Stealing Your Love [Complete] - 5

Chapter 41:

Five Years Later...

Five years can change many people and many things...

Five whole years have passed, and Jingzhi has returned to the city she wanted to forget, yet couldn't.

The highway from the airport to the city center was straight and long. Jingzhi relaxed and leaned back in the car seat. The long flight had left her exhausted.

But besides a headache, she had a strange feeling.

Yes, the rice paddies, orchards, beautiful holiday cottages, and rolling hills and forests rushing past on both sides of the highway were both familiar and strange to her.

These scenes were so familiar, but what had changed was her...

Could five years change a person's appearance and voice?

Could five years make her forget the hurt in her heart?

Could five years turn a crying infant into an angelic little boy?

When Jingzhi thought of that child, his tiny pink hands pressing against her breast while nursing, her heart ached as if it were being torn apart!

She only breastfed the child once, and then never saw him again…

Jingzhi pulled herself out of her reverie. Even after five years, the shock and embarrassment she felt back then were still there!

This time, she was back. This time, You Shiqun would not succeed.

In her memory, You Shiqun's voice was dry: "If you hadn't signed this supplementary agreement, perhaps everything would have been different."

What difference would there have been?

Where did all these "perhaps" come from? Jingzhi couldn't help but think: it was this uncertain variable in her life that ruined her life… and perhaps You Yang's as well…

Now, she was back. In those five years, she had armed herself to the teeth; in those five years, she had completely changed herself!

Yes! Five years, everything was completely different!

Now, Jingzhi understood how naive and ignorant she had been back then, and how You Shiqun had taken advantage of her naivety and ignorance.

Yes, back then, she chose to despise him, forget him, and continue living as if nothing had ever happened.

But why was she back now?

Jingzhi clutched her laptop bag almost like a shield. For a moment, she seemed to want to abandon her plan to return home and run back to sunny Italy.

But she took a deep breath and calmed herself.

No, not this time!

The taxi sped along, quickly turning into the city and stopping in front of a quiet villa in the suburbs.

"Madam, we've arrived!"

The taxi driver's voice pulled Jingzhi from her reverie. She smiled apologetically at the driver and quickly paid the fare. The taxi left her and five huge designer suitcases behind and sped away.

"Ah! Jingzhi's back!" A surprised cry came from the yard. Jingzhi looked up and saw her mother first. Five years had passed, and her mother no longer looked as haggard as when she suffered from cancer. Her rosy face was adorned with a relieved smile.

"Jingzhi!" she cried out, "My little darling!"

Jingzhi released her bag and rushed into her mother's arms, hugging her tightly. Oh, this was her mother's embrace.

But her mother couldn't wait to let go of her, scrutinizing her from head to toe... until Jingzhi became embarrassed by her mother's gaze.

"You've grown up! My Jingzhi has become more and more beautiful!" Her mother beamed with joy. "You went abroad for five years, I didn't know how to use the internet, and I never saw what you looked like. Now, you've changed so much! If I saw you on the street, I wouldn't recognize you!"

"Mom!" Jingzhi sweetly pleaded with her mother, "Don't flatter me! Is my change that obvious? Do you think you wouldn't recognize your own daughter?"

"Believe me, your change is remarkable, sister!" A deep voice sounded behind Jingzhi, and she quickly turned around!

Was it Xue Ran? Jingzhi's eyes widened in surprise. The boy, or rather the man, standing before her was a head taller than her.

He was no longer the tall, thin little boy Jingzhi remembered, but a man with thick eyebrows, large eyes, a lean face, and a stern, cold, yet imposing presence!

"My God! Xue Ran!"

Jingzhi was almost shocked by his transformation. Xue Ran, barely in his early twenties, had completely shed his boyish naiveté. His healthy complexion and muscular arms suggested he often toiled under the sun.

"Sis!" Xue Ran, who had just been stern-faced, grinned childlike. He reached out and grabbed Jingzhi's shoulder, his long, slender fingers moving with an artist's grace: "You've become so beautiful! I really wouldn't recognize you on the street!"

"Haha!" Jingzhi punched him in the chest: "You naughty boy! No wonder I wanted to video chat with you online, but you refused. Haven't you changed a lot too? Tell me the truth, do you have a girlfriend?"

"Sis!" Xue Ran's expression suddenly froze, then he slowly smiled again, his face beaming with joy—and most importantly, pride: "No! There's no one I can find attractive! What about you, sis?"

"Same as you!" Jingzhi smiled.

Back then, Jingzhi wanted to help Xue Ran study abroad, but Xue Ran was determined not to go. At a young age, he skipped several grades and was admitted to the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University. He then went abroad for further studies with excellent grades.

A year ago, Xue Ran returned to China after completing his studies and became the youngest architect at a renowned domestic architectural firm. He participated in the design of several major domestic architectural projects!

As for Jingzhi, after using the money to treat her mother's illness, she went abroad. She didn't study finance or business; instead, she packed her bags and went to Italy to study art history…

For five years, sunny Italy healed Jingzhi's emotional wounds. The magnificent ancient Roman architecture and the brilliant Renaissance art allowed Jingzhi to observe the world from a completely new perspective!

Florence, Rome, Venice…

city after city, monastery after monastery, museum after museum—Jingzhi, like a wandering Bohemian, lingered in the temples of European art.

Xue Ran's architectural firm had taken on a major project: designing a modern office building. The client specifically requested an interior design in the style of ancient Rome!

Xue Ran suddenly thought of her sister, who was living in Italy, and invited her to return to China to help with the design, as she was very familiar with Italian history and historical sites.

Moreover, Xue Ran knew that if Jingzhi wasn't given a reason, she might never return to the city!

After settling her luggage in her room, Jingzhi took a shower, then slowly dried her hair and began inspecting the enormous amount of cosmetics and various dresses in her travel bag—her weapons and armor!

Dinner was sumptuous, but whether from nervousness or something else, Jingzhi had no appetite.

That night, Jingzhi suddenly dreamed of him. In the dream, she was lying on the bed in the wooden house, and in the darkness, that mysterious figure suddenly appeared.

Was it You Yang? It must be!

His groans sent shivers of excitement through her, a tidal wave of joy almost overwhelming her.

She could feel the familiar heat rising between her legs and the almost stinging, sweet anticipation within her!

Oh God, it was him, the man of her dreams!

His tongue skillfully teased her nipples until she hardened, unable to bear the torment.

The surge of desire he stirred within her made her impatient; the moment he entered her, she became another Jingzhi, the innocent eighteen-year-old girl struggling hopelessly in the darkness seemed to have returned. Finally, she clung to him, seeking that long-lost pleasure.

But at that moment, the room lights suddenly shone on, and she discovered that the man buried deep within her, the man who had given her ecstasy and pleasure—was none other than You Shiqun!

Jingzhi screamed awake, only to find herself safely lying in her bed at home, the sheets soaked with sweat. She hugged her pillow with a sigh of relief…

This nightmare, she hadn't had in a very, very long time!

Chapter 42 Forgotten.

The headquarters of the You Group, a building of about 15 stories, is located in the most bustling downtown area of the city. However, due to the continuous expansion of the group's business in recent years, this 15-story building is already overburdened.

Many subsidiaries and subordinate departments of the You Group are either crammed into the old building or rent office space on the other side of the city. In short, the most urgent task now is to build a new building!

Tie Yikun had just stepped out of the elevator on the 15th floor when he felt the workaholic atmosphere permeating the You Group headquarters building!

There wasn't a single company employee loitering in the entire 15-story corridor, nor were there any employees chatting in front of the elevators or photocopiers.

To be precise, everywhere there were busy, jogging employees, and everywhere there was the low hum of telephones, keyboards, and walkie-talkies.

Tie Yikun walked through the long corridor and arrived at the door of the You Group president's office. In the outer office sat a beautiful and sexy female secretary with a hot figure.

The top management of the You Group never used sexy female secretaries with hot figures...

He shook his head, feeling strange. Could this female secretary have been specially chosen for You Yang by his father?

You Shiqun, who has already relinquished the position of president and now only holds the nominal title of chairman, is almost completely uninvolved in the decision-making of the You Group.

To be honest, the newly promoted You Shiqun carries his adorable grandson everywhere he goes; those who don't know the situation might mistakenly believe the child is his.

Colleagues at the architecture firm are privately speculating that the child is You Yang's illegitimate son, apparently born to his mother who then sold him.

And You Yang, as the father, treats the child with icy indifference.

To be precise, You Yang is icy towards almost everyone. If he's satisfied with an employee's work, he'll treat them with polite indifference; if he's dissatisfied, then expect a scolding!

Even Tie Yikun, who has known him almost his entire life, has never seen him truly smile heartily in all these years.

