《Devilish Charmer》


 Prologue

    Today, the children''s home is bustling with activity, but not because of the wild kids running around or causing trouble. Instead, it''s the well-dressed, affluent ladies and gentlemen who are chatting and laughing merrily.


    This visit to the children''s home, led by a certain board member''s wife, is a goodwill tour aimed at fundraising. The goal is to give these "overflowing with love" socialites a chance to showcase their charitable spirits.


    That''s why the children are unusually well-behaved today, all dressed neatly and playing quietly on the side.


    "Director, those three children are quite adorable, and they seem very close. Are they siblings?" asked Mrs. Yan, a beautiful and cultured woman in the goodwill group. Though around forty, she looks as graceful as someone in her twenties or thirties.


    The director glanced toward the corner where the three siblings, still adjusting to life here, were sitting. "Yes, those are the Ding siblings. Their parents passed away in a traffic accident a month ago."


    "Oh, how tragic!" Mrs. Yan''s heart ached with sympathy. "The little girl in the middle must be the youngest. What''s her name?"


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    "She''s the second child, named Ding Yixin."


    "Has any family adopted them yet?" For some reason, Mrs. Yan had taken a strong liking to the little girl.


    "Not yet," replied the director.


    At that moment, Ding Yixin, sensing their gaze, looked up and gave a quiet nod, her delicate face breaking into an innocent, childlike smile.


    Mrs. Yan''s heart skipped a beat. Such a fragile little girl? Her smile was so pure and gentle, it could melt anyone''s heart. Her small frame seemed to hold a quiet strength, radiating a soothing calmness that could turn even the hardest steel into softness.


    And didn''t the Yan family just happen to have a hot-tempered, iron-willed young master?


    This little girl was the perfect match!


    Perhaps fate had brought her here today to meet this little angel, a gift from heaven for the Yan family.


    "Director, I want to adopt Ding Yixin."

 Chapter 1

    In the bustling metropolis, in the heart of Xinyi District, the 40-story Yan Corporation building stands tall and proud. Its glass curtain walls glisten in the sunlight, a modern eco-friendly structure that ingeniously incorporates natural light and innovative design.


    However, no matter how much times change or how designs evolve, one rule remains eternal: the top floor is always the symbol and core of power. Only the leader who issues commands has the right to sit there.


    Placing her employee ID card on the sensor, the elevator doors beeped open, and a graceful figure stepped inside, waiting quietly as the elevator ascended to the 40th floor.


    The woman was slender, standing around 165 cm tall. Her neatly fitted suit and half-inch heels accentuated her long, elegant figure. Her hair was tied up in a simple yet stylish bun, revealing a delicate and beautiful face¡ªarched eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, a delicate nose, and cherry lips. Her skin was smooth and flawless, the epitome of a classic beauty.


    Only high-ranking employees of Yan Corporation could access the 40th floor, and this woman was no exception. She was the personal assistant to the vice president of Yan Corporation, a position that spoke volumes about her competence and efficiency. However, unlike the typical arrogance and pride often seen in high-ranking executives, she exuded a gentle, almost fragile charm, more akin to a delicate young lady from a wealthy family.


    Ding! The elevator doors opened, and the woman stepped out, heading straight to her desk. She deftly organized the documents on her desk. She had just escorted an important client for the vice president, and glancing at the digital clock, it was almost time to head to the airport to meet the third son of the Chiba Corporation, who was arriving from Japan.


    Thinking of the young Chiba heir, she couldn¡¯t help but frown. After a light sigh, she picked up a stack of documents awaiting approval and headed to the vice president¡¯s office. She knocked gently on the closed door before pushing it open.


    The spacious office was quiet. The man sitting in the leather chair seemed to be dozing off. Not wanting to disturb him, she tiptoed in and quietly placed the documents on his desk.


    Her gaze lingered on his slightly tilted face, where faint signs of fatigue were visible.


    His head rested against the back of the chair, his chiseled features tense. His side-swept bangs fell casually, revealing his sharp, upward-slanting eyebrows. His long lashes rested against his closed eyes, and his thin lips were pressed into a straight line. His angular jawline and slightly pale, smooth skin made for an exceptionally handsome face.


    The man was tall, around 180 cm, but not bulky. His slender frame gave him the appearance of a gentle scholar, exuding an air of kindness and warmth.


    At this thought, the woman couldn¡¯t help but smile softly. The word "gentle" was the last thing anyone would use to describe him. Anyone who knew him even slightly would never associate him with such a term.


    Indeed, beneath his handsome exterior lay a fiery temper. He was quick to anger, prone to outbursts, and had a sharp tongue that spared no one.


    This man¡¯s self-defense mechanisms were stronger than anyone else¡¯s, and his pride was so inflated that he couldn¡¯t tolerate the slightest insult. He was the vice president of Yan Corporation and the future heir¡ªYan Tianyou, the young master of the Yan family.


    And she, Ding Yixin, had been by his side ever since she was adopted by Mrs. Yan from the children¡¯s home at the age of seven. Unknowingly, twenty years had passed since then!


    Ding Yixin sighed softly in her heart. Looking at the man who was still dozing, she couldn¡¯t tell if he was just resting his eyes or had fallen asleep from exhaustion. Feeling a pang of heartache, she decided to let him rest a little longer.


    Just as she was about to quietly leave, Yan Tianyou suddenly opened his eyes. She froze, caught off guard, and their gazes locked.


    Taking in her dazed expression, a mischievous glint flickered in his dark eyes. He lazily straightened up, running his fingers through his slightly disheveled hair in a careless yet undeniably captivating manner.


    Ding Yixin felt her cheeks flush. As his gaze turned mocking and a smirk tugged at his lips, she felt a lump in her throat. Hurriedly, she composed herself and managed to find her voice.


    ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯s time¡­¡± She stumbled over her words, feeling inexplicably guilty. ¡°It¡¯s time to head to the airport. The third son of Chiba Corporation should be arriving soon.¡±


    Knowing her discomfort, Yan Tianyou deliberately remained silent, resting his elbows on the armrests of his chair and interlacing his long fingers. Every movement was slow and deliberate.


    ¡°Chiba Nosa?¡± he asked, feigning ignorance.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve reserved a VIP room at Huyue Pavilion for tonight to welcome him,¡± Ding Yixin replied, her tone all business now, her mind clearly back in order.


    ¡°You go in my place,¡± he said languidly. ¡°Be a good host and make sure he¡¯s well taken care of. Don¡¯t offend him.¡±


    What did he mean by ¡°take care of¡±? She wasn¡¯t a hostess! Ding Yixin wanted to retort but instead lowered her gaze, hiding her thoughts, and calmly agreed. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Her quick compliance no longer fazed Yan Tianyou. Her obedience was a given. No matter what he asked, she never refused. She would do anything he demanded.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± he asked, clearly eager to dismiss her.


    ¡°These documents are urgent. I¡¯d appreciate it if you could review them today,¡± she said, pointing to the stack she had just placed on his desk.


    Glancing at the files, Yan Tianyou opened a drawer, pulled out a pair of surgical gloves, and began flipping through the documents without another word.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have the driver pick you up at six,¡± Ding Yixin said before quietly exiting the room.


    Once the door closed, Yan Tianyou tossed the pen aside and leaned back in his chair, lost in thought.


    Everyone knew about the third son of the Chiba family¡ªhis reputation as a womanizer was well-known. Especially when it came to beautiful women, he never missed an opportunity to take advantage, regardless of whether they were business partners or not.


    If it weren¡¯t for the long-standing business relationship between Chiba Corporation and Yan Corporation, Yan Tianyou wouldn¡¯t have bothered dealing with such a despicable man.


    That said, during Chiba Nosa¡¯s last visit to Taiwan, he had already set his sights on Ding Yixin, constantly trying to get close to her. Yan Tianyou had turned a blind eye, not intervening as Ding Yixin fended off the man¡¯s advances.


    This time, Chiba Nosa had boldly requested that Ding Yixin accompany him during his stay in Taiwan, making his intentions crystal clear.


    Knowing full well what Chiba Nosa was like, Yan Tianyou still chose to send Ding Yixin into the lion¡¯s den. Did he really dislike her that much? Did he not care about her at all?


    This complex and contradictory emotion was something only Yan Tianyou himself could understand.


    After a grueling day and a night spent fending off wolves, Ding Yixin finally made it home unscathed.


    However, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that she had played the role of a pimp.


    The reason? She had hired two professional hostesses to keep Chiba Nosa company all night, which allowed her to return home early.


    Dragging her exhausted body back to the Yan residence, Ding Yixin couldn¡¯t wait to soak in a fragrant bath and wash away the stench of smoke and alcohol clinging to her.


    But as soon as she stepped into her room, her fingers barely brushing the light switch, she was intercepted.


    In the darkness, a tall figure emerged. The door slammed shut behind her, and a strong arm wrapped around her slender waist. Another hand deftly undid her bun, letting her smooth, silky black hair cascade down.


    The man buried his face in her hair, inhaling its scent, before lifting a strand and brushing his lips against her ear.


    Ding Yixin felt her strength leave her, her body melting into the man behind her.


    Suddenly, he released her, tossing her onto the bed before pinning her down¡­


    The morning sun filled the room with warmth, marking the arrival of early autumn.


    Opening her eyes, Ding Yixin¡¯s gaze fell on the familiar profile of the man beside her. She quietly withdrew her arm from his chest and shifted her body away, propping herself up on her elbow to study the face she had known for twenty years.


    This reclusive man, who had been by her side for two decades, still made her heart race.


    Yan Tianyou¡¯s face was unusually soft in sleep. His bare chest was lean, though stronger than it had been in his youth¡ªa result of his long-term martial arts training and physical conditioning. However, his skin was not a healthy tan but a pale, almost porcelain-like smoothness, a consequence of always wearing long sleeves.


    Though his skin was smooth, it wasn¡¯t hard to spot the faint bruises scattered across his body, like marks left after a collision. These were signs of subcutaneous bleeding.


    When Ding Yixin first saw these marks, she had been shocked. Now, they only filled her with heartache. Though they didn¡¯t cause pain, they were unsightly.


