CHAPTER 23

Xu Yi remained by the door, lowering his head to send a message to his assistant—bring the child to the villa. After all, they had been halfway siblings for over two years. The news of Qi Chen, the president of Guli Group, having an accident had already spread throughout their circles. And now, it was their child who had pushed Wen Yang back into his life. This was a favor Xu Yi had no qualms about offering.

Meanwhile, Wen Yang was typing out her resignation to her boss. Her employer valued her diligence and reliability, repeatedly asking if she was certain about her decision. But after receiving her firm confirmation, he finally gave up trying to dissuade her.

She no longer had the energy to think about Xu Yi. Her mind was focused on the freedom this newfound wealth would grant her. Though she had always been unrestrained in the real world as well, the idea of a life without any restrictions was undeniably appealing.

Her father was a wealthy heir who had fallen for a girl from an ordinary family. They married despite his parents’ opposition, but their youthful impulsiveness couldn’t sustain them. The mundanities of life, coupled with their lack of ambition, led to a divorce within three years. Her mother took the separation money and built a new family, while her father returned to his hedonistic ways.

At just over two years old, Wen Yang was left to be raised by her grandparents. Financially, she lacked for nothing, but because of her mother’s background, they were never truly affectionate toward her. Likewise, she had no intention of ingratiating herself with them.

She took the money, played her part, and respectfully greeted them as “Grandfather” and “Grandmother,” but beyond that, there was no deeper connection.

Xu Yi, who had been waiting outside for an answer, could no longer hold back. He knocked on the door.

Xu Yi: “It’s been an hour.”

Wen Yang: “The door isn’t locked.”

Xu Yi pushed the door open and stepped inside, his expression a mix of anticipation and anxiety. “Have you made up your mind?”

“Dating is fine. Marriage…” The words felt too saccharine on her tongue. “Depends on your performance.”

“Really?” Xu Yi’s eyes lit up, and he immediately stepped toward her.

“Don’t come any closer. Control yourself. I’m not going to celebrate with you.”

Xu Yi stopped. Even getting this much from her was already a victory—worth all his relentless persistence.

“Sir, dinner is ready,” the housekeeper called from the third floor, pausing by the door.

At the dining table, Xu Yi meticulously peeled shrimp for Wen Yang and picked out dishes for her, fully embracing his newfound role as her boyfriend.

“I don’t need you fussing over me while I eat,” Wen Yang said before adding, “And don’t lose track of Xiao Yan’s son.”

“I know. I asked my assistant to bring him over.”

Xu Yi placed another peeled shrimp into Wen Yang’s bowl. Noticing a smudge of sauce on the corner of her lips, he reached for a napkin and wiped it away.

Wen Yang set down her chopsticks and, striving to keep her temper in check, spoke as calmly as possible. “Xu Yi, don’t make me take back my words.”

“I won’t touch you again,” Xu Yi assured her, wiping his own hands clean.

In the kitchen, the housekeeper, standing with her back to them, discreetly took several pictures on her phone before sending them to the old master, who was ever concerned about his grandson’s love life.

Wen Yang: “Your housekeeper is reporting on us, isn’t she?”

Not very skilled at espionage, the woman hadn’t even bothered to lower the volume of her camera clicks.

Xu Yi: “She’s my grandfather’s planted spy.”

Wen Yang: “Don’t drag me into it. I’m not helping you deal with your elders.”

Xu Yi chuckled. “Why would they scold you?”

The doorbell rang.

The housekeeper tucked away her phone and went to answer it.

Outside, Xu Yi’s assistant carried a baby stroller up the steps, while Xu Yi and Wen Yang walked over.

The housekeeper looked between them, then at the baby, struggling to find the right words. “Sir… is this your child?”

“A friend’s child. I’ll be taking care of him for a while,” Xu Yi replied, then gestured to his assistant. “Bring him in.”

“Oh… I see.” The housekeeper’s expression was difficult to decipher—relief? Disappointment? Either way, she pulled out her phone again.

Wen Yang washed her hands and glanced at the baby, who was nestled in the housekeeper’s arms, drinking milk. She had successfully passed on this responsibility.

She opened her phone’s map app and checked her current location. It was far from her rental apartment. She pulled up a ride-hailing app and started inputting the address.

Xu Yi sat beside her, not even glancing at her phone as he started a conversation. “It’s too late today. Can we move your things tomorrow?”

Wen Yang looked up from her phone. “I’ve already booked a ride.”

“You’re leaving?” Xu Yi’s expression darkened. “Are you trying to run away from me again?”

The housekeeper perked up her ears, ready to take notes.

“Don’t be so dramatic.” Wen Yang put down her phone. “I’m already your girlfriend. What more do you want?”

Hearing her refer to herself as his girlfriend, Xu Yi’s lips curled into a smile—only for it to vanish almost instantly. “You make me feel incredibly insecure. Words are easy. You once promised we’d go to the same university, but you didn’t. I don’t want to be lied to again. I waited for you for seven years. If you disappear again, how many more years will I have to wait to see you?”

Wen Yang listened to his righteous speech, as if she had abandoned her husband and left him heartbroken. But the truth was far less dramatic—they had never even been in a relationship.

She asked, “How do you expect me to give you a sense of security?”

“Let me see you twenty-four hours a day.”

“You really think I’d agree to that?”

“How do you know if you don’t try? After all, you’ve already been moved by me and agreed to be my girlfriend.”

