《Getting Divorced 365 Times》 Chapter 1 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios A month before she was to get married, she slept with a stranger. ¡°You taste very delicious. Why don¡¯t we continue our ¡®interaction¡¯?¡± A few days later, she was pinned against a corner of the dim and cramped elevator. There was an ambiguous smile on the man¡¯s handsome face. She held her breath. ¡°I¡¯m getting married soon. What must I do for you to stop pestering me?!¡± ¡°You have two options.¡± The man stretched out two fingers devilishly and pressed them against her soft lips, rubbing them suggestively. ¡°Option one, you do not get married and we screw. Option two, you get married and we screw¡ªhave an affair with me!¡± ¡ª Onyx City. Late at night. In the magnificent hall of the five-star hotel under Ling Group, the ladies and gentlemen were dressed to the nines and dancing to the music. It was a decadent scene. Meanwhile, the corridor outside the VIP suite on the top floor of the hotel was abnormally quiet. Only the sound of the breeze could be heard. A young woman helped an intoxicated woman over. She looked up and glanced at the room number. After making sure that no one was around, the young woman¡ªGao Youyi¡ªsecretly made a call. ¡°Miss Xu, is it room 2014?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, it is.¡± A woman¡¯s cold and sharp voice came from the other end of the call. ¡°Bring her in and throw her on the bed.¡± Gao Youyi opened the door¡ªhelped the intoxicated Ji Liunian in¡ªand threw her onto the bed. At Ling Group¡¯s annual dinner just now, she had already followed instructions and plied Ji Liunian with alcohol fervently. Ji Liunian¡ªwho could not hold her liquor well¡ªwas three sheets to the wind in a short time. She was so hammered now that she was in a daze and had no idea that she had fallen into someone else¡¯s trap. ¡°Take off her jacket and rip open her blouse. Even if she and that man didn¡¯t get it on, just this appearance alone is enough to make those reporters chomp at the bit!¡± The woman¡¯s cold voice instructed. ¡°Noted.¡± Gao Youyi took two steps forward¡ªbrushed her fringe aside¡ªand took off Ji Liunian¡¯s big black-framed glasses. Her strikingly beautiful face¡ªwhich was deliberately concealed¡ªwas revealed to Gao Youyi. Ji Liunian¡¯s tightly buttoned and straight-laced clothes were unbuttoned and revealed what was underneath her clothes¡ªher smooth and extremely fair complexion, and an hourglass body. Gao Youyi¡ªeven though she was a woman herself¡ªcould not help but be amazed. No wonder. If it were not for such assets, that mysterious woman would not have spent so much money to go through all this trouble. Who did Ji Liunian offend? She was just an ordinary college graduate with a low salary doing menial tasks. She did not look like someone who would be targeted. ¡°Leave when you¡¯re done. Remember to leave the door ajar.¡± Following the woman¡¯s instructions to the letter, Gao Youyi arranged everything and quietly left the room. ¡ª Ji Liunian did not sleep well. Perhaps because she drank too much, she tossed and turned on the soft bed. Finally, she stood up shakily. Relying on her memories of her home, she narrowed her eyes and touched the wall as she walked out. She walked to the end of the corridor and turned a corner. Coincidentally, there was an empty room here. She staggered and the door that was ajar was pushed open. She groggily went to the bathroom. When she came out, she went around to the exceptionally luxurious room and fell asleep with no idea what was going on. ¡ª Meanwhile¡­ At the luxurious swimming pool on the first floor of the hotel, lewd sounds could be heard! Chapter 2 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios A man was lying on a pool lounger by the emerald swimming pool. His tall figure leaned languidly against the back of the pool lounger, and his long legs were crossed comfortably. The man¡¯s well-defined fingers held a cigar, and the smoke lingered around him. Against the backdrop of the alluring night, he exuded a charming aura with his silence. Beside him was a beautiful woman with a voluptuous figure. Her long and slender arms were locked around his shoulders, and her long legs wrapped around his muscular waist intimately. Her red lips exhaled a fragrant breath that blew intimately against his ear. Her immaculately made-up eyes remain fixated on his arrogant and handsome face. Everyone in the upper echelon of Onyx City had heard of Ling Yichuan. The only heir of Ling Group¡ªwhich had a market value of tens of billions¡ªhe was the fourth-generation scion of a wealthy family. However, Ling Group¡¯s immense wealth would only attract those materialistic money-grubbers. Ling Yichuan¡¯s drop dead gorgeous looks was the reason for all the overwhelming female attention¡ªlike moth to a flame¡ªhe received. The women around him were all very beautiful and sexy. They knew how to have a good time and had no hard feelings when things ended. Well-endowed with good figures, they were fun and knew how to please and pleasure men. As for Ling Yichuan, he gained a reputation for being a skirt-chaser and became a playboy that many women coveted. Rumor had it that he would never mistreat any woman who had pleased and pleasured him. Rumor had it that every woman who fell in love with him would become his ¡°ex¡±. Rumor had it that every woman who tried to cling onto him would come to a very bad end! The woman leaned closer, and her plump breasts under the chiffon dress were tightly pressed against the man¡¯s arm. She raised her almond-shaped eyes and looked lovingly at the handsome man whom she had not seen for a long time. It was as if she wanted to melt her voluptuous body into his. She grinded her body seductively against his. ¡°Young¡­ Young Master Ling, why haven¡¯t you contacted me recently? I miss you so much!¡± Ever since she met Ling Yichuan at a ball a month ago, she had been smitten with him. He was constantly on her mind, even in her dreams. He was always busy when she called him. When she went to look for him at his office, his secretary would say that he was in a meeting. She knew that he was avoiding her, but she still wanted to be with him; even if it was just to meet him! It had not been easy but she finally found a chance to see him today when she sneaked into Ling Group¡¯s annual dinner. Ling Yichuan lowered his head slightly and glanced at her with his angelic eyes. Seeing her reflection in his deep eyes, she seemed to take that as a cue. She sultrily brushed her long wavy hair, and gave him a sweet and alluring smile. She blinked at Ling Yichuan as she gave him a sultry look. She raised her beautiful face slightly and looked at the button of the man¡¯s shirt below his Adam¡¯s apple. Her red lips moved closer and she bit it gently. The tip of her tongue curled up deftly. The button popped open. The tip of her tongue slid down, agile and tactful. One by one, she unbuttoned the man¡¯s expensive shirt. The man¡¯s breathing did not get heavy at all. He did not even lower his head to look at her. She frowned and thought for a moment. The hand that was on his chest slowly slid down, all the way to his belt¡­ Chapter 3 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Just as her hand was about to touch his belt, a large hand suddenly grabbed her soft hand tightly. Ling Yichuan¡¯s thin and soft lips curled up slightly in what seemed to be a smirk. On closer inspection, it was more like a snicker. She was overjoyed. She gently tapped the man¡¯s chiseled chest with her red manicured fingernails. Her red lips parted slightly, and her eyes looked both dreamy and sultry. ¡°Young Master Ling, I really like you! I know I was wrong last time. I shouldn¡¯t have quarreled with Lily or gone to your office. I know I was wrong! I¡¯ll be good in the future and won¡¯t get jealous again. Give me another chance, okay? As long as¡­ as long as you agree, I¡¯ll do whatever you want me to do!¡± ¡°¡­ you¡¯ll do whatever I tell you to do?¡± The husky voice was like a fallen leaf, fluttering in the breeze. His angelic eyes emitted a trace of evilness. He raised his eyebrows slightly and suddenly revealed an unfathomable smile. ¡°I¡¯m really not lying, Young Master Ling. I-I want to stay by your side forever! I-I just beg you to give me another chance and let me be with you¡­¡± The woman raised her heavily made-up face and looked at him hopefully. Her eyes were fixated on him, as she wished she could lock him up in her eyes and hide him in her heart. However, the strange thing was that the delphic smile still hung on Ling Yichuan¡¯s face. His husky voice was like silk being torn apart in the night sky, laced with devilishness and sexiness. ¡°Do you like to swim?¡± ¡°Swim?¡± She was dumbfounded. She then thought that Ling Yichuan wanted to frolic in the water with her. Hence, she lowered her head shyly and nodded gently. However, in the next second, he suddenly reached out and pushed her into the swimming pool! With a splash¡ªbefore she could even scream¡ªshe was dunked in the freezing water! The water completely ruined her immaculately groomed appearance. Her wavy long hair hung down sloppily like instant noodles; and her makeup was all smudged, especially under the corners of her eyes. Her face was covered in patches of black and red, making her a ghastly sight. She struggled out of the water in a sorry state. When she looked up, she saw Ling Yichuan standing by the pool with a glacial and sharp gaze. He was calm and composed as he tidied his clothes. He looked down from above and looked at her sorry state in boredom. His eyes were filled with a mocking and dangerous smile, like a devil. ¡°Young¡­ Young Master Ling¡­¡± Her eyes widened in shock. How could she have forgotten? Although Ling Yichuan was very generous to all his female companions, he hated being set up the most! Once his loathing set in¡­ she would meet with a bad end! Ling Yichuan curled his lips into a cold and devilish smile. ¡°If you dare to come within three meters of me in the future¡­ I¡¯ll make you and your family disappear!¡± He turned around and was about to leave when he stumbled a little. Today was the 80th anniversary of Ling Group¡¯s establishment. As the CEO, he could not help but have one over the eight. He would rather take a good rest than return to the hall and deal with those shallow and ignorant subordinates, or be surrounded by such kitschy women, With this thought in mind, he turned around¡ªwalked into his private elevator¡ªand rode it all the way to the top floor. Chapter 4 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios In the suite, the lights were not turned on. Ling Yichuan habitually took off his wristwatch¡ªunbuttoned his shirt¡ªand walked straight into the bathroom. After a while, a tall figure walked out of the bathroom. The air was filled with the refreshing lingering scent of a shower. He rubbed his temples a little tiredly. Just as he lay down and was about to rest, he found a soft body underneath him! It was a woman. Moreover, she was a woman with a good figure and smooth skin. Ling Yichuan frowned, and his lips curled into a cold smile. What, you failed to seduce me downstairs just now, and now you¡¯re here to court death? He stretched out his long arm and switched on the bedside lamp. Just as he was about to throw this brazen woman out, his dark eyes swept across the bedsheets. He was instantly stunned! She had porcelain skin that was tinged rosy from the alcohol she had drunk. She was like a peach blossom that had bloomed after the rain, beautiful and alluring. Even without makeup, her entire body emanated an unconcealable captivating allure. His gaze moved further down to the beautiful figure covered by a white blanket¡ªlong legs, slender waist, and an unbelievably soft body. However, he had never seen this woman before. Was this another new seduction technique? His slender fingers gently pinched her small chin and forced her face up. The man narrowed his eyes, and a trace of imperceptible anger flashed across them. ¡°Do you know who I am?¡± ¡°Shut up¡­¡± Ji Liunian said in her stupor. She impatiently wanted to push away the hand that was holding her chin. However, she was too weak and was no match for him. She felt like a fish that had been thrown onto a chopping board¡ªdehydrated and suffocated. She instinctively reached out her hand¡ªwanting to escape from this surreal situation¡ªbut she ended up grabbing a strong arm instead. Then, she stretched out her slender arms and hugged the man in front of her tightly. She struggled to look at the man¡¯s handsome face before suddenly smiling. She gently placed her lips on his thin and soft lips, and gave an exceptionally sweet smile. ¡°You¡¯re my husband¡­¡± The man above her froze for a second, and his gaze gradually deepened. The woman before his eyes seemed to have opened her eyes, yet they were not really opened. Her red lips parted slightly as he shook her, and emitted intermittent and inarticulate sounds. However, this unconscious appearance added to her dazzling beauty. The man got up slightly and wanted to shake her off. Her hand that was hugging his arm slid down. Suddenly, she hugged his muscular waist. In particular, those luscious and soft lips were pressed against the area beneath his belt. The air around him froze, almost making him lose his composure! ¡°Do you know what you¡¯re doing?¡± The man took a deep breath and tried to pull her away without batting an eyelid, but she held him tighter. It was particularly electrifying when her hot breaths gushed faintly into his pants. It was a silent seduction. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± The man suddenly leaned over and whispered into her ear. His husky voice was like a cup of mellow coffee. It was the only real thing she heard in the surreal situation. Hence, she opened her mouth and instinctively replied, ¡°Ji¡­ Ji Liunian.¡± ¡°Ji Liunian? Ji Liunian¡­¡± His husky voice repeated the name. Suddenly, he froze and frowned slightly. Ji Liunian. This name¡­ Why did it sound so familiar? Chapter 5 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios She had a splitting headache and her entire body ached. The sound of splashing water came and went, echoing in her ears. Ji Liunian frowned slightly as she felt the splitting headache. She moved slightly and her entire body felt like it had just gone through the wringer. Her body felt as if it was falling apart. She opened her eyes in a daze. All she could see was a luxurious crystal lamp on the white ceiling. A breeze blew past as the light from the balcony reflected on the crystal lamp, dazzling and blinding her. She closed her eyes again in discomfort. Some fragmented scenes flashed in her mind, like a badly edited movie. ¡°Is this what you wanted? Drive her away¡­ curry favor with my father, and marry into our family for money?¡± At the grand engagement dinner, Yu Yichen¡ªwho had just affirmed the marriage¡ªgrabbed her soft palm forcefully. He impatiently pushed a diamond ring onto her finger with brute force. His voice was glacial. ¡°Fine, you shall know what it¡¯s like to be engaged to me!¡± In the next flashback¡­ Under some flashlights, reporters had caught the scandalous news of Yu Yichen and a young model. He laughed sarcastically. ¡°You¡¯re asking about my fianc¨¦e? She¡¯s very reasonable and sensible, and never asks about my private matters!¡± The scene then changed to her father¡¯s expectant gaze. ¡°Liunian, you know that something has happened to my company. Without the Yu family¡¯s help, our family is done for! You must marry into the Yu family without any hiccups. No matter what, you must become Yu Yichen¡¯s wife. I¡¯m begging you!