"Excuse me, is President You inside?"

"Please wait a moment!" The beautiful secretary had a good temper and attitude. She pressed the intercom: "President You, Attorney Tie, whom you had an appointment with, has arrived!"

"Let him in!" You Yang's voice on the phone was brief and forceful.

Tie Yikun smiled at the secretary, then pushed open the door to the president's office. You Yang looked up and nodded coldly at him. He was on the phone, his expression icy.

"Alright! Everything will be done according to the board's decision!" He twirled a pen in his hand while on the phone. His desk and the area around his seat were piled high with all sorts of forms, models, drawings, designs, and reports. The sheer number of documents stacked up was enough to bury him.

You Yang, with the phone between his chin and a folder in each hand, nodded at him.

"Sit down, Uncle Tie!"

"Thank you!" Tie Yikun couldn't help but tease him: "Boss!"

"What did you say?" You Yang hung up the phone, threw the documents in his hand onto his desk, and leaned back in his comfortable office chair: "Uncle Tie, are you mocking me! Uncle Tie is a veteran of the board of directors, how could I be your boss?"

Actually, he never cared whether the chair was comfortable or not.

Over the years, You Shiqun had completely handed over the You Group to him to run alone, euphemistically calling it retirement. But his retirement kept You Yang extremely busy. You Yang had forgotten what a holiday was, and every day he opened his eyes to endless work.

To be precise, he had become accustomed to endless work, and whether his office chair was comfortable or not was completely irrelevant to him, because sometimes he was too busy to even sit down.

He had to rush to different cities for meetings and product launches. He tirelessly turned himself into the eye of a hurricane, and the employees around him initially thought that this young president was still in the novelty of taking office.

But one month, three months, six months, one year, three years, five years...

everyone finally believed that this young CEO wasn't just a passing fancy; he was a complete workaholic!

He never looked out the window, never looked at his office, never looked at his female secretary...

To be precise, his eyes saw nothing but work.

Tie Yikun even wondered curiously if You Yang would even remember he existed if they met on the street instead of in the office.

However, You Yang seemed to be in a good mood when he saw him: "Please, please don't call me boss! Is there something you need, Uncle Tie?"

"Sort of!" Tie Yikun handed him a few pages of documents across the table: "I've compiled some legal documents for the newly approved building site."

"Hmm, put it here, yes, on those two binders."

"You Yang, the work on your desk is enough for you to do for a year or two. Can't you choose some less important ones and delegate them to your assistant?"

You Yang's right hand, which was twirling a pen, stiffened. "No!"

"Forget it!" Tie Yikun sighed: "I think you're overdrawing your life! Why do you bury yourself in work? I've always felt..."

You Yang paused, looked up, and frowned slightly: "You know what? If my employee talked to me like that, I would have fired him long ago."

“Precisely because I’m not your employee, I’m just the company’s legal counsel,” Tie Yikun stared at him frankly, “that’s why I’m telling the truth! Damn it, You Yang! How old were you just now? Twenty-eight? Look at how hard you’re working now, I thought you were fifty and your father was twenty-eight!”

You Yang’s cold expression didn’t change: “He’s indeed doing well; retirement is good for his health.”

“Liar! It’s not his health that’s bad, it’s you!” Tie Yikun strode to the French windows and pulled back the thick curtains.

Blinding sunlight streamed into the room, instantly brightening the dark space: “Wake up! Don’t overdraw your life anymore, while you’re still young…”

“Stop talking!” You Yang’s tone was light. He stood up and slowly walked to Tie Yikun, their eyes meeting. “I haven’t overdrawn my life!” You Yang’s eyes were clear: “You must be mistaken!”

“I’m not mistaken!” Facing his calm and gloomy gaze, Tie Yikun didn’t back down. “You and your father are too alike. Neither of you wants to confide in anyone about anything that happens. But what I want to say is, why don’t you come back to normal? Why don’t you leave this room!”

“I’m perfectly normal now!” You Yang turned around, his gaze falling on a potted ivy on the table.

Tie Yikun immediately recognized the plant. It was one You Yang had brought back from the seaside villa, but it hadn’t been watered. Ivy is supposed to be a very resilient plant.

But a month, three months, six months, a year, three years, five years…

if it wasn’t watered…

these plants would have all withered long ago.

Those dry stems and leaves had silently sat on his desk for five years, without water, without care and love. What fate awaited them but withering?

Tie Yikun fell silent. He didn’t like You Yang’s current state, but he was powerless to help.

Back when he helped You Shiqun draft that agreement, he had already considered this possibility.

He knew You Yang would be hurt because he had once been such a kind and fragile child. However, he never imagined that You Yang would be unable to escape that shadow for so long.

"Uncle Tie! Thank you! I'm sorry..." You Yang sat back in the chair behind the desk, his lips pressed tightly together, his stubbornness resembling that of You Shiqun back then: "I have my own life, I chose my own life, please respect my life!"

Tie Yikun sighed. Since You Yang's car accident, the warmth in his eyes had vanished, and the unhealable wounds in his body were not because of that accident...

"Anyway, forget the past!" Tie Yikun patted his shoulder, and You Yang forced a slight smile. His gaze passed over Tie Yikun, as if seeing the scenery outside the window for the first time, gazing absently at the endlessly stretching landscape in the distance.

In the distance, one could see an ocean...

Chapter 43 An Encounter

Jingzhi rubbed her aching forehead.

Last night's dream was so real, although she didn't remember most of it, that dream had tormented her for many years.

Since leaving sunny Italy, she hadn't had a proper night's sleep.

What would Patrick say if he knew? He'd probably frown, then burst into laughter, his healthy, dark skin highlighting his pearly white teeth, complementing his dark brown curls and hazel-green eyes.

He'd give her an elegant, aristocratic bow, then take her hand and kiss it lightly: "You need sleep, madam..."

And right now, sleep was the last thing she needed!

Xue Ran had tricked her into coming back, promising her an interior design consultant position for a building, but upon her return, she discovered the building had only just begun design work and hadn't even started construction.

Now, Xue Ran had simply dumped her at home and disappeared.

Accustomed to her busy work schedule, now that she had some free time, she could feel her headaches getting worse.

She pushed aside a stack of books on the interior design of ancient Italian architecture on her desk. Since she came home, Xue Ran and she hadn't had a proper talk. Staying home like this all the time wasn't a good solution!

She went out for a walk. Having been away from this city for so long, all the familiar streets and scenery had changed. Skyscrapers had sprung up in the city center, and perfect overpasses made the city look more and more like an international metropolis.

Having grown accustomed to Italy's ancient Roman architecture, Jingzhi felt quite out of place in the bustling city center.

She didn't want to go to a large shopping mall, so she went to the most vibrant bookstore in the city center.

The bookstore was still as bustling as it had been when Jingzhi was in college, but everything had changed. Her classmates who used to shop there were gone. To be precise, in this metropolis of tens of millions, running into acquaintances was really difficult.

Jingzhi walked past rows of huge bookshelves, the strong air conditioning inside making her feel a little cold.

On Monday morning, the bookstore was relatively empty. Jingzhi walked past the literature section, and below her were rows of finance books…

Only one tall man stood in front of the finance bookshelves…

Jingzhi casually passed him. Beyond this area was the building's observation elevator, which could take her to the second floor or directly to the rooftop music bar!

However, as she brushed past the man, Jingzhi didn't notice that the man's hand, engrossed in turning pages, suddenly paused…

If, in this city, I don't know you, and you don't know me, even if we brush past each other, we might not even realize it.

But if you know me, and I know you, even if we just brush past each other, I would sense it, wouldn't I?

You Yang slowly closed the book, the slow movement as if he were handling a fragile piece of porcelain…

What was that scent he had just caught?

That familiar, faint fragrance?

You Yang whirled around, only to see the back of a graceful girl. A simple yet perfectly tailored black elegant dress accentuated her soft, slender waist, her slightly rounded hips, and her long legs…

In an instant, all his long-numbed senses seemed to awaken. That familiar fragrance—only one woman in the world could possess it!

Was it Jingzhi? Could it really be her?

He hesitated. How many times had this feeling caused him so much trouble in the year Jingzhi first disappeared?

Each time, it was filled with hope, only to be dashed!

But this time…

It was a viewing elevator; the side facing out of the building was transparent, while the side facing the building was no different from a regular elevator.

Jingzhi waited for the elevator to open, and as soon as she stepped inside, someone followed closely behind. That person was tall and broad-shouldered, making the small, transparent elevator feel crowded!

Jingzhi instinctively stepped back and turned to look at the scenery outside the elevator, but to her surprise, the elevator didn't stop on the second floor; instead, it skipped the second floor and continued upwards…

She quickly turned her head, but before she could see what was going on, the person behind her—the man—suddenly grabbed her shoulders and pulled her into an embrace!