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    No matter how hot the weather, Yan Tianyou always wore long sleeves, never revealing his skin in public. The thought of others looking at him with fear or disgust was something his pride couldn¡¯t bear.


    In truth, Yan Tianyou suffered from a rare condition called ¡°platelet dysfunction.¡± His blood had an abnormal clotting mechanism, a condition so rare that there were only two or three known cases in Taiwan.


    Though his platelet count was normal, they lacked functionality, likely due to an anomaly in the 17th chromosome.


    In simple terms, when he was injured, his blood wouldn¡¯t clot properly. In severe cases, he could bleed uncontrollably, even to the point of death. Every moment of his life was under threat.


    Since childhood, he had been in and out of hospitals, unable to live a normal life. He couldn¡¯t eat, drink, or play freely, always living in fear of injury. It was as if he were a delicate flower that could only thrive in a greenhouse. This rare condition had undoubtedly shaped his extreme personality and volatile temper.


    Ding Yixin sighed softly in her heart. He was truly a man to worry about. Not only could he not afford to get hurt, but he also couldn¡¯t overexert himself. Yet, he always pushed himself to the limit, just like last night¡ªAnother sigh escaped her lips. Ding Yixin realized she was growing less and less able to understand him. She could never quite grasp his thoughts. As they grew older, the distance between them seemed to widen, even though he was right beside her, the closest person to her. Yet, he felt so far away.


    She knew he kept his heart tightly locked, shutting her out. No matter how many years passed, no matter how hard she knocked, he refused to open that door.


    After they graduated from university and joined Yan Corporation, it became even more apparent. Whether it was business or personal matters, Yan Tianyou often assigned her to entertain this CEO or that socialite, even acting as a dance partner or tour guide for some young master. It was as if he was deliberately trying to push her into the arms of other men.


    But did that mean he didn¡¯t care about her at all? Not quite. He was possessive of her, demanding complete ownership of her body and heart. It was only in those moments that he showed her any warmth, making her feel loved, as if he truly cared for her.


    Perhaps it was all just an illusion. Maybe he didn¡¯t love her at all. But even if the truth was harsh, she didn¡¯t want to wake up from this dream. She was content to stay in this small bubble of happiness.


    So, no matter how contradictory his actions were, no matter how he treated her, even if she became his puppet, she would accept it willingly.


    Pulling her thoughts back, Ding Yixin¡¯s gaze lingered on his sleeping face. Knowing that his low blood pressure would keep him asleep for a while longer, she gently kissed his lips, pulled the blanket over him, and quietly slipped out of bed.


    Entering the bathroom, she ran her fingers through her waist-length hair. Maintaining this mane was no easy task¡ªit was time-consuming and labor-intensive. She had once considered cutting it short, but the man in bed had vehemently forbidden it.


    But if the man she loved liked it this way, then it was all worth it.


    By the time the man in bed woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.


    Realizing that the person beside him had already left, Yan Tianyou sat up lazily, regulating his breathing before slowly getting out of bed. He walked to the door connecting his room to hers and returned to his own room to shower and dress.


    Dressed in a loose white shirt and khaki pants¡ªhis usual at-home attire¡ªYan Tianyou draped a towel over his head, gently drying his damp hair as he stepped onto the balcony to bask in the sunlight. Before he could fully settle, the sound of familiar laughter and children¡¯s playful voices reached his ears. He looked down to see a woman, two children, and a large, goofy dog playing a game of chase in the garden.


    The woman was Ding Yixin, who had spent the entire morning in the garden with the two children and ¡°Little Fluffy.¡±


    The children, aged eight and six, were the offspring of Yan Tianyou¡¯s sister, Yan Weien, while Little Fluffy was the Yan family¡¯s beloved Saint Bernard.


    Little Fluffy, a purebred Swiss Saint Bernard with soft white and reddish-brown fur, was massive in size but endlessly amusing. Following in the footsteps of his father, ¡°Fluffy,¡± he had become the most cherished member of the Yan household.


    Gazing at the figure in pink sportswear running and laughing, her face undoubtedly flushed from the exertion, Yan Tianyou couldn¡¯t help but admire her natural beauty. Even without makeup, her simple ponytail and unadorned appearance were strikingly beautiful.


    Yan Tianyou knew she was always modest, never one for elaborate outfits or accessories. Her clothes were simple and comfortable, and she never wore jewelry, not even a watch. Her nails were always neatly trimmed and smooth, a precaution she took to avoid accidentally harming him. Her thoughtfulness was something he understood all too well.


    She was kind, intelligent, and radiant¡ªa woman like her deserved someone better, someone who could provide her with the happiness she deserved. How could a man like him, who couldn¡¯t even guarantee his own life, ever be worthy of her? He couldn¡¯t even offer her the simplest, most basic form of happiness.


    Sensing a pair of intense eyes on her, Ding Yixin looked up to the second-floor balcony. Her gaze met his deep, inscrutable eyes. It wasn¡¯t so much that she was quick to notice but rather that she had been keeping an eye on that balcony, always aware of the possibility of his tall figure appearing there.


    At this distance, it was hard to make out each other¡¯s expressions, but Ding Yixin could feel the heat in his gaze. Similarly, Yan Tianyou could sense the warmth in her beautiful eyes.


    They locked eyes, neither able to clearly see the other¡¯s face, yet both acutely aware of the emotions swirling between them. The unspoken affection hung heavy in the air, reaching each other¡¯s hearts, though one of them refused to acknowledge it.


    Yan Tianyou was the first to look away, turning without hesitation and retreating back into his room.


    Yan Tianyou arrived downstairs just in time for lunch.


    The Yan family''s patriarch, Yan Xiaohong, and his wife, along with Yan Weien and her husband, were already seated at the dining table.


    The nearly sixty-year-old Yan Xiaohong and his wife were as loving as ever. Though their well-maintained figures were no longer young, they still exuded charm. Yan Xiaohong''s face, resembling his son''s, bore the marks of time and experience. His wife, though also touched by the passage of years, remained beautiful and captivating in her husband''s eyes.


    On the other side of the table sat the younger couple, also a model pair. The eldest daughter, Yan Weien, had inherited her mother''s beauty and gentle temperament, as well as her father''s sharp intellect. She adored her younger brother, who was ten years her junior, but due to the age gap and his special health condition, their relationship had never been particularly close.


    In truth, with Weien''s intelligence and capability, she was more than qualified to take over the family business. However, she had no such ambitions. Her greatest wish was to be a devoted wife and mother. After the birth of her children, she dedicated herself entirely to being a homemaker, leaving her husband, Wu Juncheng, who had married into the Yan family, to assist her father in managing the corporation.


    Wu Juncheng was a rugged and charismatic man, with a strong, athletic build. In the prime of his life, he was mature, steady, and highly capable. He respected and cared for his elders and doted on his wife, making him a model husband and father.


    All in all, the Yan family was a harmonious and happy one. If not for Yan Tianyou''s rare condition, it would have been a picture of perfect happiness. But alas, life rarely goes as one wishes.


    "Tianyou, you''re awake?" Mrs. Yan exclaimed upon seeing her son, immediately instructing the servants to set the table. "I thought you''d be up later."


    "Mm," Yan Tianyou replied expressionlessly, taking his seat and nodding slightly in greeting to everyone.


    The entire Yan family had always doted on their sickly young master. No matter how bad his temper or disposition, they always gave him leeway. He was, in essence, the little emperor of the Yan household.


    Even his parents never raised their voices at him, let alone scolded him. This was partly out of guilt and a desire to compensate for his condition.


    Over time, Yan Tianyou''s spoiled nature had grown, making him arrogant and willful. However, as he matured, he had become more sensible. Though he no longer threw tantrums, old habits die hard. He still wore a perpetual scowl and rarely showed anyone a pleasant expression.


    To be honest, deep down, Yan Tianyou harbored a sliver of resentment toward his parents, lamenting his imperfect body.


    "Is Yixin still playing outside?" Mrs. Yan asked, glancing toward the garden.


    "Cai Jie has gone to fetch them," Weien replied softly.


    Taking advantage of Ding Yixin''s absence, Mrs. Yan finally voiced the hope she had been holding in her heart for so long.


    "Tianyou, you and Yixin have been together for so many years now. You really should give her a proper status. How about you two get married by the end of the year?"


    Here we go again! Yan Tianyou raised an eyebrow, his mood souring, and his expression grew impatient. "Who said I was going to marry her?"


    "What kind of attitude is that?" Mrs. Yan chided gently, her voice still soft. "Stop fooling around and settle down. Let us have some peace of mind, won''t you?"


    "What is she to me?" Yan Tianyou smirked, hearing faint footsteps approaching from behind. Without hesitation, he declared, "She''s just a playmate¡ªno, more like a bedmate, to be precise."


    "What are you saying?!" Mrs. Yan shook her head, sighing in dismay on behalf of Ding Yixin. "Yixin has already given herself to you. You can''t keep treating her like this. Don''t ruin her life!"


    Yan Tianyou''s expression turned icy. "Don''t forget, it was you who forced her on me. The ones who ruined her life are you."


    His harsh words echoed in the room, and no one dared to speak up or refute him, because what he said was true.


    The most heartbroken was Mrs. Yan. After all, she was the one who had brought Ding Yixin into the Yan family and pushed her onto her son.


    Yan Xiaohong grasped his wife''s hand, wanting to comfort her but finding no words. He glanced at his son''s cold, handsome face, wanting to scold him but unable to bring himself to do so. Even Weien and her husband were at a loss for words. The silence was finally broken by a soft, sweet voice.


    "You don''t have to wait for me for lunch. I''ll go change and then head out," Ding Yixin said, having overheard everything but acting as if nothing had happened. Her tone was light and gentle.


    The Yan family collectively exhaled in relief, temporarily avoiding the sensitive topic.


    "It''s a holiday today. Where are you going?" Weien exchanged a grateful glance with Ding Yixin.


    "The third son of the Chiba Corporation is in town, and I need to accompany him on a tour," Ding Yixin replied, her eyes involuntarily drifting toward the proud, solitary figure. She was somewhat thankful she didn''t have to face those penetrating eyes directly, or she might not have been able to keep up her cheerful facade.