¡± A year ago, her father¡¯s company had run into serious difficulties and was in dire need of cash. The Ji and Yu families were long-time friends. She and Yu Yichen had known each other since they were young. Yu Yichen¡¯s father¡ªYu Bolan¡ªliked her very much. Because of this, she successfully got engaged to Yu Yichen and the company received the support of the Yu family. There was still a month before her marriage to Yu Yichen. However, she was unwilling to marry into the Yu family, so she secretly found a job behind her family¡¯s back. The company she joined was a subsidiary of Ling Group. At the annual dinner, she was fervently plied with alcohol. As she could not hold her liquor well, she was soon three sheets to the wind. She vaguely remembered that she was helped out of the bar and then¡­ Feeling a little uncomfortable, she rolled over to the side and moved her legs slightly. A warm current slowly surged through her, instantly startling her! Ji Liunian suddenly opened her eyes as if she had thought of something! An unfamiliar ceiling¡­ An unfamiliar apartment¡­ And an unfamiliar bed¡­ This was not her home! She supported herself with both hands and was about to sit up from the bedsheets when her entire face turned pale! As the silk blanket slid down, she saw her fair skin covered with mottled marks of varying shades of green and purple. Her waist was extremely sore, especially the mess below her lower abdomen¡­ An unfamiliar environment and an unfamiliar bed. Where was this place? She hammered her head hard, and more scenes flashed past. His heavy breathing¡­ Her gentle moans¡­ And the handsome face that she vaguely saw¡­ Before regret had time to set in, the sound of water in the adjacent bathroom stopped. The glass door opened with a whoosh as a muscular figure walked out in steady steps, draped in a towel. Her eyes were huge as saucers. This man was not her fianc¨¦, Yu Yichen. She had stepped out! Chapter 6 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios She was about to get married in a month, but a spanner was thrown in the works now! The words ¡°stepped out¡± instantly engulfed her mind, and she was dumbstruck! The man¡¯s deep eyes flashed and his thin lips curled up slightly. He walked out of the bathroom indifferently with only a towel wrapped around his muscular waist. He took a step forward and walked leisurely to the round table at the side. His slender fingers pushed gently¡ªwith a bang¡ªand he deftly pulled out the cork of a bottle of red wine. The crimson red wine dribbled like blood into the tall glass beside him as a rich and sweet fragrance instantly filled the air. His well-defined hand held the wine glass elegantly. His body turned nimbly before he languidly sat back on the couch with his legs crossed comfortably. His lanky figure¡­ strong muscles¡­ sun-kissed skin coupled with his prepossessingly handsome face and wine-stained thin, soft lips¡­ made him look even more charming. She was utterly confused and disconcerted. Too many uncomfortable thoughts were crowding in on her. She suddenly thought of something and quickly scooped up the blanket that had slipped off. She tried her best to cover her naked body, revealing only her big eyes brimmed with surprise, anger, and a trace of¡­ guilt and uneasiness. Seeing her desperately pulling the blanket over her body, the man smirked and said languidly, ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s too late to cover it up now? Besides¡­¡± His almond-shaped eyes were teeming with mockery and teasing. ¡°Which part of your body haven¡¯t I seen, touched, or kissed?¡± ¡°You¡­ I¡­¡± Ji Liunian crumbled under his gaze and subconsciously shrunk back as she wrapped the blanket tightly. After a long time, she finally managed to utter some words. ¡°Last night, did we really¡­¡± The man swirled the wine glass gently and curled his lips slightly. He elegantly took a sip of red wine and his voice seemed to be drenched in red wine, revealing a charming intoxication. ¡°I¡¯m a red-blooded man.¡± Then, his angelic eyes scanned her trembling body¡ªwrapped in the blanket¡ªlike a radar. ¡°And you¡­ you¡¯re not an ugly woman whom I can¡¯t stand the sight of.¡± She was about to go bonkers! ¡°W-What do you mean?¡± ¡°Exactly what I meant.¡± The man smiled, his gaze deepening. ¡°What happened between two consenting adults. Besides, you came to me yourself.¡± The man¡¯s tone was casual, as if he was casually saying, ¡°It¡¯s a fine day today.¡± However, his words shattered all of Ji Liunian¡¯s fantasies! What should have happened¡­ What should not have happened.. had all happened! But, last night was her first time! After getting engaged to Yu Yichen, he did not even spare a glance at her. Furthermore, he carried on with his philandering ways and showed no restraint at all. However, the Yu family was a wealthy family after all. If they found out that she¡ªthe prospective daughter-in-law of the Yu family¡ªhad such intimate relations with another man a month before her marriage, Yu Yichen would definitely demand an annulment! It did not matter if her engagement was broken off by the Yu family. But her father¡¯s company would also be in dire straits! Besides, there were her hospitalized mother¡¯s hefty medical bills too. The daily medical expenses to sustain her life were staggering. Chapter 7 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios There was no time to care about what happened last night and how it came about. All she wanted to do now was to forget about this as soon as possible! Anyway¡­ Yu Yichen probably would not touch her anyway. When the Ji family¡¯s company was back on track, she would have the confidence to broach the topic of divorce with Yu Yichen. Her fingers gripped the blanket tightly. After a long while, she finally said, ¡°About last night¡­ Can we pretend that nothing happened?¡± The man raised his angelic eyes slightly and frowned imperceptibly. He had had many women. The only similarity was that they would put in a lot of effort to bed him and were desperate for him to take their roll in the hay into account. They would strive to stay by his side, even if it was only for a few more days. Their wish was to marry him in a grand wedding. However, the one before him was interesting. Playing hard to get? Or role-playing? Was she trying to find another way to make him pay attention to her? Interesting! He was in a good mood today. He stretched his long legs comfortably and flicked the crystal glass with his fingers. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Since we¡¯re all adults¡­ you didn¡¯t suffer any losses from what happened last night. It¡¯s better if we don¡¯t see each other again in the future!¡± She bit her lip hard and stammered after a long time. Rather convincing act! The man snorted softly and swirled the glass of red wine in his hand elegantly. After a moment, he said huskily, ¡°I thought we gelled very well last night. You were also very¡­ passionate!¡± Ji Liunian¡¯s face turned red, but she could not refute him! At his words, she seemed to vaguely recall some things as a few chaotic images came to her mind¡ªhis ripped body, her mellow whimpers, and the two of them becoming one¡­ Even though Ji Liunian was not the traditional kind of woman who insisted on saving herself for her wedding night, this was the first time something like this happened to her. She¡­ At this moment, she could not care less. She should leave this awkward place as soon as possible! With this thought in mind, she stumbled up from the bedsheets and quickly picked up her clothes. She put them on haphazardly and was about to leave when she saw the man still sitting on the couch with a casual and languid expression. She bit her lip and hesitated for a moment. In the end, she said, ¡°This was an accident¡­ If¡­ If you tell anyone about this¡­¡± The man looked up and met her slightly hesitant black eyes. She was electrified by his gaze and immediately puffed out her chest and raised her head. ¡°I¡­ I won¡¯t let you off!¡± She immediately bolted out of the room and the door closed with a loud bang! The man smirked faintly. Just then, Lian Sihan called and he picked up the call. ¡°The woman you arranged last night is not bad.¡± His lilted voice revealed that he was in a rather happy mood. Only his good friend cum personal assistant, Lian Sihan had the key to his room in this hotel. If this woman was a ¡°gift¡± from Lian Sihan, he had to admit that although he had experienced many women over the years, the one last night¡ªwhether it was her figure or face¡ªwas definitely top-notch! It made him¡ªwho had just been satiated¡ªinstantly start to heat up again. ¡°What woman?¡± Lian Sihan was confused. ¡°I didn¡¯t arrange for any woman to go over last night!¡± Chapter 8 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Lian Sihan¡¯s answer caused the Ling Yichuan¡¯s hand that was holding the cell phone to tighten slightly. After a moment, he suddenly lowered his voice, ¡°Help me look into a person!¡± After ending the call, he finished the red wine in his hand in one gulp. An unknown emotion flashed across his eyes. Ji Liunian? Even if I have to turn Onyx City upside down, we will definitely meet again! Recalling her last threat, an evil glint flashed across his eyes. ¡°Won¡¯t let you off¡±? I¡¯d like to see how you ¡°won¡¯t let me off¡±. ¡ª Meanwhile, in a luxurious villa in Onyx City. A beautiful woman in a black lace bra and black thong was leaning against the balcony. Even without makeup, there was no hiding her beautiful face. Her chestnut-colored long hair was slightly curled and fell casually over her shoulders¡ªcovering half of her beautiful curves¡ªand added to her charm. She turned around secretively and glanced at the bathroom door that was closed. Then, she grabbed her cell phone and lowered her voice to make a call. ¡°How did it go?¡± A woman¡¯s uneasy voice emanated from the other end. ¡°M-Miss Xu, I¡¯m sorry! When I brought the reporters over today and knocked on the door, there was no one inside!¡± ¡°What did you say?!¡± Xu Xin¡¯er¡¯s voice changed. Her eyes¡ªwhich were usually pitiful in front of the camera¡ªshot a trace of viciousness. ¡°I paid you so much money, but you can¡¯t even handle such a small matter?¡± Gao Youyi was on the verge of tears. ¡°I-I don¡¯t know either! I got her drunk last night. After I helped her in¡ªother than going to the bathroom once¡ªI kept watch here all night. I contacted the reporters first thing in the morning! I even lied to the hotel staff and said that I left my things in the room. But, when I opened the door, she¡­ she was gone!¡± ¡°Imbecile!¡± Xu Xin¡¯er was exasperated. Gao Youyi realized her blunder and stammered, ¡°M-Miss Xu¡­ Even if Ji Liunian knows that I did it, there¡¯s no evidence¡­ There¡­ There¡¯s still a chance in future!¡± ¡°You can¡¯t even handle such a small thing. What else can I expect you to do the next time?!¡± Xu Xin¡¯er¡¯s delicate brows furrowed fiercely. She was so angry that she wanted to smash the cell phone! What ¡°future¡± was there? If she could not catch her red-handed within this month¡­ By the time Ji Liunian and Yu Yichen got married, it would be too late! What else was more unacceptable to the Yu family than the scandal of their prospective daughter-in-law having sex with another man before marriage? She did not expect her meticulous plan to be ruined by that nincompoop, Gao Youyi! Just as she was about to say something, a slender arm suddenly wrapped around her from behind. Xu Xin¡¯er froze and turned around. It was Yu Yichen. ¡°What are you talking about? Hmm? I heard you. You seem to be angry.¡± Yu Yichen was only wearing a bathrobe, and water droplets were still dripping from his hair. He was obviously fresh from a shower and sneaked behind her, planning to give her a surprise. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s my assistant.¡± Xu Xin¡¯er ended the call without batting an eyelid and turned off her cell phone. She turned around and wrapped her fair arm around Yu Yichen¡¯s neck. Her smile was gentle and sweet. ¡°I have to film tonight, but the costumes and props aren¡¯t ready yet. She¡¯s flustered and called me.¡± Chapter 9 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Yu Yichen¡¯s eyes had a deep gaze. He had a high nose bridge, and thin and soft lips. Coupled with the fact that he was also the only heir of the Yu family, he was definitely a good catch! The first time she saw him in the office, she was deeply attracted to him. It took her a long time to find out his preferences. She tried her best to get close to him¡­ please him¡­ and attract his attention. She was deeply in love with him! It was obvious they were meant to be together. What they had was true love! However, after all the efforts she had put in, she lost to an unknown daughter of some down-and-out family in the end! And it was all because of a ridiculous ¡°parental order¡±! That woman. Ji Liunian¡­ Other than having a good family background, in what way was she better than her? And now, this only advantage was gone because her father¡¯s company was about to go bankrupt. In order for Ji Liunian to marry into the Yu family, Yu Yichen¡¯s father threatened to end her acting career a year ago and forced her to study abroad for a year! It was only recently that she had returned to China when she took on a role in a new movie. However¡ªupon her return¡ªshe realized that Ji Liunian and Yu Yichen were getting married in a month! She was resentful that she had to give up the great catch¡ªYu Yichen! Her beautiful eyes narrowed as her soft body gently leaned against his. Her small hands drew circles on his chest, seemingly in a nonchalant way. Yu Yichen grunted and grabbed her mischievous hand. ¡°What¡­ you weren¡¯t satiated just now? Do you want me again?¡± ¡°I hate you!¡± Xu Xin¡¯er pouted. She clenched her fists and lightly punched his chest. ¡°Hate me?¡± Yu Yichen gave a devilish grin. His large hands roamed her body wantonly. ¡°But you said that you liked me very much just now.¡± Xu Xin¡¯er was an up-and-coming starlet groomed by the company under the Yu family. She was beautiful and had a banging body. Of course, Xu Xin¡¯er was beautiful, obedient, and sensible. She knew how to please and pleasure him, as she gained his favor. However, it did not necessarily mean that he really liked Xu Xin¡¯er. The problem was that when things between him and Xu Xin¡¯er got hot and heavy, there was strong opposition from Yu Bolan. Because of the engagement to Ji Liunian, the two of them were forced to break up. Xu Xin¡¯er was even driven overseas. The sudden string of events culminated in the prideful Yu Yichen developing hatred for this marriage. It was especially due to the fact that it was already the 21st century but his father was still bent on imposing an arranged marriage on him. What kind of high-spirited man could stand such shackles? ¡°But, you¡¯re getting hitched in a month¡­¡± Xu Xin¡¯er lowered her head slightly and leaned her head on his shoulder. She looked pitiful and a trace of sadness flashed across her beautiful eyes, ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t want to be a mistress that everyone hates. When the time comes, we¡­¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry.¡± Yu Yichen¡¯s eyes flashed with an ambiguous emotion¡ªas if he wanted to explain, but also as if he wanted to prove something. ¡°It¡¯s not that easy for her to marry into the Yu family! I have my ways to deal with my father! As for you¡­¡± He chuckled¡ªlowered his head and scooped her up¡ªand carried her to the bedroom. ¡°Yichen¡­ Be gentle¡­ Don¡¯t¡­ Ahh¡­¡± Soon, PG-rated1 sounds emanated from the bedroom. Chapter 10 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios As soon as Ji Liunian returned to her apartment, she received a call from her father¡ªJi Qixuan. ¡°Liunian, remember to go to the Yu family tomorrow to discuss the marriage. You and Yichen are getting married in a month. You need to ask about the wedding plans.¡± ¡°Dad¡­¡± Ji Liunian pinched her forehead. ¡°You¡¯re still busy with work. We should at least wait until you come back to discuss the wedding plans.