it tomorrow, as I really have to go. I hope that doesn¡¯t sound rude; it¡¯s just I have ns.¡± TangShi tried to politely rebuff him as she caught sight of the familiar ck car turning in and her heart thumpity thumped at his appearance. A cross between excitement and nerves, because Rong Cai was standing practically hemming her in against the gate with his tall muscr frame and she knew YuZhi wouldn¡¯t like it.


    Rong Cai looked up and saw where her eyes flickered. Inwardly irritated at the appearance of the so-called boyfriend and pasted a smile on his face. He had searched them up after that first meeting, knowing a Leng would make headlines and was disgusted at the fact he had broken up with one girl mere months before TangShi dated him. His return of bad mood hadsted several days the first time heid eyes on this asshole because he kept turning over the possibility he was using her as a rebound from his long-term model girlfriend dumping him. He felt TangShi was being used and would be discarded before long.


    ¡°Sure. Why don¡¯t youe to my office a half hour before ss tomorrow, when the two of us can discuss it. I¡¯ll order some steamed buns for breakfast.¡± Rong moved back just enough for her to slide by, knowing to do so her body would skim his intimately. Aware he didn¡¯t give her enough room and felt smug as the ck jeep parked up with its bo facing this way. Full view of the two of them. He wanted that rich guy to feel threatened and know he wasn¡¯t giving up on pursing her. If anything, a jealous fight between them might show TangShi he wasn¡¯t a good guy.


    TangShi hesitated and tried to tten herself against the metal gate as she moved by him, turning so only her shoulder skimmed his abdomen and helped push him back to give her room. It was awkward and she nodded and mumbled an apology for bumping him as she sped past.


    ¡°Tomorrow then, bye.¡± She rushed out breathily and took off.


    ¡°Bye, TangShi. Tomorrow.¡± He smiled after her, waving and making a point of looking at YuZhi with a smug expression.


    YuZhi got out of the car, having seen the way that Cai jerk was caging TangShi in against the gate and wall as she tried to leave. He could tell by her bodynguage she was not happy and looking to escape and that asshole didn¡¯t exactly give her any room. It riled that inner rage that this time was not just jealousy, but that fierce protectiveness he had for her. TangShi was firmly cemented in his heart as someone vulnerable and too sweet to be rude, and it made him crazy when people bullied her or took advantage of her nature.


    Stalking towards them as she slid out, her face reddening at the body contact with him and YuZhi had to use all his will power to keep his expression nk and his mood controlled. This ass was smirking his way and making it obvious his intention was to rile YuZhi up. Only he didn¡¯t have any idea who his opponent was, and it was clear there was a better way to piss this guy off than verbal bitch matches. If Rong thought it would start a fight between him and TangShi he was wrong.


    YuZhi focused his eyes on TangShi who was walking towards him at a fast pace, seemingly flustered. YuZhi smiled as he rxed his face and his heart raced at how much he wanted to run over and punch Rong Cai in the throat. Rong¡¯s eyes on them, his attitude all over him like a ck smog.


    ¡°Hi.¡± TangShi came up to YuZhi coyly, her cheeks were a little blushed and he could tell she was nervous about how YuZhi was going to react. Seeing as he had made an idiot of himself thest time he saw this guy all over her and wasn¡¯t about to make the same mistake twice. Jealousy was never his thing and he had to be more controlled this time.


    YuZhi pushed thought aside and acted on impulse. All that male testosterone on disy and making sure that marking his territory was clear so this ghoul would stay away from her. He stepped the distance between TangShi and himself and swooped down with intent.


    Catching her with a hand on each hip and tugging her into his body, he tilted his head, slid her close, and delivered a pecked kiss on her mouth that brought her to a shocked standstill. TangShi¡¯s hands instantlynded on his shoulders in response as she gasped at his maneuver and became frozen still. YuZhi didn¡¯t relent his hold and held her there for a long minute, more than necessary for a tonic peck on the corner of her mouth. Aware that the jerk would see it only from behind TangShi and assume the kiss was more passionate than it was.

 A Kiss Prt 2

    He held his mouth to TangShi¡¯s, her nose pressed to his cheek and only pulled away a hairsbreadth to separate them when he felt her starting to panic. Both breathing heavily and unmoving from their statue like positions.


    Rong Cai snarled at the show of affection, turning away as soon as YuZhi leaned in and kissed her and stormed off back inside, mming the gate as he went and cursing out that asshole Leng under his breath. He spent all this time trying to get close to TangShi, being the gentleman, the friend, and this rude ass swoops in and publicly kisses her like he owns her. It made him crazy.


    YuZhi waited, until he heard the smash of the metal gate nging as it closed, and mentally high fived himself. Too immersed in his pissing contest to feel anything about kissing her this time. He knew it was petty and immature, but something about Rong rubbed him up the wrong way. He hated how he fawned over TangShi whenever he saw him with her.


    He was now aware of the way TangShi was gawping at him withbored breathing, her eyes wide and her lips slightly parted in shock and felt guilty. He knew he shouldn¡¯t have sprung that on her like this, but damn that guy needed a clear message to back off. He would maybe stop harassing her.


    ¡°YuZhi?¡± TangShi uttered nervously, her wordsing out strained and quiet as her voice wavered and YuZhi loosened his grip on her. Leaning back to give her breathing space but not fully letting go.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just missed you a lot these past few days and that guy knows how to rile me. It was for his benefit. I¡¯m sorry, don¡¯t think too much on it.¡± YuZhi apologized, mumbling his excuse, turned, taking her hand in his and led her back to his car. Fully aware of how flustered she was and yet he wasn¡¯t sorry at all.


    ¡°If Rhea saw that¡­.¡± TangShi caved, her own sense of guilt eating away at her and allowed YuZhi to lead her and deposit her in the jeep before she fully calmed herself down. Blinking his way as he got in too and they both put on their seatbelts.


    ¡°She needs to get used to things that are nothing to do with her.¡± He answered under his breath, not quite loud enough for Tang to hear yet she caught it, only just.


    Unlike that time they kissed properly, YuZhi seemed unaffected and like he had not done anything at all wrong this time. While TangShi¡¯s heart was racing, butterflies were going wild in her stomach, and she was lightheaded. Her thoughts hectic over the way his soft lips had pressed to hers and she couldn¡¯t remove the memory of how he felt and smelled when that close to her.


    It was a nothing kiss, a literal pressing of his closed mouth on hers and yet TangShi waspleted knocked for six. Maybe because she was aware her feelings for him were growing stronger the longer she was around him, that the simplest of touches were starting to be meaningfultely. So this one blew her mind.


    ¡°Tang? Did you hear me?¡± YuZhi snapped her out of her dazed state by putting his hand on hers as they drove home. Making her flinch in surprise because she wasn¡¯t aware she had zoned out.


    ¡°What?¡± She balked his way, unsure what she missed and tried to pull herself together. Knowing she was being weird and should ignore that peck as nothing, the way he seemed to be doing.


    ¡°I said where to? What do you want for dinner? Japanese, Western, Korean?¡± YuZhi really was not overthinking it at all, and happily focusing on what to put in his stomach. Maybe because this time was with intent and in his head had a purpose, whereas thest time, was purely emotional.


    ¡°Ummmmm¡­.. you pick. I don¡¯t mind.¡± She turned away to stare out the side window, pressing her palm to the cheek that was shielded from him to cool her temperature and tried to bring back her sense of calmN?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    ¡°I fancy sushi. We¡¯ll go hit a Japanese restaurant then. Also, did ZhengLi give you the schedule for the uing events we need to attend. He said he would put in a brief about each, so you know exactly what to expect and wear. Use your credit card and I¡¯ll sort out the bills.¡± YuZhi was already focused on other things, and she tried to regte her breathing to sound normal.


    ¡°kayyy.¡± She answered halfheartedly, her mind elsewhere. Unable to figure out YuZhi¡¯s two extremely different reactions to the same thing.


    ¡°Hey, you okay?¡± YuZhi reached out and nted his hand over her head, cupping the top gently, his thumb rubbing her hair as he turned her to him, and she smiled impulsively.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I just¡­.. I didn¡¯t expect the kiss, after what happened ¡­.¡± She didn¡¯t want to bring up thest time as he had abandoned her for days after.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Although, you should get used to the asional peck given we will be expected to do it sometimes. Red carpet events normally have some degree of photographers demanding kiss shots. It¡¯d be weird if we never do it.¡± He shrugged, letting go of her to signal a turn off and went back to focusing on the road.


    ¡°Right, of course.¡± Her face med again, her breathing raspier as she hit a full-on flutter and YuZhi side eyed her with a small frown.


    ¡°You can¡¯t act like that if we ever do it in public, Tang. It¡¯s obvious I don¡¯t kiss you if you freak out and clutch your pearls.¡± He smiled, a mischievous look on his face, amused at her, and TangShi reddened further.


    ¡°It was unexpected, if I had known¡­maybe I wouldn¡¯t be so flustered.¡± She tried to excuse her obviously weird behavior.


    ¡°Should I pull over and do it enough times I can no longer shock you with it?¡± YuZhi winked, yful at how much this was turning her into a sweet virginial mess. He never thought TangShi would be overly prude to a peck, given eight years ago he had his tongue in her mouth around an hour after meeting her.


    ¡°What?!?! NO!!¡± TangShi squealed it at him, thinking he was serious and slid away with wide eyes and raised palms as though he was going to maul her to death. Mortified, embarrassed, and excruciatingly shy.


    YuZhi burst outughing, reaching out to catch her pointer finger in between two of his and shook her hand to mock her. Eyes on the road, but his genuine warmugh echoed around them and lightened the mood. TangShi rarely heard himugh and when he did it, was the most melodic sound. He had a sexy voice anyway, but hisugh was particrly nice.


    ¡°You¡¯re so easy. Rx. I promise next time I have to do it; I¡¯ll warn you first. It shouldn¡¯t be something we have to do often but maybe we should do it a few times to stop the shocked reaction. You look about ready to cry or faint. Was it really that bad?¡± YuZhi headed in the direction of his favorite sushi bar and kept ncing her way as she returned to sitting properly and straightening her dress. Smoothing her hair in a bid to calm back to a normal level.


    ¡°Sometimes, I really don¡¯t trust you.¡± She joked, smiling at him with a reserved shyness and got a wink in response. YuZhi reached out and smoothed his hand over her head and down her ponytail.


    ¡°You can always trust me. I promise, Tang. I¡¯ll always protect you even if sometimes my methods seem a bit weird.¡± YuZhi was back to serious and scolded himself mentally, that if there was ever a next time he should prewarn her before lunging on her.

 Red Carpet Prt 1

    ¡°Stop fidgeting, you look amazing. Rx.¡± YuZhi picked up TangShi¡¯s hand in hisp and pulled it to his, ncing up At ZhengLi who was typing into his phone. A bored expression on his face. ¡°Linlin still not replying?¡± he pushed ZhengLi¡¯s foot with his to attract his attention and got a re in return.


    ¡°For a girl who¡¯s neither dating me nor interested in doing so, she gets crazy if I take a date to an event. Even when it¡¯s forced by my parents. It¡¯s not like she¡¯sing alone. She had a date arranged first.¡± ZhengLi was frustrated at Linlin¡¯s hot and cold this past couple of weeks. One minute she wanted him, was all over him, and the next she was pushing him away and telling him she had a date with someone else. Not that he was particrly bothered if she was taking someone else, after all they were both free agents and hadn¡¯t even had sex. She drove him crazy but for some reason he couldn¡¯t seem to cut her loose.


    ¡°You two are strange.¡± TangShi shook her head at him. ¡°The way you both behave, why are you not dating? You spend as much time together as YuZhi and I do.¡± She offered as way of advice and ZhengLi raised a brow and a smirked her way.


    ¡°Is that you admitting you two are actually dating now?¡±


    YuZhi shoved his foot again, a warning frown to shut up, and went back to calming TangShi¡¯s nerves. Intecing their fingers and pulling her attention to him. TangShi blushed at ZhengLi¡¯s remark and said nothing.


    ¡°Rhea might be there. Just act normally, you two are publicly best friends and she has the sense to not make a scene at something like this. Stick with me all night and you¡¯ll be fine. We¡¯re in love, remember? So don¡¯t freak out with me paying extra attention and being more touchy than normal. Eagle eyes and constant photographs being taken means we have to y our roles faultlessly.¡±


    TangShi¡¯s nerves were tight, and her heart rate was unusually high. She as breathless and anxiety had formed a knot in her stomach that was making her uptight. Soothed by him she nodded, smiling gently.


    ¡°I can do it. I¡¯ll be fine.¡± She said the words for herself, more than him and then swallowed hard and clutched his hand with an iron grip in a bid to calm herself.


    This was the first time she had ever worn a ball gown type dress, and in white it was particrly eye catching. It had the basis of a wedding dress in the skirt, but the top was encrusted with gems and sparkling stones in a fitted bodice and cap sleeves. So she was elegant and princess like. Linlin had chosen it for her, to suit her body shape and normal romantic style of clothes she wore. It was hell to move around in, but the length afforded her t shoes that were hidden since she hated heels when she could avoid them.


    YuZhi and ZhengLi were in formal ck tuxedos, only with ck shirts, bow ties and sashes. An all one tone look that was trendy while still being traditional. They were both handsome and perfectly groomed, clean shaven with simr styled hair, and TangShi felt lucky to be apanied by both. They were the kind of men who drew attention and not just because of how they looked. They both had thisbination of ¡®dude¡¯ aura, cheeky masculine postures, and yet ¡®confident boss¡¯ about them.


    ¡°Where is your date?¡± TangShi asked in interest, knowing whoever it was had a hell of a night ahead if Linlin caught up to them. For a girl that denied she had feelings, she was crazy possessive of ZhengLi and didn¡¯t care if tonight he was under orders from his father to have a pretty conglomerate heiress on his arm for his family business. Linlin was being a hard case again and unting another man in front of ZhengLi as punishment for neglecting her ofte, but it wasn¡¯t having the desired effect. TangShi hade to known ZhengLi a little better and while he was aid back and funny yboy, he was immune to games and maniption. He always seemed unbothered by her tactics and could usually guess the reason behind them. They were an infuriating pair.


    ¡°Meeting me inside. I refuse to be photographed with a date on my arm for fear my father announces my engagement. I wouldn¡¯t put it past him.¡± He grimaced at the thought of it and then nced up at YuZhi with an apologetic grin. Knowing fine well it was a touchy subject.


    They arrived at the event, pulling up to a grand venue hall, and disembarked quickly. Swept up in a mass of shes on the curbside and scrambling people as they were swept onto the red carpet in a flurry of movement. YuZhi keeping his grip around her and shielded her from the chaos as he got her into the clearing unscathed.


    It was a fast walk to an area with a branded backdrop andmands were thrown to them from all directions to look this way and that. It was an overwhelming experience and TangShi pasted a bright smile on her face and remained poised while under pressure. YuZhi kept his arm around her the entire time, smiling, guiding her, nodding in the direction they were expected to look while lights popped in their faces. He pulled her with him in several directions and they posed, projecting a happy couple before finally someone in a suit ushered them past to another walkway to leave the press behind.


    It was a surreal experience for a girl who had hidden her entire life and been pushed to the shadows. Someone who doubted her own looks and self-worth and it left her dazed and giddy. Tonight she felt like a princess and YuZhi on her arm gave her courage to lift her chin and walk around with him happily as though she belonged here.


    TangShi was merry and slightly tipsy after an hour of being given sses of alcohol. Having been guided around to meet so many men in suits and mingle with beautiful rich couples and known celebrities, she was rxing enough to no longer be as reserved. ZhengLi passed them a few times with a pretty girl in a red dress on his arm but Linlin was nowhere to be seen and TangShi wondered if she had bailed at thest minute. She ha dno texts or missed calls and knewter she would find out why she wasn¡¯t there. She spotted members of Linlin¡¯s family in passing, even Grandfather Leng, but he was whisked away in a flurry of his burly security men before they got to him.


    ¡°You okay? You look tired.¡± YuZhi leaned in , ducking to her face and took her empty champagne ss from to rece with another. They hadn¡¯t been drinking much but it was considered rude to wander around without a ss in hand. So she had been sipping them sporadically and mostly nursing it.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Enjoying listening to you talking. You always sound verypetent and like a real CEO when we meet business acquaintances.¡±


    ¡°I fake it, baby. Besides, they only want to talk to me so they can eye up my pretty date.¡± He winked at her and led her to another group of people who were waving his way. A nod and wave gesture to signal he saw them.


    ¡°TangShi, YuZhi!!! There you are!!¡± A shrill slurring voice stopped them both in their tracks and they turned in unison to see Rhea stumbling their way. TangShi was closest and despite YuZhi moving to catch her, it was TangShi who was flopped on, arms wrapped around her shoulders as Rhea tugged her in for a tight embrace and kissed her sloppily on the cheek. She reeked of strong alcohol and her weight was enough to start pulling TangShi down.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for you. I missed you soooo much. I wanted to see you, Tang!!¡± Rhea was intoxicated to a level where she was not able to control her own behavior anymore and TangShi couldn¡¯t miss the veil of sarcasm in the shortened version of her name. Blinking at her unsurely and looking to YuZhi for help.


    YuZhi frowned, his posture stiffening as he tried to extract her from TangShi, to relieve the most of her heaviness, but she clung on and pushed him away.


    ¡°Rhea, you¡¯re drunk, let me take you somewhere to sit down and get you some honey water to sober up.¡± He lowered his voice.


    ¡°No!!¡±  She pulled TangShi¡¯s arm into her own and slumped her cheek on TangShi¡¯s shoulder, gripping her and pushing between the two of them with purpose.  ¡°I want to dance and drink with my bestie. We girls have the best fun without you here¡­go away. You¡¯re not needed.¡± Rhea pushed YuZhi¡¯s arm off and tried to shove him in the abdomen, attracting eyes of nearby guests and he became aware of how badly this looked.


    ¡°Rhea, let¡¯s go take you somewhere quiet, huh? You can dance with TangShiter. You need toy down.¡± YuZhi didn¡¯t know what else to do except usher them together out of sight, aware that this would cause a huge scandal by morning if she continued to act out and make a fool of herself. Being this drunk and acting like this would do until damage to her image, given she had a huge following of young women.


    ¡°Uh uh. TangShies with me¡­ because she¡¯s the sure-fire way to get you to follow and give me your undivided attention, Mr. Leng!¡± Rhea reached out one finger, wriggling it and poked YuZhi in the shoulder yfully,ughing at her own mannerism and then clinging to TangShi once more. YuZhi¡¯s mood nosedived, and he tensed up all over.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you. We can get something to drink and have a rest.¡± TangShi tried to help, tugging Rhea with her even though it was obvious YuZhi wanted to separate them. ¡°It¡¯s okay, I can take her.¡± TangShi nodded to him and made to move but Rhea grabbed YuZhi¡¯s wrist and hauled him back to them.


    ¡°Nope. We three have to go, all together like one happy little family. Right, YuZhi? Because we can only be happy if you have TangShi tagging along in life, Right? Because you care for her¡­¡­ you protect her¡­ You only care about your sweet little Tang!¡± Rhea was slurring, her tone changing to bitter and YuZhi could sense the meltdowning. His head beginning to throb with the stress she was causing.


    ¡°Right, she¡¯s my fianc¨¦e after all. So that¡¯s a given. Come on.¡± YuZhi¡¯s own voice was rigid and harsh, trying to conceal his anger at her. He caught her by the elbow and turned, tugging her to follow while TangShi kept her up on the other side and they made to exit without attention. It wasn¡¯t that easy, and he was aware of cameras straying this way.


    ¡°Do you know, Tang?¡­¡­ uh I hate that he calls you that! It¡¯s not her name, you know!!¡± Rhea snorted, distaste obvious as she spat out her words and then red at first YuZhi and then TangShi.  ¡°I liked you, I did. But now, I feel like you might be a sneaky little seductress who¡¯s trying to destroy my life. Ipletely underestimated you. Hats off to you, Miss. Lei for being a maniptive and yet highly skilled actress of the worst kind.¡± Rhea hauled her arm out of TangShi¡¯s and turned on her. Her make up smudged, her lipstick smeared and her expression sour. TangShi took a hold again and kept them moving. Aware this shouldn¡¯t be seen and getting anxious about the drama she could feel unfolding. This was Rhea from the night she pped her and yet she had no idea why she was like this again.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,e on, almost there.¡± TangShi ignored her remarks and kept her cool. Inwardly questioning how someone who imed to be her friend could say these things to her. To use her when she knew she wasn¡¯t doing anything.


    ¡°Rhea, stop it, I¡¯m warning you.¡± YuZhi snarled under his breath into her ear, pulled them at speed, nodding to passing guests who looked their way and pasted a pleasant smile on his face while doing so. TangShi was trying to remain the same, following his lead but Rhea slurring in her hear, fighting to be let go was making it difficult and she didn¡¯t know how to react. It was obvious two friends were escorting a drunk girl out and raised many eyebrows.


    ¡°Of course, I shouldn¡¯t upset your precious wife, right?¡± Rhea hissed at him.


    YuZhi found them an empty room not far down the first corridor that seemed to be a side sitting room for this hall. No one was in here but stacks of bottled water to be replenished in the hall suggested they might get privacy if this was a temporary storeroom.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Go ask for some lemon or honey water and we will sober her up.¡± YuZhi instructed TangShi, eager to get her out of the picture, as he pulled Rhea from her arms and turned her to maneuver her into a seat. Rheaunched at him head on though and wrapped her arms around his waist as she buried her face against his chest. Bursting into tears and wailing like a wounded child.


    ¡°I Love you. Don¡¯t keep doing this. Make her go away and we can be here, just us. Like we were before. She can leave and we can be together again.¡±


    TangShi was startled and looked away quickly as her own internal battle of jealousy reared its ugly head and she tried to swallow it down.


    ¡°Rhea, for god¡¯s sake. Stop it.¡± YuZhi snapped at her, yanked her off and plonked her own in the seat behind her with a little force. ¡°What the fuck are you doing? Do you know how stupid this is tonight? Here of all ces! Where¡¯s Lu Jeng? Isn¡¯t he your date? Why the hell has he left you alone like this?¡±


    ¡°No. I didn¡¯t want him, I told him not toe. I only want you. Make her go away.¡± She reached for him again and he batted her hand away with zero patience for this woman he no longer recognized.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get the water.¡± TangShi didn¡¯t wait to witness more, aware that this was only going to improve if Rhea was less drunk. She didn¡¯t want to hear love confessions or see her clinging to YuZhi. It only pained TangShi¡¯s heart and reminded her he would never feel this way about her.


    TangShi was quick, scurrying out and easily found a server who fulfilled her request for a drink. She was only a few minutes before hurrying back and dodging photographers as she slid back into the dull room unseen. She came to a halt as she saw YuZhi on his knees in front of Rhea¡¯s chair, her hands in his, their heads tilted together as he softly spoke to her and tried to reason. Apletely different atmosphere as he had turned on the softly softly approach and it made TangShi¡¯s stomach turn over. A pain in her chest at seeing him this way with another woman.

 Red Carpet Prt 2

    ¡°You can¡¯t be like this. It will cause you so much bacsh if you¡¯re filmed this way. Your image will be stained. It could mess up a lot of your contracts and sponsors, Rhea. The public opinion can be brutal and end careers for the most minor things, you know this. You have to pull yourself together, for all our sakes.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t. I told you already.¡± She sobbed again, sniffing and swallowing hard.


    ¡°Here.¡± TangShi moved in, attracting their attention as she walked forward and held out the ss of water for Rhea.


    The sight of her returning seemed to flip a switch in Rhea¡¯s demure and calm state, and she suddenly hauled herself up, turning furiously at TangShi. She grabbed the ss from her hands with a sharp tug and threw the cold sticky liquid in TangShi¡¯s face. Hitting her with icy shock as TangShi gasped and stumbled backwards. Unprepared for an assault and blinded by the vored water for a second.


    Lifting the ss in the air, Rhea made to throw it after her, but YuZhi caught her wrist in sh speed. He grabbed the ss from her hand as TangShi blinked their way in shock, wiping her eyes as it ran down in little rivulets and made her make up run.


    ¡°Rhea, what the¡­¡± YuZhi exploded, and tugged her back to sit her down but she fought him. Wriggling and twisting and screaming at TangShi. Shoving his arms away and using her legs to force his knees back.


    ¡°I hate you; I hate you!!! I want you to die. I want you to go back to the hole you crawled from and never show face again.¡± She was hysterical, spitting venom TangShi¡¯s way.


    YuZhi dumped the empty vessel on the table but kept a firm hold of her wrist. His temper bubbling on high and he took even breaths to cool his temper before he did or said something he would regret. The impulse in him to pick her up and dump her ass t on the floor was overwhelming and his fury at TangShi getting targeted was making him irrational. TangShi attempted to mop up the water from her dress, aware her hair was falling down over one eye and that she must look awful now.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± She mumbled, mentally trying to remember where the nearest bathroom was and how to get out unseen.


    ¡°Stay right there. Rhea, you have lost your fucking mind. Sit down!¡± He growled hisstmand and pushed Rhea into the chair harshly, using more strength than he ever would on a woman, pulling out his cell and pressed it to his ear. He put one hand on Rhea¡¯s shoulder and held her down so she couldn¡¯t get back up even though she was trying.


    ¡°Zheng, I need you. First door, corridor on the left by the fountain. Bring something to clean up TangShi and someone to take Rhea home.¡± His mood seemed stable, but he was inwardly seething. Trying to gain control of this situation.


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving.¡± Rhea crumbled in her chair and let her head roll to one side. No longer fit to resist as all her energy drained and YuZhi let go.


    ¡°Yes you are. I¡¯m done with this bullshit, Rhea. I¡¯m done with you attacking Tang because you cannot get your shit together. This is never who you were, and I don¡¯t know if I never really knew you and this is something you hid for a long time, or if you need help that I¡¯m not qualified to give. Either way, you¡¯re leaving. We will deal with this when you¡¯re sober.¡± YuZhi turned away, taking a moment to calm his own self and think before shaking himself off.


    Rhea jumped to her feet as he moved to tend to TangShi and hauled him back from behind in a fit of jealousy, grabbing his arm and pulling him sideways so he lost his bnce. YuZhi grabbed at the arm of the chair and yanked himself free, shoving her away in reaction and scowled at her.


    ¡°What about you? Were you always like this? You care so little for me now and switched all your attention to some bitch who has been in your life for five minutes.¡± Rhea didn¡¯t back down but came at him with unbridled venom. YuZhi¡¯s temper red from being manhandled, having her scream in his face and insult Tang that way, and he let rip without meaning to.


    ¡°Five minutes? Try eight fucking years, Rhea. She¡¯s Alice! do you really think that she doesn¡¯t matter in this? I¡¯m who I always was but if you treat me like shit then expect retaliation.¡± as soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wished he could take them back and knew he said the wrong thing. Groaning internally at blurting this out. Rhea¡¯s eyes widened as it registered who Alice was and the truth of what she meant to him when he was younger.


    ¡°What?¡± She faltered, her words clear and shocked and TangShi didn¡¯t know whether to stay or run. Rhea¡¯s re came to her in question, and she recoiled with the intense hatred in that look.


    ¡°Alice? From Beijing, from that ball? The girl you left the night your father died?¡± Rhea seemed to have a moment of rity. Her mind putting so many things together and getting wed results as she spun on YuZhi, grabbing hispels. ¡°The kiss was real, wasn¡¯t it? All this time, the reason you have been dodging me was because you and her¡­¡­ you¡¯re having sex, kissing, going on dates, right? Because she¡¯s the one that got away and you hid this from me. You¡¯ve been lying and hiding the fact that she¡¯s the girl you want. FUCKING TELL ME!¡± Rhea escted from babbling to outright yelling into his face again and YuZhi hesitated.


    He knew he couldn¡¯t lie about a kiss even if it wasn¡¯t the one she was talking about and threw a nce at TangShi who was pale faced and trembling by the door. This was over her head, and she had be rooted to the spot and mute.


    ¡°We have never had sex. You know this. And we¡¯re not dating, we¡¯re hanging out as friends because there¡¯s now against that. That kiss that night wasn¡¯t a kiss. We exined it already and it wasn¡¯t a lie.¡± He deflected by using specifics to dodge a truth she would erupt at. He knew this was not a night forplete honesty as she was a ticking timebomb already.


    ¡°Do you have feelings for her?¡± Rhea probed, suspicion breaking through as she emotionally crumbled. Pushing him back a step with a hostile shove and a vengeful look in her eye. Her temper rising and YuZhi tried to utch her hands from his jacket, sensing the building eruption of tension between them and knowing he needed to diffuse it.


    ¡°I care about her, as I should. She¡¯s my friend, the girl who is stuck in this situation like I am. You have male friends; this is no different.¡± He tried to soothe with his tone, aware TangShi was backing off and seemed like she didn¡¯t know what to do when the door behind her clicked open and ZhengLi slid in. YuZhi sighed with relief, aware ZhengLi was one of the few who could handle Rhea, given he had known her since birth too.


    ¡°Let me go. When you¡¯re sober, we can talk it out, but not here, not like this. We need space to calm down. Let Zheng take you home.¡± YuZhi managed to pull her hands from his clothes as she faded into a dreamlike state. So much going on in her head as she tried to process the new information. Strangely detached and numb as a reality sunk in on her that she never expected.


    Alice was a girl she despised all these years for being one memory YuZhi seemed to cling onto. It had never made sense to her why one night had touched his life in such a way and how amazing could this girl have been. Now knowing TangShi was her, her loathing of the girl grew and suddenly it all made sense in her scrambled mind.


    YuZhi walked towards TangShi to make sure she was okay, his heart aching by how lost and scared she looked. Overwhelmed with this situation and caught the widening look in ZhengLi¡¯s eye so fast, behind TangShi, as they connected with Rhea behind him.


    He turned in time to see her scoop up the ss and throw it straight at TangShi¡¯s head. A look on her normally pretty face of ugly hatred and toxic venom. Intent written all over her. A split second, a moment of unleashed fury on Rhea¡¯s part and YuZhi dived in front of TangShi. Catching her in his arms and shielding her into a bear hug so it collided with the back of his jacket, against one shoulder de and shattered into a thousand pieces. Some flew past his right shoulder with momentum, and he turned TangShi with him to make sure nothing touched her, while the rest fell down his back and crumbled behind his feet. He cocooned TangShi against his chest, his hand over her head and the other on her back, cradling her. Fury growing and hisst nerve snappedpletely.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± YuZhi looked down, reacting first as protector before his anger fully engaged. TangShi nodded numbly, shellshocked that Rhea would go as far as trying to harm her that way and let go of YuZhi¡¯s clothes so he could let her go. Trembling all over and her eyes filled with moisture a as she bit on her lip to curb her tears. YuZhi brushed her cheek with his thumb tofort her, his heart wrecked with the unconcealed heartbreak.


    ZhengLi rushed forward and dusted him down, inspecting him for injury and guided TangShi gently towards the door. Knowing he needed to get her out before Rhea would calm down. This was only going to escte and ZhengLi couldn¡¯t let that happen to anyone in this room. They were all his friends.


    ¡°Go, out there. My friend Cheng will take you to his car, he¡¯s waiting.¡± ZhengLi nodded with a soft voice, gripping YuZhi¡¯s upper arm for fear he would turn on Rhea if he let him go. He could feel the rising hostility in him, and his stance and expression were grim.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there soon.¡± YuZhi added, motioning for her to go, trying to hold himself still for TangShi¡¯s sake. Both men turned towards the now sobbing Rhea, standing like a broken woman in the shadows of this room. No remorse at all for what she tried to do and it switched something inside of YuZhi off. He had no pity for what he could see in this moment, only a growing dislike for her.


    As soon as the door clicked shut, YuZhi shook ZhengLi off, walked to her and lifted her chin with one finger. Cold as ice, his emotions locked up tight by what she just did and that normal persona of YuZhi Leng that he was famed for on full show.


    ¡°You and I are done. I know this is partly my fault, and I¡¯m sorry, but life dealt us both a shitty hand we had to deal with it. What you just did, I can¡¯t forgive. I don¡¯t know you anymore and alcohol isn¡¯t an excuse, Rhea. You could have seriously hurt her, left her blind and disfigured¡­¡­ or worse. We¡¯re over, Rhea. Done. The end.¡± YuZhi¡¯s words were delivered slowly, perfect rity and no emotion present at all. The tone he used when shutting down conflicts at work, and it put the fear of god into her. She had never met this version of him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t mean that¡­You¡¯re angry, and we¡¯ve all drunk too much champagne. I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s just¡­¡± She began to plead, breaking down and realizing she made a grave mistake.


    ¡°You don¡¯t hurt people like that. I forgave a p, but this¡­.. I can¡¯t. What¡¯s next, huh? A push down a stair, hit her with your car? You need fucking help.¡±


    ¡°YuZhi, go. Leave her with me. Take TangShi home.¡± ZhengLi interjected between them, knowing this wasn¡¯t going to solve anything and only aggravate things. He knew YuZhi¡¯s temper well and these past months observed how irrationally protective he was of TangShi. This conversation wasn¡¯t going to end well if he stayed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t mean it. We¡¯re not done, we¡¯ll never be done. You¡¯re mad at me but you won¡¯t be in a few days, you¡¯ll see. We¡¯re getting married. You agreed.¡± Rhea clung to him, desperate and broken now her fury dissipated and began to cry. Genuinely afraid by a version of him he had never directed at her.


    ¡°No, we¡¯re not. I mean it. These past months you¡¯ve pushed, manipted, threatened, and demanded and made me doubt my feelings for you. It¡¯s like I have seen a whole other you that I don¡¯t like and couldn¡¯t imagine a life with that as my wife. This here, made it clear. I can¡¯t be with someone who does this shit, especially to someone innocent like TangShi. I feel like I never really knew you. That all these years have been a mask and I was blinded and never scraped below the surface.¡± YuZhi stepped back, his expression nking out as she made a grab for him, but he caught her wrists in a vice like grip and tossed them off with strength, so she stumbled and ZhengLi caught her.


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong. I¡¯ll apologize to her. It¡¯s just me being stupid and drunk. Go, get her. I¡¯ll make it right.¡± Rhea was back peddling, sobering by the second as reality crashed in around her that YuZhi really was tired of how she had been for months. ¡°She¡¯s my friend. She¡¯ll understand and forgive me. It never touched her, and she forgave me for hitting so¡­¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    ¡°You won¡¯t go anywhere near her, ever again. Do you understand me? TangShi was never someone you saw as a friend, and you abused her nature. This, us, this whole situation¡­ it¡¯s over. We¡¯re done. Don¡¯t call me anymore. Make this a clean break and get on with your life. I don¡¯t want to do this with you.¡± YuZhi had numbed out his heart and closed the door on his feelings once and for all. Lacking empathy for her in this state and although he wasn¡¯t sure how he would feel in the morning, right now he meant every single word.


    ¡°Leave. I got this.¡± ZhengLi pushed him away by the shoulder as he turned Rhea in his arms and cuddled the sobbing girl, who was reaching out to try and gran at YuZhi. Mumbling the words No, and please, between heartbreaking gulps and sniffs. ZhengLi felt for her but knew this was for the best. He had watched them as couple for three years and never had faith in them being a forever thing. YuZhi was only invested so far, and Rhea was too clingy and possessive to make it work long term. The cracks had started long before TangShi turned up. YuZhi had been able to brush it off when it only affected him, but TangShi added ayer that he couldn¡¯t ignore anymore.


    YuZhi turned on his heel, didn¡¯t take one look back and walked off in search of TangShi to take her home. His heart cold and his mind set.

 Let’s Move On Prt 1

    TangShi wandered into the apartment ahead of YuZhi, pulling off his suit jacket he had draped on her when leaving the event and dropped it carefully on the counter of the kitchen. YuZhi walked in behind her, throwing his keys and cell on top of it and caught her by the elbow before she got any further.


    ¡°Hey, you okay?¡± he pulled her back to face him, scrutinizing her mood and appearance now they were home in decent lighting. The drive back had been quiet and tense as they both got lost in their thoughts and didn¡¯t want to say much in front of the limo driver. He wasn¡¯t a usual driver for YuZhi, so they had kept it for getting home.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Tired, a little rattled, but I¡¯m okay. What about you?¡± TangShi reached up to touch his shoulder that had taken the brunt of the ss and he shrugged it off, pulling her in against him and gave her a hug. Cradling the back of her head against him and burying his face in the nape of her neck. Wrapped up in a bear hug as they both released the pent-up tension they were harboring. TangShi sunk against him, sliding her hands up around his back and they stood that way for a few minutes. Quietly breathing in slow unison as they both unwound the stress of that encounter.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. No injuries. Listen, Tang, nothing she said was true. Don¡¯t take any of it to heart. I don¡¯t want you feeling bad or guilty over Rhea¡¯s tantrum. She made her own choices, and this is about her and me and our messed-up rtionship. It¡¯s nothing to do with you or anything you have done. I¡¯m sorry about tonight.¡± He tilted her head back with a finger under her chin so he could look her directly in the eye, smoothing back the hair that had fallen down from getting soaked. Guilt eating him at how innocent she looked when ruffled and tired after the hell of tonight.


    ¡°Will you see her tomorrow and smooth things over again?¡± TangShi was torn about her own feelings. Having Rhea act that way and attack her had been a shock and shaken her to the core. Now she wondered if they were ever friends at all and didn¡¯t really want to care anymore about Rhea Cheng. Linlin would never treat TangShi that way and she knew it meant Rhea never cared about her. YuZhi was right about them never being friends.


    ¡°No. I ended everything when you left the room. Told her it was done. We are done.¡± YuZhi let go of TangShi and paced past her into the kitchen to make coffee, wound up and exhausted but still angry about tonight. Every time he pictured it in his head he wanted to break something. He couldn¡¯t believe the girl he knew all these years could be so violent and vindictive.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°What? What do you mean, over?¡± TangShi gawped at him and followed. Unsure what exactly he was implying.


    ¡°The n for two years from now. Her and I. It¡¯s finished.¡± He shut it down quickly not willing to borate anymore but TangShi couldn¡¯t leave it alone.


    ¡°But you love her, she¡¯s your long-term girlfriend. You¡¯re supposed to eventually marry her.¡± She stated on automatic pilot, her heart rate upping and her nerves growing in her belly even though she didn¡¯t know why.


    ¡°If I¡¯m being honest, this was a long timeing. I know the media painted us to be this perfect couple, but we had our problems and some of them were huge. This was the straw that broke the camel¡¯s back, and I can¡¯t keep ignoring the reality of it.¡± He waved a mug in TangShi¡¯s direction to ask if she wanted coffee too and set about the task when she nodded. Trying to focus on doing something, rather than thinking more.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s really ¡­. done? No future n, no thoughts of dating her again when you¡¯re free?¡± She didn¡¯t know how to feel about that because Rhea was the one thing that always stood between them, like an invisible barrier. An end goal for him. Without her and the n, she didn¡¯t know what would happen when her time with YuZhi ended.


    ¡°I thought I loved her. All these years as her friend, then her boyfriend, I ignored a lot of red gs about us. I cared about her, and I wanted her to be happy, but if I¡¯m being honest, I didn¡¯t really put effort into our rtionship. I went with what she wanted and worked so much we spent minimal time together anyway. Rebelling against this marriage, was more about being forced against my will to do something, other than about screwing up my future with Rhea. I didn¡¯t realize it until now.¡±


    The honesty in that statement made them both look at one another and stare in pensive silence for a moment. The air heavy with tension.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you live here together? Have a life? Maybe it¡¯s because you¡¯ve forgotten what it was like that you¡¯re only thinking of the bad stuff now, because you¡¯re upset.¡± TangShi gestured around, sure she had heard Rhea say this was where she slept every night, but YuZhi shook his head. TangShi didn¡¯t want this sudden knee jerk reaction from him if he was going to regret it and cause himself pain. She was scared for him that it was impulsive, and he would live to regret it. Her heart was terrified to put any hope in ce that he might no longer be bound to another woman.


    ¡°My grandfather was never cool about us, and a part of me thought I was respecting him by keeping things on the date level and not moving. When I look back, I never wanted to move forward because it suited me how we were. I had my date when I needed her, it kept things simple, but could live my life without having to consider her ns ormit all the way. I knew she loved me enough to put up with anything as long as I came when she clicked her fingers, and I didn¡¯t rock the boat. I thought I was content and that was how it was meant to be.¡± He had been thinking a lot on the long drive home, about all of this and tonight he had some kind of lightbulb moment that he had ignored for a long time.  She had switched something off in him, and it had widened a crack and let a lot of negativity out that he had pushed aside for a long time.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been friends your whole life, maybe you¡¯re just mad at her tonight and not seeing it clearly. After some sleep you might feel differently.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more than that. It¡¯s been there in my head for months now. The worse things got between us. I¡¯ve hidden a lot of it from you. The calls, texts, the drop ins to my office, and the constant demands and emotional ckmail. Rhea has been clinging on and making life hell for me since we got married but she¡¯s so good at projecting that kind and loving girl on the world that I wanted to believe it was all fallout and would pass in time.¡± YuZhi sighed and watched the perctor filling the coffee jug, pushing their mugs aside and leaned down to rest his arms and face on the cool worktop. Exhaling with a long blow to try and ease the building headache.


    TangShi came around, hating seeing him like this and rubbed his back and shoulder, trying anything tofort him because he made her heart bleed. She knew he was confused and frustrated, and she didn¡¯t want that tiny flicker of hope to grow when her gut said none of this was real. He was drunk, even if he didn¡¯t seem it, and angry. Tomorrow was a new day.


    ¡°It¡¯s understandable. She loves you so much and this contract, this thing between us, it would drive any sane woman crazy. I cant begin to know what it feels like to see the love of your life being taken away for two whole years.¡± TangShi¡¯s biggest w in life was her huge empathy for people¡¯s pain that allowed her to justify so many things.


    ¡°I get that, I do. It¡¯s hardly a pic for me either to have all my ns and rtionship upended and told I was to marry a girl I didn¡¯t think I had ever met. We had ns on how to deal with it, to stay apart, but she never stuck to them. She made it worse for all of us.¡± YuZhi got up and walked off, wired and tense at the same time and needed some breathing space. ¡°I felt like I owed her, and it was all wrapped up in thinking she was the one. For being there for me when I needed someone, and I convinced myself my care for her was love. I don¡¯t think it is, not in the way she loves me. I can¡¯t change that now that I¡¯ve finally realized it.¡±


    ¡°What makes you think it isn¡¯t love now? After all this time? Don¡¯t make decisions while wound up and angry.¡± TangShi waited where she was, leaning one hand against the counter and watched him pace around as he loosened his bow tie and hauled it off, took his sash from around his waist and tossed them on the couch before undoing his top buttons and yanking his shirt out of his pants to loosen him up. Her heart racing at his words but using all her willpower to stay nk and be a friend in this.


    ¡°How can it be love when every time I see her name on my phone, I want to ignore it? I¡¯m agitated seeing it. Every time I meet her in persontely, I get irritated with her. And anytime she says or does anything to you, I feel like I hate her.¡± He finally admitted what he had been afraid to say out loud, for fear he sounded like a heartless bastard. Knowing that it was always there lingering, and he had tried to avoid it. ¡°Does that sound like a healthy rtionship based in love?¡± he looked past her, seeing the coffee machine had stopped and walked back to finish his task. Brushing past TangShi.


    ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t, but I¡¯ve never really had a rtionship with mutual romantic love, so I don¡¯t know how topare or help you figure it out.¡± She blushed, knowing her words sounded immature and pathetic and YuZhi nced up at her. He pondered her for a minute, saying nothing as he thought about the fact her confession somehow made him feel better. He couldn¡¯t pinpoint why and poured them some ck coffee and pushed it out of his head.


    ¡°Here.¡± He slid one to her and took his own to the couch. TangShi lingered to add cream and sugar before following him, dying to get out of this dress but feeling like he needed herpany more than she needed to befortable. Rustling after him in her puff of fabric.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry she ruined our night.¡± YuZhi sat down andid his cup on the center table.


    ¡°I was only there for you anyway, so I don¡¯t mind. It was fun before any of that, so it wasn¡¯t entirely ruined.¡± TangShi shrugged, not caring that they left and happy to be home instead.


    ¡°I have no idea if it was caught by reporters. I guess we will find out in the morning. All hell will break loose if they figure out it was a jealousy fight over you and I.¡±


    TangShi froze as she sat down, mulling over what that could mean for their perfectly executed PR story these months and gulped down her coffee to stop the knot forming in her throat. Stressed over it already. Not sure if it came out that Rhea wouldn¡¯t tell the press the truth.

 Let’s Move On Prt 2

    ¡°My grandfather will have a fit. Rhea did us no favors.¡± YuZhi slumped his head back on the top edge of the couch and rxed into a casual pose, wanting it all to seep away and yet d he had her here beside him. ZhengLi would deal with Rhea, get her home in one piece, and call him in the morning to report, but having TangShi safe at home was already calming him down.


    ¡°I need to go change; this is awkward.¡± TangShi admitted defeat while perched on the couch unable to getfy because of twentyyers of and voiles which were like sitting on a pile of slidey clothes and too bulky to sit back. YuZhi looked her over and smiled, gestured to her room for her to go.


    ¡°You were beautiful tonight, even after she did that. I¡¯m sad to see ite off.¡±


    ¡°Beautiful it may be, but practical it¡¯s not. I¡¯ll be a few minutes.¡± TangShi wandered off as YuZhi drunk his coffee and got up to stretch out his tense body. It was almost one am already, and he knew they should both get some sleep. As much as he wanted to stay and talk to her all night, until his head stopped buzzing and his mood fully simmered, she looked beat, and he felt guilty for keeping her up.


    TangShi returned in cotton pajamas quickly. Her hair taken down and brushed and her face fresh and free from makeup. Looking like the girl she normally was and stopped when she caught YuZhi staring at her. He seemed lost in thought, standing in the middle of the room and then walked towards her with an odd look on his face. Seemingly intent on something.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± TangShi hesitated and flickered down in question as he slid her hand into his, leaning in close so their heads almost touched.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Sleep with me tonight.¡± He uttered the words so softly, so smoothly, that TangShi thought she misheard him and blinked up in shock, meeting his eyes on hers with perfect focus. His handsome face showing no hints of joking with her. Taken back with the one request she didn¡¯t expect she was unable to formte words. ¡°I miss sharing a bed with you, and I want you beside me.¡± His voice was low, and husky, and his exhaustion was evident.


    ¡°I¡­¡­ um¡­¡± TangShi swallowed hard, flustered, not knowing how to take that request. She was unsure if this might be a rebound thing that men do, but it might also be a need forfort. She didn¡¯t understand or want to jump to conclusions. His expression was telling her nothing. ¡°I don¡¯t know if we ¡­¡± She faltered, her voice dying mid-sentence, suddenly overly nervous that he might want something physical, and she wasn¡¯t ready. He only just broke up properly with his girlfriend.


    YuZhi reached up with his other hand and traced the shape of her jawline with his thumb. Sending her skin into overdrive as it goosebumped all over, her body clenched up inside, aware how intimate this was and instantly scared that this might be too loaded and a mistake. He wasn¡¯t thinking clearly.


    ¡°You¡¯re legally my wife. Surely it¡¯s not a big deal seeing as we slept in one bed for months already. I¡¯m not asking you to have sex, just be there. I got used to you and I don¡¯t like the fact my bed feels too big now. I miss the tiny person who stole half my mattress.¡± YuZhi knew he was drunker than he thought, and this was probably a bad idea given how not himself he was tonight, but he didn¡¯t want to go in there alone to sleep. She made him feel better and kept his thoughts calm. He wanted her beside him like she used to be, where he could wake up at anytime and the sound of her gentle breathing would lull him back to sleep. He had be dependent on sensing her presence. TangShi felt like security while the rest of his life was a total mess.


    ¡°Okay.¡± TangShi answered without looking at him, too shy to do so, hesitating but unable to refuse him. Her face getting hot while it spread to her hairline. Her heart wanted more, even if her brain was telling her it was dumb.


    YuZhi didn¡¯t wait on her changing her mind, smiling softly at her before turning and pulling her with him to his room. Fingers inteced as he walked on in a suave confident swagger that made her tremble. He didn¡¯t bother with lights, just guided her in and then let go before pushing her to the bed by the waist as he walked off to change. No words, no hints at what was toe.


    TangShi hurried over to it, yanked back the duvet and dived in before he could see how crazy anxious she was, how many doubts and conflicting things were going off in her head. She quickly shifted over to the side she used to sleep on and turned her back to the center in a bid to pass out as fast as possible. Hoping if she was out cold they wouldn¡¯t have any weird or awkward encounters and he could sleep it off.


    After a few tense minutes of staring at a dark wall, she bristled when she sensed and heard his soft footstepsing back from the bathroom, where he didn¡¯t shut the door or turn on a light. Aware of his every movement and then held her breath when the bed dipped, scrunching her eyes closed.


    His weight shifted, moved in, and the covers were tightened as he got under them. TangShi focused on breathing normally but her breath and heart rate were erratic. It felt like the first time again that they shared a room only this time instead of repulsion and fear of her mean husband, there was nerves and anticipation. She was close to an all-out nervous breakdown.


    YuZhi scooted over right up behind her, which was something he never did. Smoothing her hair to the pillow and down to one side out of his way and then pulled her back against him so he could spoon her. Sliding his hand around her waist and gettingfortable with her in his arms. Nestling into her and kicking his leg over hers under the sheets so she waspletely held.


    ¡°YuZhi?¡± She gasped impulsively. Feeling trapped even though it also felt really good. Safe and secure as his warm body heat wasforting but her mind was grabbing at reasons not to do this, while shing her images of Rhea.


    ¡°Shhhhh, sleep. Trust me. I won¡¯t do anything.¡± He whispered it softly into her ear, so close it tickled her neck and cheek and she shivered. YuZhi then seemed to rx behind her and go limp. She was hyperaware of him the entire time, too tense to do anything except stay still as a statue. She waited pensively to see if he would do anything else for what seemed like the longest time until his unmistakable deep breathing pulled her out of her own head. Blinking as her eyes adjusted and tuned into hispleteck of movement.


    YuZhi was asleep already. Out cold, breathing like he did when he was far off in dreand, and she nced over her shoulder to make sure. Amazed he could pass out in under five minutes but then again he had drunk a lot tonight.  His face so near she almost bumped noses and could about making out his wless features in a serene expression. Holding her tight, cuddling like this was the most normal thing in the world to be doing and yet she didn¡¯t think she would sleep at all now.

 Domestic Bliss

    ¡°Here, Dude. One more to sign and we can call it a day. I¡¯m beat and I feel like I haven¡¯t had a decent night out in a month. I¡¯m having withdrawals.¡± ZhengLi dumped a folder on his desk before walking off to drag forward a seat from the lounging area and sat down with a sigh. It was already eight pm and he was fed up with work. It¡¯d been a grueling month.


    ¡°It¡¯s been less than a week. I think you may need an intervention.¡±


    ¡°Pftt. You¡¯re as bad as me, well you were until you settled down with the little wife.¡± ZhengLi poked fun, aware of the fact that work was the main reason that YuZhi had calmed down with nights out, but there had also been a decline in party time since he married TangShi. Even when he didn¡¯t like her all that much, he still went home instead ofing out to y.


    ¡°Getting married was the start of grandad handing me more responsibility. Don¡¯t overthink it.¡± YuZhi kept on typing on hisptop, not lifting his eyes and screwed his face up over the details in the document he waspiling. This was his third attempt at writing a proposal this evening, but he wasn¡¯t focused and his mind kept straying.


    ¡°How is she anyway? Haven¡¯t seen her since the Sheng Hai charity night.¡± ZhengLi had taken Rhea home and dealt with her that night and hadn¡¯t done anything but work here since. Late nights. Early mornings, and two all nighters meant zero socializing.


    ¡°Good. School is great, she¡¯s great, life is currently quiet seeing as it never blew up and Rhea dodged a massive bullet.¡± YuZhi got annoyed with hisst paragraph and back buttoned the whole thing to delete it. Giving up when the start of a headache was brewing.


    ¡°And Rhea? Still not a peep.¡±


    ¡°After the first couple of days of being ignored, she¡¯s left me alone. I think she assumes I need space and hasn¡¯t epted I was deadly serious.¡± It wasn¡¯t often they had any down timetely to even have these conversations, so ZhengLi was curious.


    ZhengLi felt like his entire life for the past week was figures, data, and nning permission forms. He barely saw YuZhi at all during the day when they were up to their necks in details over this new build. He hadn¡¯t spoken to Linlin either, given she was nking him after not showing up to the event. He knew he should reach out and make the effort, but he had no time. He missed her, but he had to figure where he was heading with her before he called her.


    YuZhi stopped what he was doing and checked his watch, frustrated he wasn¡¯t done but caving at the hour.


    ¡°Let¡¯s pack it up. I promised Tang I would cook dinner and I¡¯m alreadyte.¡± He closed hisptop and slid back, retrieving his jacket and swung it on as he got up.


    ¡°When are you two going to stop skirting around one another and admit that your marriage is a little more genuine than you realize.¡± ZhengLi grinned, lifting up his feet to perch on the surface right before YuZhi walked around and pushed them off with his hand. A re and a head shake at scuffing his three thousand dor desk.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s not. We have separate bedrooms.¡± YuZhi reminded him, even though he did convince her to sleep with him that night he hadn¡¯t asked her again in case she got the wrong idea and felt pressured. YuZhi hadn¡¯t arranged anymore clinic visits yet either as he wanted some downtime to figure this mess out with Rhea and let some time pass before he even got his head around fatherhood. Home was stable for now, and TangShi seemed happy. He didn¡¯t want anything to change.


    ¡°So change that. Make a baby the old-fashioned way and who knows, maybe stick together after the contract ends.¡± ZhengLi was blunt and to the point and got a frowned face of a response.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving. Enjoy your early night. Maybe give Linlin a call and put the girl out of her misery so she stops moping around my apartment in hopes of seeing you. She¡¯s slept over three nights in a row.¡± YuZhi pointed out, raising a brow as he gathered all his papers and put them in is case.


    ¡°Ahhh so that¡¯s why there are separate beds.¡±


    YuZhi picked up his file and smacked ZhengLi on top of the head with it for his smart-ass remarks and refused to respond. Him and


    TangShi and sex was a weird topic and not one YuZhi wanted to think about. He was still mulling over his very final break up and getting used to thinking of a future with no Rhea. He didn¡¯t want to jump into sex with TangShi and ruin everything in some impulsive rebound move he would regret. Sex with someone like TangShi was never going to be a means to making a contracted baby. She was a girl who seemed like emotions would be needed and he couldn¡¯t sleep with her as though she was a baby making machine with no feelings.


    ¡°Goodnight.¡± YuZhi nked him and left. Leaving him behind to do whatever he was doing and not getting into it. ZhengLi never stopped making remarks about Tang, but this wasn¡¯t that simple and YuZhi couldn¡¯t figure out if he had feelings for her or cared about her the way he did with Rhea once upon a time. He made the mistake of tying himself to one woman he ended up not really loving the right way and wasn¡¯t about to jump into a second mistake with another girl. Especially not TangShi.


    YuZhi drove home and got up to the apartment in record time. Eager to see her and hoping that Linlin had finally gone home. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t like the girl, but sometimes he liked his space and the serenity of just TangShi and him doing their thing in his apartment. She would paint or read while he worked, and it felt nice and domestic, and homely. Linlin on the other hand was chaos and would make mess, a lot of noise, and needed constant entertainment, much like ZhengLi did. In terms of a pairing, they were a match made in heaven.


    ¡°Tang, I¡¯m home. Did you eat without me?¡± YuZhi called into the apartment as he walked in, kicking off his shoes and throwing his jacket aside. No sign of her in the kitchen or lounge and he went off in pursuit of her. The ce was quiet, but all themps were on, and he could smell food in the air as if she cooked already.


    ¡°Here.¡± TangShi walked out of her bedroom in shorts and a t-shirt, her hair damp from taking a soak in the tub and lit up at seeing him. ¡°I made food, it¡¯s in the oven.¡± she padded past him to go serve it and got a genuine smile as she did so. YuZhi d to be home and always happy to see her.


    ¡°Nice look.¡± He nodded at her long naked legs, her ass pert in the summer attire and then had to pull himself away from staring too long, aware that it was borderline pervy. Checking her out as if he hadn¡¯t seen her in pj¡¯s before. He had to admit, TangShi had a nice set of legs and a good figure, and he wasn¡¯t immune to it. He was a hot-blooded male after all.


    TangShi pulled the dishes out of the oven and served them onto waiting tes. Tonight she made pork cutlets and chili fries, with a side sd seeing as YuZhi liked to order it when they went out sometimes. TangShi was pensive, aware she was gauging his mood to look for the right timing to tell him something, well two things, and didn¡¯t want to ruin his appetite. She made something he liked and was waiting for him to eat in hopes of smoothing over the bad mood she was anticipating.


    YuZhi took them to the table and set up their ces, content with this routine when he had time toe home and felt TangShi¡¯s eyes following him. Picking up on the fact she didn¡¯t seem as rxed as normal and paused mid task.


    ¡°What¡¯s up? Why do I feel like you have something to say?¡± he sat down and waited, watching her as she too pulled out her chair and slid in opposite him.


    ¡°I have an art gallery thinging in three weeks which means spending some time with Rong Cai away from the school to set up my work. It¡¯s only a couple of days but he will be the one driving me back and forth to the venue.¡± She swallowed hard, knowing how much YuZhi disliked him but since that day he kissed her, Rong Cai had been distant and overly polite towards her. His back off message seemed to have worked.


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± YuZhi gritted his teeth and picked up the fork in front of him, trying to not react like a jealous moron and aware it was making his mood evaporate. His stomach churned but not with hunger and he had to curb his impulse to say ¡®over my dead body¡¯, knowing he was being unreasonable. Acting like her dad and treating her like a possession.


    ¡°Are you okay with that?¡± TangShi probed, picking up her own cutlery and started cutting her food to avoid looking at him. ¡°There will be other people around to help and I will probably only see him alone on the drive. It¡¯s a two day show and note evenings.¡± She held her breath, waiting for a verdict, tense as hell.


    ¡°Sure, whatever.¡± YuZhi knew he sounded sulky, but he also knew he had no right to interfere in her school or work. TangShi was an adult and capable of making her own decisions. ¡°Just don¡¯t trust him. Don¡¯t let him bully you or I¡¯ll break his face.¡± He added in afterthought then pushed food into his mouth before he said anything else. Simmering and unable to do anything because he knew he shouldn¡¯t be this way.


    TangShi watched him for a second, knowing it was probably best to drop that subject before he changed his mind and disagreed, besides, what she had to tell him now was probably worse. She readied herself with a deep inhale and let it out.


    ¡°Rhea came to my school after I was done today.¡± She mumbled it fast in a rush of words because she had no courage any other way and saw him pause his fork midway to his mouth. His eyebrow twitched and his jaw tightened. His eyes darkening as the new information seeped in.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What did she say? What did she want? Did she do anything to you?¡± YuZhi was on full alert, putting down his cutlery as TangShi shook her head and ced hers down too.


    ¡°She wanted to clear the air and apologize.¡±


    YuZhi snorted. Bad mood intensifying and not even falling for Rhea¡¯s games.


    ¡°She thinks she can crawl to you, and I¡¯ll forgive her. Don¡¯t be fooled. This is a tactic because she cant get to me. Don¡¯t be manipted.¡± The thought of her kissing up to TangShi put a sour taste in his mouth and he got up abruptly to go fetch beer from the refrigerator before he got even more agitated with thinking about it. ¡°She¡¯s not your friend and whatever she said, it¡¯s bullshit.¡± He still hadn¡¯t lost his anger toward her.


    ¡°I know. I didn¡¯t go with her like she wanted. I told her I had ns. We only spoke for a few minutes, and I left.¡± TangShi had made the emotional break and cut the ties with Rhea after that night. Standing up to her at the school gate and telling her she was leaving with little regret over it. No longer obligated to be her friend or care about her when she could do something like that. TangShi maybe wasn¡¯t someone who had a lot of self-worth, but she knew when someone wasn¡¯t genuine and should be avoided. She knew what a friend should be.


    YuZhi, picked up a beer and then his temper snapped. Holding onto it best he could but somehow he had finally met hisst nerve when it came to Rhea. The audacity of her games and tricks to manipte what she wanted, by trying to sway TangShi because she knew she had a forgiving temperament. He marched around the table startling TangShi and bent down fast, scooping her face so he cupped her cheek and ear and pulled her to tilt her chin up to him. Fastening his eyes on her, one hand on the table to hold him bent over so they were almost nose to nose.


    ¡°Don¡¯t trust her, ever. Don¡¯t go with her, don¡¯t listen to her. No matter what sob story or tears she pours, she¡¯s lying. She¡¯s a ss A actress with a lifetime of getting what she wants from people. I really am done with her, and I need to know that no matter what you won¡¯t be drawn in. You don¡¯t need to have any kind of contact with her from now on.¡±


    TangShi swallowed hard, his face so close they were sharing air and she could only nod in response to his somber expression and deadly serious tone. Affected by his presence more than his words.


    ¡°I mean it. Promise me. Rhea isn¡¯t your problem, she¡¯s mine. Keep your distance. I don¡¯t trust her anymore.¡± After that night YuZhi no longer knew how far Rhea would go to hurt TangShi. She was a threat to her, especially now he had called everything off, and he wouldn¡¯t stand by and watch her do anything to try and separate them.


    ¡°I promise.¡± TangShi whispered quietly, intimidated by how serious he was being and starting to waiver at this intimacy. YuZhi stared at her, scrutinizing her expression for a long while before leaning in and cing his lips on her forehead in a gentle kiss. Startling her with the sincerity in it. Brushing his mouth against her warm skin and closing his eyes as he self-calmed with her touch, inhaling the unique scent that was TangShi and melting her to the core with his softness.


    ¡°You mean a lot to me. I don¡¯t want you to get hurt or caught up in this. Let me deal with her and if she shows up again, don¡¯t talk, just leave. Call me and I¡¯lle.¡± He warned, his tone softer now, that edge of anger fading away. He let TangShi go after running his hand across her face with a featherlight touch igniting goosebumps. She was momentarily stunned and speechless and could only nod.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s eat. I¡¯m starving and looking forward to a movie on the couch with you. Can¡¯t remember thest time I had time to do that¡±

 LinnyBoo Prt 1

    ZhengLi was d of the early night and headed off shortly after YuZhi did, mind on ns for tonight as he scrolled his WeChat to check in on Linlin and see if she had uploaded any posts this evening. If he knew she was out and about he would drop on by and see her after too long apart. It had been an endless quiet week without her and try as he wanted to deny it, he was more than aware he had more than average fondness for his little hell cat.


    ZhengLi, got home and showered in record time. Checking his cell multiple times for a response from his earlier texts to ask her if she wanted to meet up, and her location posts on her profiles but Linlin was still nking him. He had no idea why she was being this stubborn and if it was because she wanted him to chase her. If it was then it was working. Herck of response was making him crazy.


    After drying off and getting dressed into casual but smart attire and a leather bomber jacket he gave up stalking her social media and phone YuZhi instead.


    ¡°Dude, get TangShi to ask Linlin where she is tonight. She¡¯s ignoring me.¡± He admired himself in the mirror as he finessed his newly styled hair, checking out his sharp appearance and put his car keys in his pocket. He was intent on tracking her down, energized with the fact he was free to party, and sorting this out face to face to end this silent standoff. He didn¡¯t want to waste his time running around looking when he could be spending it with her instead.


    ¡°I already know where she is because she dropped by to see us about twenty minutes ago. She¡¯s heading to Le Baron on Donghu road with some friends. If you¡¯re quick you can catch up.¡± YuZhi was eating dinner with TangShi and had no intention of either of them going out like Linlin asked. They were having quality time at home.


    ¡°You¡¯re the man. Enjoy your evening with TangShi. See you at work tomorrow.¡±


    ZhengLi hung up, smiling to himself and sshed on a little of his designer aftershave with onest look over his outfit and out he went. Focused on his task and stubborn about seeing her tonight to figure out why she was still sulking.


    He abandoned her mid date, sure; he then worked like a maniac for thest two weeks and didn¡¯t have time for her before he was forced on a date to a public event. Something as a daughter of a wealthy family she should understand. He couldn¡¯t work out why she had gone cold, nked him and refused to respond to any of his messages on any tform thest couple of days. He knew he should have contacted her and yed Romeo a little, but this weird battle they had going on dictated it was her turn to chase, so he hadn¡¯t.


    Why she ghosted him over the event and then bailed and never showed up at all, was perplexing him. Date or not he had intended to ditch her to go be with Linlin and get rid of whatever guy she brought. They weren¡¯t even a real thing but friends, who kissed, with the possibility of more but he still would rather hang out with her than any other girl he knew.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    As he got into his sports car his cell started vibrating and he yanked it out in hopes she had finally caved, seeing one of his friends names shing on screen and it deted his optimism.


    ¡°Yo, Jie, what¡¯s up?¡± He absentmindedly started his car and adjusted his seatbelt.


    ¡°Where you at? A bunch of us are going to Dream, you wannae?¡± Jie was buzzing for a good night out and ZhengLi was always the soul of any party.


    ¡°Make it Le Baron and I will.¡± ZhengLi smirked to himself in his rear-view mirror and pulled out, pushing his phone into the cradle so it activated his hands free.


    ¡°Really? Cool. There¡¯s maybe five of us but two more of the girls wille if they know you are. You won¡¯t have a problem getting a hook up that¡¯s for sure.¡± Jie was busy waving a thumbs up at his current group of friends signaling ZhengLi wasing, and just as predicted the two girls who had been undecided shot up and grinned with excitement.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get their hopes up, I have my eye on a prize already. See you there.¡± ZhengLi ended the call and got moving intote night Shanghai traffic with a happier mood. His head free of the days drama and workload and looking forward to taming his spitfire kitty cat. Linlin was a hard nut to crack, and he missed her when she wasn¡¯t firing back at him or causing mayhem with her presence. Life was all around too quiet. This was by far the longest sulky silent mood he had encountered from her.


    It took him a half hour to drive from where he was to the Le Baron nightclub, and he parked his car nearby before strolling in. He caught sight of Jie and his crew right away, as they were huddled near the door in a booth. Neon zing lights, heavy thumping music overhead and a smoky atmosphere from a fog machine set the scene. The ce was bumping and full and it was hard to make out if any of the dancers nearby were Linlin.


    Jie spotted him and waved him over, drawing him over to their seating with an already full table of drinks and pushed a beer his way. It was too loud to talk over the current song choice so he nodded to all present, ignoring the overly dramatic waves from the girls opposite and looked around to see if he could spot the one girl he wanted to see.


    ¡°ZhengLi, baby. It¡¯s been a while.¡± ChuXuan, one of their party and a girl he previous had a short fling with slid over and draped her arm around his shoulders, purring up close to make her intent obvious and he shrugged her off.


    ¡°Not tonight, honey, I¡¯m here to rx.¡± He kept his eye on the dancefloor knowing it was the most likely ce for Linlin and pulled out his cell to check her updates again. She was a serial selfie poster when she went out yet tonight there was not one single picture. There hadn¡¯t been for a few days. It stressed him out that she had gone social media silent. Maybe she was sick, or something was wrong. It hitched up his worry and anxiety and he looked around for the third time.


    ¡°I can rx you. I have ways and means.¡± ChuXuan leaned in close, running her tongue over his earlobe as she slid her body up against his in a suggestive manner and crossed her leg over the top of his nearest one. Her arm draped on his. Full on flirt initiated and making it clear where her sights were set tonight. ZhengLi, ignored it, used to women like this pawing all over him and usually it wasn¡¯t something he bothered about. He was happy for the attention normally and always one to take up a pretty girl up on an offer, onlytely his itch was for a small pink haired she devil, and this was unwanted attention.


    ¡°Yeah, maybeter.¡± ZhengLi slid her leg off with a casual maneuver and sat forward with his beer bottle to get her face out of his ear. Irritated with her but not wanting to be overly rude. Looking up as he did so to gaze around the club once more and froze on the spot when he locked eyes with the small but openly staring figure about six feet in front of him. It felt like time stopped as they locked eyes and ZhengLi¡¯s insides flipped over.


    Linlin was dressed in a ck boob tube dress with a frilled-out hemline over that perfectly formed sexy figure. Her usual bold make up, and smokey eyes homed in on him, only her hair was now a darker shade of deep magenta bordering on purple. Her focus on him was like aser beam, questioning, using, but her facial expression was not anger or deathly intent. Instead that of genuine unconcealed hurt that caused a stabbing reaction in his chest, and he swallowed, suddenly ufortable.


    It made him hesitate for a second as he realized it was her, the one person he had been looking for. Waiting for the explosive moment she marched over andid im to him in volcanic Linlin fashion like she normally did when a girl got too close. Actively anticipating it and slightly pleased she found him entangled withpetition to incite her jealous streak and then gawped when she turned on her heel and walked away.


    ZhengLi sat staring after her for a full thirty seconds, blinking in disbelief that instead ofing over and making a scene, she slunk away into the shadows and didn¡¯t utter a word to him. His heart sunk and his stomach clenched as real apprehension kicked in that this was different from her normal MO.


    Linlin stalked back to her booth to her friends and swiped up her coat, no longer wanting to be here. Her throat aching and her heart pulsating with pain after witnessing ZhengLi cuddling up with some bimbo across the club. She hade here tonight to forget him. Tears close as they pricked her eyes and yet she refused to break down and make an idiot of herself. She had decided to let him go and cut him loose after a long week of thinking this over. He was too unpredictable, too good at messing with her head and making her feel like she never knew where she stood, and she couldn¡¯t deny it anymore.


    ZhengLi had gotten under her skin and into her heart without any effort and her crazy reactions and jealousy over him were proof that she was falling hard for the worst kind of yboy. He brought out her insecurity and craziness and made her chase after him and beg for his time and attention like she wasn¡¯t worthy. She had never been in this situation before, never wanted one man to be exclusively hers and yet somehow it happened. Never had to plead to be the center of someone¡¯s attention and she hated how it made her act.


    ¡°Linnyboo? Wait up.¡± She was heading for the door after making excuses for abandoning her friends, saying she felt unwell when he caught up with her in the corridor to the exit. Catching her by the elbow and pulling her aside to let people pass. ¡°You not going to say hello?¡± ZhengLi leaned down to her smaller frame trying to look her in the eye, but she dodged him. Wriggling her arm out of his grip and remaining cut off and nk. Putting up an invisible barrier between them that was so obvious he let her go and gave her space.


    ¡°You seemed busy so¡­.. enjoy your night.¡± Linlin¡¯s tone was deted, hoarse as her emotions spiked and she wanted him to go away before he saw her cry. Her heart crumbling at seeing him again and hearing him use his pet name for her broke her in two. Knowing he couldn¡¯t spare her timetely but would happily make out with some other woman in a club had told her everything she needed to know. She knew she should leave and forget him.


    ¡°She¡¯s just someone I know. Nothing was happening. I came to see you. YuZhi told me you would be here.¡± ZhengLi had a weird sensation in his gut, a mild panic sweeping up, making him nervous. Throwing his usual yful banter aside because he was getting strong vibes this was not the time for it and diving into serious exnation. Linlin was being off and weirdly distant, and he didn¡¯t like it.


    ¡°Yeah, looked like it. I need to go.¡± She slid out from beside him and pulled her jacket on over her dress, but ZhengLi followed, a sense of utter fear overtaking him.


    ¡°Are you mad at me? Linlin, stop. Talk to me.¡± His tone dropped to serious, his cute name abandoned because he felt like he was losing her, and genuine concern etched all over him. Mr. Suave and in-control fizzing away to reveal the ZhengLi that only YuZhi ever got to see. Who he could be when it was needed.


    ¡°Why would I be mad? I¡¯m nothing to you. You don¡¯t even have time or inclination to reply to me or call and it¡¯s not like we see each other anymore. You weren¡¯t even attracted enough to sleep with me, so¡­.¡± She tried to hide the bitterness in her tone, but it leeched out anyway. ZhengLi swallowed hard, regretting not making more effort if he knew this was really how she felt. He had assumed it was all another push-pull game of them driving one another crazy and Linlin being dramatic. Punishing him. He never thought for a second she was cutting him loose for real.


    ZhengLi was momentarily at a loss for words, having never been in this situation before. His stomach churning up and a very real uptight tension growing out of control in his heart at the thought of not seeing her anymore.


    ¡°Look, you¡¯ve got this all wrong. I¡¯ve been working crazy hours. I thought you didn¡¯t want me to call. I haven¡¯t tried to sleep with you because ¡­.¡± He really didn¡¯t know. At first it seemed fun to make her want him more by not caving. Building the sexual tension between them. He figured they wouldst longer if sex was dyed and then¡­.. something always held him back from taking the step and he never examined it.  ¡°Don¡¯t go. I really dide to see you. I miss you. I¡¯m sorry I haven¡¯t been around and haven¡¯t been in touch. I¡¯ll make it up to you, I won¡¯t do it again. Come on, why are you being this way?¡± He was floundering, not knowing what to say as he had never had to persuade a girl in his life to give him a chance. This was all new. He had never cared enough to want a girl to give him a second chance or to stick around. He was normally the one to end things. He could tell this wasn¡¯t a trick or a game to manipte a response either, he could feel her seriousness in pushing hm away.

 LinnyBoo Prt 2

    ¡°I thought you liked me, but ¡­¡­ I don¡¯t really feel like you do. I¡¯m just a toy when you¡¯re bored. Some y thing to pick up and drop when there¡¯s nothing else.¡± The sentence broke her willpower to hold back her pain and her eyes misted up with tears. Hating how pathetic he made her when she had literally done the same thing to men for years and had intended to do it to him.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a toy and I do like you. More than the average woman. Come on, weren¡¯t we having fun and keeping things casual? What is this now?¡± ZhengLi was genuinely confused backtracking in his head if he ever missed signs. Pleading with her and fighting the urge to grab her and hold on.


    ¡°It¡¯s not fun. It¡¯s hell. You mess with my head and make me second guess myself constantly. I feel invisible around you sometimes and I¡¯m scared to check your WeChat for fear of seeing you out having fun with other girls and feeling like shit over it. I know I have no right, that we¡¯re not a thing but youpletely knocked me over and now I can¡¯t handle how this feels. I¡¯m doing this for my own sanity.¡± Linlin had drunk enough to let her inner thoughts freely spew out. The vulnerable caring side of her that she reserved for only TangShi in the rarest of moments. The soft way of speaking, the hints of truth and real emotion.  Things she would never have admitted or said to him sober, and the tears came with the confessions.


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± ZhengLi¡¯s chest tightened, an impulse to wipe away the droplets on her tiny face, his own heart throbbing with a new inner pain for him. She was talking about him messing with her head,pletely unaware of how much she screwed him up and stayed on his mind when she wasn¡¯t in his life. Like, right now, being this way and he felt like he was having a mental breakdown with how to fix it. Genuinely afraid of letting her walk away.


    ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m going home. I don¡¯t want to see you anymore.¡± Linlin couldn¡¯t do this. She knew she couldn¡¯t hope for anything and being this close to him was unbearable. ZhengLi had wormed his way into her soul and for the first time in her life Linlin had real feelings for a guy. She didn¡¯t want topete or cling on and be some needy jealous psycho who spent her life pushing other women off him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go¡­.., Linlin, please¡­. Let¡¯s date if that¡¯s what you mean¡­ properly. I¡¯ll do better, I¡¯ll be different. It¡¯ll be different. No more games.¡± ZhengLi¡¯s blurted words came out in an impulsive rush as she moved to walk away, his panic overtaking and his heart racing. His palms instantly mmy as nerves suffocated him. He had no idea what he was doing, other than stopping her from leaving him.


    ¡°What?¡± Linlin turned, only half hearing him and not sure he said what she thought he said. A moment of pause in her already chaotic mind.


    ¡°Date me. Exclusively. I can do that. I want to do that.¡± He locked eyes on her, deadly serious and knowing that it was the only way she was going to stay. It wasn¡¯t a hard ask given that with worktely he only had minimal time to socialize and Linlin was the only girl he had touched since he met her. He had no desire to hook up with anyone else since he met her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t date people that way.¡± She pointed out, knowing she didn¡¯t either, but for him¡­¡­


    ¡°I will for you. And if you thinkck of sex is because I don¡¯t think you¡¯re sexy or beautiful, thene on¡­. let¡¯s go to my ce right now. I¡¯ll fix that in one night.¡± He was rambling on instinct and saying and doing whatever impulsive thought came to his head to keep Linlin in his grasp. Right now he would strip naked and walk over hot coals if she asked him to.


    Linlin hesitated, wiped her eyes with her fingers and stared at him while digesting what he proposed. Not sure if he was being serious or if he was drunk. She knew she wasn¡¯t exactly in her right mind and had been drinking on and off all day.


    ¡°You¡¯ll change your mind when you¡¯re sober.¡± Linlin sniffed as ZhengLi moved cautiously closer to her, aware she might still flip to normal Linlin mode and maul him if he wasn¡¯t careful. This version of her had him cautious. He had never seen tearful and wounded Linlin, and it was screwing with his emotions. His fierce tiger was a wounded kitted and it was yanking out a crazy protective need in him to wrap her up in his arms and promise to make it all okay for her. Desperate to physically touch her when this close, dying to give her a hug and cure that sad look on her face.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t drunk anything at all yet. Stone cold sober, I swear. Unlike you, Miss swaying where she stands and slurring every word.¡± ZhengLi caught her fingertips of her left hand and gently pulled her to him, afraid of moving too fast when he didn¡¯t really feel like he had her yet.


    Linlin lifted her chin and studied his face, leaning in on tiptoes to sniff him and see if he was lying. There was only shower scent and aftershave lingering around him and no hints of alcohol. She screwed up her face and yet stayed close.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. Anyway, I¡¯m too drunk for sex. I don¡¯t want to have sex.¡± She sniffed again, bing more emotionally fragile as this conversation sunk in. Aware that he might be sober, but she was at the stage where she would make a fool of herself and probably pass out before he got her clothes off. Still not sure if he was ying some kind of joke and serious about dating properly. Her head was a mess, and she didn¡¯t trust if this was real. ZhengLi made it clear from day one he would never settle for a rtionship, as did she.


    ¡°Okay. No sex. How about we go to my ce and eat and get you sober. Hang out, just the two of us and sleep over. We can talk some more, watch a movie, eat cake.¡± ZhengLi caught her hand fully, pulled her in against him and managed to slide his arm around her waist without rejection. Sighing with relief at being able to get close to her and bent down to one side to be able to look her in the eye again. His nerves simmering to normal now he felt like he was winning her over. Able to cool his panic and breathe normally.


    This was a Linlin he had never met. Coy, vulnerable and almost regressing to being extremely young as she looked away from him to hide her tears on her now smudged face. A hint of shyness about her that didn¡¯t align with her normally brazen self and he bit on his lip still with lingering uncertainty. His hellcat was missing, and this version made him feel like an utter asshole.


