Chapter 31: Go to the Ancient Town

Lin Yiwei drank the warm brown sugar water and went to bed early. She was accustomed to the large bed in the master bedroom, which was soft and comfortable. As soon as her head hit the pillow, her brain eagerly fell into dreamland.

Xie Bo sat behind the dark glass, slowly swirling a glass of brandy, quietly watching the girl’s sleeping face. The moonlight outside the window was good, the night was gentle, and he could clearly see her relaxed eyebrows and eyes. Her skin was like honey powder, particularly fresh and vibrant. Between her eyebrows was a mole, pure yet intriguing.

“I’m teaching you how to love me,” she dared to say.

Xie Bo did not believe he could love anyone; he only loved himself. He was willing to accommodate her, lend a helping hand in times of danger, but he only desired her. Only by convincing himself of this could he let this desire spread wildly, like spider silk layer upon layer filling his heart. Xie Bo did not want to admit other possibilities.

Now his wings were not yet fully grown, and his father, Xie Sizhuo, was still in his prime, with strong control. He wanted to control everything, arrange everything, including his children’s marriages, just as he had been steering Xie Group to its peak development over the years.

Xie Bo’s two elder brothers, who had been pampered and privileged since childhood, developed the temperament of a spoiled young master. Therefore, they had the courage to argue with Xie Sizhuo for freedom in marriage and career, preferring death to the lack of freedom.

Only Xie Bo, the illegitimate child who was only recognized by the Xie family at the age of ten, suffered endless cold treatment and disdain because his mother was a prostitute from the red-light district. Every day, he was cautious as if walking on thin ice.

After many years of lying low, his feathers gradually grew, and he had the opportunity to stand out in front of Xie Sizhuo. He earned the dignity of being the third young master of the Xie family. All the respect, or fear, was earned by his own efforts. Who could bear to ruin all of this?

He could let Lin Yiwei be his mistress, give her everything within his power, make her comfortable, make her happy, even including a little bit of love that he never shared with anyone. But Xie Bo was not a romantic…

He could not be.

He drained the transparent brandy in the glass, pushed open the mirror door, and walked to Lin Yiwei’s bed. His fingertips traced her soft contours, touching her cherry-like tempting lips.

Lin Yiwei was very sensitive, like a startled little animal, subconsciously clutching the quilt, looking at him defensively. She hadn’t completely let down her guard against him, so being disturbed from her dreams left her somewhat at a loss.

Looking at the man sinking in the night, with a slightly cold tone, and feeling his cold fingertips, Lin Yiwei asked softly, “What’s the matter, Xie Bo?”

She was so gentle.

But Xie Bo didn’t answer, he undid the belt around his waist, clasping the hair at the back of her head, his knuckles tightening.

He closed his eyes.

…..

The next day was a trip to the ancient town, Lin Yiwei set her alarm clock for six o’clock in the morning.

When she woke up, there was no trace of Xie Bo by her side.

She remembered that after last night ended, he held her close as they fell asleep.

In her dreams, Lin Yiwei could still feel his passionate kisses, landing on every inch of her skin like sparking fire.

But she could never see him when she woke up.

Like a lone and lonely beast, he wouldn’t expose his vulnerable side to anyone.

Lin Yiwei quickly tidied herself up, feeling waves of pain in her abdomen, which she had to endure.

Today was the first day of the three-day-two-night trip to the ancient town for sketching, and Lin Yiwei had to quickly shorten the distance between her and Chi Xiyu during this trip, making her completely trust her.

Any delay in progress would be a risk.

As she left, Lin Yiwei saw a steaming glass of water on the island platform, next to which lay a packet of ibuprofen with a note that read, “Good morning, baby.”

Lin Yiwei picked up the ibuprofen and stared at it for a long time before swallowing it with hot water, accompanied by a slightly burnt sandwich and a cup of warm milk.

She silently told herself not to be moved by the slightest hint of kindness.

Selfish people always stand invincible.

Nevertheless, she subconsciously tucked the note that said “Good morning, baby” into the small compartment of her bag.

On the bus back to school, Lin Yiwei repeatedly watched the note, the sunlight through the window warming her heart comfortably.

Leaning against the middle railing of the bus, she wanted to send a message to Xie Bo, just anything.

She typed “good morning” but deleted it.

What’s there to say?

…

After taking the medicine, the symptoms of abdominal pain slightly eased. In the dormitory, Lin Yiwei packed her not-so-many belongings.

In winter, there was not much need to change outerwear frequently, so her suitcase only contained underwear and daily essentials.