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because of this¡­¡± Ji Qixuan sighed faintly. ¡°I¡¯m still short of a sum of money to clinch the contract. When you see your Uncle Yu later, can you¡­¡± ¡°Dad!¡± Ji Liunian flatly rejected it. There were some things she wanted to say, but she did not know how to broach them. ¡°I can¡¯t bring myself to broach such things.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Ji Qixuan nodded. After a long while, he said, ¡°No matter what, your marriage to Yu Yichen must happen without a hitch! You know our situation. Without the Yu family¡¯s support, even your mother¡¯s medical expenses¡­¡± ¡°¡­I know.¡± After hanging up, her grip on the cell phone tightened. After a long time, she finally let go and put her bag on the ground before throwing herself onto the couch. She was weary beyond words¡ªnot only physically but mentally as well. 10 years ago, shortly after her father¡¯s return to Onyx City when he ended his overseas business, she had visited the Yu family¡ªwho was a long-time good friend cum business partner¡ªtogether with her parents. The Ji and Yu families had been on good terms for many years. More than 30 years ago, the Yu family¡¯s business¡ªwhich was helmed by Yu Yichen¡¯s grandfather at that time¡ªwas in jeopardy. It was Ji Liunian¡¯s grandfather who helped the Yu family tide over the crisis. Because of this, Yu Yichen¡¯s father had always been indebted to them. When it was the Ji family¡¯s turn to fall onto bad times, he was very willing to help them. She and Yu Yichen were childhood sweethearts, having grown up together. Although the young and handsome Yu Yichen was very playful, they had a harmonious relationship. However, the Ji family¡¯s business suffered a major setback a year ago. Her father¡¯s investment failed and he owed a huge debt. It was also during the same period that her mother fell into a coma after a car accident. She had not woken up to date. It was Yu Bolan who came to the Ji family, hoping that she could marry Yu Yichen. As the bride price, he made a huge investment in the Ji family¡¯s company. She had no choice at all. Later on, she wondered if she and Yu Yichen had not been bound by their parental-arranged engagement, would they not be like strangers now? Besides, Yu Yichen¡¯s mother and sister had been picking on her ever since the Ji family¡¯s fortune went south. Ji Liunian bit her lip. They were getting married in a month¡¯s time. But, she dared not imagine what it would be like after she got married to Yu Yichen. But now, her father¡¯s company needed this marriage to work, and her gravely ill mother also needed money for her treatment. Even if she said that she was unwilling now, her father and Uncle Yu would not agree. The sky gradually darkened. Ji Liunian was about to get up and take a shower when a call came. It was her colleague and best friend, Liu Menghan. As soon as the call connected, she heard a rapid barrage of utterance. Chapter 11 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios ¡°Liunian, where did you go last night? When the dinner ended, I couldn¡¯t find you. You didn¡¯t answer my calls. You scared me to death! Later, someone said that they saw you being helped away by Gao Youyi. That woman kept bullying you just because she joined the company earlier than you. Are you okay?¡± ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m fine¡­¡± Was spending the night with a man and not remembering much about it considered ¡°fine¡±? But then again, when she recalled the man in the hotel¡­ Those passionate hugs¡­ The intimate lovemaking moments¡­ The glint of devilishness in his black eyes when they slightly curled up¡­ Although she did not want to admit it, that man was such a good kisser that she could not resist at all and melted at his kisses! ¡°Why is your reply so reluctant? Did¡­ something happen?¡± Ji Liunian felt guilty. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m really fine.¡± Liu Menghan acknowledged it faintly before saying in an indignant tone, ¡°I think this matter isn¡¯t over yet. Be careful. I¡¯m afraid that woman has more tricks up her sleeve!¡± ¡°Got it.¡± Ji Liunian nodded. After a moment of silence, Liu Menghan asked again, ¡°Also, do you really plan to marry that man?¡± Liu Menghan and Ji Liunian were college classmates. Ji Liunian joined the company through Liu Menghan who was the only person in the company to know Ji Liunian¡¯s true identity. ¡°Yeah.¡± Ji Liunian replied calmly. Liu Menghan immediately said indignantly, ¡°But he¡¯s too much! Have you seen yesterday¡¯s newspaper? He got caught with that female celebrity in a hotel! Such news breaks every few days. Isn¡¯t he afraid of breaking his d*ck? It¡¯s not like you are left on the shelf¡ªyou¡¯re beautiful. In terms of educational and family background, which part of you isn¡¯t worthy of him? You guys are about to get married, but he¡¯s still sleeping around so wantonly and openly. Clearly, he doesn¡¯t give a d*mn about you! And you¡­ you¡¯re clearly the real deal, but you relegate yourself to such a lowly status! Hurry up and dump him before the wedding. Go and find a man a hundred times better than him! Let him regret it!¡± Ji Liunian pinched the space between her eyebrows and her voice was a little hoarse. ¡°You know my family¡¯s situation. I don¡¯t have any other way out. Besides¡­¡± ¡°Are you concerned about how they saved your family back then?¡± Liu Menghan interrupted her. ¡°Even so, the things that he did all these years have exhausted the favor bank. What is he blaming you for? Does he still think that it¡¯s your fault that woman went overseas?¡± Ji Liunian was speechless. Liu Menghan said, ¡°I really don¡¯t understand. How are you worse than that woman? Is he blind? You¡¯ve known him since you were young. That woman only spent a few years with him! Besides, it¡¯s not your fault that woman left. Even if it wasn¡¯t you, their family wouldn¡¯t have accepted her! How could he¡­¡± ¡°Menghan,¡± Ji Liunian interrupted her. ¡°Forget it. Let it go.¡± ¡°Then we¡¯ll settle for the next best thing. Tit for tat¡ªsince he cheated on you, so can you!¡± Chapter 12 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Liu Menghan immediately came to a conclusion. ¡°Why are you afraid of him? He¡¯s already so disrespectful to you. You don¡¯t have to show him any mercy! Find a man more handsome and richer than him. Drive him up the wall!¡± The more she spoke, the more exaggerated she became. Ji Liunian pressed her sore temples and Liu Menghan added, ¡°To be honest, have you really not met a¡­ man who¡¯s not bad?¡± ¡°Go and find one for me.¡± Despite the retort, that man¡¯s thin and soft lips¡ªwith a slight upward curve¡ªcame to Ji Liunian¡¯s mind. That kiss was domineering and devilish¡ªwith a suffocating wildness¡ªas if he wanted to suck her soul clean! Uh, why am I thinking about that man again? ¡°Alright, the day after tomorrow is Monday. God knows what Gao Youyi will be up to! Be careful!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got it.¡± After hanging up, Ji Liunian frowned unconsciously. She did not get along with Gao Youyi from the first day she joined the company. However, Gao Youyi kept plying her with alcohol last night and even helped her away when she got drunk. When she woke up the next day, she was in a stranger¡¯s room. She felt that things were not that simple. But on second thoughts, that man¡¯s devilishly handsome face and the luxurious suite¡¯s furnishings¡­ If Gao Youyi wanted to set her up, she would not have done it like this¡­ ¡ª The next day. Ji Liunian¡¯s rented apartment was in the bustling city. She wanted to live on her own and rented the apartment without telling her father and the Yu family. Obviously, she could not live in a swanky villa openly and drive her own luxury car. After going downstairs, she stood at the corner of the street and hailed a cab. After a long time, she said, ¡°Go to Jade Villa.¡± Jade Villa was a newly developed swanky piece of real estate in Onyx City. It was also where the Yu family stayed. She walked into the magnificent villa but before she could reach the door, she heard a sharp voice emanating from inside. ¡°Are you really letting her marry Yichen? Putting aside the fact that she looks like a hussy, their family is so poor that they keep asking us for money every few days! How is she worthy of our Yichen?!¡± Ji Liunian stopped in her tracks. She was very familiar with this woman¡¯s voice. It was Yu Yichen¡¯s mother¡ªher future mother-in-law¡ªChen Yiqun! Moreover, she seemed to be talking about her marriage to Yu Yichen. The Yu and Ji families were family friends. She and Yu Yichen had known each other since they were young. When she was young, her parents had brought her to visit the Yu family. At that time, Chen Yiqun¡¯s attitude towards her was very friendly. However, ever since her father¡¯s investment failed three years ago and rendered their family business in jeopardy, Chen Yiqun¡¯s attitude towards her changed and became nasty. When the news of their engagement broke, Yu Yichen had the biggest reaction. Chen Yiqun was not any better. Even now, she was still cold and indifferent whenever she saw Ji Liunian, . Chapter 13 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios A dignified middle-aged man¡¯s voice rang in the air. It was Yu Yichen¡¯s father¡ªYu Bolan. ¡°With a mother like you, no wonder Yichen is so unbecoming! Look at the newspaper report! They¡¯re getting married in a month, but he¡¯s still fooling around every day! Female celebrity today¡­ Model tomorrow¡­ This is all your doing! You¡¯ve spoiled him!¡± ¡°So what?!¡± Chen Yiqun raised her voice. ¡°Which rich kid doesn¡¯t like to fool around?! If you didn¡¯t decide this marriage for Yichen on your own, would Yichen have become like this?¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± They were in the middle of it when a servant¡¯s voice suddenly emanated from outside. ¡°Miss Ji, you¡¯re here.¡± ¡ª Ji Liunian was unsure if she should move or stay where she was. She hesitated for a moment before walking in. When she reached the living room, she saw Yu Bolan and Chen Yiqun sitting on the couch. Chen Yiqun sniggered at the sight of her, but Yu Bolan looked happy. ¡°Liunian, you¡¯re here?¡± He turned around and looked darkly at Chen Yiqun. ¡°Go and see if Yichen is home.¡± Chen Yiqun lowered her eyes. ¡°Yichen went out early in the morning. Who knows where he¡¯s gone?¡± Yu Bolan snorted. ¡°He¡¯s about to get married, yet still so unbecoming. It¡¯s all your fault!¡± Chen Yiqun glared at Ji Liunian. ¡°You can¡¯t even keep your future husband by your side. You¡¯re about to get married and don¡¯t even know Yichen¡¯s whereabouts. I wonder if you can take good care of our Yichen when you marry into the Yu family in the future!¡± ¡°Enough. Tell him that Liunian is here and to come back early. Also, Nuanxue is back, right? Tell her to come down.¡± When she heard that Yu Bolan was going to summon her daughter to welcome their future daughter-in-law, Chen Yiqun felt even more unhappy. ¡°Wow, what a VIP she is. Is there really a need to get Nuanxue to welcome her? Nuanxue is different from Ji Liunian¡ªshe has to compete in that design competition and is swarmed every day! Nuanxue is not so lucky like Ji Liunian who is just waiting to marry into our family and live a life of idleness as a bludger!¡± Yu Bolan¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Hurry up and ask her to come down! Liunian is her future sister-in-law!¡± ¡°Dad, what are you guys talking about?¡± The eldest daughter of the Yu family¡ªYu Nuanxue¡ªmade her way from the second floor clad in her trendy dress and high heels. The moment Yu Nuanxue saw Ji Liunian, she raised her eyebrows. Her immaculately made-up face revealed disdain and disgust, and she snickered. ¡°Oh my¡­ To what do we owe the honor of welcoming your down-and-out a*s here today? Are you here today to ask for money or my brother?¡± Yu Nuanxue had never had a good relationship with her since she was young. When the Ji family lost their wealth and stature, Yu Nuanxue picked on them even more. Yu Nuanxue regarded her with contempt and her voice turned sharp at the last few words to denote her derision. Chapter 14 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Yu Bolan frowned. ¡°Nuanxue, what nonsense are you spouting?!¡± ¡°What? Who said Nuanxue is spouting nonsense?¡± Chen Yiqun stretched out her hand and gestured for Yu Nuanxue to sit beside her. Ji Liunian did not even look at her. The servant beside her walked over. ¡°Miss Ji, do you want some water or¡­?¡± Ji Liunian said, ¡°A cup of chrysanthemum tea.¡± Yu Nuanxue¡¯s derision intensified. ¡°Poor people have poor taste¡ªpreferring to drink such cheap things.¡± Ji Liunian said calmly, ¡°It¡¯s for you¡ªit is good for the liver and eyes. Also, it can help to cool yourself.¡± ¡°Ji Liunian!¡± Yu Nuanxue stood up abruptly and splashed the chrysanthemum tea on her. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a look at yourself? Who do you think you are? How dare you talk to me like that?¡± ¡°Nuanxue, what are you doing?!¡± Yu Bolan was furious and stood up immediately. ¡°She¡¯s your sister-in-law!¡± ¡°What sister-in-law? My brother doesn¡¯t even like her! He would rather fool around with other women than have her! Who knows if she¡¯s deliberately seducing my father behind his back!¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Yu Bolan roared angrily. Just as he was about to say something, Ji Liunian gently brushed away the petals on her sideburns. Suddenly, she raised her hand and slapped Yu Nuanxue hard! It was a very heavy slap. Yu Nuanxue fell to the side, her face swollen. ¡°How dare you slap me?! How dare you slap me?!¡± Yu Nuanxue had never been slapped since she was young. She was instantly furious. ¡°Why can¡¯t I slap you?! I¡¯m slapping an unfilial daughter like you! You¡¯re not just humiliating me. You¡¯re slandering your brother, Uncle Yu, and Uncle Yu¡¯s relationship with Aunt Chen!¡± ¡°What right do you have to lecture me?!¡± Yu Nuanxue was not the type to admit defeat, so she immediately pounced. ¡°Stop it!¡± Yu Bolan roared as he stopped Yu Nuanxue¡¯s hand. ¡°We¡¯ve been friends with the Ji family for many years. Back then, when our family¡¯s business was in jeopardy, it was the Ji family who helped us out! The Ji family has done our family a great favor! It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t know how to be grateful, but now you¡¯re spouting nonsense! If I hear you spouting nonsense again in the future, don¡¯t blame me for being angry!¡± Despite being chastised, Yu Nuanxue still glared at Ji Liunian angrily. She suddenly snorted and turned her head away from her. Chen Yiqun also comforted his daughter and was too lazy to respond. Yu Bolan gave a big sigh and his expression softened slightly as he said to Ji Liunian, ¡°Liunian, don¡¯t mind her. Nuanxue is younger than you and she¡¯s still insensible. Your clothes are wet. Go up and change. Your clothes are in the cloakroom upstairs.¡± It was not the first time she knew about Yu Nuanxue and Chen Yiqun¡¯s hostility towards her. Chen Yiqun was her elder, so she did not dare to refute. Under normal circumstances, she would turn a blind eye to Yu Nuanxue¡¯s sarcasm. If it were not for Yu Bolan¡¯s kindness to the Ji family¡ªand the Ji family urgently needing the Yu family¡¯s help now¡ªshe would not have been so tolerant of Nuanxue and Chen Yiqun. Also, Yu Yichen¡­ After her engagement to Yu Yichen, Yu Bolan had prepared a guest room upstairs and a change of clothes for her, even though she had never moved into the Yu family¡¯s house. The Yu family kept clothes that were not commonly used in the cloakroom. When she opened the door, the clothes had already been sorted and put away properly. She had just found a suitable outfit for herself and had taken off her clothes when the door of the room was suddenly pushed open! Chapter 15 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios A familiar voice came from behind her. ¡°Ji Liunian, how dare you?!