    "Are you going alone?" Yan Xiaohong frowned.


    "Yes."


    "That Chiba heir has a bad reputation. It''s not safe for a young woman like you to go alone," Yan Xiaohong expressed his concern.


    "Don''t worry, Uncle Yan. I can handle it," Ding Yixin replied with a gentle smile.


    Sighing, Yan Xiaohong wondered if this was his son''s doing. "Tianyou, aren''t you going with her?"


    "He specifically asked for her. Why should I meddle?" Yan Tianyou retorted, his face dark with displeasure.


    "This... still doesn''t seem right," Yan Xiaohong hesitated, unsure how to intervene as a senior family member.


    "She said she can handle it. Don''t interfere," Yan Tianyou snapped.


    "But..."


    For some reason, everyone exchanged glances, and all eyes eventually landed on one person. The unlucky man had no choice but to step up.


    "How about I go with Yixin? I don''t have anything to do today anyway," Wu Juncheng offered, taking one for the team. "Tianyou, you don''t mind, do you?"


    Yan Tianyou shot a cold glare at his family, his eyes finally settling on the meddlesome man. After a long pause, he gritted out, "Do as you please."


    "Then it''s settled," Weien quickly added, turning to Ding Yixin. "When are you heading out?"


    "In an hour," Ding Yixin replied gratefully. "Thank you, Juncheng."


    "No problem."

 Chapter 2

    Ding Yixin practically ran back to her room. Once she turned the corner and was out of sight, tears she could no longer hold back began to silently stream down her face.


    She knew exactly what her place was in this household and where she stood in Yan Tianyou''s heart.


    Just as he had said, she was nothing more than his bedmate¡ªa tool for him to vent his frustrations, a punching bag for his unfortunate life.


    Hearing the man she loved say such things, whether he meant them or not, was heartbreaking.


    Loving such a cold, ruthless, and deeply conflicted man¡ªa man torn between arrogance and insecurity¡ªhow could she not be hurt?


    She couldn¡¯t help but recall the first time she had met him when she first entered the Yan household.


    At seven years old, Ding Yixin was young but already remarkably mature.


    She genuinely admired the beautiful and gentle Mrs. Yan, the kind and scholarly Mr. Yan, and the lovely, straightforward older sister, Weien. She was deeply grateful that they had welcomed her into the Yan family with open arms.


    However, there was one exception: Yan Tianyou, the boy who was supposed to be blessed by heaven. His spoiled and unruly behavior was something she had never encountered before. She had never met a boy so thoroughly indulged and willful.


    Following closely behind Mrs. Yan, Ding Yixin tried to imagine what the young master of the Yan family would be like. Would he be as beautiful and gentle as his mother, or as kind and approachable as his father?


    However, the image in her mind was quickly shattered by the high-pitched voice of a young boy.


    "No! No! Throw them all away!" The boy''s loud, commanding voice echoed through the room, as if he wanted to make sure everyone in the house could hear him.


    Without waiting for the little girl behind her, Mrs. Yan hurried into her son''s room to see what was wrong. "What''s going on?"


    The large room was littered with stuffed animals and toys of all kinds. A thin, delicate-looking boy sat on the thick carpet, panting. Dressed in soft cotton clothes, his small frame seemed weak, but his large, fiery eyes were full of energy. He stubbornly turned his face away, refusing to look at his mother.


    "Madam, the young master wants me to throw away all his toys," the maid standing nearby explained, looking both innocent and aggrieved.


    "Tianyou, why do you want to throw them away? Don''t you like them?" Mrs. Yan carefully studied her son''s profile.


    The boy suddenly turned to his mother and shouted, "I''m not a girl! I don''t want stuffed animals! I want remote-controlled cars and robots, like the ones I saw on TV!"


    "You can''t have those, they''re too dangerous. You could get hurt," his mother gently reasoned.


    "I don''t care! I want them! Buy me robots and remote-controlled cars!" The boy grabbed his mother''s clothes, his tone more of a demand than a request.


    "Really, you can''t. Tianyou, be a good boy and listen to your mother."


    "I want them! Buy them for me!" The boy wouldn¡¯t relent, flailing his arms and legs to emphasize his point.


    "Tianyou, stop this. You''ll hurt yourself," his mother pleaded, watching his exaggerated movements with worry but not daring to physically stop him. She could only try to soothe him.


    "I know you get lonely playing by yourself all the time, so I found a lovely little friend for you. From now on, she''ll be with you. You can play together, study together, and do everything together."


    The boy finally stopped and looked eagerly at the "little friend" his mother was pointing to. But when he saw it was a girl, his face fell, and he looked away in disdain.


    "I don''t want a girl! Find me a boy! Boys can play soccer and have pretend battles!"


    "You can''t play those dangerous games. Your body can''t handle it."


    "Mom, you never let me do anything! You don''t love me at all!" The boy pouted, looking as if he was about to cry.


    His accusation broke his mother''s heart. She loved him more than anything¡ªhow could he think she didn¡¯t?


    "Tianyou, Mom¡ª" Mrs. Yan reached out to touch her son, but he pushed her hand away.


    In the next moment, a small cut appeared on the boy''s hand, likely from his mother''s fingernail. Blood quickly welled up, and the small wound wouldn¡¯t stop bleeding.


    "Quick, get the medicine!" Mrs. Yan frantically ordered, grabbing a towel to press against her son''s wound while the maid swiftly brought the necessary supplies. "Why weren''t you wearing your gloves? I''ve told you so many times to always wear gloves when you play!"


    In the midst of this chaos, little Ding Yixin was utterly confused. Why was everyone so panicked over such a small cut? Curious, she moved closer to get a better look, but her attention was drawn to the boy''s expression.


    What she saw in his dark eyes was a cold detachment. Though he let his mother tend to his wound, he seemed completely indifferent, as if it had nothing to do with him.


    Feeling her gaze, the boy suddenly looked up and glared at the unfamiliar little girl standing before him. His eyes were full of disdain.


    Ding Yixin took two steps back, frightened. This boy seemed... scary!


    After the scare, Mrs. Yan managed to calm her exhausted son and put him to sleep. She then led Ding Yixin to the adjacent room.


    "Yixin, this will be your room."


    "Okay," Ding Yixin replied, noticing that her simple belongings had already been brought in.


    "From now on, this is your home. Please make yourself comfortable," Mrs. Yan said, sitting gracefully on a chair. She looked visibly tired, rubbing her temples as if to soothe a headache. "I''m sorry about what just happened. I hope it didn¡¯t scare you."


    "It''s okay," Ding Yixin replied. She thought Yan Tianyou seemed unusually small and fragile for a boy his age. "Is... is he sick?"


    "Tianyou is only a few months older than you. You don''t need to call him ''young master.'' Just call him Tianyou," Mrs. Yan said, taking Ding Yixin''s small, delicate hand in hers. "Tianyou was born with a very serious condition. He needs to be taken care of very carefully."


    "Can''t the doctors or medicine help him?" Ding Yixin asked, startled. If she remembered correctly, adults called illnesses that couldn¡¯t be cured "terminal," and those could kill people!


    Mrs. Yan shook her head gently, her beautiful face clouded with sorrow. "Tianyou has a condition where his blood doesn¡¯t clot. You saw it just now¡ªhis wound bled so much. If we don¡¯t catch it in time, his blood will keep flowing until... until there''s none left, and he''ll die."


    At her young age, Ding Yixin had never heard of such a disease. Her wide, innocent eyes grew even rounder, and her lips parted in shock. That stubborn, scary boy had such a strange illness?


    "Are you scared? Do you not want to be near Tianyou?" Mrs. Yan asked, worried by her reaction.


    "I... I''m not scared. I just feel really sorry for him. He must be so... unhappy," Ding Yixin said, unable to bring herself to say the word "pitiful."


    Mrs. Yan gently stroked the girl''s smooth, delicate cheek. "Because of Tianyou''s condition, he can''t go to school like other children or make friends. He''s always been at home, studying and playing alone. He''s never known other children, and I think that''s why he''s so lonely and has such a bad temper. He can be difficult to get along with."


    What child wasn¡¯t their mother''s precious treasure?


    The fact that her son had become so spoiled and willful was her fault as a mother. She had failed to raise him properly!


    "Yixin, could you help me take care of Tianyou? Stay by his side and be his friend?" Mrs. Yan entrusted her beloved son to this young, innocent girl.


    Though Yan Tianyou seemed a bit scary and hard to get along with, Ding Yixin couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for him. Her sympathy won out, and she nodded without hesitation. She was more than willing to do her part.


    "Auntie, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯d be happy to take care of him. I¡¯ll definitely be his friend."


    "Thank you, Yixin. You''re such a kind-hearted child," Mrs. Yan said, deeply grateful. With this thoughtful little girl by her son''s side day and night, she felt a great weight lifted off her shoulders.


    After Mrs. Yan left, Ding Yixin found herself alone in the large room. She sat down on the bed¡ªwow! It was an incredibly soft and comfortable spring mattress. Still a child at heart, she excitedly threw herself onto the bed, feeling its bounce and softness.


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    After playing around for a bit, Ding Yixin got up and began exploring the room. She walked around, carefully examining every detail. The floor was covered in thick carpet, and the room was furnished with a standard double bed, a simple dressing table, a high-quality leather sofa set, and even had its own bathroom and walk-in closet. A floor-to-ceiling window led out to a balcony.


    Ever observant, Ding Yixin quickly noticed that there were no sharp edges or unnecessary decorations in the room. All the furniture was smooth and rounded¡ªthe dressing table was semicircular, the nightstand and chairs were round, and everything felt incredibly smooth to the touch. She realized that her room was identical to Yan Tianyou''s next door.


    Though Yan Tianyou''s condition was undoubtedly tragic, it was clear that his family loved him dearly. Growing up in such a caring, well-protected environment was a silver lining in his misfortune. Compared to her own situation¡ªlosing her parents and being separated from her siblings¡ªwho was truly more unfortunate?


    From the moment she stepped into the Yan family''s mansion, Ding Yixin knew this was an extremely wealthy household. The sprawling garden villa in Tianmu, spanning thousands of square meters, was worlds apart from her modest 40-square-meter home.