    ¡°Do you mean it¡­. That we¡¯ll be exclusive? You¡¯re not messing with me. Making fun of me?¡± She eventually flicked her eyes up to him to confirm and he nodded. Leaning in closer to bridge the gap so his nose brushed hers. Helpless when she was being this way and unaware of how tightly he was being wound around Linlin¡¯s little finger.


    ¡°I mean it. I¡¯m sorry I¡¯ve hurt you. I¡¯m not messing, I swear. We can start over. Forgive me?¡± ZhengLi tilted his head to the side and delivered a gentle peck on her lips, coaxing her out of her sad mood and eager to make her smile. He would even settle for a stroppy tantrum and her normally bitchy backhanders, to this.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t a real kiss.¡± She pouted, crossing her arms over her chest, a hint of her diva selfing back as she caved for him. Not satisfied that he was disying enough regret with that tonic peck. ZhengLi broke into a grin and leaned in for a second one, harder than before and for a longer connection, savoring her cherry lip gloss and her general feel, before he pulled back. Focusing back on her pretty face with a raised brow.


    ¡°That better?¡±


    ¡°It was still a one on the kissing scale. I think you lost your touch or you¡¯re not really all that invested.¡± She turned her face away, a glint of cheeky in her eye as her mood lifted and ZhengLi obliged again. Challenge epted in showing her how invested he was exactly. Letting go of her so he could slide one hand on each side of her face, he pulled her into his. Tilting his head to amodate her and sunk a kiss on her properly.


    Soft lips meeting and pushing hers apart as he kissed her passionately and their tongues met in a seductive union, deepening it to intensity. Giving it all he could in terms of swooning her over, reducing her to a puddle of hormones and proving how much he wanted her. He kissed her until his breathing and hers hitched in matching breathlessness and walked her back against the wall to further tease her with his skill.


    Pressing every inch of his body into her tiny frame and enjoying every curve as his hands smoothed up her figure and wrapped her up tight against him. Pinning her, temperature soaring between them as they both got hot and heavy and devoured one another, losing sense of the room around them and only focused on one another. Linlin¡¯s arms slid up around his neck as she got lost in ZhengLi¡¯s seduction and surrendered to him. He finally pulled away, only enough to breathe as they lingered close, sharing air and he exhaled slowly.


    ¡°If we keep doing that then you might be the cake.¡± He warned, smiling when Linlin blushed all the way from mouth to hairline and looked away, biting her lip in a bid to calm her crazy desires. Aware that she wanted him more than ever and this kiss somehow seemed more loaded than any they shared before. She may have said no to sex but with one real kiss ZhengLi had her crazy wound up. Maybe it was because this time they both kissed with emotion, and the knowledge that neither would be kissing anyone else, anytime soon.


    ¡°You have making up to do before I let you eat MY cake.¡± She winked naughtily, shoved him in his left peck with a t palm and pushed off the wall to slide away from him sexily. Full on yful Linlin back, only this time with a spring in her step. The promise of something more substantial between them had her mood soaring, all tears and doubts forgotten. ¡°Come on, I¡¯m ready to dance and get smashed until I pass out. We¡¯re not leaving because I don¡¯t trust what I¡¯ll do to you if we end up alone in your apartment.¡±


    ZhengLi couldn¡¯t disagree with that, also crazy turned on, he couldn¡¯t guarantee he wouldn¡¯t maul her if he got her alone and he knew he shouldn¡¯t while she was this drunk. He was a gentleman despite his yboy nature.


    ¡°Lead the way, Linnyboo, I¡¯m all yours.¡±


    Linlin turned and shed him a wicked look. One that tranted to ¡®Damn right you are!¡¯ and now she was intent on having the night of her life to celebrate, with her favorite party buddy.


    Linlin also had a bitch to warn off by unting her man had a girlfriend officially now. Ready to let the world know. She hadn¡¯t forgotten that hoe with her tongue in his ear when she spotted him, and her fire was back with a vengeance now she knew exactly whose man he was. Grabbing ZhengLi by the jacketpel she strutted back towards the lounge area, hauling him along like an obedient puppy and he dutifully followed. Smiling to himself and besotted. Content that she was back with vavoom to being the little tornado that brought fun to his life. Returning to fiery Linnyboo once more and finding that sassy inner confidence.

 Setting the date prt 1

    ¡°You¡¯rete!!¡± Aunt RuiZi snapped at TangShi as she wandered into the wedding dress boutique. TangShi distracted by gazing around the walls which were lined with gorgeous designer gowns and her face flushed at the haughty tone.


    ¡°She¡¯ste because of me. My meeting ran over, and I had her wait for me.¡± YuZhi strolled in behind her, catching her hand as he caught up and led the way to the center seating area where couches sat in a sunken circle. Aunt RuiZi scowling at his instant defense of her least favorite person and getting his cheeky smile in response. As if that covered all misdemeanors.


    ¡°We¡¯re sorry.¡± TangShi cut in, bowing her head, trying to smooth it out before it escted and tugged YuZhi towards the couch facing Aunt, by the hand and sat down. Sometimes YuZhi reverted to naughty teen and got a kick out of winding up his aunt.


    They were here to pick outfits for the obligatory bridal photos which would also be the engagement outfits and then go collect rings to be worn at their party. The date of their engagement had been set and preparations were underway for the event where they would be introduced officially as betrothed. In typical Shanghai fashion, they were holding their ceremony in a five-star function hall where the entire associate list of Leng and Lei would attend. TangShi knew one more step after this would see them as married and she would no longer have to watch what she said or how she referred to him in future or keep jumping through hoops for the PR department. Life could then tick on with some semnce of normalcy.


    ¡°I have chosen three dresses for you to look over. Based on your height and body shape I believe they will be the best style for you. Here.¡± Aunt handed over a booklet with fabric samples and photographs of wedding dresses that could pass as ball gowns and she obediently flicked through, YuZhi sitting beside her leaned over to look. They were all pretty and even though it should be a special day for her, this felt like another preparation for a public outing and not meaningful at all. She didn¡¯t really have a strong opinion.


    ¡°Your coffees.¡± A young girl appeared with a tray and deposited white mugs on the table in front of them, before bowing and leaving and YuZhi pointed at the second dress on the page.


    ¡°This one seems like something you would wear.¡± He tapped on the simplest of the three. It was a princess style, not too dissimr to what she wore to the charity event, only it was white all over with a spattering of tiny diamonds on both bodice and skirt. Longer mid lengthce sleeves in a very ssic shape of dress with a boat neck. It was pretty but also modest.


    ¡°I like it. Let¡¯s go with that one.¡± TangShi smiled with genuine agreement, enamored with how pretty it was and really happy with any of the three dresses. Aunt may be a mean and cold person, but her job was fashion, and she had a great eye for it. She wouldn¡¯t want TangShi to embarrass the Leng family so had chosen something topliment TangShi¡¯s small frame and natural looks. It was a fairytale dress that no girl could hate.


    ¡°That was easy. And quick. We will get you measured today, and they can begin prepping the dress. YuZhi I picked out a ck tux for you. ssic, in a modern cut with a red sash and bow tie. TangShi¡¯s corsage flowers will be red to keep the traditional Chinese wedding color. You can choose shoes yourself.¡±


    ¡°Fine by me.¡± YuZhi was in an agreeable mood and had no opinion on this either, it¡¯s not like it was real. He was used to red carpet events and functions and to him this was another one of those. A big show to convince the public of something happy and morous and fool them into believing whatever they wanted. It made no difference what he wore as he looked good in anything anyway.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Work was slowing down again and affording him some leisure timetely and life seemed to be going smoothly at home which was a relief. Rhea had left on a trip to the UK that was work rted for five weeks which meant she would miss the engagement party and he could rx knowing no drama would ensue. It also gave them an alibi for the public raising questions about herck of attending what was supposed to be an important day for him. They needed time to cool off apart if they were ever to be able to greet one another amicably in the future.


    ¡°The rings¡­¡± Aunt started but YuZhi cut her off, being the one detail he did have an opinion on.


    ¡°We¡¯ll pick them. I have to wear it every day, so I at least want something I like. I¡¯m sure Tang feels the same.¡± He felt TangShi ncing his way seemingly surprised with that fact.


    ¡°Fine. The appointment for the jeweler¡¯s is at two pm, don¡¯t miss it. Custom bands for the wedding, but you will need to choose stock pieces for the engagement, with it being so soon.¡± Aunt pulled out a card from her bag with the business address and slid it towards him. It was a notable designpany in China with a name for making exquisite jewelry for celebrities. ¡°The party is two weeks from Saturday. Don¡¯t miss any fittings as we¡¯re on a tight schedule and I am fast tracking it all on Dad¡¯s insistence. He¡¯s getting impatient and theck of happy news is frustrating.¡± Aunt eyeballed TangShi with open usation, ring at her as though not announcing a pregnancy yet was entirely down to her alone and she was somehow a failure. YuZhi caught the look and fixed his undaunted gaze on his aunt.


    ¡°You can me me for that too. Working all the hours I have been, noting home, I¡¯ve been neglecting my wife and my husbandly duties.¡± He lied to appease her, winking in his naughty way, hating that still she had such prejudice against TangShi despite him asking her to back off and give her a chance. TangShi silently sipped her coffee, eyes down so as not to turn crimson with the shame of their conversation. She would never be a girl who openly talked about these things with anyone except Linlin.


    ¡°I suggest you make more time then. If needs be, go for a weekend somewhere and lock yourselves in a hotel room.¡± She snorted, blunt and not shy to discuss these things with a boy she considered her son. She was only looking forward to a child from this union and nothing else about it. If she couldn¡¯t have that then all of this was pointless.


    TangShi wanted the ground to open up and swallow her as her cheeks reddened with heat and she tucked her chin down further to hide her embarrassment. Hearing YuZhi chuckle under his breath at his Aunts tant rudeness.


    ¡°Sounds fun. I might just do that.¡± YuZhi mocked with a mischievous smile, sliding his arm around TangShi¡¯s shoulders and gave her a squeeze to loosen her up, before nking a quick kiss on her temple. Aunt RuiZi balked at the obvious affection, tutted loudly and turned away. Hating that her nephew who had been so against this girl at the start, was now publicly adoring her. It turned her stomach to think of poor Rhea¡¯s loss.


    ¡°Rhea is so easily forgotten I see.¡± She bitched, knowing fine well there was no more Rhea in the picture. YuZhi had never been one to share important details like that with his family, but Rhea had run crying to Auntie the day after the party. Sobbing about the unfairness of it all and how she was a brokenhearted victim for trying to fight for him. YuZhi had received his fair share of scolding telephone calls from aunt before she gave up, using him of being cruel and stubborn and forgetting his heart. He had pandered to her temper tantrum, tolerating her with kind words and let it go over his head. Knowing in time she would get over it.


    ¡°Not forgotten, just not relevant anymore. TangShi is my bride, maybe from now on you should focus on making friends with the future mother of my child.¡± YuZhi reminded her with a friendly tone and got another scowl in response which only made him smile. For all her cold and harsh ways, he did have genuine affection for her. She had raised him after his parents died and despite her outward heartless appearance, aunt could be loving in her own way. She was loyal to a fault and for now, Rhea was her focus.


    ¡°Why? She won¡¯t be relevant once she gives birth either.¡± She reminded him and got up, hauling her bag with her, a cold expression pasted on and stuck her nose in the air. Her words wounded TangShi, who tried to never think of the future in that way and tried not to openly react while YuZhi shook his head and stood up too.


    ¡°About that¡­.. I don¡¯t see a reason for TangShi to be cut out of our kid¡¯s life. Whether we stay married or not, I want my kid to be raised by its mother. If grandad wants that to be in the Leng family home, then TangShi stays too. Beyond the contract. Which¡­. might not end in two years, we just have to see how things go.¡± YuZhi stated it a little sterner in attitude and Aunt RuiZi¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. TangShi choked on her coffee and snapped her head up to stare at YuZhi too. Silence growing heavy with the shocked atmosphere at his statement.


    YuZhi had given this a lot of thought these past weeks and even though he knew that divorce stipted the Leng family would raise his child and set TangShi free, he didn¡¯t want to do that to her. He had seen other families exercise their right to take a child from a mother and raise them without her and he hated the thought of hurting Tang that way. His own mother had been important to him, close, and he loved her with his whole heart. He knew that no matter what gender they had, TangShi would be a beneficial and loving mother and raise them in the best way. He didn¡¯t need to divorce her for her to have a free and full life.

 Setting the date prt 2

    ¡°We will talk about this at home on Sunday when youe for dinner.¡± Aunt snapped, adjusting her jacket and waving him away with a fingertip gesture. Annoyed and yet unwilling to create a scene in this boutique. She had no agreement to this little fame chasing tramp staying in her family. In her mind Rhea would being back and it was only a lovers tiff. YuZhi could be a cold and cut off man when he was hurt, she knew this well, so she fully believed this was a temporary setback.


    ¡°Sure. We can make it this week; work is calmer and TangShi misses Xiaosu seeing as you forbade her toe work for me.¡± He raised a brow knowing fine well the only reason she stopped it was to hurt TangShi.


    ¡°Xiaosu is an important part of the running of the house, of course she¡¯s needed where she is. Visit more often and you will see her.¡± Aunt retorted not willing to admit it was purely spite and she would continue to y these games as long as YuZhi continued to shut Rhea out.


    ¡°Of course.¡± YuZhi wasn¡¯t in the mood to argue and without further conversation they said their goodbyes and she left them to carry on with the fitting in peace.


    YuZhi lounged in his seat and settled himself to watch TangShi when she was put on a podium and tended to by two women with a measuring tape. Urging her to then try on the gown to see what alterations it needed.


    It was an hour or so of tweaks and fittings and he silently appreciated the view of his beautiful bride in a dress that seemed made for her. Proud of the woman who would stand alongside him and d his family had chosen her out of all the women in Shanghai. He couldn¡¯t deny that despite their rocky start, TangShi made him happy without doing anything except being herself. Whether he needed a shoulder, a side kick, or someone to talk nonsense with, she adapted to fit the bill and they had found apanionship he never expected. Her being a natural beauty was the icing on the cake and he couldn¡¯t fault anything about her. He genuinely liked being with her and missed her when he wasn¡¯t.


    TangShi yawned covering her mouth as she came to him, task finally done and YuZhi had tried on his suit without it needing much. He was a regr fit and only required the minor of alterations.


    ¡°We should head to the ring shop, or we might bete. That address is across the other side of the city.¡± TangShi pointed out, lifting the card from the table and sliding it into YuZhi¡¯s pocket before sliding her arm into his.


    ¡°Come on then, Mrs. Leng.¡± YuZhi led the way, pulling her in so she nestled against him on his arm, cuddled up and headed out. ¡°You know you have to pick your own ring, right? Something you like. Don¡¯t just okay with the first one that I point out.¡± YuZhi nudged her gently as they walked, and she nced up at him.


    ¡°You think I okayed the dress because you chose it?¡± She smiled softly, seeing how he might think that.


    ¡°You¡¯re too amodating and willing to agree. You could have refused all three and looked through the entire catalogue.¡±


    ¡°I really did like it and you¡¯re right, it¡¯s something I would wear. Don¡¯t overthink it. I honestly wouldn¡¯t have agreed to something I hated.¡± Even though he chose it, she already liked it. And even though he was sure TangShi waspletely meek and a pushover, she knew she stood up for herself when it mattered.


    ¡°Hmmmm, just make sure from now on in, you choose for you and not to please me or bow to pressure from Aunt RuiZi, don¡¯t let her bully you.¡±


    ¡°I know, you told me this already.¡± TangShi went back to leaning against him, exhausted from being prodded and poked and maneuvered in the fitting. Hungry but knowing they didn¡¯t have time for a pit stop.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    ¡°Well, remember it. Anyone gives you a hard time I¡¯ll kick their ass.¡± He sighed, opening a door to let her through first and switching to taking her hand, lifting it impulsively and kissing her on the wrist gently. ¡°I¡¯ll be your protector.¡±


    TangShi blushed, giggling and turned away to hide her reaction and squeezed his hand with an impulsive lurch of happiness. YuZhi had be more affectionate in thest few days, pushing more intimacy since they shared a bed again and she couldn¡¯t help but hope that maybe he was beginning to feel about her, the way she did for him. He seemed more rxed and carefree now Rhea and he had cut contact and he knew she had left China for a short while.


    ¡°Did you mean what you said about our future?¡± She probed quietly, thinking back to what he said to his Aunt and wondering if it was to annoy her or absolute honesty. The thought of being allowed to stay with the baby she would give birth to was something she had never allowed herself to hope for.


    ¡°Sure. We get on, we¡¯re close, why couldn¡¯t we stick this out and see how it goes? It would be healthier for our future kid to have both parents raising it. Being married doesn¡¯t mean being trapped for eternity, it has its benefits for us both.¡± He smiled, swinging her hand in his as they headed into the carpark. ¡°Unless you meant shacking up in a hotel for a weekend? In that case, let¡¯s go!¡± he winked, being funny but TangShi¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and she widened her eyes in surprise not sure if it was or wasn¡¯t a joke. ¡°Don¡¯t look so scared. I¡¯m kidding.¡± He shrugged assuming she was worried about it not being humor and carried on pulling her with him, not really thinking more on it. TangShi however answered in impulse, her heart hammering and she bravely said what she had been thinking since that night. It hadn¡¯t been the intention of her question, but now they were on the topic.


    ¡°What if I did?¡± She blurted it out and YuZhi stopped dead in his tracks, snapping his head to his shoulder to look at her and his mind went nk, swallowing hard. Bringing them to face one another without letting go of fingers.


    ¡°As in going to a hotel together?  You want to¡­¡­.? If we cross that line, Tang¡­¡­. We¡­¡­¡± YuZhi faltered. Instantly nervous as a wave of heat swept over him from head to toe. Knowing he should impulsively refuse what she might be suggesting but not able to really find a good reason. It¡¯s not that he hadn¡¯t thought of it in brief moments and then shook it off. It would mean no more clinic, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to cross a line with her like that. Sex was a big deal with someone like her.


    ¡°If I¡¯m going to have a baby, shouldn¡¯t I have at least done ¡®It¡¯ once.¡± She blushed, crazily shy about saying it out loud, admitting she was a virgin, and couldn¡¯t look him in the eye. Hot all over from sheer ufiness and mortification about this topic. Knowing that it couldn¡¯t be worse than going to that horrid ce and enduring what they did there. She had been depressed for a long time about the fact that she could legitimately be a virgin mother if she fell pregnant. Even if he didn¡¯t love her, she would give herself to him willingly because she was a hundred percent sure he had all of her heart now and she couldn¡¯t change it. Eight years ago and now, she was in love with him.


    ¡°Tang, we¡¯re friends. It could really mess that up.¡± YuZhi faltered, panic setting in and rubbing a hand through his hair so he messed its style slightly. He was scared that if he followed an urge to take TangShi to bed, he may lose what they had now, and he still didn¡¯t know where his heart was concerning Rhea. It had only been days and he had filed all that mess in the darkest corner of his brain for now while they had more pressing things. Faced with this, he didn¡¯t know how to react.


    TangShi squirmed under his scrutiny and then waved a hand airily. Aware he seemed unwilling, and this was bing increasingly awkward.


    ¡°Can we go. And just forget this. I¡¯m being silly.  We¡¯re going to bete.¡± She walked away from him at speed to give herself space and inhaled deeply to calm her crazy nerves and fluttering heart. Blushing all the way to her roots as YuZhi followed her in silence at a slower pace. His own head stuck in a freeze frame as he turned over the possibility and tried not to overthink it.


    Watching her as she headed to the car in front of him and tried to get his head around what she just implied. His own heartrate sped up and a strange stirring in the pit of his stomach made him antsy as he tried to shake it free. He wasn¡¯t immune to her as a woman, he wasn¡¯t against sex considering they were now both free agents in terms of love. She was his legal wife, and they did have to produce an heir one way or the other, so it¡¯s not like it was outrageous. It wouldn¡¯t be a casual fling or ying around given he wouldn¡¯t be misleading her. It would change the dynamic between them for sure but maybe not in a bad way. He already knew he had undefined feelings for her.


    YuZhi shook his head, swallowing loudly and rubbed his face. He couldn¡¯t believe he was even contemting the what if¡¯s and pro¡¯s and cons of taking TangShi to bed.

 Let Our Hair Down Prt 1

    ¡°Come on, baby!!! You know you want to!¡± Linlin was bouncing up and down, tugging at TangShi¡¯s sleeve as she tried to finish washing up after dinner. ¡°Zhengy promised me that when he got off work he would take me out, and you two should totallye. A double date to celebrate your best friend¡¯s first serious boyfriend! This is a big deal.¡±


    ¡°I know it is, and I¡¯m really happy for both of you. I love you two together. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to. It¡¯s just YuZhi has been tired thest few days with work and the arrangements for the engagement announcement. I don¡¯t want to pressure him into a night out when he already seems exhausted.¡± TangShi defended, not entirely being truthful. Since the awkwardness of a few days ago things seemed a little off between them and he was being distant and overly subdued. Like he was overthinking again, the same as the time they kissed.


    They got home in rtive silence that night and he worked in his study, barely spending two minutes of conversation the whole night and she had gone to bed depressed. He had his driver take her to school every morning this week and Linlin had been collecting her due to their work Rota at the moment. She really felt like he was avoiding her again only, still being nice enough when passing at home. It was strange. She couldn¡¯t read his mind over it.


    ¡°Fine, leave him here then, although I can almost guarantee he¡¯lle. He¡¯s YuZhi Leng, do you know what kind of mad party animal he¡¯s been all these years? You only see the tamed version since you got married but that boy has been a headliner since he was too young to drink.¡± Linlin pointed out, hand on her hip and way too sassy for ate Friday evening.


    ¡°If he was that bad there¡¯s no way he would have been approved as CEO by the board of directors. They would rather not have someone like that representing Leng group. Stop exaggerating.¡± TangShi eyerolled at Linlin¡¯s dramatics and carried on with her chores. Shaking her head and sighing at her.


    ¡°He was that bad! We just paid lots of money to keep his reputation untarnished!¡± ZhengLi strolled into the kitchen and surprised them both with his stealth approach of showing up without them hearing the door. Linlin broke into a happy grin at his appearance, visually melting into goo at her handsome boyfriend and rushed to slide into his open arms.


    ¡°That¡¯s only half true.¡± YuZhi popped up behind him, sliding his jacket and tie off and TangShi swallowed her nerves, trying to act normal around him and hoped he was back to his usual self. ¡°It took way more than money to keep my antics quiet.¡± He grinned, high fiving ZhengLi for what TangShi assumed was shared guilty memories of two wild boys pasts. She really didn¡¯t want to know and tarnish how she thought of him.


    ¡°Well, we also romanced many female reporters to write nicer things about us.¡± ZhengLi grinned, full on mischievous reminiscing with a wistful look and Linlin smacked him in the shoulder. Jealous fury on show and then jabbed him in the abdomen to snap him out of it.


    ¡°Yah!!!!¡± She pouted, ready to cause bodily harm and ZhengLi pulled her into his chest so he could hug her from behind. Pinning her arms down and resting his chin on top of her head to keep her prisoner and save himself injury. Crooning at her and swaying in time to her wriggles.


    ¡°Are you in denial about my previous littered dating history? How do you think I got so good at ¡­¡­ ¡± He ducked in, nuzzling against her ear and whispered the remainder of the sentence, turning Linlin¡¯s face scarlet as she spun in his arm and pped a hand over his mouth. Shocked he would be so brazen about something so personal as that in front of their friends. Aware he wasn¡¯t exactly wrong but still, what happened between them at night should stay in the bedroom. TangShi pretended not to hear and YuZhi shook his head at them, not even shocked at his besties shameless behavior after years of living it with him.


    ¡°What are we discussing anyway?¡± YuZhi slid into the kitchen to bypass the public disy of affection and lifted the dish out of TangShi¡¯s hand she was drying. Taking over for her and moving her aside. They had been sharing chores and cooking since moving here but he always felt like he didn¡¯t do enough because of his long hours at the office.


    ¡°Going out to y, the four of us. A great nightclub, music, atmosphere, and lots of booze! Providing my boyfriend doesn¡¯t piss me off more.¡± Linlin sulked and then beamed at being able to call him that, snuggling up in ZhengLi¡¯s arms once more as hessoed her around the neck in a weird almost aggressive looking choke hold but softened it with a kiss on her cheek. He had her purring like a kitten at being back in his arms.


    Since they officially started dating they had spent most nights sleeping at his apartment and had consummated a solid rtionship with an unnned drunken night of wild sex that neither had remembered. After vowing not to that night, it seemed alcohol had been the root of all evil, horniness, and amnesia. They had to have a do over aware that waking up naked in bed together, in a ransacked room, clothes hanging from the most unusual ces, while covered in love bites, was probably evidence enough of a first time. Linlin had noints about her new lover and his skill, and always looked for a reason to end up back at his ce at the end of the day to recreate it. In passion they were equally matched, and sex was mind blowing.


    ¡°Sounds fun. I could use a night to shake off the stress. How about it?¡± He leaned down to TangShi who was lost in thought and staring at his strong muscr shoulders and straight masculine back and blinked back to reality. Aware that since she admitted openly to wanting to be physical with him, she had caught herself lusting over him at the strangest times. She couldn¡¯t seem to control it. It¡¯s like she had opened a door inside her head and now all these naughty thoughts could no longer be contained.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She blurted out not sure what she was agreeing to as her mind had been miles away. Shame heating her skin in case he read her mind and caught her.


    ¡°Awesome. If we go to Cheng¡¯s we don¡¯t need to dress up. We can go as is!¡± Linlin cheered, always looking nightclub ready anyway so she was the only one who didn¡¯t need to change. TangShi looked down at her daytime outfit of a summer dress and sandals which was pretty enough for a bar, and then at the two men who were in designer work suits. They were all decently dressed, and it would save time and effort.


    ¡°True. Let¡¯s just go!¡± ZhengLi cut in, also not caring about getting smarted up as he had his girl for the night already on his arm. He only had to impress her and knew she was a sure thing.


    ¡°Not Cheng¡¯s. How about somewhere new? We could go find a casual bar and still not need to get dressed up.¡± YuZhi cut in. Not in the mood for a ce that was filled with mostly rich or famous people looking to escape the limelight. Cheng¡¯s was good when they wanted specific entertainment but tonight he wanted rxation and casual, like other normal groups of friends. Maybe a ce that sold food too, so they didn¡¯t get too drunk as he had work tomorrow.


    ¡°There¡¯s a bar near TangShi¡¯s school that opened up a few weeks ago. It seems lowkey and has a dancefloor area up back. I¡¯ve seen good reviews from students online.¡± Linlin clicked her fingers with her lightbulb moment and hauled out her phone to find the exact address. Remembering an ad she spotted.


    ¡°What are we waiting for? Let¡¯s head.¡± ZhengLi smiled, tugging her with him to the door to put their shoes back on, and YuZhi picked up his jacket but left his tie discarded. Sliding an arm loosely around TangShi¡¯s shoulder to lead the way and heading out with her. They all looked presentable anyway and he definitely needed a night to unwind and get his head straight.


    After TangShi told him she would sleep with him, sort of, he had be extra aware of how often he had the urge to hold her hand, touch or cuddle up to her, and yet now it seemed like the innocence in it had been stripped away. He couldn¡¯t stop evaluating it. He kept thinking of the possibility of them together, and what she would feel like to be naked with. How sex with TangShi would be, given he was aware he cared about her on a major level, and it had been screwing with his ability to focus. He needed a drink and a good night to clear the air between them. To stop focusing on it.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    It took them a half hour to drive around looking for this ce as Linlin couldn¡¯t find the name online and therefore couldn¡¯t remember where it was. Only a general idea of the area. Finally spotting glowing club lights down an alleyway from a neon sign, so close to the art school it was within walking distance.


    It was a quaint little building, stuck between older traditional ones and yet was long and narrow so inside was split into a seated quiet bar for regr drinkers and had a rear area for dancing and louder music. It also had a back set of patio doors which led into a private garden area where seats sat out all night in a lit-up courtyard. They picked up a tray of drinks and headed to a corner that was as close to the dancefloor as possible so Linlin and TangShi could use it.


    The bar wasn¡¯t overly crowded, was dark and foggy in atmosphere due to a smoke machine in the disco area, but also had a warm and fun environment with friendly staff. Seats were a mix of tables and booths, and it was modern and clean and pretty enjoyable.


    YuZhi and ZhengLi got in about the drinks as though they had been deprived for a long time while the girls danced, and yet all four somehow ended up at a level of drunkenness that was equal due to tolerance. The happy stage, where they were still almost all in control of their faculties, only looser, and losing inhibition. ZhengLi and Linlin curled up together in one of the couch booths, always glued together and watched YuZhi and TangShi pouring some beer cocktails for a fun shot. Aware they had been sitting separately.


    ¡°Last one to down it has to kiss YuZhi.¡± Linlin blurted out knowing TangShi was the only non-seasoned drinker here and already struggling to keep up. She had watched them all evening being flirty together but there was a clear barrier of properness between them that wasn¡¯t before, and she wondered if it was YuZhi being cautious.


    TangShi seemed overly uptight too. Linlin was calling it extreme sexual tension and realized her friends had reached that crossroads dictated by feelings where they had to choose which direction they would go. Stay on the friend road by making an eternal decision of tonic or bite the bullet and get it on. She hoped booze was loosening them up enough to give in to their desires.


    ¡°I second that.¡± ZhengLi cut in and raised his current drink in salute. Also reading the signs tonight.


    ¡°You know that¡¯ll be me! Stop bullying me!¡± TangShi giggled, too happy and swaying around, to feel offended, but YuZhi slid his arm around her and pulled her up against him on the seat. Alcohol blurring all his lines and boundaries, especially after thest two whiskey shots he did with ZhengLi. He was chilling and forgetting all his reasons to keep a distance.


    ¡°I¡¯m not against it.¡± He teased her and winked, his tone low and sultry, his eyes straying to her mouth impulsively and sighing at how pretty she always looked. Leaning in to angle his face at hers while smiling unintentionally sexily and she pushed him away with a reddening face. Losing her confidence when he was flirting so outrageously and obviously and missing the fact he wasn¡¯t joking. Her heart bumped out of time and her stomach churned up into knots.


    The drunker he got tonight, the less he was able to keep thoughts about him and TangShi hooking up out of his head. He knew he was attracted to her physically and that had never been an issue, and he definitely wasn¡¯t grossed out about picturing her naked. The emotional side was holding him back. He had even looked through old online pictures of him and Rhea earlier today to try and douse the flickering me in his gut, and yet alcohol was removing the doubts.

 Let Our Hair Down Prt 2

    ¡°I need to go to the bathroom.¡± TangShi was aware that there was a weirdness between her and YuZhi this evening. A static, almost electric current between them and he had kept looking at her even when she was talking to Linlin, with a faraway look in his eye. Touches had been with restraint, and he hadn¡¯t been all too close and feely like normal and it was painfully obvious. Sliding her to him was the first move he had made all night in getting properly close and it was starting to aggravate her. She wanted to cuddle up and have him holding hands and letting her lean on him like usual. She missed that kind of interaction from him.


    ¡°I¡¯ming. Need to powder my nose and rece the lip gloss Zhengy keeps removing.¡± Linlin shot up and followed her. Sticking her tongue out at her boyfriend as she darted out of his reach.


    ¡°Not my fault it tastes so good. If you don¡¯t want me to kiss it, then don¡¯t wear it.¡± ZhengLi called after her and then raised a brow at YuZhi and nodded after them when they were out of earshot. ¡°Dude, when are you going to stop with the restraint and kiss her already. It¡¯s been obvious all night she¡¯s angling for it, and you look like you¡¯re seriously suffering from trying not to act on it. Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t see it or feel it, you¡¯re hardly inexperienced in reading women ande ons. Even subtle ones from sweet innocents like TangShi.¡±


    YuZhi exhaled heavily and sank down in his seat, his head chaos over the signals and thoughts he was having and shook his head. He had been doubting if he was reading her right all night and now ZhengLi was confirming it. She was shy, reserved, and had zero knowledge on how to flirt but he had still been picking up on it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t please. I¡¯m struggling as it is.¡±


    ¡°Stop overthinking. You¡¯re married. You¡¯re hosting an engagement in a week. She could be a real future for you if you just get over whatever is holding you back and grow a pair. Bro, we both know you¡¯re crazy about her, just admit it and be done.¡±


    YuZhi pressed his fingers into the bridge of his nose and massaged to relieve the growing tension from driving himself insane.


    ¡°I only really broke up with Rhea recently. I don¡¯t want to be that asshole who jumps from one girl to another. What if this isn¡¯t all that deep and some mental rebound?¡± YuZhi pointed out, knowing all his excuses about not trying with TangShi came down tome reasons and only the Rhea issue held any water.


    ¡°You broke up months ago, your heart just gave in recently. There¡¯s no reason to be held down by that or to think this is a reaction to it. TangShi likes you, it¡¯s obvious and once upon a time, you were crazy about her too. Enough to keep looking for her after one night. I think it¡¯s still in there, waiting to be let out.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how I feel about her. It¡¯s all a jumble of emotions with everything that¡¯s happened recently. I don¡¯t want to make a mistake and hurt her.¡± YuZhi sighed again, lifting a beer and took a drink of it, his head swimming with so many questions and optionstely. He needed his mind to still. He had never been good at facing emotional issues and always run from them. Nowadays he was trying to face it head on but had opened a major can of mind worms and TangShi was right in the center of it.


    YuZhi sat forward to continue, raising his palm to borate on some of these messy feelings he couldn¡¯t quite untangle when he spotted a tall dark figure heading to the bathroom corridor that pulled his eyes after it and he sat upright in hostility. The familiar form and height of that man made him forget everything in the blink of an eye and pushed one dangerous emotion right to the forefront.


    ¡°What is it?¡± ZhengLi turned and stared after whatever he saw. Not sure what the sudden doom and gloom expression was and why he was now bristling like a psycho. Sensing the change in his normally aloof friend and wondering what heated him up in under a second to killer mode.


    ¡°Rong Cai. That asshole is here.¡± YuZhi snarled and got up to move around the seats to walk to the bathroom, knowing fine well Rong would stop TangShi if he ran into her. He wouldn¡¯t bypass a chance to get up close and personal, and he hated the guy with a passion for even looking in her direction.


    ¡°The art school dude? The one that you think wants to bang, Tang?¡± ZhengLi stood up grinning and downed the rest of his beer. Smoothed his jacket with glee at the sniff of growing drama and wandered after YuZhi knowing this was going to be a show. If anything riled up the true emotions in one¡¯s heart, it was the toxic stench of jealousy.


    ¡°Yeah, that asshole.¡± YuZhi spiked all over. His inner mood tightening, and a restless energy tensed up his insides as he headed after the guy.


    TangShi and Linlin walked out of the bathroom into the dark hallway and TangShi collided with a tall man who was heading to the men¡¯s room. Stumbling on unsteady feet and dizzy with drunkness.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She apologized politely, nodding her head and went to move by when the stranger caught her by the arm and tugged her back. Startling her so that she almost fell, and he caught her by the waist.


    ¡°TangShi? Hey¡­ It¡¯s me. Rong. Oh, and Miss Choi?¡± Rong beamed at Linlin and gave them both a curt nod before extending the hand from TangShi¡¯s elbow to Linlin to shake and got nothing but a weird smile in response. Linlin eyeing up where his other hand was on TangShi¡¯s hip and finding the atmosphere a little different to when she met him at the school. Suspicion spiking in her.


    ¡°Oh, hello. I didn¡¯t expect to meet you here.¡± TangShi squirmed to get out of his hold, but he didn¡¯t relent and instead ced his free hand on her opposite shoulder to pull her closer, so they were face to face. Trapping her securely. Only a foot at most in separation and TangShi pasted on a smile and threw Linlin a wary look. Rong Cai moved in, making it look crazy intimate and breathed his words almost into her ear. The stench of booze enough to make her choke, even in her own intoxicated state.


    ¡°You look pretty as always. I love this dress on you. TangShi why are you always such a head turner wherever you go? Such a naughty girl!¡± Rong was clearly drunk, and he swayed moving forward and almost head bumped TangShi in his efforts to look at her closely. Linlin reached out to shove him back, feeling this looked highly suspicious and knew the boys would get a wrong idea if they saw this. Her own warning signs going off that Rong wasn¡¯t the nice guy she first met at the school.


    ¡°Yeah, she does, like always but that doesn¡¯t mean you get to touch her. And the dress was from me. How about getting your fucking hands off my fianc¨¦e?¡± YuZhi¡¯s aggressive tone and harsh words snapped TangShi to the right as she was yanked free of Rong Cai, shame washing over her and coloring her face as though she had done something wrong. YuZhi marched in and pulled her into his arm with anger and crushed against him possessively in a manor she wasn¡¯t used to. She put her head down and looked at her feet, feeling guilty even though she hadn¡¯t done anything wrong. Aware she couldn¡¯t move or breathe properly and YuZhi was radiating furious energy.


    ¡°Mr. Leng¡­ what a shock to see you wherever she is. Didn¡¯t realize she needed your permission to talk to her friends. Why so mad?¡± Rong slurred, sarcasm evident and ZhengLi interjected before either YuZhi or Linlin said anything further. The air static and sparking around them.


    ¡°Mr. Cai, hi, heard a lot about you. I¡¯m Linlin¡¯s boyfriend and TangShi¡¯s friend. Her fianc¨¦e¡¯s best mate. How do you do?¡± ZhengLi pushed himself between them all, so he faced Rong and tried to cool things down. He was here for the drama for sure, but he also knew his friend was a trained boxer and likely to throw a few punches in his current green-eyed state of drunk.


    ¡°I¡¯m TangShi¡¯s friend too. A close one. In fact, we are working very, very, closely right now on a gallery show, isn¡¯t that right, TangShi? We often eat together, chat¡­.. What¡¯s wrong with a little affection between good friends? It¡¯s no issue when we¡¯re alone, right TangShi?¡± Rong smugly grinned and reached out to stroke her hair with an obvious move to piss them off and YuZhi smacked his hand away in mid-air. A hard thwack that left a sting. The tension crackling around them as even Linlin recoiled behind ZhengLi and TangShi held her breath.


    ¡°Friend¡¯s respect women who are about to marry their boyfriends. Don¡¯t touch what isn¡¯t yours!¡± YuZhi stepped forward, letting go of TangShi and shoved ZhengLi aside to square up to Rong¡¯s face. Nose to nose, equal in height and figure and the corridor seemed to shrink to a suffocating level.


    ¡°Possessive. Thinking of her as an object, rich boy? I find it interesting how much of a threat you see me as. If you¡¯re all happy and in love, why does my friendship with her bother you so much? Always bristling and intervening like you don¡¯t trust her. Doubting what I mean to her? Maybe your gut has finally clicked onto something, huh?¡± Rongughed in YuZhi¡¯s face, spitting out any words he could to rile this bastard and hoping to god he threw a punch and showed TangShi what kind of silver spooned spoiled prick he was.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    YuZhi bristled up, his body moving into rage mode, and he clenched his fists. All the signs ZhengLi needed to know that this was about to get physical, and he tugged YuZhi back and pushed him into TangShi and Linlin to catch hold of him. TangShi didn¡¯t need to be told twice, shocked at Rong Cai¡¯s lies, and slid her arms around his waist and began to tug him away. Tears brimming that this was escting, and her only focus was getting YuZhi out of here unharmed. She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of him fighting. Linlin stepped in front of him, catching his wrist and helping her to move him.

 Let Our Hair Down Prt 3

    ¡°We¡¯ve all had a lot to drink, and thing¡¯s don¡¯t need to get personal. How about I call you a cab, Mr Cai?¡± ZhengLi was motioning them to go, and he wasn¡¯t in the mood for a drunken brawl with some jerk. YuZhi knew this was a bad idea and thest thing he needed was a headline about a bar brawl a week before the engagement. Especially not with the schools proprietor where his fianc¨¦e studied. This would cause TangShi so much drama and maybe even get her kicked out and he couldn¡¯t do it to her.


    ¡°Come on, we¡¯re leaving. This asshole can go back to whatever hole he crawled from. While I take my girlfriend back to OUR home.¡± YuZhi snarled and slid TangShi¡¯s hand into his, unable to deny the look of fear on her face and the way she was clinging to him like a scared kitten. He hauled her with him, not waiting for ZhengLi, shaking Linlin off too and instead marching at a pace that TangShi struggled to keep up with. He was boiling up inside with venom and jealousy and his heart was pounding a hundred times a minute as that assholes words wed at his fuddled brain.


    ¡°YuZhi? Wait!¡± TangShi stumbled behind him, aware he had changed moodpletely to hostile levels and almost fell when he spun on her.


    ¡°Why? You wanna go back and see him? Are you mad I pulled you away?¡± YuZhi knew he was drunk and being unreasonable, but he had this surging angry energy inside of him that was choking the life out of him at seeing Cai touching her. Breathing near her. Irrational thoughts piling in because he knew he had no rights over TangShi¡¯s heart, and it was driving him crazy. What that bastard said and his smug hints there was something there between them.


    ¡°I¡­. what?¡­ No!¡± TangShi was confused at his usations and shook her head, her face paling as she started to sober up with this turn of events. Unsure why he swiftly changed from happy go lucky and having a good time, to this. He surely couldn¡¯t believe anything that Rong said when he himself witnessed her trying to get away from him at school before. Her lip trembled as emotions strangled her and she hated the way he was ring at her with usation. It reminded her of the hatred he had for her when they first married, and her eyes misted over with genuine hurt. ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid. It¡¯s not like that.¡± She whimpered.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Do you like him? What he said, is it true? Do you eat with him? Hang out? Are you closer than you made out to me you were? Is something going on with him and you?¡± YuZhi rambled, spewing questions as they ripped through his head and heart and caused him crazy pain. His chest aching because he knew she spent every day at the school with him and had this art thinging up, so they must at least have formed some kind of friendship from close proximity while he was neglecting her for work. That maybe he was telling the truth and TangShi had developed feelings for this asshole while YuZhi was keeping his distance to preserve their friendship. Why else would he think he had the right toy hands on her?


    ¡°What do you mean? As a tutor, or a friend?¡± TangShi furrowed her brow, confused with the interrogation and too na?ve to understand what he was implying. Her voice wavering because he had her uptight and upset and genuinely about to cry with his behavior.


    ¡°As a possible boyfriend? Do you want to date him?¡± The words hurt like razor des to say, and his heart expanded to the point of almost imploding, making it impossible to breathe at the thought she might actually like someone that wasn¡¯t him. While he had been preupied these months with Rhea and that issue, he had never thought of the possibility TangShi might find someone too. It would exin why Rong kept fawning over her, getting too close, and in his drunken head mess it made sense.


    ¡°Why are you asking me that?¡± TangShi nched, bing more upset with how furious YuZhi seemed when she didn¡¯t know where this was alling from or why. She thought he knew her well enough and trusted her. Her whole body trembling as she tried to self-calm and not let this break her down.


    YuZhi let go of her and turned away to try and curb his temper. Knowing he was blowing this out of proportion and acting like a crazy person, but he was running on sheer agony. He couldn¡¯t help the way he erupted inside at seeing that jerk. Or the way his throat and chest were wing with his own stupid questions, aware that if she said yes right now, he would flip the fuck out.


    He ran a hand through his hair, rubbed his face and lifted a beer to take a long drink from their table in a bid to get a grip and stop throwing all this at TangShi. He could see how close she was to tears and it made him feel shitty for being this way. His brain firing off so many things and overwhelming him.


    ¡°YuZhi.¡± TangShi uttered his name softly, reached out and touched his arm, uptight at his weirdness. She knew he hated Rong but even for him, this was an unnatural reaction. She didn¡¯t know how to make him stop or how tofort him.


    YuZhi mmed down his bottle and spun back to her, eyes aze with his own misted vision and close to breaking down. He had never felt like this in his entire life and his words came from a deep ck hole of agony.


    ¡°Do you have feelings for me? Or am I just a friend you got stuck with thanks to our parents? IS that all you want form me?¡± he leaned into her, eyes locked on hers, frowning and holding back a million different feelings inside which were threatening to break out like a tidal wave.  Seeing that idiot walking back into the room with ZhengLi and Linlin behind him, he gritted his teeth. His eyes over the top of TangShi¡¯s head as the guy scanned the space seemingly looking for her and then headed this way. It made his panic soar and his hysterical need for an answer all that worse. ¡°Tell me now! So I know if I should walk the fuck away and leave you here with him.¡± YuZhi¡¯s hands were trembling, and his soul was clenched tight in fear.


    TangShi gawped at him like he had two heads. Her brain shifting into gear, and she shook her head at his own dumb stupidity andck of awareness. Amazed he hadn¡¯t figured it out these past months with ho she was towards him.


    ¡°You¡¯re an idiot. Look at me.¡± She found that inner fire and pulled herself together, reaching up, grabbing his face with a palm on each cheek and tugged his chin down. Looking him straight in the eye as a tear escaped her own and ran down her cheek and she began to shake. TangShi realized what it was that he needed to hear and even if it messed everything up, she was tired of keeping it locked up inside like it was a sinful emotion. ¡°I love you. Even before you told Rhea it was over. My heart beats for you and I live for the times we spend together. I¡¯m in love with you. Rong Cai was lying.¡±


    YuZhi¡¯s expression crumbled, and tears hit his eyes like a side kick he never sawing. Stabbing pain sucker punching him at her words and he pressed his forehead to hers, cupping her face clumsily to pull her close and share air, while sniffing back his emotions. Overwhelmed with a confession he didn¡¯t know he needed so badly to hear until now, to unlock all the mess he had been contemting for days. Her words somehow yanking out the chaos and leaving a rtive calmness to his mind. He physically ached all over from head to foot but in a good way and he exhaled heavily to then breathe her in with an inhale. Trembling all over with adrenaline but utter relief at not having his heart ripped out by the one girl who had ever controlled him this way.


    ¡°TangShi? Over here.¡± Rong Cai¡¯s voice drifted their way and YuZhi snapped his head up to re at him over her shorter height. Seeing the audacity in him thinking he was wee over here, to interrupt what they were doing, he let instinct take over. Pulling TangShi into his arms forcefully and startling her with how aggressive he could be. His posture returning to fighter and his hatred increasing with venomous speed.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine. That asshole doesn¡¯t get a look in, do you understand? You love me¡­. and I love you, Tang. You hear me¡­ I love you¡­.. this fucker can go to hell.¡±  The words were husky and low, something he had never said to any woman, and TangShi¡¯s eyes widened. Her heart racing as he slid a hand up her back and into the nape of her neck and hairline before tugging her thest inches to his face. YuZhi tilted his head and kissed her hard, full on forceful, but not a peck like that day in the carpark. Instead this was a loaded kiss with intent, and he pushed her lips apart to devour her with intense passion. She couldn¡¯t react to his words while instead he was knocking the wind out of her and turning her to mush.


    TangShi crumbled with the assault. Allowing him to hold her and kissed him back with a vengeance rooted in longing she had harbored for so long. Unleashing all that wanton energy and desire she had for him all this time. Finding technique in French kissing and giving it her all with no reservations. Allowing her heart to soar and hope that this wasn¡¯t just alcohol and tomorrow he would take it all back. TangShi slid her arms around his neck tightly and let him kiss her anyway he wanted. Meeting his mouth, following him and amodating his tongue when it explored hers. Adjusting to his movements, nibbles and exploration.


    Her temperature soared, her body responding in every way, and she became breathless with need, aware her inner body was pulsing and aching for more as she experienced real sexual turn on. Clinging to him like he was a lifeboat, and she was set adrift in a stormy sea.


    ZhengLi Smirked at them from their distance and stopped to give his friend a round of apuse with a huge grin, patting Rong Cai on the back with a cheeky wink and then catching Linlin¡¯s hand and tugging her off in search of another drink. Linlin was dumbstruck at what she was witnessing, but she too broke into a smile and followed her man, tossing Mr. Cai a haughty side eye as they walked away.


    YuZhi pulled away after several minutes of iming her and pushed his forehead to hers again. Both breathless, eyes heavy with lust and intoxication and he rubbed his nose against hers savoring the moment between them. Eyes locked, his head finally straighter than it had been in months and he could only see his future reflected back at him with certainty. He would throw caution to the wind and take this step to make their rtionship real from here on in. He wasn¡¯t confused anymore. Tonight had set it all out straight for him and he had a twinge of regret and remorse at hurting Rhea all these years for not even beingparable to how he felt about TangShi.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home. You wanted to sleep with me? There¡¯s no backing out now. My bed is yours; we¡¯re not sleeping apart from here on in so get used to it.¡± YuZhi warned, his entire body and mind on fire and consumed with this intense need to have herpletely, even though he knew he shouldn¡¯t do this when they were both drunk. He couldn¡¯t help it though. He wanted to safeguard what was his. Possessive over a woman for the first time in his life and yet he stroked her face gently, cradled her softly as he loosened his grip and nuzzled in against her ear. ¡°We don¡¯t need a clinic anymore. We¡¯ll have a baby the old fashioned way.¡±

 The Start Prt 1

    YuZhi kicked open the apartment door and hauled TangShi inside by the hand, not giving her a second to slide her shoes off after a strained ride home in an Uber. They had behaved, sat side by side holding hands, and counted the miles until they could be alone again, reserved and respectful of their driver. YuZhi had been tapping his thumb on his thigh like a mad man, riled up, and impatient about getting TangShi home.


    He pushed her against the wall hard and began kissing her mercilessly. Letting out everything he had held back while counting the seconds to getting her here after they left the bar and then some. Unleashing everything that had pent up with not being able to devour her after the explosion of emotions. Pinning her, sliding her hands up to hold by her head and exploring the taste and feel of her as though he couldn¡¯t get enough.


    TangShi responded, moaning under her breath when he released her lips and began nibbling and sucking her jawline and neck. Inching his way down and setting her body on fire. No longer doubting anything anymore andpletely zone din on picking up where they left off so he could wipe that asshole Rong Cai out of mind for eternity.


    It was clear that each was sobering up but notpletely and inhibitions had been tossed aside the second they confessed their feelings. YuZhi let her go and instead started sliding off his jacket without tearing his mouth from her skin. TangShi clung to him, her fingers tracing that broad chest and eagerly pulled at his buttons to encourage him to undress. Aware of what she wanted him to do and no longer shy about it. She was consumed by this need to finally let him have all of her. Surging with her love for him.


    She liked this liquid bravery the drinks had given her, and she sumbed to the way his hands searched out and caressed her body, skimming her ass and pulling her tight into him as they continued their hot make out session. Lost in passion and consumed by need.


    YuZhi peeled her from the wall after a few minutes of groping and grinding on each other, arms wrapped around one another with TangShi¡¯s fingers running through his hair to entangle him to her. She was getting bolder by the second, even initiating further kisses and copying his way of moving from mouth to throat to deliver seductive pecks and nibbles as she undid his clothes. Winding him up so he couldn¡¯t think straight, and sheer instinct was taking over.


    YuZhi leaned down, slipping both palms under her butt and picked her up, squeezing her in against his body as she automatically lifted her legs and wrapped them around him to hold on. Stuck together bodily and by the lips, neither aware of anything else around them as they pushed their heated hormones further on.


    YuZhi backed up, and without opening his eyes or stopping their kissing he managed to carry her into the nearest bedroom which was his. Kicking off his shoes, while tending to her mouth, and then feeling out the bed with his foot before kneeling on it and managing toy her down on it without breaking away. He climbed carefully over the top of her and started undoing his own shirt fully, dipping his head to lick and kiss her throat and vicles, his caresses moving down to search out her cleavage.


    TangShi wriggled under his touch, her eyes closed so she could savor his touch, her body exploding with heat and insane aching, and she impatiently pulled at his belt to help him undress faster. Scraping her nails down his exposed abs and savoring the perfection of his physique. YuZhi caught her hand, stopping her, and moved back so he could bodily flip her over with a firm maneuver, unzipping her dress before leaning back down and tasting every inch of exposed skin as he pulled it. Igniting goosebumps all over and electrifying her senses.


    He helped her slide it down from her curvy figure, exposing her light coloredce underwear and she mentally high fived Linlin for being the one to force her into buying and wearing only the nicest of lingerie under her clothes. Telling her it was like an invisible confidence booster and now she was d this was how he got to see her undressing. Turning back to him as he visually devoured every part of her with appreciation. His fingers skimming the edge of herce panties, up her stomach and cupping her breast before sliding a hand under her to unclip the bra.


    He leaned back in and began kissing her once more. Softer, slowly peeling her out of herstyers of clothing as he shed his and they ended uppletely naked while pressed together, tasting one another anywhere they could reach. No sense of embarrassment or awkwardness when caught in the throes of passion. Motivated by intense lust and the darkness of the room meant TangShi wasn¡¯t reserved at all.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    YuZhi was aware that this would be her first time and despite every part of his logic telling him they should wait until he could make it special, he couldn¡¯t. At least be sober, but he couldn¡¯t get his hormones to listen or obey and his hands had a mind of their own. Unable to stop himself while she was pushing him on and making it clear she wouldn¡¯t want him to stop.


    TangShi was clinging to him, pushing all his buttons by kissing and feeling him out without restraint and even though she wasn¡¯t experienced, and her touch was exploration rather than deliberate seduction, he was going insane with the need to make her his. Aware of how many times she skimmed his arousal and didn¡¯t seem to withdraw. All his pent up and repressed feelings for her these past months were now raging in all their glory, unleashed, and flooding him with feel good vibes and zero regrets. Crazy about her and still fueled from his jealous fit over that asshole.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to do this? I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to stop if we keep going. You¡¯re making me crazy.¡± YuZhi warned her, trying his hardest to be a gentleman even to thest second, while TangShi slid her thighs up against his and edged herself to him. Nudging him with her pelvis in a provocative move that made him groan, knowing he was at her mercy.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure. Don¡¯t stop.¡± She ran her fingers down his jawline and strained up to press her lips to his before catching him around the back of his neck and tugging him down on top of her.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be the death of me.¡±


    YuZhi didn¡¯t need to be told twice as his erection slid against her warm core and sprung to a harder attention as it met with silky wetness and a sign she was more than ready. His brain was screaming at him to dy, have more forey and show her all the good things that could happen before prative sex, but his body was verging on climax before starting and he didn¡¯t know how he could hold out. Sex had been something he hadn¡¯t been having since they married, and he was aware this might be quick and frenzied if he didn¡¯t get a move on. Inhaling slowly and pushing himself up on his forearms to cool and calm himself down.


    He couldn¡¯t take it anymore. The way she looked up at him, with wide open eyes that were also heavy with longing and seemed to be begging him, so much trust and yet devotion held within them, her lips kiss swollen and irresistible. Her skin flushed and glowing and her hair swept over the pillow somehow framing a serene beauty that made his heart skip a beat. YuZhi edged his hand between them to help guide his body into hers and slid in slowly and firmly, never tearing his eyes from hers to watch for any rejection. Slowing his breathing to savor every tiny inch he moved into her warm body and closed his eyes as ecstasy overtook him as he entered.


    TangShi held her breath as he first pressed against the entranceway to her most precious part and then arched her back in pleasure when a hot and stretching sensation rocked all kinds of intensity between her thighs. Grabbing onto his shoulder as he pushed into her slowly and she started to moan under her breath as he filled her up.


    YuZhi was barely holding onto his sanity, palming his hands against hers and pushing his fingers between every one of hers so he could hold her down to the pillow. He slid back and forth slowly at first, finding the rhythm with her, being careful and cautious and tuning into her breathing and noises to figure out what she was enjoying. Wanting this to be as good for her as it was for him and yet unable to keep himself in check.


    TangShi got lost in how it felt. Blown away that sex was nothing like she thought it would be, not even painful as she expected, and instead was better than good. Unable to control herself from pulling at him and squirming with every thrust which only made him unable to keep himself in check. Clinging on, digging her nails into his shoulders and then upper back as he increased pressure and speed and started to really move with her passionately. She was making him wild with how she was responding.

 The Start Prt 2

    It started slow and deliberate and yet progressed to intense thrusting as they started to adjust to one another in mere minutes. He let go of one of her hands and hitched her thigh up on his hip, angling slightly and screwing her with intent. Forgetting gentle when her gasps and ws were making him horny as hell and looking for something rougher.


    Heavy breathing as they upped the momentum, the crescendo of bodies reaching a higher point of pleasure together as he edged her closer to climax. It wasn¡¯t the romantic and sweet lovemaking he intended as they lost control, but it got them both to cum fast and furious as they rocked in moans and pants together and YuZhi spilled his load inside of her with one extra hard thrust.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    TangShi cried out, letting loose as her body spasmed, and she dug her nails into his upper arm unintentionally. Her brain scattered with tingles and her body exploding with extreme pleasure sensations that rippled up and down every nerve ending and then left her weak and unable to move as she copsed in the aftermath.


    ¡°God.¡± YuZhi exhaled, grunting and copsing on top of her, spent even though this wasn¡¯t a long and satisfying session that he had mentally nned on the trip home. A little disappointed with himself for what was essentially a fast first time, but he knew this wasn¡¯t thest. He had the taste of her now and already he knew it wouldn¡¯t be long after recovery before he wanted her again. Addicted to her kiss, and to how this felt between them. It maybe wasn¡¯t his longest or wildest experience in sex, but it blew every other time out of the water in terms of emotional connection and euphoria. YuZhi had never known sex to feel this way even if they didn¡¯t do anything spectacr or unusual. His head spinning with lightheaded happiness and yet it felt like the most memorable sex he had ever had.


    TangShi was dazed, her body tingling and ringing from her first ever orgasm and shey sated underneath him, trying to regte her breathing and find some calm in the chaos of sensations zapping all over. Overwhelmed and yet alsopletely rxed, thanking her lucky stars that her first time was amazing, and holding him close. Inhaling his unique scent and rejoicing in how his body felt all over and still inside hers. If this was how sex was, TangShi knew she wanted to do it a million more times with him.


    ¡°Are you okay? Did I hurt you?¡± YuZhi lifted himself up on one elbow and traced her lips with his free hand, caressing her cheek as he moved back over her and locked eyes on hers. Scanning her face in the semi low light and yetpletely mesmerized by everything about her. With the sexual tension fading away he found himself instead, utterly intoxicated with her and knew that this wasn¡¯t just booze. He really was infatuated with this woman to the point that he never wanted to be apart ever again.


    TangShi fluttered hershes open, focusing on his handsome face and smiled shyly. Her heart and stomach fluttering with unleashed euphoria.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t hurt. It felt good.¡± She blushed, ncing away from him to hide her newfound embarrassment now they were done, and he dipped down and kissed her lips gently. Staring at her for the longest time and wondering why the hell he waited so long to figure this out. He couldn¡¯t understand how he didn¡¯t figure out his feelings before tonight given how they were clear as day and he felt like an idiot.


    ¡°You don¡¯t regret it?¡± TangShi whispered, nerves starting to rise up inside of her and clenching her stomach, that much like the first time they kissed he would back track and go weird on her. Doubts starting to move in and gue her because she just wasn¡¯t someone who came by happiness easily. This was way more serious, and the reality was after he sobered he may freak out. Her stomach tightened with nervousness, but he shook his head.


    ¡°Not even a tiny bit.¡± He brushed her hair away from her face and rolled to his side to get off of her, instead pulling her with him to nestle in the crook of his arm and he nuzzled his face against hers. ¡°I wish we had done this a lot sooner. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve felt this content in a long time.¡± He cuddled against her, closing his eyes as extreme tiredness washed over him. Pulling every part of her against him so they touched in all ways and wrapped his ankles around hers to draw them in. She was cocooned in his embrace.


    ¡°What about ¡­.¡± TangShi¡¯s words died on her lips as she went to mention Rhea then scolded herself for ruining this by even trying to bring her up, but YuZhi seemed to understand what she was asking.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing to do with her. We¡¯re done and I¡¯m in love with someone else. You and I, we need to focus on our future together and forget everything that¡¯s happened. This is a fresh start for us, nothing else matters anymore. It¡¯s real now and we should carry on as such.¡±


    TangShi exhaled slowly,forted by his words and theck of any dishonesty. Knowing she was being insecure, and he had already told her before that he didn¡¯t think he ever loved Rhea the right way and she shouldn¡¯t dwell on it. Happy and bubbling up internally that this was real and not a dream as reality finally caught up with herying there in his arms. Her face heating with the memories of tonight and then smiling to herself that she could stop hoping he would ever care for her and instead squeal with joy he told her he loved her.


    ¡°I love you.¡± TangShi whispered it quietly, bubbling with excitement at what the future held for them, still nervous of saying it out loud but liking how it felt to say it to him. Rolling it around in her mouth and her heart and then blushing profusely after.


    ¡°I love you too, Tang. Now sleep. It¡¯ste and I need to sober up to be able to wake you up in the morning to give you a better second time. Trust me, this isn¡¯t half as mind blowing as it can be. Plus, I gotta work.¡± YuZhi tugged her chin to his face and kissed her lightly, Grazing his lips across hers so softly it ignited goosebumps. Rubbing his nose against hers for a second as hemitted her pretty face to memory and then pulled her into his neck, under his chin to curl up with her to sleep. Satisfied and happier than he had felt in a long time.


    TangShi wrapped her arm around him and closed her eyes as she snuggled in. Feeling safe and cherished for the first time in her life, knowing this is where she always belonged and hated that they lost eight years by being separated by tragedy. She rxed into his body, excited to see what tomorrow morning would bring and filled with a new light kind of fluttery hope that maybe her future life would be so much better than she ever hoped for.

 Happy Prt 1

    TangShi was nestled between YuZhi¡¯s legs on the couch, with her back against his chest as they cuddled up together to work. Him with a document in hand leaning up on the back of the rest so he could read it, while she had a sketch pad on herp to work on her ss assignment for theing week. Soft music ying on the surround sound, the digital fire on, and warm and cozy while it rained outside and added to the feeling of a blissful home. Her head nestled against his throat while his chin lightly sat on top of her head. Lost in a world of happy contentment as they rxed together.


    This morning he had woken her up and made love to her for a longer session, showing her how good sex could be, all over again. No longer worried he would regret it and solidified the fact this was real, and they were now properly together. YuZhi had fully immersed himself into this new dynamic and was happy.


    He then introduced her to the embarrassment of sharing a shower,ughing at her mortified expression and shyness, having to coax her to stop hiding herself before they cooked breakfast together. They had discovered domestic bliss in finding a way to cohabit while being touchy feely doing every day tasks. He had decided to work from home to savor their first day of official coupledom. He didn¡¯t want to leave her home alone in case this was all a dream, and he would wake up from it.


    YuZhi was now stone cold sober and any fears that he would wake up and go back to confusion and doubts about his feelings for TangShi had lost weight. The first thing that popped into his head when he woke up in the morning was her, he blinked his eyes open in anticipation to see her sleeping soundly in his arms. Causing a huge grin to spread across his face. He had intended to leave her asleep, but he couldn¡¯t contain himself and had kissed her awake, unable to keep his hands to himself.


    TangShi was tired today, mildly hungover, and a little tender down below, but she had never known this kind of extreme happiness or contentment. If she thought she had found joy in living with YuZhi as friends, then this was a whole other level of euphoria and she wanted to glue herself to him twenty-four seven. Addicted to his touch and kisses. His affections had increased a hundred-fold. Stroking her hair, hugging her, even taking her hand to walk her from the bedroom to the kitchen. Throughout prepping food he had kept wrapping his arms around her from behind, so they worked together while cuddling. It felt like a honeymoon.


    ¡°You hungry?¡± YuZhi leaned down, resting his cheek on top of her head and slid his arm around her shoulders to give her a squeeze. It was nearing lunch time already since they had both been engrossed in work.


    ¡°A little.¡± TangShi yawned, admiring her sketches of the view outside their penthouse windows and wriggled back against him, flopping her arms down and abandoning her pad on herp. ¡°Too tired to get up and move though. I¡¯mfy here.¡± She slid one hand up to cover his and wiggled her fingers in between his.


    ¡°I can order something in. What do you fancy?¡± YuZhi was in agreement about not moving from this spot. He didn¡¯t want to let her get up unless he desperately needed to go to the bathroom. Enjoying having to no longer find reasons to touch her.


    ¡°Hotpot!¡± TangShi blurted out with glee, craving ittely and then faltered when she remembered Rhea had once said he refused to eat it with her because he didn¡¯t like it. ¡°Oh, wait. You don¡¯t eat it, how about Sashimi then?¡± She tried to think of an alternative.


    ¡°Hotpot¡¯s fine. Who said I don¡¯t eat it?¡± YuZhi chuckled, unaware of whoever gave her that wrong info as it was one thing they had eaten together eight years ago at a street vendor in Beijing.


    ¡°Rhea said¡­¡± TangShi hesitated, cursing herself for bringing her up and flushed all over. YuZhi frowned and thought for a second before nodding and shrugging.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware I had refused to eat it with her all these years, but I guess she¡¯s right. I always said no and then she stopped asking. It¡¯s been years though. Weird she remembered.¡± He smirked to himself and tried to think back to when and how often he refused and the only thing he could think of was seven years prior as thest time. When his heart still ached for that missing girl, and he couldn¡¯t bear to eat hotpot without it bringing up those memories of his most perfect night.


    ¡°So we can order it?¡± TangShi brimmed with renewed happiness and beamed when he nodded and slid out his cell to ce an order.


    ¡°Sure.¡± It somehow felt weirdly sentimental to him now she had highlighted its importance. ¡°You¡¯ll be the only woman I ever eat it with.¡± He joked. Brushing a hand over her hair, tugging her head in so he could nt a kiss on her crown.


    ¡°How romantic.¡± TangShiughed but was interrupted with YuZhi¡¯s phone ringing on the coffee table beside them, breaking into their calm atmosphere with it¡¯s harsh buzzing. He nced over and stiffened at the sight of a name that had left him alone for over a week and exhaled heavily, reaching out to scoop it up and held it in front of TangShi so she could see it. Not wanting to hide anything from her that might make her doubt him.


    ¡°I was dreading thising. I can¡¯t avoid it forever.¡± He pointed out and TangShi¡¯s eyes slid to Rhea¡¯s name and face as it shed in front of her. Her heart sinking and a sense of guilt and jealousy rising together to make her uneasy. ¡°I should answer it and rify things. It¡¯s different now and she¡¯s going to find out sooner orter.¡± He tensed, his own mood dipping.


    YuZhi slid out from under TangShi carefully, trailing his hand across her head gently to reassure her before getting up and bracing himself for dramatics. Answering his cell and walking to the window overlooking their view of the Huangpu river. Needing space to deal with this.


    ¡°Hello, Rhea. How can I help you?¡± He tried to sound casual and friendly even though it had been a week of refusing to take her calls and then a wall of silence for a few days. His chest tightening with knowing he was going to have to admit to something that would break her heart and confirm her suspicions. He knew she would assume this was what had gone on all along and probably flip out like she did that night.


    ¡°YuZhi¡­¡­ Hey. I¡¯m in London, which you probably know as I told ZhengLi. I just wanted to reach out and clear things between us. I know I was stupid and crazy thest time I saw you and I¡¯m sorry.¡± Rhea bit on her lip, picking at her nails where she was sat in her hotel suite. Nervous about trying to make amends now she had so long to sit and think everything through. She had been sober sinceing here and it had helped her clear her head. Returned some sense to her.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m kind of d you called because there is something we need to talk about. I just don¡¯t know if it should wait until I see you face to face.¡± YuZhi cast a nce back at TangShi to see how she was reacting, but she had pulled her sketch pad up and was furiously drawing in a bid to try and ignore all her crazy emotions and give him space. She looked uneasy and he knew this was probably bothering her.


    ¡°Just tell me. Whatever it is I would rather you just came out with it and got it over with. I know you and that tone, and I feel like this isn¡¯t good.¡± Rhea¡¯s heart raced but she couldn¡¯t deny that this past week or so it had finally sunk in that they were truly over. She had felt iting a long time ago, knew what she did was wrong, and it had contributed to her spiraling out of control and drinking almost daily. He had been slipping through her fingers long before Grandfather Leng announced a wedding and she had broken down and turned into someone she no longer recognized. Ashamed now with a clear mind and a heart full of sorrow.


    YuZhi closed his eyes and let out a long slow breath to cool his own nerves. Despite everything that had gone on he still cared about her. Was weighed down by this situation and felt like an absolute asshole for how things had turned out between them. She had been his friend since infancy and hurting her this way pained him deeply. He knew he held the me, and all of this happened because of his own inability to understand love or really feel it before now.


    ¡°TangShi and I, we¡¯re together now. It only happened yesterday but I guess you were right, and feelings were growing from the start. I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t want to lie to you or hide it. I¡¯m really, really sorry, rhea. I never intended things to go this way.¡± He swallowed hard, hands trembling and heart heavy as the silence stretched out, but he could make out a slight change in her breathing. He knew she heard him.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Rhea sat motionless and stared nkly at nothing, her heart stopping for a second as it filtered through, but it felt like she already knew. There was no shock at his confession, no instant anger or hate, only a quiet painful nod because she had felt it long ago. Tears began to fall but yet also somehow it felt like relief. A weight lifted from on top of her and all those suspicions and questions and gnawing thoughts were set free with the admission that she had been right. She couldn¡¯t do anything about it anymore, except ept it and yet it didn¡¯t hurt as much as she expected it too. Maybe because she had been preparing herself for months to face this reality. Maybe even years.

 Happy Prt 2

    ¡°Say something.¡± YuZhi softened his tone and begged her. Waiting for a reaction, expecting a massive one and yet there was only quiet and a soft sniff.


    ¡°Tell TangShi I¡¯m sorry. For everything. I used her to stay close to you and keep tabs on your rtionship because I knew I didn¡¯t have you. I hoped by being her friend I could police her and stop you two getting close, because deep down I always knew you didn¡¯t love me.¡± She broke into quiet cries but held herselfposed. Finally being honest with herself after a lifetime of ignoring the signs.


    ¡°Rhea¡­¡± YuZhi broke in, torn up by her pain, aching in deep regret, but she cut him off.


    ¡°Don¡¯t. I always knew and I was in denial. I pushed you and held onto you and have never really felt secure or happy. Always aware I needed to control you to keep a hold of you and it¡¯s made me tired from fighting so hard. You were right when you said I always manipted you and threatened because I did. It¡¯s not how love should be. I¡¯ve done a lot of thinking while being here and having so much down time. All this time, I was gripping onto something with all my effort and yet it never brought me the happiness I thought it would. I see that now. Time away, being able to look from a distance¡­¡­ I know we should never have dated. We should always have been nothing more than friends. It was circumstances and tragedy that brought us together and I abused your dependency on me as a friend to guilt you into being my boyfriend, I can admit that. Thank you for the years that you did make me feel some kind of joy from being yours and for trying to love me. I did love you, YuZhi. I¡¯m sorry too.¡± She sniffed again, through a waterfall of quiet tears yet her heart was expanding as though she had unchained a long held weight that was tugging it down. A ray of light filtering into her darkness.


    ¡°Rhea, I don¡¯t know what to say.¡± YuZhi stared down at his feet, his own eyes misting over because this hurt and yet gave him a sense of freedom that she wasn¡¯t reacting how he thought she would.


    ¡°Say that one day we can be friends again. That we can put everything behind us and maybe I can start over with TangShi and make amends. I hated the fact she¡¯s a genuinely nice girl, and likeable, but I hope one day I might be a real friend to her.¡± Rhea swallowed hard exhaling heavily and letting out all the nerves and fear she had been holding onto while making this call. Trembling all over from adrenalin at psyching herself up. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be like this anymore. Always obsessing and anxious over you. That¡¯s not love and it¡¯s not the rtionship I wanted. I¡¯m not mad, I¡¯m sad, but I feel like I need to let you go to find what will make me happy. I want you to be happy too.¡±


    ¡°I never wanted to hurt you. I¡¯m sorry how things went and how I handled all of it. I know I did a lot of things wrong, and I treated you in a way you didn¡¯t deserve. That was down to my inadequacy in how to navigate all of this. I hope that in time we can meet again and start over as friends once more.¡± YuZhi knew he had major responsibility in all of this and should carry the emotional burden of hurting her. He owed her so much and yet felt like he now was casting her aside.


    TangShi kept her eyes on her paper, hearing only half a conversation but her heart thumped erratically, and she tensed, trying to gauge what was being said. Summarizing from what she could hear that Rhea was not going crazy over this and yet it didn¡¯t ease her own sense of shame. Rhea maybe hadn¡¯t been a real friend, but TangShi had viewed her as one and still done this to her.


    ¡°I¡¯d like that. I might make it back for the engagement after all. I swear I won¡¯t cause a scene. I won¡¯t be drinking. I¡¯ve booked myself into a program to help me deal with my life without alcohol, and it¡¯s a step. I know I don¡¯t have a drinking problem, so don¡¯t worry it¡¯s not rehab or anything. I just feel like I have unhealthy coping mechanisms and used it more than I should.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll support you if you need me.¡± YuZhi sighed, deted at her admission to needing to get help. He didn¡¯t think she drunk excessively before but after the breakup it had concerned him how often she drunk and got drunk given her self-control before he married TangShi. She had undergone a personality transnt and her behavior had be erratic, straying into her public life. He sensed a real honesty now in this conversation and wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt.


    ¡°Maybe before the party I can see TangShi Briefly. I really want to prove I¡¯m sorry. I know what I did. I may not be overly happy that you two ¡­.. but this isn¡¯t on her. I don¡¯t want bad feeling and hatred between us.¡± Rhea choked up, unable to get her head and heart around them together yet and try as she might she couldn¡¯t hold back the tears. Moving the phone away from her mouth so she could wipe her face on her sleeve and try and calm herself with deep breaths. This hurt a lot, but it also felt empowering.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see. Take some time and we¡¯ll talk again before youe back. I don¡¯t want a public scene. I promise I won¡¯t dodge your calls if you need me.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I should go. I¡¯m a mess and ¡­¡­. Tell her I¡¯m really sorry. I don¡¯t hate her, and I regret telling her I wished she would die. It¡¯s not who I am.¡±


    They both knew that was true. It had shocked him to the core that night.


    ¡°I will. Have a safe trip. Bye, Rhea.¡± YuZhi hung up first, feeling there was nothing more to say and aware TangShi was probably uptight with wondering what was said. Eager to reassure her. He could sense the genuine remorse, but he needed to safeguard TangShi above all. Rhea had twice assaulted her, and he wouldn¡¯t let there be a third.


    ¡°Hey,e here.¡± He motioned to her, and she didn¡¯t hesitate in dropping her book and running over to him by the window into his open arms. She had been sitting tense and poised on tenterhooks waiting for him to end his call. He caught her and cuddled her in tight, sliding his hand onto the back of her hair, the other across her back and cradling her against him as her arms slid around his waist. Swaying them from side to side slightly as thoughforting a child. Squeezing her in a tight embrace.


    ¡°Rhea wants to sort things out with you two. Start over. It¡¯s up to you whether you can forgive or trust her again and I believe her when she says she won¡¯t cause any more issues.¡± YuZhi knew it would be better for all of them if they couldy it all aside and get on. Even if Rhea was never the close friend again she once was, he wouldn¡¯t turn his back on her if she ever needed his help. ¡°I won¡¯t force you. I know there¡¯s history here and you might never be okay with her around us again.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see her.¡± TangShi butted in, without stopping to think it through She had never been one to hold a grudge and she had too forgiving a personality. She knew the only way forward was to ept her and try to rebuild something. Rhea had been his friend his whole life and she didn¡¯t want to be the reason he stopped that.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter. I¡¯ll order food and we can sleep on it today. Focus on us, forget everything else for one day.¡± YuZhi leaned back, sliding his hand around her face to tilt up her chin and kissed her softly. Lingering to stay close and rubbing his nose against hers. ¡°Whatever you decide, I¡¯m with you and I¡¯ll do what you need me to. You¡¯re my priority.¡± He kissed her again, smiling at how even after kissing her a dozen times she still give him butterflies and goosebumps.


    ¡°Okay.¡± TangShi beamed, smiling without restraint and kissing him herself this time, only more passionately than he did. Bold enough to now do it without waiting. She wanted today to stay special seeing as it was officially day one and bringing Rhea into it would only cause a blemish.


    ¡°After food, let¡¯s go out take a walk along the Bund if the rain stops and have a date. A real one. Re-inact a kiss on my car.¡± He winked and leaned down to nuzzle her neck, sliding her up to him in a vice like grip so he could devour her and then regretted it right away as his body reacted and the urge to do more overtook him. TangShi giggled at his antics, her own hormones notching up with his touchy-feely behavior and she shyly took the initiative. Longing for more of what he had shown her this morning.


    Sliding her hands into his as he put her down, she pulled him with her as she walked backwards and smiled coyly. Reddening and unable to look him in the eye but obvious with her intent.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry for something other than food first.¡± She blushed, but he understood right away and grinned at her. Loving how sweetly she could make an invitation to get naked and dirty sound.


    ¡°What have I created?¡± heughed, lurching forward to scoop her up princess fashion and carried her to their bedroom with a skip in his step. Unable to deny her when his own needs were going crazy to have her again.

 Engaged prt 1

    TangShi was feeling sick with nerves, clinging to Linlin¡¯s hand as they stood backstage and awaited the official walk out onto the runway for the engagement announcement. Uptight and strung out like a tightly wound coil. She had never understood this tradition of treating engagement like a show, strutting out on a stage and being presented to rich men and women who didn¡¯t care at all who was being married off. Even her own family sat out there had little to no emotion on this announcement, given they already got what they wanted, and she was secretly married to their business promoter. It was all about money and status after all.


    ¡°Breathe. Rx. It¡¯s no big deal. Think of it as a pageant and you only have to walk out, smile, get your ring, and then go enjoy yourself with YuZhi after a small speech. You don¡¯t even have to say anything. Just look pretty.¡± Linlin was trying to soothe her panic, fluffing out her bridal style dress and making sure her friend was picture perfect for the swarm of media out there. TangShi looked ethereal and almost fairylike all in white with pinned up hair and natural make up.


    YuZhi Leng getting engaged was a big deal, given all his years in the limelight and the fact while dating Rhea Cheng, he never once made that move. It confirmed to the public that TangShi was the true love of his life, given their dating had been only a couple of months at most and it was causing stirs with the official announcement. More than they ever expected. His fans were ted, and his social media was going crazy today.


    ¡°After this speech you¡¯ll be called out Miss. Lei.¡± A young organizer for the event and part of the Leng Group PR team, gave her a gentle rub on the shoulder, bowed and left them at peace to go check on other details. TangShi peeked out from behind the huge satin curtain at the sea of diners at white linen tables, the array of extravagant flowers dotted around the room, soft lighting and low music, and that terrifying center walkway. Swallowing hard and then pulling back slightly to fan her face as heat spread all over.


    YuZhi appeared in the middle of it, holding a microphone while facing the crowds, two men by either side. Seeminglyfortable with public speaking and being in the limelight and she admired him from her hidden spot. His tall muscr frame that seemed built for a tuxedo and his charisma and aura that demanded attention. She had to pinch herself to really believe he was hers, and this wasn¡¯t all a dream.