The dormitory door was open, and directly opposite, Chi Xiyu, who had finished packing her luggage, was discussing the trip to the ancient town with a group of girlfriends. Seeing Lin Yiwei coming out with her luggage, she smiled and waved to her.

Apparently, she didn’t know about Lin Yiwei’s date with Ye Anning yesterday.

Lin Yiwei smiled back at her and then glanced at Xu Qianxi.

Xu Qianxi leaned against the wall, gnashing her teeth, still upset about yesterday’s events.

She really wanted to spill the beans to Chi Xiyu about what she found out yesterday.

But unfortunately, she was “silenced” by Xie Bo and couldn’t say anything.

It was so uncomfortable.

Chi Xiyu went back to her room to freshen up and get ready to leave.

Xu Qianxi lowered her voice and said sarcastically to Lin Yiwei, “Well, even Xie Bo is willing to help you. Xixi is so lucky to have such a ‘talented’ friend like you.”

Lin Yiwei replied expressionlessly, “I just listen to Xixi and do as she says.”

“And dating Ye Anning, is that also something she told you to do?”

“Isn’t it?”

“Xixi is naive, you can fool her, but you can’t fool me. You must have collaborated with Ye Anning. Who knows what mischief you’re up to behind the scenes. And Xie Bo, what means did you use to actually seduce him.”

Lin Yiwei glanced at Chi Xiyu changing clothes in the room, then looked at Xu Qianxi’s red face in front of her, swollen like a bun, and said,

“Are you really thinking for Chi Xiyu? Or are you angry that she trusts me so much; or… are you just simply jealous of me.”

“You’re talking nonsense!”

Chi Xiyu changed into a countryside-style Lolita dress and walked out of the room, leaving Lin Yiwei and Xu Qianxi silent at the same time.

Yesterday, Xie Bo personally found her, although his tone was calm, every word was a threat. Even with Xu Qianxi’s courage, she wouldn’t dare to offend this big shot.

Even if she was about to explode with anger, she wouldn’t dare to say a word to Chi Xiyu.

But well…

Teasing Lin Yiwei a bit wouldn’t hurt.

She took Chi Xiyu’s oversized suitcase and pushed it in front of Lin Yiwei, “Weiwei, could you please carry Xi Xi’s luggage for her.”

Lin Yiwei felt the faint pain in her abdomen and pursed her lips.

Ignoring her obviously pale face, Chi Xiyu smiled and thanked her before chatting and laughing downstairs with the other girls.

As if it were Lin Yiwei’s duty to do such things, it was only natural.

Lin Yiwei watched her leaving figure…

Now Chi Xiyu treats her as if she were a dispensable presence.

She wanted to climb to her side, she had to drive away the group of sisters beside her, and become an irreplaceable presence for her.

Lin Yiwei carried the heavy suitcase downstairs, occasionally feeling contractions-like pains in her abdomen. By the time she reached the first floor, fine beads of sweat had formed on her forehead.

She endured the abdominal pain and followed Chi Xiyu towards the end of the Camphor Tree Trail leading to the school gate.

The meeting point was just outside the north gate, with several large buses waiting, along with luxury cars driven by the young masters and misses, making the street lively.

Xu Qianxi walked over with a smile and hung her heavy backpack on Lin Yiwei: “Why are you so slow? We’re almost late.”

Lin Yiwei quickened her pace without saying a word.

Xie Bo and a few young men happened to pass by, he was playing with a basketball, casually saying something to Li Du, with a faint smile on his lips.

Chi Xiyu greeted Xie Bo and asked him with a smile, “Brother Xie Bo, we’re going to the ancient town for sketching, are you coming? There are several good roads over there, perfect for racing.”

“Where?”

“It’s in Xun’an Ancient Town, we’re heading there now. I even had my brother drive the sports car you gave me to enjoy the breeze.”

“Is your brother coming too?”

“Yes.”

Xie Bo glanced at the girl behind her, pale and sweating profusely, and smiled gently, “I have a class in the morning and need to go to the company in the afternoon. Let’s see how it goes, maybe I’ll come later.”

“Okay! I’ll wait for you!”

“Mm.” He reached out and ruffled Chi Xiyu’s hair.

The girls cheered, delighted by his gesture, including Chi Xiyu… who was almost dizzy with happiness.

Xie Bo passed by Lin Yiwei without looking at her again. His narrow peach blossom eyes… but discreetly glanced at Li Du beside him, exchanging a glance.

Li Du immediately understood and walked over warmly, saying, “Xixi, let me carry your luggage for you.”

