Chapter 4: The Audacious Yu Yan

Struck by his allure!

Yu Yan was breathtakingly beautiful, radiating a bold and audacious charm. When she tilted her head and commanded, "Come sleep at my place," the air around her was imbued with an irresistible, domineering aura that was utterly captivating.

What man could possibly resist such a seductive temptress?

Perhaps this was the secret yearning harbored within every man—a desire for a partner whose gentle and lovely exterior concealed a daring and fearless spirit.

Yet, Qin Ze furrowed his brow even deeper, locking his gaze on Yu Yan with palpable dissatisfaction.

The crux of the matter was that he and Yu Yan were now estranged. Once, he had adored her fearless and forthright demeanor, but things had changed; their breakup meant her audacity was no longer his to claim.

During the five years of their separation, Qin Ze was certain that somewhere in the world, another man had reveled in the same boldness that Yu Yan once offered him.

This wasn't paranoia; what she gave him today could easily be bestowed upon another tomorrow.

A person's character is innate, unchangeable!

Noticing Qin Ze's somber demeanor, Yu Yan smirked, "Do you really dislike me that much?"

"As long as you know," Qin Ze replied coldly.

With that, he brushed past her.

"Where are you going?" Yu Yan inquired, turning her head.

"That's none of your business!" Qin Ze retorted without glancing back.

Yu Yan spread her hands in resignation, making no effort to retain him.

She understood that a man like Qin Ze, steadfast and principled, would not be easily swayed in a single day; it would require time and patience to wear him down.

Fortunately, time was the one thing Yu Yan had in abundance; this was merely the beginning.

She firmly believed that she would eventually bring Qin Ze to his knees.

…

That night, Qin Ze slept at a hotel.

The following day, he contacted a renovation company, and by afternoon, workers began tidying up his home.

With a limited budget, he didn't spend extravagantly on the renovations. As winter approached, he recognized that delaying quality renovations would be a waste of time, and spending the winter in a hotel would be costly. In essence, he simply needed a place that was habitable.

A month passed…

Finally, the renovations on Qin Ze's home were completed.

The weather grew cooler, and golden autumn leaves danced gently to the ground.

Qin Ze's polished shoes crunched upon the fallen leaves as he exhaled warm breath into his palms, rubbing them together to fend off the chill.

"Daylight has arrived," he muttered.

Wrapping himself tightly in his coat, Qin Ze made his way homeward.

During the past month, Yu Yan had not disturbed him, mirroring the silence of five years prior, when she had abruptly declared, "Let's break up," and vanished without a trace.

Five years ago, Qin Ze had been heartbroken.

Today, he felt liberated.

Yet, an inexplicable sense of loss tugged at him.

Was it possible that he still harbored expectations for her?

Shaking his head, he dismissed such thoughts.

From today onward, he could finally return home.

Home!

Upon opening the door, Qin Ze's spirits soared. Though the renovations were modest—perhaps even inferior to the hotel—this was home, his own sanctuary. That sense of belonging was something a hotel could never provide.

Just as he settled down, the doorbell rang.

Qin Ze approached the door and peered through the peephole.

Instantly!

His expression darkened!

It was Yu Yan!

Beside her stood several men clad in black. Qin Ze couldn't discern their identities, for the moment he saw Yu Yan, he lost interest in anyone else.

He tiptoed back, attempting to feign that no one was home.

Outside, Yu Yan chuckled with annoyance, coolly adjusting her glasses with her middle finger.

"It's over. My man might be in danger," she remarked.

As she spoke, she gestured for her companions to step back and then took a few steps back herself, rolling her neck.

Creak—

The door swung open.

"Yu Yan, are you out of your mind?" Qin Ze shouted, unable to contain his ire.

Feigning surprise, Yu Yan laughed, "Oh, so you're fine after all."

With her hands in her pockets, she confidently stepped toward the threshold.

Qin Ze blocked her path, demanding, "What are you doing?"

"Just stopping by," she replied nonchalantly.

"Sorry, did I invite you in?" Qin Ze said, his impatience evident.

"Oh," Yu Yan pondered for a moment, nodding. "Well, I'll come back another time."

Turning, she playfully tapped on Qin Ze's door, muttering, "The quality of this door isn't great."

With that, she flashed a mischievous grin at Qin Ze.

Watching her leave, Qin Ze trembled with frustration.

He was well aware of Yu Yan's tactics; this time, he was home, but next time, if he were absent, she would likely use the excuse of "misjudged the address" to demolish his home again.

Such a situation was futile to report; she would simply claim a mistake in the address, leaving him powerless to retaliate. In the end, he would be the one left with the financial burden, yet she wouldn't be affected by the cost.

Indeed, while he might eventually receive compensation, he had nowhere to reside, and starting renovations anew would be a hassle…

Ultimately, Qin Ze let out a resigned sigh.

"Come in!"

Yu Yan, anticipating his summons, smiled slyly as she heard his words.

"Is this an invitation?" she teased, her back still turned.

"Hmph," Qin Ze scoffed.

Without further provocation, Yu Yan pivoted, casually striding into his home with her hands in her pockets.

"Hey!" Qin Ze exclaimed, "You could at least change your shoes!"

Yu Yan ignored him.

Following closely behind, her bodyguards trailed in as well.

Only then did Qin Ze shift his focus to them; this group appeared familiar, especially the man in the center with single eyelids and prominent ears.

It was them—the very same thugs who had vandalized his home last time.

The single-eyed bodyguard entered, glaring at Qin Ze, and barked, "What are you staring at?"

Qin Ze was taken aback; were these people complete brutes? Did they truly have the gall to dictate what he could look at?

These intruders acted as if they owned the place, each finding a spot to settle in.

The single-eyed man was the worst; he lounged on the sofa, carelessly draping his legs over the coffee table.

Qin Ze was reluctant to provoke further conflict; he merely wished for Yu Yan to leave swiftly.

"Speak your mind and then leave my home!" he said, his tone darkening.

Ignoring him, Yu Yan sauntered into the bedroom. Upon seeing the single bed, she frowned, her discontent evident.

Turning, she entered the bathroom, glancing around before washing her hands.

Meanwhile, the bodyguards busily criticized the surroundings.

"What a piece of junk this sofa is!"

"Did you pull that television from a garbage dump?"

…

Emerging from the bathroom, Yu Yan wiped her hands with a paper towel and lazily remarked, "Are you done looking around?"

"Done, boss," replied the single-eyed man.

"Not yet," Qin Ze snapped, his patience wearing thin. "What exactly do you want?"

At that moment, Yu Yan tossed the used paper towel onto the floor, adjusting her glasses with her middle finger.

"What are you waiting for? Smash it."