    Even now, she could hardly believe that she would be living in this luxurious castle, with a whole team of servants at her beck and call. She suddenly felt like a little princess. She wondered if her brother and sister were as lucky as she was.


    However, despite the warm welcome from the Yan family, the seven-year-old girl still felt uneasy in this entirely new environment. There was one particularly troublesome person to deal with¡ªYan Tianyou. Thinking of his stubborn, defiant face, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a little scared. Would she be able to get along with him peacefully...?


    The frail little boy stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, silently watching the girl and the large dog playing in the garden. His sad eyes couldn¡¯t hide the longing and envy. He really wanted to touch the fluffy, soft fur of the dog, to run freely, to chase and play without a care¡ªeven if just once.


    "Fluffy looks just like this stuffed dog. Its fur is so soft and comfortable. You should feel it too."


    A gentle, childlike voice suddenly spoke up. A little girl with two braids appeared timidly in front of the boy, holding a large white stuffed dog. Her smiling face showed two adorable dimples, and her bright eyes sparkled with friendliness.


    But this lovable little girl was met with disdain by the boy. He found her utterly annoying. Ever since she had arrived at the Yan household, she had stuck to him like glue, no matter how much he yelled at her or tried to push her away.


    Yan Tianyou felt a surge of anger whenever he saw Ding Yixin. Her prying eyes made him feel like she pitied him, as if she were looking down on him. It infuriated him.


    "Who asked you to meddle?!" Yan Tianyou shouted, throwing the stuffed dog aside and shoving her away.


    Ding Yixin fell to the floor with a soft thud.


    "Miss, are you okay? Are you hurt?" Cai Jie, the maid who had been taking care of the young master since he was a child, quickly rushed over to help Ding Yixin up. She patted the girl''s clothes and checked her over with concern.


    "Thank you, Cai Jie. I¡¯m fine," Ding Yixin replied, shaking her head. It only hurt a little; it wasn¡¯t a big deal.


    It was her meek, obedient demeanor that annoyed Yan Tianyou the most. "Hmph! What ''miss''? She¡¯s just a parentless stray who showed up out of nowhere!"


    "Young Master!" Cai Jie could only murmur in protest. As a servant, she had no right to scold the young master.


    His insults always hit the mark. Ding Yixin lowered her head, hurt but silent, as she always was when he lashed out.


    "Am I wrong? You¡¯re an orphan with no parents, and I can¡¯t stand the sight of you!" Yan Tianyou stepped forward, pointing directly at Ding Yixin¡¯s forehead. "Not only will I insult you, but I¡¯ll hit you too!"


    With that, he actually slapped her.


    Despite his frail appearance, his slap was surprisingly strong. Ding Yixin¡¯s cheek immediately turned red and swollen.


    "Oh no! Young Master, how could you hit Miss Yixin?" Even though Cai Jie had witnessed many of the young master¡¯s outbursts, this was the worst yet. She couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for the girl.


    "She deserves it for sticking to me like a leech. I hate girls like her!" Yan Tianyou showed no remorse, continuing to berate her loudly.


    Tears welled up in Ding Yixin¡¯s eyes as she gently touched her stinging cheek. She bit her lip, enduring the pain. Being slapped out of nowhere, it was impossible not to feel anger or resentment. But her naturally gentle and forgiving nature quickly helped her let it go.


    "Are you a boy?" Ding Yixin wiped her tears with the back of her hand and asked calmly, her voice soft.


    "Of course I am," Yan Tianyou snapped, annoyed by her question.


    "Then do you know that boys who bully girls are the worst kind? A real boy doesn¡¯t use his strength to hurt others." At least, that¡¯s what her brother Ding Yixi had always taught her. She had often seen him scolding the bullies at the children¡¯s home.


    Ding Yixin¡¯s tone wasn¡¯t angry or accusatory. She wasn¡¯t trying to scold Yan Tianyou; she just wanted to advise him, hoping he would change his violent behavior. But to the boy, who already felt guilty, her words felt like a harsh reprimand.


    Oh, so she¡¯s trying to lecture me, huh?


    Yan Tianyou clenched his fists, his thin face flushing red with anger. He glared at the girl, ready to shout back, but before he could, a cold sensation ran down his upper lip. A trickle of blood began to flow from his nose, quickly turning into a steady stream.


    In an instant, the quiet room became a flurry of activity. Cai Jie immediately pinched the bridge of the young master¡¯s nose and called out to the stunned Ding Yixin.


    "Miss, quickly get the medicine! Then call the others for help and inform Madam. Have Ah Han prepare the car to take us to the hospital!"


    Snapping out of her daze, Ding Yixin hurried to follow the instructions.


    Within moments, the room was filled with servants rushing to help, and Mrs. Yan arrived, her face tense with worry.


    Towel after towel was soaked with blood, the sight of it frightening and overwhelming.


    This was the first time Ding Yixin had ever seen so much blood, and it showed no signs of stopping. She felt shock, fear, worry, and guilt all at once.


    Seeing Ding Yixin¡¯s pale, frightened face, Yan Tianyou actually smirked with satisfaction!


    This shocking scene would stay with Ding Yixin for the rest of her life.


    A luxurious car pulled away from the Yan family mansion. The two inside chatted casually, though the mood was heavy.


    "I¡¯m sorry for ruining your family day on a rare day off," Ding Yixin said, forcing herself to sound cheerful despite her heavy heart.


    "Don¡¯t be silly. We¡¯re family. No need to be so formal," Wu Juncheng replied, treating her like a younger sister.


    "Didn¡¯t you see Tingjun and Tingya¡¯s disappointed faces? I can¡¯t help but feel guilty," Ding Yixin joked.


    They had promised to take the kids horseback riding, but the plan had been canceled at the last minute. The children had been well-behaved about it, but as a father, Wu Juncheng couldn¡¯t help but feel bad. Still, he had no choice¡ªhe had been unanimously chosen to be Ding Yixin¡¯s escort for the day.


    "You saw the pressure from the Yan family too. I couldn¡¯t just stand by," he said half-jokingly.


    "Actually, Uncle Yan is overthinking it. I can handle this on my own," Ding Yixin replied.


    It wasn¡¯t that Wu Juncheng doubted her ability to protect herself, but having someone else around would likely keep the young Chiba heir in check. Thinking of Yan Tianyou¡¯s earlier outburst at the table, he couldn¡¯t help but vent a little about the Yan family¡¯s troublemaker.


    "Knowing full well that Chiba¡¯s intentions are less than honorable, Tianyou still sent you into the lion¡¯s den. He¡¯s so selfish," Wu Juncheng said, the only one brave enough to criticize the "Yan family tyrant." "I¡¯m not trying to badmouth him, but his actions are really inappropriate."


    Those who hadn¡¯t witnessed Yan Tianyou¡¯s struggles as a child couldn¡¯t fully understand his twisted personality. But Ding Yixin knew Wu Juncheng meant no harm; he was just standing up for her.


    "Tianyou was always alone as a child, with no friends. He never learned how to get along with others, so he acts on his own whims," she explained.


    "You always defend him. With your explanations, even the most wicked person could be painted as a victim," Wu Juncheng said, unable to stand how Yan Tianyou often used his illness as an excuse for his behavior.


    "Actually, he¡¯s not a bad person at heart. He has his endearing side too," Ding Yixin said. Who knew Yan Tianyou better than she did?


    "I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll never get to see that side of him in my lifetime," Wu Juncheng said with a knowing smile, believing that sweetness was reserved for lovers. "Seriously, have you ever thought about giving up on Tianyou and leaving the Yan family?"


    "Why would I?" she asked, confused.


    "Why not pursue your own happiness? I¡¯m sure no one in the Yan family would object," he said earnestly.


    Did everyone else really see Tianyou as cold and indifferent toward her? Did no one believe in their relationship? Ding Yixin felt both bitter and disappointed. No matter what, she couldn¡¯t lose faith in herself!


    "Thank you for your concern, but my happiness has always been in the Yan family. I don¡¯t need to look elsewhere," Ding Yixin said with unwavering certainty.


    Wu Juncheng glanced at her quickly. Her gentle face was filled with determination. But as her brother-in-law, he felt it was his duty to remind her. "Don¡¯t take this the wrong way, but Tianyou can¡¯t give you a normal family. He¡¯s not the kind of man who can make a woman happy."


    Wu Juncheng was being diplomatic. What he meant was that Tianyou and Ding Yixin couldn¡¯t have children. With Tianyou¡¯s chromosomal abnormalities, it would be irresponsible to bring another life into the world, perpetuating the cycle of suffering.


    Ding Yixin had long understood this. From the moment she realized she loved Tianyou, she had accepted it. She never burdened him with her feelings, never demanded promises or commitments. The only thing she prayed for was one thing.


    "Even though I didn¡¯t choose to come to the Yan family and grow up with Tianyou, I¡¯m here willingly now. I love him of my own free will," Ding Yixin said, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window, her heart heavy with emotion.


    "I won¡¯t force Tianyou to accept my feelings or demand anything from him. I know that promises and marriage would be a heavy burden for him. I don¡¯t want to be a source of pressure or stress for him. Just seeing him healthy and happy is enough for me. That¡¯s my happiness."


    For someone whose life was constantly under threat, survival was the most basic requirement. Staying alive required constant vigilance, and nothing was more important than living a healthy, happy life.


    Wu Juncheng suddenly understood. He had never fully grasped the relationship between Ding Yixin and Yan Tianyou. While it was clear that Ding Yixin¡¯s feelings for Tianyou were written all over her face, she had never actively pursued his love. She never asked for commitment or marriage, not even a formal relationship. And Tianyou¡¯s attitude toward her was always inconsistent¡ªsometimes warm, sometimes cold. That¡¯s why their relationship seemed so ambiguous to everyone else.


    In the eyes of the family, their relationship was mysterious and unclear, as if they were maintaining a delicate balance. But now he realized that this was simply their way of being together.


    Tianyou must have noticed Ding Yixin¡¯s thoughtfulness and deep affection for him.