    ¡°Thank you all foring to our event tonight and celebrating with the Leng And Lei family. Leng Group has been one of Shanghai¡¯s leadingpanies most of my life and it gives me great pleasure to represent it as we move into a brighter future¡­¡­.¡± YuZhi began his speech, knowing he had a lot to get through in terms of thanking attendees. The obligatory list of things he must say so as not to offend anyone, especially business associates from notable families. Even though this was about his impending marriage, these kinds of things were always about business first.


    TangShi snuck away, zoning out as the wave of fear turned her cold and her stomach twisted in knots. Fanning her face and motioning to Linlin she needed to go to the bathroom or out for air for fear of passing out where she stood. This was nerve-wracking.


    ¡°Calm down, calm down.¡± Linlin crooned following her and catching hold of her hand to give her a squeeze. ¡°you got this. Just hold onto YuZhi and smile. That¡¯s it. It¡¯s one walk to meet him and then it¡¯s pretty much over.¡± Linlin had been to her fair share of glitzy engagement announcements and was an old hat at how this should go.


    ¡°Where you going?¡± ZhengLi appeared,ing to make sure everything ran smoothly and to personally escort TangShi onstage at YuZhi¡¯s insistence. He knew she would be scared and nervous as being center of the show was not her thing. Herck of self-confidence eating away at her.


    ¡°Trying to cool herself down. My baby girl is looking rosy and ready to jump ship.¡± Linlin teased and spun her, pulled out a powder to blot TangShi¡¯s face in an attempt to tone down the high color at her cheeks. Somehow though, it suited her and made her seem youthful and shy.


    ¡°Hold onto me. You are out of time, Mrs. Leng. Come on, as best man it¡¯s my job to escort you to your husband and keep you from running away.¡± ZhengLi cocked a cheeky smile at her, and held his hand out, gesturing her toe to him as he could hear YuZhi¡¯s speeching to a close. He was present for all rehearsals and knew when it ended. Linlin got behind her and pushed her in his direction, frog marching her right to him while patting her back in a loving way.


    ¡°Smile, stand tall, chin up and own it, baby. You¡¯re about to be thrown into the limelight as the future Leng daughter. Get used to red carpet events and being famous. You can¡¯t escape it once you¡¯re part of that family.¡±


    ZhengLi Caught her wrist and tucked her arm in his firmly, pulling her in tight and gave her a pat on top of her head in a fatherly gesture. Knowing he might need to be heavy handed in getting her out there. He could feel her fear emanating.


    ¡°Come on. We¡¯re practically siblings already. Trust me to hand you over.¡± He smiled softly, winking at Linlin and getting one in return. A kiss blown their way as she turned and headed off to go find her seat out there with the guests. ¡°It¡¯s not that bad when you get out there. The lights make it near impossible to make out all the faces. You might only see the first row or so.  You look pretty and you have nothing to worry about, YuZhi will take good care of you, he¡¯s used to this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± Her voice wavered, her hand trembled and yet she took a deep breath to calm herself and stood up straight. Shoulders back, chin up, and pasted a bright smile on her face. Mimicking everything Linlin showed her. Moving with him confidently as though she wasn¡¯t scared witless inside.


    They made their way out onto the stage from behind silver curtains and as ZhengLi said, the light obscured the hundreds of guests in the hall, and only really gave her clear view of the closest diners at the tables down each side of the runway. All of which were Leng and Lei family. She kept her eyes up and over the top of them and was guided straight to her fianc¨¦es side. Internally shaking but to onlookers she seemed poised and bright with happiness.


    YuZhi turned as he introduce her by name, smiling and holding out a hand as she was transferred from ZhengLi to him quickly. Sliding her delicate small palm in against hisrger warmer one and that feeling of safety swept over her as their fingers entangled. Gripping onto him with a vice like hold, squeezing his hand to feel secure. YuZhi pulled her in close, turned and smiled at her with utter adoration.


    ¡°We couldn¡¯t be happier to share this special night with all of you and confirm our ns to marry in the near future with publicly giving one another our engagement rings. TangShi, it¡¯s my honor to bring you into the Leng family.¡± YuZhi leaned in and kissed her on the cheek before he motioned to the side. ZhengLi appeared carrying a custom white satin box that held two rings and handed them over.


    YuZhi let go of TangShi briefly, opened the box and held it between them in one hand while he handed his mic to ZhengLi. Sliding out the ring for TangShi and carefully put it on her outheld hand. She was visibly trembling as she watched the princess cut diamond get put in its rightful ce, swelling with joy and forgetting about the watchers. He kept hold of her hand in his and leaned down to peck her on the forehead as a way of calming her.


    ¡°Start of a new life for us, honey.¡± He uttered softly, admiring his bride with a full heart.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    TangShi followed suit and nervously, with fumbling fingers took his ring out before putting it on his finger too. His was a simpler silver band with a diamond embedded beside some intricate carving. TangShi couldn¡¯t help the tears welling up in her eyes, or her heart and chest heaving because this wasn¡¯t fake anymore and actually meant something to her. Getting emotional with the reality that only a few days ago this ceremony was only for show and now it meant something else entirely.

 Engaged Prt 2

    ¡°To never taking these off again. Don¡¯t cry, Tang.¡± YuZhi leaned in and said it only to her, giving her a small hug and brushing his thumb over her cheek to catch a stray single tears that managed to escape. Giving her a moment topose herself by lifting her hand with his and cing a kiss right under her engagement ring and grinning at her with glee.


    He stepped back to turn them both and disy their hands to awaiting photographers by holding them up while sped together firmly. They were cheered on by everyone present, an eruption of apuse and whoops, and then he dipped in and delivered a kiss on her lips. A chaste respectable show of affection for the event. Cupping her chin with his hand and pressing their mouths together but she could feel his sincerity and love. His warmth and care for her as he protected her in the moment.


    ¡°When will the wedding be set?¡±


    ¡°Can you turn this way, Mr Leng, over here?¡±


    ¡°Do you feel you have dated long enough to warrant marriage? Isn¡¯t it all a bit rushed?¡±


    ¡°Why is Miss Cheng absent, is she unhappy with this development?¡±


    The questions came fast and thick, some rude reporters, and crossing agreements made on what they should ask as the allowed media got in near the front of the podium first. Security had already been prepped for this and started moving them back, hushing their questions and filing them out once they had enough pictures of the happy couple. They had an understanding that reporters had to leave once the announcement was made so party guests could enjoy the rest of the evening, but it was also to safeguard spection over Rhea not making it back, and rumors about the rtionship being rushed. Not that YuZhi cared anymore because they could follow him all night and would only find genuine love between them.


    ZhengLi said a few words of thanks to the media, made all the right sounds and noises in dismissing them from the hall. He thanked guests and informed them of the dishes being brought out for dinner and bade them all a good night. Bringing an end to the speeches and the formal part of the evening.


    All three of them on stage bowed amid another cheer and apud, and then YuZhi led TangShi down the runway to walk off the end and head for the main dining table. There were shes, music started ying as they ventured down, and she was aware of so many eyes on them as a spotlight tracked their progress. The moment she had been dreading the most was this and concentrated on her steps, her arm in his, her smile pasted on and made sure to keep her chin up. They walked down and off to the main table for the bridal party where their head of families sat and the merciless bright glow slid away from them finally.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing great. You look beautiful.¡± YuZhi guided her to their seats, pulled hers out and sat her down before leaning over her and kissing her on the cheek from behind, his hand trailing her face before he sat next to her. All eyes at the table aimed their way and she could feel the hatred from her sister and Aunt, zoning in likesers from two directions.


    ¡°You look very handsome.¡± TangShi turned to him, adjusted his dark red bowtie for him and smoothed hispels down. Savoring the way his closeness could anchor all her nerves and make her feel sheltered.


    ¡°Ignore the haters.¡± He smirked, slyly nodding his head at her family and she burst into giggles.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°I think Aunt is the leader.¡± She joked, covering her mouth and leaning in so they didn¡¯t hear.


    ¡°Give it time. Once she sees how in love we are, she¡¯lly off. She adores me in her own way and just wants me to be happy.¡±


    TangShi nced around the table and caught Grandfather Leng¡¯s eye, as he raised a ss to them. They both responded by raising their own and midair saluting with red wine. Smiles passed between them as the nights entertainment took the stage and got underway, making conversation impossible, much to her relief. Grandfather seemed happy tonight, a faraway look on his face and he was smiling more than she had ever seen him.


    ¡°Why does grandfather seem drunk already?¡± She whispered leaning up to reach the side of YuZhi¡¯s face. YuZhi flicked a look his way before sliding his arm across the back of TangShi¡¯s chair to angle in close as possible and tilted his head to talk directly into her ear.


    ¡°He¡¯s happy. He knows about the new developments between us and wasn¡¯t shy about the fact he supports us ousting the contract. He wanted this marriage to be a permanent thing from the start, so now he¡¯s the happiest guy on the, beside me of course.¡± YuZhi tilted her chin to him and kissed her deliberately. A gentle almost nothing meeting of lips while he held her still and then smiled while still against her mouth. ¡°He can actually build a rtionship with you now, given he didn¡¯t want to before because you wouldn¡¯t stay.¡±


    ¡°I thought he didn¡¯t like me?¡± She faltered, pulling back a hairsbreadth and gawped at him with wide eyes. Sure grandfathers coolness all of this time was because she wasn¡¯t worthy. Feeling ostracized by his entire family and assuming it was due to being a forced bride for money purposes.


    ¡°He¡¯s the one who picked you. He was adamant you would be my forever wife. He just didn¡¯t want to form bonds with a granddaughter if I was going to send her off in two years. He¡¯s a very sentimental man and family means a lot to him. He doesn¡¯t do separation of loved ones very well.¡±


    TangShi was surprised by this. Always believing he remained cold and aloof with her because he was disappointed in the girl they had chosen. Sure they thought Juefeng had been the right daughter. Yet, if he chose her then he knew who she was even on that first day.


    ¡°I only found out earlier today that Grandad knew your mother¡¯s family a long time ago, and your mother as a child. He told me you look just like her. That it was the reason he singled you out among all other families.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± TangShi nched in shock, stunned into silence as her heart lurched and she blinked at YuZhi.


    ¡°Yeah, was news to me too. We can ask him on Sunday when we go for dinner. He seemed to have fond memories of her. Weird that our families knew one another before we even met in Beijing. Must be fate.¡±


    YuZhi sat back in his seat as the starter wasid down in front of them and TangShi pressed a palm to her racing heart. Ovee with a mix of conflicted and painful emotions and had to swallow hard and take a deep breath to not react. Not sure how to process this revtion and confused over it.


    Her mother was an enigma in her life. The cause of so much misery and loss and yet she never knew her at all. Knew nothing of her past, her family, or anyone she had known. TangShi¡¯s birth took her mother¡¯s life, and her father forbade any mention of her in her entire existence. Her mother¡¯s family had never been a factor in the Lei empire either.  She didn¡¯t know them, only that they were no longer in Shanghai, and they had no contact with her.


    No pictures, no memories, nothing of hers handed down to let her know anything about her at all. She didn¡¯t even know if her ability to paint came from her or what she looked like. Her father med TangShi for the reason he lost her and pushed TangShi aside like a ck spot in his perfect life, so he never shared anything to feed her need to know.


    She wanted to cry, that grandfather was willing to give her something she had ached for all these years. Some incite into who she was, what she was like, and whether TangShi was anything like her. It was something she had always wanted, more than anything and she dabbed her eyes as her heart filled to bursting that she might get it now.

 Dinner Prt 1

    TangShi focused on her food and tried to avoid Aunt¡¯s re, mid-way through Sunday roast and yet she was uptight and wishing it was over. It had been a tense half hour already and despite YuZhi shielding her, she was aware of the darts being visually aimed her way from across the table.


    ¡°Grandad, we¡¯re staying for coffee afterwards in the study. TangShi wants to know more about her mom. Give you time to spend some quality time with your granddaughter inw and build some bonds.¡± YuZhi reminded him, smiling with content, reaching out to pick up some meat and put it on TangShi¡¯s te. Ignoring his aunt¡¯s scathing mood today and rxed with the casualte lunch even if his Aunt had been a frosty and silent member who kept tutting because he rejected a specialized diet for Tang. He had sent it back to the kitchen and asked for her to eat the same as everyone else.


    ¡°Yes, yes. That¡¯ll be nice. We can have some cake.¡± Grandad perked up smiling to himself. Since the engagement, in fact since YuZhi confessed TangShi and he were in love, he had been apletely different character. Smiling and bright with hopes for his family¡¯s future.


    ¡°No cake. Your blood sugar is more important than treats.¡± Aunt scolded and the old man waved her away with an unconcerned smile.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°YuZhi onlyes home every so often. One piece won¡¯t hurt.¡± He snorted, being a cantankerous member of the household and always ignoring her advice.


    It was a small lunch today with only the four of them. The other uncles rarely came home to eat anymore and YuZhi¡¯s sister was still abroad. Other Leng family no longer lived close to Shanghai, after the tragedy that broke all their hearts, so their numbers had dwindled over the years.


    Xiaosu was back and forth bringing dishes to the table, cleaning away the empty and topping up the sses while smiling TangShi¡¯s way with utter joy. It was obvious to her that they had progressed to a real rtionship in the time they had been gone from the main house. She had always secretly rooted for them and was over the moon that YuZhi was now treating TangShi with the care and love she knew he was capable of.


    ¡°Don¡¯t run off too soon, I invited a guest for coffee, so you can all stay out here for their arrival.¡± Aunt cut in, a tone that dared them to argue and everyone fell silent. Even though Aunt was not thedy of the house or YuZhi¡¯s mother, she had been running it as if she were for almost ten years and they all respected her authority. Grandfather loved his daughter but knew she was a force to be reckoned with if tackled head on.


    ¡°Who?¡± Grandad and YuZhi asked in polite unison, interest piqued.


    ¡°My adopted daughter of course. She just flew homest night, and I have missed her terribly. I told her toe over and sort out this mess that seems to be going on with you all. I cannot stand bickering and nonsense fall outs.¡± Aunt raised a brow at TangShi as though she was responsible and the tter of YuZhi chopsticks hitting his bowl as he dropped them interrupted them all as it broke the silent tension.


    ¡°Why? Why would you do that? Why would you interfere?¡± YuZhi snapped, his temper ring because he had been enjoying today as something happy and casual which was supposed to end with his fianc¨¦e and grandad bonding over memories. Not a heart to heart with Rhea when they still hadn¡¯t spent enough time putting everything to bed. Despite knowing it was a bridge they had to cross, it was early days and he had only officially gotten engaged to the love of his life two days before.


    ¡°Because, I said so.¡± She grit her teeth, giving YuZhi a warning frown.


    ¡°RuiZi, you should let the children deal with their own problems.¡± Grandfather interjected, not on board with this at all. His own feelings on it were clean cut and uplicated. He had what he wanted now and to him, Rhea was nothing of interest.


    ¡°Rhea and I are done. When are you going to ept that I love TangShi, and I want to stay with her? That we¡¯re together properly, and this isn¡¯t a sham marriage anymore. It¡¯s real. Rhea and I we need time apart if we¡¯re ever to be friends again and Tang has every reason to not want her here. You don¡¯t know the half of it.¡± YuZhi had lost his appetite and his desire to stay.  His bad mood evident in his tone and posture. Scraping back his chair and throwing his napkin on top of his half-eaten food. ¡°Come on, we¡¯re leaving. I¡¯m not doing this today.¡± He caught TangShi¡¯s wrist and began to slide her chair out to take her with him, so that she hurriedly put down her own chopsticks. Pushing her rice bowl aside and warily casting an eye at Grandfather and Aunt.


    ¡°Sit down, right now. How dare you up and leave in the middle of eating.¡± Aunt mmed her hand on the table, making TangShi jump, and shrieked at them. Killing thest dregs of happy ambience and making TangShi bristle with uptightness.


    Xiaosu took off out of the room at speed, knowing where not to be when things kicked off. Having been a member of this household since a young teen and seeing her fair share of Aunt and young master going head-to-head. YuZhi froze, his temper rising in his belly like bubblingva as he hovered over TangShi who was still sitting. Trying hard to bite it down and not make this a dramatic outburst.


    ¡°RuiZi, YuZhi, please. There¡¯s no need to go.¡± Grandad motioned with a down gesture, meaning for him to sit and her to calm down. Eyeing them both up and sighing heavily. ¡°Rhea is not a part of this family, nor will she ever be. I thought I was clear on that from the day my son died. She is not wee here anymore. RuiZi, respect your nephews right to choose for himself. He¡¯s not a child anymore.¡± He lectured, ironically, given YuZhi married the girl he chose for him. Grandfather had managed to go all these years without Rhea once sitting at a dinner table with him even if she hade and gone with YuZhi from this house and he wasn¡¯t about to change that now.


    ¡°I still love the girl as if she were my own. How dare you ban her from my home. Do I get no say?¡± Aunt was livid. Her face turning puce and waving her hands about in an exaggerated manner as her fury built.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t. Not when ites to my rtionships and my issues. TangShi and I will see you after, Grandad.¡± YuZhi continued the process of pulling TangShi¡¯s chair back and sliding her up to him. Taking her hand firmly in his and guiding her around to walk out with a swagger to his movements that hinted he was ready to battle if she stopped them.


    ¡°Ummmm, Mr. Leng.¡± Xiaosu reappeared at the door of the dining table, her face ame and acting coy and fearful. Eyes darting around in a guilty fashion. ¡°Miss Cheng is already here, in the hallway. She could hear everything.¡± She whispered as though afraid to be heard too and nodded her head to the side. The housekeeper had already let them in before she hightailed it out there and she was red all the way to her roots with embarrassment.


    ¡°Sit down. Don¡¯t be disrespectful of a guest. Let her in, for goodness sakes.¡± Aunt RuiZi was not for giving up, but YuZhi had a worse temper than her and a stubborn streak twice as big. They eyeballed one another with anger, neither flinching, or backing down when Rhea took the prerogative and walked in herself. Sick of standing out there and enduring them bickering over her presence when she was capable of talking for herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for intruding. I didn¡¯te to cause problems and I can hear I already have. Let me just say my piece and I¡¯ll go. I promise. YuZhi, please.¡± She turned his way, solemn, sincere, and tried for a soft pleading smile. Avoiding staring at TangShi by his side as her heart still fluttered with agony at the sight of them together.


    TangShi nced from her to YuZhi, then to Aunt and grandad to try and gauge the mood around them all. Sensing the tension as grandfather slid his chair out and got up to leave. The dinner disintegrating and the once calm mood dying a horrid death.


    ¡°Xiaosu take my food to my room, I¡¯m tired and no longer in the mood forpany.¡± Grandfather picked up his walking aid and moved deliberately out of the way before turning and walking towards the door. ¡°YuZhi, bring TangShi to see me after work one evening, not toote, and we can have a chat. I have old pictures somewhere in this house I need to find.¡± He nodded their way, avoided Rheapletely as if she wasn¡¯t here at all and walked out without a backwards nce. Not shy about snubbing the girl as he had been doing for a decade. Rhea didn¡¯t react because she was used to this from him, but it was the first time TangShi witnessed it and her heart actually ached for the girl. Seeing it for herself that Rhea was never the epted and loved daughter of Leng the press made her out to be all these years.


    ¡°YuZhi.¡± TangShi tugged at his hand softly, knowing this couldn¡¯t hurt while he had told Rhea they could try and put the past behind them. They could only do that if they stopped avoiding her all together. Giving him doe eyes and a soft smile as way of pleading to stay and talk this out and YuZhi caved. TangShi was the most persuasive force in his life, with just one word in that soft tone it weakened his entire resolve. Unable to deny her anything she ever asked for. He knew he couldn¡¯t avoid Rhea and he did owe her something he just hadn¡¯t expected it today or so soon while still walking around in honeymoon mode.


    ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll sit. Say whatever it is. I guess we all need to move forwards.¡± YuZhi tried to be pleasant, tried for a nk expression, and guided TangShi back into her seat, sitting promptly beside her but not taking his hand from hers at all. He wanted to make it clear to both Rhea and his Aunt that they had zero influence over his feelings for her anymore.


    Rhea¡¯s eyes moved to their interlocked fingers and then she nced away quickly, her cheeks reddening as she moved to a chair on the other side of the table. Her heartrate upping and a stabbing in her chest that made her swallow hard to try and push it away.


    XiaoSu filled a tray with grandfathers dishes and quickly left, leaving the four of them sat looking at one another. Aunt RuiZi crossing her hands on herp and refusing to give them space, while stubbornly ring at her nephew. She wanted to see them reunited, to sort their issues out and felt it needed nothing more than a chat with mediation. She furrowed her brow at TangShi, believing this was all this maniptive little girl¡¯s fault.

 Dinner Prt 2

    ¡°TangShi, I¡¯m sorry. I know I acted like aplete crazy and horrible person thest time I saw you. I know I pretended to be your friend and did and said things about you behind your back that I¡¯m not proud of. I can¡¯t take back that I hit you and threw things at you, or what I said, I can only beg for forgiveness and a chance with my actions to show I¡¯m truly sorry. It¡¯s why I came at Aunt¡¯s invitation, to put the past behind us. YuZhi, you know all of this because I already told you and I really do want to make amends. We¡¯ve been friends our whole life and I miss you being a part of my life, even if it¡¯s on a small scale. I want us all to find a way to exist without bad feeling and hatred.¡±


    ¡°You hit her?¡± Aunt piped in, shocked that her delicate angel girl would lift her hands to someone, even with reason. Rhea had never been a violent or vicious girl and always painted a picture of sereneposure and golden heart. This shocked her that she was capable of doing such things. Blinking at her as she let this confession sink in. Trying to mentally justify what she was saying and putting it down to a broken heart. Shaking her head and refusing to believe this was how it sounded. Even with Rhea nodding her way, obvious shame etched all over her.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already forgotten it. I wasn¡¯t hurt badly. I don¡¯t want it to hang over us anymore or for it to be like this either. You may not have really been my friend, Rhea, but I did like you and I¡¯m sorry for how things turned out. This was never my intention.¡± TangShi broke in, not letting Aunt railroad this conversation and squeezed YuZhi¡¯s hand to tell him she was fine. He was staring at the side of her face, tense and poised as though afraid that this would upset her. YuZhi treated her like a fragile crystal and underestimated that TangShi wasn¡¯t all that soft.


    ¡°I ept that this is really over. I knew it in my heart a long time ago and as hard as it may be to see you together right now, I know in time I¡¯ll get over it. And I want to. I want to start my life over.¡± Rhea, dabbed her cheek as a single tear rolled involuntarily down, sniffing to curb the aching in her chest but feeling lighter for finally seeing them. This had been guing her the entire trip home and gnawing at her since she had spoken to him on the phone days ago.


    ¡°I never wanted to hurt you. I understand why things escted. I¡¯m sorry too.¡± YuZhi answered, low and calm. Realizing that despite not wanting to do this that maybe it¡¯s what was needed for closure between the three of them. It was a situation where Rhea wasn¡¯t really a viin but a victim, much like TangShi was and he med himself for all of it. He had known her since birth and despite her spoiled princess ways at times, she had a good heart underneath and he believed this was genuine. Rhea was trying to find her way back to who she used to be.


    ¡°I know. ZhengLi spent a few hours on the phone to me a couple of days ago. Talking it out, being my friend. He made a lot of sense as someone who could see it from all sides and had witnessed us for the entirety of our rtionship. He helped me figure some things out. Told me what I needed to do to start fixing all of this.¡± Rhea smiled through watery eyes, d that they had always had him within their friend circle. Coming away from that call with a new mindset and a list of tasks to start walking into a new future.


    YuZhi nodded, knowing he had spoken to her but not the details because that¡¯s how ZhengLi was. He could be the shy, mischievous, and childish yboy, and throw drama into life, or he could be the wise, and sensible friend, who had wide shoulders and a nonjudgmental ear. He wouldn¡¯t pass on your woes to others, but he would do anything to help. For someone who spent his life acting like a prepubescent teen, ZhengLi had a wise head on his shoulders and an ability to figure out life problems better than most. It¡¯s why YuZhi had clung to him their entire life.


    ¡°TangShi, I really want us to be friends again one day. Real ones. I want to be there to watch YuZhi have children and see them grow. He¡¯s been a part of my family since forever and I don¡¯t want to miss out on it. I want to watch my friends grow old and have families.¡±


    ¡°We both did wrong. I¡¯m to me for the breakup and destroying us. I know this but if you ever do anything to hurt Tang again¡­..¡± YuZhi warned, the seriousness in his tone was clear and even Aunt had recoiled to silence as she listened. Suddenly aware that she had never been given the bigger picture and full story and had fallen for Rhea¡¯s tears and cries of victim. Months of her whispering and confiding to her about how awful TangShi was and yet witnessing this gave a new spin to things. She was confused and suddenly felt unsure about what to believe anymore.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯ll never do it again. I¡¯m sorry. I know I could have caused her serious injury and I said things I should never have said to anyone. I¡¯m not proud of who I became.¡± Rhea pulled a tissue form her bag and dabbed her face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry too. For being the reason your life, your future with YuZhi, and your happiness were destroyed. I didn¡¯t know when I married him that it would lead us here or that he was Yoonie, or that I would love him. I¡¯m sorry, Rhea. I didn¡¯t want to hurt anyone, and I didn¡¯t go after him or try to take him from you, it just happened.¡± TangShi¡¯s voice was strained with her own guilty emotion. Her heart bursting with so much regret over being the center of someone¡¯s pain and misery.


    There was a heavy silence in the air, as none of them really had more they could say to this situation. There was pain, and betrayal, and broken trust, and heartbreak, all coiled up into confused emotions between them.  It would take time and baby steps to resolve and put it all to bed once things were processed and hearts had begun to heal. Rhea had the biggest mountain to climb in being able to let YuZhi go. Aunt no longer had anything to input at seeing all this raw and honest outpouring, just fear and sudden loss of someone she cared for.


    ¡°Rhea, I don¡¯t want to let you go. You¡¯ve been my daughter since you were knee high to a grasshopper. I love you.¡± Aunt finally broke in, that cold frost of her normal speaking voice dissipating, and genuine upset shone through with a hoarse voice and misty eyes. TangShi felt for her, as YuZhi had told her that her husband died in the first year of their marriage and she had never wanted to marry again. Meaning no children would ever be born to her. She had longed to be a mother for a long time and Rhea and YuZhi had filled that void. She could understand Aunt¡¯s need to cling onto Rhea and why she had despised TangShi for ruining it..


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to. Her rtionship with you is not affected by what she is to me. You don¡¯t need her married to her family to love her, Aunt RuiZi. Rhea isn¡¯t going anywhere, and you work in the same field.¡± YuZhi understood their bond, had watched it and wanted nothing more for his Aunt to ept TangShi into his life with the same warmth she had shown Rhea all these years. He had no reason to deny them their own rtionship.


    Aunt closed down, knowing what he was hinting at and turned back to cool and aloof. Always one to wear her heart hidden inside a steel chest and rarely show it on the surface. Her mind aze with so much she needed to think about but d to see Rhea here again. It had been so many months of her not being allowed to grace their home.


    ¡°I only have space for one daughter.¡± She snorted, ring TangShi¡¯s way, a rise of stubborn and refusal to be disloyal, and Rhea caught it.


    ¡°Aunt?¡± Rhea got up and moved to the seat next to her, sliding her hand into hers and pulling her to look directly at her. Coaxing with a soft smile, pulling out all her sweet and honesty. ¡°Give TangShi a chance. I spent so much time with her and she¡¯s a good girl. I know everything I said to you to make you dislike her. I painted a picture of a manipting fame chaser who was seducing him, but I lied. I wasn¡¯t honest with you, and I made up so many stories. I was afraid that you would love her too and push me aside. That I would lose all of you. I¡¯ sorry, Aunt RuiZi.¡± Rhea broke into small tears of shame and genuine hurt in her own heart. Admitting to deceiving someone she loved and being the reason for her hatred.


    YuZhi shook his head, hearing enough and motioned TangShi with him. He had suspected Rhea was the main source of Aunt¡¯s dislike and this angered him on another level. It was one thing suspecting, but another knowing it for certain when he wasn¡¯t really ready to fully forgive Rhea yet. He knew if he stayed and listened to this then his desire to make peace with Rhea would die a death. Lying so easily was something he had never suspected her of and it was not sitting well with him, seeing this new side to her.


    ¡°You two need some time alone.  Seems undoing damage and putting things straight are what you intend, and we don¡¯t need to listen to it. We have to go. Tell Grandad I¡¯ll bring her back on Thursday. Rhea. We¡¯ll see you at some point. Maybe once you take back all the bullshit about Tang.¡± YuZhi nodded, holding in some curt words that would only exasperate the situation, despite his haughtiness, and pulled TangShi with him.


    Rhea faltered but knew she deserved is anger after hearing what she said. She couldn¡¯t watch them walk out together but instead turned back to Aunt and smiled through watery tears. Knowing she was about to tell her everything and expose her own lies and maniption, but it felt like a step to freedom.


    They hadn¡¯t eaten much but he would rather take TangShi out to lunch somewhere alone than listen to Rhea try and undo months of nder to make his aunt hate her. If she meant what she said about making amends he knew this was a start and he had no idea how deep or far Rhea¡¯s tarring of TangShi¡¯s character had gone within their circle of family and friends. This wasn¡¯t on him to fix, and he wasn¡¯t exposing TangShi to it either.

 Art Show Nearing prt 1

    ¡°Baby? Have you seen the file I hadst night?¡± YuZhi was wandering around the Livingroom, pulling up couch cushions and kneeling down to check under furniture, trying hard to remember what he did with it. Frustrated with himself for losing something so important in one night and clock watching because he was already runningte. He was tired, head already buzzing with so many details about today and agitated with this dy.


    ¡°Try the bedroom. You came in with it, I think, when I was falling asleep.¡± TangShi was in the bathroom tying her hair up into a high ponytail for a day at school, checking the time while YuZhi seemed unusually scatterbrained. His normal CEOposure out the window today. He had been like this since he jumped out of bed with his rm and seemed to be out of whack. Losing things, his schedule upside down and he had even showered without eating breakfast today.


    ¡°God dammit. It¡¯s the proposal for this morning¡¯s meeting and I altered itst minute. I need it or else this is screwed. I¡¯ll have to change the meeting time without it or I won¡¯t be able to get ZhengLi to draft the new version in time.¡± He huffed, yanking up the edge of the rug in the off chance it had somehow slid under and zoning out on her advice to check their room. Seemingly still so in his own head her words didn¡¯t register, and she knew it was a sign he was exhausted. Taking pity on him because it had been a hellish week of not seeing him much unless he had papers glued to his face. She lost count of how many times this week he fell asleep mid task. Even through lovemaking two nights ago.


    TangShi put down her brush, walked into the bedroom and it was the first thing she saw on his side of the bed. Discarded with notes and post its sticking out the side as he had fallen asleep with it propped on his face before she reached over toy it down. Probably why he had no recollection of putting it anywhere.


    ¡°Here.¡± She waved it in the air as she carried it back through andughed at his posture, on hands and knees as he peered under the low TV unit. Somehow being in a designer blue three piece suit and grey tie didn¡¯t look right while crawling around the floor like a child ying horse. Seeing the ck folder from his crouched level he stood up fast and came to her for it, sighing with relief as she spotted his crooked loose tie and disheveled appearance.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you today? Normally you¡¯re Mr. In control and unrattled. Not so sharp this morning, Mr. Leng.¡± She giggled at him and reached up to fix his tie, pulling it straight and tightening it as she neatened his cor. His hair was styled in it¡¯s usual flicked back way, but a single strand had worked it¡¯s way out across his forehead and she tugged him down to fix it too. Smoothing it back and running her fingers through it to bring it all back to obedient neatness. Still enamored every time she gazed at him at just how handsome YuZhi was.


    ¡°A million projects alling to a head at once. Not enough sleep or hours of the day, andst-minute details that are frying my brain. You look pretty though, as always, Miss. Lei.¡± He stopped mid ramble to lean down and peck her on the lips, standing obediently still for her to fix him up before he ran a hand over her hair and tugged her in for a forehead kiss, lingering to inhale her as a way of self-calming. Never able to control his urge to touch or snuggle up with her when she got close. It made TangShi melt inside as she lifted her thumb to smooth the hint of a serious frown at the point between his eyebrows with a smile. Stroking away the stress with the softest of touches.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bete home so don¡¯t cook for me, and don¡¯t wait up. I have a dinner with clients and then a cocktail bar with another. We might be past midnight given this particr associates drinking habits. Promise I won¡¯t be too drunk, and I¡¯ll try not to wake you.¡± He lifted his hand and made a scouts honor gesture, admiring her for a moment before snapping himself back into work mode. Knowing that despite needing a day off to curl up at home with her, neither had that luxury today.


    ¡°Make sure you eat lunch. Rest when you can. And if you wake me up you might get a proper wee home.¡± TangShi winked naughtily and got a grin in response, worried about his hectic work routine and needing him to know she appreciated him. Long hours, rarely a day off, or home at a normal timetely, and he carried so much stress from having so many balls up in the air. Her lifepared to his seemed like a long vacation and she wanted for nothing. The least she could do was wake up to his drunken antics and let him have his way with her. She liked drunk YuZhi anyway, as he was usually a little rougher and wilder in bed.


    ¡°Likewise. What days are thete nights for this show? I could pick you up if it matches up with my schedule.¡± YuZhi turned to pick up his briefcase and slid his documents into it, ncing around for any other papers he may have brought home yesterday. One part of his head on getting ready and the other trying to make ns to see her while he knew another week ahead was busy as hell. She was always his priority, always thinking of her and yet always feeling like he was neglecting her too.


    ¡°The end of next week. Probably the Thursday and Friday night. The show closes Sunday noon so we can pack up early that day.¡± TangShi wandered to the table and sat down to check through her backpack, pulling out her lip balm to touch it up. All ready to go and satisfied that she wasn¡¯t the one slowing him down.


    ¡°Shoot, babe. I have to fly out Saturday morning and won¡¯t be home until Monday early. I can catch your show before I leave though, early Saturday. I can pick you upte the other two days and we cane home together.¡± He stopped, heavy guilt hitting him in the stomach over the sh in schedules, but TangShi smiled his way with a shake of her head. Truly not upset over this, as despite forgetting, he already had prepared her for this.


    ¡°You already told me you had to leave. I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m switching out the paintings over the three days. Saturday before you go is more than I hoped for.¡±


    YuZhi leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, squatting behind her for a second so his knees were at either side of her body, and she was cocooned in his body heat, even though he knew they had to leave. All histe mornings this past couple of weeks had been because of his inability to separate from her without a lot of pawing and hugging first. Somehow needing her more everyday even though he could maul her to his heart¡¯s content.


    ¡°I¡¯ll miss you, our first time apart since you told me you loved me.¡± He nudged her with his thigh against hers, sliding his arms around her waist and nestled her against him. Resting his chin on her shoulder and watching her zip her bag up. Exhaling heavily in a mix if fatigue and contentment because touching her and being this way was the feeling of home for him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll miss you too. Although, I might get a good night¡¯s sleep seeing as you¡¯re against it.¡± She jested, stretching her hand back and patting his cheek with adoration. They were still in the first throes of passion and the honeymoon phase and YuZhi had yet to go one day without the need to get her naked. She wasn¡¯tining as it made her feel cherished and desirable and she had gotten used to how good sex could be when you had a gentle and attentive lover. She woke every feeling content and aglow with his attentions. Her heart always bursting to overflowing with the happy emotions always cradling her. Her past life seemed like a distant bad memory that wasn¡¯t real at all.


    ¡°You better rest well, because when I get home ¡­¡± He warned, nibbling her neck and pulling a squeal out of her as he wrestled her in and almost knocked them both onto their asses, before being cut off by his phone ringing. Saving her from being mauled all over and the possibility of an eventer start to their day.


    YuZhi nced at the screen, frowned at ZhengLi¡¯s name knowing he would only call if it was important at this time of the day and got up to take it. Wandering off into the bathroom forst minute checks of his hair and suit. Wrinkled, and rumpled and he started fixing it all once again, mentally scolding himself for messing with Tang when dressed for work.From N?velDrama.Org.


    TangShi got up and went to the door, pulling on her trainers under her denim dungarees she had bought to wear to school. She went casually dressed nowadays since she settled in and was enjoying not having to m up and look fashion show worthy in the mornings. Without make up and expensive clothes most people on the street didn¡¯t recognize her as YuZhi Leng¡¯s fianc¨¦e. So she still had a modicum of anonymity while walking around Shanghai. Unlike YuZhi who was recognized wherever he went and going on dates with him recently had shown her so. She didn¡¯t envy his fame, although she understood it was a necessary part of his life.


    ¡°Babe?¡± YuZhi came back from the bathroom sliding his phone into his inside pocket, deted in mood and tone, and spotted her getting ready by the main door. Coming to slide his own shoes on and eyeing her with a remorseful frown. Cute boy face firing on all cylinders and she immediately knew something was wrong.


    ¡°I need to drop you off fast and get to the office. ZhengLi has problems. I may have to cancel tonight¡¯s meetings and fly early to Hong Kong instead of this weekend. I might be gone all week.¡±


    TangShi¡¯s heart dropped, and her eyes widened in disappointment, already not looking forward to him going away as it was but now he might be gone for days. Sometimes things like this happened but this was a first where it was more than a day or two.


    ¡°I know, don¡¯t look at me like that. If you didn¡¯t have school and this show I¡¯d be taking you with me.¡± YuZhi was upset about it too. Feeling like they had only been together five minutes and work was pulling him away from her at every opportunity. Fitting in dates and quality time had be a juggling act. ¡°If I have to go, I won¡¯t get to see your show, I¡¯m sorry. Don¡¯t be mad.¡± He pulled her into his arms and gave her a bear hug, squeezing her tight to somehow make up for it. Hating himself for letting her down and distraught at her saddened expression.

 Art Show Nearing Prt 2

    TangShi was upset, her chest aching, but she knew it wasn¡¯t his fault. His work was important and as the future CEO he had to prove himself worthy for the board of shareholders and his grandfather. Leng Group was a massive corporation and a leader in so many fields. Going away on trips was inevitable.


    ¡°I can¡¯t miss school or the show or I woulde. I don¡¯t want you to be gone so long.¡± She pouted and then shook herself mentally to paste on a brighter expression as she didn¡¯t want him feeling bad over this.


    ¡°It¡¯s just over three hours for the flight. If I have a long stay over I can trying back one night for a couple of hours to break up the week. Maybe more than once to see you if I can fit it in.¡± YuZhi couldn¡¯t bear the thought of it either. Hating she would be here alone and going to see that asshole Rong Cai without anyone to keep him in line. Missing her was going to drive him crazy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that. You¡¯re already tired and overworked as it is. Don¡¯t make me feel guilty by adding flight time in. I¡¯m a big girl I can stay alone for a few days and Linlin wille over some nights.¡± TangShi reassured him and then caught sight of the clock on the wall and squealed. ¡°I¡¯m going to bete.¡± She jabbed him in the abdomen, pushing him off like tossing off the bed covers, in panic and began tugging his arm to hurry him as he looked for the car key on the wall rack. He slid his feet into his shoes and checked he had his briefcase and phone.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I can call you at lunch when I know for certain what¡¯s happening. If I drive fast you¡¯ll make it.¡± He turned her and pinched her ass for good measure, opening the door and sliding them out into the hallway before yanking it shut. Patting his pocket again to eb sure he had everything.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get a ticket.¡± She warned.


    ¡°If I get you there early can we make out until you have to go in? Then I don¡¯t mind getting a ticket.¡± He joked pulling her with him by the hand as he headed for the elevator at speed. TangShiughed at his childishness, her bossy man always behaving like a hormonal teen, and no one would ever believe he was the icy Mr. Leng famous in the Leng group for hisposed and cool outer persona. If they could see him like this they would never trust him to run things.


    ¡°If you get us stopped for a ticket then we won¡¯t get there early. How about drive normally and if I¡¯m a littlete it¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°So¡­.. being five minutester from a make out session shouldn¡¯t matter either?¡± he winked back at her and got an eyeroll in response.


    ¡°What happened to you? You used to be so aloof and controlled.¡± She giggled, meandering behind him as he led the way down to the underground carparking garage. It was a fast elevator ride and a short walk to his usual spot.


    ¡°My Cindere from eight years ago finally showed up. I¡¯m still aloof with everyone else in the word except you. That¡¯s the perk of being my fianc¨¦e.¡± He winked at her and opened the car door to let her in, always the gentleman as he put his open palm up against the frame to pad it so she wouldn¡¯t bump her head as she slid into the seat.


    ¡°I like it. I didn¡¯t like when you were mean and cold and borderline abusive.¡±


    ¡°Me? Never! I¡¯m so above immature behavior and cruelty.¡± He jested knowing fine well his behavior of their early days were something he regretted every time he looked at his sweet angels face. She had riled him to extra levels he never understood back then.


    YuZhi got in the car, turned on the engine but as he turned to click his seatbelt he caught sight of her arranging hers. The sweet delicate side profile of her like this. Hair up off her face, free from make up and yet blushed from early morning cooler weather. Her naturally small and delicate features that made her silhouette breathtaking and the almost juvenile hairstyle. It enhanced an already pretty face, bringing out his protective instinct to always shield her from the world. She was wearing an outfit that made her seem younger and somehow vulnerable and his heart expanded to painful levels as he stared at her. Frozen mid task while he couldn¡¯t deny how incredibly in love with her he was. She was his idea of perfection in every way, and it overflowed his heart and soul and pushed his impulsive need to kiss her to extreme levels.


    Catching her off guard, he let go of his belt, so it zipped back into the holder, leaned in and caught her under the chin with one hand, pulling her face to him and sunk a kiss that rendered her speechless. Not a gentle peck or a goodbye grazing of lips but an intense need to satisfy a craving that had sprung up from the deepest part of him, almost like a ravenous hunger. Aware that she was the only girl on the that had ever made him feel or act this way, even so many years ago when he hadn¡¯t been able to stop kissing her. He knew every second with TangShi highlighted howcking in love and passion his years with Rhea had been.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    YuZhi kissed her firmly, pushing their lips apart as he deepened it to searing hot levels and devoured her mouth as though they were alone in their bedroom and not theplex parking. His hand sliding into her hair so he could tilt her face to better amodate him and kissed her breathless, holding nothing back. Tongues exploring one another¡¯s taste and feel as she surrendered to him. Heat rising between them, and breathbored as bodies reacted and pulses soared. TangShi¡¯s hands slid around his neck involuntarily and she teased and toyed with her own responding kiss, savoring him. Losing sense of time and forgetting that both were runningte to instead sumb to a basic primal urge to be joined intimately.


    They kissed for minutes before YuZhi pulled back breathless, keeping their noses touching lightly and brushed her hair from her face that had escaped her up-style. Gazing into her eyes to calm his crazy responses and finally feelingplete again and less listless and scatterbrained. She gave him sanity.


    ¡°I Love you so much it makes me crazy. How did I get this lucky?¡± He whispered his breath tickling her lips because they were still that close. His tone low and husky and wishing he had kept her upstairs in bed and a forced day off. Screw work and school when he needed her this much. TangShi blushed and smiled stroking his cheek with her thumb and then tracing his lips with equal enamor.


    ¡°I love you too. You make me happier than I¡¯ve ever been. I feel like I¡¯m the one who was blessed and could never imagine my life would go this way.¡± TangShi responded in an equally affected tone. Her heart racing and body on fire with longing for him to do more than kiss.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do anything for you, you know that, right? Whatever you need, whenever you want something. Just ask. I¡¯ll move mountains for you, Tang. I¡¯ll never hurt you again, I¡¯ll never leave you. I need you.¡± He pulled her into his body the best he could at their awkward positioning and slid her face in against his throat as he hugged her tight and stroked his fingers through her hair as it hung behind her. Needing her more than anything in this moment when he knew he was going to have to leave. Almost squeezing the life out of her with the intensity of his grip.


    ¡°I know. I¡¯ll do anything in my power to make you happy too. I feel like I was always meant to find you again. That you¡¯re my fate.¡± Tang slid back, releasing herself from his hold and cradled his face in her two palms, sighing with sheer contentment at a face she idolized and adored. YuZhi maybe hadn¡¯t started off as the man of her dreams when they married but now she couldn¡¯t imagine ever wanting anyone else this way. He was the gentle and loving boy she met in Beijing and had left his mark on her heart for all time. Gorgeous inside and out.


    Gazing at one another until sense finally filtered in and YuZhi¡¯s beep of his phone brought them back to reality. They lingered, smiling in genuine happiness before he exhaled and groaned at reality invading once again.


    ¡°We should go, huh?¡± he grinned, pushing her back into her seat and adjusting her belt for her before moving back to his own. Regretting the fact he would have to leave but energized by the feel of her on his lips.

 Missing Him Prt 1

    ¡°We¡¯re heading over now. Grab your things.¡± Rong Cai appeared at TangShi¡¯s desk, startling her out of her daydream and she scurried to grab her bag and phone and put her paints aside. It had been a hectic week of prepping new artwork and today was thest day of overseeing the hanging in the gallery for the opening in the morning. In terms of work the days were swift, but in terms of missing YuZhi it felt endless. She was d it was getting close to being over.


    ¡°Coming.¡± She called after him, swiping up thest framed piece, a small one from YuZhi¡¯s study that she really wanted to be included and knew exactly where to hang it. He had bought it long ago before they were even friends and yet it was the only artwork that graced his office. It made her happy anytime she walked in there and saw how much he appreciated her skill, even when he didn¡¯t like her. So she wanted that small piece of sentimentality disyed in among the pieces she was most proud of.


    She was missing him like crazy, to the point where she wasn¡¯t sleeping properly without him in the bed, even though it had only been a few days apart. Although he called her every night before bed to check in. No matter how chaotic his day or far from his own bedtime it was, he made sure to give her a goodnight and at least thirty minutes of his time to listen to her day. It was the highlight to her day.


    Work in Hong Kong sounded exhausting and was taking up most of his day and evenings. Meetings, visiting the build site to the entertainment center they were building, and then evening dinners to discuss details. He wasn¡¯t sleeping enough and barely getting breaks to catch up. She couldn¡¯t wait for him to be home so she could make sure he rested properly and wrap up in his arms for a good night¡¯s sleep.


    The gallery was around twenty minutes from the school and four of them piled into Rong Cai¡¯s car and headed to go and do the final touches. Squeezing into his four by four which was unusually spacious and expensive for a guy who seemed to hate wasteful spending. A hint that told TangShi they had a pretty decent ie from the school even if Master Cai looked like an aging hippy in the same clothes every day.


    Boxes in arms were slowing them down, a couple of art pieces still to be installed in tow and a pile of flyers and business cards to be left at reception for visitors were with them. The students were excitable and raring to get done so the journey was filled with chatter and noise as they got hyped up with the approaching event opening. It gave TangShi time to stare out of the window and het lost in her own world of peace and quiet as she zoned them out and thought of YuZhi instead.


    The show was always a good promotional event for the school every year and attracted art buyers and possible students equally. It was a highlight for them all as the reputation and talent was of the highest quality. She had overheard Rong and Master Cai discussing it days before and it seemed it also brought in sponsors and helped pay for the running of the school and grounds. She guessed being an elite school that handpicked less than a dozen students a year could afford to keep numbers low that way.


    TangShi headed to her section of the show hall with her frame when they finally pulled up, admiring the set up as she drew close to the corner and appraised how it now looked with the spotlights redirected at the pictures. The lighting crew hade in early to sort out positioning and her one paper taped square reserving this frames spot also had a low light glow shining and waiting for its arrival. Everything was standing out and stunning, softening the colors and bringing out the inner beauty she always saw in them when she painted. The atmosphere calm and tranquil with the right amount of soft white light and subtle shadow to bring her pieces alive. Tomorrow they would y low level soothing music to add to the ambience and she was excited to see it alle together.


    ¡°Do you need me to help with that?¡± Rong appeared behind her, actively seeking her out now the majority of this ce was ready, as he hoped to spend a little one on one time. Originally he thought this event would be a good excuse to spend a lot of time alone with TangShi, but he had been wrong. With so many great students this year, his father had picked several and they had all insisted on being hands on in the process of setting up. Leaving him running around tending to everyone and it infuriated him that she was the only one who never called for his assistance.


    TangShi was weirdly independent and liked to do things herself, despite his constant hovering over her and offering at any opportunity. She was hands on, self-reliant and rarely looked for guidance or help from any of them. She never mentioned that night at the bar to him ever again either, even though he had hoped it would cause major rows with Leng and she would have reason toeining to him about it. Instead TangShi had seemed politely distant ever since and didn¡¯t seem upset when Leng showed up that afternoon to collect her. A sickening disy of lovey-ness that had sent Rong storming to his office in rage.


    ¡°Nope. I got it.¡± TangShi pulled the stepdder over as she had asked for a picture mount here already, it was just a case of hanging it up. Admiring the koi scene and thinking of YuZhi as she stroked the edge of the frame, which softened her expression and she smiled without realizing it. Lost in sweet memories.


    ¡°Is this your favorite piece?¡± Rong was staring at her from his lower angle, mesmerized by her and assumed her smile was for her art.


    ¡°Not really, but at the same time, I guess so. It¡¯s not my favorite work but it belongs to someone who cherishes it, so I guess it¡¯s my favorite item here.¡± She got down; eyes glued to it as she did so before she turned back his way. His presence didn¡¯t make her as ufortable as it used to, and he had backed off a lot since a fellow student had shown the ss the photos of her engagement event. Rong had seemed a little cold and distant for a couple of days afterwards and had since returned to gentleman. SO now she didn¡¯t mind his presence as much as before.


    ¡°Let me guess¡­. Your fianc¨¦e.¡± He smiled, but it waspletely fake, concealing his utter disdain for YuZhi Leng and the way his stomach tightened in disgust at thinking of him. He still thought TangShi deserved better, and nothing would change his mind. He knew it was only a matter of time before she realized he was a rich yboy and not worthy.


    ¡°It¡¯s that obvious?¡± TangShi giggled, a little embarrassed at her obviousness, unaware of the ck dip in his mood.


    ¡°Hmmmm. He hasn¡¯t been around to pick you up for a few days. Is he too busy now he¡¯s got a ring on your finger?¡± Rong nodded towards her hand, acting like it was in jest with a fixed smile while despising the sparkling diamond since the first time heid eyes on it. It was something showy and wasteful and in his opinion didn¡¯t suit who TangShi was. It seemed like a shy attempt at telling people Leng owner her. Little did he know she picked it herself, after browsing dozens, that it was her closest ideal to her dream ring since she had been a little girl. She didn¡¯t like much jewelry, but she adored this and would often stare at it with happiness.


    ¡°Oh, no. He¡¯s in Hong Kong until early Monday morning. He had business to take care of.¡±


    ¡°So, he¡¯s noting to our show? He¡¯s not going toe support you and see what all your hard work, sweat and tears has produced?¡± There was a tone to his voice as he gritted his teeth while trying to stay expressionless. TangShi heard it and faltered not sure why he was being weird.


    ¡°He said he would try and get a flight back tomorrow for a few hours, so he didn¡¯t miss it, but he won¡¯t be able to stay. I know he didn¡¯t mean to not be here, but it was unavoidable.¡± She excused him, knowing every word was true.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°I see. Lucky you. Not many men would spend thousands to jet back and forth for a few hours in a day. To be rich, right?¡± Rong tuned his head away so she wouldn¡¯t see the furious glint in his eye at thinking of that asshole. Feeling he was neglecting something important to her and didn¡¯t believe for one minute he had any intention ofing here for only a few hours. He knew the type and it¡¯s why he had steered clear of working in his uncles firm so long ago and bing just like the YuZhi Leng¡¯s of this world.

 Missing Him Prt 2

    TangShi¡¯s phone began to ring in her dungaree front pocket, saving her form responding to Rong¡¯s oddness, and she excused herself by waving her phone his way and walking off. Feeling a little strange about his weird mood and grinning when she saw YuZhi¡¯s name on screen. Dismissing Rong entirely as a secondary thought.


    ¡°Hello.¡± She answered with sudden enthusiasm.


    ¡°Hey, baby, how¡¯s the set up going? Are you almost done? Did you eat yet?¡± YuZhi stretched out in his office chair of the temporary room he was working from, straining his neck side to side and ignoring the mountain of files sat in front of him. He needed a break, and he missed his girl.


    ¡°All done. Just a few tweaks and we¡¯re all set for tomorrow. How¡¯s things on your end today?¡± She walked to a quiet corner and leaned against a wall, closing her eyes to picture her gorgeous fianc¨¦e and sink into the sound of his husky, sexy voice. Missing him so badly it made her suddenly tearful, and she hoped he really woulde back tomorrow.


    ¡°Up to my eyeballs in paperwork. I have a flight to you at four pm, so I¡¯ll get to you a little after seven. I need to get on one back to Hong Kong at two am, but I can¡¯t miss your first show.¡± He knew the gallery doors closed at eight so he was nning things to a tee and hoping no flight dys as he couldn¡¯t get in any earlier. This was as important to him as the project he was working on, and he wouldn¡¯t miss it.


    ¡°Really? You¡¯re reallying back tomorrow?¡± TangShi burst out in glee, clutching a hand to her heart as excitement bubble dover. Hopping up and down like a child in a candy store and had to curb her instinct to squeal in happiness. YuZhiughed softly at her reaction, knowing it was worth to hear her this happy, even if the flights would exhaust him. One minute with her after days apart could make up for all of it.


    Rong Cai red her way from where he was observing her, furious rage bubbling through him like moltenva and for a second he resented how na?ve she was. Knowing her happiness must mean that showoff Leng wasing here after all and snarling at the thought of it. shing his cash to make up for being a sad excuse of a boyfriend.


    ¡°I promised you, didn¡¯t I? We can go for dinner after, then home for a little while before I need to go back to the airport. I¡¯ll be home Monday around six am as nned after that so it¡¯s not much longer. Next time, I¡¯m kidnapping you as I hate this.¡± YuZhi rubbed his face and eyes, stretching out but totally serious.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    Rong couldn¡¯t stand it any longer. Even thousands of miles away, during school hours, he was still monopolizing TangShi¡¯s attention. If they were in ss then calls would be forbidden right now and it irked him on another level. Clenching his fists as he watched her animated gestures and bright expression and wanted to snub Leng out.


    ¡°Hey, TangShi, after we¡¯re done with this we¡¯re going for dinner. Put your pretty face on and get over here.¡± He shouted loudly making sure YuZhi would hear him on the other end of the phone. Smirking to himself.


    YuZhi paused recognizing the voice, tapping his thumb on the desk and gritting his teeth as his stomach twisted and hos happy energy nosedived. Even though Tang never gave him reason to doubt her he just couldn¡¯t stand this guy and it was almost irrational how much he could piss him off with the briefest of words. He knew he was jealous and being dumb, but that guy was like a ck cloud in his happy life and he¡¯d be d when TangShi graduated form there.


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± TangShi waved Rong¡¯s way before returning to her call. ¡°I think that he¡¯s hinting at me to get off the phone. I¡¯m not supposed to use it in school hours.¡± TangShi apologized, reddening at thinking she was being told off.


    ¡°Is it just the two of you? For dinner, I mean?¡± YuZhi asked, then scolded himself internally for sounding like a jealous lover and showing an insecurity that made no sense. As much as he didn¡¯t ever want her alone with him, he knew he had to trust her and this guy was part of something she wanted to do. It involved her future career. He had no right to say anything about it.


    ¡°No. There¡¯s three other students here too, so five of us together. I won¡¯t go if you don¡¯t want me to.¡± TangShi offered, hating the change in YuZhi¡¯s upbeat tone to a deted one. YuZhi exhaled slowly with relief at knowing she was with other people too yet it only dug up a sense of shame for being this way.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. Go, rx, you earned it after working so hard. Enjoy your time with your ssmates. I¡¯m fine about it, honest. I¡¯ll be home tomorrow afternoon and we can do something together then. Don¡¯t drink much when I¡¯m not there to look after you, okay?¡± YuZhi made an effort to sound upbeat and brushed off the insecurity as him being an idiot.


    ¡°I won¡¯t I promise. I don¡¯t like drinking much anyway.¡±


    ¡°Baby, I gotta go. I have so many things to sign and ZhengLi will be back about now to take me to the next meeting. I miss you, behave, and I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡± YuZhi didn¡¯t want to hang up, but the lurking figure of a secretary at his open door reminded him he still had a full schedule to get through. Sighing at having to hang up when he wanted to listen to her for longer.


    ¡°I miss you too. I love you.¡± TangShi smiled to herself, lingering on the phone to hold onto him for seconds longer.


    ¡°Love you, baby.¡±


    TangShi stared at her phone for a minute after he hung up, a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach that gave her anxiety and then pushed it aside as her being overly sensitive. After years of being her families verbal punching bag she sometimes didn¡¯t know how to rx with someone who only ever treated her well. His slightest mood or change in tone made her expect something to erupt even though it never did. Always doubting herself and assuming every minor change in him was somehow her fault and she knew it was an ingrained w and something she had to work on.


    ¡°You ready to go?¡± Rong walked over, d to see she had ended her call and still riled up with jealousy.


    ¡°Umm, yeah, let me get my bag and check it¡¯s all done.¡± TangShi dodged by him, her mind still upied on YuZhi and didn¡¯t see the way he stared after her. Eating up every inch of her with a determined look in his eye.


    From the first day he met her he felt like they had clicked and in his head TangShi was the girl for him. Besotted and a little bit obsessed with who she was to him, and he couldn¡¯t move on to anyone else. To him she was his ideal woman, in looks and personality, and it didn¡¯t faze him at all that she currently had a boyfriend. He just needed that asshole Leng to exit and clear the path for the two of them to be happy together. Something he was sure would happen.


    The way TangShi lit up whenever he spoke to her irritated him and he knew he would have to do something to push them apart if it didn¡¯t happen on its own soon. Rong was a man of action and he had wasted weeks in hopes she woulde to her senses while being nice to her, and it was using up the veryst ounces of his patience. He had never been known to wait for anyone.


    TangShi wandered back, oblivious to his inner thoughts and smiling his way, a look of joy in her eyes and her steps lighter. Happy about how her work was disyed and looking forward to time to rx with her ssmates to unwind before going home.


    ¡°Lead the way, I¡¯m starving.¡± She walked on merrily, her head on the happy thoughts and that her fianc¨¦e wasing home to see her tomorrow which was the best gift she could ever ask for.

 Saturday Prt 1

    TangShi was tired but pensively watching the door and checking her phone and watch obsessively. It was almost seven thirty and YuZhi hadn¡¯t been in touch since he left for the airport before four pm earlier in the day. She had no idea if he was dyed or stuck somewhere.


    ¡°Girl, I love everything you create but that one ising home with me.¡± Linlin gave her a nudge, pointing at arge painting in the center of the wall, hushing her voice so nearby lurkers wouldn¡¯t know TangShi was the artist. Another pond scene, only this one had multicolor fantail goldfish that looked ethereal and magical like underwater sirens. A palette of pastel colors that gave a warmth like a summer day.


    ¡°This one is my favorite in the whole gallery. I¡¯m sure you may have to fight me for it.¡± Rong Cai cut in, walking up behind them and Linlin gave him a side eyed squint. He had been hovering near TangShi all day and eavesdropping on any conversations she had looking for a way in.


    ¡°I¡¯m a ck belt in Taekwondo, I don¡¯t think you really want to try me.¡± Linlin remarked haughtily, not liking this guy anymore since that night in the bar and no longer trusting him as far as TangShi was concerned. She got creep vibes the longer she knew him, and she had witnessed his eternal following around the gallery all day.


    ¡°Money speaks louder than punches, kiddo.¡± Rong jested, patting Linlin on the head and getting a re of fury in return that could melt steel. Her temper rising because she hated people treating her like a child, based on her four-foot eight height. Not amused with this chump as it was and he earned himself another ck mark.


    ¡°I¡¯ll maim you if you do that again.¡± She stropped, spitting a snarky retort and TangShi had to pull her back and smile as though she was joking.


    ¡°Linlin is feral, excuse her. She bites.¡± She giggled nervously.


    ¡°Damn right she does, but that¡¯s her sexiest quality.¡± A voice from further back drew both women to turn to see who it was and Linlin broke into a huge grin as ZhengLi swaggered towards them. Looking hot in washed out jeans, trainers, and a leather bomber jacket with a pair of shades sat on top of his head and that walk of a confident ¡®dude¡¯ who was used to being center of attention. Linlin couldn¡¯t control herself and ran for him at speed, jumping into his awaiting arms and encircling him with legs,ssoing him around the neck for a wee home kiss.


    Sinking one on him that wasn¡¯t appropriate for a public venue, but ZhengLi encouraged it by kissing her back and sliding his hands under her ass to keep her up while he devoured her. She too had been having serious withdrawals this past week without her man and yet had no clue he woulde here today as he didn¡¯t tell her. He was all about surprises.


    TangShi squinted past them in excitement, not caring about their behavior as she was used to it now. Looking for YuZhi but as yet there was no sign of him, and she brushed past Rong and made her way to ZhengLi. All but ignoring the man who was craving her undivided attention and oblivious to his darkening mood.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± TangShi strained her neck looking towards the door and seeing no one newing in. Her heart deting with disappointment that maybe he sent ZhengLi instead. Confused as to why he would be here and YuZhi wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°Behind you.¡± A voice right at her ear made her jump, her heart skipping a beat as she spun on the whisperer and squealed to see her own perfect lover in an outfit not all that different to ZhengLi¡¯s. Obvious they both dressed causally to skip home for a night, and he looked swoon worthy and somehow Hollywood hot like this.From N?velDrama.Org.


    TangShi jumped into his arms, catching him around the neck and tugged him down to her face so she could kiss him with force. Overwhelmed with her happiness and smothering him with love, losing awareness of time and ce and acting impulsively. YuZhi wrapped her up tight in an embrace and gave her a squeeze, kissing her with less passion than Zheng and Linlin¡¯s due to him having more respect for art shows. Submitting to her sweet kisses and not really minding about the art lovers wandering around and throwing them snooty looks for their disruptive behavior. He indulged her, content with finally having her back in his arms.


    Rong Cai scowled at them from his previous position, eyes narrowed in hatred and turned and stormed off in the direction of the adjoining hall. Knowing fine well sticking around would end in a scene because he was growing worse with the need to pull them apart. Temper riled once more and another reason to do something to get rid of YuZhi Leng from TangShi¡¯s life.


    ¡°Come on, let me show you around. It¡¯s closing soon and I want you to see all of it, not just mine.¡± TangShi slid her arm in YuZhi¡¯s, leaning her head against him possessively, and gazed at him with adoration from her shorter height. Full of the joys of love and excitement and inwardly bursting with sunshine. d to be back with him while feeling like this was a dream and he wasn¡¯t really here. He smelled of outside, and aftershave, and airport air, but he still felt too good to be true.


    ¡°Lead the way, baby. I¡¯m all yours.¡± He slid his hand into hers without untangling her from him and wandered with her to the far corner where her work was disyed. Despite seeing a lot of her work firsthand at home or when she uploaded new pieces to her print shop, he still wanted to see them in this setting. Eyeing up a familiar framed picture as they got close, and he smiled brightly.


    ¡°Hey, you stole my favorite one.¡±


    ¡°Borrowed. And besides, yours was a print when I moved into the apartment, and you never noticed I reced it with the real thing. So technically this is still mine.¡± She grinned at him.


    ¡°Sneaky!! You¡¯re really talented, Tang. There¡¯s something about your work that stands out and you can always identify it among others. From the first time I saw something you painted; I loved your style.¡± He pulled her with him as he walked the length of the wall, admiring them all in the specialized lighting. Paying attention and taking real interest while mentally choosing which ones they were going to hang at home when this was over. He loved them all.


    ¡°You¡¯re biased, like Linlin.¡± She pointed out, snuggling close and reluctant to be parted even for a second.


    ¡°I may be biased now but I liked them before I liked you.¡± He winked at her cheekily. ¡°I¡¯m serious. I would take all of them home if we had enough wall space.¡± He shook his arm out of her grip so he could slide it around her instead and tugged her in so he could kiss her on the forehead. Cuddling her into his body and continued walking her around.


    ¡°Dude, I¡¯ll see you at the airport for the flight back. Don¡¯t bete. Me and my wildcat have other things to do.¡± ZhengLi prodded him from behind, tugging Linlin with him and giving YuZhi a conspirational wink that hinted on what they were leaving for. Even TangShi caught on and blushed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t YOU bete. Or I will leave without you and not cover for you.¡± YuZhi prodded him back in the shoulder and then nodded him away with some visual message passing between them that TangShi couldn¡¯t trante.


    ¡°Sure, boss¡± ZhengLi saluted him with a mock bow then took off with Linlin waving wildly and blowing kisses TangShi¡¯s way. She knew she was excess to needs now Tang had her boyfriend here and had much more fun things to be doing with ZhengLi while she had him home. Almost a week of being separated by a thousand kilometers was reason enough to drag him home and punish him for neglecting her and she had many fun and naked ways of doing that.


    YuZhi admired every artist section in the gallery, aware they were on a time limit and turning down the offer of champagne from an attending waitress. He had ns of his own to wine and dine his girl after this and had to stay sober to drive so he could save them time.


    TangShi didn¡¯t notice the dark shadow who followed them around the hall at a distance. The way Rong¡¯s eyes were glued to them in a spiteful manner as he observed their every move and interaction. Following them from room to room while thinking through all the ways he could ruin what they seemed to have together.


    ¡°It looks like they¡¯re closing. Come on, you can buy me Xiaolongbao. I¡¯m starving.¡± TangShi nudged YuZhi as she noted the main doors beingtched to stop neers and leavers were being bid farewell as they were let out.


    ¡°Come on. I know of the perfect ce that still serves untilte.¡± YuZhi let go of TangShi and took her hand, walking them out in search of steamed dumplings without a backwards look at Rong Cai.


    They bid farewells to the doorman and walked out into the unusually warm dark evening. It seemed peaceful in this area of Shanghai, and they were far enough from traffic to enjoy some subtle sounds of nature and domestic life of nearby buildings. It was somehow serene and added to the glow of happiness emanating from both of them. Walking with their entangled fingers, arms swinging between them merrily, like children, TangShi couldn¡¯t help but admiring YuZhi dressed like this.

 Saturday Prt 2

    ¡°I like this look on you. Casual and sexy.¡± She smiled shyly, eyeing him up.


    ¡°It¡¯s not often I get to ditch the suit. I miss my days of dressing normally and beingfortable.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the future CEO so I can see why you always have to look sharp and domineering.¡± TangShi allowed him to lead her to the parked familiar jeep, suddenly happy at seeing it after it had sat in the parking garage unloved for days. It meant YuZhi must have gone home first from the airport beforeing to the gallery.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Looking good is a life skill.¡± YuZhi joked, helping her into the jeep and getting in himself. Wasting no time in getting them on the road and into traffic. Heading home with a smile on his face for his forward nning and knowing TangShi well enough to predict the food she would want at this hour.


    ¡°So where are we going to eat?¡± She perked up, looking around at familiar scenery and wondering if it was a usual restaurant he had taken her to before.


    ¡°The five star hotel de Leng where food awaits you.¡± He winked, seemingly smug with himself.


    ¡°Huh?¡± TangShi furrowed her brow. ¡°I didn¡¯t know Leng Group had hotels.¡± She queried innocently having no clue what he was hinting at.


    YuZhiughed at her, leaning out to pat her on the head with a besotted gleam in his eye. Too sweet and na?ve for her own good sometimes and he gestured ahead with a nod as their apartmentplex came into view.


    ¡°I went home first, knowing your go tote night food of choice is Xiaolongbao. I am not wasting the few hours we have together while in thepany of other people. You¡¯re all mine until I leave at one for the airport.¡±


    TangShi beamed at him, her adoration for him growing crazily at knowing he forward nned alone time and didn¡¯t forget her food.


    ¡°YuZhi?¡± She slid nearer, running her fingers up his wrist and jacket, coyly side eyeing him as he focused on traffic. Knowing they were now heading for intimate time meant hunger was no longer her priority.


    ¡°Mmmm?¡± He answered absentmindedly as he navigated to the under-ground parking of home.


    ¡°I think food could be the dessert.¡± She blushed profusely being bold and startling him with a hint that she normally was too shy to make. YuZhi choked on his own saliva, surprised by how forward his sweet angel was getting, and nced her way with a slight furrow to his brow, before breaking into a smile.


    ¡°So, am I the main course?¡± He asked brazenly, picking up on her subtle sexual inuendo, the way she was curling towards him, and her eyes strayed to his mouth making her crazily irresistible to him. YuZhi almost swerved the car as his stomach tightened in response unable to think straight whenever it got to sexy time with her.


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± She nodded fluttering hershes, stroking up to his shoulder and then lightly feathering her fingertips across his neck and sending his senses haywire. His skin goosebumping all over and his heart thumping into overdrive. YuZhi¡¯s testosterone shot up a dozen levels and kicked his hormones into overdrive. It had been a week of not being able to touch her, nightly lucid dreams about her, and he wasn¡¯t all that disappointed at making food a secondary thing. Keeping his mind on driving was the challenge he now faced.


    He swerved them into a parking space with haste. Not wasting time to straighten his abandoned car and jumped out of his side with momentum. Moving around to collect her as she slid out and he hooked her hand in his and almost dragged her to the elevator. His mind fast forwarding to how much he wanted her naked and under him now she had made it clear he didn¡¯t have to romance her with food first. It wasn¡¯t that he wasn¡¯t fully prepared and looking forward to spending quality time with her, it¡¯s just TangShi drove him wild in terms of attraction and once she flicked the OKAY switch his sexual prowess took over.


    TangShi bit on her lip, anticipating getting alone as they marched into the elevator and sighed with disappointment at seeing another man in there. An older gentleman who smiled sweetly while taking up the center space of the opening, so they had to part to get in. It meant curbing their intimacy and they held hands again, sliding together behind him while both watched the floor count on the light above the doors with impatience.


    At their floor they nodded to the other resident, slid out fast and YuZhi pulled her with him to their own apartment at a speed that had her stumbling. Eager to get her inside as his desires and urges for her soared. He could barely contain it, stopping to hook his arm around her waist so she didn¡¯t fall.


    ¡°I missed you.¡± He turned after opening their door with the keypad and yanked her in after him by the hips as he walked backwards. Pulling her into an embrace before she was fully inside and fastening his mouth to hers with aggression. Lust consuming him and sense dissipating.


    TangShi inhaled in surprise, melting into his kiss and slid her hands up his jacket searching out the zipper as he kicked the door closed behind her. Pulling her up against him so their bodies met at every point, before backing her up while still kissing her passionately until she bumped into the counter of the kitchen ind. Without breaking away, YuZhi slid his hands under her ass and picked her up, sliding her onto the counter, pushing her knees apart so he could nestle between them and paid full attention into devouring every inch of her lips, jawline, and neck as he started to undo her clothes.


    ¡°I missed you more!¡± TangShi breathed through a moan as he nibbled her ear and traced her lobe with his tongue, before sucking it in. Teasing her so that her body goosebumped and tingled and the heat between her thighs began throbbing with need.


    TangShi obliged him as he peeled heryers away, lifting her arms to have her silk camisole slid off after he pushed her cardigan down her arms. Her own fingers fumbling to get his jacket off while being pulled and cradled facially to him as he tasted her mouth again and explored her tongue with his. His kisses were ravenous and passionate, pressing his mouth to hers, his hands roaming her body anding back to cup her face. Little bites on her bottom lip to savor her softness before he would swoop back in and mold their mouths back together and repeat.


    The heat notched up between them to volcanic levels with her pelvis crushed to his groin, making it clear he was aroused and desperate to get her naked. Hauling off each other¡¯s clothes in haste and desperation to cure them of this insane longing. YuZhi wasn¡¯t his normal gentle and tender self but more like his reckless and drunk version that she liked to see from time to time. It added spice to an already great sex life when he was this way. Commanding, dominating and fueled with primal urges.


    Pulling her with him, be backed up, restraining her against the surface so he could have his way with her and taste every part of her body. From throat to breasts, abdomen, and then down between her thighs as he angled her back toy t on the surface, stopping to slide her underwear off and left her utterly naked. TangShi¡¯s face reddened in shock that he would do this here, no obvious intention of moving them to the bedroom which had been the only ce they ever had sex before, and then groaned, her eyes closing involuntarily as his tongue found it¡¯s way to the pleasure point and she writhed under him in ecstasy.


    ¡°YuZhi.¡± She groaned, surrendering to his mouth at the apex of her most private parts, Panting at his expert attention and gasping when he slid two finger inside of her. YuZhi had been a careful lover and gentleman when it came to making love to her these past weeks. Gently introducing her to the pleasure and intimacy with utmost respect and a level of modesty so as not to scare her or make her feel pressured.


    Tonight however, he wanted to notch it up and show her that sex could also be adventurous and wild. She wasn¡¯t as innocent as the first time, and he was going to show her that position and forey could add another level of connection to their bond. She was about to have a night of unleashed naughtiness with a teacher who was skilled. Starting with making her orgasm with oral sex on the kitchen counter and he was nning on christening every room in this house before he had to leave. Starved for the feel of her thisst week had given him crazy fantasies about what he would do to her when he got home, and he was not for holding back.


    ¡°When you like something, make noise. That way I can figure out what makes you get off.¡±


    YuZhi¡¯s only intention from now until he had to leave was making his girl scream his name and pass out from exhaustion. Fully focused on giving her multiple orgasms and exploring her in ways he held back from before.

 Gallery End Prt 1

    ¡°Good job, everyone. The show was a sess and many of the pieces you guys were willing to sell, have sold.¡± Rong Cai stood in the middle of his group of students, raising a ss to them now the venue was cleared of all visitors and the doors were locked.  Puffed up with pride that their annual event was another roaring sess and had pulled in applicants for next term too. Sponsors were knocking down the doors at the school to get involved.


    TangShi quietly pped her hands and looked around at her family of students, patting the nearest on the shoulders and giving them words of congrattions. Excited to see how happy they all were and sharing joy in their sess. She had not put any of her work up for sale as most pieces had been personal favorites from her own collection, or from YuZhi¡¯s study and she preferred to supply the print shop with the art instead. She didn¡¯t need the money and was pleased to have just heard the praise for her work as she wandered around the show incognito.


    ¡°As a reward for the outstanding job you guys did, I¡¯ve hired a crew to take down and pack up the art and clean this ce up while we go to dinner and to celebrate. All on the school. So go get your things.¡± He nodded towards them, smiling widely and was met with apuse and ¡®whoops¡¯ of joy. Excitable students who were more than happy to bypass work and go get fed. The mood was infectious, and all were in high spirits. TangShi was proud and d she joined in and yet also relieved it was over too.


    ¡°What kind of food?¡± One of the small shy girls perked up, waving her hand over her head as she was nestled behind. Stretching up on tiptoes to catch Rong¡¯s attention.


    ¡°I¡¯ve booked us a private room in Jin Xuan restaurant in Pudong, a Chinese buffet. So, who¡¯s ready to eat and have a few drinks? School is on a holiday tomorrow for the start of Autumn festival so don¡¯t worry about being hungover.¡± Rong nced TangShi¡¯s way hoping she was going to let her hair down and forget about that schmuck for one night. He had flown back to Hong Kong, and she had shown up this morning looking tired and rosy cheeked as though she hadn¡¯t slept enough. It had snapped hisst nerve seeing how little care her boyfriend took of her and hadn¡¯t even driven her to the show for it¡¯sst day. She showed up in an Uber carrying a bagged breakfast and take out coffee making it obvious she had been left to fend for herself while he jetsetted god knows where for whatever reason. He really despised him.


    ¡°In the Ritz Carlton hotel? That¡¯s so expensive!¡± Another student squeaked, shocked that the school would ssh out on them like this. The gasps as they all realized what that meant.


    ¡°You¡¯re our featured artists who have brought in some media interest andmissions, so why not. We only get a few astounding talents a year so it¡¯s good to reward you at least once.¡± Rong smiled, waving his hands to quiet them down. ¡°For transport we have a luxury cked out seven-seater so we can all go together in style, and you can feel like celebs for one night.¡± He grinned, knowing that tonight he didn¡¯t want to drive his car back so had opted for a chauffer service instead. His n was to get drunk and be merry while he had this chance of spending time with TangShi.


    TangShi chewed on her lower lip, uneasy about the arrangements and her mind set on other things. She slid out her cell while they were all still gushing over the details, typing a text to YuZhi.


    School has arranged a dinner and drink to celebrate this evening. What time is your flight home so I can make sure I don¡¯t stay outte? I can miss it if you¡¯reing back soon.


    She didn¡¯t know why but somehow this arrangement hyped up her anxiety levels and she worried that YuZhi might not like it, even though she wasn¡¯t alone with Rong Cai. Her gut gurgling and making her uptight and hoping it didn¡¯t make YuZhi mad.


    My flight isn¡¯t getting into Pudong airport until six am, so don¡¯t worry about that. Don¡¯t drink much and don¡¯t stay up toote. Make sure you get a ride home with someone you trust and stay alert. Xx


    YuZhi was sitting in an office in Hong Kong in the middle of a meeting, but he always stopped to check his cell when it vibrated. His stomach tightening at her message and a weird feeling making him apprehensive. He didn¡¯t want her hanging out with Rong Cai but if she was with her group of ssmates he at least felt assured she would be fine.


    TangShi looked up realizing Rong was staring at her openly and blinked around wondering what she missed while engrossed in her message. Her palms getting mmy with the expectant raised brows aimed her way.


    ¡°Huh?¡± She queried. Her face ming at being caught out.


    ¡°I said do you need a ride home first to get changed or collect anything?¡± Rong smiled her way, sweetly and unusually calm and patient. Edging closer to her and talking in a soft low way.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°No. I can go like this; I have everything I need.¡± TangShi blushed under his scrutiny aware others were giving her odd side nces and she felt a little awkward at his attention, sure he hadn¡¯t offered anyone else a special trip home. She was dressed in a formal dress and heels for the show anyway, her hair loose and natural make up so it wasn¡¯t like she required a change of clothes. She didn¡¯t like this special attention he seemed to give her form time to time.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, you look pretty enough.¡± He smiled, eyeing her up openly and TangShi caught the sneering look between two male students beside her as they nced at one another and pulled a mocking face at TangShi¡¯s expense. She nced down at the floor pretending to have not noticed but her insides fluttered, and her heart sank, and it made her feel unusually emotional. She wasn¡¯t extremely close to other students, but she was civil enough to think they were all on friendly terms, so this hurt. Aware they were making assumptions that weren¡¯t even true.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. The booking is for thirty minutes time, so by the time we get through traffic and settled in it should be time.¡± He pped his hands to set them all in motion.


    They didn¡¯t waste time hanging around, and TangShi put it out of her head, walking out to the waiting car and sending YuZhi onest text.


    I will. I miss you and can¡¯t wait to see you at home. I¡¯ll go home early and not drink much. I love you xx


    ¡°Texting the boyfriend?¡± Rong cut in beside her as they got to the waiting minivan, peering over her shoulder, so she ttened her phone against her chest and nodded, irritated at his invasive behavior. Frowning his way and giving him a distant and cool nod and wishing he would move away and stop crowding her.