¡± In the next second, an angry figure rushed over from the door. ¡°Ji Liunian, you¡­¡± Before he could finish his sentence, he suddenly paused. His handsome eyebrows were slightly furrowed as he stood rooted to the ground. Ji Liunian¡ªon the other hand¡ªwas much calmer. She picked up the clothes beside her and put them on. When she looked up, she saw him looking over. She turned sideways and was about to walk around him¡ªwho was blocking the door¡ªand get out of the room. Yu Yichen suddenly stretched out his long arm and pulled her back without much effort. She was surprised¡ªlost her balance¡ªand bumped into his firm chest. Since their engagement a year ago, she had never been in such close proximity to him. She could even feel the strong beat of his heart under his shirt¡ªone beat after another, pounding against her heart like a drumbeat. There seemed to be a faint scent of a lady¡¯s perfume on him. The collar of his bespoke shirt was slightly opened. From the gap, a few faint marks¡ªlike those left by a woman¡¯s fingernails¡ªcould be seen. Her heart skipped a beat. After finding her balance, she reached out and placed her hand on his chest, wanting to push him away. ¡°Let go of me!¡± Yu Yichen did not move. His gaze moved down slightly. When he saw the faint bruises on her bare shoulders, he frowned inexplicably. He reached out and pinched her chin, forcing her to look up. His eyes narrowed dangerously. ¡°What did you do yesterday?¡± Although his tone was domineering, it was the only time since they got engaged that he seemed to be ¡°concerned¡± about her! Seeing his gaze on her, she lightly brushed his hand away. ¡°It¡¯s none of your concern.¡± ¡°None of my concern?¡± Yu Yichen frowned slightly. For more than a year, he knew that his mother and sister had been insufferable to her and gave her a hard time. He had always turned a blind eye to it. But now¡ªfor some reason¡ªhe was extremely indignant after seeing her indifferent expression. ¡°Ji Liunian, you seem to have made a mistake. You¡¯re my fianc¨¦e now. Although I don¡¯t like you and don¡¯t want to marry you, you¡¯ll embarrass the Yu family if you fool around!¡± When Ji Liunian heard what he said, she looked at him with mirth and asked, ¡°What about you? You came back with the scent of Chanel No. 5. There are even sex scratches left by that woman on your chest! Did I ask you anything?¡± ¡°So what?¡± Yu Yichen snorted coldly. ¡°I¡¯m a man, and you¡¯re a woman! When a man does it, he¡¯s a stud; but when a woman does it, she¡¯s a slut!¡± Yu Yichen took a step forward, forcing her to retreat in response. ¡°You¡¯d better not have done anything unfaithful to me! If I find out that you cheated on me¡­ you¡¯ll definitely come to a sticky end!¡± Chapter 16 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios In the blink of an eye, Ji Liunian had been forced into a corner by him. This was the first time he took the initiative to approach her with such domineering words. However, what he said and did made her feel extremely bitter! She was well aware that he did not say those words out of concern, but because¡­ she was still labeled as his ¡°fianc¨¦e¡±. If she cheated on him, it would only hurt his pride. If he knew the man from last night and she had¡­ he would probably just be angry and embarrassed! But even though she knew that, her heart still ached. For Yu Yichen, this was also the first time he had seen her up close. The two of them had known each other for a long time. But in the past, he had never viewed Ji Liunian with romantic feelings. It was not because she was not beautiful, but because she was the daughter of his father¡¯s good friend. If he were to go steady with her, it meant that he had to treat her and the relationship seriously¡ªworking towards marriage and children. However¡ªto be fair¡ªJi Liunian¡¯s appearance was not the elegant and beautiful type, nor was she the delicate and doleful type. Instead, she was a woman as beautiful as a rose, even more beautiful than Xu Xin¡¯er. She was¡­ a real beauty! Ji Liunian was in the midst of changing her clothes and did not have the time to put them on properly. As he lowered his gaze¡ªfrom his height¡ªhe traced her long and fair neckline with his eyes. He could easily see the faintly discernible rack from her open collar. Further down, her slender waist could be held in one hand, and her jaw-droppingly perky bottom stretched out her white dress exceptionally. Her hot body and pretty face were enough to titillate any hot-blooded man! With her raised chin, and her plump and red lips¡ªwhich did not need any lipstick¡ªwere luscious like fresh rose petals. It made one want to ravage those lips! Yu Yichen stared at her soft lips, his gaze growing deeper and hotter! As he eyef*cked her, his face gradually inched closer to her. As if under a spell, he wondered if the taste of her lips would be as sweet as it looked. Ji Liunian was stunned for a few seconds. By the time she realized it, his face was already right before her eyes! His hot breath from his tall nose purred on her cheek, but it sent chills down her spine¡­ Without thinking, she suddenly reached out and pushed him hard! Yu Yichen¡ªwho was pushed away¡ªwas confused for a moment. Suddenly, he seemed to have sensed something. He raised his head and glared at her angrily. ¡°Remember, you were forced onto me by my father! Even if I never like you, you¡¯d better behave yourself! Otherwise¡­¡± Before he could finish his sentence, he slammed the door and left! Chapter 17 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios There was a loud bang. The force was so strong that the dust on the beam fell. She stood rooted to the ground, dumbstruck. ¡°I¡¯ll never like you.¡± This sentence had been on his lips since the day they got engaged a year ago. She had even been prepared to be neglected for the rest of her life after marrying into the family. However, it was still hurtful to hear it now. She walked out of the room and saw the Yu family in the living room, a picture of harmony. She felt like an interloper¡ªextraneous and out of place¡ªunable to assimilate into their life. She would never have any hope of becoming a family with them. ¡­ Perhaps with Yu Bolan at the helm, the Yu family did not say anything overboard during lunch. After the table was cleared, Yu Bolan glanced at his son¡ªwho was still a little indignant¡ªand the silent Ji Liunian beside him. He knew that when his son barreled upstairs just now, the two of them probably had another argument. That glance made Ji Liunian lower her head slightly. Yu Yichen remained nonchalant and sipped his coffee with a devil-may-care attitude. ¡°Yichen, Liunian¡­ You¡¯re getting married in a month.¡± Yu Bolan suddenly said, taking everyone by surprise. Yu Yichen snorted and gave an insouciant shrug of his shoulders. ¡°Dad, why are you so enthusiastic? Those not in the know might think she isn¡¯t the wife you are forcing me to marry, but the stepmother you found for me.¡± Yu Nuanxue could not help but burst out laughing. Ji Liunian tightened her grip on her cup. ¡°Shut up!¡± Yu Bolan glared at him and turned to look at Ji Liunian. ¡°Yichen will bring you to the shopping mall later. You¡¯re getting married soon and nothing¡¯s ready. That¡¯s not right!¡± ¡°Thank you, Uncle Yu.¡± Ji Liunian knew that Yu Bolan was doing this to ease the tension between her and Yu Yichen. But, she also knew that this was an exercise in futility. Yu Bolan smiled. ¡°You¡¯re still calling me ¡®Uncle Yu¡¯?¡± Ji Liunian was slightly taken aback. She lowered her head and said emotionally, ¡°Dad.¡± No matter how the rest of the Yu family treated her, Yu Bolan really doted on her. ¡°Are you done? If you¡¯re done, I¡¯m going back to the office.¡± Yu Yichen stood up and yawned in boredom, as if it had nothing to do with him. ¡°Leave work for later!¡± Yu Bolan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°You will accompany Liunian to the mall this afternoon, and pick out the wedding dress!¡± ¡°Dad, if Yichen is very busy, I can do it by myself¡­¡± ¡°How can we make you pick out the wedding dress alone? Today, it is the wedding dress. Tomorrow, is it going to be the wedding ceremony? He¡¯s too busy for that too? He will go with you!¡± Yu Yichen raised his eyebrows. He neither agreed nor refused, but did not hide his sneer. Chapter 18 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios In the garage, Ji Liunian felt uncomfortable standing beside Yu Yichen¡¯s car. ¡°I can walk by myself.¡± ¡°Hmph. Who gives a sh*t about you?¡± Yu Yichen sneered. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯ll accompany you to buy a wedding dress? Don¡¯t even think about it! I¡¯m just too lazy to listen to my father¡¯s nagging. I¡¯ll kick your a*s out halfway.¡± With that, he opened the car door and shoved Ji Liunian into the car roughly. ¡°Yu Yichen, you only know how to threaten people. What kind of man are you?!¡± ¡°Whether I¡¯m a man or not, do you want to give it a try?¡± His tall body leaned against the side of the car door. His hands suddenly grabbed her chin roughly and forcefully. ¡°Don¡¯t think that you can order me around just because you¡¯ve gained favor with my father! I wouldn¡¯t want a piece of trash like you even if you throw yourself at me!¡± ¡°I know where I stand.¡± Ji Liunian shook off his hand and looked straight ahead. ¡°I know that you hate this marriage. I don¡¯t care what you think. I just hope that the two of us can get along peacefully in the future and not interfere with each other.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t interfere with each other?¡± Ji Liunian¡¯s indifferent expression made him slightly unhappy. ¡°You seem to have forgotten what I said just now? Although I don¡¯t like you, you¡¯d better behave yourself as long as we¡¯re still engaged!¡± Although he had threatened Ji Liunian several times before, when she thought of what happened last night¡­ Ji Liunian felt a little guilty. ¡°I¡­ I know. I understand my position.¡± ¡°Good!¡± ¡­ The car squealed to a stop at the shopping mall. Yu Yichen stretched out his arm and opened her car door. He said coldly, ¡°You can get lost now!¡± Ji Liunian had barely gotten out of the car when the car engine suddenly started. The exhaust pipe spurted out a stream of dirty air. The flashy sports car sped off like an arrow, leaving her far in the rearview mirror. It was good that he was not around. When she was with Yu Yichen, he had always been tetchy and impatient with her. Without him around, she felt much more relaxed. Since I am already here, I might as well go shopping. Ji Liunian thought to herself and called Liu Menghan who lived nearby. Although Liu Menghan did not earn much, she did not hold back when it came to spending money. As soon as she entered the shopping mall, she dragged Ji Liunian to the luxury labels and said, ¡°Look at you. Although you¡¯re so beautiful, you dress so poorly! Didn¡¯t Yu Yichen give you a credit card to buy clothes? Don¡¯t stand on ceremony with him! If you don¡¯t spend it, you¡¯ll just be letting those hussies benefit!¡± She looked up and saw Chanel¡ªa luxury label. Before the Ji family fell on bad times, she often went to such high-end places and never looked at the price tag when choosing clothes. But now¡­ Liu Menghan was really unreliable. A moment ago, she was still in high spirits and wanted to help her choose a dazzling gown. However, as soon as she entered the store, she was attracted by the dazzling array of outfits and forgot about Ji Liunian. Liu Menghan left Ji Liunian to her own devices and went into a fitting room to try on a dress. Ji Liunian was invited to the lounge area by the sales associate. Just as she picked up a magazine, she saw two people at the entrance¡­ That man was the one who rolled in the hay with her last night! Chapter 19 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Ji Liunian¡¯s first reaction was to immediately pull up the magazine to cover her face. From the corner of her eye, she stole a glance at the man and woman who entered. The man was wearing a black suit. The top two buttons of his shirt were not buttoned, vaguely revealing his firm and flat honey-colored chest. His slightly long hair casually flopped on his forehead, inadvertently revealing a carefree and unruly temperament. A pair of straight and black eyebrows rested diagonally to his temples. His sharp nose bridge was tall and straight. The most attractive feature was his slightly upturned angelic eyes, which faintly revealed a hint of evilness. It was as if one¡¯s soul would be sucked away by him just by looking at him. A person like him standing in the center¡ªeven without uttering a sound, he had a languid yet imposing aura that no one could ignore. The woman next to him was a familiar face. She had recently become a Victoria¡¯s Secret Angel and was a rising star on the runway. There was talk that she had also begun making moves to cross over to acting and singing domestically. She was quite popular. As they stood side by side, they made for a very handsome couple and attracted a lot of attention. Well, that made sense¡­ How could a man who could afford a luxurious suite in a five-star hotel under Ling Group be poor? What kind of woman did a man like him not have? What kind of woman had he not experienced before? It was no wonder. Yesterday morning¡­ when she woke up, he had said those words as if he was an expert in distancing himself from her. Although she knew that, she lost her virginity to him after all. When she thought about how the man who popped her cherry was also a man-whore like Yu Yichen, she was bummed out. Forget it, forget it. No matter what this man was like, he already had a woman by his side now. He definitely wouldn¡¯t pester me, right? Wasn¡¯t this what I wanted? She was lost on this train of thought when Liu Menghan¡ªwho was in the fitting room¡ªcalled out, ¡°Liunian, what do you think of this outfit?¡± Liu Menghan¡¯s holler made Ji Liunian¡¯s scalp tingle! She subconsciously looked in the man¡¯s direction and coincidentally realized that he was frowning slightly and looking around as if he was searching for something. She snorted secretly. How could he? She had not told him her name. How could he know? Even so, she still lowered her head slightly and replied in a low voice, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go in and take a look.¡± She hurriedly turned around and glanced at Liu Menghan. Then, she pretended to look at the bag in her hand. ¡°Oh, my father is looking for me. I have to go home. I can¡¯t accompany you. I¡¯ll make a move first.¡± She carried her bag and walked towards the door. She had barely taken a few steps when her arm was stopped by a strong arm! Ji Liunian¡¯s back stiffened and she subconsciously turned around. The moment she turned back, she met Ling Yichuan¡¯s deep black eyes that were tinged with a hint of a smile! Chapter 20 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Ling Yichuan narrowed his angelic eyes and sized this woman up. After she left yesterday morning, Ling Yichuan immediately looked for Lian Sihan and asked him to help look for her. The night before yesterday was the annual dinner of Ling Group. All employees of Ling Group and its subsidiary companies¡ªas long as they were in Onyx City¡ªwere invited to attend. The entire hotel was reserved for the event. For this woman to appear there, she was most likely an employee of Ling Group. Through the surveillance video, he found Ji Liunian¡ªshe had been drunk and walked out of another room in a stupor. That room was booked by Gao Youyi. Lian Sihan searched Ling Group¡¯s employee records and found Gao Youyi¡ªshe was working in one of their subsidiary companies. They were about to investigate further into Gao Youyi when Ji Liunian bumped into him now! Looking at her up close, she was very beautiful and dainty. Her black hair was casually draped over her shoulders. Liu Menghan said that she was dressed poorly. But, while the white slim-fit dress that she had gotten from the Yu family was indeed very plain-looking, it accentuated her curves wonderfully¡ªher waist¡­ her legs¡­ What was especially eye-catching was her voluptuous bosom¡ªlike spectacular, mouth-watering twin peaches, ripe for the taking. With such a hot body and equally gorgeous face¡ªeven without makeup¡ªhe wondered what she would look like if she were all made up and dressed to the nines. Ling Yichuan was enraptured while Ji Liunian felt terrible. She had just threatened him yesterday morning and did not expect to run into him today! She tried to break free from his restraints, but she only managed to shake his arm slightly. Liu Menghan stood preening in front of the mirror, checking out the outfit with the sales associate. Ji Liunian was anxious¡ªpretended not to know him at all¡ªand blurted out, ¡°Mister, is there something the matter?