Chapter 3

That afternoon, Yu Xi found herself settled in the small cubicle outside Gong You Qi's office. She hadn't bothered to bid farewell to the beauties in PR; she knew full well they'd only respond with envy and cold mockery. Her spartan office was nothing more than a few partitions, designed for quick visitor reception, far less comfortable than the PR department's plush confines. Assistant Guo, observing her idleness that afternoon, assigned her a task: to type a conference report due the day after tomorrow. A mere one or two thousand words, a half-hour's work at her usual speed.

But a vase, she reasoned, should operate at a vase's pace. So, she stretched out a single finger, practicing her 'one-finger typing' on the keyboard. At this snail's speed, striking ten words then resting for ten minutes, she ought to finish just as the meeting began, the day after tomorrow.

The next day, as work hours drew to a close, Gong You Qi instructed her to go home and prepare, stating he would personally pick her up that evening. The gown had already been delivered to her apartment. Yu Xi returned home and meticulously adorned herself, slipping into the white evening gown. She still opted for her subtly understated heavy makeup. Gong You Qi had mentioned it was for the 75th birthday celebration of the Ge family's former chairman, and given the gravity of the occasion, she dared not apply her cosmetics too extravagantly.

Downstairs, he was already leaning against the car, waiting. Stars once again popped into Yu Xi's eyes as she greedily admired his dazzling form, now clad in formal wear, outshining even the very starlight. Gong You Qi also gave her a thorough look, seemingly content with her attire, and gallantly opened the car door for her.

In the car, a thought suddenly struck her: if Old Man Ge had invited him, there was no reason not to invite Gong You Kai. Perhaps she would have a chance to see Chu Chu. She edged half her head closer, coaxing him, "Young Master Gong, will Chief Gong be going too?"

He turned to look at her, raising an eyebrow in return. "Why, do you miss my elder brother? Or were you once his woman?" It wasn't impossible, he mused; Chief Gong had countless women in his past, and he could certainly pick a purely money-loving one to send his way.

Yu Xi's eyes swiveled mischievously, and she giggled, playing along with his words. "Oh, that's all in the past now. These days, my heart only beats for you alone."

"Your heart only beats for money, I suspect," he retorted, a slight grin on his face. It seemed he was in good spirits tonight, freely offering her the information she sought. "He will be there. And I hear he's recently found a new lover, holed up in the gang headquarters, tangled in romance all day long." So much so, he hadn't even returned for the family dinner last weekend.

A new lover? Could it be Chu Chu? She frowned slightly, a surge of anger and worry twisting in her gut. She wondered if the gentle Chu Chu was suffering any grievances or torment.

"Jealous?" he swept a glance over her.

Jealous? I'm full of gunpowder, about to explode, she thought. Yu Xi masked the emotion in her eyes, then grinned impishly. "Not at all! Right now, whoever treats me well, that's who I'm loyal to."

They chatted idly all the way to the Ge family villa. Yu Xi naturally took his arm, and he offered no objection. The two of them, like a match made in heaven, entered the grand hall, immediately drawing all eyes. Yu Xi estimated that their relationship would be plastered all over the media by morning.

She followed Young Master Gong, returning greetings to each person who approached, her elegance, grace, and meticulous etiquette impressing even him. When congratulating Old Man Ge, the guest of honor, Yu Xi noticed a sweet-faced, doll-like girl beside Old Man Ge periodically glancing at Gong You Qi, then shooting her two fierce glares. Ah, this scene is just like something out of a novel, she mused.

"You Qi, you finally have a woman by your side?" Old Man Ge chuckled, scrutinizing Yu Xi. "Not bad, not bad. Your taste is just like You Kai's; always very discerning."

Gong You Qi offered no explanation, merely a polite thank you.

The doll-like girl seemed displeased, nudging Old Man Ge. The old man then chuckled again. "Could I have been a step too late? I had originally hoped to set you up with my dear granddaughter, Wen Wen."

Gong You Qi smiled courteously, and the hand resting on Yu Xi's waist tightened, pulling her closer into his embrace. "Thank you for your kind intentions, Old Man Ge. I am not worthy of Wen Wen."

Yu Xi, feeling the pressure on her waist, quickly leaned into him, giggling as she spoke. "Yes, indeed! A beautiful and moving girl like Miss Wen Wen, as angelic as she is, must have many excellent gentlemen pursuing her."

The doll-like girl's face was tinged with anger. She gave Yu Xi a dissatisfied look, then asked crisply, "Second Brother Gong, whose young lady is she?"

