He suddenly braked hard. Thankfully, I was wearing a seatbelt; otherwise, I would have flown through the windshield. I turned to look at him. The steering wheel had hit his arm, and he was biting his teeth in pain. I was both angry and anxious. “How are you driving? Don’t you want your hand anymore?!”
He said nothing, quietly looking at me. In the depths of his pitch-black pupils, I saw my reflection – wet hair stuck to my face, a pointed chin, slightly parted pink lips, eyes shifting. His gaze slowly lowered, darkening but not moving away.
I looked down. My wet dress clung to my body, almost transparent, outlining a young girl’s curves – a slim waist, long legs. Most embarrassingly, the bra I wore today was a bit small, clearly visible to him. He leaned down, whispering near my ear: “Wearing wet clothes, what are you seeking…”
What suggestions? I thought he would say: Remember to bring an umbrella next time, or go back and take a shower to avoid catching a cold.
“With your body type, 70C might be more comfortable… Although, from a visual perspective, wearing this size would be more alluring to men…”
Ugh!
This is the most shameless compliment I’ve ever heard!
My hand clutching my clothes trembled as I shrank into the corner of the leather seat, pressed tightly against the car door. He was staring at me without blinking, making me feel as if he were stripping me naked with his words and gaze.
I thought I would be angry enough to slap him and get out of the car, but I wasn’t angry. Instead, I felt a little scared and lost. A small flame began to rise within me, warming my rain-soaked body and spreading through my limbs.
I had never felt this way before; it was comfortable, with every nerve stimulated by a special pain.
The love song played on repeat… Spring flowers bloom seductively, summer willows caress the stamen; Autumn cherry blossoms fly across the sky, winter beauty melts the marrow; Whispered lips intertwine, rose petals shatter; Gently spiritual connection, subtle intoxication;
He reached out, grabbing the coat draped over my body. I was about to panic and resist, but he carefully straightened the clothes, covering my thighs. Finally, he ruffled my wet hair and smiled—a warm smile, like sunshine.
I was confused, my entire body and mind in turmoil. Who can tell me what he wants to do?
Returning to the apartment, we shared a piece of clothing to shield us from the rain as we ran to the elevator. Once inside, I froze, stepping back to create some distance from Ye Zhengchen.
“Back so late?” I organized my emotions and greeted Qin Xue.
“Mm, I was writing a report in the study room.” Qin Xue glanced at my clothes, then at Ye Zhengchen. “You two just got back?”
She emphasized “you two”.
“I was working at the convenience store, just got off work.”
The elevator rose to the third floor. As I walked out, I looked back before the doors closed and saw Qin Xue and Ye Zhengchen gazing deeply at each other until the doors shut. That close yet distant gaze hollowed out my chest.
That night, I lay in the bathtub, hot water covering my body, drowning out my inner tremors. The neighboring room continuously played the song “Heavenly Fragrance.”
The next day, Qin Xue took the initiative to have lunch with me. She wore a red dress and light makeup, leaving a subtle fragrance that drew everyone’s gaze.
I recalled Li Kai’s sour description: Qin Xue is beautiful in her charm, Bai Bing beautiful in her spirit. If described with flowers, Qin Xue would be a lily in a secluded valley, seemingly pure and aloof.
Bai Bing is like a rose—charming and tempting, yet touching her results in bloody scratches.
At this moment, I wanted to tell Li Kai he was wrong. Qin Xue is the true rose, a seductive, blood-dripping red rose.
Women often naïvely cling to the hope that love exists, despite knowing they are not true loves in a playboy’s life. They see the cautionary tales and understand the rules—love is fleeting, with no future or promises. Yet they foolishly believe they might be the exception, not realizing they are often led to their downfall.
With no afternoon classes, I sat alone in the research room, lost in thought until I remembered my shift at the convenience store.
The next day at work, I made many basic mistakes, forgetting to heat milk, give change, and provide bags. Yet the customers and my boss remained understanding, telling me, “It’s okay!”
At 9:50, Li Kai came to take over my shift. After handing over, I stood outside, awaiting a car that never came in the pitch-black night.
I laughed self-mockingly, letting my heart drop as I walked slowly toward my apartment. Before, I would ride my bicycle home, energized despite tiredness or hunger.
Today, I felt weighed down by exhaustion and sorrow.
I feared that one day Ye Zhengchen would grow tired of me and push me away. How would I manage the walk to my apartment then?
Standing outside my door, I glanced at the neighboring one, biting my lip to suppress my heartache.
Weakly, I took out my key and opened the door.
I was so tired and hungry, wanting to cry.
Suddenly, Ye Zhengchen appeared behind me, grabbing my hand. “You’re finally back! Come, follow me.”
He pulled me up to the rooftop without explanation. The city’s night view was breathtaking, with bluish-white lights merging with starlight.
The clean rooftop had a grill emitting gentle smoke. I couldn’t imagine how someone with an injured hand managed to bring everything up.
“Haven’t eaten dinner yet?” he asked, handing me a just-grilled steak. “Try the young master’s cooking skills.”
I took a bite, feeling my nose ache.
“How is it? Tasty?” he asked nervously. “This is the first time I’ve cooked for a woman. You’re not allowed to say it’s not good!”
I swallowed the tender steak and couldn’t help but cry.
He hurriedly hugged me. “I know my cooking is terrible. You said it was okay; no need to cry so heartbrokenly!”
I lay on his shoulder, clinging to him tightly.
There are some men who, even knowing they are toxic, you just can’t quit!
“Sweetie, did that old Fujii scold you again? Don’t cry. One day I’ll get revenge for you.”
“No!” I shook my head. “I miss home. I want to go home!”
“Okay! We’ll go back to our country together. I’ll open a hospital, I’ll be the director…”
“Really?” I looked up at him. “Then I’ll follow you…”
“Deal! I’ll let you be the hospital director’s wife!”
“Go away! I’d rather never get married than marry a man who’s always flirting.”
“If I marry another woman, don’t regret it later!”
Regret? Without having tried, how could I not regret? But having tried and fought, what difference would it make? I was never his final destination.
“Senior, can’t you be serious?” I wiped my tears and lowered my head to eat steak.
“Sure!” He sat beside me, pulling out a luxurious watch that perfectly matched the one he was wearing. “For you!”
He gripped my shoulders, turning me to face him, the moonlight revealing his true emotions. He was about to speak when the phone rang.
He cursed under his breath, glanced at the number, and his expression turned cold. He walked away and answered, speaking coldly: “What is it?”
From his tone, it was probably an ex-girlfriend calling. “Yes, I’m busy.”
Ye Zhengchen leaned against the wall, kicking the cement floor. When someone is fully focused, they unconsciously make small movements.
“Okay, next month, I’ll try to find time to come back,” he said.
He stopped and stood up straight. “What?!”
His face darkened, growing increasingly gloomy as he listened to the person on the phone.
“No! I don’t agree!”
He shouted angrily, “Don’t think just because you’re my father, you can decide everything about my life!”
I was stunned. It was his father.
