Chapter 49: Punishment

Pei Yu always stirred up trouble whenever he encountered Fu Wencheng.

Once the words left her mouth, Chen Shuoyin had no chance to take them back. She struggled against Pei Yu’s arm draped over her shoulder, only for him to tighten his grip even more.

Fu Wencheng turned his head in shock. Not hearing any denial from Chen Shuoyin, he felt a cold chill crawl up his neck, as if someone had just seized his lifeline. He stood frozen in place, stiff and breathless.

Exhaling slowly, he steadied himself and said, “Show her some respect. Flattering your fans is your job, but speaking nonsense in front of her is just uncivilized.”

“Tell him—did I say anything untrue?” Pei Yu lifted himself slightly and rubbed his face against her soft earlobe.

Chen Shuoyin’s body stiffened at his open display of affection. Her voice wavered, “Wencheng, his identity is inconvenient. I hope you can keep this a secret.”

Pei Yu lazily tilted his head and looked at her. “So considerate of me. But being a husband isn’t exactly a shameful identity. Why not just say it outright?”

Fu Wencheng’s throat tightened. “Since when?”

“Two months ago.”

“No wedding?”

Pei Yu interrupted before she could respond. “There will be one. You’re invited, so make sure you come.”

Unwilling to back down, Fu Wencheng pressed on, “How long have you been dating?”

That question seemed to touch a nerve. Pei Yu’s expression soured instantly. “None of your business.”

“Shuoyin, do you have your reasons?” Fu Wencheng turned to her, seizing the opportunity.

Pei Yu scoffed. “What conspiracy are you imagining now?”

Fu Wencheng met his gaze coolly. “I’m simply analyzing the risks for her. You are not a suitable marriage partner.”

Pei Yu narrowed his eyes dangerously. “Oh? And you think you are?”

“I could be.”

“Enough.” Chen Shuoyin saw the conversation spiraling out of control. “Wencheng, you should leave.”

Fu Wencheng’s pale face flushed red from the argument, but he maintained his composure. “Alright. I’ll contact you later.”

“Contact for what?” Pei Yu had no intention of letting him go easily.

Fu Wencheng shot him a glance and said calmly, “We’re friends. Besides that, we’re work partners. There are many things we need to discuss. Mr. Pei, I believe adults don’t need to report every little interaction to you.”

With people and cars passing by, Pei Yu didn’t press further. He cast him a cold glance. “I hope you know your limits.”

As Fu Wencheng’s car drove away, Chen Shuoyin turned silently and headed upstairs.

Her grandmother was napping in her room, the door half-closed. Soft, rhythmic snores could be heard from inside.

Pei Yu quietly shut the door and followed her in. He twisted her around and pushed her against the door, trapping her hands above her head. He leaned down and captured her lips.

His legs pinned her knees, his grip controlled her arms, and his mouth silenced her protests. Her breath came in quick, stifled gasps as she tried not to make a sound, afraid of waking her grandmother. The way she whimpered lowly made it seem more like she was acting spoiled rather than resisting.

Feeling something stir in him, Pei Yu suddenly stopped. He nibbled at her lips, murmuring against them, “You still can’t let go of him.”

“I never denied it,” Chen Shuoyin admitted frankly. “If not for you, I would’ve already been with him.”

Anger flashed across his eyes. He bit her collarbone harshly. “Like hell you would.”

“Then I wasn’t wrong. The moment he returned, your heart was drawn to him again.” Pei Yu tightened his grip on her wrists as if letting go would mean losing her. “You better think carefully before you answer.”

Chen Shuoyin met his reddened eyes. “There’s nothing between us. Just a normal meal, a normal conversation.”

“Then why did he ask you for a chance?”

Ridiculous.

Chen Shuoyin glanced at him. “He didn’t know about us at the time.”

Unhappy with that answer, Pei Yu pressed closer. “Then why didn’t you tell him?”

She wore a short A-line skirt, giving him the perfect opportunity to misbehave. Even with layers between them, his heat was inescapable. Chen Shuoyin clenched her teeth, suppressing any sound. “No… no need.”

“No need?” Pei Yu ground against her deliberately. “You planning on having two husbands?”

Sweat broke out on her skin as she struggled to hold back. She bit his shoulder in retaliation, hard enough to draw the metallic taste of blood.

“He clearly has feelings for you. Are you still pretending not to see it?” Pei Yu didn’t relent, his thumb brushing over her flushed cheek. “It’s fine when you indulge him, but when I do it, it’s not?”

“Why are you avoiding me?” He forced her to meet his gaze as he kissed her deeply, pushing against her with increasing force. “We’re legally married. If he makes a move now, that makes him the other man.”

His kisses were intense, leaving no space for argument. The way their lips parted and pressed together sent shivers down her spine.

His voice was laced with frustration. “You like him, but you hate me?”

“How long have we known each other compared to how long you’ve known him?”

His relentless questioning echoed in her ears.

Chen Shuoyin was too overwhelmed to answer, her mind spinning from his relentless touch.

“Speak.”

He deliberately stopped. “Trying to play dumb?”

Her lips were swollen and red, her body trembling with overstimulation. She exhaled shakily, “What do you want to hear?”

She went limp against him, like a ragdoll, allowing him to do as he pleased. But her words cut sharply, “At a time like this, whatever you want me to say, I’ll say it. But can you really keep believing lies?”

Pei Yu let go of her hands, hooking his arm under her knees and lifting her up. “You’re right. Forcing you to say what I want to hear is pointless.”

She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck for balance.

“But telling your husband you love someone else—is that fun for you?” Pei Yu smirked, gripping her waist. “Do you like the thrill?”

Hearing the door handle turn, Chen Shuoyin panicked, slapping his back. “What are you doing?!”

He chuckled against her ear. “Taking you to find some real excitement.”

—

Later, as they lay entangled, Pei Yu brushed his fingers against her nape, whispering, “Go shower.”

“No strength.”

“I’ll carry you.”

“Give me a minute.”

“Alright.”

Outside, footsteps approached.

Chen Shuoyin’s body tensed. She scrambled for the blanket and tiptoed to the door, pressing her ear against it.

“Hey? There’s no wind today, why is the door shut?” Fang Youyou’s puzzled voice grew closer. “Shuoyin, are you back?”

Panic shot through her. She signaled for Pei Yu to stay quiet.

The doorknob turned.

Chen Shuoyin clutched the blanket tighter, chest rising and falling erratically.

“I’m really tired from the flight. Let me sleep a bit longer,” she quickly responded, mimicking a drowsy tone.

“Alright. What do you want for dinner?”

“Spicy stir-fried pork stomach and seaweed egg soup. You decide the rest.”

“Got it. I’ll wake you later.”

Hearing the footsteps fade, Chen Shuoyin exhaled in relief.

Pei Yu smirked from the bed. “Didn’t mention my name. Not inviting me to dinner?”

“Eat wherever you want.”

Pei Yu snatched the blanket from her. “You devoured me, and now you’re kicking me out hungry?”

She tossed a few bills onto the nightstand. “Think of it as paying for a gigolo.”