¡± Ling Yichuan was taken aback when he saw her deliberate demeanor of distancing herself from him, coupled with the heartless words coming out of her small mouth. He had always thought that although Ji Liunian was not a woman arranged by Lian Sihan, she might have been scheming enough to make her way into his bed. It was only when he saw the surveillance video and realized that she had entered the wrong room that he was puzzled. However, when he saw her struggling to break free now, he realized that she really did not want to have anything to do with him. Before she could say anything, the female companion who had entered the store with him suddenly ran over in her high heels. Her slender hand held his arm in a threatening manner and she glared at Ji Liunian with hostility. ¡°Adonis, who is she?¡± Chapter 21 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Ji Liunian regarded Yang Xitong¡ªthe Victoria¡¯s Secret Angel¡ªwith mirth. She glanced mockingly at the model who had hooked an arm into the man¡¯s and looked at Ji Liunian as if she was facing off an enemy. One look at this man and Ji Liunian knew that he was the kind of playboy who did not like to be tied down and had plenty of women in stock. Since this woman wanted to play up to him and climb the social ladder through him, she should not care about the other women around him. Ji Liunian wondered if this Casanova had any diseases, given his promiscuity! At the thought of this, she was suddenly stunned as she remembered something. Yesterday¡­ when they got it on, they didn¡¯t seem to have taken any precautions? Even if she was not worried about catching any STDs1¡­ If this man was very virile and knocked her up last night, it would be over! Yesterday was her unsafe period! With this thought in mind, Ji Liunian doubled up and shook off Ling Yichuan¡¯s hold. She took a step back and deliberately put on a stern expression. ¡°Mister, your flirting skills are really terrible. Besides¡­ don¡¯t you already have a babe by your side? It¡¯s not good to have a roving eye! I¡¯ve never had any interest in two-timing playboys!¡± She turned around and walked towards Liu Menghan, who was trying on clothes. A cold glint flashed across Ling Yichuan¡¯s eyes. However¡ªin the next second¡ªhis thin and soft lips curled up slightly. Interesting. This was the first time a woman dared to put him down! The disgust and sarcasm in this woman¡¯s eyes were so obvious that she was unwilling to let him hold her wrist. If she was really playing hard to get, then he had to admit that this woman¡¯s acting skills were really superb. She was so good that she piqued his interest, even though he had had his fill of women before! Yesterday morning, he had only had her investigated on a whim. But now¡­ The man¡¯s well-defined fingers gently stroked his chin. The faint fragrance of her wrist was still lingering on his fingertips. He did not move. Instead, he whipped out his cell phone and made a call. ¡°Sihan, I¡¯m at the Chanel boutique on the second floor of Onyx City International. You have 10 minutes to get your a*s here.¡± After hanging up, he waved his hand again. There was already a bodyguard waiting outside the door. Ling Yichuan gave him a look, and the bodyguard understood. He immediately stood respectfully beside Yang Xitong. ¡°Miss Yang, Mr. Ling asked me to send you back.¡± Yang Xitong¡ªwho was beside him¡ªlooked at his inscrutable expression. She was not willing to leave just like that, but she did not dare to stay and annoy him. Hence, she raised her head and called out pitifully, ¡°Adonis¡­¡± Ling Yichuan did not even look at her. The bodyguard took another step forward. ¡°Miss Yang, this way please.¡± Yang Xitong bit her lip and finally left unwillingly. However¡ªbefore she left¡ªshe said, ¡°Adonis, remember to give me a call!¡± Chapter 22 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Meanwhile, Liu Menghan had also changed out of the outfit. Perhaps she was not satisfied, but she did not buy anything. Just as she was about to choose another outfit, Ji Liunian immediately pulled her sleeve. ¡°I saw the new collection from Burberry. Why don¡¯t we go over there and take a look?¡± Liu Menghan had no choice. She put down the clothes in her hand and walked out. Ji Liunian immediately pulled her out through another door and left swiftly without even looking back. She treated Ling Yichuan like a ferocious beast to be avoided as much as possible. Ling Yichuan¡¯s driver who had been waiting downstairs arrived just then. Ling Yichuan immediately instructed him, ¡°Go, follow them. Find out what they did, what they bought, where they went, and where they stay! I want to know everything!¡± After a while, Lian Sihan arrived. Ling Yichuan did not stay any longer. He turned around and stepped into the elevator, straight to his Cadillac One limousine in the parking lot. Lian Sihan handed him a Manila envelop. ¡°Mr. Ling, here¡¯s the dossier on Ji Liunian. She¡¯s an employee of Xinghua Corporation, one of Ling Corporation¡¯s subsidiary companies. She joined a couple of months back and is currently working as a clerk. Yesterday, she was there to attend Ling Corporation¡¯s annual dinner. As for Gao Youyi, she¡¯s also an employee of Xinghua Corporation and Ji Liunian¡¯s colleague.¡± Ling Yichuan was not in a hurry to open the Manila envelop. Instead, he lit a cigar. Inside the Manila envelop was an employee information form that Ji Liunian had filled in when she first joined the company. In the upper left corner of the form was her photograph for the staff pass. She had a warm and bright smile in the photograph. It was rare that a person could look so good and beautiful in a formal photograph for official documents. Even that Victoria¡¯s Secret Angel was just a gaudy pile of makeup. The form stated clearly her college information, address, and cell phone number. Of course, her family background and the information about her impending marriage were not available. He was reading the dossier when the driver who followed Ji Liunian called him. ¡°Mr. Ling, the two ladies window shopped at Burberry and Dior boutiques, and left without buying anything. But¡­ it¡¯s just that¡­¡± ¡°But what?¡± The driver paused for a moment before saying, ¡°However¡ªbefore going back¡ªone of the ladies went to the washroom. While waiting for her, the other lady¡ªin the white dress¡ªwent to the pharmacy nearby. I heard from the pharmacy that she bought birth control pills.¡± Ling Yichuan frowned. The cigar that he was about to put into his mouth paused in mid-air. The car fell into an eerie silence. After a while, Lian Sihan asked, ¡°Mr. Ling, since we have her contact information, should we look for her?¡± Ling Yichuan leaned back languidly against the leather seat of the car seat. He raised his hand gently and took a puff of smoke languidly. Suddenly, his lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°Look for her? That¡¯s no fun. Just you wait. I¡¯ll make her come and beg me personally within three days!¡± Chapter 23 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Early the next morning, Ji Liunian had just arrived at the front lawn of the office building when she saw a group of people surrounding it. The front lawn was exceptionally clean. A bright red carpet snaked out from the door, and there were even fresh flowers placed beside the carpet. Even the dilapidated facade of Xinghua Corporation had been tidied up. In the middle hung a bright-colored banner, and on it¡ªwritten in gold: ¡°Warm welcome to Ling Group¡¯s CEO¡ªLing Yichuan.¡± The row of senior management standing at the entrance of the office building were wearing black suits and smiling brightly. Not only that, but there were also two rows of gorgeously dressed female employees standing beside them, like hostesses. They did not look like they were welcoming the CEO¡ªbut like village cadres holding a wedding banquet¡ªthey were filled with an effusive and tacky vibe. Ji Liunian was dumbfounded. She was wondering what was going on when Liu Menghan waved at her. ¡°Liunian, here!¡± Ji Liunian walked over quickly. She worked in the finance department. When she first applied for a job at this company, she deliberately wore a loose sweater to cover her slender figure coupled with a pair of big black-framed glasses, and a thick fringe to downplay her appearance. But, she still took her boss¡ªWang Shibo¡¯s breath away nonetheless. Initially, he wanted her to go to the sales department. With such good looks, wouldn¡¯t it be a waste of her talent to work in the finance department? However, Ji Liunian insisted that she majored in finance and would not be a good fit in the sales department. That was how she ended up here. She walked over. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Liu Menghan raised her head and pointed at the huge banner, ¡°I don¡¯t know either. I was suddenly informed last night that the big boss from the headquarters is here for an inspection today. Wang Shibo told us to dress up to welcome him.¡± She curled her lips in disdain at Gao Youyi, who was standing in the line of ushers. ¡°Look at her. I heard that the person who is coming today is Ling Yichuan himself. She¡¯s all dolled like this and stood in the most conspicuous position. Did she think that Ling Yichuan would take a fancy to her?¡± ¡°You¡¯re saying that the person who¡¯s coming is Ling Group¡¯s CEO, Ling Yichuan?¡± Hearing this, Ji Liunian was a little surprised. Xinghua Corporation was an ordinary sales company. In the wave of economic development, such a company with no foundation and no strong capital would easily be eliminated. It was acquired by Ling Group a few years ago. Although it came under Ling Group, Ling Group headquarters did not seem to value them much. Ling Yichuan was from Ling Group, which had made its fortune from military achievements. Ling Yichuan¡¯s great-great-grandfather was in the Red Army and had fought against the Japanese invasion. It started from Ling Yichuan¡¯s great-great-grandfather, who relied on his eminent standing in the military and political system to establish Ling Group. After several generations of development, it had now become the leading conglomerate not only in Onyx City, but the entire country. Chapter 24 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Ling Yichuan¡¯s father handed Ling Yichuan the reins of Ling Corporation when he was 25 years old. As soon as he assumed control, he underwent a series of bold and decisive reforms to push the company¡¯s developments further and faster. Ling Yichuan was ranked fifth with a personal net worth of 26.8 billion in this year¡¯s Forbes ranking. But, that was only on the surface. It was rumored that he had bought a luxurious castle in Northern Europe, a huge range with lush greenery in North America, and even a private island near New Zealand. There were countless other sports cars and yachts, and even a luxurious private jet! What was compatible with his family background was his flamboyant and playboy lifestyle. Having studied abroad, he was open-minded when it came to relationships with women. He was surrounded by beautiful women, all of whom were hotties! If Yu Yichen was rich, philandering and willful, then Ling Yichuan was the ultimate Casanova. There were countless women who were linked to him, but he had never acknowledged having an official girlfriend. Even someone like Ji Liunian¡ªwho did not care about entertainment news at all¡ªhad also heard of Ling Yichuan¡¯s colorful history and conquests. For example, the person beside her. Liu Menghan had a look of infatuation as she said, ¡°Ling Yichuan is not only wealthy, but a hunk too! That Yu Yichen of yours is not as good-looking as him. His net worth is not as high as his. He¡¯s sh*tty to you. Yet, he still dares to fool around. You might as well be with Ling Yichuan! At least he¡¯s handsome, rich, and romantic!¡± Ji Liunian frowned speechlessly. ¡°Alright, alright. Don¡¯t fantasize about something that¡¯s impossible. Besides¡­¡± She snorted. Besides¡­ Because of Yu Yichen, she hated rich, willful and philandering scions the most! It was not that she had not thought about it before¡ªIf she separated from Yu Yichen in the future, she would definitely choose a loving, gentle, and considerate man. She did not care if his family was rich or not. What she cared about was that that man would treat her well wholeheartedly! She was lost in thought when there was a sudden commotion from the other side. Ling Yichuan was arriving! The first thing that came into view was two black Mercedes-Benz driving side by side. The dark black color seemed abnormally calm. Behind the two cars, a silver extended version of President Cadillac One slowly drove over with a domineering and sharp aura. Two bodyguards in suits ran out of the two cars in front. After the Cadillac stopped, the two bodyguards ran over and opened the back door respectfully. After a while, a man slowly walked out of the car in an elegant manner. Everyone around him immediately gasped! Many people might have seen Ling Yichuan on television, but this was the first time they saw him in person, up close. Ji Liunian also looked over. That person was standing with his back facing her, only revealing his languid and refreshing black hair¡­ Chapter 25 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios After getting out of the car, he took a few steps in a calm and elegant posture. The bespoke suit outlined his tall and muscular body, making him look exceptionally charming. He was like a cheetah, brimming with strength and beauty. What was even more attractive was his aura¡ªhe was arrogant, languid, mysterious, and even a little bored. All these made him seem exceptionally bewitching. Even though Ji Liunian could not see his face, just this figure alone was enough to attract the attention of countless women! The senior management¡ªwho had been waiting for a long time¡ªcame forward excitedly with smiles plastered on their faces. ¡°Mr. Ling, welcome!¡± Gao Youyi was even more excited! She had specially dressed up today¡ªclad in a thin Chanel black dress and six-inch high heels, her long hair was loose. She was dressed very thinly in the cold December. Her voice was trembling¡ªeither due to the cold or excitement¡ªas she walked forward with a love-struck face. ¡°Mr¡­. Mr. Ling¡­¡± Ling Yichuan did not even bother to look at her. He stood there, unmoving. After a while, a handsome man in a black shirt ran over. Ling Yichuan turned his head and asked, ¡°Sihan, how is it?¡± Lian Sihan whispered into his ear, ¡°Mr. Ling, she is with her department. Their department is on the right side of the square, near the third cable pole.