In that moment of dizziness, Jingzhi forgot to struggle. This embrace…so warm!

But it was only a fleeting reaction. She desperately resisted the strong arms that were holding her body. The man pulled her completely into his arms, his arms wrapped around her, his legs spread wide to trap hers, practically pressing her against the transparent elevator wall.

Had she encountered a bad person?

Jingzhi struggled, but to no avail. She couldn't turn around; the glaring sunlight on the glass wall made it impossible for her to see anything reflected in the glass!

She only knew that this man was very strong, and that her current position must be incredibly awkward… pressed tightly against the glass wall by a man, the rapidly ascending elevator showed no sign of stopping!

"Wait, who are you!" Jingzhi tried her best to sound confident: "Don't joke around!"

"Hmph..." The man chuckled softly in her ear, his warm breath tickling the skin behind her ear.

The elevator suddenly stopped near the top floor. The man freed one hand, seemingly pulling out a card or something similar, and swiped it on the control panel…

The elevator doors opened silently, and before Jingzhi could even see clearly, the man dragged her into a dark corridor. The doors slammed shut, leaving her and the man completely in darkness! The man seemed to be able to see in the darkness; he pulled her forward, making her stumble and fall.

“Wait, who are you? What do you want?”

Jingzhi tried to scream for help, but as soon as she took a deep breath, a hand covered her mouth.

The man practically half-carried her, striding forward!

Jingzhi's Italian handmade high heels were now useless; she couldn't keep up with the man's pace and nearly fell several times.

Finally, they stopped in front of a room door. The man grabbed her with one arm, covering Jingzhi's mouth, and used a key card to swipe the dim red light on the door of the room in the darkness. The door opened, and she was pulled into the foyer of a luxuriously decorated hotel suite. The door slammed shut behind her.

Jingzhi still couldn't see who the man was. She struggled incessantly, but the man was too strong. She tried to scratch the hand covering her mouth with her nails, but the man only muttered a curse and then grabbed both of her hands with his other hand…

The difference in strength was so great that Jingzhi realized with despair that she was practically dragged into the room. Then she was lifted up, and the man's strong body, just like in the elevator, trapped her between himself and the wall by the door.

The foyer was still dark, and Jingzhi was being pressed against the wall by this man without any tenderness.

It's over! What is this man going to do?

Jingzhi desperately tried to regain her senses, but when this man grabbed her hands and pressed them against her chest with one hand, and covered her mouth with the other to stop her from crying out, his strong thighs pressed between her legs beneath her skirt, which had been pulled up as she struggled, her mind went blank!

Jingzhi's eyes widened; she could even feel the man's lower abdomen pressing intimately against her buttocks, and the slowly growing hot and hard swelling pressing tightly against her through the thin fabric between them!

Everything froze like that; he used his body, every hard muscle of his body, to firmly nail her soft body to the wall.

"Ugh..." Jingzhi desperately wanted to struggle but dared not, afraid that her struggle would only provoke the man to take further action. They remained locked in this stalemate, and Jingzhi felt like she was being driven mad!

The man who had captured and captivated her didn't seem to be in a hurry to go any further. He held her tightly, embracing her close, breathing in the faint fragrance emanating from her hair and her half-open collar...

It seemed that this man thoroughly enjoyed this ambiguous and intimate contact between them.

Chapter 44.

Jingzhi gasped for breath, waiting in vain and despair for his next move, but… he didn't move…

until Jingzhi heard faint footsteps in the hallway!

Was someone in the hallway?

She hurriedly turned her head, trying to break free from his hand covering her mouth and shout, but realized with despair that it was impossible.

This man was so strong. She could now recognize, even in the dim light, that they were in the foyer of a luxury suite. She couldn't give up this possible chance of rescue!

Help me! God!

In her anxiety, she almost began to pray like a devout Catholic, Patrick!

She struggled, desperately fighting against the hands gripping her wrists and the large hand covering her mouth… but he was too strong. She struggled until her last bit of strength was exhausted!

Helpless and almost collapsing, she could only watch helplessly as the footsteps faded into the distance. Oh God, was she really doomed to perish today?

Don't panic, don't panic!

Jingzhi focused intently, her mind racing. It seemed the only way forward was to feign weakness and then seek a turning point…

She decided to abandon all struggle, giving the man the illusion that she had given up.

Sure enough, when the corridor fell silent, his grip slowly loosened—or rather, he deliberately released her.

Jingzhi was momentarily disoriented. She steadied herself against the wall, then turned to face the man who had just violently abducted her. In the darkness, she couldn't see him clearly, but he couldn't see Jingzhi either!

He hadn't expected her to suddenly raise her knee and attack his sensitive area—thanks to her excellent performance in the women's riot police unit, even though the man noticed at the last moment and dodged, she still heard him let out a muffled groan of pain!

Hearing that groan, Jingzhi felt a savage pleasure surge through her.

But before she could struggle further, the man swiftly grabbed her wrist again, his body pressing her against the wall once more—this time, face to face!

Their bodies were pressed so close…so close that Jingzhi could feel the scorching heat emanating from beneath his thin shirt.

Jingzhi freed her right hand and reached for his face, but he dodged. He quickly grabbed her right hand again, this time without covering her mouth. Jingzhi took a deep breath, intending to scream for help.

But, at that moment, she suddenly saw his face clearly in the dim light of the room—You Yang?

She was stunned.

Was it You Yang? Or not?

The man's expression was too melancholy, thin and cold, lacking the gentle lines of You Yang's face, only indifference and… anger…

This was You Yang? She opened her mouth in disbelief, forgetting all about screaming and struggling.

Disheveled hair fell across his forehead, and the cold lines of his face became a silhouette in the darkness. The expression on his face made Jingzhi feel extremely dangerous!

He wasn't You Yang! Although this man looked like him, it definitely wasn't him…

because she had never seen such a smile before. Those extremely handsome lips were You Yang's, but that devilish, mocking smile wasn't his!

She was going crazy! She must be dreaming!

But before she could confirm whether it was real or a dream, he moved swiftly, stepping forward and grabbing her. His head lowered, his lips, cold and stern, sealed hers…

But the next moment, he abruptly raised his head, a trickle of blood seeping from his lips!

"Damn it! What do you think you're doing?" His voice was filled with fury. He grabbed her hands, pinning them to the wall above her head, and his body pressed against hers, so easily… she was now completely under his control!

"I should be asking you!" Jingzhi said angrily, "What do you think you're doing?"

"I know what I'm doing!"

You Yang wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his free hand, his expressionless eyes fixed on hers, unwavering. "I'm afraid you don't know what you're doing!"

"Let go of me!" Jingzhi was thankful she could still maintain her composure, tears welling in her eyes. "I'm not a casual woman, I don't play games with you!"

What was wrong with her? This strange man... this man wasn't You Yang!

“A game?” You Yang’s tone was gentle. He raised his hand, his rough, calloused fingertips gliding across her cheek, gently lifting her chin. “You know, I’ve never played games all these years, but now… today, at this moment! I’m just doing something that makes me happy, the only thing that lets me know I’m still alive all these years!”

“What…”

Before Jingzhi could react, his lips cruelly covered hers again, forcing her to part them, his tongue punishingly invading her lips.

At the same time, his hand swept down to her waist, lifting her buttocks, and through the thin fabric of her lifted dress, his fingers gently probed into her panties.

“Mmm…” Jingzhi resisted his intrusion with all her might, but she couldn’t resist his relentless, persistent abuse of every sensitive part of her body. To be precise, her helplessness and resistance only further aroused the desire buried beneath You Yang’s anger.

"No!" Jingzhi sensed his intentions in a panic. She resisted, but he wouldn't allow her to. He carried her across the hall and into the suite.

Then, when Jingzhi saw the enormous bed in the room, she suddenly stopped struggling!

You Yang's fingers felt her body trembling. She clung to him in terror, futilely trying to avoid looking.

"Don't be shy!" You Yang whispered in her ear, "You want it just like me!"

Jingzhi froze. She wanted to say "no!"

But she knew as well as You Yang that she needed a stronger defense than saying "no" to escape this impending fate. But did she really want to escape?

Time seemed to freeze. She stood there stunned for a long time before remembering to struggle. She struggled in his arms, but You Yang held her tightly around the waist.

He practically threw her onto the bed, his tall body then covering her, pinning her down despite her resistance.

Jingzhi's gaze met his: "You're just proving you're stronger than me!"

"Take off your clothes!" You Yang clamped her waist with his legs, restraining her struggles, and commanded her!