    ¡°Yeah. Letting him know I¡¯m going to celebrate and asking what time he¡¯ll be home, so I don¡¯t miss him.¡± She nodded, ducking past him into the cab to escape and sliding across the seats to the window to get some privacy. Rong only followed her and pushed up right against her, so his thigh was nestled against hers and she again felt hemmed in and dissatisfied with his closeness.


    ¡°Oh right. He went back to Hong Kong, didn¡¯t he? So is he gone long and leaving you lonesome? Neglecting his new fianc¨¦e for work?¡± He enquired, seemingly nonchnt, smiley as though joking with her, and TangShi scolded herself for being too irritable and suspicious. She knew her problem around Rong was because of YuZhi not liking him and scolded herself for being unfriendly when he hadn¡¯t done anything today except be helpful. Now he was buying them an expensive dinner somewhere nice and the least she could be was grateful.


    ¡°Tomorrow morning, at six am. He gets in early.¡± She smiled softly, feeling her phone vibrate and pulled it back quickly to check her message from YuZhi.


    Have fun. I¡¯ll wake you up in bed. Love you, baby xx


    Rong caught sight of it over her shoulder, gritted his teeth and snapped his face forward so he looked straight ahead, to curb his jealousy. Pasting a bright and smiley expression on while clenching his fists and cursing Leng for being a perverted asshole that probably had a woman at every hotel he stayed at.


    TangShi was too busy smiling to herself and fluttering with internal butterflies from YuZhi¡¯s text to notice the simmering dark cloud growing beside her. Getting lost in thought as they all boarded one by one and headed on their way.


    Rong chatted to the other passengers, being overly sociable and upbeat, while TangShi seemed glued to her phone. Updating her art blog and uploading the pictures she had taken of the gallery viewing. It irritated him that sat right next to her, she was nkly ignoring him and didn¡¯t seem to understand she was the sole reason he booked such an opulent restaurant in the hotel tonight.


    To wine and dine her and show her he too had enough money to splurge when the mood took him, and she didn¡¯t need to rely on rich jerks to support her in life. That Rong had ss and ability if she took her face out of her god damn cell for a minute and paid attention to his good qualities. He knew he could be a better match than some fifth-generation brat who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and no real ability to cherish anything he was given.


    TangShi was immersed in her post. Writing up her joyful experience of thest few days and sharing her new artwork with her fans. All her images of her new pieces went up along with the diary entry and she knew her print shop would ask for the main ones as an addition to her existing line of avable works. She was proud of them and was going to surprise YuZhi by gifting him his favorites for his office at Leng group HQ.


    She was also too tired afterst night and today to do much in the way of small talk and socializing and using this travel time to clear her head and give her brain a rest. YuZhi had been an absolute demonst night and hadn¡¯t let her sleep until he left for the airport. Not that she wasining, because it was a memory she was storing in her happiness file for all time. Having him make love to her in every space of their apartment, in multiple positions, including the shower, and yet it hadn¡¯t felt dirty or weird, but helped her confidence grow in being that way with him. Her body was still tingling today at the memories of how many times she had orgasmed and yet he had been superhuman in his ability to stay hard for hours. Shocking her with a side to him she never imagined he could have.


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Rong Cai announced with a slightly stilted tone, aiming it at TangShi even though it was an announcement to them all. Quieting their chatter as they all disembarked and slid out of the taxi. It was midafternoon although the sun was still high in the sky, the show ending a lotter than the noon cut off due to the gallery being lenient and ast-minute surge of new visitors.


    The restaurant was opulent and stunning. They were ushered into a private dining room on a high floor, with huge windows overlooking the river Huangpu, the center of the space filled with arge round table covered in a crisp white cloth and dotted with purple velvet plush seats. The surface expertly dressed with linens and silverware that wreaked of expense and ss. It was elegant yet modern and had low music ying around them adding a rxed ambience as side dishes were set in the center on a rotating inner section of the huge table.


    ¡°It¡¯s a set menu, all Chinese favorites so I hope you¡¯re hungry. Eat as much as you want, it¡¯s already paid for.¡± Rong waved his hands out, encouraging them all to sit and TangShi headed for the far side to get a good view from the window while walking about four seats away from Rong Cai in hopes he would sit where he stood. She wanted space to sit alone and rx now the busyness was over and she was tired.

 Gallery End Prt 2

    Rong eyeballed her moving off, unamused that she always seemed to put distance between them. He watched the way the students spread out around the oversized table that could sit sixteen and yet their party was only seven today with the extra students who came to help. The view out at this height gave an unobstructed view of the Oriental pearl tower, which seemed incredibly close and would be gorgeous when lit up as it got darker.


    Rong walked around after they were all seated and slid in next to TangShi, pulling some smirks from a couple of the students who could see the tant obviousness that he had a thing for her, and passed raised brow nces to one another. TangShi was oblivious and too busy setting her napkin on herp and surveying the huge amount of food before them. A nice array of dishes and sides and began helping herself eagerly as the center table slowly turned to give them constant ess.


    The meal soon became rxed, and chatter and time began to freely flow between them, pulling TangShi in, and with wine as the apanying drink it mellowed everyone out. TangShi forgot her uptightness and began to enjoy thepany, stuffing herself full and stopped minding Rong being right next to her for the duration. Bing engrossed in the small talk and finding her fellow students easy enough to talk andugh with when school wasn¡¯t the focus. As a ss they didn¡¯t really do this much together as it was a nice change and great bonding time.


    The hours passed quickly and when the food was no longer a mountain of dishes, but instead cleared tters, Rong bought them all some extra drinks and moved them all to the seating area in their private room. Low couches by the far wall which were nestled together cozily and had ess to a small mini bar as well as the bell to bring their waitress back and forth. TangShi was alternating her alcohol consumption with water and fruit juice hoping the others didn¡¯t notice that she was still on the sober side of merry, while most of them were getting very drunk. She only trusted herself to get intoxicated when with YuZhi and was heeding his request to be careful.


    She checked her phone and was surprised to see it as almost ten pm already and the afternoon had flown by in such goodpany. Feeling a little guilty she was still out thiste.


    ¡°I think I need to go home.¡± One of the girls slurred, swaying around and then got up on unsteady legs. ¡°Bathroom first though or I may have an ident.¡± She giggled and almost tripped over the legs of her nearest friend. TangShi reached out lifting up out of her seat and caught her, steadying her by the arm to help her.


    ¡°I¡¯lle with you and help you call an uber.¡± Shetched onto the girl gently around the waist, guiding her by the low coffee table and Rong Cai moved his legs to let them pass, touching TangShi on the leg.


    ¡°If she¡¯s that drunk I can book some rooms and have everyone stay here. It¡¯s alling out of school expenses anyway.¡± He smiled, seemingly sober too and TangShi nodded thinking maybe that would be for the best for this particr girl. She knew she lived alone at the other side of the city and not many cab drivers would be happy with a girl this drunk in their car.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take her to the loo. I need to pee.¡± One of the other girls shot up, seeming less intoxicated but still slurring her words and took her out of TangShi¡¯s arm, pushing TangShi down a little roughly next to Rong with a mischievous smile and wicked gleam in her eye. ¡°Keep your boyfriendpany instead.¡± Sheughed and pushed off with her ssmate as they bothughed at the joke she made. TangShi blushed from chin to roots and sat down quickly. Rong had moved nearer her own space on the couch, and she became ultra-aware of others smiling their way.


    ¡°I have a fianc¨¦e. Rong is just our friend and school proprietor.¡± She blurted out, not wanting any of them to misunderstand, losing the merry feeling and Rong slid his around her shoulder patting her with a paternal gesture. Beaming widely at the snarky jibe as his heart filled with optimism.


    ¡°Ignore them. They mistake my fondness for a talented artist as something else. We both know what it¡¯s not and some should watch themselves or they may lose points.¡± He warned mockingly, no real sternness to his tone and winked at the students across from him as TangShi stiffened up and tried to extract herself from his grip. Her merry glow was fast fading and now she longed to get out of here. ¡°How about we switch to something a bit more special for the next drink?¡± Rong offered, eyeing them all, and TangShi shook her head.


    ¡°I really think I should go. It¡¯ste and I¡¯m not staying here tonight so would be better going now. I can book an Uber myself.¡± She bowed a little as a show of respect, attempting to put space between them and moved to get up, but Rong caught her in a tighter hold and yanked her back down.


    ¡°One more drink. Come on. Have you ever tried Baijiu? It¡¯s our celebratory toast after all. Don¡¯t be the party pooper Miss. Lei.¡± He crooned at her, putting on fake pleading puppy eyes and then nuzzled against her and began with the pleading. ¡°Please, please, pretty please. Once you have one I will walk you down to get you a cab. I promise!¡± He added, raising a hand salute, smiling brightly and TangShi felt pressured by the audience around them all staring her way. ncing around her ssmates and seeing them all nodding eagerly and egging her on for another round.


    ¡°Oka, but just one. I don¡¯t want to get home muchter.¡± She faltered, her stomach twisting up and really wanting to go home and wait for YuZhi at home. A strange feeling swirling up inside of her and making her stressed.


    Rong jumped up and walked off to the bar behind them, pulling out small cups for the Baijiu and began to get to work at setting up seven of them on a tray. His back to the group, obscuring his preparation.


    TangShi smiled towards her friends, seemingly all way drunker than her as none of them had split up their consumption and seemed like they were hell bent on being reckless tonight. Rong was the only one who had stayed rtively soberpared to them and she guessed it was to make sure he could watch over them all. He was older than most of them and saw himself as the father figure here tonight.


    ¡°Here, drink up everyone. One shot down the hatch. Will put some hairs on your chest and make men of you all!¡± He jested, ced a cup in front of TangShi, eyeing her up with a smile. ¡°You¡¯ve never drank it right?¡± He nudged her, before sliding down beside her, pushing his arm along the back of her chair to cage her in and nodding for her to lift her cup.


    ¡°No, I know it¡¯s strong though like vodka, so maybe I shouldn¡¯t.¡± She knew her limits and had avoided this clear potent drink even when with YuZhi.  It was known for being the strongest alcohol in China.


    ¡°One won¡¯t do all that much. Just warm your belly and send you to sleep when you get home. It smells a bit strange and has a weird taste if you¡¯re not used to it, but that¡¯s normal.¡± He lifted her elbow, trying to angle her to take it and she watched as her ssmates all lifted cups from the tray he ced in the center and downed theirs with minimal effort. TangShi hesitated holding it up as if to sip and yet the smell was strangely awful. The clear liquid had a swirly cloudiness to it in the center and a sweet scent seemed to hover around the rim. Having never tasted it, she found it odd. It didn¡¯t smell like alcohol she was used to but Rong wasn¡¯t for letting her off lightly.


    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be a scaredy cat. Down the hatch. One¡­ two¡­¡­. three.¡± he lifted her elbow forcing it against her mouth so she could only obey and swallowed the shot in one choking gulp that burned her throat and made her instantly cough. She covered her mouth, screwing up her face at the astringent vor and bitter aftertaste, shaking her head. Disliking it immensely and hating the way it seemed to warm her throat and send her belly into gurgling swishyness.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it.¡± She picked up a ss of water and downed that to clear it out of her mouth, gulping to remove the taste and hoped it would dilute it enough not to make her drunk. After a few mouthfuls she stood up to leave before the addition of this shot made her go from tipsy to worse.


    ¡°Woah there missy. At least wait for your friends toe back from thedies room and say goodbye. What¡¯s the rush?¡± Rong pulled her back down, sliding his arm around her shoulders again, a little possessively that she didn¡¯t like and pinned her to the seat.  TangShi was instantly ufortable and struggled to shrug him off and get her space back. ¡°Rx, drink some more. Trust me, you¡¯ll have fun and still get home in time for pretty lover boy.¡± Rong smirked, keeping his grip tight and TangShi stiffened all over at his odd tone of hisst words. Sensing the venom in the undercurrent and blinking at what seemed like a scowl in his expression.


    ¡°I honestly want to go. Can you let me up?¡± She pulled away, fighting him subtly, not liking the subtle changes in his mood and then he relented and stood up with her.


    ¡°Okay, okay. Come on, Miss. Lei, I can take a hint. I¡¯ll walk you down to the ground floor and get you a cab. This way.¡± Rong caught hold of her wrist, aiming for her hand but she turned it away, and pulled her with him towards the main door into their dining room. Walking her like she needed his guidance and even though she tried to slide her arm away he wouldn¡¯t let go. His grip tightening and his posture seeming to grow taller.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine to walk without support. I¡¯m not drunk.¡± TangShi stuttered but her words slurred a little and her vision seemed to blur a smidge. Shaking her head as she yanked herself free and headed towards the door head of him herself. Cursing out the damned drink for having an instant effect and hoping this was as bad as it was going to get. It made her lightheaded and woozy and she was struggling to formte thoughts.


    ¡°Sure about that? You don¡¯t seem so stable.¡± Heughed heartily, enjoying how vulnerable she now seemed and feeling like a macho protector she needed. Catching up with her as she slid into the carpeted quiet foyer and looked left and right to try and remember which way the elevators were. Disorientated because both directions had the same dull lighting and dark d¨¦cor with endless closed doors and long walks. Her eyes beginning to water and her breathing bingbored as though someone was sitting on her chest. She took a few steps, and her legs began to turn to jelly. Reaching out to steady herself on a wall and missing but Rong pulled her back to him.


    ¡°I guess one drink really was the tipping scale for you, lightweight. d I am here to take care of you now.¡± Rongughed as she stumbled away from him carelessly in a bid to escape and caught her around the waist. Pulling her butt in against his groin and spooning her from behind as they walked left down a darkened hallway and she became progressively worse. Her mind spinning so she couldn¡¯t fathom reality anymore. Aware of a warm body holding her but no longer conscious of real touch.


    Not knowing why she was suddenly slipping into extreme drunkenness but scared, and her anxiety began to build in the depths of her stomach because she didn¡¯t feel right at all. She knew this wasn¡¯t how she normally felt when she was slipping into severe drunken stupor. It was happening so fast, and she cursed that damned drink for being so potent, and herself for being dumb enough to drink it.


    She pulled out her cell to try and get Linlin toe for her, knowing that was the wise thing to do, but dropped it from useless uncoordinated fingers so it bounced across the floor and ended up at Rong¡¯s right foot. Rong stopped and scooped down to pick it up, then waved it in front of her as everything started to sway and swim and her body became fluid. Slumping down so he had to be the one to hold her steady, unable to push him away as her limbs started to go numb and her head and eyelids got heavier. Clutching at midair to get her phone and not really doing all that much.


    ¡°My¡­. let ¡­. me. I must¡­. call.¡± She slurred so badly it made no sense.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this. You don¡¯t seem fit to make calls anymore.¡± He pulled her with him, sliding her cell into his jacket pocket, whistling to himself merrily as her steps slowed to dragged scuffs and her coordination became like that of a newborn fawn walking for the first time. Her body bing dead weight. ¡°Look at the mess of you. Lucky I¡¯m here to take care of you, pretty girl. Don¡¯t worry, TangShi, I¡¯m the kind of man who¡¯ll take real good care of you all night. You can trust me to be what you need.¡± He bent down and scooped her up in his arms princess style,ughing at her dazed expression, adoring how cute she was this way as reality slipped away and she could only murmur a few words before darkness took over and knocked her into oblivion.


    ¡°I want¡­ home¡­¡±


    ¡°Sure, you do.¡± Rong smirked, leaning in to kiss her on the temple and carried her onwards down the silent and empty hotel lobby.

 I Don’t Know Prt 1

    The bang, bang, bang, of a severe thumping noise infiltrated into TangShi¡¯s sleepy brain, pulling her out of a dreamless darkness as light hit her eyes and made her recoil in pain. Screwing up her face as her head pounded crazily and she couldn¡¯t distinguish if the noise was her own headache or something else. Invading her senses and making her reach out to pull her cover over her face. Blinking to adjust to searing brightness and aware her throat and mouth were as dry as arid desert and she felt so nauseous and dizzy she didn¡¯t want to get up.


    Rolling over in bed, squeezing them shut again and feeling around the sheets. She tried to find her bedmate, knowing he should havee home by now if the sun was dazzling through their bedroom curtains this strongly.


    ¡°YuZhi? What time is it?¡± She mumbled, her voice hoarse due to a raspy throat that felt burned, as though she had swallowed fire or ground ss, and she lifted her heavy head to try and look around. Blurry eyed and struggling to adapt.


    ¡°It¡¯s show time. Guess we¡¯re about to get found out, princess.¡± A husky male voice pulled her head to the right, the unfamiliar sound startling her fully awake, and she gawped at Rong Cai as he walked past the bed wearing only a towel around his waist. Her heart jumping into her throat and eyes widening in horror as she gasped and sat bolt upright as though she had been zapped with electricity.  Her pulse hammering in fright.


    He was sauntering casually towards the door with a smile thrown back at her, unfazed by her presence here. His hair and body damp from a shower, his naked torso making her turn away to cover her eyes at the inappropriateness, and she recoiled at speed, pulling the bed clothes around her as reality pped her in the face. Mentally freaking out.


    TangShi looked down, seeing her ckce bra and nothing else before yanking the sheet up to her neck and checking she still had panties on. Besides her underwear there was nothing else on her body at all and looking around showed her the disarray of the bed where a second person had slept and wanted to cry when she noted his clothes were in the mix on the floor.


    Taking in her surroundings as she tried to process and find some sense to this.  She tried to calm the inner mounting panic of how she got here and what was going on. Confusion sending her into an emotional spiral of doubts and questions as anxiety soared and tightened her insides.


    Why she was with him of all people, and he feltfortable walking around like that. Aware this wasn¡¯t home or anywhere she had been before and looked a lot like an upmarket hotel room. She swallowed hard at thingsing into focus and held her breath as she took it all in piece by piece.


    Her clothes strewn all over the floor in a haphazard manner as though they had been tossed around without care, and her shoes were four feet apart in the entranceway, discarded clumsily, as Rong headed to answer the door. Her bag wasid against the wall with the contents scattered on the floor as though she had tipped them out to find something, but her cell phone was neatlyid on the side table above it. Too far for her to grab while over here. None of this jarred any kind of memory of the night before and she tried hard to recall something.


    The noise that had ripped her awake seemed to be from someone trying to hammer the door down and she blinked up as Rong reached it and rubbed her head, trying desperately to wake up from this hellish dream. He didn¡¯t seem to be in a hurry or even to care about the predicament she woke up to. Her utter shock was not a concern to him.


    TangShi felt sick to her stomach, her eyes blurring with tears as realization sunk in and her chest tightened in fear and anxiety, making her gag. The inner terror that she had done something that she couldn¡¯t take back, gripping tight and YuZhi flooded her mind, causing extreme pain in her chest. Jumping out of the bed to run for the bathroom before she vomited, a voice stopped her dead in her tracks as though smacking her to a standstill.


    ¡°What did you do, Tang? Why are you here with him?¡± YuZhi¡¯s pained and torn familiar voice drifted her way from behind and she spun to see him standing in the open door, staring at her like she had just ripped his heart out through his chest. His eyes scanning her, the room and then Rong Cai and back to her as he searched her face for answers. TangShi¡¯s mouth fell open and her air expelled as guilt consumed her. ¡°Where are your clothes?¡±


    YuZhi was stood motionless, his shoulders sagging, pain etched on his beautiful face so obviously that it wed at her soul and brought the tears fully on. Shaking her head as she had no memory of anything after sitting for dinner yesterday after the second course. Desperate to exin but not knowing how when she couldn¡¯t think straight. It was all darkness and no clear view of how she got form eating to here.


    ¡°I¡­I¡­ I don¡¯t know. I woke up here.¡± She stammered, her voice breaking as she moved towards him, stretching out her hand, wanting to wipe away the agony that was like a thick smog around him. His visible pain breaking her to pieces. YuZhi stepped back to put the distance between them again, his eyes scanning her underwear d body and he wanted to vomit with the depth of betrayal he was feeling. Unable to believe she would do something like this. Not his Tang.


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± He raised his palms unable to allow her toe anywhere near him because he was barely holding onto his sanity. ¡°Tell me nothing happened, and this is exinable. That you wouldn¡¯t do something like this to us.¡± It was a desperate plea.


    He had never known pain like this in his entire life and felt like she had reached down into the depths of his body and ripped his essence out. Unable topute what he was seeing and scanned the room at the obviousness of what happened here. It painted a vivid picture of two people consumed by passion, tearing off clothes in a rush to get naked. The bed was a strewn mess with some cushions tossed on the floor, making it obvious there had been a lot of movement and rolling around.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened. Or how I got here. I don¡¯t remember.¡± She blurted out honestly, amid sniffs and sobs, clutching her arms around her body to self soothe. She wed her memory banks not knowing what else to tell him. Desperate to hug him and feel safe while everything copsed around her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know? You can¡¯t remember? How the fuck do you get here like this and not know how, Tang? I¡¯ve drunk with you, and you always remember everything, no matter how far gone you are. Don¡¯t lie to me!¡± YuZhi tried to hold his voice steady, but it shook and rasped and betrayed his inner angst and building anger at what this shit was. Hisposure crumbling into a raw mess.


    ¡°I¡¯m not, I swear. I don¡¯t know¡­I can¡¯t think¡­.. I don¡¯t remember.¡± She began to cry, tears rolling down her cheeks and dripping onto her exposed cleavage which pulled her attention to the fact she was practically naked. Realizing Rong Cai was standing there watching them, his face nk, that she was not decent and shouldn¡¯t be exposed to anyone but YuZhi. She made a grab for the sheet from the bed and pulled it over herself to cover up. Aware of how bad this looked with how YuZhi walked in and caught her standing here like this. She couldn¡¯t exin it other than to think the worst, ashamed of herself for what she must have done.


    ¡°How convenient.¡± YuZhi clenched his teeth, screwing up his face to control his spiraling emotion, fighting his internal battle of agony. Not believing for one second that she couldn¡¯t recall anything especially as she was standing in her underwear in the middle of the room while this asshole was in nothing but a towel. It hardly screamed of innocence.


    ¡°Bitte for that isn¡¯t it.¡± Rongughed softly from his position, nodding at her sheet, leaning against the wall behind YuZhi. ¡°It¡¯s not like I haven¡¯t seen it all now.¡± He boasted, making it clear this was exactly what YuZhi thought it was. So self-assured that this scene would be the start of being TangShi¡¯s future and loving the dramatics.


    ¡°You fucking asshole.¡± YuZhi exploded, his already frayed emotions had only held by a thread, and it snapped with vigor at that one remark. Turning on Rong and in the blink of an eye, ripping him from the wall he wasnguishing against and pounded a hard punch straight in his face that made his nose and lip explode across his features. YuZhi didn¡¯t let him drop to the floor, catching him as he slumped down, Rong clutching his face and YuZhi delivered two knee blows to his abdomen with deathly precision. Pulling out oooft grunts as he bent double.From N?velDrama.Org.


    YuZhi¡¯s fury and inner jealousy and hatred unleashed and aiming all of his aggression at Rong Cai. TangShi screamed at this disy of violence, running at them as YuZhi began to pulverize him half to death, her hysteria coursing through her veins. Her desperation to stop them pushing all else aside.


    ¡°Stop it, YuZhi, stop it!¡± She pulled at his arm, trying to force them apart. Knowing this was the absolute worst thing he could do given his status, and desperate to protect him from the fall out that this could cause.  Grabbing YuZhi from around the waist behind him in an attempt to stop him punching and pounding Rong Cai against the wall. Rong was trying hard to shield himself from the blows but was disadvantaged due to YuZhi¡¯s training and unleashed rage and was almost unable to protect himself at all.


    ¡°YuZhi, STOP IT!¡± TangShi jumped on his back, losing her modest covering and wrapped her arms around his neck hugging him tight and pushing her cheek against his ear, begging him. ¡°Please stop. Please.¡± She wept, wing at his clothes, hanging on tight.

 I Don’t Know Prt 2

    YuZhi couldn¡¯t stand her touch, his body on fire, his mind racing at what they had done herest night. Unable to formte sense or reason and acting on utter pain. He caught TangShi¡¯s wrist, hauling her off to the side so she slid away from him and tugged her hard. Spinning her against the wall before pinning her there with aggression. Catching her other free wrist and mming both by her head as he leaned in and almost touched her nose with his. Screwing up his forehead, furrowing his brows and sniffing back the tears that were threatening to start pouring.


    ¡°Tell me you didn¡¯t¡­. tell me that this isn¡¯t how it looks. Tell me, Tang. That we can fix this because nothing happened here.¡± His voice broke, pleading with her for the sake of his sanity, his eyes welling up and his face crumpled. He was aching from head to foot with a unique kind of hurt that was unbearable. Every ounce of pain he had ever known in his life, his losses, his sorrows, didn¡¯t even have a scratch on the torment he felt in this moment or the way looking into her eyes shredded thest ounces of hope as her sadness ate him alive.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­. I don¡¯t know. I can¡¯t tell you something that might be a lie. I honestly don¡¯t know what I did. I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m really sorry, I never wanted anything like this to happen.¡± TangShi began to cry too, wracking her brain, praying she could figure this out and hoping she only slept here and nothing else.  ¡°Rong please, what happened? Tell me nothing happened between us.¡± She turned her head to him, begging with pleading eyes to save her from this nightmare but YuZhi snapped, letting go of one wrist and caught her chin, yanking her face back to his so she wouldn¡¯t look at that fucking prick. Seething with possessiveness and unable to stand her looking his way or making eye contact with him.


    ¡°What do you think happened? We got drunk, you were all over me and we somehow ended up here together. I can barely remember the how, but it was a memorable night if shbacks are urate.¡± He snorted an attempt at augh through his blood and saliva, his nose broken his eyes swelling. Slumped down on the floor cradling his ribs and coughing on phlegm but he felt it was all worth it. Able to ignore the pain as he swelled with satisfaction that YuZhi would never forgive this.


    YuZhi erupted once more, his fury surging out like a volcano exploding and punched the wall right by her head, hurting his knuckles in the process and leaving a dent in the drywall. Scaring the crap out of her so she flinched away, and he dropped his hold on her, rubbing his hands across his face to control the wave of exothermic fury. If he let loose he knew he would possiblymit murder here right now. Unable to function at all or think straight when all he could see in his mind¡¯s eye was her and him together. Everything was ruined, and his happy existence of an hour ago was reced with devastation at finding her here like this.


    ¡°How could you?¡± It was a broken whisper, his voice trembling noticeably even if it was almost inaudible. His body shaking with adrenalin. Aimed into her ear as he slumped into the wall resting his forehead over her shoulder without touching her, unable to keep his body up as he sagged. Closing her in and caging her even though being near to her was a unique type of torture for him.


    YuZhi felt like he was dying, and as much as he wanted to drag her out of here and somehow wipe this away, he couldn¡¯t bear himself to touch her anymore. He couldn¡¯t ignore or deny this. She was tainted, she had ruined what they had, and not who he thought she was. His heart was shredding with every beat it took and his lungs deting making it hard to breathe. Suffocating him slowly and yet her scent swirled around him to the point he wanted to rip out his own ability to smell anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­YuZhi¡­I don¡¯t..¡± TangShi wept, trying to grab onto him to cling on with fumbling fingers but he pped her hands away and pulled back, putting distance between them. Locking a re on her face and furrowing his brow as a deathly look crossed his brow and made her shudder at the change in him. Reverting to that cold and aloof him she had met so long ago when they first married, seeing him recoil behind that wall he had spent years building.


    ¡°You can¡¯t fix this¡­¡­ you can¡¯t undo what you¡¯ve fucking done.¡± He bit on his lower lip to stop a new slew of tears and turned to Rong Cai and his pathetic form on the floor. ¡°If I ever see you again, I¡¯ll fucking kill you.¡± He shoved him with his foot, pushing him over and eliciting a groan from the bag of bruised bones, and then turned back to TangShi with renewed venom and a stronger biting tone.


    ¡°As for you ¡­. go home, pack your shit and get out. I won¡¯t be back until you¡¯re out of my life. This, us¡­ we¡¯re done.¡± It was a snarl, pushed through his inner agony, his eyes red with the pain of what she¡¯d done to them and his mind in turmoil. He only knew how to help himself by pushing away all sources of pain and anguish and she was now the biggest part of it. He would cut her out, even if it meant cutting his own heart out and tossing it away. Screw the contract, screw the PR ns and their marriage, he couldn¡¯t go back from this.


    ¡°YuZhi, don¡¯t. I love you. I don¡¯t know why I ¡­.. this doesn¡¯t make sense. I wouldn¡¯t¡­¡± TangShi begged him, through sobbing weeps. Unable to stop reaching for him like a broken child needing their security.


    ¡°You fucking did!¡± he screamed at her, leaning into her face and expressing the surge of hatred he never knew he could possess. At the one person he loved most in the world as venom began to grow to shield him from her being able to cause any more harm.


    TangShi trembled cowering down, afraid of him like this and wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand even if it was pointless. Unable to look him in the eye with the way he was ring at her and shuddered as her own heart clenched in pain. She knew he didn¡¯t mean it, but she didn¡¯t know how to fix this. She could understand his anger, his doubt, his agony. She was disgusted with herself if she did what it seemed like she did.


    ¡°I love you.¡± She whispered in sorrow, clutching her own body tight and wishing she could undo all of this. Wishing she could go back to yesterday and could change all of it.


    ¡°You love me? Really? Or maybe you just loved what I could give you and it wasn¡¯t about me at all. Look around, seems he can take care of you equally well.¡± YuZhi spat it at her, throwing his hands up and spanning them around the room making a snortugh sound as though he was in disbelief. ¡°Doesn¡¯t really leave much room for doubt though does it, Tang? You can fucking have him. I won¡¯t ever touch you again.¡±


    YuZhi pulled of his ring from the engagement party and tossed it onto the bed, watching it bounce and get lost in the folds and creases, somehow symbolizing his feelings for her. Simmering over all those doubts and gut feelings back from day one that Rong Cai was someone he should worry about and getting the wrong conclusion. Staring at the bed which was in the same disarray as the room and a reminder of what a cheating bitch he was throwing away. He could never forgive this.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    ¡°Thank your new boyfriend for texting me at the airport toe pick you up, from your own fucking cell. I thought it was Linlin, but I see now this is what he wanted. Good luck to you, hope you¡¯re happy with him and Karma doesn¡¯t bite your ass the way it just did mine for hurting Rhea. This somehow feels like poetic justice. I should thank him for saving me years of blind love for a girl that wasn¡¯t worth it.¡± He ground it out through gritted teeth, taking onest sweeping look around the room and at her, tomit this sin to memory so he would never weaken.


    He turned and stormed towards the door, heaving in breath in an attempt to keep moving. His body felt like it was shutting down as every step got heavier and more painful. Regret and doubt cloying at him, but he knew he had to be strong. He never really knew her if this was who she could be.


    TangShi squealed, running after him and made a grab for his arm, tears choking her and hysteria twisting her organs into a chaotic mess, and she couldn¡¯t think straight. Desperate to hold onto him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­. Don¡¯t¡­. YuZhi, please, don¡¯t.¡± She begged and then fell when YuZhi ripped her hand off and tossed it back, the force of his rejection making her stumble backwards and shended on the floor with a thump that bruised her ass and thigh. Gazing up at him in helplessness as her world crumbled around her. Her face soaked with streaming tears, her heart broken and her mind fragmented. She crawled to him as he stopped in the open doorway which had been like that this whole time. Passing his beaten opponent who was still huddled on the floor, unable to look up, and spitting out blood. YuZhi took one look back at hermitting that drenched face and doe eyes to memory.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be this pathetic. You make me sick.¡± He snarled at her limp form on the floor, blotting out his need to pick her up. Pushing away the pain seeing her broken like this caused him and hated that even after this his heart still wanted to love and protect her. YuZhi swallowed hard, pulled all the stubborn and will power he possessed from deep down, mustering a strength he barely had and walked out, mming the door shut behind him without a single look back.

 It’s Going To Be Okay Prt 1

    ¡°Calm down, Tang. Please, just breathe, and calm down. Stop and look at me.¡± Linlin caught hold of TangShi who was racing from one room to another in the apartment, searching for YuZhi and despairing over theck of him. She had called Linlin toe get her when she dressed and raced out of the hotel after him and couldn¡¯t find him anywhere around. Freaking out and in a neighborhood she wasn¡¯t familiar with and no idea what she should do. She had abandoned Rong in his beaten state without a second thought and ran after YuZhi.


    Linlin clung to her upper arm to restrain her, hugging her in with a struggle, and smoothed away her hair that was sticking to her mmy face in a bid to soother her. Her heart breaking for seeing her this way.


    ¡°Take a second to be still and take a deep breath. This isn¡¯t going to help you.¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t answer my calls.  He¡¯s not at Leng group or home, he¡¯s not with ZhengLi either. I don¡¯t know where he is.¡± TangShi wailed in desperation, her words rushed and throughbored breaths, as close to hysteria as possible without an all-out mental breakdown. Her mind a mess, her face saturated with a waterfall of nonstop tears and shame and running make up, and she was sniffing loudly as her nose ran freely. Clogged up from the downpour she couldn¡¯t control so her voice was a croaky mumble. Her heart was torn up and shredded as though her insides were bleeding shards of ss.


    ¡°He might be with ZhengLi. You called him right after you lost him. He would have been driving and ZhengLi¡¯s cell is off now, so I can¡¯t check. He won¡¯t be randomly driving around. He¡¯s a big boy who¡¯s capable of taking care of himself.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go there. Let¡¯s go find him.¡± TangShi begged with wide eyes and furrowed brows, catching her friends arm wistfully to plead with Linlin to help her make this better. She seemed like a broken child searching for their parent in this moment and Linlin had to swallow a lump in her throat that was choking her up. Knowing this was futile.


    ¡°No, he needs space and time. Let him go sort his head out and then you can talk it out. Once he cools down and he¡¯s not so crazy messed up, then we can sit down and try and exin this.¡± Linlin was trying to be supportive and optimistic but on the brief details TangShi gave her she had no idea how to fix this. YuZhi believed she slept with another man after a drunken night out, whether TangShi remembered or not. To him, she had betrayed their love and it was over. He was a stubborn guy with high self-esteem who would never take back a cheating girlfriend.


    ¡°I want to take it back. Undo it and go back to yesterday. I want to never do that stupid show or go for dinner.¡± TangShi wailed, raking her fingers through her hair, rubbing her scalp  in agitation, as a new wave of sobs hit and churned up her gut.


    ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s get you showered and changed, and I¡¯ll make you something to eat. Focus on small tasks right now and pulling yourself together. Give him time, it¡¯s going to be okay once everyone calms down. We all need time.¡± Linlin was aching for her best friend, hating seeing her this distraught and irrational. At a loss with how to care for her or make this better. She had never seen her like this, ever.


    ¡°What did I do? How could I do that to him? To us?¡± TangShi couldn¡¯t shake the heavy cloak of despair and guilt and no matter how many times she tried to recall the day before, it was always lost at the same point of dinner. It¡¯s like her memory ended mid desert and then there was nothing until she woke up in the hotel. That scene was etched on her soul like a ck scar, and she couldn¡¯t get around what she must have done.


    ¡°I know you, baby girl; I can¡¯t imagine you doing anything like this. Not if you waited twenty odd years to have sex at all. It¡¯s suss as hell and that Rong Cai, jerk, there¡¯s something about him.¡± Linlin wasn¡¯t fully convinced that TangShi had a drunken one-night stand, but she had no proof while her best friend seemed confused and resigned to the fact she had done wrong.


    ¡°He¡¯ll never forgive me. I wouldn¡¯t forgive me.¡± TangShi was lost in her own head and Linlin drew her in to cuddle her and pat her back.


    ¡°No one knows what really happened¡­¡± Linlin started to smooth her hair down her back, but TangShi shook her head.


    ¡°Why would Rong lie? He made it clear what we did and the room, you didn¡¯t see the room. It was evident what went down in that room. He couldn¡¯t have made the whole thing up¡­. I was there. I willingly went to a hotel room with him.¡± TangShi was so caught up in remorse she couldn¡¯t see through it at all.


    Linlin bit her tongue and curbed her response because she had a few home truths about Rong Cai that her innocent friend didn¡¯t need to hear right now. Linlin wasn¡¯t na?ve to things that went on in the world. Men who used drugs to control women and theck of memory predating what happened was a big neon sign for her. She didn¡¯t want to traumatize TangShi further, but she did have her suspicions and was trying to figure out how to have her take a blood test today without her freaking out over it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just get you washed up. You¡¯re a mess, and then we can eat and figure out what to do about YuZhi. ZhengLi will take care of him. Just like I¡¯m taking care of you.¡± Linlin pulled TangShi by the arm, guiding her like a frail patient who was sick. Worried about TangShi¡¯s paleplexion and dark circles or her fragile emotional state as she couldn¡¯t seem to stop the tears flowing.


    When she picked her up on the street outside the Carlton hotel TangShi had looked like she had just been through a majorly traumatic event, and was disheveled, disorientated, sobbing, and hyperventting while she crisscrossed the street searching for YuZhi¡¯s jeep. She was like a possessed madwoman, questioning early morning citizens if they had seen him and it was obvious she wasn¡¯t just hungover. It was heartbreaking to find her like that.


    They slowly walked into the main bedroom for the bathroom with the tub, thinking a bubble bath might help unwind her and give her breathing space to calm down. Focused on taking steps, treating her gently, when the entryway keypad beeped loudly and alerted them to someoneing in.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°YuZhi?¡± TangShi flinched, spinning and pulling herself out of Linlin¡¯s arm at speed to race towards the door, but came to a dead halt and gasp as she was met with ZhengLi sliding in alone.


    He looked her up and down with a nk expression, dressed casually in jeans and a sweater, his hair ruffled and a shadow of stubble he never normally had. His manner serious and t and then brushed past her with zero verbals as though she was nothing important. Not giving her the time of day as she gawped after him.


    ¡°Where¡¯s YuZhi? Is he in your car downstairs? Out there in the hall?¡± TangShi followed him desperately, pleading like a child and ZhengLi threw a side eye look at Linlin with a frown. Waving TangShi¡¯s way airily.


    ¡°Tell her he¡¯s not here and I¡¯m collecting clothes and his files for work. She should pack up and go back to the Leng house by tomorrow, so it doesn¡¯t disrupt YuZhi¡¯s work schedule this week. We have a lot of important meetings this week that we can¡¯t afford to fuck up.¡± ZhengLi¡¯s tone was tight, his manner grim and he walked off towards the bedroom to start looking for YuZhi¡¯s suitcase. Seemingly dismissive of them both and in a bad mood.


    ¡°What the hell is your problem?¡± Linlin snapped at his back as he disappeared into the next room. ¡°Tell her yourself, she¡¯s standing right here, you ignorant bastard!¡± Linlin was angered by how he just treated her best friend and stalked after him, leaving TangShi looking bewildered in the center of the living room, her heart sinking because she knew she deserved his coldness. Linlin enraged at the utter disrespect for someone so important to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to talk to her. I¡¯m here to make sure my best friend has everything he needs. He¡¯s my priority.¡± ZhengLi shrugged, ignoring Linlin¡¯s temper ring and carried on pulling out two cases and flipping them open on the bed. He was used to his hellcat¡¯s fire and her being mad at him didn¡¯t bother him at all over this. He had more important matters to attend to.


    ¡°You¡¯re mad at TangShi, without even knowing the truth?¡± Linlin grabbed his arm and yanked him, so he was forced to look at her and he sighed. Tired after their early morning flight home and now he was dealing with this hellish drama.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, a hotel room that looked like the aftermath of a porn session. His girlfriend in sexy underwear standing in a room with a mostly naked dude who had been pursing her for weeks after a drunken night of shenanigans. Yeah, seems like there¡¯s not much to misinterpret there. Do you mind? I¡¯m in a hurry.¡± ZhengLi shook Linlin off, his own mood simmering, and he was trying to keep his need to go off at TangShi under wraps. Disappointed in someone he rooted for. Emotionally invested in YuZhi¡¯s wellbeing and hating on anyone who hurt him.


    Of all the people in the world, YuZhi was the one that mattered the most to him, even amongst family. So dealing with the broken mess who rolled into his apartment after they got home and knowing TangShi caused this, she wasn¡¯t high on his favorite person list right now. In his head she had betrayed his buddy, and she didn¡¯t deserve his time or consideration. Nor his conversation.


    ¡°You really think she¡¯s capable of that? You¡¯ve hung around her for months and got to know her better than that! Look at the mess of her. Why would she be like this if she truly wanted to destroy her rtionship?¡± Linlin was in awe at how thickheaded and near sighted ZhengLi could be given his vast experience in the world of partying, sex and drugs.


    ¡°Its called regret. And yeah, you never really know anyone and what they¡¯re capable of until they do something like this to you. Even you could do this to me¡­  people suck. That¡¯s not a groundbreaking new discovery.¡± ZhengLi shrugged, going back to pacing back and forth from the walk-in closet as he collected YuZhi¡¯s suits and clothes, packing them neatly as he did so. Undeterred by her hovering around him. Linlin following him like a bear with a sore head and snarling his way as each step angered her further.

 It’s Going To Be Okay Prt 2

    ¡°Stop it. She wouldn¡¯t do this and that Rong Cai motherfucker is a skeezy letch who has done something to make this look this way. I thought you would be on her side in this, with an ability to think beyond what he saw.¡± Linlin snapped, full on anger as she stomped after him once more to a third trip to the cupboard, then walked into his back with a thud as he stopped dead and snorted. The ZhengLi she knew and adored was wise and levelheaded and could often see things other¡¯s couldn¡¯t. It seemed not this time.


    ¡°Why did she get so drunk with him if he was someone so untrustworthy? Why go out for dinner in the first ce? Why did she still appear to be walking around in her underwear when YuZhi showed up, and not hightailing it out the door if she was so innocently set up? She seemed pretty happy half naked around with him while he showered.¡± ZhengLi just couldn¡¯t believe anyone would go to those lengths and hope the other party would conveniently forget. He had figured the memory issue was a lie because TangShi was ashamed to admit the truth, knowing it ended everything.


    ¡°So you¡¯re tarring her as guilty even if I tell you she¡¯s not. That I don¡¯t believe it.¡± Linlin spat at him, outraged and deadly serious. Losing her adoration for ZhengLi by the minute and disappointed in him for thinking this way.


    ¡°That¡¯s your prerogative as her friend and your biased opinion.¡± ZhengLi mmed the first full case closed and met a thunderous re as she focused her eyes.


    ¡°You should trust me to know her well enough and listen to what I¡¯m saying. I know her better than anyone.¡± She fumed, angered that somehow this was also putting a wedge between them because her loyalty would never allow ZhengLi to nder TangShi. This was a hill she was willing to die on. Even against him.


    ¡°If I need to pick a side between you and YuZhi on this, it¡¯s always him. He¡¯s my best friend, been there my whole life, and he¡¯s the one who¡¯s hurt. It¡¯s that simple. Don¡¯t make this about us, Linlin. I¡¯m not in the mood and it won¡¯t go how you think it would, no matter how I feel about you.¡± He warned with an edge to his tone.


    ¡°Well, I choose her. Because she¡¯s hurt in this too, and I believe she¡¯s innocent. And I can¡¯t believe you of all people would be this way towards her or make this kind of statement. No matter how I feel about you, I won¡¯t forgive you being a Schmuck over this!¡±


    ¡°Stop it, both of you.¡± TangShi interjected, having made her way to the bedroom door and heard them arguing. Unable to bear it any longer and not wanting this to affect Linlin¡¯s first real rtionship. She liked ZhengLi and could understand his loyalty and anger in this. Even TangShi was ashamed and hated herself for doing this to YuZhi so she could imagine how he felt and didn¡¯t me him. ¡°I need to talk to him, ZhengLi. Please, I just want to see him.¡± TangShi begged, brushing aside their bickering.


    ¡°Forget it. Last thing he needs today is seeing you. Leave him alone. I don¡¯t want you anywhere near him. I have to go so Linlin, move.¡± ZhengLi was pissed at his girlfriend now too, moving her aside with a hand on her shoulder and getting a prod in the abdomen in angry reaction.


    ¡°Go to hell.¡± Linlin snorted then strutted off flicking her hair at him as she joined TangShi at the door and ZhengLi exhaled heavily. No energy for either of them when he had slept the bare minimal this past week. Simmering his own rage and already exhausted and desperate to go back home to check on YuZhi.


    ¡°Is he staying with you? Is he okay? What has he said?¡± TangShi couldn¡¯t let go of needing to know about him.


    ¡°He¡¯s fine. He¡¯s with me and soon as you get out of here he¡¯sing home to get on with his life. I suggest you make it easy for him. ept reality and deal with it.¡±


    ¡°What about their marriage? Isn¡¯t he going to honor that or stick to the PR story? He still has an heir to get out of this, and a fucking contract. He can¡¯t avoid her forever.¡± Linlin bit, shaking her head at how mean ZhengLi was being and seeing him in a whole new light. Hating on him for being the loyal best friend that mirrored her and yet not seeing the simrity between them. Both were blinded by their friends.


    ¡°That depends on grandpaw. Once he knows about this, he might dissolve the contract seeing as sex with other people was a use. Guess you two get a secret divorce and forget you ever met. Put it down to a bad memory or some shit.¡± ZhengLi pushed passed them with two cases on wheels, d to be done here so he could leave and no remorse in spitting out some home truths. He wasn¡¯t bothered about hurting her feelings inparison to destroying his mate¡¯s heart.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    TangShi crumbled where she stood as though all the air was sapped out of her body, folding onto the floor in a heap at the realization of his words. A new wave of desperate tears hit home. Slumping and covering her face so that Linlin moved to her side immediately and hugged her from a bent over position.


    ¡°Just go. You¡¯re not helping anything, and you can forget our date tonight.¡± Linlin snapped at ZhengLi as he sauntered past them, enraged and hating on him. He paused and smirked at Linlin, irritated by her snarky remark. A coldness to his manner that concealed hisplicated emotions concerning the two of them in this.


    ¡°That¡¯s a given. YuZhi needs me, so for however long he does, you and I should cool things off. I don¡¯t think I can stomach hearing you stick up for her while he¡¯s sat in my apartment cut up over this. Maybe for the best.¡± He didn¡¯t wait for her response and ignored the aching wrench in his chest and stomach that was telling him not to be so dumb. Pulling the cases and heading out and leaving Linlin to tend to the heartbroken TangShi.


    ¡°Fine by me. I don¡¯t like you all that much anymore anyway. Asshole.¡± Linlin yelled after him impulsively, her feral on show when hurt by someone, tears welling up, but she swallowed them down and bit back the choking lump in her throat. Her chest heavy with pain.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fight because of me. Go after him. Don¡¯t do this. You two shouldn¡¯t break up because of me.¡± TangShi gripped Linlin¡¯s hand, shaking it to try and knock some sense into her but got a head shake in return. Knowing this was all kinds of wrong and adding to her guilt.


    ¡°Screw him. Best friendse first. If he can¡¯t trust my judgment and love you as an extended part of me, then he¡¯s not the one. He hasn¡¯t given you the benefit of the doubt or let me try and tell him why I believe you. He should listen to me at least.¡± Linlin sniffed back her raw emotions and pushed it all down tight with an air of ¡®I don¡¯t care,¡¯


    ¡°He¡¯s upset and he cares about YuZhi. Don¡¯t be mad at him for that. It¡¯s no different to what you¡¯re doing for me. Don¡¯t believe in me. I did this. I can¡¯t deny it and it shouldn¡¯te between you.¡± TangShi was distraught that this was leeching into everyone else¡¯s rtionships too and she had no idea what she was meant to do about school after this. Rong Cai and school were a mess she couldn¡¯t face, and she had been blocking his calls since she left the hotel.


    ¡°Do you trust me? That my faith in you isn¡¯t just blind loyalty?¡± Linlin caught her hands and pulled her with a tug, so they faced one another, a seriousness etched on her brow as they sat on the floor together.


    ¡°Linlin I know you love me, but in this, you¡¯re wrong.¡±


    ¡°Please just go with me. I want to have you checked over and a little blood test for my own peace of mind. If I¡¯m wrong then I¡¯ll never mention it again, okay. I¡¯ll ept this is what it is, and we will get through this together. It might change everything.¡± Linlin couldn¡¯t let this go. Her gut was rarely wrong and in this she bet her life on how well she knew TangShi.


    ¡°Why would I need a test or to be checked over? What do you think happened to me? I was drunk and stupid and messed my life up¡­.. that¡¯s all there is to it.¡±


    Linlin loved TangShi¡¯s trusting and angelic nature sometimes. Her willingness to see good in people even when they treated her poorly. She even loved her childlike innocence, but not today. Right now she needed to wise up and realize the world was full of bad people like Rong Cai, who hid behind smiles and charming exteriors but had twisted mines and all sorts of tricks.


    ¡°I just want to be sure you weren¡¯t roofied. Please, trust me. We can go to the clinic where that doctor you see is. Ask him to give you a physical and some routine checks, okay?¡±


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t understand. Rong wouldn¡¯t do something weird to me. He likes me and he¡¯s kind to me. He¡¯s a little intense but he¡¯s not some criminal. He¡¯s the proprietor of a well known and respect school, for god¡¯s sake. I don¡¯t think he would try and harm me like that when I¡¯m literally one of their prized students. It would ruin his reputation and his school.¡± TangShi was in denial and Linlin began to lose patience with her.


    ¡°Right, he is.. he does, but I¡¯m a sceptic and it¡¯s for my piece of mind. Its just with you not remembering and knowing you, I don¡¯t want to let this bypass without being sure. If all you get is a blood test then I¡¯ll be happy. Who knows, maybe someone spiked your drink and his too¡­ there¡¯s always that possibility it wasn¡¯t him and you both were victims in this.¡± Linlin could only resort to bluffing, sighing at TangShi who was clearly not thinking straight. Knowing the girl was still in shock about what went down and not being her normal sensible self. If she was drugged there was a good chance it was still heavily in her system and causing her behavior to be more extreme.


    ¡°Oh.¡± She opened her mouth in surprise realizing this might be usible. ¡°We should tell him to get tested too, right?¡± She opened her moistened eyes wider as though seeing some possibility in this. Stopping her tears as a light of hope shone through that maybe she could exin it to YuZhi if it was true and he might be able to forgive her if she did something while under the influence of drugs. It wasn¡¯t her if she did anything while high.


    ¡°Yeah sure, just let us deal with you first and when we know, I can talk to him myself.¡± There was no way in hell Linlin was letting TangShi anywhere near that snake again but for now she wanted to have her tested, and then they could deal with the results when they knew them.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll get a blood test. The doctors number is in my cell.¡± TangShi nodded, her hands shaking and her mind drifting to try and recall if there was anyonest night who would be so ruthless towards them. Suspicious of the ones who mocked them and insinuated Rong was her boyfriend now she thought of it.


    ¡°Good girl, now go run a bath while I make an appointment. We can concentrate on that for now and think about YuZhi when we know.¡±

 YuZhi and Rhea Prt 1

    YuZhi stumbled against the wall, tripping over nothing, putting his hands out to stop the fall he knew wasing and staggered onwards with intent. The world swaying back and forth, and his sense of realism was greatly skewed. It waste, past midnight and he had slipped out of Cheng¡¯s bar while ZhengLi was in the bathroom. Needing air, to be alone and to clear his head now his drunkenness levels were extreme. He could barley see straight and had that surreal dopey mind of a badly intoxicated person.


    Booze hadn¡¯t stopped the internal agony and splicing pain of discovering TangShi with that scumbag Rong Cai this morning, in the Ritz Carlton looking very much like the aftermath of a one-night stand. Instead it felt like it had taken away his ability to put it out of his head and focus on other things. Now it was torturing him alive and he gone looking for sce. The memory of it turned his stomach again, his head a blurry mess of chaos and confused thoughts as he hammered on the door of the location he was aiming for.


    He could barely hold himself upright, but a deep ingrained habit had brought him traipsing across the city at this hour to find some sense of relief to his heartbreak. He banged again with a closed fist, hauling himself against the wooden surface and knocking his head against it in frustration as he turned and used it as a resting post for his uncoordinated body.


    ¡°Come on, open up¡­. You have a guest!! Don¡¯t be rude!¡± He slurred, practically incoherent and used the back of his foot to heel tap too. Incessant and louder than he realized.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± the door was ripped open at speed, the angry voice falling over the top of him as he caved in backwards and flopped into an ungraceful heap on the floor with a thud. Dazed and blinking up at the familiar face that was towering over him angrily, not feeling any pain because his body was numb.


    ¡°Hi, Rhea¡­.. hi buddy. Did you miss me?¡± YuZhi waved in a childish manner, pleased to see his friend who always knew how to make things less painful and then rolled on his side in an attempt to get up.


    ¡°You¡¯re drunk as hell. What are you doing here, it¡¯s almost one and you¡¯ll wake my neighbors?¡± Rhea, leaned down, almost gaging on the stench of whisky and helped haul him up to his feet again. Annoyed that after everythingtely, he would show up here unannounced and wasted like this.


    ¡°I came to see you, my bestie¡­. Because¡­.¡± YuZhi wandered past her, tugging out of the loose grip she had on his jacket and zigzagged into the lounge. ¡°You redecorated, it¡¯s nice. I like the pink.¡± He waved his arms around at the modern apartment, not even finishing his sentence, doing a half turn before flopping over against a nearby wall and sliding down to his ass. Laughing at his own inability to stand anymore.


    ¡°Come in why don¡¯t you?¡± Rhea snapped in sarcasm, not too sure why his intoxicated ass was grazing her doorstep and mmed her door shut. When they dated he was under strict orders to nevere here like this. She couldn¡¯t deal with drunk men, and she didn¡¯t want to do it now he wasn¡¯t her problem anymore. Not that she had seen him like this in many years.


    ¡°You know¡­. We¡¯re friends ¡­. You would have never done anything to really mess me up. I liked that about you.¡± YuZhi let the words roll out unfiltered as his thoughts rambled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I was such a jerk¡­I mean, karma though. You¡¯ll be thest oneughing. Rhea, you really are a gem of a girl, I never said that before.¡± YuZhi pulled himself to his side and crawled towards the walnut unit that used to house Rhea¡¯s home bar in the search for another drink. Afraid of losing his foggy head and having to face the reality of his fucked up life.


    ¡°What are you talking about? Shouldn¡¯t you be going home about now? Won¡¯t TangShi be worried?¡± Rhea followed him knowing he wasn¡¯t going to find anything much over there as she had poured most of it down the sink when she came home from London. She was taking a long break from booze for her own sanity and didn¡¯t have a drop left in here.


    ¡°Tang, Tang, Tang¡­¡­.. she won¡¯t be home anymore. I threw her out. We broke up.¡± YuZhi sighed, hating the feel of her name on his tongue, rubbing his eyes to extract her picture from his mind and screwing up his face in distaste. A surge of agony coursing through his chest and stomach. He pulled out his cell in an attempt to focus on other things and forget the one name he couldn¡¯t handle. ¡°I¡¯ll call for takeout. Go find me a drink, please, my dearestpadre. I¡¯ll buy you Da Zha Xie.¡± Hemanded pointing at her cab with an air prodding finger.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°I have nothing here except coffee, fruit juice, or water. That¡¯s your choice. I don¡¯t want steamed crab. I want you to tell me what¡¯s going on. What do you mean you broke up?¡± Rhea¡¯s heart started thumping hard, so that it felt like her chest might explode with the pounding, confused with his behavior and yet shocked at this revtion. She had seen them together and knew they loved each other, more than he ever did her so she couldn¡¯t understand a breakup. She was kind of annoyed that after ruining her rtionship with him, he would go and toss his new one aside.


    ¡°TangShi cheated on me¡­ with the fucker from school. That¡¯s what I get for us, right? Whates around¡­.. and all that.¡± His words were slow and drawn out and Rhea frowned at him, trying to grasp the situation before walking to perch on the edge of the couch and sitting down to look at him. Saddened and filled with genuine hurt and care for him as he looked so lost, even through his alcohol haze. Genuinely torn about how tofort him.


    ¡°Are you serious? TangShi? There¡¯s no way, she¡¯s not like that. Isn¡¯t it just a fight and some kind of misunderstanding?¡± Rhea maybe wasn¡¯t all that enamored with their rtionship, but she had gotten to know the girl enough these past months and this didn¡¯t seem true at all.


    Despite her behavior towards TangShi, and all the lies and backstabbing she had done to make Aunt hate her, she had always resented how sweet and pure TangShi was. Her innocence and naivety and that honest heart. She couldn¡¯t imagine her being a girl to sleep with some other man.


    ¡°Shhhhh¡­. I need to make a call. Look, I have like twenty missed calls and a dozen texts from that cheating faker.¡± YuZhi held up a finger to his mouth, a mischievous yet bitter expression on his face that made Rhea groan that he was about to be an idiot. His phone had been silent all day and he had been ignoring it for fear he would cave if he saw TangShi¡¯s name.


    ¡°Who you calling?¡± She probed, getting up to walk to him as he finger punched the screen in a bid to pull up a name and then stuck his phone to his ear. Hushing her with a childlike gesture and missing his mouth when he shooshed her again.


    ¡°My ex-girlfriend. She¡¯s not a nice girl¡­ I should probably return a call or two and see what she so desperately wants.¡±


    ¡°Hang up. You¡¯re drunk and mad and you¡¯ll regret it.¡± Rhea reached for the phone, her gut swirling with anxiety at being caught in this and yet YuZhi only batted her away.


    ¡°Answer phone, beeeep¡­¡­. Guess she doesn¡¯t want to talk to me anymore, huh?¡­¡­ shhhh.¡± He smiled, waving his hand around to thwart all her attempts to get his phone from him, even when she stood up and made a grab for it, cing one hand on his head to hold him still.


    ¡°Or maybe it¡¯s because it¡¯s one am, and she might be asleep? You know, like I was until you banged down my door. Give me the cell, YuZhi. Stop being stupid.¡± Rhea clenched her fists, frustrated at his dodging her and red at him with an urge to kick him in the stomach. He was behaving like an imbecile.


    ¡°Tang¡­ Sheeeeee¡­¡­.. where are you, huh? Are you at Rong Cai¡¯s house?  That fucker. IS that what you¡¯re doing right now and why you won¡¯t answer my call?¡± YuZhi fell over sideways, his words incoherent but Rhea knew TangShi would probably understand it when she yed it back and tried one more time to get it.  She knew this was an awful idea on his part and tried not to pay too much attention to his nonsense chatter.


    ¡°Give.¡± She whispered so as not to be heard on the recording. Aware how much it would hurt her if the role was reversed.


    ¡°Tang, because you fucked someone else I¡¯m staying with Rhea tonight, and we¡¯re going to have a party. Don¡¯t wait up, kiddo, I think I might just even the scales. It¡¯s not like you can say anything about it.¡± YuZhi¡¯s voice broke, his emotions betraying him as his huskiness came out and his eyes misted up. ¡°Maybe fucking her will make me forget you. What do you reckon, Rhea? You in?¡±  he reached out to her, as if genuinely expecting a response and Rhea cursed at him under her breath and motioned a neck slicing gesture his way.

 YuZhi and Rhea Prt 2

    Rhea attempted to rip the cell out of his hand, leaning over him precariously and delivering a smack to his forehead that startled him, distracted enough to get it away from his vice like grip and she hung up immediately. Shaking her head at him and then pushed up off the ground, still cussing him out quietly, and walked off with it. Her temper rising at being used as a tool to cause pain to TangShi in this way. She didn¡¯t know what the hell was going on, but this wasn¡¯t who she was, who he was, and she knew YuZhi didn¡¯t mean a damn word he said. It was petty and cruel and would only make more of a mess in the long run. Especially once his family heard about this train wreck.


    Rhea flicked through his call list and hit ZhengLi¡¯s name on the recants without a second thought.  Waiting for him to pick up as she flicked at her nail and watched YuZhi maneuver himself face down on the floor, nestling into her fluffy rug, and seemingly pass out. Nonplussed with what he just did and probably doing what was the best for his body and mind. She did pity him his heartbreak even if it was somehow justified after breaking hers.


    He had hit his upper limit of alcohol consumption and she didn¡¯t dare to think how much he had consumed. He was a seasoned drinker who rarely got like this so he must have been downing it like water all day. It was a testimony to how much TangShi had royally screwed him up.


    ¡°Yo, buddy, where are you? I¡¯ve been searching everywhere.¡± ZhengLi¡¯s worried tone came through loud and clear, and Rhea was at least d to hear he sounded sober. Someone she could rely on to actually help her tonight.


    ¡°He¡¯s at mine. It¡¯s Rhea. Come get him before I toss him outside and dunk some cold water over him. He¡¯s a mess and thest thing he should do is spend a night here.¡± If not for TangShi¡¯s sake, the families, then for the fact the media might snap him leaving here in the morning and blow up her life. That would be a month of headlines and spections for sure.


    ¡°Jesus Christ, why is he there?¡± ZhengLi scratched his head, not overly surprised that YuZhi sought Rhea out. All their life she had been his stable and warm ce offort. The three of them inseparable best friends in all things. She had been a shoulder to cry on when he didn¡¯t want ZhengLi to see him break. Drunk he must have yearned for her gentle care and wanted to have that space where he could stop pretending to be strong and unbothered.


    ¡°Because he¡¯s been my friend since I was three. And I¡¯m guessing old habits die hard when he is going through something awful. Come get him, I¡¯ll make coffee. You can give me the details. And Zheng¡­ ummmm, you better call Linlin and tell her he¡¯s with you and going home. I think he maybe called her and got her worried. He was talking nonsense.¡± Rhea lied, knowing fine well it was TangShi¡¯s phone he called, as she saw it on the recent calls.


    ¡°Sure.¡± ZhengLi furrowed his brow, not really in the mood to tackle Linlin head on, especially after how things ended this morning but not wanting her stressed out and worried over YuZhi¡¯s welfare either. He would text her and tell her to ignore anything YuZhi had said.


    Rhea didn¡¯t want to be something to cause pain anymore and was trying to atone for her sins as it was. This wasn¡¯t how she wanted him, even if TangShi had done something unforgiveable. Rhea had found her pride and knew if she ever wanted him back, it would be because he wanted her and not as a knee jerk rebound impulse move. She knew she was worth more.


    ¡°On my way. Make a big pot and I can get him up and moving.¡± ZhengLi sighed, already out in the street because he had been wandering around trying to find this idiot for thest half hour. Relieved that like a homing pigeon, he had gone somewhere familiar and safe, and Rhea would take care of him until he got there. He could stop spam calling him like an overwrought parent now.


    Rhea hung up and left the cell on her kitchen counter, walking over to switch on her coffee machine and exhaled as she gazed at him across the room. She had gone through a lot these past weeks. A lot of soul searching and self-reflection of her behaviors and the start of her own personal growth. She had discovered a lot about herself and her dependency on YuZhi when she had time to look at him from a distance. Space had opened her eyes to a lot of delusions.


    She loved him still, but she knew their rtionship had never been a fairytale romance, more of a sibling love that had blurred lines. Watching him now, broken and drunk over something TangShi had done, she knew he never got his messed up over her in all their years together. It stung but it further brought home the reality that they should always have remained friends and been a support to one another. She had dyed real happiness with mutual love all these years and be so desperate to cling to him she lost sight of herself for a while.


    ¡°Are you dead?¡± Rhea called out, aware he was still breathing as she could see his rise and fall of rhythmic movement. ¡°You¡¯re going to wish you were when you wake up tomorrow. You idiot.¡± Rhea walked over to him, leaving the pot to stew and bent down to check his face and airways. Lying facedown wasn¡¯t ideal if he vomited so she kneeled down, pulling his face to the side and gazed at him for a long while. It was nice to be near him again, to see him without the cloud of bitterness over their heads. She was just sad that he came in this state and obviously cut up.


    ¡°If I was still the bad bitch that was crazily trying to pull you back to me, I could have totally used this tonight. Seduced you or set you up to look like we had sex ¡­¡­ you utter fool.¡± Rhea stroked his hair from his face, admiring the beauty of this man and yet feeling a low aching that wasn¡¯t quite the piercing pain of heartbreak when they first separated. It was a dull eptance and more of a sorrow for seeing him suffer now. Tired because of thete hour andcking energy in general. Something tugging at the back of her brain at her own words, but she dismissed it.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, I hope whatever happened between you two gets sorted out. I don¡¯t believe TangShi would do anything like that to you¡­.. it doesn¡¯t make sense. When you¡¯re sober, we¡¯ll talk. Just don¡¯t do this to yourself, okay, it doesn¡¯t help. Trust me, I tried it. I just want to see you happy, and not like this.¡± She knew she was talking to herself, but it was cathartic somehow and seemed like she could say things with sincerity that gave her closure without his judgment. She waited on ZhengLi, and blew out her air, letting her lips vibrate as she thought of how ridiculous this scenario was. Last thing she thought she would be doing ever again was tending to this guy in her apartment and willingly having Zheng take him away again.


    ¡°Maybe I should have called TangShi toe get you instead, so you were forced to see her when you woke up. Or maybe she would have taken this the wrong way and made things worse. Boy, you really do know how to make a massive mess of things when ites to women.¡± Rhea got up, wandered back to the kitchen where the pot was happily spurting, nearingpletion and invading the air with strong coffee scents. Slumping her shoulders and nestling on a breakfast bar stool as she dumped sugar and creamer into a mug in readiness. Her mind drifting to what he said, and she nced his way with a sudden thought.


    ¡°The school guy?  That Rong creep? Rong Cai? Hell no.¡± Rhea shook her head, picturing Rong Cai, someone she knew in a roundabout way through a friend from a lot of drama a few years before and had met him again that day she went to TangShi¡¯s school. Surprised to see him there and making sure she had given him a wide berth. Her memory swirling and picking out the points that had brought her to attention and the sick feeling in her stomach about events from the past she had almost forgotten. It seemed a little too coincidental for it to involve him again and what she just said to YuZhi sparked a tingle of doubt.


    It was obvious that day at the school he had a thing for TangShi. Lurking in the shadows watching them and giving Rhea the creeps. TangShi had seemed oblivious to him and even when he strolled their way, she ducked her head and left without giving him a second nce. There was no hint that she would screw YuZhi over for Rong Cai. In fact, Rhea didn¡¯t need to be a psychologist to see TangShi was all about YuZhi and saw no one else.


    She slid YuZhi¡¯s phone to her, already knowing his passcode as he seemed to have never changed it and scrolled through the contacts list until she found the fiery little shadow that hovered around TangShi like a mother hen. She had met her a few times and always felt that Linlin was always secretly snarling her way, answering with passive aggressive undertones, and suspecting her. A proper loyal little guard dog who would fight tooth and nail for her friend. She had to be a wild one to be reckoned with if she was the current ZhengLi girlfriend, a title he had given no one before. It was pretty impressive.


    Pulling up her name and forwarding her contact card to her own cell with a determined frown, even if she wasn¡¯t sure she had any reason to talk to her at all, but she couldn¡¯t ignore it. If anyone was the person to reach out to and talk about Rong Cai to without bacsh and usations, then it would be Linlin. She might also be sat doubting TangShi¡¯s guilt. Because none of this sat right with Rhea and knowing what she knew, it just felt like there was more to this when it concerned that perverted fuck.

 Truce Prt 1

    Linlin was impatiently thrusting her boba balls in her tea around with her straw, tapping her sandal d foot over her crossed legs and eyeing up the oing food traffic as she waited. Growing irritated with every second she sat here. The sun was shining bright, so she hade to rest outside the small cafe on her way to the clinic and was in no mood for bullshit. She had agreed to meet Rhea for five minutes and the wench was alreadyte. Only here because she said it was important and rted to YuZhi and TangShi.


    Linlin was battle ready and not about to fall for any kind of maniption on her part. She had no time to be messing around while TangShi slept at home if this was an attempt to further separate them. After a sleepless few days and sedatives before she had a mental break, Linlin was eager to get back to her. She didn¡¯t want her to be alone for any length of time given she was struggling emotionally over losing YuZhi.


    ¡°Miss. Choi.¡± The familiar soft voice of that picture of poise and elegance strolled into view. A mask and sunsses to conceal her identity, paired with a long ck dress over boots, but Linlin knew who it was right away. She didn¡¯t seem all that concerned about making her wait and it left a sour taste in Linlin¡¯s mouth at how rude that was.


    ¡°Rhea. You¡¯rete.¡± Linlin didn¡¯t care for the formalities having never liked this girl and suspicious of her motives today. ¡°What did you want to meet me for? Spit it out, I don¡¯t have much time.¡± Straight to the point, no messing. A haughty way of addressing her that was a Linlin normal with people she didn¡¯t like.


    ¡°Blunt, I like it. I¡¯ll get straight to the point as you don¡¯t seem like the small talk kind.¡± Rhea slid into a seat opposite her and rested her elbows on the table to get closer and lowered her tone. ¡°I saw YuZhi a couple of days ago and he was in a bad way. I got the jist of what happened and yet, I don¡¯t really believe it. So I¡¯m here to impart some of my wisdom.¡± Rhea raised a brow as Linlin observed her with a slight furrowed re and indescribable and unreadable expression.


    ¡°Really? And how is that? Why didn¡¯t you just tell me on the phone?¡± The sarcasm was evident because Linlin really didn¡¯t think Rhea should ever be trusted. The girl always had a motive in Linlin¡¯s opinion.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say this on the phone in case it¡¯s recorded. You¡¯d be amazed how far the paparazzi go nowadays. Rong Cai. He has history with a friend of mine who moved abroad to outrun him a couple of years ago. If he¡¯s connected to this then I figured you should know what I do. TangShi never struck me as the adultery type, and she genuinely seems to love YuZhi.¡± Rhea waved her hand at the passing waiter and pointed at Linlin¡¯s milk bubble tea to gesture she would have the same. Not sure if sharing this information had a point, but she wanted to offload it and help if it did.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying TangShi is innocent and that Rong Cai is what?¡± Linlin raised her brow in distrust, sat back and crossed her arms in a gesture to show she was no pushover. She didn¡¯t fall for some fast words and kind gestures that easily.


    ¡°My friend was stalked by him for several months. He tried everything to pull apart her and her then fianc¨¦e and he had some pretty inventive methods. He didn¡¯t take no as an answer. I don¡¯t know all the details but in the end she moved abroad and got married and he had no choice but to give up. She didn¡¯t want to make it public given her fianc¨¦es status as a celebrity, so she never reported him. He¡¯s unscrupulous and unhinged even if he does hide it well.¡±


    ¡°Inventive? Such as drugging a girl to take her back to a hotel room?¡± Linlin snorted, not even surprised by this tidbit of information. Looking back he certainly seemed the type to be obsessively attached to a girl given the way he seemed to follow TangShi and lie openly the night in the bar. His interest in her was one sided and without anye ons from TangShi he had developed an almighty attachment to her that didn¡¯t seem healthy. Linlin¡¯s gut was twinging like crazy that Rong was capable of devious acts.


    ¡°Is that what you think he did? That he took advantage of her under the influence of drugs.¡±


    ¡°I have to collect the blood and urine report today. I¡¯m literally on my way there but my gut tells me they will have found something in her system. TangShi is adamant she wasn¡¯t drinking all that much and then she has no memory between eating cake and waking up in a hotel bed half naked.¡± Linlin exhaled heavily, still getting irrationally mad anytime she thought of her friends vulnerability that night and what he must have done to her. Her protective instinct kicking in strong, and she downed a gulp of tea to dislodge the choking rage.


    ¡°So she really did have sex with him? ¡­ Only she didn¡¯t consent, and she was unaware of it?¡± Rhea felt sick at the thought of how easy it was for a woman to be taken that way. A stirring of empathy and heartache for TangShi because she had no idea what was even done to her. She couldn¡¯t imagine if it was her and how vited she would feel. It didn¡¯t bear thinking about.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. She woke up with her underwear on and I don¡¯t know many rapists who will stop to redress you if they want you waking up convinced it was consensual sex. My gut says he drugged her and staged it but never took it all the way. He hopes to have a rtionship with her, maybe he had some sense of boundary when it came to that. I just don¡¯t know how far he went.¡± Linlin had been confuse don this ever since she picked her up. To her the underwear being on her body and intact was a detail that seemed important.


    ¡°You had her checked and blood and urine tests, did they examine her body to see? Can they even tell?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°No. I couldn¡¯t put her through that trauma, and I know she had a wild night with YuZhi hours before so either way she would have had evidence of rough sex. TangShi is in denial about all of this, and I really don¡¯t want to tell her she might have been raped. The way she is right now, she wouldn¡¯t deal too well with that on top of everything. She already believes they had sex so she would never have agreed to a testing kit because of the shame of it and the doctor agreed not to push her when he saw her, due to her mental state.¡±


    Rhea fell silent, trying to block out her ears to the admission of YuZhi and TangShi having a rough and ready night of sex. Still affected by that in rtion to him even if it was getting easier and instead focused on the awfulness of this whole thing. Saddened for YuZhi too as a victim in this as much as TangShi was. d she went with her gut and reached out to Linlin this way to understand more of what was going on and now she was determined to right the wrongs.


    ¡°What are you going to do if the results are positive?¡± Rhea leaned back as the waiter brought her drink and smiled with a nod and quiet thank you before turning back her attention to the paused Linlin. They waited until he had walked away and Linlin leaned back in.


    ¡°I had hoped ZhengLi would be on board to helping me figure this out, but he¡¯s gone AWOL and won¡¯t answer my calls. He¡¯s one hundred percent Team YuZhi and thinks TangShi is the devil in this.¡± Linlin stabbed her drink with her straw, trying not to face the swirling bitter heartache that asshole caused her. Hurting much deeper than she wanted to admit at his ability to cut her off and break up over something like this as if Linlin didn¡¯t mean anything.


    Rhea smiled softly, a small breathyugh escaping her lips and she shook her head in warm adoration.


    ¡°That¡¯s Zheng all over. Loyal to a fault and when ites to his brother, he won¡¯t hear anything against him. A bullheaded moron who chooses him above al else, even if it¡¯s wrong. He can¡¯t bear to see YuZhi hurt but I think sharing the results with him will change that. He¡¯s not got a bad bone in his body and if he knows there¡¯s been foul y he will use all his resources to uncover it.¡± On this Rhea was sure. ZhengLi was special, with the investigation skills of an FBI agent when needed and quite often had been Leng Groups secret weapon. If anyone could find out the truth of something, it was ZhengLi.

 Truce Prt 2

    ¡°I don¡¯t see how I can ask him to do anything while he¡¯s avoiding me and we¡¯re apparently on a break over this whole mess. He¡¯s a stubborn and blind idiot who¡¯s convinced TangShi is guilty. There¡¯s no talking to him.¡± Linlin snorted, frustrated and yet also broken over that little turn of events.


    ¡°Oh dear. I did say loyal to a fault. Don¡¯t be too mad at him. ZhengLi isn¡¯t the brightest when ites to love and probably thinks he¡¯s doing the right thing for all of you. Especially if your best friend and his best friend are in a cold standoff. Maybe he wants to avoid you too escting to the point of no return while it¡¯s all so raw.¡± Rhea was amused at the fact she was sitting here giving Linlin rtionship advise. It was the weirdest kind of irony given their rtionship.


    ¡°So yeah, going to collect the results after waiting days for them and then I have no idea what to do next. I hadn¡¯t thought that far ahead as I am just praying the results are what I¡¯m expecting to be honest.¡± Linlin didn¡¯t even want to entertain the idea that she was wrong because in her heart she knew that wasn¡¯t possible, so she swerved the topic and came back to the most important point.


    ¡°CCTV from the hotel. Or wherever she ate cake? Maybe it catches something¡­.. like Rong drugging her or cajoling her in some way. Maybe evidence of him carrying her or how far gone she was. You can¡¯t consent if you arepletely wasted.¡± Rhea offered, thinking outside the box. Not sure where to start in proving underhanded behavior in this scenario.  ¡°If YuZhi knew she was drugged, maybe he himself would seek out the details. You can only wait for the paperwork and then take it from there.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if it will be enough, it won¡¯t change the fact she slept with someone else. YuZhi still won¡¯t be able to get over that even if he thought she was intoxicated, and it won¡¯t change how guilty TangShi feels. I have to have proof she was out cold andpletely unaware and not involved in what took ce.¡± Linlin knew this was moreplicated than it seemed, and thest few days had seen YuZhi hurting TangShi in all kinds of ways while he was hurting.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Leaving her in that room with Rong, crushing her heart wasn¡¯t bad enough. Then the night he drunkenly left voicemails to tell her he was sleeping with Rhea. It¡¯s the one text from ZhengLi Linlin had gotten, to clear that up, but it still left TangShi distraught and sobbing all morning in case it might have been true. There had been papers delivered asking her to sign to terminate their marriage, an eviction notice for the apartment which had pushed Linlin to moving her to Linlin¡¯s family home. He withdrew her payments from the school so she could either find her own tuition to carry on or leave, but TangShi had no desire to go back at all anyway.


    It had been a rough few days of YuZhi ostracizing her, pushing her aside and cutting off all connections including finances. Her artwork from his office at Leng was sent to her all packed up with no note as though he couldn¡¯t stand to have any part of her in his life anymore.


    He had wiped their interactionspletely as though she never meant anything to him and sent the PR advisors to her to discuss how they were going to handle a public breakup announcement. YuZhi was not ying, returning to cold and heartless, determined to wipe the pain from his heart, and his grandfather was fighting him tooth and nail and begging him to keep the contract and arrangements in ce even if they had separated. He blocked TangShi¡¯s contact so she couldn¡¯t speak to him or see him.


    Rong Cai was on the other hand continuously trying to get in touch with TangShi to the point she changed her number. She ignored his calls and texts and never listened to the voicemails or read his emails. Ashamed about what happened between them and knowing her only way to have a hope with YuZhi was topletely sever contact with Rong Cai. She didn¡¯t care if its was cruel or unjust and he hadn¡¯t done anything wrong, it wasn¡¯t about him in her head. All that mattered was trying to w back what she had with YuZhi and as she had no real friendship with Rong, she saw it as necessary.


    She sent a written letter to the school announcing her leaving and yet Rong had kept trying to get in touch to refuse it. It was driving him crazy that after his night with her she hadpletely snubbed him and was making for a rather bitter and vengeful person, especially receiving her withdrawal notice. He wasn¡¯t going to leave things alone. His n was backfiring on him and he was scrambling for ways to pull her back to the art school.


    ¡°I¡¯lle with you to the clinic. And if it¡¯s positive, I¡¯ll speak to ZhengLi and convince him to help. I know you don¡¯t have reason to trust me in this, but my goal is to see YuZhi happy, no matter what that looks like. If it¡¯s with TangShi then I¡¯ll do what you need of me. I didn¡¯t lose him just to see it turn into this train wreck and it hurts my pride to know I lost a three-year rtionship to this mess.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t get you. Spending months being a crazy bitch who tried to sabotage them and pull them apart and now you¡¯re here on TangShi¡¯s side. What¡¯s your game?¡± Linlin couldn¡¯t get her head around this version of Rhea and didn¡¯t really want to believe in it either. Although she could see a change in her, as though she was calmer, somehow serene, she knew she could be a great actress.