Gong You Qi's expression darkened slightly, but he did not answer. Seeing his silence, Yu Xi also played deaf and dumb. It was common knowledge: if a wealthy man introduced his female companion, she was a rich young lady. If he didn't, both parties understood she was merely a favored mistress brought to fill a space. No one would specifically inquire about her identity, to avoid awkwardness. Gong You Qi hadn't introduced Yu Xi, so Old Man Ge naturally understood her status. Blaming his granddaughter for her impoliteness, he quickly changed the subject. "Wen Wen, is You Dai still in Germany? If she were here today, you two would surely be chattering away noisily."

The doll-like girl glared at Yu Xi again before answering her grandfather. "You Dai called me yesterday, asking me to wish you a happy birthday on her behalf. She said she has over a month until her holiday and is busy with exam revisions, so she can't come back. Second Brother Gong, has she contacted you?"

Gong You Qi smiled. "She's too lazy to contact me." Gong You Dai was the Gong family's younger sister, currently studying abroad in Germany.

Yu Xi, having nothing to interject, let her attention wander, looking around. Her eyes suddenly landed on the imposing figure of the handsome Chief Gong entering from the main doorway. And walking by his side, was it not Chu Chu, ethereal as a fairy in a pale purple gown?

Excitement surged within her; she wanted to rush over immediately. Gong You Qi noticed her inclination and glanced sideways, seeing his elder brother. Assuming Yu Xi was still clinging to old affections, he gave her waist a gentle but firm pinch, leaning in to whisper in her ear, "Don't get carried away with jealousy."

Yu Xi gritted her teeth, enduring the pain, and shot him a playful, pouting glance. To the two onlookers nearby, it was clearly a lovers' quarrel.

Gong You Qi saw that Ge Wen Wen's face was clouded with anger, about to stir up trouble again. Unwilling to remain, he politely stated, "Old Man Ge, my elder brother has arrived. I'll go call him over." He pulled Yu Xi and started to walk away.

Xiao Chu Chu, from afar, also spotted Yu Xi and instinctively wanted to go meet her. But as she took a step, Gong You Kai scooped her back to his side, his long arm locking around her waist. "You know her?" He thought she was looking at his younger brother, Gong You Qi. He had spent a considerable amount of effort on this quiet woman, using both gentle persuasion and veiled threats to keep her. The last time, at "The Tycoon's Den," when she had bumped into him, she had inadvertently bumped into his heart as well. The laughable notion of love at first sight had actually happened to him, a usually ruthless and cold gang boss.

Xiao Chu Chu hesitated for a moment, then nodded in affirmation. She then recalled that he must have met Yu Xi last time and should know she was her friend. Ever since she had been inexplicably taken away by him that night, residing in the heavily guarded gang headquarters, her heart had been in turmoil, unsure of his intentions. Perhaps he wanted to possess her; that night, when he was about to force himself on her, he had stopped cold at her indifferent gaze, slamming the door shut as he left. She understood that such a man was not to be trifled with, fearing that escaping would cause trouble for Auntie Xin. She had remained silent, allowing him to do as he pleased, yet he had never forced her again. He merely held her as he slept each night, only retreating to the adjacent room when his urges became too strong. She also knew he had other women next door. Since he never lacked women, why wouldn't he let her go? Sometimes, though, she was grateful he had resolved Zhao Qian Fei's harassment, even foolishly thinking that rather than falling into the hands of someone like Zhao, it might be better to simply remain with him. Tonight, when he wanted to bring her along, she had put up a small resistance. If only she had known she would see Yu Xi, she would have come eagerly.

The two women gazed at each other, while the two men, each in his own mind, completely misunderstood. Gong You Kai was instantly consumed by jealousy. Regardless of whether the man opposite him was his brother, he would never relinquish a woman he had claimed. He held Xiao Chu Chu tightly, possessively, displaying his claim.

Yu Xi watched her friend being squeezed almost out of shape, her anger finally snapping. She shot Gong You Kai a furious glare, silently chastising him for his lack of tenderness. This glare, to Gong You Qi, was clearly interpreted as hatred born of jealousy. While he cared little for her feelings, he did not wish for her to lose composure in such a setting and embarrass him.

And so – the four people, who had been slowly approaching each other, suddenly changed course. Gong You Kai clamped Xiao Chu Chu to his side and turned to walk out the door, while Gong You Qi simultaneously pulled Yu Xi and turned towards a side door of the hall.