To be precise, his clothes were just as disheveled as hers! However, her skirt had already been torn in the struggle, and she had also lost one of her shoes in the struggle.

"I will never, and never will, ever undress in front of any man!" Jingzhi raised her chin, her throat choked with sobs. "Let me go!"

"Won't?" You Yang grabbed her arms, pressing them against either side of her head. He lowered his head and whispered in her ear, commanding again,

"Take off your clothes! If you don't, if you don't obey my orders now, I have no reason to show you mercy. Besides, this isn't the first time for either of us, and I'm not your first man, so what are you pretending for..."

"You're not human!" Jingzhi stared at him blankly. "You're not the person I know, I don't know you! I can't stop you from doing what you want, but I won't cooperate with you!"

The anger she stirred within him, the anger of unfulfilled desire, made him deliberately ignore her resistance. He ripped off her thin dress, completely disregarding the sound of the silk fabric tearing.

Then he stopped. For the first time, in the soft natural light, he saw her almost completely naked body.

The beautiful pale pink lace lingerie accentuated her fair skin, making her full breasts stand erect beneath the silk fabric. And then there was the small patch of silk fabric between her legs, which she desperately tried to close!

You Yang grabbed her hands as she tried to cover herself, his knees pressing between her thighs. In an instant, he was aroused, desperately craving her lubrication and warmth.

"No, no, you can't!" Jingzhi weakly resisted, but her resistance was futile.

You Yang laughed hoarsely, "It's too late. I've waited five years for this day! Let me in!"

His face was buried in her neck. "Let me in!"

Jingzhi was terrified by the naked desire in his voice. She forgot to resist, letting him tear away the small piece of fabric. Then, like a raging lion, he plunged into her already wet and slippery body!

He thrust into her with insatiable thirst; she was so soft, moist, and hot, and she clung to him tightly.

The tight embrace Jingzhi gave him only fueled his desire. You Yang no longer cared about gentleness or tenderness; he lifted her buttocks to accommodate his thrusting movements, the intense action causing Jingzhi to cry out in pain.

"Love..." he murmured in her ear, "Let me love you!"

Chapter 45 Desire

Jingzhi could feel the weight and heat of the body pressing against her; the almost unfamiliar intrusion filled her with panic and helplessness! She turned her head away, trying not to look at him, but she couldn't ignore the desire You Yang was stirring within her… Jingzhi could feel

his anger. God, what had she done to make him hate her so much?

Was it not to his liking that she took the money and left?

Now, Jingzhi could feel his anger, and the desire that followed!

And this desire was gradually affecting her…

She had hoped that she would become stronger over the years, that she had matured enough to face the past and never again break down and cry because of the baby that had been taken from her, but…

everything was wrong. She didn't know why this chance encounter had stirred up such strong emotions in You Yang. God, this was rape! This was rape by a force of overwhelming odds!

Jingzhi could only try to remain still, not reacting to his actions. God! She needed a strong force to support her through this ordeal.

But…

tears streamed down Jingzhi's cheeks. Clearly, You Yang wouldn't allow her to remain unresponsive to his lovemaking!

"Look at me!" He turned her face, satisfied with the tears glistening in her eyes. "You're crying? That proves you're not a cold stone statue after all!"

He reached out and wiped away her tears. "To be precise, I misspoke just now. I'm not your first man, but I'm going to make you understand that I'm going to be your last man!"

Jingzhi was stunned by his words. "What are you saying?"

"You heard me!" You Yang lifted her chin. "Or, in a way, although you weren't a virgin then… I'm sure you didn't have much experience, did you?"

"I won't answer your pointless question!" Jingzhi stubbornly turned her head away, not wanting to see the smug look on his face anymore.

“Don’t do this,” You Yang’s tone softened. “Have you forgotten that child? Our child?”

Jingzhi froze, slowly turning her head, her incredulous gaze fixed on his face. “You…you’re the child’s father? No…

not You Shiqun?” Jingzhi finally got the answer from You Yang.

“The child’s father is me!” You Yang smiled slightly. “Didn’t you know when you took the money?”

“How could I know…” Jingzhi turned her face away in humiliation once again. Even now, she still couldn’t see You Yang and that man in the shadows as the same person!

“Then, I’ll help you remember!”

Jingzhi could feel his warm hand caressing her sensitive chest. She didn’t understand what the sudden, unbelievable tenderness in his tone meant.

"Do you remember?" You Yang's voice was deep and magnetic. "I said I didn't want you to leave me?"

"Mmm..."

"But what did you do?" You Yang grasped her soft breasts with both hands. "You left me when I was unconscious, took the money, and left behind our premature and weak child. Do you know what kind of agreement you signed?"

He tightened his grip on her soft breasts. "Do you know how I feel when I think about you not wanting this child, not wanting me...?"

"Ah!" Jingzhi cried out in pain, tears streaming down her face. "Let go! It was your father who made me leave. Besides, the child is so small. Even if I wanted to leave with the child, I couldn't!"

"Liar! You want to get rid of the child, get rid of me, don't you? Hmm? You're afraid I'll become a vegetable, unable to take care of myself, aren't you?" You Yang moved slowly inside her, each thrust hitting her hard.

"You forgot your promise to wait for me? You..." He sighed, releasing his grip on her breasts and instead kissing her sensitive nipples with his lips.

She closed her eyes in despair, resignedly awaiting his further torment and manipulation. Yes, he was tormenting and manipulating her; surely he wasn't caressing her?

But, to her surprise, his movements became gentle.

He slowly withdrew from her, the kisses continuing, tracing the curves of her breasts downwards…

What was he doing? Jingzhi was terrified, not knowing what to do. She thought she would die of shock.

She struggled to sit up, but to no avail. She tried in vain to close her legs, but he had already kissed between her legs. His strong hands gripped her thighs, opening her up before his eyes…

“We've already had a child, there's nothing to be ashamed of, but I really find it strange… you don't seem to use your beautiful, mature body often?”

This was a blatant insult. Jingzhi sensed the sour tone in his voice; he seemed dissatisfied with what he had seen.

She didn't understand what he was dissatisfied with, and she didn't want to know!

Now, all she wanted was for him to stop observing her so closely, like a researcher examining a specimen. She was utterly humiliated by the way he had forced her into this position.

She would do anything to escape this awkward situation.

"Let me go, you pervert!" Jingzhi struggled many times, but he stubbornly refused to let go. She began to tremble; the feeling of being nakedly observed and toyed with was worse than being killed!

"Close your eyes," You Yang murmured, "I don't want to see the eyes of an innocent little rabbit. I know you're not an innocent little rabbit!"

Then he began to caress the sensitive skin between her legs. When his fingers pressed against her sensitive little core, touching her softness, she couldn't help but feel her legs go weak.

“Admit it! Your body has betrayed you!” You Yang slowly entered her again. “Even though we haven’t seen each other for five years, you’ve always been ready for me!”

Jingzhi felt him slowly filling her, confused. This time, there was no roughness or wildness, but every slow and firm movement was enough to drive her crazy… It was an unprecedented pleasure!

Jingzhi stared in surprise at his sweaty chest, his hoarse moans in her ears. She had forgotten how to resist. The captivating rhythm You Yang played between them brought her to a completely new, unimaginable, and beautiful realm.

Orgasm!

An orgasm that felt like near-death swept over them. When Jingzhi regained her senses, You Yang was limp in her arms, her legs wrapped around his waist…

After a while, when Jingzhi regained her senses, she saw You Yang’s smug, smiling eyes. She wished she had never woken up!

She desperately tried to tell herself that this was just rape!

He did force himself on her at first, but in the end, she actually cooperated with him?

The first time was rape, but the second time wasn't…

“You're hurting me!” Jingzhi complained.

You Yang chuckled, rolled over, and pulled the sheet over them both: “Believe me, if possible, I'll do it again!”

Jingzhi shut her mouth in fear, not daring to provoke him, even when he possessively held her in his arms, she didn't dare struggle.

She didn't know how much time had passed, but the sky gradually darkened, and Jingzhi drifted off to sleep.

Unexpectedly, You Yang suddenly woke up from his sleep!

“Damn it!”

Jingzhi opened her eyes in surprise, gritting her teeth as she said, “I forgot to bring a condom. Are you in your safe period these past few days?”

Jingzhi shook her head. Their eyes met, and You Yang narrowed his eyes. Their bodies were still intimately intertwined, and the wetness between her legs reminded her that the recent revelry might have serious consequences!

"Don't worry!" Jingzhi's cold words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his face: "I just finished my period, there won't be any aftereffects!"

"Is that so?" You Yang propped himself up on one arm: "Then how do you explain the pregnancy last time? I think I gave you birth control pills."