    ¡°Repentance. I had a lot of timetely to look in the mirror and see a woman I¡¯ve be all these years who resembles nothing of who I used to be proud of. I used to be independent and self-sufficient and somehow lost it. My mother would be so disappointed if she had seen me.¡± Rhea had learned to look for spiritual enlightenmenttely.


    ¡°Come on. Sooner I collect it the better. I¡¯m driving myself insane with the need to be sure.¡± Linlin got up, leaving her cup on the table and motioned towards the bright orange car parked across the street. ¡°Do you need a ride?¡±


    ¡°That depends on your driving. If you do it the way you conduct yourself in life I may need an Uber.¡± Rhea joked, leaving her own untouched tea on the table which she ordered to be polite.


    ¡°Funny. I can¡¯t ride with cowards so you either suck it up and get in or I leave you here. I like my passengers to be fearless and understand they wave their rights to life when they get in my car.¡± Linlin winked, a hint of jocrity softening her overall stern demeanor and it made Rheaugh out loud in a sudden burst. A truce evident between them as they worked for amon goal.


    ¡°I put my life in your hands. I can see why TangShi has stuck with you all these years.¡± Rhea followed her to cross the street. ¡°You¡¯re entertaining and loyal. I admire your friendship. You remind me of ZhengLi, only a lot scarier and with way more of a colorful vocabry.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, don¡¯t mention that dickwad to me. He is in the doghouse, especially after this¡­. If someone like you can see sense and realize TangShi didn¡¯t do this then ZhengLi should have been able to figure it out too. He was supposed to be her friend.¡± Linlin huffed, catching Rhea¡¯s arm to guide her across the busy street they way she did with TangShi, mothering Rhea and unaware of the softening almost tearful expression aimed at the back of her head for such a simple thing. Rhea had never had female friends who weren¡¯t model associates or celebrity fakeness. It was weird to have this tiny wild girl taking her across the road like this as though she actually cared for her wellbeing. Hitting Rhea in the sore spot that besides YuZhi and Zheng all these years, no one had taken care of her at all.

 I Need To See Him Prt 1

    TangShi stood outside the huge and foreboding Leng group building as it¡¯s mirrored structure stretched into the clouds above her like a ck dagger. A foreboding skyscraper that helped shape Shanghai¡¯s skyline in its impressive size. Her hands shaking and her heart rhythm chaotic as nerves got the better of her. Terrified right down to the roots of her soul, but she desperately had to see YuZhi. Days of being shunned by him had left her bereft as though mourning a death. She had no sense of closure due to the fast and traumatic way it ended to help her get through this and she couldn¡¯t stop yearning for him.


    She had waited until Linlin left to go run errands, pretending to be asleep and slid out toe to the office buildings in hopes of catching him. Just one minute to see him. Linlin had kept telling her to give him time and space, but she didn¡¯t understand the agony of the long silent emptiness, or the deep dark hole hisck of presence left. She had to see him, even if it was only once, to say her goodbyes and imprint his face to memory to rece the one of heartbreak and misery he left her with. There was no rational thought as to what she would say, just a deep need to be close to him again. Fueled byck of sleep and a foggy saturated mind that was close to being fatigue drunk.


    She pushed her nausea down and her doubts aside and found courage from somewhere deep within her. To be able to walk forward and in the ss multiple doors that spanned the full front of the main entrance. Aware of eyes and heads turning her way and even though she knew nothing had gone public about their separation, her guilt shamed her so that her face flushed, and she dropped her eyes to the floor.


    Realistically staff down here were awed at seeing the fianc¨¦e of their CEO wandering in at this time of the day given she had never graced the building before and were of course curious. She was elegantly dressed in a long linen dress and tan sandals that showcased her petite figure, her long dark hair swept to one shoulder in loose waves and half concealed with a floppy straw hat to shield her from the sun. She wore sunsses to shade her red puffy eyes but to them it was a celebrity necessity to shield identity and they thought nothing of it. To them, she was a natural beauty in simple fashion and a sight to behold.


    TangShi wandered to a long arched silver desk that took up the entire left wall, manned by three pretty girls in matching navy uniforms. The golden logo of Long Group on a massive metal mural behind them.


    ¡°I¡¯d like directions to YuZhi Leng¡¯s office please. I¡¯m his fianc¨¦e.¡± She sounded more confident than she felt, aware she needed to pull off an act of casualness to seem like this was a spontaneous lunch visit and held her breath as the first girl perked up and tilted her head towards her.


    ¡°Ahh yes, Miss Lei. We know who you are. I can have one of our ground staff apany you to the top floor and take you right to him.¡± The sweet girl offered, admiring the wlessness of this woman up close after only seeing her in news articles and video clips from their engagement. It was an unwritten rule among Leng group staff that you never turned away known family members or friends for fear of being fired. Even if their showing up wasn¡¯t in the diary.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need. If you point me in the direction of the elevator and give me a floor, I can find it myself. I want to surprise him.¡± TangShi tried to stop her inner tremble and smiled warmly, her face aching with the effort and sure her shallow breathing was probably noticeable. Petrified of being caught out and turned away. Suddenly fearful that he might have had her cklisted from entering.


    ¡°Ahhh, okay, I won¡¯t announce you then. If you head to the far left elevator over there, it will take you to floor fifty five. That¡¯s the management floor. And there will be a receptionist upon leaving that will further help you. I¡¯lle over and give you ess to the right floor.¡± The girl nodded gesturing her to follow and then walked along behind the desk at the same speed as TangShi did until they met together at the open end.


    ¡°It¡¯s an ess card to get up there that normal visitors are not allowed as it¡¯s by appointment only, but we all know who you are so security will be fine with it.¡± The girl blushed; a little star struck at seeing Mr Leng¡¯s future wife this close up. Most women in this building had heart flutters when they saw their handsome CEO and his assistant, so it was a rare treat to see the kind of woman who had won his heart.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± TangShi followed her to a golden doors elevator that was nked by two uniformed security guards who merely nodded their way as the girl scanned an ID card, and then spread her palm out to encourage her to enter as the doors opened. The girl leaned inside and pressed a floor on the inner panel, swiping the card again at a lower infrared slot and then bowed with a gracious smile.


    ¡°Enjoy your visit, Miss. Lei. Have a nice afternoon.¡± She stepped back to allow the doors to close and TangShi stared at her own reflection as the lobby was concealed from view by immactely clean metal doors. Exhaling slowly with relief that she had gotten past the first hurdle and had a minute to herself to reel back in her nerves and paste on a fresh smile. Her body sagging and her legs turning to jelly.


    Her figure was thinner and her posture a little slumpedpared to her normal happier self and she tried to straighten up in her reflection. Pull it all in to conceal the self-doubt.


    The floor numbers changed quickly on the digital screen in front of her and she inhaled heavily before blowing it out with gusto to try and calm her inner chaos. Her entire body internally vibrating with the sheer stress of what she was doing. She felt like she was embarking on the most terrifying ordeal and had no clue how this was going to end. Bravado fading away as she fidgeted with her ring on one hand and tapped her thumb against her shoulder bag, chewing on her lower lip to curb her anxiety.


    It felt like in a blink of an eye they were pinging open again at a simrly styled and decorated new lobby, faced this time with a smaller walnut desk and a single smiling receptionist who raised her head at the noise. The lighting was subtler up here and she had a feeling of being up high despite not yet seeing a window view.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Good afternoon, how may I help you?¡± the girl nced up briefly, checking her screen diary and knowing they had no appointments for the next hour so was surprised at a stranger walking in, until TangShi¡¯s face registered in the girls memory bank. All staff who dealt with iers had to know by memory anyone that was rted to the managers and her smile froze in ce as she picked out a right identity for this particrdy.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to surprise YuZhi, would you direct me to his office?¡± TangShi held her confidence even though she didn¡¯t feel it and knew any hesitation would be suspicious.


    ¡°His current meeting is due to end soon, I can take you to his office to await him and set you up with refreshments, Miss. Lei.¡± The girl smiled brightly, sure she had the right name and stood to gesture her to head left. TangShi nodded graciously and did so, a little surprised that getting in here and up to his office was this easy and kept expecting hurdles. But then having her face sshed all over the inte and social news channels for thest months did seem to have its benefits. The secretary slid out of her seat and led the way.


    The building itself was modern and decorated in an opulent neutral palette, and expensive manner that screamed of technology and wealth. Every area sectioned off with dividers, nts, and furniture, yet attention had been given to the overall feel to create a happy bright environment to work with many conveniences. TangShi was led along a beige carpeted hallway that spanned one side of an open n office area where a few workers nced her way from singr desks that were sectioned to their own little cozy spaces.


    ¡°This is us.¡± The girl motioned to the expanse of windows servings as a wall with a center pair of double doors. All of the ss had slotted blinds which were shut, concealing the room inside from view. She was shown into a spacious office with a vast full-length wall of bright and uncovered windows so you could view the entirety of the Huangpu river and all the surrounding buildings and beyond. It was spectacr from up here and took her breath away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make you some coffee and a fruit tter ande right back.¡± The girl motioned to the far end where a grouping of grey leather couches sat beside a bar in a casual area, and she walked in with a friendly smile, sliding her sunsses off and putting them into her pocket. Absorbing the atmosphere of the room and somehow feeling YuZhi in the details which gave her both a sense of warmth and painful loss. It helped her still her inner frenzy for a moment and take a proper breath.


    YuZhi¡¯srge dark wood desk was a curved feature on the opposite end, backed with matching bookcases and furniture that held a collection of personal items and a ton of hardback books. Pictures, memorabilia, and metal sculptures, that all seemed to fit in a CEO¡¯s office.


    TangShi forgot her fear and anxiety when faced with this serene space that had a calming effect in its quietness and view. Realizing the room became eerily silent once the door was closed and she looked around wondering if it was a deliberate feature and had been soundproofed. She guessed given some of the sensitive nature of his meetings and calls, it was most likely so. She wandered to the first chair and sat down cautiously into the soft design, ncing around, a little uptight because she felt like she was invading his personal space.


    She didn¡¯t dare look at anything on his desk, or the shelves, for fear of what she might see but did notice arge space of seemingly new artwork over the fish tank wall where he had once told her was pride of ce for her work. Her heart sank seeing that now something else was standing boldly where his view from his desk zoned in. Another reminder that he had wiped the te clean and removed TangShi in the smallest traces of his everyday life.

 I Need To See Him Prt 2

    The click of the door opening had her turn back with a bright weing smile, reaching for her sunsses to cover her obvious tear inflicted puffiness. Expecting to see the receptionist returning with a tray and froze mid task when two suited familiar men strode in, faces in files as they walked in unison. Mumbling details to one another as they read.


    TangShi stood up abruptly, dropping her sses back into her pocket, her heart hammering through her chest at the sight of YuZhi and yet it was ZhengLi who raised his head and spotted her first at catching her movement. Stopping in his tracks mid walk to the desk and tugged on YuZhi¡¯s navy suit sleeve with a nodding gesture her way. His brow furrowed and his cheek flexed.


    ¡°What?¡± YuZhi looked to him on his right then followed his line of sight to the sitting area and froze too. His expression nked out almost immediately and he locked eyes on a nervous trembling TangShi. Likeser beams being initiated and his previous calm expression hardened, and his eyes narrowed at her. He seemed to grow taller as he stood straight, and his posture became somehow intimidating.


    ¡°Leave.¡± His harsh single word was delivered in a cool and cold tone loud enough for it to echo around TangShi. The effect was that of being stabbed in the heart and her eyes pricked and misted over as she swallowed hard, losing her courage. His face betraying nothing of his inner war of emotions at seeing her, or the increase to his pulse and suddenpression of his chest.


    ¡°I¡¯ll escort her out.¡± ZhengLi cut in, moving past him aware they didn¡¯t need a scene up here that could be leaked to the press. He always ran interference in YuZhi¡¯s life and work and didn¡¯t want this to escte.


    ¡°YuZhi, I just want to talk and to see you for a minute. I have some things to say, to exin¡­.¡± TangShi blurted out, a mess and jumble of thoughts and desperate for just a few minutes of his time. Not sure what she could realistically say now she was faced with him.


    ¡°I have nothing to say to you, and I don¡¯t want to see you. Sign the divorce papers and go home back to that family of yours. The contract was void the second you fucked someone else and you¡¯re not my problem anymore.¡± YuZhi¡¯s words bit at TangShi, and she dropped her head in shame, feeling his anger even if he sounded controlled and unaffected. Guilt wounding her and unable to deny his words.


    ¡°Come on, TangShi, this isn¡¯t the ce. I¡¯ll see you out. Be a good girl and let¡¯s do this without drama. We have a lot going on today.¡± ZhengLi had been with YuZhi all week and knew how close to flipping his switch and being extra cruel he was as this heartbreak dragged on. YuZhi¡¯s patience worn thin at her invading his workspace and bitterness swirling at having to face his own agonizing feelings at seeing her.


    ¡°We¡¯re busy. She can see herself out. She got herself in here after all. Go.¡± YuZhi nodded towards his door, talking as if she was an unimportant being, and TangShi hesitated. Panic rising in her throat.


    ¡°Please¡­.¡± She began to beg through a mumble as tears broke and her voice trembled.


    ¡°Please? Don¡¯t make me forcibly throw you out because I will, and I don¡¯t care what others see or spread about us. They¡¯re going to know soon enough that it¡¯s done. I¡¯m not in the mood for tears or begging so don¡¯t lower yourself to that¡­. I have better things to do with my time today than watch a drama.¡± He waved her away, ncing back at the papers in his hand even though all the words seemed to blur together, and he gritted his teeth to stay unaffected.


    ZhengLi walked towards TangShi, his expression grim as he fixed his jacket and buttoned it up to somehow symbolize he wasn¡¯t here to y nice or be the guy she once called friend. He was in bouncer mode and not going to soften. He hooked her by the upper arm with his hand firmly and tugged her towards the door with intent.


    TangShi gasped through soft tears at the sudden lurch of movement, shaking her head at him as words died in her throat, then appealing to YuZhi with doe eyes aimed his way to try and beg.


    ¡°Wait.¡± YuZhi flicked a look at ZhengLi as something crossed his mind and for a moment TangShi saw a ray of hope and stumbled, her body shaking as she gazed at the love of her life stepping her way. Maybe he really did want to hear what she had to say, and she held her breath as he approached her, praying for a miracle.


    ¡°YuZhi¡­¡± She began to try and formte words but flinched when he grabbed her wrist roughly and yanked her hand to his aggressively. Pulling his fingers over hers to straighten them forcibly, no love or care in what he was doing, until he located her engagement ring and tugged it off harshly in one fluid swipe. It hurt so that she winced and gasped, leaving red marks across her knuckle with the way he whipped it off and scrape marks down her fingers where the setting scratched her skin form being close together.


    ¡°This was paid for by my family and belongs to me. ZhengLi, here.¡± He tossed it up into the air, so ZhengLi caught it smoothly, a flicker of confusion crossing his face his face. YuZhi acting like it was an unimportant trinket. ¡°Return it. She doesn¡¯t deserve to keep it.¡± YuZhi clicked his fingers to motion them away, turning away from her startled wide-eyed expression with a hateful glint in his eye and TangShi broke.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do this on purpose¡­. I don¡¯t know why this happened, YuZhi, please. I¡¯m sorry and I don¡¯t want this. I want to fix us.¡± She wailed reaching out to catch hold of him, but it triggered that same angry response in him from that morning and he spun on her, lurching forward and catching her by both shoulders with a strong jerk that rattled her brain inside her skull. His own hurt and temper getting the better of him and unable to control it.


    Rendering her mute with shock he would be so physical and harsh towards her. Gripping her tighter than he intended to until his knuckles whitened and TangShi grimaced, flinching at the biting hurt but was too afraid to make any noise.


    ¡°I don¡¯t give a fuck what you meant to do. It¡¯s done. Get it into your head that WE are done, and I don¡¯t wanna see you, hear from you, have you in my office, or my apartment, or my life. I wish I¡¯d never met you and want you to go somewhere far where I¡¯ll never think of you again. I don¡¯t love you anymore. You killed that the second you got into bed with him, so do me a favor and get the fuck out of my way and don¡¯t darken my doorstep again.¡± He shoved her back out of his grip, unable to stand the scorching feel of her gentle heat in his palms and dusted his hands off as though he had touched something dirty.


    Hating her and himself for all the swirling agony building up inside of him like a pressure that was about to explode and needing her to go away. Cursing himself for grabbing her when it only escted his inner dark heaviness. TangShi lost her footing as she stumbled backwards and went over her sandal as she crumpled. Reaching out to catch hold of anything to save her.


    ZhengLi caught her halfway to the ground with his speedy reflexes, so she didn¡¯t fully sprain her ankle, but it was painful enough to elicit a yelp as she struggled to right herself. YuZhi flinched closing his eyes and pushed it out of his head, ignoring her even if it wed at his heart.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    TangShi¡¯s soul took a beating, and her pride was wounded at how he was being. Seeing this was a mistake and he was so consumed with hatred for her now he couldn¡¯t see anything else. She was afraid of how far he would go to throw her out if she continued to stay here. It was like a sobering p in the face and woke her up to the reality that she couldn¡¯t go back to what they had. Being here only made it worse.


    Despite the throbbing pain in her bone she pulled herself to upright and straight with determination, pasted on a calm expression and sniffed back her agony. The girl who had spent a lifetime of being downtrodden and abused, found that inner ability to pull herself together and disy the undaunted and unaffected persona she had spent years perfecting. wing at what little self-esteem she could muster and epting the fact he wasn¡¯t going to ever forgive her or allow her to make up for any of this.


    His words stung to the core that their love was dead and did something inside of her to numb it all down. Shock, maybe, a deepening heartache delivered as a final blow. She adjusted her dress carefully with purpose and poise, pulled her bag onto her shoulder, sliding her swelling hand and aching fingers into her dress pocket to hide the evidence of the wounds. Only ZhengLi and YuZhi both saw them and YuZhi nced away hardening his expression as guilt flooded him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to walk me out. I know the way. I can manage. I won¡¯t be back.¡± Her small quiet voice waivered, strained, and tear ridden, her tone husky andbored but she meant it and she looked him in the eye onest time. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. There¡¯s nothing else I can say except that, and I never wanted to hurt you. Even if you never believe me. I¡¯ll sign the papers and won¡¯t bother you again.¡± She knew after that she should leave Shanghai for a while once the announcement hit the press, because her life would be a round of invasive reporters trying to get interviews. She knew she wouldn¡¯t be able to cope mentally while nursing a broken heart, having his name thrown at her from all angles.


    ¡°We never met. Nothing happened between us, and if we cross paths again, we don¡¯t know each other.¡± YuZhi sternly listed off his demands, walking to his desk, throwing down his files and yanking his chair out before unbuttoning his jacket to slide it off. His heart hammering in his chest, his throat aching with the way he was choking on his own growing pain and his lungs were struggling to inte but he couldn¡¯t let her see how much she got to him. He sounded indifferent to her ears and his manner told her he was over her.


    ¡°I understand.¡± TangShi replied with a soft whisper as little droplets rolled down her cheeks, dripping onto her dress and she limped away, flinching at the pain from her left foot with each step she took towards the door. Trying hard to leave with dignity, knowing she had to make the long walk back to the elevator. She held it all in knowing she could break at home, but for now she wanted to leave with a little dignity.


    ZhengLi hesitated seeing the difficulty she had walking, softening a little and hispassion getting the better of him. He squeezed the ring in his palm and a sense of regret and heaviness caused him to flicker back to watching her walk out the door and disappear into the hallway. A moment of doubt, a slide in his anger towards her at her pitiful appearance and for a second he thought about following her. Linlin shing into his mind and knowing he should text her toe collect TangShi and take her to the hospital to have her foot and hand checked over.


    TangShi tried to pull herself together as she closed the office door, dabbing her cheeks and sliding her sunsses back on before adjusting her hat to conceal her face. She breathed in heavily, pasted on a rxed look of calm with a great deal of effort, and lifted her chin to leave the way she came in. Her body aching with the effort of not falling apart and her mind in turmoil with a thousand thoughts and feelings that were dragging her down. She knew just by this one encounter she had no way of ever pulling him back to her and she struggled to even her steps and hide her injury as she headed out of Leng group for thest time. Wincing with every step.


    ¡°Tell Linlin toe get her and to have her seen at the hospital¡± YuZhi mirrored ZhengLi¡¯s thoughts verbally and ZhengLi blinked at him in surprise at the sudden return of concern. Eyeing him up and merely nodded although his expression was clear about how shocked he was.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. I never meant to injure her. I¡¯m not an animal. Now get back to work.¡±

 Girls Together Prt 1

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell her. Not yet. Let me speak to ZhengLi first and get him on board. She is probably already a mess and might march right back in there and make this worse and not let us take her to the hospital.¡± Rhea advised Linlin as they sped towards Leng group after ZhengLi called Linlin to collect TangShi from the street. He had told them she might be upset, and she had hurt herself so they should be quick.


    ¡°I want to strangle her for going there. I told her to wait it out, but TangShi can be surprisingly headstrong. I want to know exactly how she hurt herself and if I find out that YuZhi¡­.¡± Linlin was simmering in temper. Not only because of her friend but that cold and distant bastard and his cryptic calls and texts which were always short and sweet about TangShi, and never once asked Linlin how she was. She was so over that asshole.


    ¡°He¡¯s not like that. I¡¯m sure whatever happened wasn¡¯t deliberate. Let¡¯s just find her.¡±


    Linlin sighed heavily to calm her racing mind and pulse, scanning the walkways they zoomed past on route in hopes of spotting her.


    ¡°Hide that, I¡¯ll tell her the results weren¡¯t ready yet.¡± Linlin nodded at the white envelope Rhea was holding and she quickly slid it into her handbag. Something so important and yet it looked like nothing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it with me. It shows the traces of GHB were pretty high, so she probably passed out fast and didn¡¯t wake until morning with the worst hangover. It makes me sick to think what he might have done in those hours, and I think we should go to the police and report him for this.¡±


    ¡°No!! Can you imagine if this got out. TangShi even as the victim would be tarred. The questions about drinking with him, they wouldn¡¯t care about the truth, and she would get the me regardless. She¡¯s an heiress and a Leng group daughter inw in the public eye. They would one hundred percent me her. Not only that but beingbelled as a victim of rape still carries a certain amount of shame even if some do believe her.¡± Linlin shook her head aggressively, having see simr stories erupt in recent years and running young girls lives.


    ¡°What should we do then.? Let him go? He drugged her and assaulted her.¡± Rhea¡¯s anger rose and swirled, twisting her stomach in knots. Enraged on behalf of a girl whom she maybe had seen as an enemy but knew her character well. TangShi was one of the softest people she had ever met and sure she needed a few lessons in standing up for herself and growing her own self esteem but she was a good girl. A rare pure soul in this crappy city, especially for the spoiled rich social scene which Rhea had grown up in. TangShi was a rare find and she spent enough time with her to harbor some kinds of feelings in the depths.


    ¡°Wait¡­ wahhh.¡± Linlin squealed scaring Rhea half to death before banging her steering wheel and pointing out with manic finger jabs through some roadside foliage, the figure walking along a path further back from the road. ¡°It¡¯s Tang, right? You see her¡­ that¡¯s her for sure. The hat is making it hard to¡­.. nope that¡¯s her, I know that figure. God damn her for turning her phone off.¡± Linlin spun her head around looking for a turn off or parking, but they were on a main straight to traffic lights with no possible way to get out. Frantic that they might lose her.


    ¡°The lights ahead are turning; I¡¯ll jump out and get her. You find a way to pull over and call me toe to you.¡± Rhea was a quick witted and smart person at times when not clouded by emotional misjudgment.


    Linlin nodded pulling up the to the lights and thanking god when they turned red for them and afforded a few minutes for Rhea to slip out and hightail it off the road and back in the direction they came from. She wasted no time in getting out and on her way.


    Rhea was quick on her feet, half jogging, half power walking and headed where they saw her a moment ago with determination. A sense of urgency and yet empathy coursing through her and she forgot everything about past grudges against this girl and instead truly wanted to find her and bring her to safety. Her hearts welling with a protective instinct as a woman to know someone vulnerable had been so badly abused.


    ¡°TangShi!!¡± Rhea spotted her cutting through a park entranceway ahead and called out, switching to a run and took off after her. ¡°Wait. It¡¯s me, Rhea.¡± She yelled knowing that it might not get her the results she hoped for given theirst encounter and YuZhi¡¯s cruel voicemail. TangShi nced back at the sound of her name, seemingly caught in a nk daydream and paused, for the figure trying to catch up with her. Dazed at first and not really acknowledging who it was.


    Her mind a million miles away so she didn¡¯t register at first and then hesitated when Rhea¡¯s face became a focused vision instead of a blurred one. Confused at her sudden appearance as Rhea caught up to her and hooked her arm in hers to keep hold of her.


    ¡°How¡¯s your foot? Is it painful? Do you need help to walk?¡± Rhea looked down seeing no real evidence of an injury or swelling and scanning her overall appearance noting TangShi seemed gaunt and slimmer thanst time they met. Other than her drawn face, pale pallor and dreamlike state, she seemed absolutely fine much to Rhea¡¯s relief. She realized how uptight she had gotten herself on the way here with the state they might find her in.


    ¡°What? Why¡­¡­ why are you here? How do you know I twisted my ankle?¡± TangShi nched, unsure how to take this sudden invasion of obvious care from this particr person and tried to pull away. Not wanting physical touch from this crazy woman who didn¡¯t even like her.


    ¡°I¡¯m with Linlin, she¡¯s parking and ZhengLi called saying you might need your ankle looked at.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m fine. I don¡¯t need it seen as it¡¯s getting better as I walk.¡± TangShi slid free, pushing Rhea away and eyed her up and down with utter mistrust. Her heart twisting at the memory of YuZhi¡¯s voicemail a few days ago and stepped away from her. All she saw was a woman who twice attacked her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go get her then. She came to pick you up.¡± Rhea ignored the deadpan look, the change in her demeanor to defensive and waved behind her to move them from this spot. Aware some meandering walkers had nced over and worried they would be recognized. Even with sunsses on.


    ¡°Why is Linlin with you?¡± TangShi baulked at her. A hint of disbelief and jealousy and a stirring of anger that there was something off going on..


    ¡°Ummm¡­ it¡¯s¡­.. let her tell you, okay? I promise I¡¯m not here to cause problems.¡± Rhea floundered, aiming for a gentle and light approach as though TangShi was a child.


    ¡°Are you happy now? You know how I screwed things up and he hates me! You get him back after all. Is that why you¡¯re here? To gloat!¡± TangShi¡¯s throat ached as her voice broke, and a single tear rolled down her cheek that she wiped away aggressively. Refusing to sob out here and jutting her chin out in hostile defiance, ready to battle this wench. Finding a fire she rarely let out.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that. I¡¯m not happy about any of it and after talking to Linlin and ¡­..¡± Rhea sighed heavily, wanting so badly to tell her the truth but knowing it wasn¡¯t her ce. ¡°Please, juste to Linlin¡¯s car and we can all talk.¡±


    Almost as if on cue Rhea¡¯s cell began to ring and she whipped it out holding it towards TangShi to show her Linlin¡¯s name appearing on screen. ¡°Answer it and ask her yourself. Please, just go with me.¡± She held it out for TangShi to take and she did so with a dubious gentleness, so they didn¡¯t touch fingers, swiping it to answer.


    ¡°Linlin?¡± She asked, staring Rhea dead in the eye and maintaining a re. It was obvious there was no trust.


    ¡°Yesss!! Tis Moi, my little chickadee. You¡¯re hero has arrived. I parked up a half mile away from where we saw you, please head with Rhea past the traffic lights she got off ande find me. I¡¯m on the side of the road. How¡¯s your foot?¡± Linlin was busily waving her hands at passing cars slowing down to see if she had broken down with her odd choice of parking space, getting annoyed with busybodies.


    ¡°Why is Rhea here?¡± TangShi asked in the same monotone and unimpressed way as her facial expression. A hint of betrayal at her best friend being with this woman. Discarding everything Linlin said.


    ¡°She asked me to meet her. She came with me¡­¡­ Juste to the car so I can tell you, okay?¡± Linlin was drumming her fingers impatiently knowing she shouldn¡¯t keep this from her but not sure how else to tell her either. Her main concern was getting her little princess to a hospital to get checked over.


    ¡°Tell me now.¡± TangShi looked Rhea up and down, trying to summarize exactly what there could be going on between them that they would need to ¡®tell¡¯ her something. Refusing to y ball when she was being kept in the dark.


    ¡°I want to see your face first. Juste.¡± Linlin was getting uptight at TangShi¡¯s reluctance, knowing her stubborn side could be a nightmare. Hating that she was questioning and not in the mood for her to be defiant. She rarely was, but sometimes¡­..


    ¡°I want to walk and clear my head, so I¡¯ll see you at home. I don¡¯t need babysitters.¡± TangShi hung up before Linlin could say anymore and tossed the phone back at Rhea in a flippant manner. A sulky mood overtaking her as bitterness seeped in. Angst riling her and the scenario with YuZhi still rolling around in her head and making her crazy.

 Girls Together Prt 2

    ¡°You can leave. I don¡¯t need you of all people going anywhere with me. I don¡¯t know what this is, or why you¡¯re getting involved in my business, but go away. I won¡¯t thank you for it.¡± TangShi turned on her heel, showing that hint of sassy she kept concealed most of the time. Her walking still a little fragile from her throbbing ankle but it was nothing to be overly concerned over.


    ¡°Wait.. TangShi wait.¡± Rhea panicked. Her concern escting with TangShi¡¯s whole demeanor being weird for her. The hostility and aloof behavior and strange attitude which quite frankly shocked Rhea. Who knew TangShi did possess a backbone at times?


    ¡°Bye.¡± TangShi paid her no heed, walking on with intent and ignored Rheaing after her, pulling her arm free as Rhea tried totch on and determined to be left alone for the rest of the day. Even if it took her hours to walk home from here she didn¡¯t care. Her entire life was a shambles and the one person she loved more than anything in the world had just thrown her out and humiliated her. Her hand was a throbbing reminder of what he¡¯d done.


    ¡°For the love of fucking god.¡± Rhea snapped, her fiery temper getting the better of her and she grabbed TangShi¡¯s upper arm in a vice grip and tugged her hard towards her with serious strength. TangShi spun on her with momentum, startled with the velocity.


    ¡°You did nothing wrong, That fucker drugged you and took advantage and I¡¯m here to help Linlin prove it to YuZhi.¡± It was a harsh, stern statement sted right into TangShi¡¯s face and she reeled in shock gawping at her as though she had two heads. Eyes widening and mouth opening to reply but nothing came out. Her brain trying to engage the word to thought process and how Rhea would even know or believe that.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean it toe out like that, but I have the report in my bag. I¡¯ve read it and it¡¯s conclusive that you were spiked. The one Linlin collected from the clinic. I just want to help. What he¡¯s done, you aren¡¯t the first girl to be used and terrorized by that asshole.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± TangShi¡¯s voice came out sharp and short, shock evident as her brain rattled around and came to an agonizing halt. Not sure if she just heard her correctly and blinked at her withplete disbelief. ¡°Say that again.¡± Her heart tore open and left her raw. Despite not really having any kind of deep feelings for Rong Cai, she had trusted him as her school mentor and the fact he kept telling her they were friends. She had felt rtively safe around him and would never havee to any conclusion like this.


    ¡°You were drugged. GHB levels were positive and still pretty high despite it being next day when you got the tests done. There¡¯s a massive possibility you passed out not long after and woke up next day.  I knew of him, from before.  He stalked a friend of mine and did some pretty messed up things to ruin her rtionship with her fianc¨¦e.¡± Rhea moved her hand from grip to gentle rubbing, up and down on TangShi¡¯s shoulder as she stood there in bewilderment. Dissecting and letting this fully sink in.  A look on TangShi¡¯s face that was a cross between shock and a need to cry. Rhea lifted her other hand to the opposite shoulder and did the same on both sides tofort her, unsure how else to help.


    ¡°He¡­..? He drugged me? He did this on purpose?¡± TangShi began to softly cry as the realization sunk in and a warring confusions of thoughts and feelings hit her like a tidal wave. Relief, regret, conflict, pain, fear¡­. She didn¡¯t know how to feel with the truth hitting her this way. Unpacking so many details and seeing that night from a whole different and sinister perspective which shook her to the core.


    ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s go to the car and go somewhere quiet, just the three of us. I think you might be in a little bit of shock. There¡¯s probably a lot to process.¡± Rhea¡¯s heart ached for the traumatized expression on TangShi¡¯s face and the urge to hug her was overwhelming. She had never been a girl with real female friends, friend sin general or affections outside of her trio with YuZhi and ZhengLi. Being a famous model in a backstabbing, cutthroat, bitchy industry meant she kept women at arm¡¯s length, so she didn¡¯t know how to genuinely show her sincerity.


    ¡°Are you saying¡­. he raped me?¡± TangShi¡¯s softly whispered as tears fell fast and heavy and her chest constricted so painfully fast she couldn¡¯t catch her breath and started hyperventting. Her mind blotting in and out of the shing memories of that dinner and how nice and caring and attentive he was towards her. Of all the times at school he helped her or guided her and seemed normal. She couldn¡¯t believe he would do something like this to her of all people. She had never done anything to him. Never given him reason to harm her or ruin her life like this.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know if he went that far. But we need to find out for certain that it was him. CCTV at wherever you ate might show what went down in the corridors, or even the dinner hall.¡± Rhea was trying to be rational and keep her focus, curling an arm around her as TangShi crumbled in the middle of the street and struggled to breathe. Clutching at the pains in her chest and heart and blinded by watery eyes. Bending forward as tears and chokes came in unison and Rhea panicked about the audience wandering about.


    ¡°Why would he do that to me?¡± TangShi was lost in her own mind, seeing a million things from her entire existence sh before her. Cruel and sometimes painful acts that were bestowed upon her by so called family and friends over the years, always trampling her down like she was a worthless object, and this seemed like another person who did just that. That she was so valueless and nonexistent in this life that people always had to beat on her and make living hell. She couldn¡¯t understand when all she tried to do was go on peacefully and never react, never fight back, and never cause trouble for anyone. That when she finally found happiness why was it okay for someone to snatch that form her and get away with it?


    It snapped something in her head. Like a violent shake that knocked everything together into a horrifying perspective. Sick of being everyone¡¯s doormat and tool. Sick of being something to push around and use or discard and hurt. Angry at her father, her stepmother, her sister, her existence. Madder at YuZhi for casting her aside when he imed to love her and all it took was one little thing and he didn¡¯t give her the benefit of the doubt. Absolutely livid at Rong Cai for doing theplete unspeakable to her because he had decided who she should love and how she should live without once consulting her for her fucking opinion.


    ¡°Delusional. He thinks if he got rid of YuZhi you two could live happily ever after, maybe? I don¡¯t know. I can¡¯t begin to imagine because I¡¯m not as sick as him.¡± Rhea¡¯s face flushed, her cheeks blushing as she thought about the lengths she went to drag YuZhi back to her and ashamed for evening close to the same kind of erratic behavior and hurting people. Hurting TangShi. A new wave of remorse that only strengthened her resolve to make amends because she too had bene on the same path to destruction and this brought it home.


    ¡°Take me to the school. I want to see him¡­ I want to know why.¡± TangShi straightened up, a fire growing in her belly that pulled her through her tears and inability to inte her lungs. A molten anger bubbling up to the surface and she stood tall, lifting her chin as fierce hatred took over her normally cid expression. Swallowing it down to calmness and yet a surging and fierce volcano was growing inside of her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea. Not yet. We need more evidence to know it was him.¡±


    ¡°What more do I need? He was the one who woke up with me. If I was unconscious then how the hell did I get there and why did he lie about my being all over him? He had to have been the one to carry me there. It seems obvious now. How could I be so blind and na?ve? Why didn¡¯t I listen to Linlin?.¡± TangShi was pushing aside the doubt, her guilt over what she thought she had done reced with fury and she held her hand out to Rhea. Her eyes smarting and her resolve growing stronger by the second.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    She lost her love, her home, her ce in school and her future because of that bastard. She wasn¡¯t ying anymore.


    ¡°Give it to me.¡± She demanded, her palm upturned, and she locked Rhea in the eye with determination. ¡°I will show him all the proof I need.¡±


    ¡°Yes to all of that but GHB is a drug that can have side effects. He could argue you were awake and acting seductive or whatever, that you seduced him. It can make people do and say the weirdest things and he could lie. He could say he didn¡¯t know about any drug, only that you hit on him. He already lied. I¡¯ll give you it when we¡¯re in a private ce and you¡¯re calm and thinking straight.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I need to confront him. He can¡¯t lie if I say I remember and demand the truth. I¡¯ll see it all over his face.¡± TangShi wasn¡¯t thinking straight. Her mind a mess of colliding thoughts she couldn¡¯t pull apart. Vengeance and hatred controlling her emotions. YuZhiing to the forefront of her brain but a new additional pain in her chest because of him. Disappointment, betrayal, and heartbreak that he couldn¡¯t think outside the box the way Linlin did and have a little faith in her after everything they meant to one another. YuZhi was another on the list of people who discarded her easily and knowing the truth she found a venomous reason to be just as angry at him. How he treated her. How he humiliated and hurt her. Not once did he question another possibility.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk it out, think on it, and let you calm down. You can read the report with Linlin. I have someone to go see.¡± Rhea didn¡¯t want to tell her about including ZhengLi, in case he refused to believe any of it. But she knew he would be able to source any video footage and find the evidence needed if TangShi wanted to take this further, even though Linlin was against it.


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s do that. I have to make ns. He ruined my life so I should repay him for that.¡± Rhea answered in a zombie like state and pulled a worried frown from Rhea who gently turned and guided her onto the path back to where she came with a feeling of uncertainty. She had witnessed a strange change in thest moments and now was sure the hospital wasn¡¯t a bad idea.

 Undeniable Prt 1

    ¡°Are you sure you want to do this? ZhengLi could have ¡­.¡± Linlin gently rubbed TangShi¡¯s shoulder as they sat in the overly fancy office. A small, neat space that was unusually elegant.


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t want him involved. He turned his back on me the same way YuZhi did. Why would I ask them for help now? They¡¯re part of the ruins of my life and I don¡¯t need them to help me fix this.¡± TangShi cut in, stern and stubborn. She had been in this mindset thest two days. Refusing to let Rhea go to ZhengLi or tell a soul about the test results or asking for any kind of help in proving this further. Determined to find out the facts directly and not letting other people solve her problems for her.


    Linlin and her had made an appointment with the hotel manager themselves today after talking to him at length on the telephone the day before. It was unexpectedly simple and not the huge hassle they expected it to be. Doing this with just the two of them as TangShi also rejected any interference form Rhea, not ready to forgive and forget or trust her either.


    TangShi had taken a massive hit in her heart in terms of betrayal in all of this and Linlin was the only one she wanted to believe in anymore. The only person she would allow close to her as she was still the only one who had never hurt or abandoned her in all these years. No one hade through as who she thought they were, and she needed to rely on herself to get through this. Linlin was all she needed by her side.


    TangShi was caught up in a numb bubble of disbelief where anger and outrage held side by side and had managed to block out the agony of heartbreak of the previous few days while on a mission to clear her name. Right now, YuZhi didn¡¯t matter anymore, nor did fixing what they lost. The Leng family was unimportant. Nothing except finding out what that scum did to her and knowing the truth for herself so she could process and decide what to do next. That¡¯s all that mattered to her now.


    ¡°Here you go.¡± The manager walked back in with a bright smile, having left them sitting here momentarily and waved a USB in his hand. Dangling it from a hotel logo keychain and passed it to Linlin gently. ¡°I had them pull up the times covering the corridors and dining room of when your party was booked in and the walkway to 3208, where Mr Cai had booked a room. I hope this is beneficial to your needs.¡± He hadn¡¯t asked to review the footage because quite frankly he didn¡¯t want to be involved. He was hoping they would take it and leave. Knowing he probably shouldn¡¯t hand over delicate footage like this but the Leng group was well known and somewhat of a force in this city. You would be an idiot to get on the wrong side of them.


    Learning the publicly adored daughter inw of Leng group had possibly been assaulted in his hotel was enough to have him copy the CCTV to a file and hand it over easily, without the gesture of cash, or perks. That was a headache that could cause him all sorts of mayhem if it got out that he didn¡¯t assist. So many rich clients would nevere here again if the hotel reputation was dented in this manner, trust lost, and he had already instructed staff to cklist the Cai family from future bookings.


    ¡°You watched these?¡± Linlin queried wanting to know if they were any use and it might save them time. Eyeing him up with scrutiny and able to tell he really didn¡¯t care about the oue. He only cared about how this would affect this hotel chain.


    ¡°No, we just pulled time dates and locations and moved them for you to view. If the hotel can assist you in other ways, then please let us know.¡± He wanted them out of his building and this matter to be over. His statement he hoped made it clear they could leave.


    ¡°I have another question.¡± TangShi broke in, ignoring his dismissal. Her tone t and her expression somber. She had been in an unreadable mood all morning and Linlin was concerned with this disconnected version of her. Knowing this could be dyed shock or even trying to process what had been done to her body since she found out about the toxicology report and read it for herself. ¡°When did he book the hotel room?¡± TangShi knew this was as important as the test results in proving Rong was the one who did this. Proving he nned it in advance. Another notch in the list of disgusting betrayals.


    ¡°I¡¯ll check that for you.¡± The manager turned to his desktop screen and punched a few keys on the keyboard and seemed to scroll through some kind of list.


    ¡°The day before the dinner when he booked the private dining room. Both were done at the same time.¡± He nodded towards TangShi with a pleasant smile, not knowing the weight of that detail.


    ¡°Can you print us the booking form please.¡± Linlin cut in taking TangShi¡¯s hand as she sat there staring silently at the manager and sensing TangShi was probably dissecting the fact he knew this is what he would do. He booked a double room near the dining hall for this purpose. It was all clicking into ce.


    ¡°Sure.¡± The manager pressed some keys and then the whir of a printer churning out the document seemed to fill the gap in dialogue and the eerie heavy silence of this room. The tension between the three of them. He picked it out of the nearby tray and slide it across the table to Linlin with a nod.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± He raised a brow with a polite half smile.


    ¡°If I report this, the police maye see you, but other than that thank you for your help. It¡¯s appreciated. We don¡¯t hold the hotel responsible for any of this so don¡¯t worry, we won¡¯t be causing you issues. We¡¯re leaving.¡± TangShi got up first, stilted and polite but there was an edge to her tone. Startling Linlin into action with her decisive behavior and statement as she walked to the door. Linlin quickly bowed and thanked the manger before hightailing it after her.


    TangShi didn¡¯t wait but walked at speed towards the main foyer on the ground floor and out into the grey day that seemed to match her inward emotions. The clouds were covering the sky in its entirety and making it gloomy. Leaving the air damp and cold, while the light was depressing. She walked to the car they had abandoned on the front pathway of the expensive hotel and got in when Linlin unlocked it from a distance before catching up.


    ¡°You okay?¡± They slid into the car at the same time at opposite sides and Linlin threw her a wary nce. Not sure how tofort or deal with this new version of TangShi. Feeling like she should walk on eggshells and be extra gentle with her today.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Let¡¯s go home so I can use yourptop to watch it.¡± Her tone was stilted and empty and Linlin did as she was told.


    Traffic was unusually light for this time of the day, so it didn¡¯t take long to get to Linlin¡¯s home a few miles away. Silence heavy between them only broken up by some soothing song choices yed on low when Linlin couldn¡¯t stand theck of conversation anymore. She wanted to help her friend and knew she needed time but TangShi¡¯sck ofmunication these past two days was making her sick to her stomach with worry. Worrying like a mother hen and had even started texting Rhea back and forth for advice eon how to console someone in TangShi¡¯s position. Rhea wasn¡¯t much help either.


    Home was empty as Linlin¡¯s parents were on another cruise and the staff always kept out of the way until dinner, knowing Linlin liked her space. Linlin pulled out herptop and set it on the coffee table of the lounge before settling down with TangShi to start viewing the files. Dumping some warm mugs of cocoa and a tter of cookies to somehow soften this task into something bearable.


    ¡°I¡¯ll copy it into editor and can clip away anything worthless and only keep what shows us what happened. So we have pretty easy ess at a nce.¡± Linlin was being methodical and meticulous in collecting the evidence as she still hoped TangShi would take it to the police and not let this creep get away with it. She had photocopied all documents too and created an easy to send file should they want it on top of the physical stuff.


    ¡°Okay. Move over.¡± TangShi slid in beside her on the floor in front of the couch and waited for Linlin to put the key fob in. Uptight, wringing her hands and focusing on breathing in and out slowly as her nerves built to epic levels.


    ¡°This is you guys arriving here.¡± Linlin pointed out their group from the main door, shuffling in and looking merry about being there. There was a collection of files from different cameras they looked at one at a time, that had them being shown to the upper floor private dining, fast forwarding with purpose all the unnecessary footage. It meant clicking in and out of several to see their progress and nothing footage they could discard right away.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°I remember everything up until we ate dessert. You can skip all of until then. That¡¯s thest moment I have a memory of.¡± She nudged Linlin who was squinting at the dining hall footage. It seemed that room had one camera that overlooked the whole room, but it wasn¡¯t of the best quality in low lighting. It did cover the dinner table at a distance though and showed how they were all seated and how Rong made a point of following her. It picked up the group of them but when they moved to the couches for drinks, although you could only see some of it. TangShi sat down on one edge and nothing of Rong who was cut off at the arm. It was a bad angle out of shot and Linlin sucked in air though her teeth in frustration and started again.

 Undeniable Prt 2

    ¡°The angle shows nothing of that side of the room. Although it¡¯s pretty obvious you wanted space and he kept invading it.¡± Linlin frowned in irritation and scrolled forward a little. Bing impatient and antsy and feeling like this was mounting to something momentous with the amount of building pressure in the air between them.


    ¡°Wait.¡± TangShi sped her hand over Linlin¡¯s hand on the mouse and pointed at the screen ¡°We changed cups. Are those Saki sses? I remember something¡­.. Saki¡­ I don¡¯t know. It rings a bell somehow.¡±From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Let me try another file. Each one is a different camera.¡± Linlin located one that had an ID number simr to the dining hall and thankfully was one pointing from right above the mini bar of the same room. She clicked y and forwarded to the same time stamp as the other recording where they had moved to the couches and were sat with Saki cups.


    ¡°Rewind it a little. To me getting the cup.¡± TangShi was uneasy about the Saki cups for some reason and a strange wing at the back of her head kept bringing her back to them. A gut sensation that it was important and something in her subconscious was screaming at her.


    Linlin backed up catching the moment Rong Cai got up and went to the bar, unaware there was a camera over his head and pointing at an angle towards the sunken couches which caught his full front and what his hands were doing. It was in shadow, but they made out him setting up the cups and stopping to pull something small from his inside pocket and tapping it into the far-left cup. It was a few seconds of precise and swift motions, no hesitation, and bold as hell, without even ncing back to see if they caught it. Something tiny like a little vial, or a dropper, and all it took was a moment in time topletely ruin TangShi¡¯s life.


    He then proceeded to pour the alcohol into all of them, doing that one first and swirling the cup before he put them on a tray. He kept that one cup untilst and carried it in his hand instead. They watched in silent disbelief as he slid the tray on the table and that one cup in front of TangShi brazenly with a smile on his face they could even see form this angle that screamed of smug aplishment. He hovered over her, egging her on to drink before sitting down beside her and forcefully lifting her elbow so the cup was drained into her mouth.


    ¡°Son of a¡­¡± Linlin¡¯s temper riled, and she watched in fury at what the evil bastard did to her best friend. ¡°If that¡¯s when he did it, then maybe fifteen minutes before it really kicked and affected you. He¡¯s aplete scumbag, Tang. He didn¡¯t even hesitate or take a moment to doubt what he was doing.¡± She hit the triple speed on her screen to fast forward what they were watching and returned it to normal when TangShi got out of her seat on the couch. Sensing TangShi beside her squirming around and staying quiet as this sunk in.


    ¡°He was all over you like a letch, and you can see how ufortable you are sitting there. Not exactly painting the flirting image of you being into him. Lying prick.¡± Linlin clenched her fist as the camera angle showed TangShi leaving with Rong Cai before she headed to go find the corridor file to see what happened next. Losing them once they left the room. TangShi couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. Her anxiety building to the point she felt like she may scream or faint and she was having trouble breathing as her lungs closed up on her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see it¡­ not right now. I can¡¯t.¡± TangShi lost her courage, her nerves kicking in and nausea consuming her at seeing for herself that the tests results were not a lie. That Rong Cai really did something to her with intent. Somehow in the back of her mind she had held a glimmer of hope that it wasn¡¯t him, that it was maybe another student as a prank and somehow this was part of a misunderstanding, or a mistake meant for someone else. She had prayed it wasn¡¯t how it seemed so it would be less devastating. She had so badly wanted to see something innocent that had taken a bad turn and not this¡­this cruel and horrible reality.


    ¡°I need the bathroom.¡± TangShi got up, leaving Linlin to watch the footage herself, her eyes misting over and her stomach churning as she hightailed it into the toilet and barely made it before she threw up. Retching her guts out and emptying her stomach as tears poured down her face. Her cool and aloof numbness deteriorating, and she crumbled into a small ball on the floor hugging her knees to her chest and burying her face as she sobbed. She fell apart and everything she had bene holding in since she saw that report all came tumbling out in a watery and painful mess.


    She was drugged and god knows what, and it made her feel vited and broken. Despairing over memories she didn¡¯t have yet feeling dirty and ruined as though she did. How that man could have done such a thing. How any human could do something so sordid and awful to another person and she was caught in devastation that it had been done to her. A cloying gripping pit of despair in her belly that she had been raped and she couldn¡¯t mentally ept it.


    TangShi stayed where she was letting it out, crying into her own arms as she self hugged and sniffing back the carnage for a long while. Afraid to go out and face those screens once more but knowing she needed to. Knowing she couldn¡¯t leave this all to Linlin and she needed to be stronger to face this.


    ¡°Tang?¡± Linlin gently knocked on the door, quiet and gentle as she spoke, knowing her friend was crying. Checking the handle and finding it locked so slid down on the outside and sat against it instead, guessing TangShi needed some thinking space. Linlin had wanted to follow her at first but had given her time alone while she scooted through the remaining footage, saving her the agony of doing it. ¡°I watched it all for you.¡± Linlin wiped her own face, the trickle of angry and sad tears which had soaked her face through watching the CCTV.


    ¡°It shows you passing outpletely and he carried you. Down a hall right to the hotel room and in without any response from you. You were apletely useless sack of no movement whatsoever. It¡¯s pretty clear you had no concept of anything going on and the actual room itself has no cameras. What we have though is enough for the police. We have him drugging your drink, taking your cell phone form you, and then physically carrying your lifeless body to his own booked room that he set up in advance. We have the report and the booking form and all the CCTV. Please think about going to them. We can¡¯t let him get away with this.¡± Linlin whimpered, her own heart aching and yet she couldn¡¯t imagine what TangShi was feeling.


    ¡°I should have listened when you said to get my body checked. Maybe they would have found more¡­. I just didn¡¯t ry believe he was capable of ¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t bear to say it, her head throbbing, her insides contracting and without warning she gagged and had to thrust herself back to the toilet to get her face in before she threw up again. Bringing up nothing but bile and clear fluid as he had already emptied what little she had eaten today.


    ¡°Are you okay? Open the door.¡± Linlin could hear her being sick and knew it was probably a direct reaction to having itid out all in front of her so clearly. That she couldn¡¯t outrun what he did. He basically drugged, kidnapped, and abused her¡­. this man in a position of authority whom she trusted.  Linlin was sick on her behalf, riled up with anger and despair and an urge to hunt him down and cut his genitals off. A bubblingve of hatred and venom coursing up and swearing to serve this asshole with some real cold revenge.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I just¡­ it¡¯s raw. I can¡¯t process sit.¡± TangShi choked, her throat burning form bringing up stomach acid and wiping her face to pull herself back together. Being sick again somehow stopped her tears and brought her emotional state back to calm and she slid across the floor to unlock the door before moving back again because she wasn¡¯t sure if she was done. Linlin leaped up to her fete and quickly came inside to start brushing her hair back into a ponytail to look after her and found a washcloth for her face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the police. I wanted to confront him so badly. I thought I had it in me and that my anger would be enough to find the courage, but after seeing that¡­..¡± How confident and unfazed he was about slipping something in her drink and tantly handing it to her. ¡°I¡¯m scared of him. Of what he did. I feel like I never knew him at all. I don¡¯t know what he¡¯s capable of if he can do something like that. I don¡¯t think confronting him would make him sorry¡­. he¡¯s crazy.¡±


    Linlin exhaled with relief, a huge weight lifting from her chest and she scooted TangShi into a hug. Hauling her close and snuggling against her to bring her security. TangShi was trembling all over and felt unusually warm.


    ¡°Good girl. Let¡¯s do that. Let¡¯s go right now instead of calling them here. The sooner he¡¯s picked up the better¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t go there¡­. or be seen going there. What if someone takes a picture? It might start all kinds of rumors.¡± TangShi¡¯s eyes widened in horror at the thought of something like this getting out. AT people knowing she was unclean, and someone had invaded her body without consent.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, I¡¯m sorry for not thinking that through. I¡¯ll call them. We can have officerse here.¡± Linlin had never had to report anything to the police in her life and wasn¡¯t even sure how this process worked. Unsure if wealthy people called the regr number.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡­.  Is it safe to just randomly ask the police toe? Aren¡¯t there particr contacts for people like us, in the media, famous ¡­. so it doesn¡¯t get out? What if they¡¯re seening here and it affects your family too?¡± TangShi had heard Rhea mention this before and YuZhi over something trivial, about having to be careful about who exactly was involved in anything rted to the Leng Group family as most would kill to get a newsworthy scoop to sell. That they had a certain contact or calls were made through a department for anything legal. She was confused and didn¡¯t want to make this worse. Her head foggy and fatigue kicking her butt the more she tried to think.


    Reputation was everything in China and no well-known family would want uniformed police showing up at their residential address. It could always be misunderstood.


    ¡°Normally I would ask ZhengLi what to do, but you¡­.¡± Linlin stopped talking knowing this was probably not the best time to bring him up or point out she didn¡¯t want his help. Hating herself for realizing how reliant she was on that waste of space and how every time she said his name it still hurt like a bitch.


    TangShi sat for a long moment, her face nk, her manner calm, and her focus zoned out as she thought this through and knew one way or another it would get back to them anyway. She thought she could do this alone, but the rug had been ripped out from under her feet and the next step terrified her. She had never dealt with police or anything as scandalous as this before. Even if they spoke to a discreet detective, she was under the care of the Leng family, and they would want to speak to her Fianc¨¦e at least. It would alle out and then what?


    ¡°Call him. Ask him to see you, but don¡¯t tell him why. Just make something up until he¡¯s face to face, and you can show him. I don¡¯t want to be there.¡± TangShi wasn¡¯t ready to have any kind of connection to YuZhi and didn¡¯t really want to see ZhengLi either. She was steeped in shame and unable to really figure out how to feel all while still reeling from the heartbreak and humiliation of the way both of them treated her. A million thoughts making her emotionally fragile, and it all kepting to one detail¡­. Rong Cai might have sexually assaulted her. It¡¯s all she could focus on. That he vited her, and she wasn¡¯t the same as before.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave you alone, Tang. How about I put you to bed with some sleeping pills for now. You haven¡¯t slept and you look beat, and he cane here while you nap? You won¡¯t have to see anyone, and he can help me report this. I¡¯m sure they won¡¯t need to talk to you at first. ZhengLi will know what to do.¡± Linlin wasn¡¯t going anywhere while she was this way.


    ¡°Okay. I don¡¯t feel so well¡­.. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll need meds to sleep. I¡¯m dizzy and exhausted and I want to lie down anyway. I think maybe sleep will help me with feeling sick.¡± TangShi legs trembled and turned to jelly as she got up, so she had to cling to Linlin. Her mind swimming and her face flushing with heat that had been lingering for a few days now. Uptight and sick to her stomach with a thumping sore head and a sense of surreal dreaminess moving in. She knew it was probably shock at seeing him pour something into her drink or just the p in the face of reality. ¡°Wake me up when he¡¯s gone, so you can tell me what he said we should do.¡±


    Linlin kept her mouth shut, wanting so badly to say something about ZhengLi being expected to apologize and grovel after this but didn¡¯t. She knew TangShi had a whole lot of mess toe when YuZhi found out she was innocent all along and that she had left her suffering for over a week and dealing with this by herself.


    Linlin was raging at both men, and then more so for ZhengLi¡¯sck of presence in her life since this happened. The odd text to ry something to do with TangShi but other than that he hadpletely avoided her and not once called. Hating on them both for all this hurt and confusion and letting them down when hey thought they were the men who might be there to support them through life¡¯s trials. Oh how wrong they were and Linlin stuck her chin up and men tally scolded herself for ever believing one man might be worth the effort.

 Realization Prt 1

    ZhengLi wandered into YuZhi¡¯s apartment with a heaviness on his chest that was suffocating, unable to really shake this awful feeling of shame and guilt that slowed his steps and weighed down his posture. YuZhi was standing in the kitchen making them food after he told him he was on his way as he needed to see him. Oblivious to what ZhengLi was about to tell him and ZhengLi braced himself for the worst of reactions. Hating to be the one to do this.


    ¡°Hey, bud. What¡¯s with thiste evening guys night? You seemed tired today and thought you were heading home for an early one.¡± YuZhi was in a pretty neutral mood. Never really okay since breaking up with TangShi and he hated being in this apartment nowadays, but he was trying to move forward with his life. He was d ZhengLi called him toe over as he was starting to regret the early evening here when these rooms held all her memories, and he was sure in certain ces he could still smell her perfume. It was a unique kind of torture since she left.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to say this so¡­.¡± ZhengLi furrowed his brow, swallowed hard and then dumped the brown envelope on the counter between them. His inability toe up with the right way to broach this eating at him.


    ¡°What this? I thought we agreed to leave work until tomorrow and both have a much-needed break.¡± YuZhi frowned sliding it away and carried on making Ramen instead.


    ¡°It¡¯s about TangShi¡­¡­.. please just look.¡± ZhengLi¡¯s tone was husky and low, his eyes slightly reddened and YuZhi nced from him to the document in hesitation, seeing the somber and almost emotional state of ZhengLi. Confused why he was getting vibes of something being wrong and it pushed aside his impulse to refuse.


    ¡°What about her?¡± Despite telling himself a million times a day to put her out of his head, he couldn¡¯t stop himself when he felt like something might be wrong with her. ¡°Did her injury turn out to be worse than a sprain?¡± He grabbed at the file thinking it was a hospital report and hurriedly yanked it open, concern taking ce of heartbreak and hauling out the papers to read.


    ZhengLi stood watching him, too gobsmacked with everything Linlin showed him this afternoon to formte words. His mind a mess of shame and regret but also anger and pity. Knowing they failed their friend and pushed her aside while she had been going through hell and left her to fend for herself in finding evidence to face this monster.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ZhengLi had sat in his car for a long while, unable to really forgive himself for abandoning his girlfriend and his friend. Because of his dumb pride and loyalty he had been blinded.  He knew YuZhi was about to feel a thousand times worse in this when the truth wasid out for him.


    YuZhi read the first paper which seemed to be a hotel booking form for that scumbag Cai and clicked on the date right away. Unsure if ZhengLi was trying to tell him something and confused as to why he would need to. It was already over.


    ¡°This is from the day before. You¡¯re saying she nned to stay with him even before the dinner? That she was having an affair?¡± His hands started shaking and his heart shuddered thinking there was more pain to be had, not really swallowing this as truth, but ZhengLi shook his head.


    ¡°No, read the next one¡­.. don¡¯t jump to any conclusions until you see what else I have to show you.¡± ZhengLi slid into a bar stool and propped his elbows on the table, supporting his head as he tried to let it all sink in. Staring down at the ck granite and exhaling slowly to try and ease his stress.


    YuZhi flipped to the next papers; a three-page file from ab and froze as he scanned the name and results, a swirling of realizationing over him as he had to start over to read it again. Momentarily unable to process what he was seeing and he screwed up his face and scanned one more time.


    ¡°GHB? Isn¡¯t that¡­¡± His voice broke in his throat, raggedy and harsh. His skin paling as coldness overtook him and his mind scrambled to make sense of this.


    ¡°Date rape drug. I have CCTV from the hotel too. TangShi didn¡¯t do anything, YuZhi¡­.. She was drugged by him until she passed out and he carried her to a room he booked in advance. He nned this. She did nothing wrong.¡± His words were like a death sentence to YuZhi¡¯s heart. A piercing awful pain that stabbed him in the guts and ripped up through his body to his brain. ¡°It¡¯s all on film. Even him spiking her drink while she seems sober and taking her phone away from her. She tried to leave and passed out. She didn¡¯t know what was happening and she was left at the mercy of that asshole all night. Linin told me she woke only seconds before you walked in, as she was running to the bathroom to vomit, confused, panicked, and scared about where she woke up.¡±


    ¡°That asshole¡­.. drugged her. Carried her? He ¡­¡­¡± YuZhi could barely get the words out, his throat closing and his eyes filling with moisture as his lungs caved in. Running the end of the sentence through his mind was enough to make him lose his sanity.


    YuZhi experienced swimming and spiraling confusion and pain as this sunk in and the shes of her tearful begging face hit him like a smack in the forehead. She kept saying she didn¡¯t know and couldn¡¯t remember, tearfully staring at him for some kind of help. She begged him and he left her there with the guy who assaulted her, in that room. He walked out and abandoned her with the scum that had done awful things to her.


    YuZhi covered his mouth as his insides upchucked with violent reaction and had to spin to the sink as he emptied the contents of his stomach. Throwing up with shock from the depths of how bad all of this was and his part in causing Tang more harm. The girl he swore to cherish, love and protect and he turned on her and left her in the clutches of some sadistic rapist who drugged her.


    ¡°Jesus Christ.¡± ZhengLi sprung to his feet and ran around the counter toe to him, patting his back and grabbing a ss to get him water. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°What have I done?¡± YuZhi choked out the words through another bout of gagging, his insides crumbling to dust and his chest heavy with the inability to catch his breath. ¡°Is that why she came to the office? To tell me? Why didn¡¯t I let her tell me?¡± YuZhi couldn¡¯t stop the tears which fell in dramatic fashion. Running down his nose and dripping into the sink where he was still bent over. His head woozy as a dizzy spell hit him and he had a full physical reaction to his own regret.


    ¡°What we both did. We were so sure she hurt you because she couldn¡¯t deny it and epted me. We both have a lot to be sorry for but what matters most right now is making sure that fucker gets nowhere near her again. We need to make him pay for what he did to her and make sure TangShi is really okay.¡± ZhengLi pulled him upright, grabbing a napkin to dab his mouth and forehead which had turned mmy and damp and frowned at the obvious despair etched on his friends face. Hating seeing him visually distraught.


    ¡°I need to see her¡­.. I need to ..¡± YuZhi knew that he had a hell of a lot of groveling and begging to do. His heart near exploding with agony as he thought about what she must have been going through this past week without him.


    Afraid, alone, knowing she had been locked up with a scumbag who did god knows what to her for endless hours. Just the thought of it, of her being in that room vulnerable like that made him spin back to the sink and upchuck another bout of liquid and food remnants. Gasping through the gags before his legs gave out and he slumped down, sliding against the kitchen cabs with a thud as he ended up on his ass on the floor with his knees bent in front of him. Propping his elbows on his knees and cradling his head as he tried to regte his erratic breathing.

 Realization Prt 2

    ¡°I went to detective Kim and gave him copies of everything while filing the report and opening the assault case. He¡¯s going to see TangShi tomorrow to take a statement and take it from there. He¡¯s going to be discreet but it¡¯s a very obvious case and we might have to pull PR in to cover all bases to keep this hidden. Rong Cai won¡¯t get away with this.¡± ZhengLi squatted down and held the napkin to YuZhi¡¯s head, shaking his own and sighing heavily.


    ¡°We really screwed this up.¡± ZhengLi¡¯s remorse reached as far as his rtionship with Linlin too, and her words from that first moment. Telling him to trust her judgement, that TangShi would never. They were eating at him like a brain worm. She had been right, she had known, and yet ZhengLi had ignored his own heart and yearning for Linlin and pushed her away too.


    ¡°I hurt her¡­¡­. I left her.  Punished her and pushed her out of every part of my life. Why couldn¡¯t I trust what I knew about her to second guess it? Why couldn¡¯t that doubt that was there be what I focused on instead of the pain?¡± YuZhi was caught in his own head, his words soft and not real questions for ZhengLi, but more of a self-criticism. Thinking to how much he hadn¡¯t wanted it to be true and had asked her to tell him it wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°TangShi didn¡¯t know at first either and believed she cheated. What we did is wrong but not unforgiveable. What we do from her on now matters a lot more. We can¡¯t leave her to deal with this alone. You need to bring her home and protect her while this is investigated.¡± ZhengLi had told Linlin that no matter what he would do anything in his power to see TangShi righted over this. And that he would do anything to be forgiven by both of them.


    Linlin had coolly looked him in the eye and told him he could go deal with the police report. Neither epting his words nor refusing them and he knew it wasn¡¯t going to be a simple case of sorry for her either. He doubted her best friend, and hurt her, so Linlin wouldn¡¯t let him off easy. ZhengLi had been missing her like crazy but when focused don YuZhi¡¯s emotional state it was easier to tell himself he couldn¡¯t see her.


    ¡°I need to go see Tang, right now. I don¡¯t care if she hates me, throws me out, or refuses to see me. I¡¯ll stand outside and wait for however long it takes. I wasn¡¯t there when she needed me but I won¡¯t let her down again. I¡¯m such an idiot.¡± YuZhi pushed his head back against the wall and stared nkly at the ceiling.


    ¡°It¡¯ste. Linlin said she was in bed as she¡¯s been sicktely, not sleeping. Maybe it¡¯s best if¡­..¡±


    ¡°What? Sick? Is she okay, what¡¯s wrong with her? I¡¯m not staying here if you tell me that.¡± YuZhi was on his feet in a sh, his thoughts a blur and the only thing he knew was that gate that had been holding back, all the longing and craving her had been unleashed and a tidal wave was hitting him hard.


    ¡°YuZhi, be smart about this. She¡¯s already a mess and you showing up at stupid o¡¯clock after everything that¡¯s happened won¡¯t help. She¡¯s hurting and you are probably thest person she wants to see right now. She¡¯s processing a lot.¡±


    ¡°What am I supposed to do? Knowing this now¡­knowing what she¡¯s going through? Knowing she¡¯s sick.¡± YuZhi despaired, pushing ZhengLi aside so he could go find his car keys and shoes. It¡¯s all he needed.


    ¡°We can go over their tomorrow with detective Kim and give her support while she makes her statement. I think for now at most, send her a message. If she¡¯s awake she¡¯ll reply. If she¡¯s not we see them tomorrow.¡± ZhengLi knew TangShi wouldn¡¯t readily let YuZhi back near her after what Linlin said today. The girl had been crushed one too many times by her life and this one was the deepest scar.


    ¡°I told her I didn¡¯t love her anymore.¡± YuZhi turned on ZhengLi unexpectedly, his eyes misted over as a tear trolled down his cheek and his heart broke all over again. ¡°What must that have done to her?¡± He tugged at ZhengLi¡¯s jacket, almost like a lost child would, begging him to understand why he couldn¡¯t stand still here. ¡°At the very least she needs to know I didn¡¯t mean it. That I love her so much that my life has been an empty mess without her.¡±


    ZhengLi shifted his gaze to the floor between his feet, swallowing hard. Choking up too at how painful this was to witness.


    ¡°Call her and let her decide if she wants to see you. I don¡¯t think you¡¯re in the right state tofort her face to face. Give her the choice.¡±


    YuZhi didn¡¯t hesitate but pulled out his cell phone and swiped to his block list, even that detail causing a wave of self hatred to swell up at his own stupid behavior.


    ¡°Wait. Here. She changed her cell number because Cai kept harassing her.¡± ZhengLi reached into his pocket for his own cell remembering why Linlin gave him a new number earlier.


    YuZhi¡¯s expression snapped from one of sadness to instant fury, a furrowed brow growing deep and a scowl emerging as it really sunk in that Rong was still going after her after everything he¡¯d done. An inner volcanic anger surging up like moltenva. Turning towards the door and moving to storm off.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill that mother fucker. You¡¯re right, Tang won¡¯t want to see me, I wouldn¡¯t either, but I can spend tonight taking my anger out on that bastards face for a second time. Making sure he never goes near her again.¡± YuZhi pushed his phone back into his pocket with intent, riled up and fierce, and ZhengLi grabbed him with force and swung him back towards the living room before marching him backwards to the couch. Knowing once his friends psycho switch was flipped he could get himself in a whole lot of trouble. It was a rare thing but not unheard of.


    ¡°Hell, No! We involved the police so let them do their job. Let¡¯s do this right.¡± ZhengLi stayed bent over him bearing down to keep him in ce. ¡°Look, I too want to smash that fucker¡¯s face in, but it won¡¯t help TangShi in the long run. Be smart about this and think of the bigger picture. Your family name, hers, and even the spotlight on that Cai prick. Think of what the media attention would do to her and what the world knowing what he did would cause her.¡± He was grasping for anything to calm him down and change his course of action.


    ¡°I have to do something.¡± YuZhi crumbled, his anger still simmering but his overwhelming guilt eating him up, making everything raw. Back to being an emotional wreck who couldn¡¯t stop seeing her tear stained face in his mind¡¯s eye and ripping his heart apart all over again.


    ¡°Give her breathing space. Take time to let this sink in and I¡¯ll show you the CCTV footage when you m down. We need to approach this from a different angle and think about protecting her. If it gets out, which it might. What happens if he denies it and wants it to go to trial? ¡­. We need to be logical here and figure out the best steps for TangShi in all of this. That¡¯s what we can do for her. Maybe even take her away from Shanghai for a while in case this erupts.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    YuZhi calmed down as sense got the better of him and he nodded in detion. Knowing what ZhengLi was saying was right, but it didn¡¯t make any of this easier. It¡¯s not like he could step back into TangShi¡¯s life, take over and whisk her away. He wasn¡¯t even sure TangShi would ever want to see him again, especially after how he treated her at Leng group. YuZhi sunk back into the soft cushions as ZhengLi exhaled with relief at his submission and sat down beside him, sensing the dying breath of his hostility fading away.


    ¡°Rip up the divorce papers, get her ring back. Reinstate her finances and anything else she needs. Undo everything I fucked up for her¡­. I¡¯ll even move out and let her live here if she can¡¯t stand to be around me. I want a bodyguard and a driver and car for her. She needs constant protection.¡± He leaned his head back on the rest, suddenly exhausted to the core and knowing he shouldn¡¯t wake her up at this hour. He should let her sleep, give her that luxury of escape where she could forget all of this for a little while and do what ZhengLi said tomorrow. ¡°From here on in, I do everything I can for her to make up for what I¡¯ve done to her. Even if she never wants toe back to me, I won¡¯t let her down a second time.¡±

 Meeting Again Prt 1

    TangShi sat motionless on the couch, silently awaiting Linlin showing in the Detective who she assumed was who rang the bell a moment ago. She tried not to fidget with her nails as she swallowed hard and concentrated on deep breaths to calm her nerves. All night she had tossed and turned, going over the statement she would have to give today, and she wasn¡¯t looking forward to going through everything again. Even with nk spaces it somehow had begun to traumatize her now she knew the truth.


    Her dreams had been a torturous mix of nightmares and shes of memory, and yet she still was none the wiser to what actually happened once she was sin that room and she didn¡¯t want to know. If Rong was arrested and gave testimony then the details were not something she felt she was strong enough to face if he admitted what he did. Right now it was somewhat of a blessing that she couldn¡¯t remember anything, and she wasn¡¯t sure she would have the mental strength to get through knowing the facts. Like this there was always a tiny glimmer of hope that he did nothing to her, and it gave her a miniscule of sanity to get through it.


    ¡°Ummm Tang, It¡¯s not the detective it¡¯s ¡­¡± Linlin¡¯s voice faded out as she walked back into the room, followed by someone taller and TangShi blinked up towards them. Her face paling and blood running cold when she noted it was not one, but two taller men, right behind her. ZhengLi first with a somber expression as he locked his focus on her face and nodded lightly with a warm smile hello. An aura of apology and awkwardness.


    TangShi¡¯s pulse almost stopped when YuZhi walked in behind him with caution, his eyes scanning the room anding to rest on her quiet face as she sat here waiting patiently. He hesitated, a flip in his stomach making his chest tighten and he wasn¡¯t sure how he should approach her. Swallowing hard and his palms getting mmy, but she didn¡¯t visually react at all.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± She asked ndly, moving form looking at them to her hands as she smoothed out her simple dress. Her demeanor poised and calm as though this was nothing.


    ¡°Can we have a minute alone.¡± YuZhi gestured to her, looking for permission to get the other two to step out. Nervous and uptight and trying to read her nk expression.


    ¡°What for?¡± TangShi shut him down, spotting Linlin sliding sideways to ZhengLi where she caught his leather jacket sleeve and tugged him with her.


    ¡°We¡¯ll go make coffee. Take your time. Don¡¯t mind us.¡± Linlin knew that despite being angry at YuZhi, she shouldn¡¯t interfere with the conversation they needed to have and ZhengLi and her had some words to talk through of their own. ZhengLi didn¡¯t object but followed her with haste, catching her by the wrist and sliding his hand down to hers in an attempt to hold it but got pped away.


    YuZhi watched them leave before proceeding, moving into the living room and hovering by the arm of the long couch where TangShi was sat.


    TangShi exhaled heavily, irritated that Linlin would do this without asking her and sat upright with a stiff flinch.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Tang¡­¡­ I don¡¯t know what else to say. How to undo everything. I¡¯m really sorry. I know those words sound empty and t and underwhelmingpared to everything, but I really am sorry.¡± He wed for the best way to apologize always being pretty useless with sentimental words and expressing his emotions. YuZhi stammered as he tried to formte something more meaningful.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want your apology anymore. I don¡¯t even know why you¡¯re here.¡± TangShi was closed off and numb to everything. The shock at seeing him fading fast and instead a darkness settled over het heart leaving it in empty cold shadow.


    ¡°Tang, I know I royally screwed us over. I wish I could undo the past week. If I knew then what I ¡­¡±


    ¡°Right. If we both knew then what we do now, maybe you wouldn¡¯t have left me there, but we didn¡¯t, and this is what it is. Why are you here? What do you want?¡± TangShi wasn¡¯t in the mood for heartfelt conversations and regrets. She checked her watch knowing the detective would show up soon and exhaled heavily, tapping her nails on her watch face and looking around at anything but him. Scared to let him open the wounds in her heart while she needed to stay strong to get through this interview. She couldn¡¯t fall apart now.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to give a statement about showing up at the hotel. The text, what happened. The detective knows I¡¯ming here. I assaulted him but he never pressed charges¡­. although he might after this¡­¡­ That aside, I¡¯m here for you. To support and take care of you. To make amends.¡± YuZhi moved to the single armchair sensing she didn¡¯t want him close and slid down to perch on the edge. As much as he was craving to go over and hug her, he could read her very strong stay away signals. It hurt his heart, but he understood why she didn¡¯t want him near her.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t put it past him. He¡¯s scum. I don¡¯t doubt this is going to escte when he finds out I reported him.¡± TangShi spat the words with bitterness a hint of hurt showing through in her strained tone and YuZhi flinched, longing to be nearer her tofort her. Seeing her like this, all the anger and hatred pulled away from his now perfectly focused sight, he could see how thin she had be, how pale and he had to clench his fists to fight the urge to go to her. She was fragile and vulnerable and trying to be strong. It broke him inside.


    ¡°I should have done worse. For what he did¡­¡­. I regret stopping when I did. Are you okay? I mean, physically. What about your foot¡­. and your hand?¡± YuZhi nced away, down at hisp as guilt consumed him and made everything heavy. Regretting so many things these past days and not sure where to begin. He had reyed so many times the few scenes between them and how much he had added to her pain.


    ¡°Both are fine. I¡¯m fine. Everything is fine.¡± She answered robotically, a slight sarcasticugh at the end which only highlighted how not fine she was. Her eyes misted involuntarily as she forced them out and had to sniff back a wave of emotion.


    ¡°I know you might not want to hear this right now, or care, but¡­¡­ throw away the divorce papers. The apartment is your home, you can go back anytime, and I¡¯ll move out if that¡¯s what you want. I reinstated your cards and your bank ount, and I left your ring in your old bedroom at home. I have a driver and car for you for when you feel able to go out and I¡¯ll make sure you have a bodyguard at all times, always protected no matter where you are.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need or want any of it. Right now, I honestly don¡¯t care anymore. Divorce me, what difference will it make.¡± TangShi really meant it. She had be so entrenched in this mess that she had stopped being able to feel anything beyond cold disconnect. Her mind and heart numb from shock and betrayal after a lifetime of hard knocks, and it had finally snapped something in her soul. An umtion of growing too big for her. She could only experience emptiness and a sense of loss, but the tears had stopped falling and when she woke up this morning it felt like all her purposes in life had flown away on the breeze.


    YuZhi swallowed hard to curb the knee jerk wince of pain in his gut at her words, knowing he deserved it but it still stung. ZhengLi had told him a million times this morning to give her time and understanding. That she was processing a lot and she was hurt and defensive. That he shouldn¡¯t antagonize her or give her a hard time or pressurize her. He was trying really hard not to break down in front of her as it was, but he hated seeing her this way. This wasn¡¯t his sweet sunshine girl.


    ¡°Come home. Please. Where I can take care of you and make sure you¡¯re safe through all of this. This is only the start before the police take things further and things might get messy or go public. I want you where I can take care of you.¡±

 Meeting Again Prt 2

    ¡°I managed pretty well without youtely. I can take care of myself. It¡¯s not my home anymore. I don¡¯t have a home.¡± TangShi got up, agitated with his nearness and the slight waver in her emotions with his soft words and promises. Hating that he was trying to win her round as if he did nothing at all but despising her weak heart more for being moved. His apologies were slicing away at the thick ck crust that entrenched her soul and she didn¡¯t want to weaken.


    ¡°If you want to leave Shanghai for a while, I¡¯ll take you anywhere you want. An extended break, whatever you need.¡± YuZhi was trying to ignore the negatives and her pushing him away and instead focus on solutions to help her.


    ¡°I want to leave anyway, but not with you. I think maybe Linlin and I need to got for a long extended vacation when this is dealt with and I can figure out what to do with my life.¡± TangShi had not given it much thought, but she did like the idea of not being here for a while and knew Linlin would drop everything to go with her.


    ¡°Tang, please, I¡¯m really trying here. I know you¡¯re mad and hurt. That I fucked up and I¡¯ll do anything to make up for it. Just don¡¯t push me away like this. I want to fix things. I don¡¯t want to lose you.¡± YuZhi stood up to follow her to the window where she was heading, holding himself back. His palms itching to reach for her and hold her close. Craving her and fighting himself to hold back.


    ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to try. I just want to be alone to think for a while. To figure some stuff out.¡±


    ¡°I can figure it out with you. You don¡¯t need to leave me to do that.¡± YuZhi¡¯s voice hitched, a slight hint of desperation as panic rose in him at the thought of her going somewhere far without him, and he had to regte his raspy breathing to remain calm. A sense of rising dread swirling form inside.


    ¡°Can you really ever touch me again? Knowing what he¡¯s done to me? Can you promise its not what you¡¯ll think of when youe near me or try to touch me?¡± TangShi turned to him, her face flushed as a single fresh tear rolled down her cheek. A slight tremor in her stomach as she waivered and her words came out in a soft calm and heartbreaking way. Truly believing she was damaged goods now and her self worth had dropped even lower..Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°I¡­¡­ I love you. We will get through all of this. It might not be easy at first but¡­¡±


    ¡°So, No? You can¡¯t can you?¡± She cut him off, her stomach twisting.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I said. Of course I can touch you. You didn¡¯t do this to us.¡± YuZhi stepped towards her closing the gap between them and lifted his hand automatically to wipe the tear from her face. Pausing mid air as hesitation hit hard and he faltered about whether she wanted his touch or not. Knowing he no longer had the right to reach out and do it.


    TangShi stared at his midair posture and snorted, a strange sound that was somewhere between augh, a snort and a sob. Pain slicing her chest.


    ¡°Yeah, looks like it.¡± She pushed his arm away with a shove at his elbow, marching past him to walk away from his suffocating presence and gasped as she was yanked backwards into his arms. YuZhi hugged her from behind in a vice like grip, burying his face in the nape of her neck and wrapping her up so tight she couldn¡¯t catch her breath. Enveloping her with need and pouring his soul into this touch he needed so badly for so long.


    ¡°That¡¯s not why I stopped. I wasn¡¯t sure if you would let me touch you.¡± YuZhi closed his eyes, inhaling her unique scent and sinking into the warm familiar feel of her, highlighting with acute pain just how much he had missed her. His heart swelling with an ache that threatened to suffocate him, and he knew he would have to use all his willpower to let her go again. This was his home, right here, wrapped up with her wherever she went.


    TangShi stood frozen and unresponsive. Not moving a muscle and not reciprocating his touch. An inner anger and heartache swirling together so her body recoiled inwardly at his familiar presence, and she shed back to standing in his office when he told her didn¡¯t love her anymore. Her hand throbbing at the memory of his cruel removal of her ring before he pushed her down. Choking her up and pushing a pain back to the forefront that she had managed to simmer down low the past couple of days. Despite longing for this, she couldn¡¯t stand it.


    TangShi caught his wrists harshly and shoved him off with all the strength she could muster, tears filling her eyes as the agony grew outwards and upwards and her body felt like it was pulsating. Shirking him off as though his touch sliced and moving away fast to get the burning feel of his touch off her skin. Wanting to hate him rather than submit to him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to touch me. Go home. Leave me alone. You said we were done, that you didn¡¯t love me. You told me to get out of your life. So why are you here? Because the story changed, and you realized I was never that person? You should have known that from the start!¡± TangShi turned on him, the damn breaking loose and the tears cascading down like a waterfall as the words rambled out in a hysterical way. Gasping for breath and unable to control the tidal wave he brought out of her. YuZhi¡¯s face crumpled.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it, baby. I was in pain and ¡­¡­. I was heartbroken andshing out. I should have known, you¡¯re right. I always thought I could be objective and rational with most things in life but¡­. my mom, Tang, she taught me that sometimes true love can be screwed up and you betray the one you love most in a moment of weakness. Didn¡¯t I do the same with Rhea? I fell in love with someone else while I was meant to love her. I admit it¡­. I have insecurities, I have doubts and they colored how I saw all of this. I stupidly let those blind me from what I knew about you in my heart, and I pushed you away and hurt you.¡±


    TangShi cried openly, knowing in her heart she too had doubted herself and what she¡¯d done that night and she could understand why he thought it too. She had epted me and in turn given him more reason to doubt her. It didn¡¯t change how cruelly he had treated her, or the way he abandoned her when she needed him though and those were the things she wasn¡¯t ready to forgive.


    ¡°How can I trust you to ever be there for me again?¡± She whimpered, shuddering as she tried to take calming breaths to control the cascading tears. Holding her heart which was swelling to bursting point in her chest.


    ¡°Because I learned a lesson from this, and I¡¯ll never doubt you again. Just give me a chance.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know ¡­. I¡­¡± TangShi gripped her head and raked her fingers against her skull, unable to think clearly anymore when confused and consumed by grief His presence making everything tumble down so that she no longer knew how to feel.


    The doorbell chime rang loud and clear and interrupted them, cutting the conversation short. Both spinning their heads towards the main hall and TangShi knew she had to pull herself together to face the Detective.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it, sit.¡± YuZhi caught her wrist as she started to move that way and lifted his other to wipe tears from her cheek with his thumb, pulling her close for a second so she held her breath. So naturally it made her flinch and stare at him in wide eyed surprise. ¡°I¡¯m still your husband. Whether you like me or not. You can push, but I¡¯m not leaving you again. I know you love me, and you need to know I still love as crazily as I did. That I¡¯m sorry and I won¡¯t stop making up for this. I¡¯m not going anywhere without you.¡± He let go of her and ran his hand over her head and down her hair with a gentle touch. The way he always did, and she turned her face away so he wouldn¡¯t see how her expression crumpled and new tears broke free. Such a simple affectionate gesture that reminded her of how safe and warm a world with him was. Grinding her down.


    TangShi didn¡¯t answer but walked off to pick up the tissue box and sit down where she was. Leaving him to go let the Detective in and tried to pull herself together. Pushing thoughts aside of her and YuZhi and focusing on the one task she had to get through today because it was the least agonizing. The start of the mess that was about toe into her life. Deep down she knew that everything may have felt like a nightmare so far, but the reality was that hell was about to break loose after today and she should brace herself for what wasing.

 Living Again Prt 1

    ¡°I know you don¡¯t think this is the best idea, but what YuZhi an ZhengLi said made sense, baby girl. This is where the public expect you to be and the ce YuZhi can keep you safe now they¡¯ve arrested Rong Cai. My parents don¡¯t exactly run a tight ship in terms of security at home and with theming back soon you won¡¯t get space the way you can here. YuZhi will look after you in ways I can¡¯t.¡± Linlin felt like she was deserting her and throwing her back into YuZhi¡¯s arms after everything even though this was furthest from the truth. This just made more sense for her.


    ¡°I know.¡± TangShi answered quietly, her eyes straying around the apartment that she once loved as home and yet it now felt cold and sterile. Unsure she had made the right decision.


    ¡°Excuse me,dies.¡± ZhengLi came in behind them wheeling TangShi¡¯srgest suitcase with bnced boxes on top and one under his arm as he slid past them towards her old room. YuZhi was close behind him with a simr load and they both offloaded her things back where they once came from. Everything she owned and had moved out two weeks or so ago was being brought back again by them.


    ¡°My grandfather wants us to go see him in a couple of days when you¡¯re settled again.¡± YuZhi smiled her way, still walking on eggshells around her, still shocked he had managed to convince her to move back here finally and afraid of upsetting her. He was seeing it as a ray of hope, a light in the dark, and clinging onto the possibility that in time she might forgive him. Having her back here was a start and if he had managed to salvage friendship and love from the train wreck of their beginning then he was sure he could earn forgiveness and trust this time around.


    This was the best ce for her. A closed and secureplex with high security as standard. Closed parking, closed ess for nonresidents, and fitted with the best security cameras and gadgets throughout the entire building. Only rich people lived here and guests were made to sign in at the first-floor security desk. He would be here in the evenings and during the day she was not nning on leaving until the case against Cai was resolved.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired. I might unpack, take a bath and go to bed. You don¡¯t need to stay with me, I¡¯ll be fine.¡± TangShi turned to Linlin, still not properlymunicating with YuZhi a whole lot yet. She didn¡¯t feel ready to interact with him and had been avoiding it all together and knew she couldn¡¯t keep Linlin hanging on as third wheel.


    ¡°I can stay and help.¡± Linlin offered but TangShi shook her head and pushed her towards the door with a soft sigh.


    ¡°The sooner I start trying to go back to normal the better. I have things to sort out.¡± TangShi wanted head space. Rong Cai had been arrested yesterday morning and was detained for now, but it wouldn¡¯t be long before he was out on bail. That thought scared her enough to agree toing back here because despite her feelings about how YuZhi treated her, she still felt safest with him and knew he wouldn¡¯t let anything else happen to her. She didn¡¯t trust Rong¡¯s mental state at all anymore and knew he was a man who would stoop to inhumane levels.


    ¡°I can help her.¡± YuZhi wandered back out of her room, free of the baggage and ZhengLi followed behind.


    ¡°Come on, princess. I¡¯ll buy you dinner and take you on a date. Leave these two to unwind and reacquaint themselves.¡± ZhengLi wandered by Linlin, hooking an arm around her waist as he passed and was met with defiance and struggle as he tried to pull her. Wriggling and trying to shove him off as she was not too big on forgive and forget just yet. ZhengLi ignored her futile attempts, bent down and hoisted her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes,ying im to his wild woman before waving their way and marching off with her. Linlin cursed him out loudly and pped his shoulder and back yet she didn¡¯t really fight to be free. She was enjoying how hard he had been chasing her again these past few days and she was softening slowly to all the charms and sweetness that made her fall for him in the first ce.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need help.¡± TangShi turned away from YuZhi when the apartment door closed, leaving them alone. She had been dreading this moment of just the two of them together, afraid she would weaken and cave.


    ¡°It¡¯s a lot to unpack, two of us will make it faster.¡± He offered and was met with a nk expression and a stubborn shake of her head.


    ¡°You said you had work to do. I want alone time. I don¡¯t want help.¡± She turned away from him to go to her room but YuZhi caught her by the wrist and stopped her mid step.


    ¡°Is this how we¡¯re going to be from now on? Living in one space but dodging one another? I miss you, tang. I miss the way we used to cohabit effortlessly and life felt right.¡± YuZhi¡¯s tone was strained yet soft and he was overjoyed about her being here even if it also pained him that she was close but so distant now.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I can only go with how I feel. Right now, I feel like I want to be alone, that¡¯s all.¡± She slid her arm out of his hand and turned to him with a slight side nce. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if you think I¡¯m being ungrateful. I don¡¯t know what else to say.¡± She couldn¡¯t exin the feelings inside because she didn¡¯t even understand them herself.


    ¡°I don¡¯t.  I understand why it¡¯s like this and I¡¯m grateful that you came home. Honestly. You have no idea how ecstatic I am to have you here, even if it¡¯s sleeping apart and we start again as friends. I just hoped you would give me a chance to try and fix things.¡± YuZhi dropped his gaze to his feet knowing that he was pushing her after promising he wouldn¡¯t but he badly wanted to be able to walk over to her and wrap his arms around her like before. He missed being able to touch her, hold her. He missed everything about her. Being this close again reminded him of how much he lost and he had no one to me but himself.


    TangShi stood for a moment, unsure what to say or how to act when he seemed to be trying so hard but she couldn¡¯t put her wall down no matter how she tried. It wasn¡¯t just him but everything right now and it felt like her life was in stasis and everything was up in the air. Her floor had bene ripped out and yet she didn¡¯t know how to fly.


    No more school, the impending trial against Rong, their rtionship being over. Her ability to paint had died during all of this because stress had killed her love of drawing. It felt like nothing was permanent and she had no stability. Her security shattered and what she thought was all mapped out in her future had all turned to dust. She wasn¡¯t even sure what would happen with their contract now or the baby she was meant to conceive.


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t want to bring this up because it¡¯s not appropriate timing but, the Leng Group annual ball is next weekend and I have to go. As my very famous fianc¨¦e they¡¯ll expect you to be there but I can go solo if you don¡¯t want to.¡± YuZhi rubbed a hand across the back of his neck and hairline, feeling awkward for even suggesting this but he couldn¡¯t keep ignoring it while his aunt was breathing down his neck about it. The PR schedule had already been messed up with their two weeks of being apart.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡± TangShi shrugged, not wanting to let him down but neither in the mood for it. It felt like unimportant detailspared to her current life problems.


    ¡°You hungry? I could cook something. If you don¡¯t want help to unpack then maybe I can feed you.¡±


    They both stood motionless and silent for a second, staring at one another as TangShi seemed to be thinking it through and eventually she nodded. Knowing she needed to try and give a little or this would be hard to deal with as a living situation. ¡°Do you have any wontons? I could handle some soup and wontons.¡± TangShi hadn¡¯t had much of an appetitetely. Nausea guing her constantly and anything strong tasting or smelling had been making her gag. Her palette could only deal with light tastes and no spice while being this way and she put it down to her emotional state.


    ¡°I can go get some wantons from that ce you like. Will take me twenty minutes tops. May as well order soup there too. Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Red bean paste rice cakes? I have such a craving for them thest couple of days. I don¡¯t know why.¡± TangShi blushed, feeling like she was being demanding but it was the first time in a fortnight she had wanted real food without forcing it.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Sure. I won¡¯t be long. Can you set the table and we can eat together?¡± YuZhi hoped the chat about food was loosening her up, not liking her shyness, and that if he kept on being normal maybe in time she would rx around him again. He knew she didn¡¯t trust him anymore and he got why, it just sucked. Seeing her this way as though they were strangers skirting around each other.


    TangShi stood still and watched him leave, in two minds about sitting together but knew it wasn¡¯t an unreasonable request. She had to stop being angry at him at some point but it didn¡¯t mean she was going to jump back to being his girlfriend or sharing his bed. It was just dinner in their shared space. It didn¡¯t mean anything.

 Living Again Prt 2

    TangShi padded through to her bedroom to change intofortable clothes before setting the dining table. Sighing at the familiar space that had once been where she slept every night before she moved into YuZhi¡¯s room when their rtionship changed. Now it seemed cold and empty and her gaze wandered around the untouched shelving, baby pink bed linens, and white dresser as her eyended on a familiar red velvet box ced there. Her heart flipping over as she caught sight of it and her stomach churned with a flutter of emotion.


    She swallowed hard, recognizing the ring box right away and wandered to it like a moth to a me. Unable to stop herself as she picked it up and clicked it open without hesitation. Her bright sparkling princess cut engagement ring twinkled back at her, dazzling in its perfection, causing both a sense of warm sentimentality and yet slicing heartache at the same time. A memory of happiness before mayhem and she closed it again fast before the tears began to fall. She didn¡¯t know why it was so hard to rewind and let YuZhi bring her back to him, but it was and something was holding her back. This ring brought home her reluctance and yet she couldn¡¯t fathom why.


    A feeling deep inside that this wasn¡¯t an easy fix and slotting back into life with him was never going to be the same again. He hurt her and it cut a little deep and she needed time. A sixth sense that this was the calm before the storm and somehow worse was yet toe. Her gut kept telling her not to get toofortable as her roller coaster ride was far from over.


    Her cell phone began to ring, distracting her form her thoughts and she spun around expecting to see Linlin¡¯s name on the screen as she checked in. Instead it was Detective Kim and her hand trembled with apprehension when she reached for it. She picked it up, took a deep calming breath and answered him with a bright hello.


    ¡°How can I help you detective Kim?¡± She tried to sound more upbeat than thest time they met, when she had sobbed through an hour of questioning and statement writing. Embarrassed that he saw her at such a low point.


    ¡°Miss. Lei, sorry to call you at this hour. Mr Leng said you would be moving back to his residence this afternoon so I hope you settled in well. I was d to hear you two were trying to reconcile.¡± The detective knew about the breakup and her living situation because YuZhi had exined everything that happened.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Yes. YuZhi has gone to collect food for us while I unpack.¡± TangShi ignored his hints that were getting back together.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. Okay, so the thing is, Mr. Cai will appear before the judge tomorrow to set bail. There¡¯s a very high probability he will be let out as his family are not exactly financially struggling. We¡¯ve taken his statements and formally charged him so I wanted to give you a head¡¯s up that he will be allowed home and that if he tries to contact you then you should let me know right away.¡± The Detective had seen scum like him over the years and could see the hints of obsessive behavior, worried that Rong might try ande after her while free. He had been angry as hell to find out TangShi used him of so many things and that kind of mindset usually led to stalking.


    ¡°Did he confess to everything? Did he admit to what he did while I was unconscious?¡± TangShi¡¯s throat closed, her voice cracking and it became hard to swallow as fear consumed her. She had dreaded the moment she found out for sure what he did in that room. No longer able to hide from it.


    ¡°He¡¯s denying everything. He ims you two had a drunken one-night stand of which he can barely remember a thing. He doesn¡¯t care about CCTV orb results and deemed them false.¡± Rong Cai¡¯s story hadn¡¯t change one bit, he was clinging to his so-called innocence, and TangShi¡¯s heart sunk, feeling like this was Rong¡¯s way of admitting he had sex with her. She didn¡¯t want it to be true but she couldn¡¯t deny it was highly probable.


    ¡°Do I need to be there tomorrow?¡± TangShi had to sit down as her legs turned to mush and her head woozy.  Ovee by a low heat spreading up form her toes and brining her nausea back.


    ¡°No. Yourwyer assigned by Mr. Leng will be there on your behalf. You should stay home and take it easy. The Lawyer will call you and let you know the oue after he¡¯s been up before the judge. We¡¯re hoping he¡¯s detained but I really can¡¯t see refusal of bail to be honest. He¡¯s known as a normally upstanding contributor to society and this is seen as a first offense despite the testimony Miss. Rhea Cheng gave us about previous behaviors. None of that can be used without contact from his previous victim and the specifics.¡± Detective Kim had been unable to track down hisst victim at all.


    ¡°Okay, thank you for letting me know. I don¡¯t n on going out anytime soon anyway.¡±


    Detective Kim stayed on the line for a minute more, making polite goodbyes and such and TangShi hung up the phone with a heavy heart and a new sense of dread. Thest couple of days had somehow felt surreal and lighter after reporting everything to the police but she knew that the moment woulde when reality hit and the repercussions of it woulde back to haunt her.


    Rong was probably mad as hell and gunning for her now that she was ruining his life. She was no longer going to be safe wandering around Shanghai like before because he knew where she lived. His reputation and freedom would be damaged and she knew he would seek some kind of payback.


    ¡°Tang, I¡¯m back.¡± YuZhi called out as he let himself back into he apartment with bags in hand. Whistling to himself and in a merrier mood as he walked back up here knowing she was home with him. The food hot and ready to eat and was surprised to see the empty room and table devoid of settings. Heid them on the counter and went in search of her, impulsively needing to check she was still here.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± TangShi walked out to meet him, waving her phone at him as they met at her door. ¡°Detective Kim called me. I¡¯ll set the table now.¡± TangShi brushed past him unaware of how pale she looked and how red rimmed her eyes were and YuZhi caught her with an arm across her abdomen. Stopping her with a gentleness and leaning back to lock eyes on her. His concern growing with hos she seemed.


    ¡°What did he say? Are you okay? Are you upset? Talk to me.¡± YuZhi¡¯s protective instinct kicked in and he turned her towards him, sliding his hands up to her shoulders and cupping them gently as he scrutinized her face for hints of tears or sadness.


    ¡°Rong Cai will probably get bailed tomorrow. He told me to take precautions. I don¡¯t need to be there but he said I should stay home and safe.¡± TangShi sighed heavily, suddenly tired and slow with the weight of this. Life felt undeniably slowtely.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to work anyway, so we can spend the day here sorting out your luggage and doing whatever you want.¡± YuZhi¡¯s inner temper notched up a little at the knowing Rong Cai would probably eb out again but he hid it form her and smiled instead.


    ¡°What? Why aren¡¯t you going to work? I thought you were busy?¡± TangShi nched at him blinking at him like he had two heads. Knowing his workload was always insane and he usually couldn¡¯t randomly take a whole day off.


    ¡°Because I want to be here with you and take your mind off it. I told you, I¡¯ll make everything up to you and I¡¯m not going to waste time. You need me here, so here I¡¯ll be.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to skip work. I can have Linlin here tomorrow¡­¡± TangShi started to refuse him, guilt rising up about messing with his work schedule but YuZhi cut her off.


    ¡°I¡¯m your husband, even if you don¡¯t like that fact anymore. And I love you. Even if you don¡¯t believe me about that either. Let me take care of you and be the person you lean on again, prove my worth. I¡¯m not going anywhere and no matter how long it takes, I won¡¯t stop trying to get you to forgive me. We were happy together and I know we can be again. I¡¯m holding onto that and I n on reminding you of it.¡± YuZhi slid his hands up and cupped her face, trapping her hair against her ears and pulling her towards him so she could only obey and step forward. Inches apart and staring eye to eye from differing heights. ¡°I lost you because I¡¯m an idiot, but I don¡¯t n on losing you twice. Humor me and let me stay home with you. It¡¯s all I can do to stay sane and stop myself from going to that courtroom tomorrow and ending that bastard¡¯s life.¡± The tiny snarl in his tone hinted at his seriousness and TangShi relented. Her heartw arming with his very real threat and she swallowed down a rise of gushing emotion and softness towards him.


    TangShi stared at him, taking in his tired face, and shadow of stubble. The slight dark circles under his eyes, his more pronounced dimples than normal, and the ruffled appearance even though his hair was styled like always. She couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint what it was that made him seem like he hadn¡¯t slept in days but she was sure it was mirrored in her face too. An aura of life being ripped apart and trying to get through without falling over.


    ¡°Fine. But you¡¯re cooking all day and I¡¯m unpacking alone. Don¡¯t get under my feet. Now where¡¯s my food, I¡¯m hungry.¡± TangShi shrugged out of his gentle hold, her tone bold but only half serious. Ufortable with his close proximity that seemed too intimate and pulled back to give him a wide berth in search of what she could smell. Knowing touch and close interaction would be her undoing so she would avoid it as best she could form now on.


    Her stomach rumbled with insane hunger now the scent of fresh food was drifting her way and making her forget everything else. That undeniable chicken broth scent and yet there was also a beef hint as though he had bought more than just in soup and wantons after all. She also smelled the sweetness of rice cakes and honey and her mouth began to water. Her sense of smell sensitized due to being famished.


    YuZhi watched her walking into the kitchen and reminded himself to back off and calm down. He knew he would only scare her away if he kept pushing and he was going nowhere without her ever again. Hiswyer would update him on that asshole tomorrow and they would take it from there. He had to go slow, take baby steps and prove to her he was worth giving a second chance to.


    YuZhi hadn¡¯t broached a specific topic in all of this but the Detective had when she left the room to wash her face the day of the statements. Ever since he pulled him aside to talk it out it had been guing him but he couldn¡¯t bring it up with her. TangShi hadn¡¯t mentioned it, and Linlin hadn¡¯t either. A dark swirling fog lingering in front of him but he was scared to ask because he didn¡¯t know if he could handle the answer.


    No one had mentioned birth control after she had gone to the hospital for the toxicology tests, or any kind of morning after pill. No one had screened her for STD¡¯s either and he knew that was a conversation they needed to have. He didn¡¯t want to broach the subject and he knew it wasn¡¯t something Rong Cai would openly answer either, about whether he used protection that night. TangShi and YuZhi hadn¡¯t used any together because TangShi was trying to conceive, and now he hoped to god that her period came like normal and it would push aside any otherplicated mess from this incident so they could get back on track with their lives.


    Seeing her pale, knowing she had been sick on and off this past few days and now craving foods while her appetite had been awful, he hoped it was all just a coincidence. He didn¡¯t know how he would feel if it wasn¡¯t.

 Grandfather Prt 1

    ¡°Hey, Grandad, we¡¯re here, where you at?¡± YuZhi called out in the empty sitting room off grandfather¡¯s living quarters, expecting him to be close as he had asked to see TangShi now life was quieter. Leading the way with her walking shyly behind him as he ventured towards the closed bedroom door. Still distance between them, but since the announcement of Rong Cai¡¯s release on bail two days ago she was more inclined to stick to his side and have him around again.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Grandfather wandered out, a bright smile on his face and dressed in a casual grey lounge suit today. His white hair shining andbed back and his beard neatly trimmed. For a man in his seventies he was still the picture of health despite needing a walking stick which he used more as a weapon sometimes.


    ¡°You wanted to see Tang so I brought her to visit, finally.¡± YuZhi smiled guiltily, eyes flicking to his left as TangShi edged by and sat on the nearest couch without response. She was in a simple baby blue dress and tan sandals today, with a cute cream furry cardigan and was starting to look a little healthier after a few days of being home. Her pale pallor warming up and her appetite had improved greatly, bringing back some of the chubbiness to her cheeks. Her mood was a little more level and she was no longer pushing him away constantly.


    ¡°I did. Now I hope this nonsense is behind us and you two have reconciled?¡± Grandfather raised a haughty brow, prodding YuZhi in the shin with his stick that was a little rough and eliciting a flinch.


    ¡°Ouch. Ummmm kind of, I¡¯m working on it.¡± YuZhi dodged a second jab and moved fast to sit beside TangShi to avoid it, only leaving a gap between them so she could have her space. Always aware about never crossing her boundaries.


    ¡°What is that supposed to mean?¡± Grandfather frowned and then pointed at TangShi with his stick before seating himself. ¡°Is my grandson not trying hard enough? Tell him what he should do!¡± he barked with open usation, a rough gruff manner, and YuZhi sighed, knowing he should have expected this.


    ¡°He¡¯s trying hard. I¡¯m just needing some time.¡± TangShi mumbled the words, intimidated by the old man who had never really shown her any affection or consideration in the past. Not sure if he was mad at her or YuZhi and recoiling not herself.


    ¡°Then what¡¯s the problem? You¡¯re married already so work it out. We still have a public wedding to n too. You already told me it was real love and you were throwing away the contract.¡± He huffed, knowing all the details of the past weeks but not seeing them as a real issue.


    ¡°Grandad, please. Just give us some time. It¡¯s not that simple.¡± YuZhi defended TangShi, sinking down in his seat and trying to not rile the old man further. He was a loving old brute but his manner was often harsh.


    ¡°Hmmmmmm.¡± Grandfather huffed, brewing over the words and frowning from one to the other in his open frustration. He wanted them to stay married and go back to the happiness his grandson had shown him weeks back before this awful mess happened. He wanted babies and didn¡¯t like waiting.


    ¡°You said you had something to tell TangShi. You know, her mother?¡±  YuZhi was trying hard to change the subject but trailed off as Xiaosu entered with a beaming bright smile, carrying a tea trayden with snacks. The teapot was already set up in here with cups and she added fresh leaves from the container she was carrying to the boiled water.


    ¡°Thank you, XiaoSu.¡± YuZhi and TangShi smiled in unison, pleased to see this ray of sunshine who was always missing in their lives since they moved. XiaoSu nodded with happiness and turned and left them to it. Happy to see them back together in one space again after the rumors from Aunt that they were divorcing already.


    ¡°Yes. You¡¯re right. I do. I wanted to share some old photos of her. Bring me the box from the windowsill, YuZhi.¡± Grandfather tapped his wooden stick on the floor to bring the attention back to task and nodded towards his veranda.


    YuZhi got up obediently and wandered over, bringing back a small antique wooden chest and ced it in front of him on a low side table, opening it for him with care. A creaky and rustic styled box that was full to the brim of old pictures.


    Grandfather leaned over, peering in and gestured for YuZhi to take the contents out, which he did without question. Lifting piles of old photographs that were yellow aged and curling at the corners. Most were ck and white pictures but a few were in color and most seemed to be amateur images taken as holiday snaps. So many people in some many eras.


    YuZhi flicked through them for a moment as Grandfather eyed them up, tapping his finger on the backs of some and nodding to TangShi for him to hand them over. YuZhi walked back to sit beside her and she leaned in close to see them as he slowly flipped through trying to locate the ones in the right timeline, thankful most had the year they were taken written on the bottom left.


    Various faces of people that held resemnce to his other family members, random strangers, some celebrities from back in the day, and faces he knew well in more modern images. There was an array of adults, children, and teens mixed in.


    TangShi eyed them up with interest, her heart beating fast as she scanned the pictures and looked for anyone that might resemble the idea she had of how her mother might look. Checking the year for any of her mother¡¯s timeline and sliding them from YuZhi to peer at closely. Invested and concentrating hard, holding back so many feelings as she searched her out.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Yor mother was such a special girl who visited our family a lot in her younger years. We were close with the He family and I adored having her stay with us anytime the school was on a break. She was a loveable and sweet ray of sunshine and I always hoped that she would one day marry into my family.¡± Grandfather uttered softly; his eyes set on the pictures in their hands but he seemed like he was lost in memories far away. Smiling softly to himself and it was obvious he had genuine affection for a girl TangShi had no memories of at all. It broke her heart more so to know she missed out on someone so precious.


    ¡°I never knew her. She died giving birth to me and my father has never told me anything about her. He treated her name like a ck mark and I was forbidden to ever bring her up. I know literally nothing about her or their marriage.¡± TangShi admitted, lowering her eyes in shame because it was the normal reaction whenever she mentioned her mother. Still carrying that heavy burden of guilt over her death.


    ¡°Your father¡­.. the least said about him the better, was never worthy of her. Your mother was very much like you in terms of prettiness and gentle nature. If you turn them over, the names are on the back. Look for YuYan.¡± Grandfather waved his fingers at YuZhi and he did as he was told, turning them and singling out any that had the name YuYan amongst them and handed them to TangShi.


    ¡°She was only young when the Lei family announced her marriage to your father. Rumor has it that he had pursued her for a long time and gained nothing but rejection until that point and her family were not on board with an arranged marriage.¡± Grandfather¡¯s tone turned sour and he screwed his face up. ¡°She never wanted to marry him at all, yet she did and they always denied that it was forced. I remember her tears on her wedding day, she looked miserable as though her life was ending. She had her heart set on marrying your Uncle Lui, YuZhi. Was infatuated with him.¡± Grandfather exhaled heavily, reminiscing about his lost son who was YuZhi¡¯s father¡¯s brother. He had died in the ne ident a few years ago. ¡°In my opinion she was too young for marriage. Barely a woman at all and only beginning her life.¡±


    ¡°Then why did they allow it and what about the He family? TangShi has never heard from them in all these years so knowns rtively nothing about them either. I don¡¯t remember them from my youth so what happened to them?¡± YuZhi leaned forward to scoop more pictures from the box and began sorting them in the same way and sliding out any for TangShi.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t. There¡¯s no one left. Much like the terrible tragedies inflicted on our family, the He line met simr fates before you were born. They didn¡¯t have many offspring to begin with and bad luck took what few there was over the years. When you were a baby YuYan¡¯s parents died in a car ident and her grandmother was left to decide her fate. She passed away in the first month of YuYan¡¯s marriage, leaving only her.¡± He was saddened by the retelling of this depressing story and TangShi was ovee with a confusion of feelings. Knowing she was truly the only one left made her feel strange, a little hopeless, and somehow sad. People she didn¡¯t know but it still upset her to know there had been an entire family she had never gotten to know.


    ¡°My father has never even told me that I had no family left. Only that they didn¡¯t want to know me because of my mother¡¯s death. I think it would have given me peace in my heart to know they weren¡¯t denying my existence but had passed away before I was born.¡± It was painful to say the words and struck her like a slice to the abdomen, but it now also made her mad. Knowing her father¡¯s cruelty had extended to making her believe she was unloved by rtives that had abandoned her. It was all a lie. A horrible and nasty untruth to cause her pain.

 Grandfather Prt 2

    ¡°No, he wouldn¡¯t.  The He were a wealthy family and your mother inherited everything as thest remaining heir. Her death meant her assets and money would have gone to you and your father equally, but over the years your father dwindled away the inheritance and his business and had nothing real to show for it. He sold everything left for you to support his failures. This marriage between you two is to save the Lei¡¯s from bankruptcy. He has nothing left except a fa?ade and you were his bargaining chip to save his own ass.¡±


    TangShi gawped at grandfather in shock, shocked by what he was telling her so bluntly. Unknown to her all these years with theirvish lifestyle and snobby behavior, was that they were actually broke and in debt. She couldn¡¯t get her head around it at all. She wondered if her stepmother knew about it and how she would react if they really did end up penniless. It seemed like some kind of Karma.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying TangShi was left half of her mother¡¯s estate and her father has lost it all. All of it? She¡¯s been treated appallingly her whole life and never got a penny and yet it was hers byw. He really is the worst kind of human.¡± YuZhi¡¯s temper riled, picturing that slimy weasel of a man and his insides churned with simmering anger at how much wrong had been done to her all these years. It¡¯s not like YuZhi could fight to get what she was owed if they had nothing left fighting for.


    ¡°Your father is a cruel man with a gambling addiction and no sense. I watched you grow up from afar and always wanted to do something for YuYan¡¯s memory. Arranging marriage was the only thing I could think of to save you from your circumstances, save you from drowning with that despicable family who never treated you as worthy.¡± Grandfather rxed back with a heavy outward breath, seemingly exhausted with bringing all of this up and getting himself riled up as he remembered her mother¡¯s memory. ¡°There was a scandal, well, a rumor¡­. that the marriage was a fast and forced affair because she was with child, but I knew her well enough to know she would never willinglyy with that man. She had tried everything to outrun him and he was rather obsessed with her. Her grandmother was a domineering old woman but she would never have pushed her into a loveless marriage without good reason. She was still a child herself in her eyes.¡± Grandfather¡¯s shake of the head and sad expression wed at TangShi¡¯s chest and she suddenly felt breathless.


    A heaviness settling over her heart and stomach. Her mind swirling back and trying to fill in the gaps and put the pieces of the jigsaw together which didn¡¯t fit the story she had been force fed by her father since birth. Shocked by these revtions but then again, not. She had always known her father was a selfish and cold person and she had often doubted the love he spoke of when it came to her mother. Why he always hated TangShi so much if she resembled her.


    ¡°How old was she?¡± TangShi¡¯s voice was trembling, low and husky and she kept flipping the pictures nervously trying to pick out a face she recognized but her eyes were blurring so much that she couldn¡¯t focus on them. Her mind a scattered mess.


    ¡°Neen, and they had to wait until her legal age changed before he could wed her. It was a very rushed and quiet affair for a family so well-known and wealthy. Steeped in scandal and spection that your father was after her money and forced himself upon her to ensure their marriage.¡±


    ¡°You think Tang¡¯s mother was forced to have sex with him and then marry because she fell pregnant?¡± YuZhi choked, eyes widening in disbelief that Lei was so much worse than he fathomed and grandfather nodded his disapproval. His eyes darkening and it was clear this was raking up old scars and regrets for the old man.


    TangShi paused, her body running cold as she shuddered and couldn¡¯t help thinking of the nature and behaviors of Rong Cai. Believing there were really men who did those kind of heinous things fueled by their own greed and selfishness. Tears welling up in the backs of her eyes and she swallowed hard, taking deep breaths to hide her sudden distress from YuZhi. Realizing how thankful she was to have him in this moment, because she might have ended up like her mother and pushed to marry a monster had she been single and alone to face her father¡¯s wrath. It didn¡¯t bear thinking about.


    ¡°She was a good girl with a shining bright future as an artist. She was madly in love with Lui, and she hoped that when she was old enough he would court her. The affection was mutual but they never once dated because of her young age. Everything changed so quickly and she was cut off from our family from then on and Lui left for the military to nurse a broken heart.¡± Grandfather had so many tales he could tell, so many sad and joyful stories and he knew over time he would share what he could with TangShi. Now he knew she would stay in his family and he was no longer afraid to form attachments to her.


    ¡°My father acts like she was the love of his life and hates me because she died giving me life. Now you¡¯re saying she never loved him and was forced to be by his side. He forced her to fall pregnant so he could trap her?¡± TangShi knew it wasn¡¯t exactly unheard of given the fact she herself was in a contract marriage but her mother¡¯s situation sounded so much worse. Back then being pregnant out of wedlock carried more weight than now and her family name and honor would have been destroyed.


    ¡°He¡¯s always been a spoiled and selfish man. He wanted her and your birth took her away from his clutches.  You were of no use to him other than the wealth that should have been yours. You are the only remaining He in Shanghai so it¡¯s not like he had to y nice to keep what she left you.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why you were adamant it had to be TangShi?¡± YuZhi was finally catching onto why he had been so stubborn about this months ago and no amount of begging changed his mind. He had never understood it when Shanghai was filled with wealthy families with better reputations.


    ¡°I promised her that one day she would be a part of our family and bringing her daughter to the Leng fold was the only way I could fulfill that before I died. An heir that is both He and Leng. I¡¯m getting old and I wanted to see my grandson settled with the right girl and our family begin to grow again. Two cursed families would be given new life.¡±


    TangShi didn¡¯t know what to say. Her heart beating fast as she digested this and stared down at a picture of just two girls in herp.  Her hand trembling as she held it. A face so much like TangShi¡¯s in subtle ways but notpletely a mirror image to her. Her mother was pretty and youthful and looked so much younger than her friend, who resembled Aunt RuiZi. A strange sensation in her gut because she was finally getting to see the woman who had been a huge part of her all these years but yet was also a stranger. Pained by her story.


    She knew nothing of her personality, her likes, or her world. She hadn¡¯t even known her face, but she could see her own smile reflected back and it brought her a strange sense of belonging. A tug at her soul, a familiarness when she looked into her eyes and a warmth growing in her belly. Despite the sadness of her history, the face could pull a sense that everything was going to be okay. She seemed strong and optimistic and TangShi tried to draw from that.


    ¡°She was pretty.¡± She sniffed as a tear escaped the corner of her eye and YuZhi automatically slid his arm around her tofort her, moving close and pulling her head against his shoulder with his palm. Cradling her in and forgetting his no touch ban that was self-imposed while he tried to earn her trust back. TangShi didn¡¯t reject him but instead leaned in and made herselffortable, reveling in the security of that familiar touch that she had missed all this time. Needing it right now.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°You look very much like her and you have a simr nature. She was a little bolder and braver than you but also a gentle flower. I think if you had a better upbringing with a loving family you would have flourished as she did and been herplete replica.¡± Grandfather still missed that happy and carefree child and it tugged a knot in his chest as he pictured her beaming smile in his mind.


    ¡°I wish I knew her. That she had lived longer.¡± TangShi couldn¡¯t hold the warm tears in and even though she wasn¡¯t properly crying, they kept rolling down her cheeks and she had to use her sleeve to dab them away. A sense of dreaminess enveloping her at finally seeing a face she had wanted to know for a long time.

 Grandfather Prt 3

    ¡°Your father remarried quite quickly after she passed and she was saved a lifetime of unhappiness with that man. I know the marriage between you two was forced but I always hoped some affection would grow. Knowing YuZhi¡¯s character and hoping you had the same sweetness of your mother¡­. I ced my faith in the fact you were like Lui and YuYan. Two souls that belonged together. I may be an old stern dictator to many, but I am a soft romantic at heart.¡± He grinned at that, a wily ear to ear kind of smile and YuZhi chuckled at him, shaking his head.


    ¡°Old scheming miser more like. A man who keeps secrets close to his chest. You could have told me about all of this a long time ago you know.¡±


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t have changed your attitude or mind. You believed in your rtionship with the Cheng girl, and I knew it was all kinds of wrong.¡±


    YuZhi fell silent hating to admit that in that he was right. After years of refusing to acknowledge them or approve of them, and here they were. He was even right about falling head over heels for this He girl beside him and he sighed as he looked down over the top of her head. She was cradling a picture of two women in her hands and staring intensely at it. One of them seemed to be her mother, and the other was his aunt who made him screw up his face and look again.


    ¡°RuiZi and YuYan were close?¡± he pulled the picture from her hands carefully and held it up for his grandfather to see.


    ¡°Yes, for a while. Until YuYan married and broke Lui¡¯s heart and then she refused to ever forgive her. ming her and hating on her for doing that to her brother. Your Aunt was young, more so than YuYan was, so we never shared any of the truths about the marriage with her for fear she would march into the Lei house and cause mayhem. RuiZi can be aplete volcano when riled and there was nothing we could do to change anything.¡±


    ¡°They were friends¡­.. And ¡­. Does she know I¡¯m her daughter? Is that partly why she hates me?¡± TangShi burst out in a rushed fashion, an incoherent thought passing through her brain like a knee jerk reaction.


    ¡°I never thought of it, but maybe. She knows you are her child, yes. We¡¯ve never discussed it though.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should. Tell her everything¡­. and I think maybe it¡¯s time you told her the truth about Rhea too. About dad. Why you were so against Rhea being part of this family. She¡¯s not a kid anymore and her attitude to TangShi is based in misunderstanding and being kept in the dark. It¡¯s not fair to TangShi.¡± YuZhi implored him, hating that all these years he had shouldered secrets with his grandfather and never been able to offload to the woman who was like a second mother to him. He wanted nothing more than for his Aunt to ept TangShi and start over, showing her the side that he knew growing up who did possess a heart and affection.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t mind.¡± TangShi immediately thought of how it might turn Aunt against Rhea andtely, she was beginning to appreciate her and no longer wanted to see her further hurt. She had stood alongside her when it mattered, even against YuZhi, and they had a strange mutual understanding now. Not quite friends, but not exactly enemies either. It was confusing but in TangShi¡¯s heart she wanted to see that girl find happiness.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re right. It¡¯s time. I¡¯m not getting any younger and secrets do no good to anyone, especially family. Now¡­¡­. About family secrets¡­. About this delicate matter, I know you told me not to mention it, but¡­¡± Grandfather ploughed in and YuZhi raised his hand and shook his head. His mood dropping instantly and a dark furrowed brow reced a carefree smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking care of it. It¡¯s set for trial but that could take months. In the meantime, I¡¯m taking care of TangShi and keeping her safe. Just let us get through his in our own way. I won¡¯t let anyone near her ever again.¡± YuZhi replied tartly. He didn¡¯t want to talk about this in front of TangShi. She was already sensitive to this topic and their rtionship was undefined.


    Other than sharing an apartment and her asionally letting him close, there was nothing between them. She was hurting and he understood it. Walking on eggshells and letting her set the pace was all he could do for now. He wasn¡¯t pushing anything and he didn¡¯t care if it took years to convince her to let him in, he would do anything for her.


    ¡°The police said his refusal to admit guilt is the only reason it needs to go to trial. If he had confessed he would have been sentenced already as it¡¯s such a clear-cut case with enough evidence.¡± TangShi squeezed YuZhi¡¯s arm trying to assure him she was okay talking about this. It was getting easier and the shock was subsiding even if the feeling of nausea and worry were ever present. ¡°The detective is reaching out to a previous girl who maybe went through the same thing, but until then Rong Cai isn¡¯t allowed anywhere near me in the terms of his bail.¡±


    ¡°Disgusting piece of filth! Maybe you two should take a time out and go abroad for a while as this is done. Let me and your uncles run Leng group with ZhengLi and afford you some recuperation time.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to run away and hide.¡± TangShi stopped him short with his suggestion, shutting YuZhi down who was ready to agree after thinking about the same thing these past few days. ¡°If I let him chase me out of my own city, then he wins. I want to face this, get through it and not be afraid of him. I want to be there when he goes to trial so I can look him in the eye while he¡¯s sentenced for trying to ruin my life.¡± TangShi had found an inner strength somewhere along the line these past days and YuZhi frowned at her, that niggle of silent doubt he had been keeping deep in his chest and never voicing around her.From N?velDrama.Org.


    Afraid she wouldn¡¯t be able to stand this or get through it and seeing her as a fragile and vulnerable girl he needed to protect at all costs. He wanted to wrap her in cotton wool and never let anything harm her again as long as he lived.


    ¡°Have you taken this month¡¯s pregnancy test? Have you given consideration to the fact you may be with a child that isn¡¯t YuZhi¡¯s? I heard there was no after precautions or proper examinations in that respect.¡± Grandfather came right out with YuZhi¡¯s¡¯ deep dark fear, making him choke and gawp at him with wide eyed shock, like a kick in the balls. YuZhi regretted always being so open with him and telling him details he now wished he hadn¡¯t. TangShi¡¯s face tinged red as her blush spread quickly. Her heart flipping a beat and her insides clenched.


    A monthly test had been an agreement in their original contract when they went to the clinic and although grandfather never knew about the insemination, he did know about the tests. Even when she got her period they still did one as sometimes women could still bleed while pregnant.  In his mind he was being practical and logical and wanting to deal with fallout sooner rather thanter. No point beating around the bush.


    ¡°I hadn¡¯t wanted to think about it. I admit I buried my head and I don¡¯t know if he ¡­..¡± She couldn¡¯t say the words ¡®used a condom¡¯ out loud in front of these men and she tucked her chin down, staring at her mother¡¯s photograph for strength. ¡°I¡¯ll take a test but I¡¯m scared. I honestly don¡¯t know if I could be and I¡¯ve been trying to ignore it.¡± She swallowed loudly, admitting her foolishness, choking on a new wave of tears as she was forced to face the one thing she had refused to acknowledge in the hopes it would bypass her. She knew it was dumb to try and bury her head over this but she didn¡¯t have the mental capacity at the time to think it through.


    ¡°No matter the oue, it doesn¡¯t matter. We¡¯ll deal with it. In whatever way is best for us. I¡¯ll take her to the clinic for a full examination as soon as she¡¯s ready.¡± YuZhi¡¯s tight tone and rigid expression didn¡¯t conceal his conflicted emotions, or his twisting guts. TangShi blinked up at him as she felt his posture stiffen without releasing her from his hold. His arm around her still but instead of soft cuddling, it became a straight and stiff chain holding her tight. Sensing the change in him her heart shuddered in pain.


    Despite not really knowing where they stood with one another she knew she still loved him and the thought of carrying another man¡¯s child made her sick to her stomach. It would change the dynamic between them and she got a tinge of real fear he might not be able to love her anymore if it was the oue.


    Pushing it away again with haste like every time she had a niggle of doubt over it. No matter how much he said he loved her she knew that this was one thing that could change everything again. No man could ept another¡¯s child, especially one conceived like this. She might end up back out in the cold if his heart broke for a second time because of Rong Cai and she honestly didn¡¯t know how she would get through that if it came down to it once more.

 Rong Wrong Prt 1

    ¡°I told you, I didn¡¯t do anything wrong so why are you on my ass?¡± Rong yelled at his father, storming away from him even though this was Rong¡¯s office. What had started as a simple conversation escted quickly with his unstable temper ofte.


    ¡°She was my best student and the one with a quiet disposition. Now you¡¯re telling me she quit because of a drunken affair with you? That makes no sense. She recently became engaged and seemed genuinely happy, so how did it go form that to this?¡± Master Cai raised his voice, frustrated with his son for the shame he brought upon them by getting arrested and the damage to his school¡¯s reputation. The police were blunt about the usations even if his son was denying them and had shared every details with him.


    ¡°She likes me. She needed to be drunk to admit it to herself because she was scared of rejection. All of this is her jealous ex fianc¨¦e¡¯s doing because he can¡¯t ept we love one another.¡± Rong was enraged at his father¡¯s questioning him today. At first he hadn¡¯t said much when he got home from the detainment center but after that do-gooder detective came to see him he had been like this. Talking bullshit and spreading lies about what he was meant to have done.


    ¡°They had evidence you drugged her, Rong! How can you say this was down to her being drunk? What did you do? Why did you have to go this far? Don¡¯t you see what you did wrong or have any concept why this is wrong?¡± Master Cai implored him, unable to understand his own son in this. Ashamed and shocked and bitterly disappointed in his actions.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything. Do you know who her boyfriend is and what he¡¯s capable of? He¡¯s the heir of Leng group, who has more money and power than sense. He¡¯s framing me to get rid of me because TangShi wants me. He has her locked up and won¡¯t let me see her because he knows she would tell the truth about this whole thing. She wants us to be together.¡± Rong paced back and forth running his hands through his hair in agitation and tugging at the strands every few strokes. Erratic in his movements and behaving manically. Getting madder by the second. His father watching him and trying to curb his own temper but there were too many doubts and questions and his concern rose that his son was spiraling again into another dark phase in his life. They had been here before and thought therapy and medication was helping him.


    ¡°TangShi was a sweet and quiet girl who stayed in her ownne. She never caused any problems and kept herself to herself. I don¡¯t believe she would stand back and see you wronged if that was the truth.¡± TangShi was a girl he had great affection for and he knew in his gut the liar was not that girl.


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying I¡¯m lying? That I drugged and kidnapped her to keep in a hotel room all night¡­. Why would I do that? Why would I hurt the girl I want to marry?¡± Rongughed, a snarling and terrifying sound that wasn¡¯t melodic and clenched his fists.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Why would they set you up this way and bring your family shame? TangShi is a good girl and if she said you did wrong to her ¡­.¡±


    ¡°She isn¡¯t the one using me! Her idiot boyfriend is. I can¡¯t believe you actually doubt me. You¡¯re my father, you should be taking my side in this!¡± Rong erupted at him, swiping things from the table across the floor in a crashing sweep that startled his father, and stamping his feet like a petnt child.


    His father watched him in silent judgement knowing he had always been a high strung and spoiled child who wanted everything his own way. It had caused so many arguments with Master Cai¡¯ste wife, that their son was so hard to handle and over the years he had behaved inappropriately to friends and girlfriends that always ended up leaving him. It had been hard to admit that their son was sick and she hadn¡¯t lived long enough to see him finally get help in recent years.


    ¡°Calm down and stop behaving like a toddler. When will you grow up and face the reality of life?  Your actionse with consequences!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not staying here listening to this. It¡¯s bullshit. I¡¯m going out.¡± Rong tramped to the door to leave, kicking fallen objects out of his way with no regard to the destruction he was causing, or that his actions were hurting his father. Master Cai exhaled heavily, held back his impulse to explode too and called after him.


    ¡°You are on bail; you are not allowed out. Come back here.¡± He rubbed his face and stayed where eh was standing, gazing around the mess and broken pottery and scattered dirt and foliage of one of his housents on the floor.


    ¡°I have a curfew, not a jail sentence. I can go wherever I please as long as I¡¯m home by eight. And soon when it¡¯s proven I am not guilty, you can eat your fucking words!¡± He snapped back at him, grabbing his car keys and swiping a jacket. Making it clear he had zero intention of staying or doing as his father asked. He had always been this vtile but his father could see the signs that he was not as stable as he had been a month back. Questions rising in his gut.


    ¡°Stay away from her. I¡¯m warning you if you cause more trouble¡­¡±


    ¡°Why am I always the one causing trouble?¡± Rong snapped, lifting his palms skyward in question. Shaking his head in disbelief.


    ¡°Are you still taking your medication?¡± His father changed tact, lowering his voice and almost pleading with him. Afraid of this answer.


    Knowing his son always seemed to go off the rails when he stopped taking his antipsychotic medication. He was secretive about it and try as he might he could never be sure Rong was sticking to them daily. His therapist was still an ongoing monthly visit but Rong was a master at faking his behavior nowadays and seeming so normal most of the time. He had tried monitoring his pills but Rong would make a huge fuss and use him of controlling him.


    The reason he had entrusted him to run the school was that he thought a focus and purpose in life might help him stay on the right path. He had never imagined he would cause harm to one of his students or he would never allowed him to have any kind of presence here among them.


    ¡°Go to hell. Fuck those pills and fuck you.¡± Rong kicked the door closed behind him after barging through, murmuring curse words under his breath at his father and stalked across the garden to the private carpark inside their boundary.  He hated taking his Haldol meds and was done with them again, feeling like all they did was give him shitty symptoms and no real cure. Despising the side effects that caused issues, like lowering his libido, headaches, and insomnia. He felt better when they weren¡¯t in his system and he was sure he didn¡¯t need them anyway. It had been almost a month now of stopping them and he didn¡¯t think it had affected him at all. He wasn¡¯t crazy, it was everyone else who imagined that he was. They had problems, not him.


    Rong had been in a foul mood since the police showed up here days ago and arrested him and was desperate to see that bitch TangShi to ask her what the fuck she was ying at. He thought they had a rtionship and an understanding. Why else would she stay with him that night?


    How dare she use him of assaulting her against her will. She had no idea the lengths he had gone to make sure they had time alone together and he took real nice care of her while she slept like a baby. The ungrateful slut. He spent so much money on that dinner and that room and she was over there shacked up in her ivory tower with rich kid and sending him to the cells. He couldn¡¯t get his head around it and his rage over this had been growing steadily as his medications fully left his system.


    Rong got in his car and wasted no time in driving to the registered address on TangShi¡¯s school record. The document he memorized after she started there and would look at frequently in case she updated or changed details. Having been here multiple times over thest few weeks in the hopes of seeing her he knew the way with his eyes closed. Not impressed that she moved into the apartment of that man and thought she had more self-respect that cohabiting with a boyfriend. It made him grit his teeth just thinking about the sordid shit they got up to in that ce.

 Rong Wrong Prt 2

    The traffic was heavy, annoying his impatient and restless self, and it waste in the day when he finally got to the apartmentplex. He parked in his usual observation spot, near the entrance of the underground parking. A ce he had spent many a night sleeping in his car these past weeks just to see here and go and figure out her schedule. Reversing into a shadowy space that was concealed from view by trees and buildings so he could watch from across the street and pulled out his cell to call her again.


    He had made endless calls, always saying the phone number was not registered but she had never told him she changed it and he was sure it had to be a mistake. Her records at the school were up to date until she quit and it had worked fine the day of the dinner. Maybe her idiot boyfriend had cut off her number or taken her phone away as he couldn¡¯t understand why she wouldn¡¯t want to talk to him. They were close friends and had seen each other almost daily before that night. He didn¡¯t know what her problem was now that she quit school and would never answer her cell.


    He sat motionless and bored for the best part of an hour when a familiar ck jeep rolled into view and he sat upright, poised and prickly as he narrowed his eyes and peered into the windscreen in hopes of seeing his girl. Tense and stiff, leaning forward and scrutinized the vehicle.


    There she was in the passenger seat beside that spoiled rich asshole, looking at him while she spoke and seemed to be acting normally. Not the heartbroken and disheveled victim being held hostage that he expected to see. The pair of them smiled at one another and whatever that jerk said, she covered her mouth andughed, leaning her head towards him and pushing him in the shoulder yfully. Riling Rong¡¯s jealous nature.


    Rong¡¯s temper rose and that fury in his belly spread to his veins, sending liquidva pumping to every call in his body. Burning up with venom and hatred as the jeep paused by the gates, ring their way while waiting for them to open and then the dark vehicle slid inside as they shut behind them.


    Rong jumped out of his car and marched across the street without hesitation, pulling his baseball cap down to hide his eyes and his face mask up. Before they fully closed, he slid in quick, making a swift left to dodge the security guard who as walking back to his ss box office after letting them in. He ducked under a nearby metal rail, rolled across the darkened concrete out of sight and headed for the darkest part of the car park.


    He just wanted to see her for a few minutes, to energize himself and figure out what was going on with them. After that perfect night sleeping beside her and holding her close he had been so sure it was the start of something good between them. Only that bastard ruined it by beating him senseless, scaring his angel, and TangShi had fled and left him there alone. Unable to run after her or do anything about it because of his physical state and since then she wasn¡¯t essible. She needed him to rescue her form the grips of Prince Leng.


    ¡°YuZhi, give it here. Let me help.¡± TangShi¡¯s voice drifted his way and he spun around, getting low behind some park cars.  He squatted while running along the back of them until he got level with the area that sweet noise wasing from. Finding peace in the serenity of her melodic tone.


    ¡°I¡¯ll carry them. You go on ahead and I¡¯ll follow. I got it, it¡¯s not heavy.¡± YuZhi pulled the wooden box of pictures from the back seat, and the bags of food they picked up on the way home. Aromatic smells wafting up at him and making his belly rumble. Smiling after her at how rxed she seemed after going for a scenic drive to find a great soya crab seller. The talk about her mother seemed to have distracted her from the obvious mess of their lives and he was enjoying seeing glimpses of the girl he loved the most this evening. nning on a quiet night on the couch with her. movies and food and maybe like the old days she would want to curl up and get close.


    Rong snarled from his concealed spot, hunching low, clenching his fists, and tried to follow them by using cars as shade as they walked towards the elevator station to go up to the apartments. Sticking close as he dared without being seen.


    ¡°Evening, Mr. Leng, Miss. Lei.¡± The security at the second entry point nodded to them, recognizing residents by face alone and opened the barriers to let them through to ess the elevators. Rong knew he had no chance of going any further. Security wasx at the entry to the car park but not when you got over here. He had tried to ess this many times and even imed to be a delivery driver at the main entrance on the other side of this building before and always failed.


    ¡°Evening. You guys have a good one.¡± YuZhi nodded and TangShi smiled their way, walking through and pressing the first elevator closest to them. TangShi pulled out her apartment ess card and leaned against YuZhi absentmindedly as they waited here. Tired and nuzzling into his arm and shoulder to help hold up her weary body while his arms were upied. It was an impulsive and absentminded habit and it made YuZhi¡¯s heart swell with joy.


    YuZhi nced down at her, beaming with the fact she did this without thinking about it and tilted his head to rest his cheek on top of hers for a second. Gauging her response and ready to be rejected but she only wriggled to amodate him further and stayed put. The elevator pinged open and dislodged them from their cozy posture but YuZhi was content. Happy that she was initiating some physical contact again and taking note of how many times she had this past two days. Each one giving him a sense of hope and expanding happiness that in time he might be able to salvage his rtionship with her again.


    Rong red coldly from his spot, a chilling aura of darkness emanating from his still figure.  Seeing them close and cuddling up, he cursed under his breath, turning away fast and spat at the ground before kicking the back tire of the nearest car. Hating them for their public show and wanting to rip Leng¡¯s fucking face off for touching her. Knowing it was all fake and a lie and there¡¯s no way in hell he could still be all sweet and loving to that whore, knowing she was in bed with another man only three weeks ago.


    It made no sense to him and he had been expecting to see TangShi being dragged around like a dog, shackled to him and kept as a prisoner against her will because she dared to cheat on her precious rich boy. There¡¯s no way a man like him could endure the thought of his woman with another guy so what the hell was this bullshit he was seeing now. It had to be a show for the public and not the truth of what was happening between them.


    As they wandered inside, TangShi slid her arm into the crook of YuZhi¡¯s elbow and he automatically leaned in and kissed her on the temple. An impulsive need to shower her with some form of affection, seeing as she was being so touchy but his hands were full and it was killing him to not be able to act on this rare interaction. TangShi blushed and looked away to hide her obvious response but said nothing as the doors slid shut and Rong Cai wanted to put his fist through the nearest windscreen, such was his rage. A growing ck hole of toxic hate aimed at that slimy fucker who still owned his woman.


    This wasn¡¯t the n. He was supposed to throw her away, cut off their engagement and hate her for the betrayal. TangShi was supposed to realize how much Rong meant to her ande to him willingly, leaving that jealous and possessive controlling CEO behind.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    This wasn¡¯t fucking it!!!


    He wanted to gauge out his own eyes and throw them away for deceiving him with this lie.


    This implied she was part of the hate campaign against him, trying to frame him for kidnapping and what? ¡­. Fucking rape? Was she having augh? Was she serious? Stupid bitch had no idea how well he cared for her that night. How carefully he undressed her before staging the room andying her to bed like a princess, being careful not to hurt her in anyway. Admiring her, stroking her face and beautiful body and preserving her innocence for a special day. He had bent over backwards to amodate her and set that up for their future happiness.


    Didn¡¯t she understand how much he idolized her and wanted her as his perfect woman, to spend the rest of his days worshipping her? She was so ungrateful, so blinded, and dumb, and he obviously hadn¡¯t done enough to break the brainwashing that Leng prick had done to her. It highlighted now to him that he would need to put in more effort to get her back and he should up his ante to seeing her and pulling her home. She needed him toe for her for her own good.


    Rong wrung his hands and tugged at his hair, his vision blurring and swimming as angry emotion overwhelmed him and he had the urge to beat or break something. Unable to control the inward spiral of devastation and outrage at witnessing them together. He knew he had to do something more extreme if he was going to ensure TangShi was his. He would have toe up with a better n, a solid and foolproof one that left no room for that Leng fucker to intervene.

 The Test Prt 1

    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. It¡¯s just a simple test and it might be negative.¡± YuZhi rubbed TangShi¡¯s back lengthways, gently warming her and sounding unusually upbeat. TangShi was perched on the seat in the doctors office, uptight, and stiff, while she fidgeted with her handbag handle and he could sense her apprehension like a thick fog around her. The doctor had left them alone while he took her urine sample to another room for testing and it was a strained atmosphere.


    ¡°What if it isn¡¯t? What if it¡¯s positive and¡­.¡± Her voice trembled and she cut off mid breathy sniff, her fear getting the better of her. TangShi was already a mess this morning, having worked herself up from anxiety to borderline hysterics in getting here to do this. She was internally shaking so badly she felt like she might pass out and her stomach was tying itself in knots.


    ¡°Then it might be mine. We had unprotected sex for weeks, right up until that morning. Try not to overthink it and worry about something that might be nothing.¡± YuZhi was trying tofort her even though his own guts were churning with nerves and praying this was negative. It would be easier for both of them if it was. Putting on a brave face for her.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t need toe. I know this must be hard for you.¡± TangShi was steeped in guilt today, for all of this and once again ming herself. Waking up this morning to be sick again which was bing normal, devastatingly so given what they were here for, and it terrified her. She knew the signs and she was aware she had many. Feeling like she brought this on herself somehow.


    ¡°Stop thinking that way. It¡¯s harder for you because it¡¯s you that¡¯s going through this. I can¡¯t imagine how any of this feels so stop worrying about me and how it¡¯ll affect me. I told you, no matter what, we¡¯ll get through it.¡± YuZhi appeared calm and unemotional. Being the strong wise voice and shoulder to lean on, while hiding his fear and pain underyers of detached aloof. He wanted to show her she could trust him and hid all of his doubts so deep that it was making him nauseous. So much effort going into his demeanor, tone, and expressions, to assure her he wasn¡¯t going anywhere.


    ¡°Right, I¡¯m back. Sorry to keep you waiting.¡± Doctor Huang wandered in smiling softly. Carrying a clip board under his arm as he continued drying his freshly washed hands on a paper towel and tossed it in the waste bin by his desk before sitting down. ¡°The full blood work up and other samples you gave have been sent to theb for sexual health testing. We will have results in three days about whether you need any kind of STD treatments. As for the pregnancy test¡­¡­.¡± He raised his brow, inhaling deeply to steady his own nerves, pausing for a second to find the right way of saying this, as he knew all too well the entire story around this couple. He had been YuZhi¡¯s friend for years and had not been spared a single detail about the visit today in the phone callst night.


    ¡°She¡¯s pregnant isn¡¯t she?¡± YuZhi cut in with a deted tone, knowing Huang¡¯s mannerisms well enough to see it. Ripping the band aid off instead of waiting out the agony of his silence. A sucker punch to his stomach.


    ¡°Yes¡­.. She is.¡± He nodded with a somber expression. ¡°I¡¯m Sorry Miss. Lei, I know you hoped for a different oue.¡± He leaned over patting her on the back of her hand but TangShi was sat numb and motionless, blinking at him as though she hadn¡¯t quite heard what he said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t be.¡± She breathed out in a whisper, turning wide eyes to YuZhi as they filled with tears and her face crumpled. Her heart shredding with acute slicing pain.


    ¡°It¡¯s rare to get a false positive with the tests we use, and I can have your bloodwork double checked to confirm it, but I am certain given your symptoms and examination that you are pregnant. You¡¯re monthly cycle is alsote.¡±


    YuZhi had been preparing himself for this since they left his grandfather¡¯s house, and maybe days before. In his gut he already knew the answer so this wasn¡¯t a big a shock to him as it seemed to her. He slid his arm around her and pulled her into his embrace as she was sat beside him. Cradling her head against his neck and rubbing his hand over her hair and cheek to soothe her while she began to shudder and sniff harder.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s going to be okay. It doesn¡¯t mean that it¡¯s his ¡­.. we¡¯ll know when you get your dating scan or due date. Right?¡± YuZhi was trying to be practical and hold onto some tiny ray of hope toe from all of this.


    ¡°Right. We can do an early ultrasound and try and date the size of the fetus. After two weeks, an ultrasound usually can pick up an embryo and you have passed three and a bit weeks since yourst intercourse. So even if you fell pregnant then, I¡¯ll be able to see something.¡±


    TangShi burst into proper tears at hearing his words. Unable to control the raw emotion that poured out of her and YuZhi encircled her tiny frame fully, pulling her in and hugging her tight while swaying her side to side like a child. She almost ended up on hisp with the force of his getting her closer but she clung on like he was a life raft in a stormy sea, unable to control her devastation.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, it¡¯s not good for you to get his upset.¡± YuZhi didn¡¯t know what else to say and the Doctor watched them quietly and gave them a moment. Awkward himself at this very dramatic reaction from her even if he understood it.


    ¡°If I can¡¯t see anything with an abdominal sonogram, then I can do an internal ultrasound. Either way we will be able to get an approximate conception date. That might give you a definite answer right away and cut down the stress.¡± He wrote down some notes on the paperwork for himself and pressed the inte buzzer on the right side of his desk.


    ¡°Nurse Wang, please can you bring me the portable ultrasound. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Now?¡± YuZhi was shocked at the fact they wouldn¡¯t need to wait and yet never stopped holding onto TangShi and wiping her tears as they rolled down her face, with his thumb. ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯s in any state to do this now.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s non evasive. This machine is nothing more than me pressing a pad on her abdomen and having a look. If we need an internal that¡¯s a different set up entirely but it¡¯s better to know and give you both peace of mind right now if we can. I don¡¯t think we should wait.¡± The doctor felt he was doing what was the best for both of them and hoped conception was clear. ¡°TangShi I need your dder full for us to get the clearest picture because of its possible size. So I need you to drink some fluids for me. Are you okay with that?¡±


    TangShi lifted her head, unable to stop her tears but nodded, mumbling through sodden sniffles. Agreeing with him that this should be sooner rather thanter and tried to pull herself together. Waiting longer would only torture her mind into insanity and she might not have the courage toe back once they left. This was a shock reaction and now she needed to get herself calm and take the next step.


    Sliding out of YuZhi¡¯s arm but keeping a hold of his wrist in her two hands, She picked herself back up to a sitting position and shook herself mentally. Needing his support and presence and pushing aside any other thoughts for the time being about the two of them. YuZhi needed to be her rock because she didn¡¯t think she had the strength right now to do this alone. She swallowed a few times and took some deep inhales and managed to calm the crying.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t gone in a while. My dder might already be full.¡± She answered truthfully, some sense of logic returning with a stabler mood, and was met with a nod and hopeful smile.


    ¡°Well, we can give it a try and see, and if it¡¯s not clear we can have you drink and try again. Early on it¡¯s hard to really get a good image but we can hope.¡±


    A secondter a gentle knock on the door signaled the nurse entering, and pulling in arge, wheeled trolley that wasden down with monitors and machines and seemed crammed full and oversized for such a tiny room.


    ¡°Can I get you to go lie on the bed and expose as much of your abdomen down to below your hips as you can for me. YuZhi can assist or he can wait outside?¡± The doctor was used to women wanting husbands to stay and knew althoughplicated in terms of rtionship, she might still want him here. After all they were married and this might be YuZhi¡¯s.


    TangShi hesitated, looking from YuZhi to the bed by the wall and the thoughts of knowing for certain if this was his child. Weighing up whether he would handle it if it wasn¡¯t and wanting to be selfish and have him take care of her no matter the oue.


    ¡°I want him here.¡± She responded so quietly it was almost a whispering breath and YuZhi smoothed back the hair from her face that was sticking to her damp tear-soaked skin. Calming her, reassuring her that he would do whatever she needed and pulling her up by the hand to lead her to the bed. Confidence in his mannerism even if inside he was a shaking mess.

 The Test Prt 2

    He took all his nerves, doubts, and emotion, and locked them up tight in a steel box and pushed them to the tips of his toes. Knowing that no matter the result, he had to stay calm and stable for TangShi. No reaction if it wasn¡¯t his. He had to show her it didn¡¯t matter, even if deep down it would destroy his heart. She needed him to be strong and stable while she was going through a hellish time and he also needed to still earn her forgiveness. This would not be enough for him to let her go a second time.


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s do this.¡± The doctor wheeled over to the side of the bed on a low stool and waited while sheid down and adjusted her clothes awkwardly. Pulling her dress up and YuZhi used the bed nket to cover her from the lower hips down to preserve her modesty.


    The gel that was squirted on her lower abdomen was cold and slimy, and she squirmed and wriggled while a stic handheld pad was pushed into her stomach firmly and slid around while the doctor clicked the mouse on the trolley and kept his eyes glued to the monitor. It wasn¡¯t exactlyfortable and highlight how much she did need to pee. It felt like endless minutes of what was in reality only seconds, and the only noises form the Doctor were hmmm and ahhh noises to himself. A furrowed brow and deep etch of concentration while he did something with the monitor image.


    YuZhi took her hand in his, interlocking their fingers and squeezed it tight, leaning over her on the bed so they were face to face and focused on her eyes, bringing her gaze to him and not the screen.  His free handing up to brush away the hair across her forehead and he smiled softly, taking in her naturally beautiful face.


    ¡°Rx. It¡¯ll all be over soon. Don¡¯t think about anything.¡± YuZhi leaned in and kissed her on her temple, more to calm his internal war of emotions and the chaotic rhythm of his inner body. Surprising her with the soft affection which caused a huge lump in her throat and she doubted herself for still not forgiving this man and letting him back into her heart. Like this, she couldn¡¯t understand her reluctance anymore.


    TangShi was strung tight with crippling fear and began chanting in her mind over and over a small wish that this baby was conceived more than three weeks ago. It had to be YuZhi¡¯s as she didn¡¯t know what to do if it wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°ahhhhhh, ummm.¡± The doctor exhaled heavily, a confused and exasperated expression creasing his brow and he wiggled the pad once more and then click, click, clicked at the keyboard and mouse. Seemingly unhappy with what he was seeing and TangShi held their breath.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± YuZhi turned his head, frowning with slight concern at him. Sensing this wasn¡¯t good.


    ¡°I was hoping on a clear five-to-six-week window for your conception. Ultrasound gives you a date that is usually within a five-day error margin.¡± He blew out more air and screwed his face up as he peered at the embryo measurements on screen before admitting defeat.


    ¡°So?¡± YuZhi urged, his tension growing and a headache starting with the sheer stress. TangShi fell silent and still and stared at him with a pale pallor.


    ¡°I am measuring a three-to-four-week embryo. Your conception date could fall right on the day that¡­.¡± The doctor lifted the pad and handed YuZhi some paper towels to wipe TangShi¡¯s stomach and yet both stayed frozen and continued staring. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­. I ¡­.. I hoped for something further back.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding me, right?¡± YuZhi¡¯s fa?ade slipped and his raw pain slipped out in a raspy tone that made him bite his own lip and drag it back inside to conceal again. Cursing himself for caving and realizing he had held onto a tiny thread of hope.


    ¡°So I might have fallen pregnant on that day?¡± TangShi answered robotically, numb taking over as her worst fear was realized.


    ¡°We had sex that morning too. So it doesn¡¯t mean a damn thing, right? It could still be mine? Or it could be for what¡­. five days before?¡± YuZhi¡¯s carefully constructed persona was unraveling and he gripped her hand tighter to find some strength to pull himself back together.


    ¡°From experience it¡¯s normally a couple days either side of the date we give or spot on. Rather than being a whole five days off. I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t be more precise. I honestly thought it would be a case of you being around six weeks by now as I know you were trying naturallytely. A lot of women don¡¯t experience as many symptoms as you until the five-to-six-week mark but the embryo is definitely smaller than a month.¡± His face flushed with heat at his own stress levels rising and felt like instead of setting their minds at ease, he made this worse for both of them. It wasn¡¯t any clearer now than a half hour ago.


    ¡°So we have to wait for the baby to be born and get DNA then? Is that what you¡¯re saying? Or will the other type of ultrasound be more precise?¡± TangShi¡¯s feeble and tearful side was hitting full fervor, and the hysterics were quietly brewing as extreme denial kicked her butt.


    The doctor shook his head, knowing the other ultrasound wouldn¡¯t make a difference. It was not an exact science and conception dates were always approximate for giving a rough age to the embryo.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Tang, listen to me.¡± YuZhi turned to her, wiping her hair back and cradling her face as the doctor took over cleaning her abdomen for her for something to do. YuZhi string up internally, his heart beating fast but his mindset was calming down. ¡°Either way, this is my kid. It doesn¡¯t matter, do you understand? We¡¯ll go ahead with the PR n and the wedding.  I¡¯ll take care of you and when you begin to show, we¡¯ll announce our baby news and that¡¯ll be the end of it. No DNA¡­. No doubts, no questioning it.  As far as my family are concerned this baby is mine. We tell everyone it¡¯s mine and it will be.¡± YuZhi¡¯s eyes misted over and he swallowed hard unable to stress enough that he didn¡¯t want this to rip them apart again and he would do anything to stay with her. Even if that meant epting the baby and loving it as his own without ever knowing for sure. He loved her enough to love the life growing inside of her and he would be its father no matter what. HE could live his life that way and give nothing else to that fucker Rong.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­.. I need to know. I don¡¯t want you to do that or out you through that. What if it looks like him?¡± TangShi began to sob again and he pulled her up off the bed by scooping his arms under her and cradling her tight. His own emotions fraying and the urge to cry overwhelmed him.


    ¡°Yes, you can. It¡¯s your baby and it doesn¡¯t matter how it looks. I¡¯ll love it no matter what and we can fix everything and go back to living our life like we nned. Rong will pay for what he did but this kid will never be his, never see him. No matter when it was conceived. Do you understand?¡± YuZhi¡¯s voice turned stern andmanding, quietening her despair and pulling her face back so he could press his nose to hers. Serious and calm as he locked eyes on her again and drummed into her. ¡°I love you.  I¡¯ll love our baby. I¡¯m not going to lose you over this or push you away, so have a little faith in me.¡±


    TangShi nodded, clinging on with desperation and let her tears fall as her body was wracked with grief and yet also relief. Knowing he wouldn¡¯t abandon her for a second time but yet it didn¡¯t stop the devastating heart break of thinking that she might force him to raise another man¡¯s baby.From N?velDrama.Org.

 I Love You Prt 1

    ¡°What are you doing, where are we going?¡± TangShi resisted as YuZhi came to her side of the jeep, took her hand and slid her out beside him onto the path of the car park that seemed familiar. It was a pretty day and the sun was peeking out from behind grey clouds with a promise of sunshine by noon. A gentle breeze pushing around them and giving a sense of tranquility to this already emotional day.


    ¡°Distracting you and reliving a happier memory. We both need a time out and figured this would be a nice change before we go home and face this head on. Processing time.¡± YuZhi coaxed her with him, aware of how sensitive today¡¯s appointment was and the fact they both now knew she was pregnant. He didn¡¯t want to dwell on the what if¡¯s for at least a few hours and aimed for some head space to dodge reality for a little longer. TangShi had been quiet and pensive since leaving and hadn¡¯t even noticed the route he took out here instead of heading home.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have work? You already keep taking time off to apany me. I feel liketely you rarely go and that can¡¯t be good for Leng group.¡± TangShi tried to object knowing ZhengLi had been left to cope alone again today but YuZhi didn¡¯t seem to care. He had chosen time with her to make sure he was where she needed him at any time of the day.


    ¡°This is more important. Tang, our future, our rtionship, is my priority right now. Even grandfather understands that and knows I need some time off. Let me worry about work and you focus on yourself.¡± He reminded her of the old man¡¯s suggestion to go on a long vacation, with a raised brow and small half smile that etched out his left dimple and she relented. Always weak when those dimples came out to change his whole face into a youthful boy.


    ¡°Okay but today only. You can¡¯t ignore work and leave ZhengLi to take your ce. Linlin will never see him if he¡¯s doing the work of two of you. She¡¯ll disown me for ruining her love life.¡±


    ¡°Shhhh¡­ let me worry about that. I can handle Linlin. Come on.¡± YuZhi quieted her with a thumb pressed to her lips while his other fingers were hooked under her chin and led her away from the car, pulling her behind him with linked hands and expelling his demons and woes while out walking with her. They both needed some normalcy brought back after the trauma of these past weeks and that¡¯s what he was aiming for.


    The Bund was busy today with a street carnival and renaissance themed fair and TangShi broke into a bright smile when she saw the pop-up carts and booths ahead on the two-kilometer walkway. The little temporary seating areas scattered conveniently and the music swaying gently this way on the breeze. ncing at YuZhi¡¯s back and strong shoulders as he forged a path for her and filled with a sudden warmth at why he brought her here. She wondered if he was reliving the night they kissed for the first time and how perfect it had been up until that point. Her stomach fluttered with a woosh of butterflies taking off and she stopped fighting this and let him lead the way, touched that he would think of bringing her here today.


    Unlike that night when the carnival was low key, rtively peaceful, and spread out, this was a crammed and vibrant space and nned event that seemed to be teaming already in the early hour of the day. A makeshift market set up in the middle who were selling a huge array of goods and foods. A ton of foreign tourists because of the great weather and a busy children¡¯s entertainment areaplete with characters in costume.


    ¡°This is crazy busy.¡± TangShi called out as they mingled into the crowd and made their way through red roofed stalls and ducked under low hanging bunting and fairy lights. TangShi¡¯s inner sunshine mood starting to uncurl and look out at all the awesome things to see and experience and she started to forget her woes. Her dark mood lifting and her eyes grew wide at everything around her. Returning to the girl who had shared the fun with him herest time.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Tang,e here.¡± YuZhi pulled her into him and slid his arm around her shoulder in a protective manner, turning his body slightly to cocoon her with his own and keep her shielded as they managed through the densest part of the crowd. ¡°It¡¯s a Jianbing truck, that¡¯s why it¡¯s so crowded here. You want some? Are you hungry yet?¡± YuZhi knew TangShi loved the Chinese breakfast crepes and it was not noon yet so the perfect time to order. She had skipped eating with him earlier because of her nausea and now he knew that keeping her fed was more important than before.


    ¡°Yes, please.¡± TangShi beamed with excitement, stretching on her toes to peer over the nearest customers and could only make out a tall blue food truck about ten meters away. The smell filling the air and pointing out to her she was starving as her stomach rumble din protest of being empty.


    The reminder of being sick this morning as why she hadn¡¯t eaten hit her like a p in the face as the memory of the test earlier came at her all at once. It was the weirdest and minorist thought that triggered it, even though she hadn¡¯t forgotten. Her mood nosediving once again and she became foolishly tearful and swallowed down a clogging lump in her throat from rising. Her heart aching with the stupid reaction to something so nothing but it felt like it opened the floodgates.


    ¡°YuZhi¡­¡± She tugged at his sleeve, stopping their progress, turning her face away so passerby¡¯s wouldn¡¯t see the instant tears as they began to roll down her face. Unable to hold it in to stop it as the thoughts tumbled out and she felt instantly fragile and vulnerable and lost. Her emotions hitting her like a m for no obvious reason and YuZhi nced down expecting her to be telling him how she wanted her crepe, only to find her sobbing.