¡± Ling Yichuan¡¯s lips curled up in satisfaction. He waved his hand and Lian Sihan immediately retreated. On the other side of the square, everyone was standing according to the order of the department. At Ling Yichuan¡¯s arrival, many of them began edging and jostling forward, pushing Liu Menghan and Ji Liunian to the back. The two of them were lost in the sea of welcome party throngers and were completely invisible. Ji Liunian did not care, but Liu Menghan was already looking around excitedly. ¡°Come on¡­ Come on¡­ Come on and turn around!¡± Perhaps he had indeed heard her ¡°spiritual call¡±¡­ Ling Yichuan really turned his head slowly and turned around, his gaze gradually looking in their direction! Ji Liunian¡¯s eyes met his and she was dumbstruck! This man¡­ Wasn¡¯t he the one who had sex with her that night? She did not know if she was overthinking things, but she felt that Ling Yichuan¡¯s gaze seemed to linger for a second after their eyes met. Then, he looked away, as if nothing had happened. Ji Liunian¡¯s heart eased slightly as he shifted his gaze. After a while, she thought with mirth. How could a person like Ling Yichuan come especially for her? Even though they had known each other in the biblical sense, there were still many women by his side. It was impossible for him to spare a meaningful gaze for her. ¡°Sigh, what a pity.¡± Liu Menghan was still sighing. Ji Liunian could not help but smile. ¡°Alright, alright. We¡¯re from two different worlds. It¡¯s impossible!¡± Chapter 26 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios ¡°It¡¯s impossible for me. But, it¡¯s possible for you! Your family, the Ji¡­¡± Liu Menghan knew that she had misspoken and looked to the side. Ji Liunian only smiled. ¡°If our family doesn¡¯t survive this time, I¡¯m afraid¡­¡± Exactly¡­ The company was in jeopardy, and her mother was lying in the hospital. If her father failed¡ªor if she gave up the marriage to the Yu family¡ªshe would lose everything. The Ji family would also owe a huge debt and it would be difficult for them to make a comeback! ¡°How¡¯s Aunt An?¡± ¡°Still the same.¡± Although she survived the car accident, she had been in a coma since then. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much.¡± Liu Menghan did not know what to say. Suddenly, she realized the reason Ji Liunian did not complain when the Yu family treated her like this. However, seeing her in her prime and wasting it in the hands of someone like Yu Yichen, she felt that it was a tremendous loss. ¡°Well, actually, I¡¯ve thought about it a long time ago. If Dad can get through this difficult time, our family will have a chance to turn things around. We don¡¯t have to rely on the Yu family anymore. After a while, I¡¯ll ask Yu Yichen for a divorce.¡± She was probably the only one who would think about divorce before getting married. She even sighed. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s good that Yu Yichen treats me this way. At least¡­¡± At least, it would not be too painful. The two of them did not talk for long before they walked into the office. The senior management accompanied Ling Yichuan on his ¡°inspection¡± of the company. When they were done, they proceeded to the conference room. The moment Ling Yichuan sat down, the CEO nodded and bowed. ¡°Mr. Ling, do you think¡­¡± ¡°To know how well a company operates, the first thing is to look at the finances.¡± Ling Yichuan¡¯s voice was calm. ¡°Where¡¯s the finance department? I have questions.¡± The CEO¡¯s forehead was covered in sweat. He knew that Ling Yichuan was not here for a sightseeing trip. It turned out that he was here to review the books! Now, he had no choice but to comply. He immediately summoned Wang Shibo from the finance department. In order to make Mr. Ling happy, he even summoned the assistant manager¡ªGao Youyi¡ªas well. Gao Youyi sashayed to Ling Yichuan, clad in a dress and high heels. Wang Shibo was not stupid; he knew Ling Yichuan¡¯s preferences. He deliberately let Gao Youyi stand in front of him. Her voice was so cloying that it was unbearable. ¡°Mr. Ling¡­¡± Ling Yichuan did not even raise his head. He flipped through the report with one hand and tapped the table with the other leisurely. When he heard her voice, he remained unaffected as his fingers maintained the rhythm. He only said, ¡°Tell me about your company¡¯s recent involvement in the bridge construction project.¡± Gao Youyi¡¯s smile immediately froze on her face. Although she was usually eloquent, her eloquence was only in knowing how to brown-nose and please the senior management. She had long stopped following up on such trivial projects. ¡°What? You don¡¯t know? If you can¡¯t even do such a small thing, why are you working here?! Get whoever is the one following up on the project here now!¡± That person was none other than Ji Liunian! Chapter 27 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios When the assistant came to summon Ji Liunian, she was puzzled. Ji Liunian exchanged looks with Liu Menghan. Even though Liu Menghan was infatuated with Ling Yichuan, she frowned. She shared the first thing that came to her mind. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me Gao Youyi set you up? That¡¯s why the big boss is asking for you?¡± If it was something good, would Gao Youyi let Ji Liunian take the lead? There was too much fishy business in the finance department. Did Ling Yichuan realize that something was wrong with the report? Did Wang Shibo and Gao Youyi make Ji Liunian the scapegoat to cover their own a*s? At the thought of this, Ji Liunian¡¯s heart was beating like a drum. Although she had slept with Ling Yichuan, she did not think that she was so incredible in bed that he would speak up for her when Gao Youyi and Wang Shibo were trying to trip her up. Not to mention the fact that she chided him yesterday for being a ¡°two-timing playboy¡±¡­ ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? We¡¯ll deal with whatever comes our way.¡± Ji Liunian applied for this job without telling her father and the Yu Family. The Yu family would not allow their daughter-in-law to work. She was not hard up for this meager salary anyway. Even then, Ji Liunian pondered for a while before getting up and making her way to the conference room. When Ji Liunian pushed the door open, the entire conference room was silent. Ling Yichuan had just thrown the report on the table. Although there was no anger on his face, no one in the conference room dared to move or speak. Her eyes swept across the conference room. Everyone else was standing respectfully. In the center of the conference room, Ling Yichuan was surrounded by a group of people as he sat languidly on the leather couch. Ji Liunian¡¯s heart tightened slightly. In the next second, she walked over to Wang Shibo. ¡°Mr. Wang.¡± Wang Shibo immediately pulled her in front of Ling Yichuan and said with a smile, ¡°Mr. Ling, this is Ji Liunian. She¡¯s the one following up on this project. If you have any questions, you can ask her.¡± ¡°Ji Liunian?¡± The corners of Ling Yichuan¡¯s lips curled up slightly. He lifted his eyelids slightly and his gaze landed on Ji Liunian¡¯s face. She looked like she was facing off a fearsome enemy. There was an indescribable feeling. Without saying much, he pointed at the report. ¡°Tell me about that report.¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Ling.¡± Ji Liunian turned her attention to the report. She flipped open a few pages¡ªorganized her thoughts¡ªand began to give an account of the report. Ling Yichuan kept his head lowered the whole time. He did not look at her or anyone else. He did not even say a word. His fingers kept spinning the porcelain cup until Ji Liunian closed the report and said, ¡°Mr. Ling, that¡¯s the end of the report.¡± Only then did the corners of his lips curl up slightly. He closed the lid of the porcelain cup and looked up, a trace of dark and unclear emotions flashing in his angelic eyes. ¡°Good job. A hundred times better than the one just now. What¡¯s your name?¡± Ji Liunian¡¯s body went numb from his gaze. Everyone in the conference room was staring at her. She had no choice but to reply, ¡°My name is¡­ Ji Liunian.¡± Chapter 28 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios ¡°Ji¡­ Liu¡­ Nian¡­¡± Ling Yichuan deliberately enunciated each word, as the smile on his lips grew wider and wider. Everyone in the conference room was stunned, especially Gao Youyi. She immediately stared daggers at Ji Liunian! Ji Liunian wished she could make herself as small as possible. Although she was not afraid of Ling Yichuan, she did not want her stint in this company to be exposed. Firstly, the Yu family would be unhappy. Secondly, she could not find a suitable job at the last minute. She was at a loss when Ling Yichuan waved his hand. ¡°Where¡¯s the investment department? Ask them to come over.¡± The pressure on Ji Liunian¡¯s body suddenly relaxed. She knew that Ling Yichuan would not target her specifically¡ªshe was not that narcissistic. She turned around and made her way back to her office. Gao Youyi¡ªwho had just left the conference room and followed Ji Liunian out¡ªcursed in a low voice, ¡°B*tch!¡± Ji Liunian did not care if Wang Shibo and the other senior management were around. She immediately turned around at the abuse and narrowed her eyes. ¡°Say that again?¡± Ji Liunian had led a privileged life for more than 20 years. Even though the Ji family was in dire straits now and she deliberately kept a low profile, it did not mean that she was a door mat whom Gao Youyi could bully at will! Gao Youyi did not expect her to answer back and was taken aback for a moment. Then, she became even angrier. ¡°What? Do you think that your little stunt just now will make Mr. Ling fall for you? Stop dreaming!¡± ¡°Do you mean he¡¯ll fall for you?¡± Ji Liunian felt that Gao Youyi was being unreasonable. ¡°You¡¯ve been stealing the credit for our work all along. This is just one of your many credit-stealing cases. We worked so hard for this report, but you just stole the credit and passed it off as your own work! Now that you have to prove your mettle, you showed the white feather. Then you still want to blame us for it? I only have one thing to say¡ªserve you right!¡± ¡°You!¡± Gao Youyi was furious. She wanted to give Ji Liunian a tongue-lashing, but she did not dare to raise her voice and disturb the senior management. After a long time, she said, ¡°So, looks like you¡¯re hell-bent on seducing Mr. Ling?¡± Ji Liunian scoffed instead of getting angry. With her back to the conference room door, she said to Gao Youyi with absolute clarity, ¡°Get this straight! Only someone like you would fall for such a philandering and shallow man! I wouldn¡¯t want a man like him even if he offered himself to me!¡± She suddenly saw Gao Youyi¡¯s face turn pale! Then, a faint voice rang behind her. ¡°You don¡¯t want a man like me even if I offer myself to you?¡± Ji Liunian froze before turning around. Ling Yichuan had appeared behind her at some point. There was an indescribable emotion in his smiling angelic eyes. Ji Liunian took two steps back. Without thinking, she blurted out, ¡°Mr¡­. Mr. Ling! I¡­ Of course I can¡¯t like you. I¡­ I¡¯m already engaged!¡± Chapter 29 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios ¡°Is that so?¡± Ling Yichuan¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, and there was a ghost of a smile on his face. Then, he turned around slightly and said indifferently, ¡°Congratulations, then.¡± He did not say anything else and walked straight to the investment department. An entourage followed behind him. After a long while, Ji Liunian took a step back and finally felt better. Ling Yichuan¡¯s aura was too terrifying. Whoever got together with him would definitely lose 10 years of their life! This kind of philandering and domineering man¡ªno matter who he liked or who liked him¡ªwas a disaster! Ji Liunian was now glad that she was already engaged to Yu Yichen and going to marry into the Yu family in a month. No matter how overbearing Ling Yichuan was, he wouldn¡¯t go for a woman who¡¯s someone else¡¯s wife, right? She glanced at Gao Youyi as she recalled the incident that night. She was drunk and somehow got into Ling Yichuan¡¯s bed in her stupor. Judging from Gao Youyi¡¯s performance today, she probably did not have the means to drop Ji Liunian into Ling Yichuan¡¯s lap. But no matter what, Gao Youyi definitely had something to do with what happened the night before! Setting her up once was enough. Once bitten, twice shy! She would not continue to suffer in silence! After Ji Liunian left, Gao Youyi stood rooted to the ground. She hesitated for a moment before making a call. ¡°Miss Xu, about what you said yesterday¡­ I¡¯ve thought it through! I¡¯ll do it!¡± After hanging up, she looked in Ji Liunian¡¯s direction and a trace of ruthlessness flashed across her eyes! Damn you, Ji Liunian! I want to see just how you are going to escape this carefully woven trap! ¡ª After that day, Ji Liunian¡¯s fate in the company suddenly improved. Wang Shibo was not the only one who treated her favorably. Ji Liunian found that she was even given double the bonus when she received her paycheck. Gao Youyi sulked but did not do anything malicious. However, what made Ji Liunian the happiest was that Ling Yichuan did not go to Xinghua Corporation again after that day. Over the past few days, Ji Liunian had secretly gone online to search for Ling Yichuan¡¯s information. She learned about his rumored girlfriends¡ªthere were simply too many to count! Although he had never officially admitted to his scandals, she had seen with her own eyes that afternoon in the Chanel boutique¡ªLing Yichuan had women in stock. What was Ji Liunian to him? A fling at most! At the thought of this, Ji Liunian felt much more relaxed. Still, she had to thank Ling Yichuan. If it were not for his compliments of her that day¡ªand the fact that everyone in Xinghua Corporation wanted to suck up to him¡ªher fate in the company would not have improved so much, so quickly. Just yesterday, Wang Shibo had already tasked her with the financial audit of this year¡¯s accounts. ¡ª Meanwhile, in Ling Group¡¯s headquarters. ¡°Have you found out anything about Ji Liunian¡¯s engagement?¡± The swivel chair turned and revealed Ling Yichuan¡¯s cold and sharp face! Chapter 30 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios ¡°Mr. Ling, I¡¯ve been looking into it these few days.¡± Lian Sihan stood respectfully beside him. ¡°Ji Liunian lives in a one-bedroom suite at No. 9, Peace Lane. Her apartment is Unit 6 of Building 2. She moved there three months ago. She lives alone and doesn¡¯t have any intimate male companions. Her neighbors say that she keeps to herself and has always been alone. She works nine to five and has a very routine life. She only goes out on weekends at most and dresses in a low-key manner. The friend she often interacts with is also her colleague, an employee of Xinghua Corporation called Liu Menghan. The investigation at Xinghua Corporation also shows that she doesn¡¯t have any intimate contact with any men.¡± Ling Yichuan kept his head lowered, casually twirling the pinky ring on his finger. He snorted softly and curled the corners of his lips. ¡°In other words, her saying that she¡¯s already engaged is a lie?