Xiao Chu Chu merely let out a soft cry, "She's my friend..." but she was ignored by Gong You Kai, who swept her out the door regardless of onlookers. Only his enraged roar echoed back: "You're mine! Don't you dare think of anyone else!"

...The car sped off, kicking up dust.

The others in the hall were bewildered but no one dared provoke the You Gang boss. After three seconds of silence, they all pretended nothing had happened and resumed their revelry.

"What are you doing?! I want to see my..." Yu Xi, on this side, had just begun to shout when her mouth was covered, and she was pulled through the side door into the garden just outside the hall.

She erupted in fury, frantically prying his hand away. "What are you doing pulling me out here? I finally got to see her!"

"What am I doing?" he sneered. "I was merely kindly preventing a shrew from losing control and saving you from the enormous price you would have had to pay for breaching our contract." With this much capability, she truly isn't worthy of being his contract partner, he thought.

...Allow her to sort out her thoughts first.

A few seconds later: "You thought I was going to confront Chief Gong?"

He looked at her with cold eyes, too lazy to answer.

Yu Xi suppressed her inner rage, grumbling inwardly about his misunderstanding that prevented her from speaking to Chu Chu. But on her face, a wide smile bloomed, her voice softening. "How would I dare provoke your elder brother?"

Gong You Qi watched her expressions change faster than flipping a book, his eyes flickering. "You didn't look like that just now."

She laughed even more merrily, raising a hand to lightly press against his chest, happily saying, "Were you perhaps worried about me just now, Young Master Gong?"

"I was afraid you'd cause trouble and implicate me," he stated his reason bluntly.

Yu Xi, however, was lost in her own pleasant thoughts, her smile radiant as a flower. "Young Master Gong, I'm truly flattered that you'd think of me!" She leaned against him, soft and fragrant, and softly explained, "I wasn't looking at Chief Gong just now. I wanted to talk to the beauty beside him; she's my good sister."

He took a step back, letting her fragrant body barely brush against his. Still, he harbored a slight doubt. "Are you sure you weren't jealous that your old flame has a new lover?"

"If Chief Gong were you, then I might actually be jealous," she purred. Mmm, and another rub. His clean scent is truly wonderful.

Gong You Qi was about to ask more when his phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the number, then lightly pushed her away, his gaze amused. "You're lying, and I'll know it as soon as I answer this call."

"Is it Chief Gong?" Yu Xi suddenly remembered that if he mentioned her to Gong You Kai, the latter wouldn't recognize her and might even expose her earlier trick of replacing the original contract woman. Then she'd have a heap of explanations to give. It would be better to hide in the main hall first. At least in a crowded place, he wouldn't flare up. "Heh heh, you two brothers take your time chatting; I'll go inside and wait." She gathered her gown, ready to make a quick escape.

Her right wrist tightened in his grasp. His large hand had clamped down on it, and she heard his playful voice. "Are you not trying to escape because you're afraid of being exposed?"

"Of course not!" She immediately donned a seductive smile. "I'm afraid you'll get thirsty from chatting and want to get you a glass of water." She secretly tried to pull away, but he held her tightly, ignoring her as he spoke softly on the phone with Gong You Kai.

"Young Master Gong, there are mosquitoes outside. Perhaps we should go inside to talk?" She tried to take advantage of the situation to pull him inside.

...The handsome man, listening intently to his phone, remained perfectly still.

"You look so tired standing. I'll take you inside to sit down and have tea while you chat."

...He simply ignored her.

However, she noticed that Gong You Qi's expression grew increasingly serious, and his gaze sharpened. Oh dear, oh dear, is a storm brewing? Why do I feel like I'm starting to tremble? It was only a matter of replacing his mistress, and the previous one wasn't even as attractive as she was.

When he ended the call, his cold eyes shot two piercing daggers at her, and the grip on her wrist tightened. She could only maintain her usual charming smile, attempting to bewitch him a little longer. Her hand was suddenly yanked hard. Her body lurched, leaning against a nearby pillar, as his figure pressed down. His handsome face, which made her drool, stopped mere centimeters from hers. A chilling voice penetrated her ear. "Who exactly are you? What is your purpose in approaching me? And where is the original woman?"

Exposed... Alright, I'll confess everything. After all, I had no malicious intent. I just happened to be interested in his contract, and felt I was suited for the role, so I took the initiative to impersonate her.