    ¡°Hey¡­ are you crying? Tang, baby, what is it?¡± YuZhi cradled her inside his jacket, pulling the side over her face so she could hide and guided her out of the crowd towards the inner edge of the Bund that was quitter than the river railing side. Concern rising and bing instinctively protective over her. ¡°Tang, talk to me? You were fine a second ago.¡± He pleaded, checking he rover in case she was hurt and confused at the change.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s just¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t¡¯ say the words ¡®it hit me hard that I really am pregnant¡¯ without thinking of the ¡®and it might not be yours¡¯ and choking up again. Her mind back to that scrambled mess she was driving here and pulling inwards once more to hide her guilt and shame from him. Her eyes zing over as she sniffed it back and wed to reel it down again. She truly never thought she would be a woman in this situation where she might be carrying the child of a man she wasn¡¯t married to.


    ¡°Maybe this was a mistake. I¡¯m sorry. I thought it would cheer you up and give us a time out from reality for a little while longer. I¡¯ll take you home. I didn¡¯t mean to upset you.¡± YuZhi deted, feeling stupid for forcing her here right after learning the news but he hadn¡¯t known how else to deal with it. Scared of his own feeling when he sat down to fully process sit and needing to be around her in a setting where they couldn¡¯t think about it just yet.


    ¡°No, wait. Don¡¯t. I don¡¯t want to leave.¡± TangShi cried as he tugged her sideways, still shielding her from prying eyes and she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face against his chest. Inhaling his scent deeply and looking for the calm and safety he always brought her before. Needing that now and trying to pull herself back to calm.


    YuZhi hugged her tight, walking her backwards with careful steps to get them out of the pedestrian traffic and rested his chin on top of her head once he had her in a quieter spot. Making her invisible to people walking by and pulling his jacket around her fully so he looked like a hugely pregnant man with four feet.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be okay in a minute. We can go for a walk. It¡¯s just everything catching up and so much I have to unpack mentally. It doesn¡¯t feel real.¡± She mumbled into the safe haven he had created around her with his arms and jacket, cocooning her face in a little tent area and he ducked his head down to beside hers to join her in there.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have brought you somewhere so busy. I¡¯m sorry.¡± He nuzzled his cheek against hers and closed his eyes savoring the intimacy she was allowing and missing this more than anything. His own chest aching with this closeness. He longed for the days when he could touch her anytime he wanted, hold her close and kiss her and desperately wanted that all back. The baby was a hurdle but not impossible to get over and being like this drove home just how much he needed her. In time he knew it wouldn¡¯t hurt either of them anymore and he couldy it to rest as long as he had her.

 I Love You Prt 2

    ¡°Am I selfish for wanting you to do what you said?¡± TangShi lifted her chin, nudging him away so he had to pull back his head to look her in the eye. Her tears stopping and instead she had a mirroring look of longing in her eye. ¡°To fix us and raise this baby without question? To stay together and put it in the past? To be together again?¡± Her insides shuddered as she said the words, fear swirling that once it sunk in he would maybe change his mind, that he would realize he couldn¡¯t do what he said.


    It was her biggest fear from the second the doctor gave them the results and it had been guing her ever since, opening her eyes to the fact she did want to be with him again, more than ever. She had never truly given him up in her heart and had been angry and hurt by him, but not over him. YuZhi gazed at her for a long silent moment, saying nothing in answer to her questions and her nerves rose in terror.


    Her stomach churning as his expression stilled to a nk calmness and he searched her face for some sign of something, still without responding to her. Making her antsy as panic set in. TangShi started to tremble, her throat drying, wondering if he regretted saying it now and it wasn¡¯t how he felt anymore. That with the reality of a baby that wasn¡¯t his, he couldn¡¯t keep loving her the same way.


    YuZhi lifted one hand and slid it up the back of her hair, entangling his fingers in her ponytail and tugged her face towards his as he lowered once more. His mouth finding her lips with the sudden jerk forward and sinking a kiss on her to erase any doubt she had that he couldn¡¯t get past this. It didn¡¯t matter to him, none of it.


    In his mind TangShi didn¡¯t do anything wrong and was a victim of some sick bastard he should have protected her from. He failed her and his burden of guilt would always weight him down. The baby, no matter whose it was, was not her fault either, and he wouldn¡¯t lose her for anything in the world after experiencing a TangShi-less existence that almost killed him. Rong Cai would be dealt with but that wasn¡¯t an innocents child¡¯s fault who never asked to be conceived.


    He kissed her gently at first, a pressing of lips to her sweet soft ones, feeling her out and seeking permission to touch her this way. Pushing hers slightly open so he could explore and deepen it and TangShi responded coyly. Unsure at first, but she rxed into the familiar taste and feel of his mouth on hers and allowed herself to get lost in how good it felt. Churning up raw pain and emotion and old hurt like opening a wound while also applying a healing balm. Tasting him, opening up like a flower and forgetting the tears and heartbreak when joined.


    She had missed this kind of touch from him these past weeks, and now she was being freely given it shetched on with a hunger as though she had been starved. Sliding her hands up his abdomen and chest and snaking her fingers around his neck as he relented too. Instinct taking over and hunger from being affection starved by him reigning supreme.


    They moved to passionate kissing, where tongues met and caressed without inhibition, and they tilted their head slightly to amodate one another. Upping the heat and passion and arousing urges neither were prepared for, especially in such a public space. TangShi¡¯s hormones heating her body and an aching, throbbing, lower craving in her pelvis snapped her back to the present as the yearning for sex from him clouded her judgement. Her blood rushing fast and her heartrate elevating. Lungs heavy as they both panted with breathlessness form exertion and elevated horniness.


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± She pulled away fast, fear gripping her as memories of Rong¡¯s sneering face hit her in the mind¡¯s eye like a deterrent. Her skin crawling with the thought of him being all over her and shes of his face and voice cut through her skull like a de. Her stomach tightening with the reminder his seed might be inside her, infecting her, and she burst into instant tears again. YuZhi held her close, confused why she had gone so far and then yanked back and not really understanding her burst of tears either.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We don¡¯t need to do anything. I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have kissed you when you still don¡¯t know how you feel.¡± YuZhi mistakenly thought this was because of his hurting her in the past and TangShi realized that it didn¡¯t matter anymore. Somewhere over the past few days she had stopped focusing on that and started leaning on him again, needing his presence, and right now it hadn¡¯t even crossed her mind. She loved him and wanted it back to how it was, but there was a ck cloud of despair standing between them, growing inside of her, and his touch made her feel like she was some kind of dirty sinner who had allowed another man to defile her body. That she had betrayed their love.


    ¡°I wanted you to. I miss you¡­¡­ I want it all back.¡± She sobbed brokenly, being honest with her heart and grabbing onto him again so she could bury herself back inside his jacket and be hidden from the world in her one true safe ce. All her life she had looked for that harbor and found it in him.


    ¡°You can have it all back. I told you, didn¡¯t I? I love you and I will do anything to fix what I did to us. You have to trust me; this is only a blimp and we can still have a happy future together. We can take it slow to get back what we had; I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± YuZhi¡¯s voice broke, his throat hoarse with the sudden surge of his own emotions and eyes misted over. Heart swelling with love and hope that she really did want them together again. It was the one thing he had been desperate to hear and made everything seem like it could be okay again.


    ¡°But you¡¯re not the only one who touched me anymore¡­. I¡¯m tainted. I¡¯m not how I was. I¡¯m dirty and used.¡± TangShi cried, pushing her sodden cheek to his chest to close her eyes and lull herself to the rhythm of his heartbreak. Ashamed and spewing out the words she had tried to bury deep. That ingrained self-loathing her father instilled in her breaking free.


    ¡°You think that matters to me? I¡¯m not some chauvinistic traditionalist who discards your worth because of that. Tang, I was hardly a virgin. Although what happened isn¡¯t something I want, it¡¯s not your fault, and you were a victim of something awful. You didn¡¯t ask for what he did, you didn¡¯t encourage it. It doesn¡¯t change who you are to me or how I see you. How I love you.¡± He ran his hand down her hair, twirling her ponytail and decided this wasn¡¯t the best ce to be doing this. Pushing her with him so he could baby step her backwards and guided her along the very edge of the path away from the crowds while she kept on crying quietly. Shepherding her to a clearing before turning her into his side so she could walk properly with him and kept pulling her on at a slow space back towards where he parked the jeep. Careful to keep her concealed and thankful he wore his oversized parka to use as a covering for her.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°How can I get past it? How can I forget what he did? It makes me sick to my stomach every time I think of it and now¡­. with this, in here.¡± TangShi syed her hand over her abdomen and gazed up at him withrge unblinking eyes, showing the depth of her broken soul and it almost choked him to see he inner pain so freely. Her confusion and fear. ¡°It feels like there¡¯s a ck hole growing there, and I can¡¯t be happy with not knowing if it¡¯s his. It feels like a dark mark and some kind of curse. It doesn¡¯t feel like a baby, it feels like some sort of disease he ced inside me that will consume me whole.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think like that. You¡¯re distraught and traumatized with all of this. TangShi I wish I could wipe it away and make you feel better but all I can do is keep reassuring you that this baby is ours. It¡¯s not a disease, it¡¯s not going to hurt you. No matter what. I don¡¯t care when it was conceived. It won¡¯t change how much we love it. Separate it from him, think of it as yours, ours.¡± He knew that wasn¡¯t entirely true and there was a part of him that was broken and in pain at the possibility someone else¡¯s child grew inside of the woman he loved. That someone had hurt her in that way and done to her body something they never had the right to do. It angered him on crazy levels and he had thought of dealing with Rong Cai viciously so many times since he found out the truth.


    ¡°Is there something wrong with me for thinking that way? TangShi blubbed, ashamed she said those words out loud even if it¡¯s how she had been thinking since the test.


    ¡°No. I think, given the circumstances, it¡¯s probably normal and how a lot of women feel when they fall pregnant after an assault. Maybe we should try some counselling for you. While we await the trial. I didn¡¯t realize how much this affected you and I¡¯m sorry for not taking better care of you.¡± YuZhi was devasted.


    ¡°You do take good care of me. I don¡¯t know, maybe it¡¯s just the shock and I¡¯ll feel better in time. I¡¯m really tired because I don¡¯t sleep and ¡­.¡± She exhaled heavily, her fatigue draining what was left and the tears making it worse. Losing her train of thought as her body and mind gave in.


    YuZhi frowned at her and began to wipe her face dry with his sleeve and thumb, calming her down without even meaning to just by administering some TLC. Unaware of how assuring his touch was and his stable and non-emotional persona could be. TangShi watched his expression, his wlessly handsome face, as he focused on righting her appearance and smoothing back her hair. Loving him for being this person and somehow knowing what to say when she didn¡¯t know how to feel or what to think.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home, I¡¯ll run you a bubble bath and make you some food. Maybe sleeping next to me again might help. I swear I won¡¯t touch you, but I want you back where you belong. We can vegetate at home all day and then move you back into our bed.¡± YuZhi was mentally a mess too, scared that he didn¡¯t know how to help her and already making a mental checklist of things to do to care for her. Asking Doctor Huang for advice, finding a therapist, researching PTSD for sexual assault victims, whatever he could do for her. He would sleep without touching her as long as he had her close, or be, and do whatever she wanted.


    TangShi stared at him, suddenly still and quiet and nodded. Soothed by his mere presence and bing detached from reality in a dreamlike haze of mental exhaustion. Relinquishing control and effort to him because she knew he would take over and look after her without asking. Thankful for him in this moment, and she allowed him to pull her with him as he continued heading for the jeep, always attentive to keeping her shielded and stopping every few steps to wipe her face and give her a squeeze.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you home, baby.¡± YuZhi fell quiet as they walked and nuzzled her head against his neck, keeping up the pace and submerge din his own thoughts.

 Relax Prt 1

    ¡°What about pancakes, American style? I know a ce and I have such a craving for crispy bacon and maple syrup!¡± Linlin was bright and energetic this morning. Finally getting some quality alone time with TangShi now that YuZhi was back at work and life was calming down enough to resume a normal routine. TangShi was getting to grips with her morning sickness thanks to some herbal medications from Doctor Huang and she seemed to be doing better emotionally too.


    ¡°Hmmm. Nothing too strong tasting. I can only eat nd right now. And nothing smelly.¡± TangShi slid into Linlin¡¯s car, checking her phone and smiling at yet another text message from YuZhi asking her if she was okay. He had been checking in hourly for thest few days whenever he had to go to work, remorseful for not being able to keep apanying her at home. Acting like the world¡¯s most overprotective boyfriend who would have her wrapped in cotton wool and kept in a ss cab if he had his way. He had taken the pregnancy news better than TangShi and had started treating her like fine crystal.


    ¡°Turn your cell off if all you are going to do all morning is text your fianc¨¦e. I swear you only saw him an hour ago and this is the fifth text from him.¡± Linlin eyerolled, pulling on her seatbelt and pped TangShi¡¯s hand when she went to lift her phone again rather than put her safety belt on. Warning her with a shing scowl.


    ¡°Who said it was him?¡± TangShi feigned innocence, blushing at being caught and then dodged away as Linlin poked her right between the eyebrows.


    ¡°Your expression did! You two have gone back to the overly vomit inducing honeymoon stage and it¡¯s really weird. Y¡¯all like hated one another over a week ago and now it¡¯s all love hearts and morning kisses.¡± Linlin batted at her hands again and ended up pulling her belt over for her as TangShi chose to reply to him instead and got herself another poke in the face. This time in her cheek.


    ¡°We¡¯re not back together yet, not properly.¡± TangShi ignored her fussing but let her clip her in and sent back a ¡®on the road for pancakes.¡¯ text to him. He already knew Linlin was taking her out for some air and food after being cooped in all week. Encouraging her to spend time with her friend, although they refused the driver or bodyguard he had installed at the apartment for when he wasn¡¯t home. Linlin preferred to not have big burly men with them for girl¡¯s time.


    ¡°Sleeping in one bed. Cuddling up, kissing¡­. talking about your wedding and your future? I think that¡¯s being back together, don¡¯t you?¡± Linlin sighed and got them on their way. Eyeing her up with a ¡®not buying it¡¯ expression and smirk.


    ¡°We¡¯re not having sex.¡± TangShi shrugged, her face ming with heat at saying it loud. ¡°I still can¡¯t bring myself to¡­.  So we¡¯re not properly together again.¡±


    ¡°Your tests were all clear. There¡¯s physically no reason not to get it on again. It won¡¯t hurt the baby either if you guys are careful.¡± Linlin knew this was an emotional hurdle for TangShi, even though she couldn¡¯t remember what Rong did to her that night. She still had all the signs of PTSD that assault cases listed and had begun having lucid nightmares that kept trying to fill in the gaps with the worst-case scenarios. ¡°There¡¯s nothing stopping you from rekindling all areas of your rtionship. I mean, we¡¯ve forgiven him. It might help you heal fully.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­. it¡¯s psychological and yes, I forgive him because I understand why he was like that, but I just can¡¯t. YuZhi keeps asking if I want to see a therapist or some kind of counsellor to help us move past this. I just want to get used to this. I don¡¯t think I can have him touch me that way while I think that someone else¡¯s baby is growing in here. It feels wrong and dirty somehow. Every time we get close to passion, I freeze up and get this horrible suffocating feeling that we¡¯re doing wrong.¡± TangShi pointed down at her belly. Most days she could ignore its existence and pretend everything was okay, but some days she wanted to stay in bed all day and cry. Her emotions had been all over the ce while trying to find mental peace about this baby and she wasn¡¯t there yet. She knew if it had been definitely YuZhi¡¯s she would have bene happy and embraced it, but the doubt was killing her.


    ¡°Maybe counselling isn¡¯t such a bad idea. What happened was traumatic, even if you have no memories and it might help you ept the pregnancy. I can¡¯t imagine how vulnerable you felt or waking up not knowing what had gone on for those eight hours. I think I would go crazy¡­. you are handling it way better than I could.¡± Linlin leaned over and squeezed her friends thigh with reassurance, her eyes misting over as she empathized with a heavy heart and wished she could take TangShi¡¯s pain for her.


    ¡°Can we drop this. I¡¯ll just get upset and start crying¡­ please¡­.. Talk about something else. Tell me about you and ZhengLi. How are things going since you started dating again? You haven¡¯t really talked about him and always focus on my mess and me.¡± TangShi, move din her seat to find afier position, avoiding eye contact as sheposed the swell of painful emotions that had threatened to rise, and Linlin took the hint.


    ¡°My drama is boring and unimportantpared to what you have going on. I don¡¯t want to seem shallow and bore you with the details of my sad love life.¡± Linlin had been evasive for the past weeks about ZhengLi, quietly simmering since they started seeing each other again and she knew it was mostly her fault. Something small turning big and her gift of making everything worse.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Why, what¡¯s happening?¡± TangShi turned towards her in her seat, shifting to eyeball her while she drove, sensing the low mood and monotone hint in her voice. Suddenly alert with a sense of unhappiness in her friend. Linlin exhaled heavily with an exaggerated blowing out of air and shook her head. Pulling on her ¡®I don¡¯t care¡¯ attitude but not as convincing as normal.


    ¡°I hate him.¡± She wiped one eye with the back of her hand as a stray tear rolled out unexpectedly and then threw a self-depreciating smile on her face and shrugged at her friend. Surprised at her own stupid reaction from three little words. ¡°He has me so messed up and hopeless that I can¡¯t ever function when we fight or don¡¯t see each other. It¡¯s really unhealthy to be this hung up over a man and yet I can¡¯t help it.¡±


    ¡°Why are you fighting again? Please, don¡¯t say it¡¯s because of me still? I thought you guys had that all sorted out.¡± TangShi stared at her in wide eyed rm, guilt seeping in that this was her fault but Linlin shook her head.


    ¡°It¡¯s me. It¡¯s all me. I¡¯m so stupid, and jealous, and insecure, because I honestly feel like I can never read him. He¡¯s so infuriatingly cool andid back when ites to love and dating and half the time I don¡¯t even know if he likes me, so I start thinking crazy things. He puts up with my mental self as though it¡¯s amusing, but nothing seems to really rile him. I feel like he¡¯s only half invested in me.¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy? ZhengLi is mad on you. He follows you around like a puppy dog when you¡¯re together and he always makes a beeline right for you whenever you end up in the same ce idently. It¡¯s obvious to everyone he adores you. You can see it with your eyes shut. What are you talking about?¡± TangShi blinked at her in surprise, shocked that Linlin really couldn¡¯t see how much ZhengLi idolized her. To her, it was clear as day. ZhengLi from the first time he ever met her was hung up on her and pursued her like crazy.


    ¡°I think there¡¯s another woman¡­. He yed it off like nothing but I saw her. More than once. She¡¯s myplete pr opposite in everyway and yet that¡¯s twice now I was out and happened to see him with her when he said he had family things to deal with.¡± Linlin¡¯s face crumpled and another tear pushed its way out despite her stubborn wiping, and gritting of teeth, refusing to let herself break. Broken hearted anytime she pictured him sitting across from her at a dinner table in a five-star restaurant two days ago.


    ¡°Who did he say she was? What did he say about meeting her? I need details before I hate him too.¡± TangShi was getting riled on Linlin¡¯s behalf, real anger spiking in her belly and warming her veins. Ruffling her feathers and pushing her to forget her own woes.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t exactly questioned it head on. I sort of told him I saw him out with a girl for dinner, as though I didn¡¯t care¡­.. he said it was family stuff and to ignore it. He yed it off so coolly and I¡¯ve been too scared to tell him I saw her with him again. She¡¯s really beautiful and tall and elegant. Nothing like me. She looked rich, too rich, like pearls and formal gowns for breakfast rich. I don¡¯t know what to do if he¡¯s started dating other people after telling me we wouldn¡¯t. I mean we broke up, right? When you and ¡­. Maybe in his head we¡¯re not serious anymore and he¡¯s just dating me and others again since we started over.¡± Linlin was so confused about this scenario and screwed her eyes up in the rear-view mirror to wipe away her make up that was beginning to run. Tired of feeling shitty over second guessing ZhengLi these past few days. Noticing a ck car behind them that seemed to be too close and sped up a little. It pulled her out of her own misery with a sense of outrage at idiot drivers who tried to bully you to go faster as it sped up too. Completely pulling her attention as they veered left to change to a turn offne.


    ¡°Uh Uh. I don¡¯t believe it. No one is as pretty or amazing as my Linnylin, and ZhengLi will lose his favorite parts if he screws you over. I¡¯ll make YuZhi transfer him and send him to Antarctica to work where his bits will freeze over and snap off.¡±

 Relax Prt 2

    Linlin giggled hysterically at that, to the point it drew tears ofughter, wiping her cheek on her sleeve. Amused by the fierce biting tone of her feeble friend as her mama bear side kicked in a sit was such a rare sight. TangShi was normally such a cool and calm person when it came to her own troubles, but when it came to Linlin she too had a fiery side.


    ¡°Ughhh look at my make up now.¡± Linlin shed a quick nce in her rearview as she leaned forward to stare at her panda eyes and noticed the ck car was still driving up her ass. Riling her temper so she muttered a curse word under her breath and hoped it would be left behind at the turning.


    Sitting back to signal and put her foot to the gas to leave them in her dirt, hating drivers who didn¡¯t respect the rules of the road and giving any kind of space.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do. I love him and I never thought I would find myself in this ce with any guy. I didn¡¯t think I would ever fall for someone and want exclusivity. It just kills me that I fell for someone just like me and maybe he isn¡¯t there with me and ready tomit. That maybe he¡¯s already looking elsewhere.¡± This recentck of confidence and spike in insecurity was a hundred percent worse since they broke up for that few weeks that YuZhi and TangShi had, and it had her doubting everything.


    ¡°You have tomunicate with him and talk it out properly. ZhengLi isn¡¯t the type to lie. He¡¯s very blunt and if he was dating someone else he would just tell you. Maybe she is family? Maybe it really is something he had to sort out with her.¡± TangShi stroked Linlin¡¯s shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. Wanting to believe in their love and not take it at face value. Linlin pushed her sat nav screen and prodded it a few times, seemingly intent on acting unbothered but TangShi knew this was how Linlin dealt with her problems. Always with that outward ¡®I don¡¯t really care¡¯ approach.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m scared of. My sat nav is trying to reroute us because of traffic¡­.. It¡¯s adding fifteen minutes to our route time when I am already as ravenous as a starved stray.¡± She frowned at it, turning left and then right quickly down an unknown road and following the onscreen instructions for this food ce that seemed an eternity away. The sky turning grey overhead and adding to the muted mood.


    TangShi settled back into her seat, her stomach growling now it had been a while since shest threw up and the hunger pang starting to hit. Staring out the window at the passing scenery and chewing on her lip as she thought about Linlin¡¯s predicament. Knowing Linlin was probably feeling far worse inside than she was making out.


    ¡°You¡¯re driving yourself crazy not knowing the truth. And you said you¡¯re fighting? So, let me guess¡­. you¡¯re picking at him for stupid things, being dramatic, and finding reasons to sulk at him instead of asking him right out. Causing drama because you¡¯re scared of the truth?¡±


    ¡°Hmmmmm.¡± Linlin concentrated on navigating a few winding streets before getting them back onto arger road that cut some of the traffic works out. Eyes on the road and seemingly disengaged from the conversation as she thought.


    ¡°You will make him break up with you if you keep doing that, regardless of another woman. He might think you two aren¡¯t working anymore and bail before it gets messier.¡± TangShi turned back to her, prodding her in the cheek to shake her out of her aloof behavior and smiling adoringly at the cute and sulky face as she absorbed her words. Linlin was absorbing the advice even if she didn¡¯t like it.


    ¡°I know. I know I¡¯m being an idiot but¡­. What is with this car?¡± Linlin was distracted again by the same ck car showing up in her rearview despite several weird turnings and nced back over her shoulder to peer at it. Suspicion rising and then losing interest as it fell back two cars behind in traffic. Not able to really see the car well but sure it was the same make as the one which kept tailgating her on the main road. Now the driver had angered her, she was overly aware of its presence and prone to bouts of road rage.


    TangShi nced back, seeing nothing and knowing how impatient a driver Linlin could be she thought nothing of it and sat back around.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t the four of us have a double date again, like we used to. Maybe I can talk to him or something. He¡¯s being ever so considerate and nice to me since this whole mess. I¡¯m sure I can pull some truths out of him. Or get a feel for how things are between you both.¡±


    ¡°Maybe. God dammit, this traffic today is crazy. Are weing up to a festival or something?¡± Linlin pped her satnav as it started barking a new set of directions out and detour as theye upon another wall of traffic with lights ahead for construction. This quick breakfast trip was turning into a road trip of stupid length.


    ¡°Roadworks.¡± TangShi pointed out, craning her neck to look up the side of the cars in front and sighed. Her hunger getting insistent and making awful internal noises that made her ufortable. Her phone pinged, bringing a smile back to her face as she guessed YuZhi had picked up her text finally. Brightening as she slid it out of her pocket and swiped the screen.


    Did you guys eat yet? I hope you wore warm clothes to go out, the rain ising.  Are you feeling any better?N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    TangShi beamed at his message, knowing he was busy today and yet still finding time to keep in touch and beganposing a response. They were startled as rain shed at the windscreen out of nowhere with its sudden appearance. Thick and heavy like a waterfall opened up over their car and beganshing down. They were getting into rainy season when it was normal to be this heavy and Linlin stuck on her wipers and turned the car off onto the oppositene, U turning to keep them moving. Not wanting to be out here when the roads were flooded.


    ¡°Screw it. Let¡¯s go wherever is open and the first one we see. My stomach think¡¯s I cut my own throat, I¡¯m that starved.¡± Linlin ignored the sts and beeps of cars as she made apletely illegal turn and almost caused a bump in the process. Sliding between two vehicles and putting the pedal to the floor to get out fast. Driving past the ck car that she was sure had been behind them earlier and she peered in as they passed it, seeing nothing because of the heaviness of the water pouring down her side window.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t eat soon, I might eat your steering wheel cover.¡± TangShi nodded at the orange fluffy circle and got a raised brow from Linlin in response.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare! ZhengLi bought me this because I keptining I got cold hands when driving.¡± She pointed out and TangShi smiled at her.


    ¡°How can you say he doesn¡¯t love you when he buys you such hideous things for your ownfort knowing fine well they¡¯re totally your style. YuZhi would buy me gloves. ZhengLi clearly knows your fake talons don¡¯t mesh well with being covered and bought you something better that won¡¯t end up with holes in the tips.¡± TangShiughed at Linlin¡¯s paused expression as she too thought about this and then exhaled heavily.


    ¡°Why is he such a bad jerk?¡± Linlin blew so her lips vibrated in a cute manner and turned the car off onto a new road that headed back the way they came. So done with searching for pancakes, and ready to settle for any kind of food now.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t proven that he¡¯s done anything yet¡­. Maybe have a little faith in him. You¡¯re Linlin Choi¡­. Bold, blunt, and direct were totally your thing before he came along.¡±


    ¡°I know, right. I¡¯ve be such a coward over a mere man.¡± Linlin shed another nce in her rearview, catching a glimpse of ck car and screwed her face up and peered harder. Something in her gut telling her that it was the same car but it was so far behind in the back of multiple vehicles she couldn¡¯t tell and realized how stupid she was being. ck was a popr color this year and China¡¯s roads had thousands of them. In this rain she couldn¡¯t even make out the model through the drenched back window and sat back to focus on where she was going.


    She had been overly suspicioustely when out and about. Sensitive to everything since TangShi¡¯s assault and had began imagining stupid stuff, like cars following them. She knew it was because she was in overprotective mama mode and pushed it aside.


    ¡°One thing you will never be is a coward. My fierce and crazy bestie.¡± TangShi tucked a strand of Linlin¡¯s hair behind her ear and gave her an air kiss, blowing it at her face with a grin and rxed back to check her phone to see if YuZhi had responded again.

 No Prt 1

    ¡°I¡¯m stuffed. What¡¯s the n now? Do you want to go home or go walk this food off and get some fresh air?¡± Linlin yawned, dabbing her mouth with her napkin and leaned back in her chair to stretch out. TangShi rubbed her now full belly and turned to look at the weather outside the huge ss window of the caf¨¦. The rain had dried up, and although it was still overcast, it wasn¡¯t as grey or cold and the sun was pushing through with hopes of a nicer day.


    It had been a pleasant quiette breakfast, with small talk and happy vibes. Feeling a little more normal and how they used to be before this whole mess.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like dealing with people, so anywhere that people are not.¡± TangShi sighed, rxing now she was fed and a little tired. Between morning sickness and fatigue it had limited her ability to do much.


    ¡°How about driving to Jinshan city beach? It¡¯s a little over an hour to get there. We could make it a whole day of girl time.¡± Linlin didn¡¯t want to go home either. All she had going on this week was free time since her fashion ss was on a break. Being stuck at home made her ustrophobic and gave her too much thinking time to ponder ZhengLi and his mystery woman and she would end up doing something stupid like barging into his office for answers.


    ¡°Sounds like a good n. I could use some sea air and tranquility even if it¡¯s cold and wet.¡± TangShi was enjoying dodging life today, knowing YuZhi had set her up so many appointments in the next two weeks rted to this fetus and her wellbeing. This felt like a stop gap before reality set in.


    ¡°Come on then, breakfast is on me.¡± Linlin made a move first and went to the counter to pay their bill as TangShi stretched out, got up, and wandered out the door. Lost in her own daydreams about nothing in particr and waited for Linlin in the warmer sunshine. She had made a mental deal with herself today to let everything pass by and spend one whole day not pondering or thinking about her troubles. Enjoy her Linlin time.


    ¡°All done¡­. Let¡¯s go to the beach.¡± Linlin bounced out beside her, linking arms merrily, and guided her carefully across the busy street to the car park space where her shining orange baby was resting. Happy to be out doing something. d that TangShi seemed to being through the worst and out the other side and her rtionship with YuZhi was back on track.  There were still bumps ahead but TangShi was pulling through and it warmed Linlin¡¯s heart to see it. The baby thing wasn¡¯t exactly great but she had faith they would make it work.


    Linlin went to slide into her side of the car, turning around with a second nce because a sh of light caught her eye and searched along the narrow road behind them to see what it was. Lot¡¯s of cars parked neatly in line and she assumed it was sunlight on a window or something, noting the furthest vehicle which was ck had just shut their door. She waved it off, got in, and got them out of their parking spot in record time. Navigating along the narrow street as she set her sat nav to their new route.


    ¡°YuZhi and ZhengLi have a two-hour meeting so we won¡¯t be hearing from them for a while.¡± TangShiid down her phone after checking her messages, and yawned, uncurling like a cat and poked Linlin in the temple with a smile. Unusually smiley and fun today and put it down to having better sleep nowadays while back in bed with YuZhi.


    ¡°Pffft. ZhengLi doesn¡¯t text me all that much when he¡¯s at work anyway. I haven¡¯t heard from him today.¡± She flicked her eyes to her mirrors, to check before pulling out and turning off the street, aware of traffic behind them and got to focusing on listening to the directions.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t youe from his this morning?¡± TangShi asked innocently, sure that¡¯s what she had said when she picked her up.


    ¡°Hmmm, yeah. We had an argument and I left. I haven¡¯t heard from him since because he tends to leave me to sulk.¡± Linlin ¡®s attention was caught by a sh of ck behind them. A car overtaking traffic and ending up two behind them and she checked her mirrors again before moving off in speed.


    ¡°Girl, stop making problems and ask him for honesty. Either way you¡¯ll know and then you can decide what to do from there. He alreadymitted to you once, I honestly don¡¯t think he would start dating again without saying something. They have female friends. I mean, look at Rhea.¡± TangShi pointed out, knowing ZhengLi had a much wider social group than YuZhi did and d YuZhi didn¡¯t seem to hang out with women all that much anymore. ZhengLi having dinner with a female friend wasn¡¯t all that unusual.


    ¡°I know. And I have male friends, it¡¯s just¡­.. I never thought I would be this kind of girlfriend and it¡¯s making me crazy. I want so badly to trust him but after spending years pushing men away and having multiple dates on the go, I think this is me projecting.¡± Linlin clenched the wheel, sighing at her own stupidity as she knew this was all on her.


    ¡°I think so too and all the more reason to talk it out with him and open up. You never do that with anyone besides me. If you want a future with him then you have to be frank and clear. ZhengLi is about the most levelheaded and easy to talk to guy I have ever met.¡± Which sometimes baffled TangShi why he was so crazy about Linlin, who was hot headed, irrational, and sometimes a little insane.


    ¡°I know, I get it and ¡­. what is with my steering.¡± Linlin was distracted by a slight heaviness as she turned, frowning in confusion at her wheel and shing her eyes over her dash. She wiggled it, a little unsure of what she was feeling. Worried her power steering was giving up but this car was only a few months old and had recently been serviced.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± TangShi looked over at the wheel and the dash too, expecting to see something but there was nothing. There were no lights or warning signs and she couldn¡¯t feel what Linlin was talking about.


    ¡°It feels odd. Maybe we should head back and call for my car to get collected and checked. You know how paranoid I am about breaking down when we¡¯re miles away from home.¡± Linlin swung the car into a U turn, heading back down an alley to get them back to the main road and found them in unfamiliar surroundings. Navigating slowly to find the way back out as the sat nav recalcted and her steering got a little worse. Not familiar with these streets and looking for a way to get back to the highway.


    ¡°Wait¡­ I feel something. Vibration starting on this side.¡± TangShi sat upright, stiffening as the sensation moved though the car under her seat and was apanied by a loud pping noise that came out of nowhere and scared her half to death. Linlin swerved as her steering hit hard and the back wheel veered them, pulling them into a quiet spot in a dark showy alley anding to an abrupt halt.


    ¡°It¡¯s a t. God dammit. I have a spare in the trunk. These were new tires.¡± Linlin yanked on her hand brake with mild hostility, irritated, and jumped out. ¡°Sit tight. I got this. I¡¯m an old pro at changing tires thanks to my old man and his mechanical ipetence.¡± She waved with a proud smirk and closed the door on TangShi before walking around behind her car and hoisting open the rear storage. Leaning into it to uncover the spare wheel from under the carpet and almost falling in as she stretched out to get it.


    It was heavy and with her small height andck of muscle she struggled to pull it up and out of the sunken space it sat. Yanking it onto it¡¯s side and managing to edge it backwards to her, before pulling it against her chest in a bid to lift it. Huffing and puffing and making strange noises with her effort to not be beaten by this heavy thing.


    A strange warm sensation rippled across the back of her neck and her hair stood on edge as her heart lurched and her gut tightened. A weird sixth sense that somethingrge hade up behind her and she faltered. Suddenly scared and frozen stiff as she tried to tune into whatever it was, turning slightly to catch a quick look before making it obvious she could feel it.


    ¡°Be a good girl and don¡¯t struggle.¡± The strong husky voice of a man came at her, making her drop the wheel as a hand covered her mouth and she was grabbed from behind and held fast. Wriggling, squealing, and squirming as something sour and strong clogged her throat and made her throat burn. Coughing and wheezing and twisting her head to escape the covering he held tight on her face and her eyes began to stream. Her vision cking out, and her body held taught by someone twice her size as he locked her ankles between his knees and clung on like a vice to hold her still. Try as she might, she couldn¡¯t fight it. Choking on her own saliva as vomit rose, unable to breathe except through this burning chemical that was stinging her face and making everything hazy.


    The hand holding a rag directly over her nose and mouth was painful and mped on ruthlessly, and Linlin passed out within minutes. Her body slumping against the tall muscr person as she took herst conscious breath and all her fight gave out. He scooped her up like a limp rag, smug at how much easier this was than expected because of her small size and walked to his own ck car behind him. He opened his side door, dumping her body on the back seat with zero care and cable tied her hands and feet behind her securely with speed. He smirked to himself, swelling with satisfaction at what he managed to do, stroked her hair back and leaned in so his face lingered over hers and he peered down on her sleeping face.


    ¡°If you¡¯re a good girl and stay quiet, everything will be okay, Miss Choi.¡± He brushed her hair back before tugging up her chin and covering her mouth with duct tape before dropping her face back onto the cold leather and mming the door shut on her. ¡°Just sleep and stay out of my way, or else you¡¯ll be sorry.¡± He sneered through the ss at her unresponsive form.


    Pacing back to the waiting car, the open boot concealing his real target from view, he casually strolled up beside it. Readying his cloth in his hand once more and knocked on the passenger window. Standing tall so his face and shoulders were above her viewing height and leaned in a little so she would only see midriff and clothing.


    TangShi was ying with her phone, on a game YuZhi had downloaded for her and nced up in surprise wondering why Linlin wouldn¡¯t open the door if she needed her. Startled to see a ck clothed figure of a man beside her and she recoiled away, ncing around for Linlin. A terrible wing feeling rising in her stomach with suspicion and nerves.


    ¡°Your friend needs some help out here. We can¡¯t change the wheel if there¡¯s only two of us. Can youe assit?¡± His voice was strained and odd, and soundedpletely unnatural, and TangShi second guessed whether she should get out or not. ncing back over her shoulder to look for Linlin and then realized that she was out there with this guy alone, even if TangShi was afraid. Concern ebbing in and Linlin¡¯s safety bing priority even if she was unsure about this stranger.


    She pushed the door open with slow caution, keeping her cell phone in her hand and slid out as he moved out of the way to the front of the car. He turned away so his baseball cap and dust mask concealed most of his face but there was something familiar about him that mad TangShi¡¯s blood run cold. Sensing that something wasn¡¯t quite right about him.

 No Prt 2

    ¡°Excuse me. I¡¯ll go see her and help out, thank you.¡± TangShi answered, moving out and leaving the door open to act as a barrier between them, her voice wavering as she moved to walk away. Tense all over, her fight or flight instinct kicking in and clouding her judgement with an insane need to run from this man. She kept her walk steady, tuned inpletely to his presence and her eyes scanned the road for Linlin.


    ¡°She¡¯s right back there, Tang.¡± TangShi had stepped only three feet away from him, facing away towards the rear but her body stopped short, stilling, and she swallowed hard. His voice echoed around her head and the familiar name kicked recognition into touch. She didn¡¯t have time to react, to run, scream, or do anything, before a hand covered her face and her body was gripped cruelly. TangShi gasped, lifting her face away from the palm trying to muffle her. She twisted and managed to dodge her mouth being covered at all as he caught her under the chin instead. Putting up a fight andshing out, throwing her feet back at him so he struggled to control her. TangShi had always been a girl who appeared weaker and gentler than she actually was and had a fire inside of her and a strength that only came out when she needed it. Survival instincts kicking in.


    Even though he was bigger, stronger, TangShi was functioning on pure adrenaline and found superhuman strength from somewhere as they fought. Yanking her arms away, spinning in his embrace so she met him face on and ripped his mask down as she delivered a knee to his groin. Her eyes widening in horror as she recognized the man who had already tried to ruin her life and her fury was unleashed.


    Rong Cai snarled at her unexpected venom aimed his way, gritting his teeth, and putting more force into subduing her even though he didn¡¯t want to leave a mark on his angelic woman. Yanking her by the hair and thrusting her sideways so she lost her bnce and it winded her momentarily. Rong scrambled for the dropped fabric drenched in chloroform with one hand while trying to keep her quiet and detain her but it was no easy feat.


    TangShi managed to rip his hand from her face again and started yelling for help so that Rong Cai had no option left. He covered her mouth and nose hard with his gloved hand, abandoning his rag, while he encircled her upper body to crushing levels and he frog marched her. Half dragging, half carrying her to his own car in haste in case anyone heard, kicking her legs out of his way as he did so. No more gentleness or consideration for the woman he adored, but instead a ruthless abductor who was bruising her skin and hurting her face.


    TangShi was blinded by panic-stricken tears and yet kept resisting, wildly biting at his hand, twisting her arms and legs to try and break loose. She was searching with her eyes for help but they were in a quiet corner of a tiny alley with no nearby direct traffic thanks to Linlin¡¯s detour and she couldn¡¯t even see her friend. Terror rising in her heart and panic that Linlin was nowhere to be seen and she felt alone.


    Catching sight of the ck car as she was hauled past it, she noted the lifeless figure on the back seat through the window and was both relieved and yet mortified. Seeing her motionless and pale and restrained that way broker her heart in two and increased the intensity of her fear. Not knowing what he¡¯d done to her or what he intended to do to them both.


    ¡°Shut up or it¡¯ll be worse for you. I don¡¯t want to hurt you but I will!! Be quiet, y nice, and she won¡¯t get hurt.¡± his raspy, furious tone and the sharp shake he gave her quietened her a moment as her mind scrambled with what she should do. Believing in the fact he intended to do something to Linlin if she didn¡¯t behave and she went limp for a second while she thought it through.From N?velDrama.Org.


    The pause found a new second wave of energy for her as he popped his trunk open and started trying to push her inside, flicking her fight instinct once more. She syed her legs, jamming her feet against the bumper and open hatch and tried to kick them both back again, but Rong was stronger.


    Folding her legs with minimal effort when held this way, pushing her down into the dark space and shoving her head and face against rough carpet that made her wince in pain as her skin burned from the contact. She made to use her arms to push herself up but he was faster, mming her back down before closing it on her and locking her inside.


    TangShi flipped over in reaction when darkness surrounded her and muffled his noises. Scrambling her hands across the surface below her to look for a weapon and searched herself for her phone, realizing she had lost it at some point while fighting him. There was nothing back here to get hold of and she lifted her feet and hands and started kicking and pushing at the trunk lid in erratic desperation as panic took hold. Feeling the car vibrate as the engine was started and she began to scream and yell for help, hysteria setting in and fear that if he took them form here, no one would know where to look for them.


    ¡°Let me out!!! Let me out, you psycho, fucking stalker, sad prick of a man. Stop it¡­. fucking let me OUT!!!!¡± TangShi screamed hysterically,unching a kicking and punching attack on the metal over her head and only hurting herself and exhausting her wavering energy levels in the process. Tears blinding her and thrashing like a mad woman wand getting nowhere.


    Tears streamed down her face and her breathing was sobored and heavy she felt like she was having a panic attack, trying so hard to think logically to stop it turning into an actual meltdown. Heaving to get oxygen and dizzy with the effort. She gave up her violent assault on the roof, drained and nauseous and choked on her own salvia and tears which were now saturating her own face.


    She turned on her side towards the inner car and started looking for a way to get the seat down to where Linlin was, in desperation to not be alone in here without her. Sliding her palms all over and tracing any lines or edges even though she couldn¡¯t see all that well. Her priority was not to freak out and fall apart but try and think rationally and figure out what to do when he stopped this car and opened the trunk again. As much as she wanted to curl up and sob until someone rescued them, she knew it wasn¡¯t going to happen and Linlin wasn¡¯t even conscious.


    Her whole body was shaking, her insides tied in knots of fear and terror but her mind kept pulling her back to Linlin on the other side of their barrier and the fact she saw her tied up and pale as a ghost. Worried about her state in case he had poisoned her or something worse. She didn¡¯t know if whatever he tried to put on her face was what he used on Linlin or if he had done something to injure her. She was scared for her friend and scared for what was still toe.


    ¡°Linlin, can you hear me?¡± TangShi whispered against the fabric of the back of the seat, feeling along the edges and sliding around as the car turned and sped up. Banging her head on the side wall before she was rolled over with a sudden lurch in force. He was obviously driving like a maniac and the car sounds overtook the small space and drowned out her voice.


    ¡°Linlin? Are you okay?¡±  She yelled louder. She didn¡¯t know what else to do. d he hadn¡¯t tied her up too and aware she would only have one chance at doing something when he opened it again if she had any hope of getting free. She would need to be ready to fight him and she instinctively put her hand over her abdomen and screwed her eyes shut. Trying to find some inner strength and peace to be able to calm down and do something.


    ¡°We can do this. We can get out of this¡­. We are stronger than this.¡± She chanted under her breath to self-calm, shielding her womb for a second as though subconsciously making sure her baby was okay and once again felt around for something she could use. Pulling her mind together, trying to focus on the task and not the situation.


    ¡°Think, TangShi, think.¡± She didn¡¯t know what to do, trying to feel along the wall for any hidden or drop-downpartments in case he had tools or anything that might be helpful. Linlin wasn¡¯t responding and she didn¡¯t want to think of the why. Just focus on helping her.


    She remembered YuZhi changing out a t on his jeep a week ago, when they were out together. The carpet lifted and he had a tool set and tire hidden under the main space of his boot. She didn¡¯t know if this was the same, if it was normal in all cars, and wriggled to one corner. Pushing herself into a small a space as she could before tracing her fingers along the edge and lifting the internal carpet to see.


    She managed to work it up and roll it back, shifting over it to get it out of the way, ending up on her knees and elbows and then feeling around for the hatch or flip up panel like in YuZhi¡¯s. Hoping this was a standard thing.


    She found the shape of a wooden cut out square and dug her fingers in the tight gap around the egde before being tossed sideways again by another harsh corner turn and smacked her face full frontal with an awful crunch. Her nose started running and she clutched it for a second, covering her face and groaning in pain, as her eyes streamed with tears. Needing a minute for the agony to subside again and went back to find what she was doing while sniffing back her nosebleed and gagging on the metallic grossness of blood


    She maneuvered herself as tight as she could against the seat wall so she could lift it open and reach around and felt for something she could use. Tracing out a tire with her fingertips, a rag, and then her hand fell on something big and clunky that felt like metal and she wondered if it was the jack. It was too big to lift easily so she bypassed it, sliding herself around the side to nudge her head and shoulder closer to the opening and felt out something long and thin.


    It wasrge, a handle maybe, but definitely metal and she pulled it out of its holding ce, feeling it had some weight to it. It was a tire iron or the jack handle and freezing cold and weighty. She pulled it out andid it under her before going back to feel for more in case there was something better. Shaking with adrenalin and putting everything into her task instead of her fear.


    Nothing else was as chunky or easy to hold as this and she quietly closed the hatch again, moving back with the carpet to get in the center, ttening it all back down, andid on her back. Holding it tight to her chest with both hands and staring ahead as she drummed up the courage she needed while counting to ten to calm down.


    With this bar in hand she felt a little less desperate and although she was being bashed around by the movement of the car, a strange sense of calm came over her and she stopped her tears. Her face was soaked, her heartrate was crazy high and making her dizzy and she was nauseous and trembling. Her body was a strange mix of cold and hot in random ces and her grip on the bar was the only thing she could focus on while listening to the sound of her own blood rushing through her ears.


    ¡°YuZhi¡­.. please know something is wrong. Please, feel it. We need help. Linlin and I¡­we need you.¡± She whispered it into the pitch ckness, lifting her hand to shield her head as they turned another harsh bend and she almost head butted the area directly above her. Managing to cushion it and she closed her eyes and tried to not bring Rong Cai¡¯s terrifying face to mind. Wishing he would just die and stop tormenting her life like this. Afraid of a person she thought she knew and realizing she had no concept of what he was capable of. What he intended to do.


    Her hands trembling as it felt like hours instead of minutes she had been locked in here and she couldn¡¯t decide whether to keep trying to get the seat open to ess Linlin or wait for Rong Cai to open the boot and hit him. She knew as long as he was driving he wasn¡¯t doing anything to her friend but she was worried about how he had rendered her unconscious.


    She couldn¡¯t hear any noise from Linlin through the seat. No movement, no groans, no anything. Only the thrum and vrooms of a noisy car being driven at speed and her sliding around because of his reckless driving. She had no idea where they were going and no way to figure it out as she was never a driver who travelled around shanghai much. Even if she memorized directions and turns, she was disorientated and had no idea which way was which.


    She didn¡¯t know what he wanted or what he intended to do but if he was being this extreme then it couldn¡¯t be good. She had no idea if his intention was to kill them, rape them, keep them and torture them for weeks or months. TangShi was sick to her stomach, holding in her urge to vomit, her nerves eating away as the swirling butterfly feeling returned the longer this journey went on and she closed her eyes tight and did something she had never done before in her entire life. Clenching tight, her body rigid and almost paralyzed.


    She prayed.

 Sixth Sense Prt 1

    ¡°Mr. Leng, Mr. Kim, the board members are all getting seated. This way.¡± The young secretary showed the men to the door of the long hallway of the room that was assigned for today¡¯s meeting and yet ZhengLi held back. They had arrived at MinXo Corp to discuss a n that had been in the works for a year and taken a half hour to get here.


    ¡°Yo, hold up a second. I have a really weird feeling that I should drop Linny a message. Something feels off.¡± ZhengLi pulled out his cell phone, not caring that they were seconds from their appointment because it felt urgent suddenly and he couldn¡¯t logically exin why. Wandering off to the side while YuZhi waited for him, checking his watch and feeling for his own phone to scan his messages. TangShi had left him a good luck text for his meeting and he smiled, happy at seeing her name, as he slid it back in his inside pocket. In no rush to get inside that room just yet.


    ZhengLi walked back to him secondster, frowning and slid his own cell away. A furrowed brow of concern etching his face and he seemed distracted.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± YuZhi asked, his own nerves and gut tight today but he assumed it was rted to his stressful job for the next two hours. He was presenting the nned project to the board that needed financing and he was sure they would turn it down if he didn¡¯t do a good job. It was a coboration on an international scale an important one for Leng group to finally seal the deal.


    ¡°Ringing out. She loves to torture me and get me worried about her. I just have this insane feeling I need to talk to her right this second.¡±


    ¡°Dude, you said you had a fight. It¡¯s all it is. She¡¯ll be ignoring you and letting you sweat. Send her some flowers and a sorry text then take her for dinnerter. You need to romance her a little more and get used to feeling like shit when your girlfriend is angry with you.¡±


    ZhengLi relented, shaking it off and fell back in line with YuZhi to continue. The two men walked forward along the hall at a leisurely pace, readying themselves and adjusting ties and smoothing downpels. Keeping their voices low when talking about personal issues and ZhengLi sighed heavily. Exasperated with her not answering his call when he was this uptight and not able to shift it out of his head. That niggle of gnawing concern was only getting worse.


    ¡°I know. My family still haven¡¯t given up on this marriage date thing. Arranging my fucking life. I can¡¯t even refuse as my mom is hitting me with emotional ckmail.¡±


    ¡°If Linlin finds out you have been having dinner with the woman your family chose for you, she will cut your balls off.¡± YuZhi raised a brow and smirked, imagining the gruesome ways Linlin would react if she caught him on a marriage date. She would freak out and probably make it that ZhengLi would never father children.


    ¡°Why do you think I¡¯m holding off telling her. She¡¯s been really sensitivetely and I think she knows something. She saw me with Mia and I brushed it off, but she has been a moody nightmare since. Picking fights for the dumbest things and storming off, like this morning.¡± ZhengLi had been tolerant of her ups and downs all week after she brought Mia up, too guilty to tell her straight that his family was pressurizing him to marry someone of a simr status. Not sure how to navigate this when offending the Hwang family was not an option and he was trying to get himself dumped.


    Before Linlin he had no intention of ever marrying anyone and had happily yed along on dates and making woman reject him indefinitely because of his yboy ways. The issue was he now wanted his family to ept Linlin and he knew her social status and family wealth wouldn¡¯t be enough to convince his parents of the match. They were small fishpared to Yutian Corp and his mother was heavily leaning on him to court Mia and give her a chance. He had no idea how to tell Linlin and was hoping Mia told her family she rejected him soon so he didn¡¯t have to.


    As they got to the door it was opened by a waiting assistant standing outside and YuZhi nodded and smiled as they passed. His own gut swirling suddenly and he too got that strange sensation he should call TangShi. ncing back at ZhengLi with a matched expression to his grim one and swallowed hard.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What is it?¡± ZhengLi muttered under his breath and followed him into the room, sensing his hesitation and change in mood, but YuZhi only shook his head and tried to ignore it.


    ¡°it¡¯s nothing.¡±  He had given her a driver and guard, so she was fine and ZhengLi was passing on his stupid stress. If there was an issue they would call him directly.


    Focusing on the task at hand, he swallowed it down, unsure why he felt like this. ming ZhengLi for stirring up his concern and pushed it aside before sliding into the seat meant for him. ZhengLi did the same, taking onest nce at his phone by pulling it discreetly up inside his jacket and seeing no returned calls or messages, he pushed it back down.


    The meeting got underway; a screen presentation ying while YuZhi stood and delivered his speech. Going over financial projections and fine details andying a solid case down for the moving forward with the ns for this coboration. ZhengLi sat back listening, tapping his foot on the floor with impatience as all the information and data he helpedpile shed in front of him and yet he couldn¡¯t focus at all. His mind kept wandering back to this feeling of something being off and he checked his cell discreetly a dozen times. Tempted to reach out to TangShi¡¯s bodyguard or driver to pass  a message on.


    His instincts were telling him Linlin was in trouble, but he couldn¡¯t put a finger on why and pulling his cell under the table and leaving her text messages had gotten zero response which only made him restless. Although it wasn¡¯t unknown for Linlin to ignore him when she was sulking or mad at him, this felt different. His calls had rung out rather than being red buttoned, TangShi wasn¡¯t responding either, and he couldn¡¯t shake this intense stress and uptight sensation making his guts ache or stop his min from straying to her repeatedly. Every cell in his body and brain were telling him he needed to contact her, even thought they were only an hour into this scheduled appointment.


    ZhengLi relented and text the driver he personally assigned from Leng Group today, getting a response that made his blood run cold and his rage rise at Linlin for being so fucking careless. His expression tightening as his mouth ran dry and he gritted his teeth to curb the insanely aggressive reaction in his stomach at her stupidity. The driver informed them that the two women had refused both guard and driver and gone off alone this morning to have a girl¡¯s day out.


    Both men were sat outside YuZhi¡¯s apartment waiting for them toe back and ZhengLi felt like he might lose his cool so never responded to scold the driver. He thrust his cell back inside his jacket with harsh force, trying to calm his anger and growing anxiousness. Linlin was an idiot to not think about the fact Rong Cai was out on bail and a very real threat to TangShi. Even being a pint-sized hellcat, ZhengLi knew she was no protector for TangShi against a deranged psycho stalker who drugged women, and if anything happened to Linlin he would fucking kill someone.


    YuZhi was in full flow, walking back and forth in front of the projector screen and reciting his prepared speech perfectly. Seemingly owning the room with confidence and delivering a perfect proposal with ease. This was where YuZhi belonged in life and excelled so easily. All eyes glued to him as men and women were immersed with thoughts of the proposal and impressed by his charisma.


    The reality was he was counting down the seconds to being done as he too was suffering from strange gut feelings that TangShi was trying to contact him and it was something important. He had never been one prone to crazy sixth sense urges but even ZhengLi seemed to be on the same wavelength with this and it was probably why he was paying more attention to it than he normally would.


    ZhengLi wasn¡¯t the irrational, impulsive sort, who jumped to act on feelings, but he had spied him checking his cell repeatedly and looking increasingly uptight and worried and now YuZhi was that way too. Reading his best friends mood and not liking what he was seeing as suspicion rose internally and twisted him all up inside.


    He knew the girls were together and yet ZhengLi wasn¡¯t having any obvious luck in getting contact. He knew he would have tried TangShi too, so it was only logical and yet his expression made it clear she wasn¡¯t replying either. TangShi always kept her cell handy, especially since what Rong did to her so this wasn¡¯t a good sign. He would have tried the guard and the driver for sure as he was the one who hand picked them and set them the task of protecting TangShi.


    ZhengLi waited for the break in the meeting, where the members were given time to sit and discuss and ask YuZhi questions as the lights were put back on, to excuse himself. Sliding out with a brief apology and waving his cell as though he had an important call and headed to the outer hall. He immediately called Linlin¡¯s cell again, pacing back and forth and starting to feel sick in the pit of his stomach. Clenching his fists and cursing under his breath. No guard, no driver, no god damn knowledge of where they went and no way to trace them. He was starting to get beyond livid with her.


    ¡°Come on, baby. Answer your god damn phone. You¡¯re making me crazy.¡± He gritted his teeth, muttering to himself, tried again and got the same result which only pushed his anxiety sky high. The same happened with TangShi¡¯s cell number and he paced in a circle trying to think who else to call when a lightbulb moment hit him. He scrolled to Rhea¡¯s number and hit the call icon wondering if she too had met up with them and maybe they were somewhere with their phones silenced. Like a spa or beauty salon. It would exin theck of guard if they wanted some personal time to rebuild their rtionship with Rhea. He knew the girls had a strained andplicated friendship as they tried to grow something real from the ashes of previous hurts.

 Sixth Sense Prt 2

    ¡°Afternoon, Zhengy, what are you calling me for?¡± Rhea answered brightly, immediately on the second ring, and raised ZhengLi¡¯s hopes briefly.


    ¡°Are you with Linlin and TangShi?¡± he got straight to the point. Too overwrought for niceties.


    ¡°Nope. I have a lunch with them next weekend but right now I am in London again. Busy working, what¡¯s up?¡± Rhea was in the process of having her hair styled for a fashion shoot, sat with her feet propped up in a studio while being tended to by various assistants.


    ¡°Shit. It¡¯s nothing. I just can¡¯t get hold of them and need to. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± He looked up at the ceiling and pinched his nose, trying to curb his growing angst. A headache forming right at his temples.


    ¡°You sound stressed, what is it? Why do you need them? What¡¯s going on?¡± Rhea¡¯s own concern peaked, aware that ZhengLi sounded emotional which was weird for him and knowing of the two girls, TangShi would always answer. She had never been one to monitor or ignore calls. Rhea had always found her to be a fast answer or text responder in their days of hanging out.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m in a meeting and they went out for the day. Probably left their cells in the car or something.¡± He waved it off, acting like it was unimportant, not wanting her to be worried too and tried to sound upbeat.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Call me back when you get hold of them. I¡¯ll try too. You have me a little bit worried.¡± Rhea knew him well enough to sense he was trying to brush it off, but his tone had told her right off that he was genuinely concerned.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, don¡¯t. I have to go. Have fun in London and we¡¯ll catch up when you get back again.¡± ZhengLi didn¡¯t hang around waiting for her to interrogate him further and disconnected the call before she said goodbye. Pacing again and trying Linlin¡¯s phone even though he knew it was futile. He checked the time, scrolled his calls and messages to the first one he sent and felt stupid and obsessive when he released it had barely been an hour and twenty minutes. He felt weird for being this way andughed at himself and shook his head. It was hardly to the stage of reporting them missing or having reason to think they had fallen off the.


    ¡°Love is making me crazy. This girl has me so messed up. What am I doing?¡± He walked to the nearest wall, backing against it and slumped as he blew out air and stared at his nk screen trying to rationalize. Maybe this was a fallout from their fight and he was being extra emotional because he felt guilty and it really was nothing.  Yeah it was stupid to leave their protection behind, but in reality Cai was probably hiding in his art school. He knew he was keeping the whole marriage date thing from Linlin to stop her getting hurt and angry. Not wanting her to feel insecure or sad that his family wouldn¡¯t see her as worthy and yet it was right there like arge ck hole, consuming him and making him feel like he was cheating on her.


    Her being mad and ignoring him was only adding to the weight that he was keeping a secret and he hated it. He¡¯d always been an honest and straightforward type when it came to women, and this was the first time in his life he wanted to be with only one¡­. for however long she let him. He shouldn¡¯t be hiding anything from her especially as he knew in his heart, Linlin was the one. He had fallen in love with her the first time she marched into his life with that stroppy, little sassy attitude, and scowling re, in the parking lot of the family dinner and had only fallen deeper with every meeting. Somewhere along the journey he had bepletely hopeless for her, even if sometimes he didn¡¯t know how to express it or show her, and he had fucked things up with the whole Rong Cai thing.


    ¡°Any replies?¡± YuZhi appeared at his side, his tone tight and tense, startling him with his sudden appearance and nced over YuZhi¡¯s shoulder in wide eyed surprise.


    ¡°Ummm, meeting?¡± he raised his palm in question. Shocked YuZhi would walk out of something so important.


    ¡°It¡¯s done. They agreed to the proposal right off. No hesitation. The contract signing is in two days once all parties read them over.¡± YuZhi was relieved it was so straight forward and pulled out his cell to try TangShi himself.  It rang out and he narrowed his eyes at ZhengLi. ¡°The driver, the guard?¡±


    ¡°They ditched them both. Do you know where they were going today?¡± ZhengLi questioned, watching YuZhi¡¯s face turn grim and then fall in horror at that news. YuZhi immediately picking up his cell to try again, only this time with a furrowed brow and much more urgent manner.


    ZhengLi knew there was no way TangShi would ignore his calls. These past few days they had both been glued to their phones, texting each other whenever they were apart. After breaking up they were back in that codependent and needy faze of staying together and in contact way more than necessary. Worse since they found out she was pregnant a couple of days ago and YuZhi was like an overbearing, overprotective prison guard, who fussed over her every movement.


    YuZhi shook his head, scrolled his cell and pulled up the tech department manager of Leng group. Mind set on finding her now he knew this and no longer ying around. All his fears and doubts rising in one frenzied sweep.


    ¡°Hey, It¡¯s YuZhi. Can you pinpoint a cell for me? I need a location right away, like now. I¡¯ll text you the number.¡± YuZhi waited for the agreement and assurance they could trace it as long as it was on and sent him the number right away. His pallor pale and his heart rate rising to scary levels.


    ¡°Are we overreacting like two crazy stalker type boyfriends? It¡¯s only been an hour and half since they lost contact.¡± ZhengLi asked in genuine confusion because this wasn¡¯t how either of them ever acted.


    ¡°The fact we both feel like something is wrong is a huge neon sign for me. We¡¯re not the types to have this kind of gut instinct without reason. I could strangle Tang for ditching the fucking guard. What the hell is she doing?¡± YuZhi hoped to god they were wrong but something told him they weren¡¯t. ZhengLi could do nothing except try his cell again, nodding for YuZhi to follow him as the board room started to empty beside them and they headed for the exit at speed. Both men glued to their phones and endlessly trying their girlfriends numbers.


    ¡°If it turns out they were at something like a spa and we¡¯re spam calling silent phones like crazy men, they will never let us live this down.¡± ZhengLi threw back drily, propping his phone under his chin.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather be overprotective than ignore and regret it.¡± YuZhi frowned at getting her answer phone finally after ringing out and left her a brief message.


    ¡°Hey, babe, it¡¯s me. Can you call me back pronto? I¡¯m worried that you¡¯re not okay and it¡¯s making me a little crazy. Text if you can¡¯t call, just respond¡­ please, okay? I love you.¡± YuZhi hang up with reluctance and followed ZhengLi out into the main area of MinXo Corp then followed him to the elevator for the underground parking. Barely acknowledging the greetings from staff as they left as both were preupied in their own thoughts.


    They stood quietly, texting, side by side as they made their way down to the basement floor and walked to the car in utter silence. Both engrossed in their cells, when YuZhi¡¯s phone ringing broke the eerie quiet and he jumped.


    ¡°Hello?¡± He answered it without looking at the screen, in haste and desperation and then frowned at the voice of Mr. Lee the tech manager.


    ¡°We have a location pretty easily. I will text the address to you. The cellphone doesn¡¯t seem to be moving so your person will still be there, Mr. Leng.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. It¡¯s much appreciated. Send it.¡± YuZhi hung up quickly and scrolled his phone as the iing text beeped, showing him a map location with an apanying address and he nced up at ZhengLi in confusion.


    ¡°It¡¯s practically here.¡± He pointed west, through the wall of the elevator and showed ZhengLi the screen. ¡°That¡¯s nearby right?¡± Showing the marked map of streets they passed ining here and were basically a ten-minute drive away.


    ZhengLi took it and nodded. Both men rushing out of the steel box and heading for the car in haste. Neither said a word as they jumped into ZhengLi¡¯s four by four and he got them going to find the location pronto. The sooner they saw them with their own eyes and knew they were fine, the better.


    ¡°It¡¯s by a lot of caf¨¦¡¯s. Maybe they left them in the car and we¡¯re being stupid.¡± YuZhi was scrolling the location on the inte, pulling up street views to get a feel for the ce and could see it was a popr area for small food shops and trendy boutiques that seemed like Linlin¡¯s style. His nerves calming that maybe they really did just leave their cells on silent to eat or in the car to have a break. He did tell TangShi he would be imunicado for two hours. Maybe she figured an hour or two without her cell wouldn¡¯t do any harm. Somehow he felt better having the location and knowing it was nearby and exinable.  Even if he was angry at her for being careless.


    ¡°Either way we will find them. I¡¯m hungry, so worst case scenario, Linlin can buy me food.¡± ZhengLi too was less uptight at having a real ce to go check for them and make sure all was okay. His tight and tense gut not really releasing but d to be actively doing something. Hopeful that this was a dumb and pointless trip.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be paying, seeing as you¡¯re in the doghouse?¡± YuZhi pointed out, motioning down an alley for ZhengLi to turn as he followed directions on his map.


    ¡°I guess. Although for making me this stressed over something that seems like it¡¯s nothing, that girl owes me big time. She has no idea how dependent on her I am and she can¡¯t go off grid like this and make me worry about her.¡± ZhengLi admitted, honesty shining through, his stomach churning at the thought of anything ever happening to her.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got it bad. Maybe you should think about taking her on marriage dates instead.¡± YuZhi pointed out with sarcasm, scanning the streets they passed for signs of Linlin¡¯s car.


    ¡°Trust me, I¡¯m working on it. You don¡¯t just propose marriage to a wild ygirl like her without first preparing her for it. Linlin isn¡¯t like other girls and marriage might make her run away if I spring it on her.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what? You¡¯re seriously considering proposing?¡± YuZhi nched at him in shock. ¡°I thought this was just a mutually exclusive fun thing until you got bored.¡± He really was surprised. ZhengLi had sworn to never settle down and never get married in his life so it was hard to swallow this when he just came out with it so brazenly.


    ¡°I love her. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m capable of ever getting bored of her. I think I¡¯m pretty much stuck for life, and I¡¯m not exactlyining. I don¡¯t know what I would do if I lost her. My life wouldn¡¯t recover if Linlin left for any reason¡­¡­ those two weeks apart really screwed me up and I missed her like crazy, trying to figure out how to fix it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re an idiot.¡± YuZhi prodded him in the shoulder, shaking his head at his best friend. ¡°Don¡¯t ever let my love issues fuck with yours again. I don¡¯t need that kind of loyalty and it¡¯s no wonder she feels insecure. You have to try harder or you will lose her.¡±


    ¡°I know, okay. Can we just focus on finding them and you can lecture meter? I don¡¯t think this horrible feeling will subside until that sulky little diva res at me face to face.¡±

 The Warehouse Prt 1

    TangShi stilled in the now motionless car. Listening intently for noise and trying to make out what Rong Cai was doing. Closing her eyes to improve her senses while still gripping the tire iron with both hands and poised to attack. Her heartrate raising and body mmy with fear but she tried to stay focused and calm although it felt like they had driven for an age and she had no idea where they were now.


    He had stopped them somewhere finally, pulled Linlin out already, of that TangShi was sure as she had heard the dragging and muffled groans of her on the other side of the seat. Straining to listen and see if she was conscious while he lifted her and pulled her away from the car.


    His footsteps came back towards her on a hard gritty surface, seeming like he hadn¡¯t walked far to deposit Linlin and TangShi knew she was next. She gripped harder, her breathing getting shallow as her nerves elevated, her face damp with sweat as anticipation wed at her, churning her stomach up. So tense her body was stiff and she retightened her clutches on her makeshift weapon. Readying herself to attack. Her heartbeating through her stomach and chest in an exaggerated way as though she might have a coronary at any moment.


    She sensed his presence moving closer, could hear subtle noises of him at the back, knowing he was right at the trunk and blinked in an attempt to ready herself for the sudden light that might hinder her after bing ustomed to dark. It was like time stopped for a second, her pulse and lungs stilling and the pause endlessly dragged out before a resounding click startled her into action.


    Rong barely got the trunk open, smug in his sessful kidnapping and not expecting TangShi toe at him like a bat out of hell. Swinging a metal rod at his face that he dodged in a sh from fast reflexes, gasping in shock and stumbling backwards with raised arms to protect himself. TangShi didn¡¯t relent though, sitting up quickly and swinging harder and further in an attempt to get at him and yelling at the top of her voice.


    ¡°HELP¡­ SOMEONE HELP¡­.. HELLLLLPPPP!¡± She screamed as she pursued him, sliding over the back ridge of the trunk clumsily and going after him. Rong ran backwards in panic, lifting his palms and sessfully ducking and weaving to get away from her bat swing. Sweating and getting irritated with her temper tantrum.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing? Calm down, Tang. I¡¯m not going to hurt you, princess. Let me have that and we can talk it out. It¡¯s me, Rong. We love one another, don¡¯t we?¡±  Rong was shocked at her venom and hostility and yet amused at her cuteness, riled only by the fact she was still trying to hit him even after clearly seeing who he was. He had thought it was an instinct after being locked up and she would soon settle when she saw it was him, but he was wrong.


    ¡°You¡¯re insane. What the fuck is wrong with you? How could you abduct us?¡± TangShi¡¯s tears drenched her face and she sniffed through them but she wasn¡¯t really crying in sadness, but of a million emotions. It was abination of fear, anger, and desperation, and maybe a little adrenaline in the mix but Rong only saw it as hurt for being restrained.


    ¡°Why are you being like this? Because I was rough with you, or is it because your friend can hear you and you don¡¯t want it to get back to that crazy asshole? He won¡¯t hear us baby, it¡¯s okay to admit your feelings. We¡¯re safe now and we can be together. I¡¯m sorry if I scared you by doing it this way, you know I don¡¯t mean it.¡± Rong was delusional. So gone in his own thoughts and feelings he no longer had any kind of connection to reality. TangShi spun her head looking for Linlin and gawped when she saw her hunched against a pir in the middle of where they were, secured to it, but still gagged and bound. Gasping at the pale and lifeless sight of her and taking in the surroundings of a dirty old, abandoned warehouse.


    ¡°What have you done to her? Where are we? What¡¯s wrong with her?¡± TangShi wailed at him with usation, brandishing her bar high and keeping him out of reach. He stood with raised palms to show his submission but his temper was riling the longer she kept this up. No longer amused with her show of fierce when he had ns on getting them moving away from here by now.


    ¡°I used chloroform. A little clich¨¦ and predictable but it does the trick and it¡¯s easy toe by. She¡¯ll wake up soon¡­.. might not thank me for it though. I hear it has nasty side effects.¡± Heughed at that, enjoying the crumbling expression on her face as she realized she was alone and her friend wasn¡¯t helping her any time soon. He wanted her to understand they were now free and easy to get away and go on with their life without anyone stalling them. Especially not Linlin.


    ¡°What do you want from us?¡± TangShi¡¯s voice wavered, croaking in agony as it broke and she knew she was showing him how terrified she was tantly. Her legs shaking and her arms getting tired from holding the weight of metal. Physically she was fading and struggling to hold it together.


    ¡°I want you and me to live happily ever after. To be together and go off to start over somewhere new. Away from that rich prick who keeps you in his clutches. It¡¯s okay, I understand and I saved you from him. Put down the bar so we can make up and get going.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not the one that needed saving. You are¡­.. from yourself. You¡¯re crazy and you are making everything worse. What have you done?¡± TangShi was shivering from head to foot, afraid to loosen her hold and use one hand to wipe her blurred eyes or let down her arms and weapon that were keeping him at bay. Poised and yet she had no clue what to do. Linlin behind her and out cold, and him to the front, posing a threat to them both.


    ¡°Shhhhh, baby. Just let me console you and wipe your face. Calm down and give me a hug. Come on¡­. let¡¯s not fight. Why are you mad, huh? Because of your friend?¡± Rong was only hearing what he wanted to hear and couldn¡¯t see how much TangShi hated him and wanted nothing to do with him. To him, this was all YuZhi¡¯s doing and TangShi was a victim in his clutches who needed a little time.


    ¡°Untie her, let her go, and we¡¯ll talk. She doesn¡¯t need to be here.¡± TangShi was wracking her brains for a n and had no idea how to get out of this. Concerned with Linlin¡¯s safety and overwrought with how sick she looked.


    Rong sighed heavily, crossing his arms across his chest and shook his head. His mood deting and taking on the stance of a patient professor, lecturing a student..


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that. She might go get him you see. He mighte before we can leave together. She has to stay here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere with you.¡± TangShi spat back at him, knowing she needed to curb her reactions and y along or else she wouldn¡¯t be able to help Linlin, but it was hard when this smug psychopath was standing staring at her in such a deluded way. Her every cell of her body was screaming to defy him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say things you¡¯ll regret. Come on. Just put that down and let me hug you. I missed you so much and I want to feel you against me again.¡± Rong stepped forward so sure in himself she was being difficult to get him to beg and then lurched back as she swung at his face with fury once more. Stepping and bending backwards as it missed his nose by an inch and almost sent TangShi spinning with how much effort she put in it.


    ¡°Stay the fuck away. I¡¯m warning you; I will smash your face in and take your head off.¡± TangShi stepped backwards away from him, never breaking eye contact and began shuffling slowly towards Linlin, keeping him at a distance and not lowering her guard.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a bitch. I only have so much patience and I don¡¯t want to hurt you. Can¡¯t hurt my future wife, can I?¡± he chuckled to himself, raising his palms and then narrowed his gaze and scowled at her, a change in expression so instant and severe it sent shivers to TangShi¡¯s stomach. ¡°Well, unless I have to. I¡¯m not against doing it for the greater good.¡± His tone dropped to one of nk indifference and it sent a chill through TangShi, igniting genuine worry he would.


    TangShi didn¡¯t respond, her heartbeat racing and her palms mmy which was making the bar hard to grip, but instead kept on with her steady backwards sliding. Until she came level with Linlin and pushed Linlin¡¯s outstretched leg gently with her foot to rouse her.


    ¡°Linlin, are you awake, can you hear me? Please say something.¡± TangShi so desperately needed to hear her, even if it was just a groan to signal she was still alive. She lookedpletely lifeless and it was scaring her that he had done something awful.


    ¡°Mmmmm.¡± A soft mumbling moan came from behind Linlin¡¯s duct taped mouth covering and TangShi exhaled in sagging relief. Her head swimming with dizziness at hearing her respond and thanking god that she was conscious and breathing still. It made her less alone in this predicament and gave her hope that Linlin could still recover.


    ¡°Did you think I killed her?¡± Rong startedughing, a cackling and manic sound,ing closer again and TangShi stiffened up, straightening her posture and brandished her weapon at him once more. Only Rong had enough of this game and he was no longer ying. He marched at her, and even though TangShi swung with all her might, he dodged it once, grabbed the bar with one hand and tugged it out of her grip with a harsh maneuver that made her stumble towards him. Rong Cai smirked and pushed her back with his other palm, hard, so she tripped over Linlin¡¯s leg behind her and came crashing down on top of her. Banging her limbs and face in the process and giving out a yelp.

 The Warehouse Prt 2

    ¡°I told you to not make me hurt you, didn¡¯t I? Now I¡¯m fucking mad that you made me do that.¡± Rong bent over grabbing TangShi by her upper arm with a biting grip and dragged her back to her feet, hauling her with him, but she managed to catch hold of Linlin¡¯s arm and clung on. Desperately holding onto her as he tried to stretch her away from the other girl. Linlin started wriggling weakly, convulsing, a choking noiseing from her throat and her body jerking as though gagging but the tape made it impossible.


    ¡°Stop it, let me see her. Let me take her tape off at least so she doesn¡¯t choke. She looks like she might be sick. Please if you let me help her I¡¯lle willingly.¡± TangShi cried in desperation and Rong Cai stilled for a moment.


    ¡°If I let you take the tape off her mouth you can say your goodbyes. We have another car out there and we¡¯re leaving. Don¡¯t test me, I¡¯m not in the mood.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­I just want to make sure she¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll do as I¡¯m told if you let me go and let me see to her.¡± TangShi knew the only way to be able to do anything was to y along and as her mind calmed down as she recovered the shock of her situation she started to think rationally about this. Arguing with him and fighting wouldn¡¯t help. Linlin could choke on her own vomit and die if she didn¡¯t convince him.


    ¡°Only her mouth, nothing else. I¡¯m watching.¡± Rong snarled, letting her go so she copsed back onto her knees and stayed close, intimidating her.


    TangShi nodded, her hands shaking violently as she lifted Linlin¡¯s face by the chin and carefully peeled off the tape as fast as she could without hurting her too much. Scanning her white face and closed eyes and feeling her skin for temperature. Linlin was feverish hot, and mmy, and her head rolled as her mouth was uncovered, letting out a slight mumble. Her eyes flickered for a second, an obvious swallow and then she jerked awake. Her eyes wide in horror, she gasped, stared at TangShi and then wretched as she began to throw up. Her body slumping forward despite the restraints and vomited at the side of her own legs. The entire contents of her stomach came up, their breakfast and drinks, and TangShi gagged too and turned her face away as she held her friend steady. Turning her own delicate stomach and making TangShi gag in reaction.


    TangShi cradled her head and angled her, helped her until she was done and cuddled her in the best she could. Brushing back the fresh tears rolling down Linlin¡¯s cheeks and held her close, mothering her while torn up in agony and scared at the state of her.


    ¡°What have you done to her? Why is she being sick? Have you poisoned her?¡± TangShi¡¯s garbled words came out in a hysterical mess. Throwing a pointed re at Rong.


    ¡°Chloroform is a poison, yes, but I didn¡¯t use a lot. I don¡¯t think. She might be sick for a bit, she might get worse, who knows. I heard you can die from liver failure and all sorts so I¡¯m d I didn¡¯t have to use it on you.¡± Rongughed, amused by the shocked expression on her face. Uncaring about Linlin¡¯s predicament and not lying about the danger of the chemical. It was nasty and he had doused a rag so thoroughly that there was a chance Linlin may have ingested some..Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You¡­. You ¡­¡­ you¡¯re sick. How could you do this to her. She¡¯s done nothing wrong! How could you?¡± TangShi turned back to Linlin and stroked her face, tears rolling freely down her cheeks and her heart aching for her friend. Inwardly crumbling once more with the very real possibility that Linlin wasn¡¯t going to be okay. ¡°I need to take her to a hospital. I won¡¯t go with you unless we save her. If you love me, and want me toe, then do as I say.¡± TangShi hoped that in his madness he would believe her words, bend a little to her will if she acted like she wanted him, but he shook his head.


    ¡°Love makes you blind, not stupid.¡± He smirked at her and kicked Linlin¡¯s foot harshly, sending her leg scraping across the ground by a few inches and gaining a hateful re from TangShi.


    ¡°Wake up. Shake it off. The sooner you get your shit together, the sooner I can leave.¡± Rong turned and walked off towards the vehicle they came here in to get water, knowing TangShi would be more manageable if they left her friend awake and seemingly alive. He cursed her out and wished she had been alone today, but this was what it was and he had to make do. He had followed her for days and had acted at the first opening he got, always having other men around her or YuZhi Leng meant Linlin was an easier thing to deal with.


    TangShi saw the opportunity and quickly went for Linlin¡¯s rope that was holding her to the pir, trying hard to untie it and cursing under her breath when she saw the cable ties on her wrists behind her. Her legs were bound too in the same manner. He had made it near impossible to free her without time and something sharp.


    ¡°Linny, please, wake up properly. Try for me. We have to get out of here. I need you to help me. I need you to be okay.¡± TangShi whispered at her, fumbling over the knot he had made in the rope and ncing back over her shoulder to check if he wasing. He had his face inside the passenger side of the car and his back to them and seemed to be looking in a hold all on the seat.


