chapter 5

Encounter 005: Inherited Rudeness?

Plum Rain Chronicles

He Wenli's sudden appearance was unforeseen by all present.

Even Zhong Shuning froze for seconds. Zhou Boyu paled - the term "wild man" had originated from his own lips. The Zhong family's faces turned ashen, while Zhong Mingyue gaped with naive astonishment at this paragon of masculine perfection.

Broad shoulders narrowing to a tailored waistline, he stood like a living supermodel - tall, with legs that seemed to bisect the room's space. His gaze cut through the humidity like Arctic winds.

"Why the sudden silence?" He Wenli's voice carried velvet-lined steel.

"I merely encountered Miss Zhong by chance. Knowing her engagement to Zhou's son amidst rainy weather, I offered assistance. Never anticipated such... misunderstandings." His explanation omitted the near-collision incident, delivered with diplomatic precision.

Zhou Boyu's bones threatened to crack under the weight of his terror. He'd heard his father mention recent meetings with He Wenli - how they'd discussed introductions to Beijing's elite circles. This man could make or break dynasties.

"My mistake," Zhou Boyu stammered.

At that moment, Zhong Zhaoqing forcibly dragged his biological daughter forward. "Mingyue, meet Mr. He."

The girl's plastic smile didn't reach her calculating eyes. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. He."

"Our newly recovered daughter," Zhong Zhaoqing announced. "We'll be hosting a welcome banquet soon. Your presence would honor us."

He Wenli's gaze dissected father and daughter. After three heartbeats: "Familial resemblance."

"You think we look alike?" Zhong Zhaoqing beamed, sweat dampening his collar.

"Precisely." He Wenli nodded. "Same lack of breeding."

The room's oxygen depleted.

"Could it be..." He Wenli's eyes narrowed on Zhong Mingyue, "...that bad manners are hereditary?"

Chen Zui bit his tongue to suppress laughter.

Zhong Mingyue's panic-stricken eyes sought parental rescue, her silent betrayal confirming He Wenli's words. The truth hung like a guillotine blade.

"Shameless!" Zhong Zhaoqing's voice cracked. "How dare you sully our reputation!"

Unnoticed by most, Zhou Boyu's phone buzzed with a message from his father: "Cancel all engagements. Immediately."

He Wenli turned to Zhong Shuning, his expression softening imperceptibly. "Miss Zhong, I regret this unwarranted trouble."

"Your kindness is appreciated," she replied, avoiding his piercing gaze.

"However..." His tone shifted, predatory yet protective. "...naivety offers no defense against predators."

As he departed, his parting words lingered like poison: "Against scum, good manners are lethal weapons."

Postscript at Dawn

Rain drummed against hospital windows as Zhong Shuning slipped into delirium. Morphine-laced drowsiness claimed her, her head lolling against the cold plastic chair.

A warm hand withdrew her IV needle with practiced ease.

"Easy now." Masculine murmurs surrounded her, carrying the faintest trace of bergamot.

She recognized that voice - honeyed steel wrapped in velvet.

When consciousness flickered back, she found herself cradled against a marble-hard chest. The scent of aged leather and power surrounded her, comforting as a forbidden dream.

"Shh..." The man's breath warmed her ear. "You're safe here."

Chen Zui hovered nervously behind, clutching Zhong Shuning's abandoned purse. "Sir, considering her engagement status..."

"Her betrothal's dissolved." He Wenli's fingers absently traced the curve of Zhong Shuning's waist - a territorial claim disguised as comfort.

As sirens wailed in the distance, the man adjusted his grip. "Let them gossip. We have more... pressing matters to address."

His words sent electric shivers through Zhong Shuning's feverish body. In this moment, she understood - He Wenli wasn't rescuing her. He was staking a claim.

Outside, raindrops morphed into needles under streetlights. Somewhere between pain and passion, a new game began.