¡± Before Lian Sihan could answer, he nodded lightly, and a trace of smugness flashed in his angelic eyes. ¡°Makes sense. If she¡¯s really engaged¡­ How is that possible? That night, she was still¡­¡± He would not forget it. The freshness, tightness, and sweetness that drove all men crazy. The animalistic and exhilarating urge to break through the barrier for the first time. Judging from her attire and her meager salary, she did not look like the rich daughter of a wealthy family. That meant the requirement of a political marriage did not exist for her. Since it was not a political marriage, if she was really engaged or had a boyfriend¡ªwhy was she not seen behaving intimately with other men at all? In this day and age, the archaic custom of meeting for the first time on the night of one¡¯s wedding was long abolished. In that case, the only possibility was that¡ªin order to get rid of him, she had deliberately lied to him that she was engaged to get rid of him! This was the first time in his life that he had been disdained by a woman! He would not forget what she had said before. The first time they met, she said that she did not want to see him again. Later on, she called him a two-timing playboy. Then, she said he was a philandering and shallow man that she would not want even if he offered himself to her¡­ Once or twice, he could take it that she was playing hard to get. But, she had said it too many times. As it is, he had to admit that she really did not want to have anything to do with him. She was even willing to lie and say that she was already engaged! What a pity. Ling Yichuan leaned back slightly and crossed his long legs comfortably. His eyes narrowed slightly, and there were too many emotions surging in them. It was like the last calm before a cheetah hunts! ¡°Mr. Ling, should I take the initiative to contact Miss Ji?¡± Ling Yichuan curled his lips and raised his head slightly. He twirled his pinky ring gently. ¡°Women are like cats. It¡¯s no fun to box them in.¡± Lian Sihan raised his head and looked at him. The Lian family had been by the Ling family¡¯s side since the very beginning. He had grown up with Ling Yichuan. Although he had been by his side for so many years, he had never seen Ling Yichuan so enthralled and concerned about a woman! Chapter 31 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios However, it made sense. He had never seen a woman as bold as Ji Liunian in all these years. She actually dared to call Ling Yichuan out right to his face! Other than her¡ªwhether it was a pretty girl from a humble family or a young lady from a noble family¡ªall women were like moths to a flame after seeing Ling Yichuan for the first time. Even if they did not love him, they would definitely fall in love with his considerable wealth! Looking at Ling Yichuan¡¯s slightly narrowed eyes¡ªlike a venomous snake lying dormant, waiting to strike at any time¡ªhe could not help but mourn Ji Liunian¡¯s impending fate. ¡°By the way, Mr. Ling¡­ This Sunday is the birthday banquet in celebration of the senior Mr. Yu¡¯s 60th birthday. The Yu family has already sent an invitation. Are you¡­ going?¡± Lian Sihan handed an exquisitely wrapped invitation to Ling Yichuan who glanced at it and did not say anything. He only asked, ¡°Do my parents know?¡± Lian Sihan nodded. ¡°Uncle Ling and Aunt Ye knows. Aunt Ye¡¯s health isn¡¯t very good. Uncle Ling hopes that you can go on behalf of the Ling family. After all, they are relatives. It¡¯s not good to be too aloof. Just a token show of presence will do.¡± Ling Yichuan did not say anything and just nodded. Although the Yu family was said to be a relative, they were actually not related by blood at all. Ling Yichuan¡¯s mother¡ªYe Zhiqiu¡ªhad a stepmother, Yu Fen, who married into the Ye family after Ye Zhiqiu¡¯s parents divorced. Yu Fen did not have a good relationship with this daughter who was not related by blood. When Ye Zhiqiu was in the Ye family, she was often bullied by Yu Fen. When Ye Zhiqiu and Ling Mufeng first got married, their relationship was not close as it was a political marriage. As a result, Yu Fen¡¯s attitude towards her stepdaughter became worse. Later on, the marriage between Ling Mufeng and Ye Zhiqiu blossomed but the Yu family¡¯s fortune was on the downhill. As such, the Yu family began to curry favor with the Ling family. But due to the bad history, the Ling family did not take to the Yu family. Yu Bolan was the son of Yu Fen¡¯s only brother. Over the years, the Yu family had become an awkward existence in the Ling family. Although they were relatives, they were not related by blood at all. Then, if they were not relatives, yet they were connected in some way. Ling Yichuan did not fancy this relative at all. He thought for a moment and said, ¡°Just prepare a birthday gift. Anyway, they are not real relatives.¡± Lian Sihan nodded. ¡°Understood. Then today¡­¡± ¡°Off to Xinghua Corporation.¡± Ling Yichuan stood up, his tall figure standing tall and straight. ¡°To meet that wild cat who dares to bare its claws at me¡­¡± Actually, he did not care if Ji Liunian had a boyfriend, was engaged, or even married. In Ling Yichuan¡¯s eyes, as long as he liked a woman¡ªwhether she had a boyfriend or not; was married or not¡ªthere was only one outcome! As long as he wanted her, that woman would definitely become his! Chapter 32 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Meanwhile, at Xinghua Corporation. ¡°This is the summary of this year¡¯s accounts.¡± Gao Youyi carried a large pile of documents in her arms and threw them on Ji Liunian¡¯s table with a bang. Without saying a word, she turned around and left. Her colleagues nearby kept quiet out of fear, but Liu Menghan came over and said, ¡°Hmph! For all her unreasonableness in the past, she¡¯s paying for it now!¡± Ji Liunian and Gao Youyi did not have much of a grudge initially. Liu Menghan joined the company around the same time as Gao Youyi. However, Gao Youyi hooked up with Wang Shibo right off the bat and won his favor. She rose to the rank of assistant manager in a short time. Liu Menghan was the one who brought Ji Liunian into the company, so she was assumed to be on Liu Menghan¡¯s side. Gao Youyi and Liu Menghan had never gotten along, so she did not like Ji Liunian by association. She would usually assign more work to Ji Liunian and steal her credit. However, Ling Yichuan expressed his approval of Ji Liunian that day. ¡°Ji Liunian is a hundred times better than you.¡± No matter how incompetent the management of Xinghua Corporation was, they could still read between the lines. Ji Liunian was immediately promoted to assistant manager, on equal footing with Gao Youyi. She was even put in charge of the financial audit for this year. That was why Gao Youyi handed over the stack of documents to her in resentment. ¡°Even if it wasn¡¯t because of that, we would be the one to do this in the first place.¡± Ji Liunian was very calm. Actually, she did not care about office politics. She took this job as a learning opportunity because she hoped to help her father in the future. Her father had no son, and she did not have any siblings. She would be the one to inherit and develop the Ji family¡¯s business. If it were not for the sudden series of events, she would not have come here to work in secret. However, this was a blessing in disguise. Being able to come into contact with a company¡¯s finances for a year would also help her when she took over the reins from her father in the future. ¡°So what? We¡¯re the ones working our a*s off but she¡¯s the one claiming all the credits! If she hadn¡¯t slept her way up, she wouldn¡¯t have had this opportunity!¡± Ji Liunian knew that with the bad blood between Liu Menghan and Gao Youyi¡ªeven if Liu Menghan was not the one delivering the punches¡ªthis opportunity to hold her head high still made her feel good! ¡°Alright, alright. With so much information, it won¡¯t be easy to finish it in a week. Looks like we can¡¯t rest during this period of time.¡± Looking at the stack of information, she could not help but frown. By the looks of Gao Youyi, she was not going to lend a helping hand at all and Ji Liunian was left to fend for herself. ¡°What are you afraid of? I¡¯ll help you!¡± Liu Menghan smiled and reached out to put her hand on Ji Liunian¡¯s shoulder. She winked at her and said ambiguously, ¡°Hey, is there something going on between you and Ling Yichuan? Otherwise, why would he help you the moment he stepped into the company? Or was his breath taken away at the sight of your pretty face and he fell in love with you?¡± Chapter 33 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Ji Liunian¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Then, she picked up a folder and hit Liu Menghan. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? I didn¡¯t know Ling Yichuan before this. Besides, how many beautiful women are there around him? Why would he like my type?¡± Despite her words, Ji Liunian thought about how he had inexplicably called her to the conference room that day and what he had said at the end. It did seem like he treated her differently. Also, she had scolded him at the mall the day before yesterday for being a ¡®two-timing playboy¡¯. The next day, he came to Xinghua Corporation. Did Liu Menghan really have it right? That all of this was intentional¡­ She shook her head. That was impossible. She refused to believe that Ling Yichuan had come especially for her. She had already expressed that he was not her cup of tea and that she was already engaged. Ling Yichuan had not come to Xinghua Corporation at all in the past few days. That day when he came for the inspection¡­ It was probably just for work, right? The reason why he called her to the conference room was because she was the person in charge of that project. So¡­ everything was just a coincidence? Liu Menghan wanted to say something, but Ji Liunian stood up. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m going to submit this week¡¯s report. If you have time, help me to sort this pile of information. I¡¯ll check through later.¡± With that, she turned around and left before Liu Menghan had a chance to speak. Liu Menghan¡¯s words made her think of something else. Although she did not believe that Ling Yichuan had any special feelings for her, she and Ling Yichuan had¡­ after all.. Judging from his performance that day, Ling Yichuan obviously remembered her. Although she had never met Ling Yichuan before¡ªafter she got engaged to the Yu family¡ªshe often heard people talk about him. Ling Yichuan was a relative of the Yu family. By all accounts, he should be Yu Yichen¡¯s cousin. Ling Yichuan¡¯s step-grandmother was the great-aunt of the Yu family. Although the Ling family did not seem to like such relatives and were not very close, Chen Yiqun was a snob. Ever since she married into the Yu family, she had always considered herself to be a relative of the Ling family. However, no matter what was the state of relationship between the Ling and Yu families, these two families would still meet in the future, right? At the very least, on the day of her wedding¡­ Forget it. Why was she thinking so much? Whether she and Yu Yichen would even have a wedding was another matter. The last time when they were supposed to buy a wedding dress, he had kicked her out of the car. She did not know what would happen the next time. Which woman had not fantasized about her wedding? A holy church¡­ A white wedding dress¡­ A man she loved¡­ A promise to love each other for the rest of their lives¡­ Even if Yu Yichen did not love her¡­ But now¡ªbecause of Ling Yichuan¡ªshe wished she did not have to hold a wedding! She handed the report to the general manager¡¯s office and went to the information desk on the first floor to return the information. Just as she was about to press the elevator button to go upstairs, a slender hand with well-defined joints suddenly covered her hand gently! Chapter 34 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Ji Liunian was shocked. Her first reaction was to shake off that person¡¯s hand. However, that large hand seemed to have a mind of its own. It suddenly exerted strength and held her hand, interlocking its fingers with hers! Immediately after, a tall figure suddenly approached her from behind! Meanwhile, his other hand circled around her from behind¡ªlike a cold snake¡ªand hugged her waist tightly! Then, a hot breath with a trace of elegant cologne fragrance gushed out behind her ear in an ambiguous manner, causing the fine hair behind her ear to tremble! She remembered this scent¡ªit was Ling Yichuan¡¯s! Sure enough¡ªbefore she could respond¡ªa chuckle suddenly rang in her ear. ¡°Heh.¡± ¡°Ling¡­¡± Ji Liunian was shocked and immediately struggled. The more she struggled, the tighter the man behind her hugged her! ¡°B*stard, let go of me! This is the office!¡± ¡°If you move again¡­¡± He did not finish his sentence because his lips had already nibbled at her earlobe and sucked gently¡­ Ji Liunian trembled violently. Her first instinct was to struggle and push him away! ¡°Ling¡­ Ling Yichuan! You¡­¡± Before she could finish her sentence, someone had already arrived at the lobby. Ji Liunian dodged backward, and Ling Yichuan quickly pulled her into the elevator. The elevator door closed behind him. ¡°Ling Yichuan, are you insane?¡± Ji Liunian was about to rush out when Ling Yichuan blocked the elevator door. Ji Liunian could not stop in time and fell into his arms! ¡°So frisky?¡± Ling Yichuan¡¯s smile did not diminish. He stretched out his slender arms and hugged her tightly in his arms. There was even a hint of joy on his face. He knew it¡ªJi Liunian was pretending to be straight-laced. In reality¡­ she wanted to be with him? In other words, she had actually already found out about his preferences and put on an act right from the beginning. First, she seduced him in bed. Then, she deliberately showed her disdain and aloofness in front of him several times to show her different personality so that she could attract his attention? If it was in the past, he would hate this kind of scheming woman¡ªwho deliberately manipulated him¡ªthe most. However, he had time now. Moreover, ever since he left that stupid woman at Ling Group¡¯s annual dinner, an empty spot had opened up and he lacked a beautiful woman who could please him. Putting aside Ji Liunian¡¯s scheming, she had a great face and a hot body that was definitely something he would not forget in a hurry after having a taste of it. It was really¡­ Ling Yichuan¡¯s lips curled into a smile. He leaned forward and gently brushed the hair by her ear with one hand. His thin and soft lips landed on the side of her face. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There¡¯s only you and me here.¡± Chapter 35 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Don¡¯t worry? I¡¯m only worried because you¡¯re here! ¡°Let go of me!¡± Ji Liunian struggled angrily and took a step back. She raised her palm without thinking! Bam! The slap did not land on his face. Instead, it was intercepted by him in midair and held tightly in his palm. ¡°Tsk, tsk. Although I like women to be wild and feisty¡­ It¡¯s fine for you to cause a scene if it¡¯s just you and me only. However, if there are outsiders¡­ it will be unruly.¡± Although he was ¡°reprimanding¡± her, Ling Yichuan¡¯s eyes curved into crescents, and his angelic eyes shone brightly. Clearly, he was in a very good mood. It was like watching an irritable pet cat scrabbling around with its claws. ¡°Who cares about unruly?¡± Ji Liunian was furious. ¡°Let go of me!¡± She turned around and suddenly saw the camera in the elevator. This time, she had a reason. ¡°There¡¯s a camera above!¡± Ling Yichuan calmly took out his phone and made a call. ¡°Sihan, turn off all the surveillance cameras in the surveillance room, including the elevator. Oh, and shut down the elevator.¡± He hung up. ¡°Are you satisfied now?¡± What did he mean by that? Did he know what he was doing? Ji Liunian struggled vehemently before she finally broke free. She rubbed her sore wrist that was hurting from his grip. After a long time, she composed herself. ¡°Mr. Ling, I told you that night was an accident. I don¡¯t want to be in contact with you anymore, nor do I want to have anything to do with you. I¡­ I¡¯m getting married soon.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Ling Yichuan smiled and took a step forward, not expressing any emotion at her words. When he stepped forward, she subconsciously retreated in turn. Soon, her body was forced to the corner of the elevator by him. The man¡¯s slender body leaned over, and the light above her head seemed to be blocked by his body. In front of her, there was only a shadow. Ji Liunian was not a young girl who was ignorant of the world. She wanted to retreat again, but her back was already pressed against the cold elevator. She had no way out at all. ¡°You¡¯re getting married soon? But as far as I know, you live alone. You don¡¯t have a boyfriend or a fianc¨¦.