    ¡°My cell¡­.. I think¡­.. ¡°Linlin could barely talk, her throat burning and painful and her speech slurred but TangShi clicked right away and began searching her clothes for her phone, looking for it and finding nothing. Normally Linlin kept it on her person in a pocket but they were all empty.


    ¡°It¡¯s not here.¡± TangShi whispered back. Deted and desperate and racking her brains for where it might be. If he took it when he first put her in the car then it might be over there with him. He might have thrown it aside back at the alleyway, or he might have it still. Or maybe it fell like TangShi¡¯s did in the struggle with Rong at the car.


    ¡°Tang, you have to run while he¡¯s distracted. Just go¡­. Leave me here. I¡¯ll be okay if you get away.¡± Linlin lifted her head weakly, trying to act strong for her, and stared TangShi in the eye, willing her to listen. TangShi began to cry in broken sobs knowing what she was doing.


    ¡°I can¡¯t. He¡¯ll catch me. I¡¯m not a good runner. I can¡¯t leave you. What if he takes his anger out on you if I do get out? What if you¡¯re really sick and I leave and ¡­..¡± TangShi clung to her and tried to hug her but Linlin pushed her away with her head.


    ¡°Run¡­.. if only to attract someone¡¯s attention out there. It looks like a warehouse, there has to be others around us. I can hear noise in the distance. You just need one person to see you, help you. I¡¯m fucked up and can¡¯t move. I feel like he¡¯s done something to me so you staying won¡¯t make me better.¡± Linlin¡¯s stomach was like a washing machine. Her insides threatening to empty out again and she was dizzy and disorientated and burning up. Her lungs struggling to keep a good airflow and her body was numb and detached like it didn¡¯t have any ability. She was messed up and barely awake and she knew she would hinder TangShi getting free.


    ¡°I ¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯sing. You only have one chance. GO. Just go!¡± Linlin could see him over TangShi¡¯s shoulder, pulling out of the car with water bottles and knew it was their only chance. TangShi¡¯s blood ran cold, the way Linlin was ring over her shoulder catapulted her into instinctive action. Fight or flight response initiating and not giving her a moment to think it through. Stroking a final hand across Linlin¡¯s head and sobbing as she jumped up.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯lle back for you. I¡¯ll get help.¡± She hushed her saddened words at her through jumbled tears and broke off into an instant run in the opposite direction of Rong Cai.


    TangShi put her all into it, head down, legs and arms swinging fast as they could. She made a break for freedom and adrenaline gave her a speed she had never achieved before. The sheer fear of running for her life without looking back.


    ¡°TangShi, No!¡± Rong yelled after her, catching sight of her unexpected escape and sprinted after her. His direction was a straight line so he bypassed Linlin close in his pursuit. Linlin saw iting and kicked out her bound legs in his path as he neared, so she tripped him and sent him crashing down and sliding across the dirty concrete floor. Rong colliding with some discarded debris which scratched up his face and head, drawing blood. Rong hollered out loud in agony and anger as he rolled on his back and regained his senses.

 The warehouse Prt 3

    ¡°I will fucking kill you, you little bitch.¡± He screamed at Linlin before scrambling back to his knees. Pointing at her with rage before spinning off.


    TangShi was running hard, her lungs burning, her limbs aching and tired but she didn¡¯t stop¡­. looking for an out and a person or people. Searching visually for an escape route and spying daylight through a broken door to her far left. Nausea rising in her stomach from exertion and she began to hope that she might actually get them out of this. All she needed was one man out there who heard or saw her and intervened to save them.


    Rong was on his feet in a sh and went tearing after her, leaving Linlin alone while a second bout of nausea hit her hard and she began throwing up again. Her lungs heavy so she was gasping now, and her mind swirling and she knew she might pass out if she kept this up. Whatever he did, she was struggling badly and could tell her body wasn¡¯t doing well at all.


    Rong was faster than TangShi and in no time he was almost right behind her as she reached the door and stalled to yank it open. Only it didn¡¯te towards her, and TangShi panicked. Yanking at it then throwing her body against it to budge it while it rattled and creaked and exposedrge chains and padlocks keeping it anchored. She kicked at it in an attempt to break through but Rong was on her in seconds and he grabbed her from behind. Catching her upper arms aggressively and throwing her aside so she was tossed into a pile of rubble and scraped and banged her body up, leaving her filthy as dust kicked up around and choked her. The agony of impact bruising her all over, and she whimpered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you fucking EVER run away from me!¡± Rong roared at her, unleashing his temper, turning on her with venom because he had reached an insane level of fury at her resistance. ¡°Don¡¯t you understand what I¡¯m trying to do for us? Why I¡¯m like this? You¡¯re so ungrateful and fucking selfish. I¡¯m disappointed in you and hurt that you can¡¯t see I¡¯m doing this for your own good. For our future. I love you and you¡¯re acting like this? What the hell is wrong with you?¡± he came at her, stomping towards her angrily and TangShi scrambled backwards on her hands and butt, trembling as tears cascaded down her face. No longer sure he wouldn¡¯t get violent. He looked possessed and so far gone from the man she met in the art school so many months ago.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m scared, and Linlin needs help. I¡¯m sorry¡­ I won¡¯t do it again!¡± TangShi couldn¡¯t conceal how afraid she was, caving, her mind casting to the life in her abdomen and a need to protect it as he towered over her and pulled out cable ties from his jacket pocket. Making it clear he was going to tie her up like Linlin.


    ¡°I don¡¯t trust you anymore. I¡¯m giving you no more leeway. That fucker has you brainwashed into believing I¡¯m the bad guy and I¡¯m not ying nice anymore.¡± He reached down and grabbed her ankle, hauling her towards him cruelly with force, so her body was scraped across debris and dirt and she winced in pain as she struggled. He flipped her while fighting and she was rolled onto her stomach, bashing her ribs on boulders that scraped her hands as she wed them away.


    ¡°You¡¯ll hurt the baby!!¡± TangShi cried out in hysterical reaction and not thought, not even aware of what she said until he dropped her leg and became instantly still.


    ¡°What?¡± Rong paused, his mind a sudden white screen of still as he took in her words one by one and blinked at her in obvious suspicion. ¡°What baby?¡± He snarled as that thought grew in his mind and swirled around to taunt him. Venom growling low in his belly and weaving up into his heart.


    ¡°My ¡­. Our¡­. baby, from the night we ¡­¡­. I¡¯m pregnant.¡± TangShi whimpered hoping that one detail might be her saving grace and he wouldn¡¯t hurt her.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not. You¡¯re lying¡­. why are you lying? You can¡¯t be pregnant.¡± Rong roared, an irrational furying out of him that made TangShi recoil. Confused by his vtile reaction and she curled up as small as she could. Eyes wide and body throbbing.


    ¡°I¡¯m not. I really am pregnant. The doctor told me I conceived on that day. I thought you would be happy.¡± TangShi wiped her face on her sleeve, smearing dirt with her tears and crusted blood from her earlier nosebleed and cowered as Rong leaned forward, gritting his teeth and snarled at her.


    ¡°You¡¯re a virgin until our wedding day. What the fuck do you mean you¡¯re pregnant.¡± His voice was low and grating, tainted with hatred. Rong was boiling inside, YuZhi Leng infiltrating his mind and how that bastard could have touched his woman while she was still an unwed innocent and didn¡¯t even belong to him. How the fuck dare he take her purity away and defile her body. Who was he to nt a child in a body that didn¡¯t belong to him?


    ¡°What? You¡­¡­ we¡­.?¡± TangShi was confused, racking her brain and making sense of what he said as it hit her hard. ¡°You didn¡¯t have sex with me, did you?¡± She blurted it out, unsure but hopeful and his eyes narrowed in rage.


    ¡°You¡¯re my angel, my perfect pure, untouched Princess. Why the fuck would I defile you before wemitted to one another as man and wife? Do you know how well I took care of you that night? How careful I was to preserve your purity and modesty. I had you in my bed and I was respectful. I didn¡¯t want some whore wife who has fucked another man or touched before joined to me in the eyes of god¡­¡­.. tell me you¡¯re lying and there¡¯s no baby?¡±  Rong was unravelling, clutching at his hair by his temples and banging his fists into his skull. Unable to take in andpute the fact his unrealistic ideal of her was a sham. TangShi was rendered mute for a second as her brain filtered this through and she looked down at her stomach with a new sense of relief and yet growing fear.


    This baby was YuZhi¡¯s if Rong wasn¡¯t lying. And judging by his reaction, she didn¡¯t think he was. He seemed genuinely enraged. This baby was theirs, created in love when he came home to see her that one night. This had nothing to do with Rong and she still had never been touched by any man apart from YuZhi. Her heart soared despite her predicament and yet she now knew she had also made this worse by telling him she was carrying YuZhi¡¯s child.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m lying. I thought we did it¡­. and you would be happy. I thought a baby would stop you being mad and realize I love you too. I was lying to you, there¡¯s no baby.¡± TangShi lied through her teeth, her thoughts scrambling and breathingbored. All the more desperate to protect her body from harm now she knew this precious life was one they deliberately created. Nothing to be ashamed of or broken over and all her fears of being raped disintegrated to dust and healed a wound she had been struggling to ovee. A wound that never existed except in her mind.


    ¡°You¡¯re so full of tricks, why didn¡¯t I see that before. You¡¯re not the sweet innocent I thought you were, you¡¯re a maniptive sinner who spews out bullshit to fool me.¡± Rong Cai paced forward at her once more, bending to grab her wrist and yanked her to her feet cruelly. Seething inside as he clutched her abdomen with his other hand and squeezed her t muscles, hurting her with this deliberate assault. Wanting to rip that disgusting thing out of her body and not caring if it hurt.


    ¡°Aaaahhh, o, stop it.¡± TangShi squirmed away, pushing his hand off and shielding her stomach from him, crazily protective now she knew for sure. pping at him and attempting to bust free and getting nowhere fast.


    ¡°If you are, we have to get rid of it. I won¡¯t have that bastards seed in my woman. I won¡¯t let you carry his kid a second longer. How could you do this to me?¡± Rong tugged her with him, tripping her with his jerky movements and pulling her along, half dragging her as she fell to her knee and scrambled to get up. Unable to keep pace with him while he pulled her back to where Linlin was. He no longer had the urge to be gentle and protect her, because she had broken his heart and let another man take what was his.


    TangShi gasped in horror as she spied Linlin¡¯s slumped posture and the fresh vomit all over the floor beside her, the way her head was rolling around and her breathing was shallow and fast. She didn¡¯t get a second to do or say anything as she was speed marched to the nearest car and Rong gave her no time to catch her breath.


    ¡°Get in. I need to think.¡± He yanked open the rear door, forced TangShi to bend and pushed her into the back seat hard so she fell t on her face and stomach and tried to turn over. Her hand falling into the ditch of the rear footwell and touched something cold and smooth that was tucked under the driver seat. Blinking down as he mmed the door behind her and spying Linlin¡¯s cell phone on the floor. It must have slid out of her clothing when she was back here and remained out of sight because she always kept it on silent.


    Rong began pacing manically back and forth beside the back door, rubbing his face and head as he tried to figure out what to do with his swirling emotions and this fucked up n. Refusing to marry a girl carrying another man¡¯s kid and trying to decide how to deal with it. He couldn¡¯t stand the thought of it and needed to prioritize getting rid of it before he married her. If he could wipe it clean it would be like it never happened and he might be able to forgive her sins.


    TangShi stayed low, kept the phone on the floor and swiped it to open the screen, cursing when it disyed the lock pad and asking for Linlin¡¯s fingerprint. She kept ncing over her shoulder to see if he wasing and tried to keep the cell out of sight under the seat she found it beside. Panicking, she ran her fingers over the surface and noticed a small icon near the bottom with the words ¡¯emergency call¡¯ written. Pressing it quickly and almost whooping with joy when it connected to the emergency service number immediately.


    She slid down from the seat to put her face nearer the phone, listening to the rings and bit on her lip with impatience. A voice finally connecting on the other end and asking her what service she required.


    TangShi opened her mouth to respond, feeling and hearing the click of the door opening as she nced his way and was silenced by Rong¡¯s hand over her mouth and nose as he hauled her backwards out of the car with force.

 Go Prt 1

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Rong barked at her, sliding her body with him as he dragged her out of the car and dumped her at his feet in a careless manner. TangShi crumbling like an empty sack. Not able to keep a grip with the way he had to crawl backwards out of the car.


    ¡°HELP¡­SOMEONE HELP, I¡¯VE BEEN KIDNAPPED. HELP ME!!¡± TangShi screamed at the top of her voice, hurting her throat in the process, aiming at the car¡¯s open door knowing she left the call connected to emergency services and praying they would have some way to track the cellphone. That if they could hear her then they would have some procedure in ce to find them.


    Rong¡¯s eyes followed her line of vision, confused with her erratic behavior once more, peering inside the car and spotted the illuminated cell on the floor. Rong lost his temper in instant fury, betrayed that this bitch would try and call for help and pped TangShi hard across the face to shut her up. Hitting her with unconcealed rage, so hard it stung his hand and sent her head reeling around and her body followed. She was stunned by the stinging, burning contact, knocked sideways so she sprawled across the dirty floor and Rong dived into the car to retrieve the phone, muttering curse words. He grabbed the cellphone, squeezing it with anger, ending the call and threw it out onto the concrete before following and stamping all over it. Smashing it into a million pieces and turning on her with gritted tooth usation.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing?¡± he snarled.


    TangShi, pulled herself up, winded and in pain but refusing to fall down and give up, even if her cheek and jaw was throbbing and her eyes were watering. Cupping her face to soothe the stinging agony of how hard he hit her.


    ¡°They¡¯reing. The police, YuZhi¡­. ZhengLi¡­. You are in so much trouble. They will be here soon enough and you¡¯re screwed.¡± TangShi¡¯s bitter venom spewed out through a new wave of tears caused by his assault, A biting tone and smug impression in hopes of convincing him that this was over for him even if she never got to talk to the operator. Hoping he would flee and let them go.


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know where we are. How could they find us? You stupid, stupid girl. I tried to be patient, I tried to be understanding but you really don¡¯t know how to appreciate someone¡¯s adoration. You don¡¯t deserve my love and care.¡± Rong marched back to her and grabbed her by the hair, sinking his fingers into her scalp to get a full handful as she squealed and twisted to get free. Dragging her with him across the debris of the floor and not caring anymore about preserving his angel¡¯s body and soul. She had truly pushed him to the edge of his love for her and ruined everything. TangShi clung to his wrist as her hair roots were yanked taut, a new kind of agonizing pain that worked to control her.


    ¡°Stop it. Let her go. Stop hurting her. You want to fight, then untie me and see how far you get with me. She¡¯s no match but I sure as hell will be, you fucking bully!¡± Linlin¡¯s weak and pleading voice pulled TangShi out of her own despair as she fought to get utched and she managed to turn to see her as she was dragged away from the car. Her hands, knees and limbs scraped and filthy from the dirty surfaces.


    Linlin¡¯s head was lifted, her eyes red and puffy, but fully focused and she seemed to have some color in the high points of her cheekbones now, much more alert than before. There was an undeniable fire of fury in her expression and she was hunched forward as though trying to free her wrists behind her.


    ¡°Be quiet. Don¡¯t rile him.¡± TangShi lifted her fingers to her mouth to make a ¡®shhh¡¯ motion, shaking her head to warn Linlin to be silent. Sure if he could p TangShi, he would do worse to Linlin.


    ¡°He¡¯s a coward and a lunatic. A man who hurts women and has to drug them to feel loved? What even is that? Major insecurity issues from a gutless prick. How pathetic are you? You¡¯re a sad excuse of a human and probably suffer from micro penis syndrome. It¡¯s pretty obvious from the psycho clingy issues you carry around that you weren¡¯t hugged enough as a kid. You¡¯re not a man, you¡¯re a loser. No wonder YuZhi can walk all over you without trying. He¡¯s worth a hundred of you even on a bad day.¡± Linlin was in full verbal roll. Tossing out hatred and venom the best she could in her sassiest tone to pull him away from hurting her friend anymore. Scared for her, scared he would take her and disappear and harm the baby in her body. She didn¡¯t care if he hurt her as long as she gave TangShi a chance to run again.


    ¡°Shut the fuck up.¡± Rong snarled her way, hating this tiny nuisance who had ruined his clean n and getaway. If it weren¡¯t for her, then they would be on the road to a new life already.


    ¡°Make me. You¡¯re scum of the earth and couldn¡¯t even take me on without using drugs on me. Are you really that little of a man that even a four-foot woman is a scary match? You¡¯re a joke. No wonder TangShi is disgusted by you.¡± Linlin beganughing at him loudly, manically, making a real show of it in a dramatic manner and throwing her head back. As though she really was amused with how pathetic he was and TangShi pleaded with her eyes to stop. Afraid as she could sense his growing anger like a ck cloud around him and his grip on her hair tightened.


    ¡°I wille over there and fuck you up worse. Don¡¯t push me. Shut that stupid mouth if you know what¡¯s good for you.¡± He growled, body poised and aggressive and hostility beginning to ooze.


    ¡°Do it¡­ do you really think I¡¯m scared of you? TangShi hates you. She despises you and loathes the very air you breath. Delude yourself all you want but if you take her you will spend a lifetime trying to keep her by your side. She¡¯ll run at any opportunity and her hatred for you will grow with every second you force her to be with you. She loves YuZhi and will never stop wanting him no matter what you do!¡± Linlin was wavering, her voice trembling with the effort but she wanted his focus on her and away from TangShi.


    Rong was not one for criticisms and his anger and fury pulsated through his body. Clouding his judgement and riling the irrational that was a constant dialogue in his unsettled mind. Releasing his hold on TangShi as he marched towards Linlin with deathly intent because his temper could only be held for so long.


    ¡°Shut the fuck up. Shut up. Just fucking SHUT UP, you stupid fucking little wore. You little bitch. I¡¯ll make you regret every word you said.¡± He snapped, full on hostility on show and Linlin kept still and stood her ground. Lifting her chin higher and smirked at him.


    TangShi saw what Linlin was doing as he left her alone, discarded on the floor to her own devices and forgotten for the time being. She shot a nce around her, looking for her weapon of before or something simr to protect Linlin. Spying it lying a few feet away and slowly and surely got up and crawled towards it without making a sound. Swallowing down nausea and shaking so badly she couldn¡¯t use her limbs properly but she knew she couldn¡¯t attract his attention.


    ¡°What a big man you are. Beating on women. Threatening them. You make me sick. My boyfriend has more masculinity in his discarded socks than you have in your entire gic makeup. He could d with you while blindfolded and both hands behind his back. He¡¯s a real man, not a sad pretender.¡± Linlin sneered at him, drawing him closer and smiled as though he wasical.


    Rong flipped out at her scathing and belittling remarks. Hating her poison arrow words and smug and stupid way she keptughing at him, mocking him, twisting his mood into something dark and vtile. Rong took a running kick right at Linlin¡¯s stomach. Delivering a brutal blow of intent to shut the bitch up that winded her, made her cough and gasp on impact and shudder backwards, while tears instantly hit her eyes as she struggled to breathe. For a girl who had never been physically assaulted before it was utter agony and a shock to the system and she reacted like she had been hit with an almighty explosion. Unable to talk for a minute as she struggled to recover.


    TangShi dashed forward for the metal bar, catching what he did out of the corner of her eye and overwhelmed with a fierce sense of outrage. Her blood boiling over and her fear and nerves disintegrating as sisterly rage took its ce. She clutched it up, wrapped both hands around it, jumped to her feet and ran at him from behind, brandishing it high and mighty and swung it right for the back of his skull. Using every ounce of strength she had and pulling herself as tall as she could.


    The connecting thud hit low down on the back of his head; a mighty crack and shuddering vibration ran through the bar, hurting TangShi¡¯s palms, wrist and forearms with the reverberations. TangShi stopped dead, poised, and for a second she didn¡¯t think it had any impact on him as he stood still. Nothing happening and the world seemed to fall eerily quiet.


    Rong stared at Linlin for a long, paused moment, as she lifted her chin and made eye contact while struggling to breath and watched as his eyes zed over and roll back into his head. His body crumbling from solid and poised to seemingly a fluid thing and he copsed into a heap on the floor, crumbling away. His copse revealed TangShi standing with a bar over her head, heaving in air with rapid breaths and a traumatized, scared shitless, expression on her face.


    It took them both a second to realize he was renderedpletely unconscious and to pull their heads together before they lost this opportunity. A sense of relief lightening both of their heavy chest weights.


    ¡°Untie me¡­no, wait. Tie him up. He has those cable tie things¡­ look¡± Linlin nodded at the white cords sliding out of his inside pocket and peeking at her from this angle. He looked dead the way his body was awkwardly positioned but she could still see the movement of his chest to show he was breathing. ¡°In movies they always leave the bad guy and run and he always gets up andes after them. We have to tie him up.¡± Linlin rambled as her own hysteria rose, still crunched forward because of stomach pains from his assault. A sense of urgency growing inside of her.


    TangShi dropped the bar, moving to auto pilot and seemingly in shock and jumped over him, pulling the cables from his coat and slid one out from the pile. She had never used one before but it seemed straightforward and she quickly figured out how to slot one end in the other and pull tight.


    Pulling his legs together first and securing his ankles together with one with a great deal of awkwardness. She had to push his body over, struggle with his weight, and haul him around to get his hands together behind his back the way he had done with Linlin and secured then there too. The whole time her heart racing and stomach churning with fear in case he woke up and attacked her.


    ¡°I think¡­.. that¡¯s done, right?¡± She looked up at Linlin for confirmation, her nerves so frayed she couldn¡¯t think straight, tugging the ties to make sure they were secure. Linlin nodded.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

 Go Prt 2

    ¡°Look for something sharp to get these off of me. We need his car keys too and his cell.¡± Linlin was a little more pulled together than TangShi was and knew she needed to take the lead. In life she had always bene the one to guide TangShi and tell her what to do in her weakest moments and knew she needed her now.  Still suffering from the aftereffects of whatever he did to her, and her aching stomach, but it was improving.


    TangShi did as she was told and scrambled around his body first, searching his pockets hectically for his phone and something useful. Finding nothing at all except more ties and a bottle of clear fluid. She held it up to Linlin and waved it.


    ¡°I think this is what he used on you to knock you out. We should take it.¡± She knew the hospital might need it to identify properly what had been given to Linlin if they needed to give her something to counteract it, thinking ahead and being hopeful..


    ¡°We should make the bastard drink it and be done with him.¡± Linlin snapped, Using her feet to try and kick at his lifeless body. Hating him for everything he had done to them and unleashing some of her own building rage. Shock wearing off with the drowsy effects of whatever was in that bottle.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to try the car.¡± TangShi got up and ran at full speed to the parked ck car. Hauling the door open and spying his bag on the passenger seat. She yanked it open without hesitation and much to her relief found a phone and a pocketknife on top of money and clothes. She wondered if he had been the one to stab the tire on Linlin¡¯s car and made it that they pulled over with a t. He must have been watching and waiting and timed it just as they left the caf¨¦.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    TangShi came back to Linlin at speed, pulling her forward and cutting the ties around her wrists first with the small de, gasping in horror at seeing how roughed up and sliced they were from the pressure of trying to get her hands out of the stic by herself. Red rings of smeared blood and bruising ruining her pretty wrists.


    She released her then handed her the knife as she got to work at finishing untying the rope she had started earlier. Linlin worked one arm free and out and tended to her ankles, keeping one eye on him the whole time, still very scared about him waking up as they worked in urgency. He looked secure but she just wanted to get TangShi and run to safety. The instinct so strong it was making her fingers fumble on her task.


    Linlin was released after a few minutes of tugging and TangShi helped her up on unsteady feet, her body swaying and loose Still. Dizzy as she got upright and realizing she was far from recovered fully. Linlin held on around TangShi¡¯s shoulders and they hobbled towards the ck car at a fast pace, leaving him in the dust as he began to groan and move around.


    TangShi flicked her nce back in horror, seeing hime to and hurried Linlin towards their escape.


    ¡°You can¡¯t drive. It has to be me.¡± Linlin pointed out as TangShi tried to lever her into the open passenger door.


    ¡°Look at you. How can you drive like this? We don¡¯t need to go far, just away from here while you call the cops and we find out where we are. I can do that. I can try.¡± TangShi pushed Linlin in without further argument, having learned the basics of driving as a teen even though she never went onto pass her test. Linlin relented, slumping in and TangShi closed the door after handing her the phone and ran around the other side. One eye on him as she dashed as fast as she could.


    The keys were still in the ignition, much to her relief and she started it quickly. Her hands shaking, her vision blurry and she took a long calming breath to get her brain to work on the mechanics of getting going. Pulling up her lessons form an instructor years ago and mentally going through the steps.


    Linlin lifted the cell to call the cops and held the phone to her ear as TangShi pulled out slowly. Rong caught their attention as his body rolled sideways and he sat up, shaking his head and looked around him in disorientated weirdness. It was obvious he was dazed and there was a trickle of blood running down the back of his neck. A scowl appeared on his face as he spotted the slow, moving vehicle, recovering fast, and he started to fight his binds and gnash his teeth, kicking out across the floor to break them. Furious at finding himself bound up.


    ¡°Something tells me we should have used more than one on his hands and feet. I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll keep him. Drive¡­. drive.¡± Linlin¡¯s fear exploded at the way he was rubbing his ankles at odd angles to stretch and snap the restraints and her gut said he would be free soon enough. They weren¡¯t thick and he was a big guy with obvious strength and way more know how then them on how to snap them.


    TangShi floored it. Screeching and burning rubber and kicking up dust as she put the gas peddle to the floor and drove forward, looking for a way out. The car lurching and giving her a fright with the sudden burst of speed at her fingertips.


    There were huge double doors ahead of them and even though they were closed, she didn¡¯t ease up the speed but instead went crashing through them with force. Too wound up and afraid of himing that she didn¡¯t stop to worry about what would have happened if they had resisted instead. Splintering the old wood and showering the car with debris but they kept moving forward with momentum and Linlin clung on for dear life as she swung them around a corner and headed for what looked like a gate to open road. The buildings all around them seemed derelict too and they were well concealed in a ce neither girl had seen before.


    ¡°Hello, hello?¡± Linlin was straining to hear the voice on the other end of the phone call but the signal was dropping and breaking the up because of their location. She got no further than being asked what service she needed. She couldn¡¯t hear them and doubted they could hear her either. The phone disconnected by itself as the signal dropped right off and she clenched it in frustration.


    ¡°Our signal sucks. We need to get away from these buildings and out onto a main road. Go that way. We need open air and no interference by whatever these pylons are.¡± She pointed ahead, towards a gap between more huge factory buildings but there was signage indicating a way out. The sky overcast and dull and the clouded atmosphere made this ce feel like some dystopian reality where no humans dwelled.


    TangShi followed direction, driving fast, barely able to control the car well due to inexperience but they were managing to get out and she was slowly rxing at being able to do this. It was a blessing this car was automatic and didn¡¯t require a lot of skill. Breathing out heavily and swallowing hard, finding ways to self-calm and stop her body from shaking so violently.


    ¡°You can do it. We got his, Tang. Just stay focused and calm.¡± Linlin encouraged her, tapping at the phone again and exhaling with a heavy sigh at theck of any kind of signal at all.


    ¡°Are you okay? How¡¯s your stomach? How do you feel?¡± TangShi turned to Linlin not daring to take one hand off the wheel to check her temperature but still worried about her pallor and overall wellbeing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll live. As soon as we get out of here I am booking myself in for a long stay in the VIP ward of Shanghai East International Medical Centre. I¡¯ll treat it like a vacation stay. You better bring me grapes.¡± Linlin joked, clutching her abdomen which was finally dulling down but she was sure he had left permanent bruising and maybe cracked a rib. IT was as bad as her worst kind of period pain.


    TangShi threw her a half smile, teary eyed and relieved they were free and slowed down the speed as they approached the turn out for fear she would make them crash. Linlin checking the phone for signal repeatedly and trying again while TangShi navigated the windy road and kept them on track.


    A red car screeched out behind them, pulling both their attention with the noise and sudden appearance, zigzagging across the road in an erratic manner and TangShi gawped at it in her rearview. Seeing the manic driver as he pulled up close behind them and tried to ram their car from behind. Rong was smashing his fist into the center of his steering wheel and blowing the horn at them like a madman, bouncing around in his seat and screaming something at them that they couldn¡¯t hear. His face was puce in color, veins throbbing in his temples and he looked ready tomit murder.


    ¡°It¡¯s him¡­. Oh my god¡­it¡¯s him. He had two cars. What do we do?¡± TangShi wailed, turning to look over her shoulder and putting the foot to the floor once more in sheer fear of his behavior. Linlin spun around, hitting her head rest with an open palm in frustration and screwed up her face at his insane jerky mannerisms.


    ¡°God dammit, he¡¯s pissed as hell. Okay, stay calm¡­. Focus on the road, keep up the speed. Oh my god, oh my god. Think Linny, think¡­. What would ZhengLi tell you to do right now?¡± Linlin had no idea what to do. This seemed somehow worse, having the maniac driving a metal box he could use to smash them off the road and potentially kill them, instead of being held captive in a warehouse. Clenching her fists and tapping her feet as she tried to think.


    TangShi swerved left, spying an alleyway between buildings and hoping the narrow space would offer them protection so he couldn¡¯t get beside them to nudge them over. Cursing herself inwardly for not securing him properly and threw a wide-eyed look of ¡®help¡¯ at Linlin.


    ¡°We need to switch. I¡¯m the better driver and you don¡¯t know what you¡¯re doing.¡± Linlin rambled, making a decision and knowing she would be better off in charge. She pulled TangShi by the arm forcefully, no hesitation, and shoved her forward against the wheel so she could climb onto the seat behind her and perched awkwardly above her. Using every ounce of strength and energy she had in her to do it.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± TangShi squealed, barely managing to keep the wheel straight as she was forced forward on the slippery seat.


    ¡°Keep your foot on the gas and slide away, soon as my foot covers you can move it.¡± Linlin made the maneuver quick and easy, grabbing the wheel and steering them while TangShi did exactly as she said. Relinquishing her seat and moving but not letting up on the gas until Linlin¡¯s foot shoved her off it. Linlin floored it and pulled away from that asshole faster than TangShi did.


    Switching from auto drive to manual and upping a gear to give the car more vroom. This was a dual control vehicle and in manual mode it had more torque. Linlin had always been a fast and crazy driver and for once it seemed to be paying off as TangShi wriggled around looking for the discarded phone and found it under her butt. Putting distance between them and the car but reaching dangerous speeds.


    She hauled it up, staring straight at the screen and its one bar of signal and almost whooped in joy as it began to climb with them getting further from the warehouse. Pressing thest number redial and held it to her ear and waited. Scrunching her face up and clenching her knees together as she crossed her fingers and hoped to god they could get through now.


    TangShi nced up just as they rounded out of the dark alley, having to swerve because of bushes near the exit onto a road. Linlin didn¡¯t slow down. Only instead of a clear path to freedom, a huge arctic truck going almost as fast as them was right in their path, head on, and Linlin squealed before mming the wheel to a hard right to dodge the oing collision and mming her foot to the break. Throwing them hard and fast and attempting to control the car as she lost itpletely on a slick surface.


    Thest thing TangShi saw, was metal bars of a signpost, the scraping rush of foliage and debris, wood, and dirting down over the windscreen and roof to obscure their view. The scream of both girls in unison as they tensed up and clung on for dear life. Skidding into obstacles as the car plunged into a man-made ditch before they came to a sudden vicious halt and she was flung forward. Smacking her forehead on the dash with a jerking blow which rendered herpletely unconscious.

 What’s Happening? Prt 1

    TangShi blinked open her eyes, her head throbbing from the impact, her eyes blurry as they rolled around inside her skull and she slowly came to. Aware of her body being heavy and still, warm and somehow rxed, as nausea swirled and her head thumped so painfully she couldn¡¯t move properly.


    ¡°Linlin?¡± She mumbled with effort, woozy and disorientated and reaching out to feel out her friend beside her. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Knowing the crash would have hurt her too. Only she found she wasn¡¯t sitting forward at all but lying down and t on her back and there was a hum of noise gently pulsating around her while her hand paused in midair finding nothing close. Confusion rising as she turned her head and forced her eyes open properly.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Miss. Lei. It¡¯s okay. Just rx and stay still while we finish tending to you.¡± A sweet female voice drifted, gently washing over her, and was apanied by a warm soft palm on the back of her hand that helped ease her arm down andid it on the soft tform beside her body. Bringing TangShi to the present and aware she was staring at a ceiling with arge fan, and the beep, beep, of machines was close by.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± TangShi could barely talk properly, her voice was slurred, and raspy. Her throat burning and any attempt at moving made her vision swim. Confused at how she got here.


    ¡°You¡¯re in Parkway Health Medical Centre. You were in a car ident and brought here as we¡¯re the closest to where you were. Your guardian is on the way. Don¡¯t be rmed, you arepletely fine.¡± The sweet and gentle tone soothed her panic but TangShi couldn¡¯t rx. Tensing her body to move but gentle pressure kept putting her back where she was.


    ¡°What? We¡­¡­. Linlin? Where is she? Rong Cai¡­. the man who was¡­..¡±


    ¡°Shhh, now. You had a nasty knock to the head and have a moderate concussion. The MRI showed nothing serious though and a few days rest will see you right. The woman you came in with is in another treatment room. She¡¯s fine too. A little banged up and being treated for minor toxins in her system and a mild concussion.¡± The nurse continued tending to TangShi¡¯s superficial wounds on her body, wiping away dirt and debris to fully inspect each one and finding nothing too deep. TangShi wasing out of a state of numb and starting to be aware of her surroundings through her hazy fog as her senses re-engaged.


    ¡°How did my guardian know toe¡­.. I have no phone. I couldn¡¯t call them.¡± TangShi blinked with pain, making little sense, her eyes adjusting to the whiteness of the room slowly and it made her eyes water. Her brain slow to process as though she¡¯d been asleep for days.


    ¡°You were recognized by the paramedic who brought you in. You¡¯re a famous face in Shanghai, Miss. Lei. And your fianc¨¦e is very well known. Other than that we would have had no clue as you have no ID or phone and the car was unregistered. The cell you had with you was a throwaway.¡±


    ¡°Phone¡­.. Car? We crashed! ¡­. His phone, he was chasing us¡­. Did a mane here too?¡± TangShi¡¯s fear rose up in her throat, her body tensing as she gripped the sheet below her hands, remembering his vacant eyes and the wild expression as he pursued them. Instant terror rising as she strained to sit up but the nurse was quick to hold her down once more.


    ¡°Only two of you were brought here. I heard there were two male drivers at the scene but neither have arrived here. They may have been taken to another hospital. I don¡¯t know anything but the police are in the rtives room waiting for you to be able to talk.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pregnant? What about the baby?¡± TangShi was slowly recovering her memories as all her woes and worries slowly came seeping through as though she was filtering them one by one. Remembering the impact, and not sure if she hurt her body or just her head. Remembering the confessions, the chase, the fear. Mild panic stirring her up once more.


    ¡°We were informed by your guardian you were. The doctor did an ultrasound while you were still unconscious and the baby is fine. Everything looks healthy and normal and you sustained no abdominal issues. We just need to keep you calm. You were out for quite a while and have a pretty substantial bump on your head. You¡¯ll have to stay to be monitored.¡±


    TangShi exhaled with relief, sliding her hand to her belly and covering it instinctively, filled with warmth. A tear rolling down her cheek with utter relief and a sudden intense ball of emotion growing inside of her. The urge to sob even though she was happy and the memory of Rong admitting he never touched her came slicing through it all. Making her think of how YuZhi would react when she told him and suddenly she felt like she needed to do it right now.


    ¡°My guardian, when will he get here?¡± TangShi was confused about how long she had been here or how far away from home they were. She had no idea where Rong took them at all.


    ¡°They said he was on route about ten minutes after you got here.¡± The nurse applied some band aids to minor cuts she had cleaned and took TangShi¡¯s hand. Feeling for the girl, who was pale and trembling and had been through an awful ordeal.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    TangShi¡¯s tears let loose. Knowing YuZhi wasing and she was okay, the baby was okay, and everyone she cared about was here, oring. It¡¯s like a dam opened up and she began to tremble as drips ran down her cheeks and soaked the pillows under her head. Her body jerking with the sniffs and gasps as she cried it out. Relief, shock, gratitude, for waking up safe. Her nightmare ordeal hadn¡¯t been a dream and so much pent-up mess was now flowing out with need for a release.


    ¡°TangShi? TangShi? Where is she? Where¡¯s my girlfriend? I¡¯m YuZhi Leng, I talked to you on the phone.¡± A husky strained male voice came echoing her way from the corridor. The sense of urgency and familiarity making her turn her head at his panicked tone and she could almost taste his hysteria in trying to find her.


    ¡°YuZhi? I¡¯m here.¡± She called out to him, straining an already raw throat as the suited figure of her handsome man came sliding in the open doorway with fumbling steps. Rushing and looking ruffled and distraught. His tie was loose, his jacket open, hair disheveled and his normally pulled together fa?ade was rumpled and wrinkled as was his shirt. He looked like hell.


    ¡°Oh my god. I¡¯m here, baby. I¡¯m here. Are you okay? Are you hurt?¡± He flew to her side, cupping her hand in his and bent down smothering her face as he tried a hug in an awkward position and somehow squashed her nose against his chest and yet still managed to get his arms under her and squeeze her. YuZhi¡¯s emotions on full disy as he sniffed back the worried tears he had been keeping at bay. His body trembling with both adrenaline and fear at not knowing how hurt she was or what had happened until he got here.


    Feeling like he was going crazy driving here to get to her after the cops called him and said they found them. YuZhi broke down, covering her fragile tiny body with his and pushed his face against her cheek as he cried too. Never in his life had he been so scared or overwhelmed and he couldn¡¯t contain his relief at finding her alive. He had almost knocked the policeman over downstairs as they tried to give an update in his haste to find her.


    YuZhi and ZhengLi had found Linlin¡¯s car abandoned by the caf¨¦ they must have eaten at not long after leaving MinXo Corp. The boot open, a t tire, and TangShi¡¯s cell phone lying beside it with a cracked screen. No one had seen anything and theplete disappearance of the women had pushed them to file a police report in urgency, afraid something had been done to them both. They managed to track Linlin¡¯s cellphone just as a call came in that the women had been found and hightailed it here like maniacs.

 What’s Happening? Prt 2

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. My head hurts, but I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m really okay. Just cuts and bruises.¡± TangShi pushed his face back so she could look at him, tracing her fingers across his sharp jawline and wiping his wet cheeks with her thumb. Adoration overwhelming her and the wounds between them of thest weeks seeping away like dust on the wind.


    He furrowed his brow at her, scrunching up his face as he scanned hers and traced out the grazes and bruises on his skin, hating the bastard Rong Cai with a passion for hurting her. Seething inside but he kept himself together to be strong for her. She looked so vulnerable and pale that he thought his chest might explode with the agony of seeing her so fragile.


    ¡°Tang¡­.. They told me Rong Cai is in critical condition. He might not make it. He drove headfirst into a truck. The driver of the arctic walked away with minor injuries but Rong is messed up. Really messed up.¡±


    ¡°He might die?¡± TangShi blinked at his statement, not sure how to feel except numb and somehow heavy, taking a minute to really process it. Her mindying out the very real truth that the man¡¯s life might ebb away because of the choices he made today and yet no guilt or heartache came to her. That ingrained automatic self-me, failed to initiate. For once, her own self-preservation meant more.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°They cut him out of his car and sent him to another hospital for immediate surgery. If he lives, he¡¯ll be detained and held in prison until this goes to trial.¡±


    ¡°Am I evil for hoping he doesn¡¯t make it? Am I a bad person?¡± TangShi uttered the words robotically, her stomach bubbling up as she tried to repress her anger and hatred for him but she couldn¡¯t hold it down. A venomous desire to have him wiped out of her mind for all eternity taking over. ¡°I don¡¯t want him overshadowing my life anymore. I don¡¯t want to live in fear that he might get out.¡±


    ¡°No. Because I hope he dies too. For everything he¡¯s done, he should rot in hell. And I don¡¯t even feel bad for saying it. If I have my way, he¡¯ll never see the light of day again.¡± YuZhi straightened up,posing himself and wiping his face as a colder expression moved in. An anger for that sadist fuck and what he¡¯d done to his beautiful girl. ¡°The police are downstairs and will need to take statements. If he lives, we¡¯ll put him away for a long time. Don¡¯t you worry. He can¡¯t get out of it this time. I won¡¯t ever let him get near you again.¡± YuZhi meant it. After this she¡¯d be lucky to get ten seconds of alone time a day without guards, drivers, and YuZhi protecting her. He would never leave her unshielded as long as he lived.


    ¡°There¡¯s something you should know¡­. while he had us there¡­¡­¡± TangShi scrunched up her face, trying to control the emotions of what to her was an insanely happy confession and YuZhi frowned. Scared of what she was about to say. Not sure he could hold himself together if she told him Rong had done something unspeakable to her while he held her prisoner. ¡°He said he never touched me that night. Nothing sexual.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± he blinked in surprise, not expecting that at all.


    ¡°He was obsessed with keeping me pure because he thought he would marry me. He actually thought I was a virgin and got so angry over it. The baby is yours. We never had sex.¡± TangShi let it all out in whoosh of relief, a heavy burden lifting from her heart and soul and she reached out and touched YuZhi¡¯s startled face. Soothed by his sudden young boy expression of wide eyes and poised lips as words died on them.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t? It¡¯s mine?¡± he answered her in a breathy exhale after a moments pause. Relief flooding him, his eyes misting over again and his insides unclenching the terror of thinking she had something awful to say. Lifting her hand to his face and pressing her palm to his cheek in sheer happiness.


    ¡°It¡¯s ours. I¡¯m sure of it. He was crazy, but he went mad when he thought you had gotten me pregnant. He wanted to get rid of it. He knew it couldn¡¯t be his. He told me so.¡±


    ¡°I know I said it didn¡¯t matter, and it wouldn¡¯t have but ¡­¡­¡± YuZhi broke down for the second time, crumbling against her as he scooped her up and hugged her tight, raw emotion pouring out and half squeezing her to death. Crying softly with her face cradled against his and thanking the powers above for giving him this one thing. Something he had told himself he would ept in time and get over, and now his heart was fit to bursting because it was his baby after all. This made everything okay.


    ¡°YuZhi, I want to see Linlin now. She saved us. I would still be there if she hadn¡¯t helped me. She¡¯s hurt because of me. I have to see her. The baby and I are fine because of her.¡±


    ¡°Tang, just rest a little longer and rx. Linlin is with ZhengLi and being cared for. You¡¯ve been through a lot and Linlin is fine. She¡¯s really okay. She¡¯s on a saline bag and resting too.¡±


    ¡°Then take me to her and I¡¯ll rest beside her. Please, YuZhi. I have to see her. I won¡¯t rx until I do.¡±


    YuZhi relented, knowing he could never deny her anything and waved to the nurse who was still nearby and cleaning up the trolley from dressings. Knowing he was being unreasonable expecting her to stay still and be good but all he wanted to do was wrap her up in cotton wool and pamper her.


    ¡°Can we wheel her to the other private room and have them together? I don¡¯t want her to get out of bed.¡± YuZhi turned a stern look on TangShi as she made to protest and she simmered back down, knowing when to pick her fights. Her head was aching still; she was dizzy and her body was trembling and not a hundred percent capable of walking around.


    ¡°Ahh yes. I¡¯ll go check if we can do that and make sure Miss. Choi¡¯s treatments are done.¡± The nurse turned and walked off, leaving them alone and YuZhi inteced his fingers with TangShi, staring at her intently. Leaning in close against the bed and sliding down into a seat he pulled up behind him.


    ¡°What?¡± TangShi nestled back down into her mattress, d of being able toy down while feeling so messed up. Hating to admit that he was right and she needed to stay in bed for the time being.


    ¡°I love you. Today scared me shitless. I don¡¯t know what I would have done if you didn¡¯t get away from him. If he had hurt you or taken you away from me and I couldn¡¯t find you. I was losing my mind when we found Linlin¡¯s car like that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s over. Stop thinking like that.¡± TangShi turned on her side to stare at his face wishing she could wipe away the fatigue and stress lines that seemed to be etched on his face right now.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get married right away. Soon as you recover. Not a big thing, or a PR nned event. Something small and meaningful and for us. To make this real. I don¡¯t ever want to lose you.¡±


    ¡°That was out of the blue. We¡¯re already married.¡± TangShi smiled at him, rxing and yet touched by his words. Tiredness flooding her body and feeling like she had been running a marathon.


    ¡°Not really. I¡¯ve been thinking about it since we got back together. I married you for all the wrong reasons, in a cold way, and our rtionship became a scripted y. I don¡¯t want to keep doing that. I¡¯m marrying you for love, so we can be together and create a happy family. We don¡¯t need the show and I don¡¯t want one. I don¡¯t need you in the public eye anymore. The certificate we signed was meaningless, but our wedding will be real and we can have a fresh start, the three of us.¡± YuZhi slid his free hand onto her belly and gently stroked it¡¯s tness with his thumb. Ovee with a warm internal happiness that made him choke up. Meaning every word.


    ¡°Miss. Choi, is waiting for you, Mr. Leng, Miss. Lei.¡± The nurse interrupted them, pulling their attention away from their discussion. Leading in another caretaker with her and they started to prep TangShi¡¯s bed to move it while YuZhi stepped up and back but kept hold of her hand. Eyes on one another and smiling softly. TangShi agreeing to everything he just said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that. What you said¡­. let¡¯s start over and be happy. Rip up the papers and forget all the agreements of before. I want that more than anything.¡± TangShi¡¯s eyes welled up and her heart expanded with love for him. Catching his eye as they smiled adoringly at one another and he squeezed her hand in his.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you well first. Some time out to recuperate and deal with all this mess. Once it¡¯s all behind us, we¡¯ll get married any way you want. No one can stop us. I¡¯ll make you happy, Tang.¡±

 Confession Prt 1

    ZhengLi stroked back Linlin¡¯s hair as he watched her toss and turn on the bed, unable to getfy because of her pain. Her body bruised and sore and still not herself even after being treated for mild chloroform poisoning. Nausea guing her and an infernal headache that was adding to her distress.


    ¡°I can ask them for more pain meds.¡± ZhengLi was perched on her bed to one side, staying close and watching her like a hawk, being his usual cool self even though internally he was chaotic. So many emotions about today and seeing his girlfriend bruised and sick and suffering from a concussion. He had the urge to find that motherfucker and beat seven shades of shit out of him for every tiny mark on her body.


    ZhengLi wasn¡¯t one who normally showed a lot on the surface, always preferring the smooth wise guy persona but this was proving difficult. When it came to Linin, he became irrational and over protective. He wanted to take away her pain and wipe every mark, cut, and bruise from her skin because seeing them was agony.


    ¡°No. They said it¡¯ll ease off. Nothing broken or ruptured, just banged up. I¡¯ll be okay in a couple of days. This bed is so firm it¡¯s borderline abuse on its own.¡± Linlin tossed the other way, huffing loudly and close to tears with the frustration of it.


    ¡°They can give you something else. Come here, stop moving so much.¡± ZhengLi shifted down toy beside her and slid his arms under her body and around her, unable to watch her any longer. He stretched out alongside her, snuggling her close and tight and soothing her restlessness. Sensing a lot had to do with anxiety and fallout from what they had gone through and instinctively moving to wrap her up. Smoothing down her hair in rhythmic lulling fashion and pulling her into his abdomen so her ear was level with his mouth.


    ¡°When can I go see TangShi?¡± She mumbled in a petnt tone, annoyed that he was keeping her stuck in bed now the saline drip was finished.


    ¡°I told you. You¡¯re not moving a muscle. TangShi is fine, she¡¯s with YuZhi and her injuries were less than yours. YuZhi will bring her when he can.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I just hate hospitals and I can¡¯t settle until I see she¡¯s really okay¡­¡­.¡± She knew she was talking to a brick wall. If there was one thing she knew about ZhengLi, he was stubborn as hell and almost never backed down. ¡°They said Rong Cai might die. Do you think he will?¡± Linlin changed the topic, knowing his nonresponse was deliberate ignorance because he wasn¡¯t changing his mind. Her eyes misted over, thinking of that monster and shuddering at the memory. Hating the instantly curling of fear in the pit of his stomach at even saying his name.


    ¡°If there¡¯s a god. That bastard should pay for everything he¡¯s done.¡± ZhengLi held her tighter, scrunching up his face and curbing the need to punch something. His fury at thinking of what she¡¯d gone through today heavy on his soul. ¡°You only need to stay here tonight. Tomorrow they¡¯re discharging you both. You cane stay with me and I¡¯ll take care of you while you recover fully.¡± He batted away talk of Rong Cai knowing his temper could only handle so much.


    ¡°Are you sure it won¡¯t cramp your style if I do that?¡± Linlin retorted impulsively, her deep seated insecure fear he was seeing other women springing out at her while at her most vulnerable and she bit her lip, cursing herself for saying it out loud.


    ¡°What are you¡­?¡± ZhengLi frowned, confused by her response but was cut off by the door opening and TangShi¡¯s bed being wheeled into therge space.


    ¡°Hey, you two. We¡¯re room buddies for the rest of the day. Sorry to invade but this one wouldn¡¯t rest until we came here.¡± YuZhi came in beside the bed, holding TangShi¡¯s hand and Linlin squirmed and sat up, sliding free of ZhengLi¡¯s embrace, ecstatic to see her friend, and he too shifted to sit up beside her but kept one arm around her waist. Overly aware of her every movement and always double checking her injuries.


    ¡°How you feeling?¡± Linlin was first to ask TangShi, stretching to peer over at her and watched as they positioned her bed parallel to hers. Mother hen instinct moving while visually searching her over for signs of anything and seeing nothing much. Just fatigue and the same minor cuts and bruises as her.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Sore head, a little tired. Everything fine. What about you?¡± TangShi was d to see color back in Linlin¡¯s face and that she seemed practically back to normal.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing better. Just wanna go home and sleep on afy bed in a better decorated room. I am not fond of these either.¡± She sighed, tugging at her hospital pajamas, avoiding ZhengLi¡¯s eye even though he got up and sat back on the side of the bed now they hadpany. YuZhi mirrored his pose on the foot od TangShi¡¯s bed and the four of them were left alone by the nurses. The room falling quiet for a moment.


    ¡°You guys still need to talk to the police.¡± YuZhi pointed out but ZhengLi shook his head and lifted his cellphone, waving it YuZhi¡¯s way.


    ¡°Detective Kim said they¡¯ll swing by in the morning before discharge and do it then. They need a rest first and time to process and get over the shock. There¡¯s no rush while Cai¡¯s oue doesn¡¯t look good anyway.¡±


    The four of them fell silent again for a second as the gravity of that statement sent a weird mood through them all and it was Linlin who finally broke the silence.


    ¡°His father never did anything wrong and yet he¡¯s the one who¡¯ll carry this for a long time. It could potentially ruin the school, their reputation ¡­. How does someone so normal and nice, end up with a son like that?¡± This had been on her mind since she woke up. Master Cai had always been a nice and polite gentleman and TangShi had only spoken well of him.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Who knows. Mental health can fall on anyone I guess. I¡¯m sure we can keep it out of the press for all our sakes.¡± YuZhi tried to be diplomatic knowing this kind of talk could upset TangShi and ZhengLi groaned as his phone rang and distracted them all. Buzzing in his hand because he was still holding it and tensing at the name shing on screen.


    ¡°I have to take this. It¡¯s my mother.¡± ZhengLi got up, his expression falling and had been dreading this call all day. Lately she was calling him every single day, at least twice and always with demands over his love life.


    Linlin¡¯s eyes followed him as he got up in a hurried fashion and left the room quickly.  Suspicion rising because his family seemed to call a lottely, and every time he left the room to take their calls whereas before, he always answered in front of her. Her gut tightening and sending her into insecure overdrive and she bit on her lower lip nervously and started picking at her nails. Trying to hide her urge to cry and pasted a smile on her face as she looked back to TangShi.


    ¡°Yes, mother. How can I help you?¡± ZhengLi paced into the hall, checking the door had shut behind him and exhaled heavily as stress started settling in. Uptight and antsy that Linlin might hear him and annoyed his mother had the worst timing.


    ¡°I called your office and they said you weren¡¯t there. I told you I was sending by today Mia to take you for Lunch. How can I do that if you don¡¯t inform me when you¡¯re out. The poor girl is standing in your empty office.¡±


    ¡°Mom, really? Now you¡¯re sending her to my workce and forcing me to have lunch with her. Can I please organize my own love life?¡± ZhengLi clenched his fist, shaking his head at the audacity of the woman who seemed to forget he was in his thirties already, and quickly nced back at the room before wandering further in case they could hear him. Thest thing he wanted was Linlin upset on top of everything else.


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t. You think we don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve been doing thesest weeks? Your face shows up in plenty of pictures in the gossip columns. Some trashy third-rate hospitalitypany heiress always on your arm. Is that really all you¡¯re capable of?¡± Her words were delivered with stinging disappointment and shocked ZhengLi to the core. Thinking his rtionship with Linlin had been concealed all this time as his parents weren¡¯t one to read trash rags and had never mentioned her.


    His mother had seen pictures of some purple dyed hair, slutty dressed creature on his arm ofte. Always the same girl despite his years of multiple ¡®ymates¡¯ and she had been bitterly disappointed that he was settling for some ssless hussy. Having done a check on who she was, she had found Miss. Choi had a reputation not unlike her son¡¯s past misdemeanors and that made it worse.


    ¡°So is that why you¡¯re now trying force me to marry into the Huang family? Because you found out I have a girlfriend you don¡¯t approve of? Nice, mom!¡± ZhengLi¡¯s anger swirled in his stomach.


    ¡°You have a responsibility as my son to marry a girl of a good standing. Even if you are the youngest. This is about our family name. And That girl is never going to measure up to the respectable Kim name.¡±


    ¡°How about I marry a girl I love and you can cut me off and disown me from the Kim family, so I don¡¯t tarnish it¡¯s perfect name. I¡¯m not doing this today, mom. So have a nice lunch and I¡¯ll talk to you in a few days. I¡¯m busy here.¡± ZhengLi closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose with his forefinger and thumb, his head aching already and knew she was only just getting started. He had no doubts if they figured out he had a girlfriend, a serious one, they probably did a background check on her.


    ¡°Love? Don¡¯t be ridiculous. It¡¯s a passing fleeting feeling and doesn¡¯t always guarantee a long and happy marriage. This is pure and simple lust because a wild ymate is currently fun, but her loose behaviors will be the end of you. A good pairing is the most important thing. A woman who matches you in every way.¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess I¡¯m lucky I found one. Who matches me in every way and is the best pairing I¡¯ll ever find. One who forgives me my loose behaviors of the past because she understands me. I¡¯m not doing this anymore. I yed along knowing in time Mia would cut me loose when she realized we weren¡¯t going anywhere but honestly, after today, I¡¯m done with this. I¡¯m not going to do this to Linlin. I love her.¡±


    ZhengLi had been shaken to his senses when they found their women missing today. The agony of not knowing where she was, what happened, if she was okay, and then the call she had been in an ident had almost ended him. The fear was unlike anything he¡¯d ever felt in his life, had almost paralyzed him in terror, and he was wasting time and hurting her by allowing his family to push him around like this in the name of duty. He couldn¡¯t do it anymore, not when he thought of how helpless and tiny she looked in that bed when he first walked into her room.

 Confession Prt 2

    Battered, bruised, pale and exhausted. He almost cried and knew for the first time in his life he would willingly take all her pain himself so she wouldn¡¯t feel it. Linlin was the girl he would sacrifice everything for. Despite her tough outer shell, she was a scared, sweet, and loving soul who had been deprived the right kind of love and security her whole life. Much like him.


    ¡°What is that supposed to mean? Stop being childish ande back from wherever you are for a lunch date. I won¡¯t cancel Mia. Don¡¯t leave her waiting.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m noting back. My girlfriend went through hell today and is in the hospital and that¡¯s where I¡¯m staying until she gets out. And when she does, I¡¯m going to ask her to move in with me and get married. I won¡¯t give her up. You can tell Mia whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not. Don¡¯t be ridiculous. I won¡¯t allow it and neither will your father! Stop this nonsense ande home, I want to see you.¡± ZhengLi¡¯s mother lost her temper, her tone loud and scathing and designed to put him in his ce. Hating that of all her children, he was the one she had the least control over.


    ¡°Yes, I am. Linlin is the one. If you want to cut me off, do it. I¡¯ll happily be a trashy, third-rate hospitality son inw and forget I was ever a Kim. I¡¯m sure I might actually finally know what happiness is. She¡¯s my future, so either ept it or get out of my way.¡± ZhengLi didn¡¯t wait for his mother¡¯s response, knowing he already had set a light under her and fire and fury were only going to escte.


    He cut the call and turned his phone off before walking to the nearest wall and pressing his forehead to the cold surface and slumping slightly with a sigh of despair. His stomach tied in knots and suddenly nauseous with the expected fallout. Knowing he just ignited so much family drama once more, like he did when he chose to work as Leng Corp assistant CEO over his families own business. They had caused him to have a stomach ulcer over that period of time.


    He flipped around so his back was supported against the wall and blew out his breath in an exaggerated way. Tension filling him up and then rubbed his temples and stood up straight. Knowing the only way to get through this, was the same as he did before. Brush it off, push it out of his head. Regret nothing.


    ¡°Pull yourself together. You¡¯re girlfriend needs you. You have nothing to feel sorry about.¡± He shook it off, pushed his anxiety over the call aside and swallowed it all down to go back to that chill and confident mask he always wore. Pasting a smile on his face so as not to worry his princess and wandered back into the room.


    ¡°It¡¯s the best option for the next few days. Think about it at least.¡± YuZhi was in the middle of trying to convince Linlin of something as ZhengLi strolled in casually and slid onto the bed beside her. Pulling her into his arms as he nestled against her cushions which were propped up so they could sitfortably. He needed to feel her after that shitty phone call and she was always the grounding force in his life. She had no idea how much he needed her or that just seeing her face and smile could change his whole mood.


    ¡°What is? What are we talking about?¡± he butted in, unwinding with her warmth.


    ¡°Me moving in with TangShi until I¡¯m healed. Seeing as he¡¯s hired an entire security team, drivers, and talking about a housekeeper that cooks. It¡¯s tempting but he¡¯s a bossy ass and I don¡¯t much like him bing my dad.¡± Linlin crossed her arms carefully, so as not to make her rib and abdomen pain worse while being sassy and ZhengLi screwed up his face.


    ¡°Are you trying to steal my woman away from me? She¡¯s moving in with me. I¡¯m capable of hiring all those too.¡± He tutted at his best mate, not worried about losing his Kim inheritance, given his wage as assistant CEO to Leng group was hefty anyway.


    ¡°I never agreed to that either.¡± Linlin poked him in the peck with her pointer finger, giving him an odd look that concealed something and yet ZhengLi picked up on it and gritted his teeth. His suspicions that she knew about Mia growing like a boulder in his gut.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°Where else is my future bride going to live.¡± He nudged her back gently and leaned in to try and catch her eye but she dodged it, acting like she never heard him. Definitely going into sulk mode, and he sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not talking indefinitely. Just for the next week or so while they recover. You cane too and share Tang¡¯s old bedroom. After that you¡¯re free to set up your love nest wherever, but we want them cared for and safe while we work. Tang would be happier with Linlin by her side. We still don¡¯t know if Rong¡¯ll pull through but we¡¯lle to that hurdle when we get to it.¡±


    YuZhi was trying to be smart here, knowing him and ZhengLi couldn¡¯t stay off work for more than a day or two tops, with the coboration hanging in midair and he didn¡¯t want Tang home alone. He was worried about the mental fallout from all of this and her emotions that could harm the pregnancy. The best thing was to keep them together and locked up in a space that was guarded and safe.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t need to ¡­. I¡¯m sure his other girlfriend will have a problem with it.¡± Linlin let out, sometimes hating her own mouth for being too loose when something was weighing this heavily on her heart and ZhengLi faltered, swallowing hard and knowing she was smarter than she seemed. His gut had told him she knew something was up and now he couldn¡¯t exactly keep denying it. TangShi gawped at first Linlin and then the two men and frowned, not knowing what to say.


    ZhengLi threw YuZhi a pained look and YuZhi raised a brow in response signaling a e clean¡¯ visual message. TangShi stayed quiet and watched the two men throwing one another loaded looks, her own temper swirling because it was obvious that whatever was going on, YuZhi knew about it and she would strangle him if this hurt Linlin..


    ¡°Okay¡­. You¡¯re right. I haven¡¯t been honest with you but I swear, Linny, you¡¯re my only girl. There¡¯s no one else and I¡¯m not doing anything with anyone to hurt us.¡± ZhengLi turned to her, pulling her hands into herp and covering them both with his, nerves kicking in because he knew she could be vtile at the best of times. ¡°My family were making me go on marriage dates, with¡­¡­ someone I¡¯ve known a long time. It was one hundred percent tonic and I gave her noe ons. It was polite, sterile and only twice. Dinner, I mean, nothing else. I haven¡¯t touched her.¡± ZhengLi stuttered, losing his cool and realizing how badly he was exining.


    Linlin didn¡¯t reply. Her eyes widening with a heartbroken gulp and her expression dropping as sadness overtook her face. It caused ZhengLi a major stab in the heart so he flinched, lifting his hand automatically and stroking her cheek to try and erase the way she was staring at him. Hating himself for doing this to her and hiding it. His little wildcat was absent in the moment and instead showing her true vulnerability and making him feel worse. He could never deal with this version of her as it ripped the rug from under him and made him feel like a shitty human being.


    ¡°Are you ¡­¡­?¡± She couldn¡¯t bring herself to say the words and her eyes misted over. Knowing in families like theirs that arranged marriage was normal and filial sons eventually followed what their parents wanted. That she was never going to be the perfect candidate for the Kim family and they would never approve of someone like her.


    ¡°No! I told my mom to forget it. She¡¯s probably writing me out of the will as we speak. Not to mention the bacsh from the Huang family might get me cklisted for all eternity.¡± ZhengLi, cradled her face, trying to read her thoughts and couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°Did you really break it off? Tell your mom to back off?¡± YuZhi lifted a brow at him, a mild surprised expression too. Even though ZhengLi had always been the rebellious Kim son and did crazy things that grated on their nerves, there was always still a part of him that bowed to them in some way. Even leaving to join Leng group he still kept one hand firmly in the Kim family empire anytime they needed him and they always seemed to be able to drag him back.


    ¡°Yeah. I told my mom I was going to marry my girlfriend¡­ that¡¯s if she¡¯s willing after all this. I¡¯m sorry, baby. Is wear I never did anything with her. It was carried out  like a business meeting.¡± ZhengLi gave Linlin a hopeful smile and she scowled at him, emotions bubbling up and hurting her heart but she pushed him away.


    ¡°Is she prettier than me?¡± Linlin¡¯s eyes misted over and she swallowed hard, her body trembling.


    ¡°No. No one¡¯s prettier than you. You¡¯re the prettiest girl I have ever met. The best girl, the sexiest, the sweetest¡­. The one I want to marry.¡± ZhengLi hated how young and withdrawn she suddenly seemed. As though he had betrayed her trust even if it wasn¡¯t that simple. His mouth dry with nerves. Watching her carefully as her heartbreak shone through in tiny facial movements and it was a punch to his gut.


    ¡°Who wants to marry you? Going on dates behind my back, lying to me, hiding it, and thinking of marrying some¡­¡± She didn¡¯t get to finish her sentence as ZhengLi pulled her into his arms and covered her mouth with his, kissing her firmly and silencing her. Impulsively needing to make her forgive him and forget all this nonsense. Scared she might actually break up with him over it now that he thought about it the other way around. It would have killed him to know she was out there on marriage dinners and being untruthful. He should never had concealed it from her.


    ZhengLi slid his hands around her waist and pulled her up against him so he could kiss her passionately and wipe away that hurt face and wounded heart. Exhaling with relief when she caved and kissed him back, surrendering to his touch. Knowing now how stupid he was to not exin it all from the start and he wouldn¡¯t make the same mistake twice. Today he could have lost her and that thought changed his entire outlook.


    TangShi threw YuZhi a happy smile, shaking her head at their friends and knowing that despite Linlin¡¯s fierce response and sulky ways, she would never turn ZhengLi down. TangShi knew Linlin loved him heart and soul, hopelessly so, and he was the one male on the who had any kind of knowledge on how to deal with her. He seemed to take her ups and downs in his stride and never took her rebuffs or moods to heart.


    ¡°Go away, jerk.¡± Linlin was finally released from her passionate clinch and shoved him in the chest so he moved back but didn¡¯t let her go. No real fierce in her biting words and ZhengLi smiled, running his hand though her hair.


    ¡°There¡¯s that feisty girl I love. Would a stupidly expensive diamond ring and a promise of a big showy wedding make a difference?¡± ZhengLi leaned around to catch her face so he could look at her and got a pouted look thrown back.


    ¡°No¡­ unless it was a double wedding, somewhere sunny and sandy where unwanted family couldn¡¯te?¡± Linlin red back at him, hinting she didn¡¯t want his anywhere near them if they thought her so unworthy. Not really meaning it and yet ZhengLi grinned at her.


    ¡°I actually like that idea.¡± TangShi broke in, her eyes dreamy as she thought about it and how blissful escaping her family would be on such an important day. Bypassing the media, the stressful nning, the fake niceties, and all the crap that went with high society weddings. It maybe was said in sarcasm, but TangShi bit on her lip as she thought about it. Not having them there to make her life miserable anymore and finally forgetting her ties to the Lei¡¯s.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± YuZhi turned to her. Not all that shocked as he was the one who said they should do it their way. Liking the idea of making it about them and only having people who were genuinely happy for them at it.


    ¡°I¡¯m game if you are.¡± ZhengLi cut in and drew a shocked look from Linlin who truly thought he was only dropping marriage hints to appease her.


    ¡°Are you ALL serious?¡± She nched as she was met with three bright smiles and an enthusiasticbined ¡®yes.¡¯

 The Future

    ¡°Take it easy, watch the step.¡± YuZhi slid his arms around TangShi and guided her down the steps from the back patio into the decorated garden. Carefully holding her weight and concentrating on getting her down safely.


    ¡°I¡¯m pregnant, not disabled.¡± TangShi smiled at him wistfully, more in love with him every single day as he seemed to be more and more attentive to her needs and never failed to anticipate them. Taking his arm and obediently walking slowly down the steps into the sunshine, enjoying the gentle breeze on her skin of a pleasant day.


    ¡°Come on you two, I was starting to worry. You were an age!¡± Linlin appeared, smiling brightly but with a tern stone of an unimpressed mother hen. She was looking ethereal in white today, a flowy sheer gown over  a mini dress that was much like TangShi¡¯s, although tang¡¯s wasn¡¯t a short undeyer but a long flowy skirt. ¡°With you being this close you can¡¯t scare me by going AWOL. I need constant contact and updates. I get separation anxiety when I don¡¯t see you with my own two eyes. Imagine if you went intobor and I wasn¡¯t there!!¡± Linlin rubbed the expanse of TangShi¡¯s bulging belly with affection and a hint of manic passiveness, and ZhengLi appeared behind her, sliding his arm around Linlin¡¯s shoulder and kissing her on the temple. Grinning at her OTT attention to TangShi that never seemed to waver.


    ¡°I was at the bathroom.¡± TangShi pointed out, giggling at her best friend and used to this attitude. It was only getting worse with each passing week and she sometimes wondered if she was married to YuZhi or Linlin.


    ¡°So? I could have taken you. I am capable of tending to your womanly needs much better than the iffy stand in.¡± Linlin thumbed at YuZhi with an eyeroll as though he could never match up to her expertise in womanly needs.


    ¡°If she¡¯s like this now, good luck when you do bring baby Leng into this world. You may have a custody battle on your hands.¡± ZhengLiughed at the antics of his little woman, patting her on the head and earning himself a re. Eternally amused with her and he swooped in to give her a peck on the lip, always incapable of passing her by without touch or kisses. He was as smitten now as the day he married her.


    ¡°Hurry up and impregnant her so I don¡¯t have to waste time in court.¡± YuZhi smirked, poking ZhengLi in the chest. This running joke between them never amused Linlin as she couldn¡¯t see what was so wrong in her caring about her very pregnant best friend.


    ¡°Dude, my family are only nowing around to the fact I married her. Give me time. Once I¡¯m sure the hit is off my head then I can possibly wave the topic of grandkids near them. I¡¯m lucky to be alive. You have no idea how ruthless they are. I¡¯m still financially cut off.¡± ZhengLi pulled Linlin into an embrace from behind. Snuggling her in and eternally grateful that despite his families threats, he never gave her up. He had thought they were happy together when they dated but cohabiting with his wife had opened up levels of intimacy between them that changed his entire outlook on love and soul mates. Linlin was calmer, content, and her crazy insecure jealousy had abated once they were married. She was his kitten nowadays rather than his fierce wildcat. Well except between the sheets, where he fully encouraged that crazy side.


    ¡°I think that maybe had more to do with the fact you four ran off to warmer climates for a week and came back from shotgun weddings. No family invited, and not even close friends got a look in until you guys came back.¡± A smooth husky feminine voice cut in between them and they moved apart to let Rhea wander into their space. Weing her with smiles.


    ¡°You¡¯re one to talk about shotgun weddings. What do you call this?¡± Linlin pointed out with a raised brow, waving her arms around the exquisitely decorated garden and the hundreds of guests milling around after the ceremony. It had been a long day of watching them take their vows before moving here for a garden party in a newly acquired mansion bought b Rhea¡¯s tycoon billionaire husband.


    ¡°It¡¯s hardly shotgun. Six months I¡¯ve known him. You four were all wed much sooner than that.¡± Rhea smiled knowingly. Raising an using brow at YuZhi and reminding him of the fact he married TangShi the same day he officially met her. In YuZhi¡¯s mind though, TangShi would always be the girl he fell in love with five years prior and his heart had held on for her.


    ¡°We¡¯re just happy that you¡¯re happy and Clint seems like a solid guy. He¡¯s good for you. Plus he¡¯s loaded so you could retire and swan around the world and never have to worry about finances.¡± Linlin pointed out with a smirk, always looking at the pros to everything.


    ¡°Who would have guessed I would fall for an American billionaire while living in London. Although he needs to hurry up and learn Mandarin because tranting for him is exhausting. Thankfully most of my family have a good grasp of English so I can have a day off today. He¡¯s really the one¡­. which I didn¡¯t realize I hadn¡¯t encountered until him.¡±


    Rhea said it honestly, not worried about hurting YuZhi¡¯s feelings because this was a conversation they had some months ago. That they realized they had always been friends and the romantic side was a messy codependence but not real love. That neither had known the true meaning of real love until they met their respective partners.


    ¡°Today has been beautiful, you look radiant. I am so happy for you.¡± TangShi walked forward and gave Rhea a real hug. Embracing her tight and loving her for the person TangShi hade to rely on as much as Linlin. Congratting her on her day and d their duties as her bridesmaids were over and they could all rx. Her feet were aching and her dress was a little constrictive given her fuller figure.


    ¡°I am happy. And I¡¯m d you insisted on stilling even though you are a week away from your due date. I hope you¡¯re not too exhausted? I told you to sit it out and take it easy but it meant a lot to have my girls walk me down the aisle too.¡± Rhea beamed at them, her eyes misting over that on her happiest day, she was surrounded by her extended family whom she loved to death. All four of them.


    ¡°No. YuZhi takes good care of me and Aunt RuiZi has be the overprotective mother-inw who gives him grief at every opportunity in case he isn¡¯t pampering me well enough.¡±


    ¡°She can be like that.¡± Rhea smiled. Knowing only too well that once you won Aunt¡¯s affection, you became one of her babies and she would smother you with her own kind of love. TangShi was the daughter inw she adored and was making amends for a rocky start and weing her fully into the Leng family, alongside grandfather.


    ¡°I think your husband is looking for you.¡± ZhengLi brought their attention up as he pointed out to the left, to the tall blonde-haired foreigner among the many dark-haired guests who looked lost. His head moving from side to side as he scanned the people in search of his bride.


    ¡°I better go save him. Before he attempts to speak Chinese badly. Enjoy the rest of the party. I¡¯ll see you guyster.¡± Rhea leaned in, kissing TangShi on the cheek, rubbed her belly with a loving stroke and gave Linlin a cheek squeeze before leaving her two best friends to it.


    In thest months the women had pulled together and be inseparablepanions, especially after the fall out of Rong Cai and everything that happened at that time. His death hadn¡¯t been a shock but it had caused emotional fallout, guilt, strange feelings that had left TangShi in a weird ce for some weeks. Yet YuZhi had managed to conceal everything from the media so Master Cai could continue with his life and grieve his son without shameing back at him. It never became public knowledge and with his death the police didn¡¯t really need to follow up on much. None of them med Master Cai for what happened and he certainly didn¡¯t me TangShi. He had begged for forgiveness and broke his heart over the actions of his only child.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m starving. Too much champagne, not enough food.¡± Linlin was bored of this glitzy ssy affair. It was all ssical music, glittery gowns, and finger foods. The kind of events she had avoided growing up as she always felt out of ce and TangShi couldn¡¯t agree more. Formal and boring was not their thing.


    Even though her life had a lot of this nowadays, she preferred when the four of them went somewhere normal, to hang out and eat, and enjoy one another¡¯spany. Something they did frequently.


    ¡°How about we stick it out another half hour, do a walk around and then we go find a hotpot restaurant?¡± Linlin suggested brightly. Her stomach gurgling because she had avoided food so as not to pop her dress with a food baby.


    ¡°You and hotpot, I swear that better not be your craving food when I do get you pregnant. I¡¯ve eaten so much of it this past few months I can taste it every time I hear the word. It¡¯s almost a trauma response.¡± ZhengLi joked, poking her in the top of her head in jest.


    ¡°Shut up. It¡¯s myfort food. And if it is my craving, I¡¯ll expect you to go at all hours to fetch it for me¡­. withoutint!!!¡± Linlin berated him, throwing him a sassy and narrowed stare as though to challenge his refusal.


    ¡°You know I¡¯ll never say no, Linnyboo. Even if I require therapy to get through it. I promise to do the three am hotpot searches for you, even in snow.¡± He winked at her then hooked her arm in his and pulled her with him to go look at the buffet tables for something to satisfy her hunger. ¡°I¡¯m taking the beast to get fed. We¡¯ll be back soon.¡± He waved flippantly to YuZhi and TangShi as they departed, continuing his hotpot squabble with his wife as they wandered off.


    ¡°Grandfather still didn¡¯te.¡± TangShi nced around them once more, saddened that he had still not put his prejudice aside for Rhea¡¯s family and avoided this happy asion even though aunt hade. Wishing they could all let the past go and be one happy family.


    ¡°I understand him. Besides, Rhea seems happy and she didn¡¯t mention him, so I think all is good. They were never close and I guess he¡¯s content that I married you.¡± YuZhi guided TangShi to the nearest seat and helped her sit down with ease. Her feet aching from standing too long and fatigue washing in with carrying around this huge bump all day every day. Pregnancy was exhausting and as excited as she was to finally meet their baby, she was also fed up with waiting.


    ¡°I¡¯m beat. I don¡¯t think I can handle a hotpot pitstop. I want a bubble bath and a tfy ce toy down. Some quiet and cuddles.¡± She sighed heavily, hating that she was king on this day but she couldn¡¯t help it. Her body could only handle so much.


    ¡°Come on, baby. Let¡¯s get you home. You should be taking it easy right now. We only have a few days before you give birth. I told you we would leave right after the vows.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to be here. God knows when I can do something like this again. We¡¯ll have little baby Lu Li and sleepless nights to contend with. She is going to be an utter princess thanks to her daddy¡¯s need to spoil his women.¡± TangShi sulked, not really minding sacrificing this kind of life and social activities for a while, but not looking forward to the night feeds and exhaustion she had been warned about. Finding out they were having a girl had healed so many wounds for her, and she couldn¡¯t wait to hold her daughter and start her motherhood journey.


    ¡°Does it bother you that your father won¡¯t be involved? That he won¡¯t be here for the birth?¡± YuZhi still regretted this development in the past months. The business coboration between Leng and Lei broke down dramatically when it surfaced that Lei Enterprises was running in a red deficit andpletely bankrupt. Creditors, contracts and business alliances broke down when it was brought to light and many took legal action to recover losses. Mr Lei took his wife and daughter and fled the country before the debtors came knocking and left Leng group with a huge mess to clear up as the public partners and marriage connected allies. Thankfully Leng Group had deep pockets and greatwyers and got by with minimal disruption or loss and fully separated themselves from the fallout. As newly appointed full CEO, it was YuZhi¡¯s first crisis and he handled it like a pro. It had been a couple of months and there was no sign of them evering back to China to face what they left behind.


    ¡°No. he was never a father. They were never my mother and sister and I feel free knowing they have nothing to do with my life anymore. Like a weight has lifted. After everything, I feel like Karma did what he deserved and it¡¯s not my problem. Having grandfather tell me stories and find pictures and videos of my mother has made me feel like I always had her, and she¡¯s the only family worth remembering. I don¡¯t need them nor do I care where they are.¡±


    ¡°You know, you¡¯re a lot stronger than you were. You no longer let people push you around or hold you down.¡± YuZhi pointed out to her, sitting beside her and scooping her hand into his. Savoring her touch like he always did and proud to be married to this beautiful woman.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to be a mother. I can¡¯t have anyone messing with our baby so I have to learn to stand on my own two feet. Linlin has instilled some mama bear into me.¡± She smiled softly. Knowing herself these past months had made her grow up a lot.


    TangShi had slowly started to build her reputation again as an artist. Painting had be her therapy once the death of that monster began to fade in her memories and she was hosting her first solo gallery was scheduled in the next year. YuZhi had dyed the date to allow her time to give birth and recover, although she painted daily from the studio in their new home.


    He had moved them from his apartment to a stand-alone mini mansion near the Leng manor, where she had a studio and garden to create all day long. It meant they could eat regrly with the Leng family, who now adored and cared for her as though she was always their daughter. Old grievances forgotten and Xiaosu moved into TangShi¡¯s new home as her constant carer with her new fianc¨¦e, who was TangShi¡¯s bodyguard and driver, always at her side.


    Life had be calm and simple and it felt like all obstacles and hurt form the past had floated away on the wind. Sometimes she caught herself daydreaming and lost in thought that this was all a fairytale and not true reality at all. Only to pinch herself awake and find that it wasn¡¯t. Her life was happy and full and perfect and would only continue to be so as their family grew. She used to believe fate had a grudge against her, but now she was satisfied that Destiny had brought her on a rocky road to appreciate where she would end up.


    You had to weather the storms, battle the rolling seas, ande close to near death to savor finding a safe haven of tranquility that could harbor you for the rest of your days. A rainbow always follows the rain.


    The End.


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