"I threw it up!" Jingzhi closed her eyes: "Please, I'm going to sell the child for money, how could I let you succeed?"

"Yeah! I forgot!" You Yang's body stiffened at his words: "I don't have any money this time!"

Before she could turn around, he spread her legs from behind and suddenly entered her. Jingzhi groaned as he invaded her without warning.

He held her from behind, penetrating her from a completely new angle, the slow and violent thrusting almost overwhelming her.

"Ugh... let me go!" Jingzhi twisted her body, trying to break free, but he couldn't bear a moment's pause.

"Do you really want me to stop?" he whispered in her ear: "This time, it's your decision!"

Jingzhi froze, pride and common sense telling her to say, "Stop, I don't want to!"

But deep within her, a primal urge defied her reason; she wanted him! She wanted him inside her!

"Say it! Do you want it or not?" You Yang's large hand caressed her lower abdomen: "One word!"

Jingzhi's lips moved slightly: "Yes!"

Just that one word...

shattered all of You Yang's control!

He cried out, continuing to thrust deeper and harder, one thrust after another.

Sometime later, the position changed from rear-entry to face-to-face. What began as simple pleasure slowly transformed into a more intense, almost tormenting, ecstasy.

Jingzhi felt like she was in the eye of a storm; she had no choice but to cling to him, her nails leaving bloody marks on his back...

She no longer knew why she had uttered that "yes," but once it was said, it meant she had to endure and repay everything he had given her—without reservation.

The gradually building tremor seeped deeper and deeper, the spasms almost making her lose her ability to breathe, and everything before her eyes became blurry...

You Yang also fainted in that instant, his entire weight pressing down on her, everything frozen except for his pounding heart reminding Jingzhi that he was still alive!

After an unknown amount of time, the room was completely plunged into darkness, You Yang groaned, reluctantly holding her as he turned her over, letting her lie on top of him, and then held her tightly in his arms.

Jingzhi's cheek pressed against his chest, her throat choked with sobs, afraid to cry out. Everything was so similar—darkness, fiery passion, close yet unfamiliar hearts…

desolate and hopeless…

“Stay!” You Yang gently stroked her: “Let me have you, forever!”

Jingzhi moved her lips, wanting to say something, but it seemed there was nothing to say, nothing that should be said.

She suddenly realized that their relationship was no longer just about sleeping together. What exactly was their relationship? She had to figure this out.

Chapter 46 Escape

“Jingzhi!” You Yang whispered in her ear: “Stay, promise me…let me have you…”

Stay? He said, “Stay, let me have you…”

Jingzhi closed her eyes. She knew he was sincere, but…

the Jingzhi of today was no longer the ignorant child she once was. She couldn't forget, couldn't forget how she had humiliated herself by signing that terrible agreement.

Child… she had been a foolish child back then, but she wasn't anymore.

"Why stay?" Jingzhi asked cautiously. "Aren't you afraid I'm back to cling to you on purpose, just to get more money? Aren't you afraid it's because of that child…?"

"Money? Money is no problem!" You Yang chuckled, planting a kiss on her sensitive spot behind her ear. "Tell me how much you want! Tell me what you want… As for the child, Daddy really likes that child. If you want it, we'll have another one!"

Jingzhi stared blankly at him. He had truly changed. He was smiling, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. He said he would give her whatever she wanted, but… when he talked about the child she had almost risked her life to give birth to, his nonchalant attitude was as if he were discussing an insignificant piece of furniture…

What she wanted, he could never give her!

Now, You Yang held her, his smile full of expectation. Yes, he was expecting her to agree, because he believed she would!

His confident smile was like that of a king promising her favor.

She had to find an excuse immediately, an excuse to refuse him!

“No!” she replied, “I don’t belong to you! I… I have a fiancé, we’re getting married soon!”

“Will you say something?” You Yang’s voice suddenly became hoarse!

“I’m getting married!” Jingzhi avoided his gaze: “So, please forget about today, please let me go!”

“Get married?” You Yang repeated softly, then he rolled over and pinned her beneath him: “Look me in the eyes and tell me again!”

“I’m getting married soon!” Jingzhi looked directly into his eyes, enunciating each word clearly: “So, please let me go!”

You Yang quickly got up and dressed, his hands trembling uncontrollably. He controlled himself from looking at the woman lying in the messy, tangled sheets.

Xue Jingzhi, he thought she had completely left his life, but he was wrong!

Why did he have to meet her again?

He thought his desire for her beautiful body was because they had been separated for so long!

But… this intense lovemaking only made him crave her more!

And Jingzhi, in the heat of passion, responded to him so passionately that it almost drove him mad! It even surpassed his wildest dreams.

He couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache as he recalled the Jingzhi of the past, that simple, unassuming girl carrying his child (even though he didn't know it was his at the time). She had such pure and gentle eyes; how innocent she was back then!

And now? This passionate woman—she's a mature woman now. You Yang closed his eyes. Where had she been all these years?

Although her initial reaction to him was still so innocent, but… yes, he knew that in the years Jingzhi had been gone, there must have been men who saw and fell in love with her beauty!

His heart clenched. How many different men had her beautiful body belonged to?

He suddenly thought of Wu Yanya, and that club!

He gasped, trying to banish that terrible thought from his mind, but a terrifying image—the image of Jingzhi lying in some man's arms—made him instantly consumed by jealousy!

He silently stood up, gazing at her still lying on the bed. "Your fiancé actually let you go out alone; he really spoils you!"

"He's not in this city right now!" Jingzhi tried to keep her expression natural. "We're both adults. Let's forget what just happened!"

"I can't forget! But I'll try my best!" You Yang looked at her expressionlessly, the smile long gone from his face. He was back to the person he was before he met Jingzhi.

Actually, his true feelings were that he didn't want to leave the sheets still stained with their intimate scent. He wanted to make love to her again, fall asleep with her, wake her up, and do it again.

But she said she was getting married?

He could feel his desire slowly hardening and burning again, but… he would never touch this woman again!

He thought that once he saw her and finally possessed her body, she would obediently return. But she said she was getting married?

To be precise, she'd rather lie in another man's arms, she'd rather be with another man than come back to him—this harsh reality spurred him on!

He pulled an unlimited credit card from his pocket and threw it into her lap!

Jingzhi stared blankly at the card between her breasts. "What's this?"

You Yang watched her struggle to pick up the card; her beautiful bare shoulders and half-covered breasts sent a shiver down his spine.

But he struggled to suppress the rising desire: "A congratulatory gift for you!" He then pulled out a wad of hundred-yuan bills and tossed them at her, the scattered notes fluttering and landing on her beautiful, graceful body!

“I think I’m paying compensation! I’ll forget what just happened, of course, your lovely fiancé has trained you very well… to please men!”

Jingzhi gasped, clutching the tangled silk sheet tightly to her chest. “Take your money! I don’t want that filthy stuff!”

“Filthy?” You Yang’s cold gaze slowly slid over her body… beneath the thin sheet lay her beautiful, naked body. If he wanted, he could have her again… countless times!

“Believe me, no one dislikes money!” He desperately ignored his inner pain. “Consider it compensation for your torn clothes! If this isn’t enough, you can use that card! The PIN is simple: six 7s!”

Jingzhi slowly shook her head. This devilish man had utterly humiliated her. She raised her chin, tears welling in her eyes, but she didn’t cry. Now, she was even more certain that her lie was correct!

She never wanted to have anything to do with You Yang again!

“Okay! Then, please leave for a moment, I need to get up!”

You Yang nodded stiffly: “Okay, there’s a phone by the bed, you can call the department store and tell them your clothes size! Have them send them over…” He gave the room number, then turned and left without staying a minute longer.

The clothes she ordered arrived quickly. While she washed and dressed, You Yang politely waited in the living room, and then insisted on seeing her to a taxi.

Jingzhi left the card and the wad of cash untouched in front of the bathroom mirror; she didn't want to return them to him in person.

Now, she had finally left him safely!

She had thought that if she saw him again, it would only be a fleeting smile, but she never expected this chance encounter to turn into nearly ten hours of passionate time.

After the passion subsided, what followed was frustration, longing, panic, and confusion—emotions that dominated and gnawed at her, along with an uncontrollable resentment.

He loved her body, but loving only her body wasn't enough!

She remembered the agreement You Shiqun had tricked her into signing—not to try to approach the child's father again for any reason.

If she had naively believed that You Yang would love her, the result of her relationship with him would have been You Shiqun using that agreement to humiliate her.

After everything she had been through, Jingzhi wouldn't allow herself to fall into that humiliation again; this was the main reason she rejected You Yang!

Just as she was leaving You Yang, he grabbed her: "Think about it again! You can't go against your body!"