Without waiting for Chi Xiyu to accept or refuse, he had already taken Lin Yiwei’s suitcase, including the heavy backpacks hanging on her.

“Thank you,” Lin Yiwei said softly.

Li Du’s lips curled up, with a meaningful look.

Xu Qianxi felt unwilling and also came to understand.

Where was Li Du helping Chi Xiyu with her luggage, he was clearly helping Lin Yiwei!

But Chi Xiyu still smiled like a flower, oblivious to the threat looming so close…

Arriving at the school gate at the north entrance, the most eye-catching vehicle parked on the side of the road was Chi Xiyu’s white modified supercar. Chi Xicheng sat in the sports car, sunglasses reflecting light, waving to Chi Xiyu.

Lin Yiwei whispered to Chi Xiyu, “Xi Xi, I’ll board the bus first, see you in the ancient town later.”

“Okay, go ahead,” Chi Xiyu replied.

Seeing Lin Yiwei leaving, Chi Xicheng deliberately teased, “How come you’re leaving as soon as you see me?”

Chi Xiyu pretended to be angry, “You have the nerve to say that? Pot calling the kettle black! You dare even…to my friend. I haven’t settled the score with you yet!”

On her birthday, Chi Xiyu even complained to her dad afterwards, causing her dad to scold him severely, leaving Chi Xicheng full of pent-up anger.

Going to the studio that day was her idea, to some extent, she deliberately tempted him, and setting the fire was also her doing. Chi Xicheng felt really wronged.

He had never been played like this by a woman before, thinking to himself, he must show Lin Yiwei some color.

Otherwise, where would he put his face?

…

Lin Yiwei boarded the bus, choosing the front seat to avoid motion sickness.

After the tour leader counted the number of people, the bus slowly drove away.

The class monitor who organized this activity, Fu Xiang, sat next to Lin Yiwei.

Fu Xiang was a boy who wore glasses and looked gentle, not very tall, about 1.75 meters.

Wearing glasses of similar style, he and Xie Bo, who wore glasses to appear refined, had completely different personalities.

The cool moonlight framed Xie Bo’s elegant features, giving off an air of aloofness and mischief.

There were quite a few people in the school who imitated his style, wearing the same glasses, but the final effect… either too stiff or slightly creepy.

The class monitor gave off a refined sense of selfishness.

Perhaps not because of the glasses, but because of his own demeanor.

The class monitor was enthusiastic about organizing various team-building activities, with a high threshold for costs, excluding ordinary students, making him popular among the rich boys and girls in the class.

Of course, no one knew how much he had to bear for these activities.

The boys and girls didn’t mind, as long as he could organize the activities well and make sure they were comfortable with food, lodging, and entertainment along the way.

Lin Yiwei’s participation in this sketching activity in the ancient town was unexpected by Fu Xiang.

For a poor top student like Lin Yiwei, who relied on scholarships to offset tuition fees, she couldn’t afford such high activity costs.

She must have another purpose, Fu Xiang speculated, maybe to expand her network and meet wealthy second-generation boys.

After all, during a three-day-two-night trip, anything could happen.

And with Lin Yiwei’s outstanding appearance, Fu Xiang felt she was a shortcut-seeking girl.

Although he thought so, his attitude towards Lin Yiwei was very attentive.

Seeing her constantly holding her abdomen, he asked with concern if she was feeling unwell.

Lin Yiwei had no reservations and bluntly said she was having menstrual cramps.

After hearing this, Fu Xiang instructed the driver to stop at every rest stop, allowing classmates to get off the bus to stretch their legs and use the restroom, and even went to the hot water room to get hot water for Lin Yiwei.

Such obvious attentiveness and pleasing behavior made the girls around them unable to help but cast gossiping glances at them, joking and teasing the two.

Lin Yiwei’s keen and agile mind could see through Fu Xiang’s thoughts. The superficially courteous demeanor behind his glasses, Lin Yiwei was all too familiar with from her high school days. Putting on a show of attentiveness on the surface, but cursing her in his heart as promiscuous… once rejected or treated coldly, he would inevitably become angry and spread rumors behind her back, insulting her reputation.

These trashy men… Lin Yiwei had encountered them all.

She carefully dealt with the class monitor, Fu Xiang, along the way, neither overly distant nor too enthusiastic. People like him, who seemed upright but were actually petty, needed to be handled with caution.

In the afternoon, the bus entered the ancient town area, and low, tiled black-and-white walls came into view, exuding an ancient charm. Sometimes there were small bridges over flowing water, sometimes fields and mountains. The drowsiness of everyone was dispelled by the warm breeze, and the bus became filled with lively chatter.