“That was a compromise, not because of you.”

Xu Yi glanced at the housekeeper, who was blatantly eavesdropping, before standing up. He took a deep breath, then, without warning, scooped Wen Yang into his arms and strode upstairs.

The housekeeper widened her eyes, then slowly pursed her lips into a knowing smile. “Ah, young people, so full of passion. Their flirting is making even me blush.”

Wen Yang no longer cared about his improper behavior and simply relaxed in his arms. “What are you up to now?”

“I’m going to lock you up,” Xu Yi said, his Adam’s apple bobbing as his thoughts wandered. “And do whatever I want.”

“Hah, speaking so boldly,” she scoffed. “Yet you tremble just from a kiss. What big, unrestricted things do you think you can do?”

Xu Yi kicked open the door and carried Wen Yang straight into his room.

“Xu Yi, stop acting like a child, will you? Do something a normal person would—mmph—”

???

Wen Yang’s words were cut off and swallowed back into her throat. Before her were Xu Yi’s enlarged eyes, framed by long, curled lashes. They locked eyes, neither willing to back down, but his trembling body betrayed his nerves. Still, he refused to admit defeat, clinging to her like a magnet.

She never expected to be forcibly kissed one day—let alone by Xu Yi, whom she always saw as a timid kitten.

Where did he get the courage?

She felt like she was being aggressively licked by an overzealous dog. Pinned beneath him on the bed, the difference in their physical strength became glaringly obvious.

She had no way to resist.

Realizing that she wasn’t reciprocating like last time, Xu Yi gradually loosened his grip. His tall frame still loomed over her as he murmured, “I’m not lacking courage. I just love you too much.”

“Such a deeply touching reason for forcefulness. I suppose I shouldn’t even be angry?”

Xu Yi threw caution to the wind. “As long as you don’t leave me, I don’t care.”

“Did I give you too much of a shock?” Wen Yang felt he was acting a little obsessive.

He pressed his forehead against her shoulder. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to wait for someone for seven years? I didn’t know where you were. I looked for you. I thought, as the young master of A City’s most powerful family, I could find anyone. But I couldn’t find you. I didn’t know when you’d come back. I kept waiting, not knowing how much longer I’d have to wait. If you’re not a liar, then what are you?”

Wen Yang heard the raw emotion in his voice. She reached up to wipe his face—and felt dampness.

He was crying.

She was at a loss. “A man doesn’t shed tears easily… Look, I’m back safe and sound, okay? Besides, who told you to push me so hard?”

“If it weren’t for that child, would you have come to see me? If I didn’t push you, you’d just run away again.”

She nearly found herself speechless, but her mind remained clear. “Oh, so now you want to force me again? Playing the sympathy card? The emotional plea?” She patted his head. “Xu Yi, only naïve, kind-hearted girls fall for that kind of trick.”

“I… have a heart of stone.”

Xu Yi had just blurted out everything he had bottled up for years. Based on what he knew about her, Wen Yang was immune to both force and kindness—she only got annoyed by relentless persistence. But still, he felt frustrated. “You’re not leaving. Unless I die.”

By the time their conversation ended, the car Wen Yang had ordered had already arrived. The driver called her. She answered, “Sorry, I won’t be taking the ride. I’ll still pay the full fare.”

After hanging up, she transferred the money. “Happy now?”

Xu Yi pulled her up to sit and spoke with rare seriousness. “Wen Yang, I’m not just throwing a tantrum. I don’t want to control you just to make myself feel better. I’m just afraid you’ll disappear again. Can you give me some time? I’ll change. I’ll make you see me differently. Will you give me that chance?”

Wen Yang rubbed her already-dry fingers and replied, “Okay.”

She returned to her own room. Xu Yi brought over a blanket and pillow for her.

Before leaving, he said, “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

A chaotic day finally came to an end.

——

The next morning, Grandpa Lin, who had received the photos from the housekeeper, could no longer contain his excitement and showed up at the house bright and early.

Unlike the younger generation, elderly people don’t sleep much. While the two adults and the baby were still asleep, the housekeeper, acting as an insider agent, opened the door and successfully let the “enemy” in.

Lin Huashan was eighty-seven years old. Before closing his eyes for good, his only remaining wish was for his grandson to settle down.

Xu Yi’s mother had passed away early, and he was raised with indulgence, growing up rebellious and refusing to be controlled. When he was eighteen, his father had ruthlessly sent him to the mountains for several months. He had come back a changed person, much more mature. His father had originally planned to send him abroad for university, but without a word, Xu Yi had taken the entrance exams and secured a place at the country’s top-ranked university, insisting on studying domestically.

Studying at home was good. Whenever Grandpa missed his grandson, he only had to take a short car ride to see him. No need to worry about plane accidents or foreign dangers.

From his sophomore year, Xu Yi had started learning the ropes at the family business. Now, having officially taken over, he had swiftly subdued the few old-timers in the company who doubted him.

Having achieved success, the only thing left for Grandpa Lin to worry about was his marriage. But judging by Xu Yi’s actions, he seemed to be making good progress. A daughter-in-law would likely be brought home soon.

“You said that girl was carried upstairs by Xiao Yi? That he wouldn’t let her leave? He’s not forcing her, is he?”

“That’s just how young couples are,” the housekeeper reassured him while pouring tea. Years of reading romance novels had given her plenty of insight. “Elder Sir, just wait to hold your great-grandchild.”