His other hand moved down her waist, supporting her buttocks and pressing her tightly against his erection: "Come back with me. I'm going to exhaust you. We'll never get out of that bed again. To be precise, I can't wait any longer. Come on! Come back with me and let your ridiculous fiancé go to hell!"

"No!" Jingzhi shook her head firmly. She got into a taxi and closed the door!

As the taxi drove away, Jingzhi saw You Yang standing there blankly in the rearview mirror. Jingzhi forced herself to tell herself—the pleasure just now was nothing more than the desire between an adult man and woman. She couldn't let desire control her! She didn't want to lose herself again!

When Jingzhi got out of the taxi and staggered into the villa's courtyard, she was completely exhausted.

Her aching muscles reminded her that she had just experienced the most perfect yet most empty sex.

Chapter 47 Invitation

Jingzhi leaned her head against the villa's gate, the cold wrought-iron railings gradually cooling her feverish mind.

She slowly calmed her uncontrollable trembling; she was so afraid! Afraid that she had impulsively agreed to You Yang's suggestion.

"Sister!" Suddenly, a familiar voice came from a corner of the yard in the darkness.

Jingzhi was startled and turned around to see Xue Ran emerging from the darkness behind her.

"Xue Ran? What are you doing here?"

Xue Ran's tall figure loomed over Jingzhi, who took a step back and looked up at him.

Xue Ran's expression was hidden in the darkness. He took another step forward, so close that Jingzhi could smell a faint scent of cigarettes on him.

“Sister,” Xue Ran’s voice hesitated, trembling slightly, “Where did you go? Why are you back so late? Do you know how worried I was?”

Jingzhi blushed, thankfully the darkness concealed everything. “I’m sorry, I went to the bookstore and ran into someone I know…”

“Wait, sister!” Xue Ran reached out and grasped her slender shoulders. “Don’t say anything!”

Jingzhi tilted her head back, and then everything happened in an instant.

Xue Ran wrapped his arms around her waist, pulled her into his embrace, and turned her to the shadowy corner by the door, pressing her against the wall.

Before Jingzhi could react, Xue Ran had already lowered his head and kissed her!

“Mmm…” Jingzhi froze, then her hands pushed against Xue Ran’s chest, desperately turning her head to try and escape…

But Xue Ran not only didn’t let go, his kiss deepened!

"Xue Ran!" Jingzhi finally turned her head and broke free. "Are you crazy?"

"No! I'm not crazy!" Xue Ran lowered his head and kissed her again. His lips gently touched hers, but his arms tightened firmly. Jingzhi was pressed against the wall, unable to find the strength to break free from his embrace.

Jingzhi was stunned. He was Xue Ran, her brother! But he was kissing her?

Yes, he was kissing her! He kissed her firmly and persistently.

The lingering feeling made it seem as if she was the woman he loved most in his life! Slow and firm, Xue Ran's kiss was not as urgent as You Yang's, nor as gentlemanly and harmless as Patrick's.

Xue Ran seemed to be slowly savoring her, seeing if he could gain more response from her?

Patrick had once said that she lacked passion and was like an ice queen!

"You must have someone else in your heart!" Patrick shook his head, smiling after kissing her. "Want me to help you melt?"

"No!"

She actually stood there blankly, letting her brother kiss her? She really was crazy!

The thought was like a bucket of cold water poured over her head, instantly sobering Jingzhi up!

She quickly opened her eyes, her breath coming in short gasps, and pushed him away! What was wrong with her? She had never imagined such a thing would happen.

Xue Ran finally took a step back this time, but he still held her close.

Jingzhi looked up and met his gaze. Jingzhi pushed his chest away with her hands, trying to keep her distance. Xue Ran smiled, and Jingzhi could see his snow-white teeth gleaming in the darkness.

"Xue Ran, what are you doing! Why..." Jingzhi was embarrassed by his laughter!

But Xue Ran laughed out loud instead, "There's no why, because kissing you is something I've wanted to do ever since you came back."

The cool moonlight had somehow shifted from the shadow of the large tree and shone on Jingzhi and Xue Ran.

Xue Ran could see the sudden hurt and surprise in Jingzhi's eyes, and his gaze swept down over her alluring, full lips that he had just kissed.

"I'm your sister!" Jingzhi was terrified. "How could you?"

"Shh!" Xue Ran hugged Jingzhi tightly. "You are my sister, that's true, but we're not related by blood!"

He held Jingzhi's shoulders. "You know, I knew you weren't my biological sister when I was very young. I watched you grow more and more beautiful every day, and I thought to myself, when I grow up, I will definitely marry you!" "

Xue Ran!" Jingzhi interrupted him, but he didn't want to be interrupted.

"When I was a child, I often dreamed of kissing you." He confessed softly. "You are so beautiful, so gentle, I love you, Jingzhi!" Jingzhi

was shocked by his declaration! She didn't know how to answer...

Xue Ran lowered his head, staring at her beautiful, fragrant black hair. "Do you remember? I asked you to wait for me for five years? To wait for me to grow up?"

His fingers gently combed through her soft hair, then he cupped the back of her head and pulled her into his arms again.

Jingzhi was so shocked she was incoherent: "I...I didn't...I never..."

"Yes, you never even considered that!" Xue Ran sighed softly. "You never did anything to encourage me to think that way either. But, when I...watched you get pregnant with another man's child to save your mother..."

Child!

The word Xue Ran uttered suddenly struck Jingzhi's ears, and she froze!

Child...her child...

Oh my god, she just rejected You Yang. How could she forget that if she rejected You Yang, she would never have the chance to see her child? That lovely, chubby little life—every time she thought of him, her heart would clench.

...Her child.

"Sister! You could never guess what I was thinking back then. You were pregnant with that man's child. You had no idea how a fifteen-year-old boy silently watched your every move, fantasizing that the child you were carrying was mine..."

Jingzhi was startled by his words. She could feel Xue Ran's hand move from the back of her head and then cup her chin. "I swore from that moment that I wanted you! I wanted you to be the mother of my child!"

"Xue Ran!" Jingzhi couldn't break free from him, but she turned her face away from his hand. "Your thinking is wrong! I am your sister, I have always been, and I always will be! These thoughts of yours are only because you are too young. If you had a girlfriend, that would be much better!"

"Wait! Sister! I didn't mean to scare you with this declaration!" Xue Ran chuckled softly. "Now I have the ability and the means to pursue you. I just want you to know that from now on, I will call you 'Jingzhi' instead of 'sister'!" Jingzhi

realized he had let go of her, and she gestured to stop him. "No, if you don't call me sister, Mom will be strange!"

"No!" Xue Ran grabbed her. "Mom won't be strange. I've already told Mom that I want to pursue you!"

"Xue Ran, did you tell Mom?" Jingzhi was terrified. Xue Ran had actually told her mother…

Xue Ran smiled and released her. "Yes! So, please accept my invitation to be my date. Tomorrow, my company is sending me to a charity ball hosted by a client. It requires a date, and if you don't come, I'll lose face going alone!"

He didn't wait for Jingzhi's reply, simply shoving an invitation into her hand, saying goodbye, and then leaping across the path in the yard, disappearing into the garden behind the house.

Jingzhi stood there, stunned. She had never imagined that Xue Ran would be so impulsive, so bold as to kiss her and confess his youthful fantasies.

Jingzhi had never imagined that Xue Ran would harbor such complex and perplexing feelings for her.

He had always been an excellent student, but a quiet and reserved boy. He had always called her "sister," but did he love her? She had never even considered it.

Everything was in chaos! Jingzhi raised her hand to touch her lips, realizing with worry that she was in trouble!

Xue Ran is too young. He must have mistaken his teenage infatuation for love. She didn't want to give Xue Ran too many illusions. Should she move out?

Pushing open the tightly closed door, she saw a dim spotlight shining in front of the dressing mirror in the entryway. She stopped in front of the mirror.

Jingzhi in the mirror had changed a lot compared to her younger self. She was thinner, and her eyes seemed larger. In the dim light, she stared blankly at her pale face.

Then, the stiff card in her hand reminded her. She held up the card; it was a beautifully crafted card with gold lettering, an invitation to a charity auction ball. Her gaze fell on the signature at the end of the invitation, three bold, flowing characters—You Shiqun!

Chapter 48 The Ball

Someone once said that charity in China is now a fashion trend!

In earlier years, even wealthy people in China would conduct charitable acts very discreetly.

Because the unwritten rule was: don't flaunt your wealth!

But nowadays, glamorous balls are no longer just scenes from Hollywood blockbusters. The concept of charity has been integrated into the culture of many companies, who use it to expand their brand awareness.

Therefore, government officials, real estate tycoons, movie stars, and sports celebrities frequently appear at various charity balls.