Fu Xiang tentatively asked her, “Lin Yiwei, I’m thinking of not charging you for your expenses. Don’t let others know, I’ll quietly refund you.”

“Why?”

“Your situation is not good, I heard you’re also working part-time at a convenience store, it must be tough.”

“Thank you for your kindness, class monitor, but it’s not necessary.”

After thinking for a moment, Fu Xiang said to her, “Actually, eating together is fine, but the main thing is the accommodation cost, especially since you want a single room.”

“I have trouble sleeping, I’m more used to being alone.”

“In that case, why don’t you share a room with someone? I’ll refund you half the money.” He said considerately, “Help you lighten the burden a bit.”

“Thank you, class monitor, you’re really kind.” Lin Yiwei replied with a distant and cold politeness, “But aren’t the rooms already arranged?”

“Other people’s rooms are already arranged, mine has two beds. Why don’t you come share with me, I won’t charge you anything.”

Lin Yiwei lowered her gaze and saw him nervously picking at his jeans, almost poking through the holes. He was very nervous, or maybe ashamed, of his crude and obscene thoughts.

Lin Yiwei’s face turned cold as she said, “Class monitor, what do you mean?”

“Don’t misunderstand, it’s just that you’re on your period, what can I do? I was just thinking, it’s a bit wasteful to have one person in a double bed. If you come to my room, I won’t charge you, isn’t that a win-win? Besides, considering your situation…”

The more he explained, the more he couldn’t conceal his dirty thoughts, especially since Lin Yiwei was on her period, making him appear more like a beast. So his cheeks flushed red.

Lin Yiwei stopped pretending, and said bluntly, “No need, class monitor, I can afford the room fee.”

Fu Xiang coveted her beauty and suspected that she was participating in the activity to hook up with rich second-generation boys. He had already defined her as a gold digger in his heart. Now being rejected by her, Fu Xiang felt embarrassed, awkward, and angry. He had a fire burning inside him, not knowing how to vent it. Fortunately, the bus arrived at the hotel, and Fu Xiang hurried to organize the students to check in.

The hotel price was in the four digits per night, matching the consumption level of the young masters and misses. Opening the window, one could see the picturesque river scenery of the water town and the ancient and elegant covered bridges on the river, with the reflections of the tower buildings shimmering into view.

Lin Yiwei rested in her room for a while, and Ye Anning sent her a message, from the campus forum talktok—

“【818 Our Class’s Pure Goddess】”

Although this post didn’t name names, the personal information revealed between the lines was crystal clear. With a somewhat sarcastic tone, it accused a certain impoverished honor student of seeming noble but actually engaging in gold-digging behavior, working at a convenience store as a maid, flirting with male customers, and participating in school trips with young masters and misses just to seduce rich second-generation individuals for money. It questioned her supposed nobility, stating that everyone in their class knew her true colors…

The foul language and pointed accusations were so clear, they might as well have included Lin Yiwei’s ID number.

Lin Yiwei gritted her teeth and read through the entire post word by word, suppressing her anger.

The comment section was filled with similarly offensive remarks, openly critiquing her appearance and body, speculating if she was being financially supported by someone.

She had experienced this kind of thing more than once.

But Lin Yiwei could never get used to it. Faced with these malicious words, she burned with anger and immediately forwarded the post to Fu Xiang.

“Was it you who posted this?”

Class monitor: “No, I just arranged everyone’s accommodation, I’m busy.”

He tried to feign innocence.

But Lin Yiwei didn’t buy it.

“Delete the post immediately.”

Class monitor: “It really wasn’t me~ Don’t falsely accuse good people. 😊”

He sent her a gentle smiling emoji.

To Lin Yiwei, both the meaningful “oh” and the emoji were a naked provocation from him.

Lin Yiwei was 90% sure that Fu Xiang was the one who posted it.

She clenched her phone, about to contact the forum’s administrator in the upper right corner, to report and delete the post.

But before she could send the message, Ye Anning’s message came through.

“The post is deleted! Usually, the administrators on talktok are like zombies, making the forum chaotic, but this time their response was swift enough!”

Lin Yiwei refreshed the page, and sure enough, the post was gone. Just as she was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Fu Xiang’s message came through.

Class monitor: “Are you going to report and ban me? 😊”

Lin Yiwei: “But you said the poster wasn’t you.”

Class monitor: “It really wasn’t me, but I’m just here for the show~ 😊”

Lin Yiwei was furious but felt helpless against him.

She could only block this person.

At this moment, after a whole day of silence, Xie Bo sent her a message.

Thin: “Baby, how do you want him to die?”