    Beneath Ding Yixin¡¯s gentle exterior was a remarkably strong personality. She was kind but not weak, obedient but not blindly loyal, forgiving but not naive. Her stubbornness was no less than Tianyou¡¯s.


    "You¡¯re really head over heels for Tianyou!" Wu Juncheng concluded, hoping that the heavens would bless them with happiness.


    Ding Yixin smiled but didn¡¯t respond.


    Was it tragic? She didn¡¯t think so. Even if the rewards didn¡¯t match her efforts, she was happy to give. Because being able to love someone wholeheartedly was, in itself, a deeply fulfilling and joyful thing.

 Chapter 3

    Feeling restless and unable to focus on his martial arts practice, Yan Tianyou decided to stop and lock himself in his room.


    He flopped onto the bed, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. Recalling the harsh words he had spoken earlier, he knew his actions must have deeply hurt Ding Yixin.


    Though he couldn¡¯t see her face, he imagined her forcing a smile that was worse than tears. No matter how strong she tried to be, she was still hurt. Was she hiding somewhere, crying alone? But what did it matter? It had nothing to do with him, right?


    Perhaps this was the outcome he had hoped for¡ªmaybe it would finally make her give up on him completely. After all, he was a man beyond saving, both physically and mentally.


    Yes, he was sick. Not just the cursed blood disorder, but his heart was also diseased, and it was severe.


    Over the years, Ding Yixin had become like a shadow by his side, an indispensable presence. Yet, he was always stingy with kindness, treating her as if she were at his beck and call, pushing her away whenever he pleased.


    Simply put, he took pleasure in bullying her, constantly hurting her, as if he wouldn¡¯t stop until she was utterly broken. And he knew all too well that there were many ways to hurt someone without lifting a finger.


    She had once told him, with great conviction: "Boys who bully girls are the worst. A real boy doesn¡¯t use his strength to hurt others."


    It was she who had taught him that physical violence was the lowest form of cruelty. She had shown him that the deepest wounds weren¡¯t physical but emotional.


    So, he didn¡¯t need to hurt her directly. He could use others to do the job, causing even greater damage and achieving a more profound effect. That was why he kept pushing Ding Yixin toward other men.


    Even though he went to great lengths to push her away, seeing her hurt and in tears brought him no joy. Instead, it filled him with guilt and self-reproach.


    Feelings of regret, guilt, reluctance, and heartache drove him to seek her out, to hold her tightly, as if through possessing her, he could affirm something¡ªperhaps his own existence, or maybe his ability to love and protect her.


    A bitter smile tugged at his lips as he covered his closed eyes with his hands. He had always known how contradictory and foolish his behavior was, how absurd and laughable his mindset was. He loved her deeply but couldn¡¯t admit it. He wanted to have her but couldn¡¯t give her happiness. He chose to let her go but couldn¡¯t bring himself to do it. As a result, they had been going in circles for years.


    He didn¡¯t want to let her go, yet he didn¡¯t want her to waste her youth on a man as useless as him. With his frail body, he had no ability to give her a future.


    In truth, if either of them chose to cross the line or make a change, their tug-of-war relationship would come to an end. Though neither of them had spoken it aloud, they both knew this tension was on the verge of snapping.


    As time passed, he realized they couldn¡¯t maintain the status quo forever. A resolution was necessary, whether it meant staying together or parting ways.


    But how could he truly harden his heart and let go of this twenty-year-long love, this relationship that had no future?


    After all, it was she who had saved his life. His body and the life he now lived were all thanks to her. Without Ding Yixin, he wouldn¡¯t even be in this world. He would have ended his bleak existence long ago, putting an end to his painful life.


    Before Ding Yixin had entered his life, he couldn¡¯t imagine living a normal life, let alone having any kind of future¡­


    The air was cold, devoid of any warmth. The world seemed to stand still, unchanging.


    For seven-year-old Yan Tianyou, life felt like an endless cycle. He couldn¡¯t feel any joy or hope, any love or warmth. His existence was dull and painful.


    From the moment he could remember, no matter what he did, he was always alone. Sleeping, eating, playing¡ªeverything happened within the confines of his room, surrounded by four walls and the rotating staff who looked after him. His life was monotonous and lifeless.


    He longed to be with his family, to hug his parents tightly like his sister did, to run freely in the garden, to go to school and make friends... But all of these were just distant dreams. He was an outcast, a pitiful creature trapped in a cage.


    His family¡¯s love for him was always expressed through words and glances, but no one ever hugged him. Unless absolutely necessary, they avoided touching him altogether, terrified of accidentally harming him. It made him feel like a monster.


    Why did his blood never stop flowing when he got hurt? Why did he have this illness? What was the purpose of his existence? Was it just to endure endless hospital visits, the needle marks on his arms, and the torment of his frail body? Or was it to wait for the day when his blood would finally run dry?


    If that was the case, he¡¯d rather choose the latter. Let his blood flow until there was nothing left. Let¡¯s see how long it would take, how much blood he had...


    "Ow! That hurts!" Yan Tianyou dropped the knife, letting the blood pour from his wrist. He watched as the sheets turned red, his body growing colder and his eyes empty.


    "What are you doing?" Hearing faint noises from the next room, Ding Yixin rushed over, only to be met with a horrifying scene.


    "You¡¯re bleeding so much!" Ding Yixin panicked, grabbing a towel to wrap around his wrist, pressing hard to stop the bleeding. With her other hand, she tried to feed him medicine. "Take this!"


    But Yan Tianyou refused, knocking the medicine away and pushing her hand aside.


    "I¡¯ll go get someone," Ding Yixin said, turning to leave.


    Yan Tianyou grabbed her with his uninjured hand. "Who told you to meddle? Don¡¯t call anyone."


    "That¡¯s not an option! You¡¯ll bleed to death!" Ding Yixin struggled to break free, shocked by his strength. Seeing the pool of blood, her legs felt weak, and her heart raced with fear.


    "I told you not to interfere!" he growled, his voice low but fierce, though his strength was fading fast.


    His already pale face was now ghostly white. Ding Yixin¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. "If I don¡¯t help you, you¡¯ll die."


    "What¡¯s the difference between life and death? My world is just these four walls!" His words were bitter, but they held a painful truth. "It¡¯s better if I die. Then you won¡¯t have to deal with me anymore, won¡¯t have to take care of this monster."


    Staring at his lifeless expression, Ding Yixin¡¯s eyes widened in fear. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Death and separation weren¡¯t unfamiliar to her¡ªthey were painful experiences she never wanted to relive. She didn¡¯t want anyone she knew to die, not even the boy who constantly bullied her.


    "You¡¯re not a monster. You¡¯re just sick," Ding Yixin said, tears streaming down her face as she pressed harder on his wound. "If you die, Auntie and Uncle will be heartbroken, and I¡¯ll be so sad. Please don¡¯t die. You can bully me, hit me, scold me¡ªit¡¯s fine. Just don¡¯t leave us like my parents did. Don¡¯t go to heaven. Don¡¯t leave us."


    She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly, her small body trembling uncontrollably. She was terrified he might disappear. She didn¡¯t want that. She didn¡¯t want anyone to die!


    For the first time, Yan Tianyou felt the warmth of another person¡¯s embrace, as if it could melt the icy walls around his heart. His nose tingled, and tears began to fall.


    He had never known how warm and comforting a hug could be. He hadn¡¯t realized that someone in this world cared about him so much. Maybe he wasn¡¯t alone after all. Maybe life could have meaning, after all. Maybe...


    Yan Tianyou¡¯s frail, pale face was now peaceful in sleep. Ding Yixin carefully tucked him in and sat quietly beside him, watching over her "sleeping prince."


    Yan Tianyou¡¯s body was weaker than most, and he tired easily, so he spent most of his time sleeping. Ding Yixin would stay by his side, reading books and keeping him company.


    The shocking suicide attempt had thrown the entire Yan household into chaos. Mrs. Yan had fainted on the spot, and Yan Tianyou had nearly died. If he had cut an artery, he might not have made it.


    The blood loss left him even weaker, and he needed plenty of rest to recover. The usually arrogant, domineering boy was nowhere to be seen, and it would be a long time before he returned to his old self.


    "What¡¯s the difference between life and death? My world is just these four walls!"


    Yan Tianyou¡¯s despairing words echoed in Ding Yixin¡¯s mind, filling her with sorrow.


    It was because he had been so sheltered, so isolated from the world, that Yan Tianyou had lost all hope in life and considered ending it.


    She hadn¡¯t realized how lonely and pessimistic he was. The fortress the Yan family had built around him, meant to protect him, had become a terrifying prison. He had wanted to escape it, even if it meant death.


    But to be fair, the Yan family had indeed overprotected Yan Tianyou. In the vast Yan household, he was confined to his room. Other than the hospital, he had never been anywhere else. Even his meals were eaten alone, as his schedule didn¡¯t align with the rest of the family.


    Speaking of Yan Tianyou¡¯s meals, Ding Yixin was amazed. All his food was specially prepared¡ªnot only was it nutritionally balanced, but it was also entirely liquid, as they feared he might accidentally bite his tongue or cheeks.


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    Every aspect of his care was meticulously planned, all to prevent him from getting hurt. But in doing so, they had stripped away any joy from his life. Their well-meaning protection had become a heavy burden.


    This couldn¡¯t go on. Ding Yixin decided it was time to talk to Mrs. Yan. Actions spoke louder than words, and she was ready to take action.


    "Auntie, Uncle, do you have a moment?" Ding Yixin found Mr. and Mrs. Yan in the second-floor sitting room.


    After the incident, Mrs. Yan had become like a startled bird. Seeing Ding Yixin, she immediately jumped up. "Did something happen to Tianyou?"


    "No, he¡¯s fine. He¡¯s asleep," Ding Yixin quickly reassured her. "I just wanted to talk to you about something."


    "You¡¯re worrying too much. Don¡¯t scare the child," Mr. Yan said, putting down his glass and gently comforting his wife. She had been on edge lately. "Yixin, what did you want to talk about?"


    "It¡¯s about Tianyou..." Ding Yixin hesitated, unsure how to begin.


    "That child... I never thought he¡¯d do something so foolish, so hopeless," Mr. Yan said, feeling like a failure as a father.