This phenomenon is easy to understand: when charity becomes a fashionable and trendy event, it immediately attracts those who consider it their duty to follow suit—this is the herd mentality.

So, as someone once said, establishing a charitable concept is extremely difficult, but shaping charitable behavior is much easier.

These celebrities or tycoons will auction off their donated luxury cars and expensive jewelry at the auction after the ball, or buy their favorite items for auction, distributing vast sums of money in the name of charity amidst envious or admiring glances.

Attending these numerous balls not only enhances the brand awareness of companies and individuals but also labels the company as actively involved in social welfare—why not?

It was a renowned five-star hotel in the city. When Xue Ran led Jingzhi into the venue, the party had just begun. Under the low-hanging night sky, dazzling lights, elegant music, and exquisite food filled the air – a truly glamorous spectacle!

Jingzhi looked with a slight amusement at the gathering of celebrities and business tycoons – this charity ball was practically turning into a stage for the elite to flaunt their wealth. Xue Ran,

arm in arm with Jingzhi, calmly walked through the crowd. He knew his beautiful dance partner had attracted a lot of attention, which was one of the reasons for his pride and joy.

The tall and handsome Xue Ran, paired with Jingzhi in her captivating pale purple gown, made strangers unable to help but admire their perfect couple.

Jingzhi's designer handmade gown was one of her few luxury items; its fitted yet understated cut and ankle-length skirt accentuated her slender waist and perfect bust.

Everyone who knew Xue Ran found an excuse to strike up a conversation with him, all hoping he would introduce them to the beautiful woman beside him!

Xue Ran smiled and introduced Jingzhi to everyone: "My girlfriend! Her name is Jingzhi!" Jingzhi

was startled by his introduction but couldn't explain. Xue Ran firmly put his arm around her waist: "Don't talk too much. This is just a social gathering. What kind of older sister accompanies her younger brother? Just consider it a rehearsal!"

Jingzhi couldn't resist him and could only whisper, "Just this once!"

Xue Ran smiled and then tightened his grip on her cold fingers.

Jingzhi didn't actually want to come, but You Shiqun's signature on the invitation kept her up all night.

You Yang had said that his father loved that child very much!

Her child, her flesh and blood…

How could she forget that indelible bond?

Even though Jingzhi had tried to forget for so many years, as soon as she closed her eyes, she could feel that tiny baby suckling at her breast…

When she left the hospital, she missed that child so much she was almost going crazy!

And the milk flowing from her swollen breasts every day reminded her of the child's existence.

To forget the child, she desperately hypnotized herself every day—no child, no child, it was an illusion…

Now, beneath Jingzhi's exquisite makeup and dazzling appearance, she was actually a young mother with a fragile heart, longing to see her precious baby, yet daring not to even dream of it!

Moreover, her meeting with You Yang the day before had only intensified her longing for the child whose appearance had become blurred—to be precise, her life as a young mother consisted only of eight months of pregnancy and a little over a month of gazing at each other through an incubator.

Five years had passed; she had deliberately downplayed her longing for that child, but after meeting You Yang, that longing, like a small spark, had reignited!

She should have stayed far away from the You family, but to see that child one more time, she couldn't care less!

"Jingzhi," Xue Ran handed her a glass of juice, "You don't look too good."

Jingzhi took the glass and took a small sip, sighing inwardly. Xue Ran stubbornly insisted on treating her as his girlfriend. She knew she shouldn't encourage him, but if she missed tonight, how could she find another opportunity?

She didn't know what would happen during the hour-long banquet tonight. The moment Jingzhi and Xue Ran entered the ballroom, she would inevitably face Xue Ran's friends and strangers curious about her identity.

Among these people might be You Yang, and… You Shiqun.

And was she ready to face them?

Before the charity gala began, there was the routine press interview.

When You Shiqun, the chairman of the You Group, appeared before the reporters, You Yang, the president, was not present. However, the reporters were not discouraged, because compared to the younger You Yang, who never showed any interest in the media, You Shiqun had a better demeanor in cooperating with the media.

A beautiful female reporter was the first to get You Shiqun's permission to ask a question. She first acknowledged his courtesy in prioritizing ladies, then elegantly produced the auction catalog, the cover featuring a diamond necklace:

"Mr. You, we've all heard that you've donated a diamond necklace that once belonged to your wife for this auction? We heard it's quite valuable!"

"Perhaps!" You Shiqun said casually.

The reporter smiled: "Of course, for you, that necklace might not mean much, but could you give us a reference price?"

"Around two million!"

"That's actually a conservative estimate!" The reporter's eyes shone with a smile: "You're very generous for charity!" "

Is that so? I don't think so. If that necklace were converted into cash, it could help more impoverished girls who can't afford to go to school. Perhaps... my wife would be even happier!"

He didn't allow the reporter to say anything more, nodded, and ended the interview, turning and leaving.

You Yang didn't appear!

To avoid unnecessary small talk with the attendees, he retreated to a corner of the ballroom, casually sipping a glass of champagne.

He had attended hundreds of similar charity banquets to date, often finding such occasions tedious. However, this wasn't his purpose for being there today; he was waiting to see the woman he had always longed to see!

From his vantage point, he had a panoramic view, casually scanning the bustling crowd while subconsciously searching for her…

She would come, he knew, and he had waited five years!

Soon, as the surging crowd dispersed, he saw her. She stood gracefully in a corner of the ballroom, her back to him, but he recognized her instantly!

After five years apart, he had assumed she would still be the same naive and fragile girl, with the expression and eyes of a frightened animal.

He had always worried that pushing her away all these years, letting her wander and struggle alone, was a mistake.

But when he looked at the woman who smiled elegantly at the man who approached him with a pretext, his worries transformed into pure admiration and adoration.

To be precise, the Jingzhi before him wasn't much different from the dignified and elegant girl he remembered. Gone was the naiveté of yesteryear; a pale purple silk dress accentuated her perfect figure. She showed no awkwardness amidst the bustling crowd, her confident demeanor radiating charm.

Compared to the young mother he remembered from years ago, her appearance was more mature and beautiful. The only flaw was the lack of jewelry around her neck; a beautiful piece of jewelry would have been more fitting for her glamorous gown.

Jingzhi was politely listening to an elderly woman complaining about the heat in the hall. She smiled politely; Xue Ran was nowhere to be seen. Jingzhi was gradually becoming impatient.

You Shiqun slowly walked towards her, standing not far behind, hoping she would turn around and see him.

To be precise, he seemed like a young boy experiencing his first love, eagerly wanting her to recognize him. But if she did recognize him, would she still smile at him and look at him with trusting eyes?

Clearly not! Perhaps she would react to him with indifference, as if he were invisible, because he knew in his heart that no matter what she did to him, it was never too much!

Because of that agreement, because she had once trusted him so much!

Because of his cold-bloodedness, eighteen-year-old Jingzhi bravely endured the pain without shedding a tear in the face of that cold-blooded agreement.

And tonight, when she appeared in his life, he hesitated, wondering if he had made a mistake back then, and whether that agreement had truly achieved his intended purpose?

The dance hall was quite hot. Jingzhi looked around and saw Xue Ran being pulled aside by several men of similar age, arguing animatedly. Clearly, they were all in the same profession, discussing mechanics and steel frame structures.

Jingzhi sighed, nervous about meeting You Yang or You Shiqun. She turned past a tall tropical plant and walked into a relatively secluded, semi-open balcony. The cool night breeze finally calmed her feverish mind.

There was nothing to be afraid of. She was no longer the little girl she once was. Even if she met You Shiqun, she had no reason to be afraid. On the contrary, she would ask to see that boy!

The sound of the French windows behind her opening and closing startled her. She turned sharply and saw a tall man walk into the darkness. Clearly, he was another guest allergic to the stuffy air. She slowly retreated into a corner.

However, the man seemed to have noticed her in the darkness. He calmly and slowly approached her, and before Jingzhi could even get angry, he spoke: "Is that Jingzhi?" Jingzhi

froze. That voice, that deep, magnetic voice, was the male protagonist of all her nightmares over the years—You Shiqun?

"You?"

"It's me!"

Jingzhi was terrified. She took a big step back, leaning against the wall, feeling her whole body trembling. She had imagined a thousand scenarios of meeting You Shiqun, but in this one, she was completely at a disadvantage.

"Are you scared?" You Shiqun said softly, "But you still came?"

"Yes..." Jingzhi mustered her courage, "How did you know I..."

"Because I've always known you!" You Shiqun smiled, but he knew Jingzhi couldn't see it: "Because I anonymously donated Xue Ran's scholarship, and I arranged for him to get into that firm. As for your whereabouts over the years, I know too!"