¡± Ling Yichuan continued to press forward. Soon, his chest was almost touching her bosom. His next words shocked Ji Liunian! ¡°You¡¯ve only been in this company for a few months. No one in the company has ever seen you with a boyfriend. You don¡¯t even go out except on weekends¡ªyou told me you had a fianc¨¦. So, where is your fianc¨¦?¡± ¡°You¡­ How did you know? You had me investigated?¡± Ji Liunian asked in a cracked voice. ¡°Heh.¡± Ling Yichuan chuckled and stretched out his finger. He wanted to touch the corner of her lips, but she tilted her head and his finger slid onto her cheek. Ling Yichuan took it in his stride. His finger slowly slid across her smooth face¡­ ¡°Besides, if you had a fianc¨¦¡­ how could I be your first?¡± Chapter 36 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Ling Yichuan¡¯s first words sent chills down her spine, but his last sentence made her feel inexplicably ashamed and angry! She had a very strict upbringing. She had not been like those so-called rich and beautiful women who lived a carefree life since she was young. Her father had always regretted that he did not have a son and there was nobody to take over the company when the time came. To prove her father wrong and be his source of pride, she took it upon herself to learn business management and accountancy. She was not a carefree rich second-generation heiress like Yu Nuanxue who attended all kinds of social events daily and got to know all kinds of men. Moreover, she had carried a torch for Yu Yichen for many years because he had once saved her. Despite the dire straits of her family business and her mother¡¯s tragedy, she felt that Yu Yichen was the only light during her darkest hours when she got engaged to him. However, she did not expect that the only light would be extinguished in the end. Most importantly, Ling Yichuan was unfamiliar with her name because she almost never attended any high society parties. Moreover, when Yu Yichen and Ji Liunian got engaged a year ago, Ling Yichuan happened to be overseas. Even if he heard this name, a year had passed and Ji Liunian was too low-key, so he did not have any impression. Even if he found her name familiar, he would not associate her with Yu Yichen¡¯s fianc¨¦e¡ªthe daughter of the Ji family¡ªhis cousin-in-law. All in all, a woman without any power or backing¡ªeven if he were to strong-arm his way into it; break up her marriage and take her by force¡ªhe could afford to bear the cost of it! ¡°I have a habit.¡± Ling Yichuan¡¯s words pulled her wandering thoughts back. ¡°Once I like something¡ªeven if it belongs to someone else¡ªI will make it mine!¡± He smiled and gently moved his lips close to her ear. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you¡¯re about to get married? Let me tell you, even if you¡¯re already married¡ªas long as I fancy you¡ªyou¡¯ll have to sleep with me!¡± ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re simply¡­¡± Ji Liunian had never met such a scoundrel! What the h*ll did he mean by that? Did he really think that he was the master of the universe? ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that my fianc¨¦¡¯s¡­ family will come looking for you?¡± ¡°If you really want to marry that ¡®fianc¨¦¡¯ of yours, I won¡¯t stop you.¡± Ling Yichuan saw her pale face and thought that she was putting on a brave front. ¡°But¡­ you have two options. Option one, you do not get married and we screw. Option two, you get married and we screw¡ªhave an affair with me! Didn¡¯t you say that you have a fianc¨¦? Who is your fianc¨¦? On account of our acquaintance, I¡¯ll definitely make the effort to attend your wedding and send you a big wedding gift! So, come on¡­ Tell me!¡± Chapter 37 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios ¡°I¡­¡± Ji Liunian wanted to say the name of the Yu family and that she would become Ling Yichuan¡¯s cousin-in-law in the future, but she could not bring herself to say it! She must never expose her relationship with the Yu family! If he really went and confronted Yu Yichen, the engagement would be annulled. Then, the Ji family would be done for! ¡°So, now that you know better, be a good girl.¡± Ling Yichuan narrowed his eyes and was satisfied to see her hesitant expression. He thought that she had run out of excuses for rebuttals and was at a loss of words. Only then did he put on a calm expression. His lips gently pressed against her soft lips and kissed her again and again. He mumbled during the kiss, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as you¡¯re a good girl, I won¡¯t treat you badly. I¡­¡± It was just a gentle kiss, but heat surged through his entire body. He only wanted to hug her tighter! He wanted to go further, but Ji Liunian put up a strong resistance. She pressed her fingers against his chest forcefully and pushed him away. Ling Yichuan frowned. Didn¡¯t we already settle it just now? What¡¯s she doing now? For a woman¡­ A little pretentiousness could be seen as coyness . However, overdoing it would be really hypocritical. Ji Liunian said calmly, ¡°Mr. Ling, I think you¡¯re mistaken about one thing. Even if I don¡¯t have a fianc¨¦ or a boyfriend, I won¡¯t agree to it.¡± Ling Yichuan frowned even more. Ji Liunian continued, ¡°Because I don¡¯t like you at all. I¡¯ve never wanted to be with you, and I don¡¯t intend to have anything to do with you. You¡¯ve got it all wrong!¡± ¡°I admit that you¡¯re handsome, charming, and have a high net worth. However, these qualities of yours have nothing to do with me. I¡¯m not interested in seducing you.¡± Ji Liunian tried her best to remain calm. ¡°Furthermore, Mr. Ling¡­ You don¡¯t lack beautiful women for company. Why waste time on me?¡± The more Ji Liunian spoke, the darker Ling Yichuan¡¯s expression became. His anger was palpable. ¡°You mean that you¡¯ve never had any designs on me and you were serious about everything you said before? All of this is just wishful thinking on my part?!¡± Ji Liunian nodded without hesitation. Ling Yichuan took a deep breath. A fluctuation of intense emotions surged through him. Then, he gave an eerie smile. He had thought that Ji Liunian was manipulative and scheming. Never did he expect that she really did not care for him at all right from the beginning! ¡°I¡¯ll be frank¡­ About what happened that night¡­ I was set up. That night, someone got me drunk and I was so hammered that I didn¡¯t know what was going on at all¡­ If I caused any misunderstanding, I apologize. Besides, you didn¡¯t suffer a loss, right? You said it yourself. We¡¯re both adults. It¡¯s consensual¡­¡± Chapter 38 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios As Ji Liunian spoke, she saw the lines of Ling Yichuan¡¯s cold, hard jaw were pulled taut as his countenance turned grim. There were still some things she wanted to say, but she held her tongue back! This domineering and arrogant man did not play by the rules. She had never thought of getting involved with him, let alone angering him. If she was unlucky¡ªshe would have to call him ¡°cousin¡± when they met again! She did not dare to say anything else. She only hoped that he would forget about her quickly and stop pestering her. She was trapped in such a confined space and unable to escape. If this man caused any more trouble, it would be over! She immediately took a step back. ¡°Mr. Ling, if there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll leave first!¡± She ignored him and quickly turned around to press the elevator button. She made the elevator stop on the nearest first floor and ran to the safety ladder to climb up by herself. As soon as she went upstairs, Ling Yichuan¡ªstill in the elevator¡ªtouched his chin and suddenly smiled coldly. Fine! That¡¯s even more interesting! Those women who were too submissive and biddable were boring; he got tired of them after a while. As for women who schemed every step of the way to get close to him, they made him rather apprehensive. It was precisely this kind of spunky woman who had her own mind that brought out the desire in men to conquer her! She did not like him? No worries! He enjoyed the feeling of seeing such a reluctant woman pinned under him in bed in the end¡ªit must be very sexy! Lian Sihan was still waiting in the hall on the first floor. When he saw Ling Yichuan walking down alone, he was surprised. ¡°Mr. Ling¡­¡± ¡°Sihan, let¡¯s go.¡± Ling Yichuan raised his chin slightly, his eyes flashing with an unfathomable emotion. ¡°Mr. Ling, she¡­¡± Lian Sihan was puzzled. He thought for a moment and asked, ¡°Do we still need to keep an eye on the place where she lives?¡± ¡°Just let two people look in on her occasionally.¡± Ling Yichuan thought of something and suddenly asked, ¡°I heard that she¡¯s currently auditing this year¡¯s accounts?¡± Lian Sihan nodded. ¡°Yes. After you complimented her that day, she was promoted the next day. However, I heard that the person you criticized¡ªGao Youyi¡ªseemed to have something against her and is secretly trying to stitch her up. The target is the annual accounts she is auditing.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± Ling Yichuan¡¯s right thumb and index finger gently turned the pinky ring on his left hand. ¡°They¡¯re so hardworking. As the boss, I can¡¯t stay out of it. I¡¯ll help them! As for Xinghua Corporation, do this when the time comes¡­¡± As Ling Yichuan walked out of the lobby, his lips curled into an eerie smile. It did not matter if she was unwilling. When the time came, she would be forced to submit to him! ¡ª Ji Liunian had no idea that someone was plotting against her behind her back. However¡ªas soon as she sent Ling Yichuan away¡ªsomeone immediately came to look for her. This time, it was about the Yu family. Chapter 39 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios When Ji Liunian arrived at the Yu residence, Yu Nuanxue and Chen Yiqun were sitting in the hall; discussing something excitedly. When they saw her, the two of them ignored her completely. Ji Liunian ignored their disregard and went to one side. However, what Yu Nuanxue said next made her stop in her tracks. ¡°Mother, do you think our cousin, Mr. Ling will attend Father¡¯s birthday banquet?¡± Cousin with the surname Ling. Were they were talking about Ling Yichuan? Chen Yiqun smiled and said, ¡°Probably. Your father has already sent an invitation to the Ling family. I heard that your Aunt Ye¡¯s health isn¡¯t good. I reckon that she and Uncle Ling won¡¯t be able to attend your father¡¯s birthday banquet. However, Ling Yichuan should be attending. We¡¯re relatives after all.¡± ¡°It would be great if Ling Yichuan could attend.¡± Yu Nuanxue said Ling Yichuan¡¯s name in a tone that was almost worshipful. Even though Ji Liunian did not turn around to look at her, she could imagine the corners of her lips must have curled up at this moment. A look of infatuation appeared on her immaculately made-up face¡ªjust like those women who had been bewitched by Ling Yichuan! Ling Yichuan. It really was Ling Yichuan! Ji Liunian had been worried that she would meet Ling Yichuan in her capacity as the future daughter-in-law of the Yu family! Ling Yichuan was not present when she got engaged a year ago. With Yu Yichen¡¯s disregard for this marriage, perhaps there would not be any wedding when they got married. If there was no wedding, at least she would not have to meet him again! However, Ling Yichuan was attending Yu Bolan¡¯s 60th birthday celebration! ¡°The Ling Yichuan you¡¯re talking about is Ling Yichuan, the CEO of Ling Group?¡± She was still a little uncertain and turned around to ascertain. Yu Nuanxue¡ªwho was sitting on the couch¡ªimmediately glanced at her fiercely with her beautiful eyes. Then, she snorted disdainfully. ¡°Why? A person like you dares to have designs on my cousin, Ling Yichuan? Do you think that just because you can¡¯t get any attention from my brother, you can move on to your next target now? Have a good look at yourself! How can someone like Ling Yichuan like you?!¡± ¡°I¡­ No!¡± Ji Liunian wanted to say something but she could not bring herself to say it. She thought about it and said, ¡°I¡¯ve only heard of him. He seems to be very famous.¡± ¡°It¡¯s none of your business even if he¡¯s famous! He has got nothing to do with you!¡± Yu Nuanxue glared at her fiercely, then snickered. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t matter anyway. Ling Yichuan won¡¯t bother with you. Even if you stand right in front of him, he won¡¯t look at you twice!¡± She really had to thank Yu Nuanxue. If it was not for her contempt, she would have to think of a way to explain her relationship with Ling Yichuan. She did not say anything else and turned to go upstairs. Yu Bolan was waiting for her in the study. However, when she reached the door of the study, she heard an intense argument! Chapter 40 Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios ¡°Dad, why do I have to bring her to your birthday banquet? Look at her. How is she worthy of our family¡¯s status?¡± The voice was arrogant and disdainful. It was Yu Yichen¡¯s voice. Needless to say, she was probably the only person in the world who could be discussed in such a disdainful tone by him! ¡°If she is not good enough, then who is ? That Xu Xin¡¯er? Or some other wanton starlet that you know?¡± A calm middle-aged man¡¯s voice rang in the air, making Ji Liunian pause. Xu Xin¡¯er. She knew this person. A year ago, Yu Yichen had made a scene at the engagement party because of this woman who had been ¡°forced away¡± by her. She knew that Xu Xin¡¯er was a new and popular celebrity. After that incident, she had gone to England, with the official cover as filming a movie and furthering her studies. She seemed to have returned not long ago. ¡°Xin¡¯er isn¡¯t some wanton starlet! She was a virgin before she was with me!¡± Sure enough, when it came to Xu Xin¡¯er¡­ the devil-may-care Yu Yichen became very protective. Unfortunately, he had never shown her such tenderness. ¡°The Yu family¡¯s daughter-in-law can only be Liunian! That kind of woman in the entertainment industry can never dream of marrying into our family!¡± ¡°Dad, I really don¡¯t understand. Just what spell Ji Liunian has cast upon you to make you favor her like this?!¡± Yu Yichen¡¯s voice was filled with grief and indignation. ¡°I¡¯m an adult! It¡¯s the 21st century now! Don¡¯t I even have the right to decide my marriage? I don¡¯t like her at all. Why should I marry her?!¡± It was not that he really hated Ji Liunian that much. He just could not accept such a forced arranged marriage! When he thought about spending the next few decades with a woman he was not in love with at all, his entire life became gloomy. She understood that Yu Yichen did not love her. That was why he slighted her, mocked her, and disdained her. It was unfortunate that his method of not accepting this marriage trampled on her dignity time and time again! ¡°So, that¡¯s why you didn¡¯t buy a wedding dress the last time and didn¡¯t even want to set a wedding date. And now, you want to bring a starlet to my birthday banquet? You¡¯re an embarrassment to me!¡± The argument between the two of them became louder and louder, so much so that it could be heard clearly through the thick door. Soon, Chen Yiqun and Yu Nuanxue¡ªwho had been in the living room¡ªwalked over. Father and son were arguing in the room, but Ji Liunian was standing outside. Chen Yiqun immediately frowned. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± The two people in the room argued even louder. ¡°If I only married that woman so that I wouldn¡¯t embarrass you, then what¡¯s the point?!¡± ¡°You can refuse to marry her,¡± Yu Bolan suddenly said.