"I'll confess, I'll tell you everything." She swallowed, like a criminal confessing before torture, still smiling. "Please let me up first." Such a posture would surely strain her delicate waist. Seeing he had no intention of moving, she decided to make her explanation brief and to the point.

She explained everything, stating that she had only learned his identity on a whim and then, seeing an opportunity, decided to make the most of it, investing in herself to earn big money later.

She saw his expression soften slightly. She gently pushed him away with her left hand, then slowly straightened her body, supporting her aching waist, which hadn't had much exercise lately. Mmm, it's really sore. She decided to start morning exercises next week.

"No more lies?" Her explanation, surprisingly, matched what his elder brother had told him. He had unknowingly signed a contract with a stranger, but based on her recent performance, perhaps the original woman wouldn't have been as effective. Should he be glad she was the one who signed?

"How would I dare?" Yu Xi's smile was so strained her mouth nearly cramped. Was he still not satisfied with such flattery? At worst, the contract would be voided. As a mistress, she hadn't even received a kiss. She found his game insufficiently stimulating and considered finding a better candidate.

She glanced at her right hand, which was still clamped in his. "Young Master Gong, my right wrist is about to break."

He loosened his grip, showing no guilt for the red mark on her wrist. "I'll let you off this time. If there's a next time—"

"There won't be a next time." She dropped her smile, rubbing her wrist, considering whether to abandon his game before he dismissed her. This man, though exceptionally handsome, couldn't handle a playful challenge and showed no tenderness towards women. He was no good. "I'll disappear from your sight now, Young Master Gong. Your magnanimity in overlooking my little misdeed this time truly fills me with gratitude." After a thought, she added, "I can't afford to compensate you for anything I've used of yours. Now I'm left with neither money nor position." That transfer fee she paid, all those savings – how long would it take to earn them back? Next time, she'd have to find an incredibly rich man.

Gong You Qi raised an eyebrow. Was she implying she wanted to terminate the contract?

"I wish you luck in finding a more suitable candidate this time." A flicker of mocking amusement crossed her eyes as she lifted her gown, preparing to exit. If she couldn't get information from him, she'd find another way to inquire about Chu Chu's situation.

An arm pressed against the pillar, blocking her path. "Did I say I was terminating our contract?"

Huh? He looked like he was about to freeze her a moment ago. Wasn't that a prelude to termination? She pressed her back against the pillar, meeting his half-smiling eyes.

"Young Master Gong, you're not kicking me out?" Still want to play?

"Where else would I find a woman as purely mercenary as you so quickly?"

She chuckled heh heh, taking it as a compliment. Since he wasn't willing to end it, she'd continue to play along. She vowed to extract double the benefits to compensate for her dissatisfaction today.

He leaned down again, his sculpted, handsome face incredibly close. His black eyes were deeper than the night, and his tempting voice whispered, "From now on, be good, and don't try to be clever."

With such beauty before her, she held her breath, her eyes sparkling. The surroundings were so quiet... this atmosphere was perfect for her to daringly steal a kiss. She couldn't help but rise onto her tiptoes, her arms hooking around his neck, slowly bringing her red lips closer. In her heart, she screamed: Succeed, succeed, succeed...

Just as her lips were almost touching his long-desired, sensuous thin ones, he abruptly straightened up, leaving her arms empty, and she nearly stumbled. She heard his elegant, yet maddening, voice: "I'm not interested in eating women's lipstick."

...To dare to tease her like this! Gong You Qi, she would remember this debt!

Yu Xi twirled the Tiffany limited edition bracelet from this year on her wrist. The delicate white gold filigree formed petal-like roses. It was a little loose on her slender wrist, but this only accentuated her long, graceful arms and nimble hands. She had to admit Gong You Qi had good taste: he knew how to choose a gift, and even better, how to choose a perfectly fitting gift. Last night, when he drove her home, he had noticed the red swelling on her wrist. So this morning, she had been summoned to his office and given this expensive bracelet.

She was truly glad he hadn't terminated their contract. This man, besides being subtly manipulative, also knew when to offer a timely sweet reward. She was easily bought, and now her interest in him had returned. She once again fawned over her benefactor, skipping out of his office to continue her unfinished work.

Earlier, Guo Qiang had come to ask if she had finished typing that document. She pulled up the file on her computer. "Almost, almost! Just under two hundred words left. It will definitely be done by the time of the meeting this afternoon." Seeing Guo Qiang's mouth twitch, she feigned innocence. "I haven't been idle, you know. I've been typing the whole time I've been at work!" Both her index fingers were stiff from the effort; now she was using her middle fingers.