"Why!" Jingzhi leaned against the wall, exhausted, her voice choked with sobs, "What do you want to do? I've distanced myself from You Yang. I've never contacted him, and I haven't come back to see the children. I've completely disappeared from your lives. Why do you want me to come back?"

"Because the time has come!" You Shiqun smiled softly, "It's time for you to come back!"

"When I come back or not, what right or reason do you have to interfere?" Jingzhi protested defiantly!

“Of course, of course I’m qualified!” You Shiqun stepped forward and gently lifted Jingzhi’s chin. “Listen to me, I won’t allow two immature children to be tied together because of an even younger baby. I won’t allow my son to be ruined by a marriage that’s like playing house!”

Jingzhi choked up. “What you’re saying has absolutely nothing to do with taking my child away!”

“I didn’t lie to your child! Jingzhi!” You Shiqun wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumb. “All these years, I’ve been telling him that he has a beautiful mother, and one day, she will come back to see him!”

“Hmm?” Jingzhi was confused by his soft murmur. “What did you say?”

“I’m just waiting for you to grow up, Jingzhi!” You Shiqun smiled softly. “Now, you can choose your own future. No one can control you!”

Chapter 49 The Necklace

Jingzhi stared blankly at You Shiqun, not understanding what he meant for a moment!

At this moment, a burst of loud music and applause came from the ballroom. Obviously, the auction inside had already begun, and the sound brought them both back to reality.

Jingzhi looked up, and You Shiqun was looking down at her, his brows slightly furrowed.

"What do you mean by all this?" Jingzhi asked curiously. "I don't understand... but you said I can see the children?"

"Yes, you can see the children!" You Shiqun held her elbow. "The party has started, let's go in first!"

"But..."

You Shiqun pushed open the sliding door of the French windows. When he and Jingzhi appeared in the bright lights, a sudden barrage of flashes went off!

Jingzhi was momentarily blinded by the flashes. You Shiqun, seemingly used to such scenes, calmly pulled Jingzhi behind him. However, a swarm of microphones instantly surrounded the two of them.

"Mr. You, we heard that the diamond necklace you donated this time was your late wife's beloved possession. Could you talk about why you would part with it?"

"Mr. You, the You Group is the organizer of this charity gala. Besides donating this necklace, what other surprises do you have for us?"

"Mr. You, we heard that you anonymously donate a sum of money to out-of-school girls every year. Why only out-of-school girls?"

You Shiqun raised his hand, stopping the barrage of questions:

"Everyone, please stop. I've already given an exclusive interview to a reporter from the New Metropolitan Daily. As for your questions, I can't answer them all. Here, I want to emphasize that the You Group will always be concerned about out-of-school children, both in the past and in the future. As for why only girls… it's probably because most out-of-school children are girls!"

Jingzhi was pulled behind You Shiqun by the hand, but she could still feel that standing next to him made her the center of attention.

A murmur rippled through the ballroom, and hundreds of eyes stared at the two of them in surprise.

Was the young woman accompanying You Shiqun his new mistress? You Shiqun, though fifty, was still a dazzling diamond in the rough!

Socialites were used to seeing You Shiqun with his ever-changing female companions, but this was the first time they'd seen him try to protect a woman beside him. He was always indifferent to the women around him, never using his body to shield himself from the media's cameras.

This action gave the astute photographers a jolt, and all the cameras, big and small, were pointed at Jingzhi.

"Excuse me!" You Shiqun stepped in front of Jingzhi, "Please don't take pictures!"

But the flashes were blinding.

Jingzhi tried to pull her hand away, but he held it tightly. He led her into the hall, through the bustling crowd. Jingzhi didn't know what he was going to do, but forcibly breaking free might only draw more attention.

Reluctantly, she could only follow him into the hall with her head held high, her eyes fixed straight ahead.

You Shiqun was seated at the head of the VIP section,

and the auction, which had just begun, was underway. The auctioneer was displaying the necklace that You Shiqun had donated.

"Wait, I think I..." Jingzhi saw Xue Ran looking this way from the other end of the crowd: "My brother, he..."

"Don't go yet!" You Shiqun pulled her to sit at the head of the table: "Wait until this round of bidding is over before you leave."

Jingzhi sat down, and Xue Ran looked at her sister in confusion from afar, not wanting to make her way through the crowded area to find her.

"This necklace has no reserve price, but a conservative estimate is more than 2 million. Is any gentleman or lady interested?"

Yu Shiqun gazed at the necklace, an image of a lovely, charming young girl flashing through his mind as she took the dazzling necklace from his hands, a happy smile on her face: "So beautiful, Shiqun, put it on me!"

He remembered her happy smile after he put the necklace on her: "This necklace is really for me?"

"No!" Then, seeing her surprised expression, he smiled and said, "This is for my fiancée!"

Lost in his memories, he heard the auctioneer's voice rising higher and higher: "Someone bid 800,000 yuan, anyone else bidding more? Oh, now it's 1 million yuan!"

Yu Shiqun turned his head to look at Jingzhi, who sat quietly beside him. Her eyebrows were lowered, lost in thought. Her bare neck was empty…

He had hesitated for a long time before taking out that necklace, intending to donate it and never see it again, but…

he suddenly had an impulse to put it on Jingzhi!

He didn't know what his feelings were for this girl; all he knew was that he wanted Jingzhi to wear the necklace.

In a corner of the hall, someone called out, "I bid 1.5 million!"

You Shiqun suddenly frowned, turning to look at that corner—it was You Yang?

A commotion erupted in the crowd. You Shiqun's donated item for auction, and his son wanted to buy it?

But the surprise was yet to come. You Shiqun also spoke up: "2.5 million."

Jingzhi abruptly looked up; she could hear the gasps of astonishment around her.

The auctioneer was also stunned. He had never seen a donor participate in the bidding himself, let alone two people bidding—father and son!

However, his professional instincts quickly kicked in, and he exclaimed excitedly, "Let's thank Mr. You for his generosity! Two and a half million for the first time!"

You Yang suddenly stood up: "Three million!"

"Four million!" You Shiqun didn't even blink. "Please let me take a good look at this necklace."

The model wearing the necklace immediately walked over with elegant steps, bowing in front of You Shiqun, ostensibly to let him see the necklace, but actually to show him her alluring cleavage.

You Yang's voice rang out from the other end of the hall: "Five million!"

"Ten million!" You Shiqun held out his hand to the model: "Give me the necklace!"

The auctioneer, who had become a mere spectator, looked at the ashen-faced You Yang: "Ten million for the first time, ten million for the second time, ten million for the third time, sold!"

The gavel slammed down.

The female model gracefully removed the necklace and handed it to You Shiqun.

But You Shiqun didn't take it at all. He turned his head and looked at Jingzhi's wide-open eyes with a leisurely smile on his face: "Do you like it?"

Jingzhi was stunned by the mischievous expression that suddenly appeared in his eyes. She didn't know why he asked her, and why he was bidding against his son for this necklace.

After You Shiqun asked her if the necklace was pretty, the hall fell silent. Jingzhi knew that You Yang was watching them, and now she seemed to have been inadvertently drawn into a father-son argument.

Jingzhi didn't dare turn around; she knew You Yang must have recognized her too. You Shiqun, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying the speculation and gossip of the crowd. His smile became nonchalant. "I want to buy this necklace as a gift for a lady. Do you have any advice? Do you think this necklace is pretty?"

"Very pretty!" Jingzhi was furious at the suspicious gazes around her. She wasn't going to panic. Did You Shiqun still think she was the shy, helpless girl she used to be? She wasn't afraid of this kind of occasion now!

"Alright, I'll buy it!" You Shiqun smiled.

"Ten million! Mr. You Shiqun has won the bid for this necklace that he donated to his deceased wife! And this donation is the largest single donation raised in our city since 1999!" The auctioneer was so excited that he was almost incoherent, as if he were giving a speech. His deceased wife's necklace

? Jingzhi suddenly realized why You Yang and You Shiqun were both vying to bid on the necklace. In truth, it didn't matter to either of them; it was just a publicity stunt to raise more funds for charity and enhance the You family's reputation.

The necklace was You Shiqun's deceased wife's keepsake, and of course, You Shiqun wouldn't actually donate it.

You Shiqun took the necklace from the model. Logically, after the first round of bidding, during the intermission, the crowd began to stir. Jingzhi stood up, preparing to leave.

But just then, You Shiqun also stood up, suddenly stepped forward, grabbed her, and placed the necklace around her neck.

The previously noisy crowd instantly fell silent. Flashbulbs illuminated Jingzhi and the dazzling diamond necklace around her neck.

Jingzhi stared wide-eyed in confusion, while You Shiqun smiled, "This necklace is yours, beautiful lady."

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