    "What was Tianyou thinking? Why didn¡¯t he tell us if he was unhappy?" Mrs. Yan¡¯s voice cracked, her eyes filling with tears.


    Ding Yixin didn¡¯t want to make the Yan couple feel guilty. She quickly shared her thoughts. "Actually, Tianyou is just really lonely. He¡¯s always wanted to be a normal kid, to go to school and make friends."


    "We know he¡¯s suffered, but his body needs special care. It¡¯s too dangerous for him to interact with the outside world. A normal life would be too much for him."


    Though Mrs. Yan¡¯s intentions were good, her methods were too extreme.


    "Auntie, please don¡¯t take this the wrong way, but I think Tianyou is being overprotected. Your actions have taken away his freedom and happiness." Though she hadn¡¯t been with the Yan family for long, Ding Yixin had observed a lot.


    "I know Tianyou really wants to see the world, to try new things, to run freely, to laugh heartily, to experience all the fun and exciting things out there. He doesn¡¯t care if he gets hurt..."


    Listening to her, Mr. and Mrs. Yan exchanged glances, momentarily speechless.


    They had always known that their son longed for a normal life, but they had chosen to ignore his pleading eyes, never truly addressing his needs. Their fear of losing him had led them to overprotect him, unknowingly causing him harm.


    Had they been wrong all along? Should they let go, stop being so anxious, and try to treat him like a normal child, letting him enjoy the joys of childhood?


    Mr. Yan squeezed his wife¡¯s hand, and they silently communicated their shared realization.


    "Yixin, you¡¯re absolutely right. We¡¯ll seriously consider this and rearrange Tianyou¡¯s life," Mr. Yan said.


    "That¡¯s great!" Ding Yixin beamed. "Does that mean he can go to school?"


    "We can¡¯t rush things. The first priority is to help Tianyou recover," Mrs. Yan said, grateful and comforted by the little girl¡¯s genuine concern for her son.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll always stay by Tianyou¡¯s side," Ding Yixin promised, patting her chest.


    To better protect Yan Tianyou, Ding Yixin began learning martial arts and suggested that Yan Tianyou do the same. It would help him defend himself, build his strength, and cultivate his character.


    Fortunately, the Yan family had connections with the famous martial arts family, the Ties, and they arranged for the eldest son of the Tie family to personally train them.


    Though Yan Tianyou still couldn¡¯t attend school, his life underwent a significant change. His world was no longer confined to four walls. He could move freely around the Yan household, eat meals with his family, and his life became vibrant and full of energy.


    Yan Tianyou and Ding Yixin¡¯s relationship also improved. Though he still loved to sulk and throw tantrums, he bullied her less often. His affection for her grew day by day, and her constant presence and obedience became something he took for granted but couldn¡¯t live without.


    By the time he started middle school, Yan Tianyou finally got his wish¡ªhe was enrolled in a prestigious private school, where he began to explore the world and truly start his life.


    Yan Tianyou, with his strong sense of pride, had always hidden his illness to avoid special treatment or discrimination. Avoiding physical contact with others, he was often misunderstood as being either overly fastidious or arrogant.


    To his classmates, he was an insufferable, self-important young master who looked down on everyone and refused to socialize. To the employees of the Yan Corporation, he was a lazy, spoiled heir who stayed up all night and couldn¡¯t be bothered to work.


    Despite his handsome appearance and status as a "golden bachelor," not a single female employee dared to approach him. His volatile temper and icy demeanor kept everyone at arm''s length.


    Only Ding Yixin truly understood Yan Tianyou¡¯s pain. No one knew him better or was more patient with him than she was.


    Snapping out of her thoughts, Ding Yixin put down her work. It was past lunchtime, and Yan Tianyou still hadn¡¯t shown up. She couldn¡¯t help but worry.


    Because he often struggled to wake up early, Yan Tianyou only worked half-days. He usually arrived at the office by noon, but today there was no sign of him. Was he feeling unwell? She decided to call the driver.


    "Uncle Han, where are you and the young master?"


    "Miss, we¡¯re at Bailing Sports Park in Shilin."


    Bailing Sports Park? Sigh. Who had upset him this time? "When will you be back at the office?"


    "The young master didn¡¯t say," Uncle Han replied honestly. "Miss, he¡¯s been gone for a while, and I¡¯m starting to worry."


    "I¡¯ll go check on him," Ding Yixin said without hesitation, getting up to leave. "If the young master returns, let me know. Don¡¯t tell him I¡¯m coming to look for him."


    "Understood."


    In the vast park, Ding Yixin headed straight for the soccer field. She easily spotted the familiar figure sitting on the fixed bleachers by the riverbank.


    She knew that whenever Yan Tianyou was troubled or feeling down, he would come here to watch the players sweat and compete on the field, his eyes filled with longing and envy. Over the years, this habit of his hadn¡¯t changed¡ªonly his state of mind had.


    Ding Yixin stood quietly to the side, accustomed to watching his lonely figure from behind. She didn¡¯t disturb him, planning to reveal herself only when he was ready to leave.


    This man, who always made her worry and ache for him¡ªhow she wished she could step forward, embrace him, and offer comfort. If her tenderness could melt the walls he had built around himself, if her love could warm his frozen heart, she wouldn¡¯t be standing here. She would rush into his arms without hesitation.


    A wry smile crossed Ding Yixin¡¯s lips. She knew that if she recklessly tried to get closer to him, determined to break into his heart, he would undoubtedly push her away and flee, never looking back.


    Because now, he no longer needed her comfort, no longer enjoyed her touch, and despised her initiative. Unlike when they were younger, when holding his hand or hugging him would make him respond with joy¡ªclutching her small hand or holding her tightly, his slightly awkward face showing the happiness of being needed and valued. That heartwarming, cherished expression of his was something she could never forget.


    When had he become so cold and distant? When had he started to push her away?


    If she remembered correctly, it was during their third year of college, after that accident...


    "Miss, are you here alone?"


    "Do you know anyone on the soccer field?"


    Two tall men in soccer jerseys interrupted Ding Yixin¡¯s thoughts. Their teasing expressions made her straighten up and put on a stern face, though her naturally gentle appearance did little to intimidate them.


    "I¡¯m just watching," she replied, her voice soft and pleasant.


    The two young men, seeing her delicate demeanor, couldn¡¯t help but feel attracted.


    "If you¡¯re interested in soccer, we¡¯d be happy to give you a demonstration."


    "Yeah, we¡¯re on the school team. There¡¯s a friendly match later. You¡¯re welcome to watch."


    "Sorry, I¡¯d rather be alone," Ding Yixin politely declined.


    But the two men didn¡¯t take the hint and continued to pester her.


    Hearing the commotion, Yan Tianyou turned around. Seeing the all-too-familiar scene, he felt a surge of irritation.


    Ding Yixin always seemed to attract trouble, with her appearance that seemed to beg for male protection.


    Yan Tianyou slowly stood up, hands in his pockets, continuing to watch coldly as if it had nothing to do with him.


    In reality, his heart was in turmoil. He wanted to step in, to drive away those lecherous men and protect the woman he loved.


    But what right did he have to play the hero? With his fragile body that couldn¡¯t afford to get hurt?


    If he ended up injured and needing her to save him, it would be the ultimate joke!


    This useless man could never become a hero, not in a thousand lifetimes!


    Just as the men tried to make a move, Ding Yixin swiftly used a self-defense technique to break free.


    The two men, surprised by her skills, quickly retreated with their tails between their legs.


    With the trouble gone, Ding Yixin noticed Yan Tianyou striding toward her, his steps heavy with anger.


    "What are you doing here, causing trouble for me again?" Yan Tianyou demanded. "Whenever you show up, there¡¯s always some drama. Can¡¯t you let me have some peace?"


    "Sorry for disturbing you," Ding Yixin said, lowering her head.


    "Sorry doesn¡¯t fix anything. You¡¯ve ruined my mood. Don¡¯t you have work to do at the office? Why are you here?" His complaints came rapid-fire.


    "You hadn¡¯t returned to the office, so I got worried and came to check on you," she replied softly.


    Yan Tianyou sneered. "Worried? What¡¯s there to worry about? I won¡¯t die without you around."


    "That¡¯s not what I meant," Ding Yixin quickly clarified. Why did he always twist her words?


    "Then what do you mean? Always meddling in my business, acting like the little wife of the Yan family." Yan Tianyou shot her a disdainful look.


    "I¡¯m not," she said, feeling wronged, biting her lower lip.


    "You are! Who do you think you are?" Yan Tianyou lifted her chin, his cold eyes devoid of emotion, his expression full of disgust. "Don¡¯t think just because you¡¯ve been in my bed that you¡¯re my woman. Don¡¯t dream of becoming the young mistress of the Yan family."


    Ding Yixin¡¯s face turned pale. His words always cut deep.


    Yan Tianyou wasn¡¯t done. He tightened his grip, determined to humiliate her. "Stop pretending. You heard me clearly that day. Remember, you¡¯re just my bedmate. Don¡¯t dream of marrying into the Yan family. I, Yan Tianyou, will never marry an orphan like you."


    Closing her eyes to hide her pain, Ding Yixin vaguely guessed his true intention in hurting her. But she didn¡¯t want to be driven away, didn¡¯t want to erase their feelings. She would never let him have his way!


    "Why are you saying these things on purpose? These aren¡¯t your true feelings. Does hurting me make you happy?" Ding Yixin cried out from the depths of her heart, fear and pain gripping her tightly. She was terrified of losing him, of their relationship being destroyed.


    Yan Tianyou released her, his hand falling limply to his side. He clenched his fist, desperately resisting the urge to pull her into his arms, to hold her close.


    He couldn¡¯t afford to soften. This day had to come eventually. Since the hurt was unavoidable, he couldn¡¯t afford to linger, to let the pain repeat itself.


    "Of course I¡¯m happy. It¡¯s a relief," Yan Tianyou said, hiding all emotion, his face cold and rigid. "If you can¡¯t take it, then leave. Stop hovering around me."


    Without another glance at Ding Yixin, Yan Tianyou turned and walked away, determined to put an end to everything between them.

 Chapter 4

    "Take this document to Mr. Chiba. Deliver it to him now," Yan Tianyou said, tossing a folder onto the desk without looking up at Ding Yixin, who stood silently beside him.


    "Do I need to deliver it personally?" Ding Yixin was puzzled. Mr. Chiba¡¯s visit to Taiwan was purely for leisure, so there shouldn¡¯t be any urgent business to discuss.


    "Yes, he¡¯s waiting at the Grand Hyatt," Yan Tianyou replied impatiently, waving his hand dismissively. "Don¡¯t drive yourself. Have Uncle Han take you."


    "Understood." Without another word, Ding Yixin picked up the folder and left.


    When they arrived safely at the hotel entrance, Uncle Han respectfully opened the car door for her.


    After watching her graceful figure disappear into the hotel, Uncle Han glanced at his watch to check the time.


    The young master had instructed him that if Miss Ding didn¡¯t return within ten minutes, he was to go up to the hotel room to look for her. However, he was also told not to inform Miss Ding of this arrangement.


    Hehe! The young master must be shy. Although he pretends not to care about Miss Ding, deep down, he¡¯s actually quite concerned about her. He must be worried that Mr. Chiba would try to take advantage of her.


    Ding Yixin found the room and knocked twice. The door opened shortly after, and the man who appeared before her shocked her. She instinctively took a step back, her guard immediately raised.


    "Mr. Chiba, this document is from Vice President Yan," Ding Yixin said, not daring to look the man in the eye. She quickly lowered her gaze and handed over the folder.


    Chiba Nosa, dressed in a bathrobe, had just finished showering. He made no effort to hide the tanned chest muscles beneath his robe. While he was moderately handsome, his lecherous expression and lustful gaze ruined any appeal he might have had.


    "You¡¯re finally here. Come in," Chiba Nosa said with what he thought was a charming smile that could captivate any woman.


    Ding Yixin, however, felt only disgust. "I don¡¯t think that¡¯s appropriate. Please just take the document¡ª"


    "Don¡¯t be in such a hurry. Come in first," Chiba Nosa interrupted, grabbing Ding Yixin¡¯s wrist and pulling her into the room. After closing the door, he casually draped an arm over her shoulder and guided her further inside, forcing her to sit in a chair. He then handed her a glass of red wine from the small table. "Have a drink. Let¡¯s chat for a while."


    Suppressing the urge to frown, Ding Yixin politely set the glass down and stood up to decline. "I¡¯ve left the document here. I have other matters to attend to, so I¡¯ll take my leave now."


    "Wait, isn¡¯t your job to stay and keep me company?" Chiba Nosa said with a sly grin, his tone dripping with innuendo. "It¡¯s going to be a long night, and we¡¯ll definitely be busy."


    "Mr. Chiba, there must be some misunderstanding," Ding Yixin said, her face tense.


    "Of course not. Yan Tianyou sent you here to ''take care'' of me," he said bluntly.


    Ding Yixin gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What? Tianyou sent me to you?"


    "Yan Tianyou agreed to it himself. Didn¡¯t he explain it to you?" Chiba Nosa didn¡¯t care about the details. With a beauty like her in front of him, how could he let her go? "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m always gentle. I¡¯ll treat you with the utmost care."


    "Don¡¯t touch me!" Struggling to control her disgust, Ding Yixin swiftly slapped his hand away. Before Chiba Nosa could react further, she nimbly broke free and bolted out of the room.


    Seeing Miss Ding return quickly with a pale face, Uncle Han grew concerned.


    "Miss, are you okay? Did Mr. Chiba do something to you? If he did, I¡¯ll go and demand justice for you."


    "Thank you, Uncle Han. I¡¯m fine," Ding Yixin said, taking a deep breath to steady herself.


    Demand justice? But the one who had wronged her wasn¡¯t someone else¡ªit was his own young master!


    "Where is the young master? Has he gone home?"


    "No, he should still be at the office."


    "Then please take me back to the office."


    Ding Yixin was desperate to see Yan Tianyou. She didn¡¯t doubt the truth in Chiba Nosa¡¯s words because, knowing Yan Tianyou as she did, he was absolutely capable of doing something like this. It was his way of pushing her away.


    But even if he had decided to let go and sever their relationship, how could he treat her like this?


    Ding Yixin felt as if her heart was being ripped apart. She quickly closed her eyes, holding back the tears of heartache.


    The dimly lit office was illuminated only by the golden glow of the crystal chandelier above the bar.


    It was long past working hours, but Yan Tianyou, unusually, had not yet left.


    Yan Tianyou poured himself a drink and sat on a high stool at the bar, his elbows resting on the counter. His sharp, dark eyes stared out through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the view beyond.


    From the 40th floor, the view was indeed impressive. The Taipei 101 building stood tall in the distance, while the bustling streets below shimmered with the glow of neon lights. Looking down from such a height, one couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of superiority, as if the world lay at their feet.


    Yan Tianyou, who had always prioritized his health and avoided alcohol, was now breaking his own rules, drowning his sorrows in drink.


    Bored and seemingly waiting for something¡ªor rather, someone¡ªhe sat there, the likelihood of that someone appearing as high as 99.9%.


    Ding Yixin walked straight to the vice president¡¯s office, her hand hovering over the door handle. She hesitated.


    What would she say when she saw Yan Tianyou? Would she question his intentions or scold him for his cruelty?


    If she laid everything out in the open, there would be no turning back.


    What if Yan Tianyou rejected her outright, cutting off all ties? How would she cope afterward? How could she continue to stay by his side?


    But what was the difference now? Wasn¡¯t he already doing everything in his power to push her away? Perhaps he had been waiting for her to confront him, so he could reject her outright and make her give up completely.


    What could she do to break through his defenses, to make him believe in her love and truly accept her?


    Ding Yixin sighed heavily in her heart. She had worked so hard for so many years, silently waiting by his side, believing that time and perseverance would prove her feelings and eventually open his heart to her.


    Unfortunately, things hadn¡¯t gone as planned. Their relationship hadn¡¯t progressed at all; in fact, it had only grown more strained.


    Perhaps continuing to avoid the issue wouldn¡¯t solve anything. Maybe facing it head-on was the only way to overcome the obstacles.


    Taking a deep breath, Ding Yixin knocked on the door and entered. She saw Yan Tianyou sitting upright, his back unmoving, not even turning his head to acknowledge her. It was as if he had been waiting for her arrival¡ªor as if he didn¡¯t care at all.


    Standing at the doorway, Ding Yixin hesitated.


    The long-awaited guest had finally arrived. Yan Tianyou narrowed his eyes leisurely, gazing at the slender figure casting a long shadow on the floor. He remained silent, as if it was finally time to end their relationship.


    Ding Yixin moved her heavy feet, struggling to stand beside Yan Tianyou. She stared unblinkingly at his icy profile. Despite having so much to say, all that came out was a single, heartbroken question: "Why?"


    Hearing this, Yan Tianyou turned to meet her sad, suppressed, yet longing eyes. Though her distress tugged at his heart, he remained indifferent, determined to sever ties with her once and for all.


    "Leaving like that will offend Chiba Corporation," Yan Tianyou said coldly, his gaze sweeping over her slightly pale face before he scolded her harshly.


    Ding Yixin was taken aback by his heartless response. She retorted with a hint of anger, "Do you really want me to serve that Mr. Chiba?"


    "If I said yes, would you go back and make amends?" Yan Tianyou¡¯s sharp eyes bore into her.


    "I¡¯m not a hostess," she shot back, her beautiful eyes filled with resentment.


    He shrugged indifferently. "Isn¡¯t entertaining clients part of your job?"


    "That doesn¡¯t include sleeping with them!" she blurted out, her eyes welling up with tears.


    Yan Tianyou, however, looked disdainful, his scornful gaze mercilessly directed at her. "Stop pretending. No one can force anyone into intimacy. You should know that better than anyone."


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    His mockery felt like a searing slap across Ding Yixin¡¯s pale face. She knew he was reminding her of the past, forcing her to remember how she had once humiliated herself.


    Back then, when Yan Tianyou had taken advantage of her purely to hurt her, he had given her the chance to resist. But she hadn¡¯t refused or struggled.


    At the time, Ding Yixin had loved him so much that she didn¡¯t mind giving him everything. She had used her actions to prove her feelings, even though she knew Yan Tianyou was only using her as an outlet for his anger. She had no regrets, willing to sacrifice her body, mind, and pride if it meant easing his pain. That had been true then, and it was still true now. Her unwavering devotion to Yan Tianyou had never changed.


    "Even if you hate me, you can¡¯t just push me into the arms of another man!" Even though her heart had been torn to shreds by Yan Tianyou, every fragment still bore his mark, impossible to erase.


    "I don¡¯t hate you," Yan Tianyou suddenly reached out, wiping away the tear at the corner of her eye.


    Ding Yixin¡¯s heart leapt with joy. Had she heard him correctly? Was this just her imagination?


    But it was all an illusion, a cruel setup to deepen the hurt.


    Yan Tianyou withdrew his hand, his face filled with disgust and impatience.


    "I¡¯m just tired of you," he said with a cold smirk. "But I¡¯m a generous person. If someone wants my old toy, I don¡¯t mind handing it over. After all, I have no interest in touching it again."


    No! That wasn¡¯t true. He had always been possessive, unable to tolerate sharing what was his!


    Pain¡ªsharp, searing pain¡ªripped through her heart. Even though she had known Yan Tianyou for so long and had experienced his venomous tongue before, it still hurt. It still wounded her deeply!


    Tears of heartache andίÇü silently streamed down Ding Yixin¡¯s cheeks. "I know you¡¯re not being sincere. You¡¯re not a cold, heartless man. Stop lying, stop pretending to be a bad guy¡­"


    "Enough!" Her tears were driving him mad! Yan Tianyou turned his face away, refusing to look at her. "Don¡¯t act like you understand me. I¡¯ve always been a bad person with a terrible heart. Haven¡¯t you seen that clearly yet?!"


    Yan Tianyou suddenly turned back, his gaze dark and menacing. "Let me be honest with you. I¡¯m completely fed up with you, this boring, uninteresting woman."


    "Why are you deliberately torturing yourself, forcing yourself to play the villain?" Even though her heart and body were riddled with wounds, Ding Yixin refused to retreat. She met his cruelty head-on. "Didn¡¯t you once promise to cherish me for a lifetime? I beg you, stop hurting me. Let¡¯s go back to how things were, okay?"


    "You actually believe a man¡¯s sweet words?" Yan Tianyou laughed mockingly, his eyes devoid of warmth as they regarded her like a stranger. "Don¡¯t be naive. Who can guarantee anything for a lifetime? Maybe I did like you once, but now I feel nothing for you. Everything has changed. How can we go back to how things were?"


    Would this finally make her give up? But the pain wasn¡¯t hers alone to bear.


    Rather than saying love was unreliable, it was more accurate to say that human hearts were too fickle, too complex, filled with contradictions and conflicts.


    Ding Yixin felt as if all the blood in her body had turned to ice. She shivered. No! She didn¡¯t believe it. She hadn¡¯t lost his love. He still loved her!


    "I don¡¯t believe it. This isn¡¯t true," Ding Yixin grabbed the front of his shirt, urgently pouring out her heart. "I know you¡¯re worried about your illness, afraid you can¡¯t give me happiness. That¡¯s why you¡¯re pushing me away. But I really don¡¯t care. For so many years, I¡¯ve been trying to prove my feelings to you. Don¡¯t you understand?"


    Yan Tianyou knew, of course. He understood her intentions, her love, better than anyone. But precisely because he loved her, he genuinely wanted her to find happiness¡ªand her happiness wasn¡¯t with him.


    "The one who doesn¡¯t understand is you. Can¡¯t you tell the difference between truth and lies?" Yan Tianyou gritted his teeth, pulling her hands away and shoving her off. "Do you think I¡¯d let my feelings be dictated by this illness? Whether I like you or not has nothing to do with my condition. Why can¡¯t you accept the fact that I don¡¯t love you?"


    Ding Yixin closed her tearful eyes. Memories of their time together flooded her mind. She trusted her feelings. He couldn¡¯t be indifferent to her. He loved her. He was the one refusing to admit it!


    When she opened her eyes again, Ding Yixin no longer felt anxious or lost. Her unwavering love hadn¡¯t faltered in the slightest. "I know you¡¯re stubborn. Once you¡¯ve made up your mind, you won¡¯t change it easily. But I¡¯ll wait for you. I¡¯ll wait for you to come back to me, to open your heart to me again. No matter how many years it takes, I¡¯ll keep waiting. I¡¯ll never give up."


    Yan Tianyou was stunned. This stubborn woman¡ªher determination was no less than his. But he couldn¡¯t let all his efforts go to waste, allowing them to remain stuck in the same place. He clenched his teeth and roared in frustration.


    "Where do you get the confidence to think I¡¯d love you? Don¡¯t think just because I¡¯ve slept with you that you can stay by my side, dreaming of being my woman."


    But Ding Yixin, with her heart of steel, turned a blind eye and a deaf ear. "Even if you don¡¯t love me, I won¡¯t change. I¡¯ll love you for the rest of my life."


    Too angry to deal with her any longer, Yan Tianyou turned away, picked up his glass, and drained it in one go. He slammed the glass down but continued to grip it tightly. "Stop pestering me. It¡¯s really annoying¡­"


    Yan Tianyou¡¯s complaints suddenly stopped as his attention was drawn to the soft body pressing against his back and the small hands wrapping around his waist. Feeling the slight tremble of the person behind him, he lost focus, his mind wandering. He wanted to push her away but couldn¡¯t bring himself to do it. Unconsciously, he tightened his grip on the glass¡ª


    Crash! The glass, unable to withstand the pressure, shattered into pieces, just like their broken hearts, ruthlessly crushed into fragments that could never be mended or restored to their original state.


    After receiving a platelet transfusion and having all the glass shards removed, Yan Tianyou¡¯s hand was finally bandaged. Exhausted from the ordeal, he was admitted to the hospital for observation.


    For him, the hospital room was like a second home.


    Ding Yixin sat in a chair by the bed, confirming that the man was sound asleep. She quietly buried her face in Yan Tianyou¡¯s uninjured hand, tears silently streaming down her cheeks as she felt utterly drained.


    Why had things come to this? They clearly loved each other. They had shared so many happy moments. She had once believed she was the happiest woman in the world. Why had it all turned out like this?


    If it hadn¡¯t been for that incident back then, Yan Tianyou wouldn¡¯t have suddenly changed. They would still be close, still in love.


    Ding Yixin had realized that Yan Tianyou was more than just a childhood friend¡ªhe was a man¡ªwhen they entered university together¡­


    During their university years, Yan Tianyou had grown into a tall, elegant figure, standing a head taller than Ding Yixin. His graceful and handsome appearance, paired with the slightly tousled bangs that occasionally obscured his eyes, made him look even more dashing and charming.


    With his striking looks, Yan Tianyou instantly became the prince charming in the eyes of many female students the moment he stepped onto campus. Girls often gathered outside the classroom just to catch a glimpse of him. However, they soon discovered that he was a man of contradictions.


    While Yan Tianyou¡¯s appearance could captivate anyone, his temperament was unpredictable. The girls who tried to get close to him eventually gave up, realizing that he was a noble prince who could only be admired from afar, not approached.


    Of course, there was one exception¡ªDing Yixin, who often accompanied him as his protector. She was the only woman who could get close to the prince, thanks to their deep connection, something others could only envy.


    It was during this time that Ding Yixin began to see Yan Tianyou as a charming man and found herself unconsciously drawn to him.


    Ding Yixin often followed Yan Tianyou around campus, staring at his tall figure in awe, wondering when he had grown so much taller and when the height difference between them had become so pronounced...


    "Ouch!" She accidentally bumped into his back, letting out a small cry.


    Yan Tianyou turned around and scolded her softly. "Why don¡¯t you watch where you¡¯re going?"


    "I wasn¡¯t not watching," Ding Yixin replied, feeling embarrassed under his gaze.


    "Lately, you¡¯ve been distracted and blushing a lot. What are you so shy about?" Yan Tianyou had been paying close attention to the girl by his side.


    Caught off guard, Ding Yixin touched her nose awkwardly. "I¡¯m not shy. I just bumped my nose, and it hurts!"


    "Let me see." Yan Tianyou pulled her hand away and leaned in closer to her face.


    Feeling her cheeks burn, Ding Yixin quickly stepped back. "No, it¡¯s fine."


    Her unusual reaction piqued Yan Tianyou¡¯s curiosity. Noticing her flushed face, his gaze lingered on her rosy lips, wondering what they would taste like.


    Feeling a surge of desire, Yan Tianyou gave in to his instincts and slowly pressed his lips to hers, savoring the softness of her mouth.


    Shocked and unprepared, Ding Yixin stood frozen, her eyes wide open as she let him kiss her. The only thing she could feel was the warmth and softness of his lips, and the rapid pounding of her heart, as if it might leap out of her chest.


    Finally, their lips parted. Ding Yixin touched her burning cheeks, her eyes dazed, while Yan Tianyou¡¯s bright, dark eyes gleamed with amusement. Her flustered and shy expression was utterly adorable, and he wanted to see more of it. He pulled her hands away from her face.


    "Don¡¯t look!" Ding Yixin protested cutely, her face turning even redder.


    "I like seeing you blush," Yan Tianyou said, holding her wrists firmly. A mischievous smile played on his lips as he gazed at her with affection. Unable to resist, he leaned in for another tender kiss, completely disregarding the time, place, or the people around them.


    At that moment, Ding Yixin realized she had fallen in love. Or perhaps she had already fallen for this domineering yet gentle man without even realizing it...


    It turned out that not only did love make women more beautiful, but it also made men more gentle. From that sweet, defining kiss onward, Yan Tianyou and Ding Yixin were officially together. Though they didn¡¯t make a big announcement, it was clear to everyone that they were a couple.


    Yan Tianyou, in particular, suddenly became more approachable. His once stern face softened, his sharp gaze mellowed, and he became more amiable. This change stirred the hearts of many female classmates, who began approaching him under the guise of asking for help with their studies.


    One day, while Yan Tianyou and Ding Yixin were searching for materials in the library, a girl came over to ask him for help. To make matters worse, the girl leaned in close, taking the opportunity to flirt with him.


    Ding Yixin watched coldly as the petite classmate tugged at Yan Tianyou¡¯s sleeve, while he remained polite and friendly. Unable to bear it any longer, she turned and walked away.


    "What¡¯s wrong? You seem upset," Yan Tianyou quickly caught up to her and blocked her path.


    "Nothing. I just need to find some materials over here," Ding Yixin pretended to focus on the bookshelf, avoiding his gaze.


    "Let me guess," Yan Tianyou suddenly turned her around, placing his hands on the bookshelf and trapping her between it and his arms. "Are you jealous?"


    "Why would I be jealous for no reason?" she denied immediately.


    He smirked, pointing out the obvious. "You¡¯re upset because you saw a girl getting close to me."


    "Don¡¯t flatter yourself," Ding Yixin rolled her eyes.


    "Actually, you don¡¯t need to be jealous," Yan Tianyou tapped her nose lightly. She had a habit of wrinkling her nose when she was upset, though she might not have noticed it herself. "I don¡¯t remember any girl¡¯s face or name. In my eyes, there¡¯s only you. You¡¯re the only one I like." He said this without a hint of embarrassment, his confession bold and straightforward.


    Ding Yixin bit her lower lip lightly, trying to suppress a smile, her eyes sparkling with quiet joy.


    Yan Tianyou was mesmerized. He realized his self-control was slipping. He found himself increasingly unable to resist this adorable woman, always wanting to be close to her. Without hesitation, he leaned in to kiss her again.


    "Stop it, someone might see," Ding Yixin pressed her hands against his chest, nervously glancing around.


    "Who cares?" Yan Tianyou said nonchalantly, capturing her lips once more, instantly stealing her thoughts and senses as he deepened the kiss...


    Sigh! What could she do? She had fallen for him. When it came to this willful and reckless man, Ding Yixin could only accept her fate.