As Guo Qiang knocked and entered, Gong You Qi glanced out and saw Yu Xi staring intently at her keyboard, searching for letters. A faint, unintentional smile touched his lips. This woman was truly something; a small document, and she hadn't finished it in two days. If all company employees were like this, the business would be bankrupt within a week. However, her social skills were indeed excellent. Last night, she was poised and polite, knowing exactly when to advance and when to retreat. Even he thought she resembled a well-bred young lady from a wealthy family. It was for this reason that he decided to continue employing her even after learning she was an impostor. He also sensed that she seemed quite infatuated with him, though money appeared to be her primary motivator. As long as she didn't overstep, she was a decent mistress.

Last night, he seemed to have seen Lin Zhi Ye, his former female companion. She apparently had a new employer now, and he hadn't paid it much mind. He only hoped this current gold-digger would stay in the role longer, saving him the trouble of constantly replacing his 'vase' to maintain appearances. Surely she understood his difficult situation, too... Gong You Qi's thoughts suddenly paused, pulling himself back to the present.

He idly flipped through the documents Guo Qiang had placed on his desk. To be safe, he had ordered a background check on Yu Xi and the woman with his elder brother. A quick scan revealed that both women had simple backgrounds: they had lived in Hao Shan Orphanage as children, hadn't attended many years of school, and currently worked at the Xin Yue dance hall.

He pushed the documents aside. "Send a copy to my elder brother, let him rest easy." His gaze then fell on the desk calendar, and he paused. "Today is the 9th?"

Guo Qiang acknowledged. "Is something wrong, Vice Director?" He clearly noticed the momentary blankness in his superior's eyes.

"Nothing. You may go."

Gong You Qi dismissed him, then leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes for a moment. When he slowly opened them, a rare sadness lingered in his gaze. He murmured to himself, "...Two years. Are you well?"

Yu Xi typed out the remaining two hundred words, letting out a long sigh of relief. She glanced at the closed door of the Vice Director's office, then twirled the bracelet on her wrist, a wry smile on her lips. She propped her head on her arm, falling into contemplation.

Last night, she had indeed met Gong You Qi's former mistress, Lin Zhi Ye. Yu Xi had just entered the restroom when a woman in a black gown followed her in, staring intently at her reflection in the mirror. Yu Xi had no memory of this beauty. She turned around and greeted her generously. "Miss, though I know I'm pretty, being stared at like that still makes me shy."

The black-gowned beauty's face flushed, yet she still looked directly at Yu Xi. "You're his new mistress?"

Yu Xi tilted her head slightly, letting her guess. A woman who knew about her relationship with Gong You Qi... Hmm, she tried, "Miss Lin?"

The black-gowned woman paused, then sighed softly. "You know me too. Did he tell you?"

"Just a guess." Yu Xi curved her lips, appraising her predecessor. "What can I do for you?"

Lin Zhi Ye offered a bitter smile. "I just wanted to ask if he's doing well..."

He dismissed you so ruthlessly, why are you still thinking about that man? Yu Xi looked at her, finding she didn't dislike her. "You must have seen him, right? He hasn't lost any weight; he's still as handsome as a jade tree in the wind. He's definitely better off than you."

Lin Zhi Ye froze for a few seconds, then turned, murmuring, "That's good." She took a couple of steps, then stopped and turned back. "I'm not warning you, just giving you a heads-up: never fall in love with him, or you'll be abandoned just like me."

The best novels are all on ZaaiBook: ZAAIBOOK.COM (This line is from the original text, I've left it as is for authenticity)

Yu Xi's interest was piqued. "Can you tell me why?" She suspected this was the root of his clause about the female party not needing to perform bed duties. In her wild imaginings, she even wondered if he might have, uh, some sort of impotence.

Lin Zhi Ye paused again, then softly gave her the answer: "Because Young Master Gong has already had a woman in his heart for two years now."

Yu Xi blinked, about to ask more, but Lin Zhi Ye had already walked out.

He already has someone in his heart? Then why hasn't the media gossiped about it? She propped her head up, thinking. Is he secretly in love? Unable to confess to the woman he admires? Or are there obstacles preventing them from being together? And if so, why does he still need a mistress?

She pondered for a long time but couldn't figure it out. She slumped onto her desk, pretending to be paralyzed. Anyway, it's none of her business. If he wants to play games, she can just focus on cooperating. Why waste her brain cells?

Just as she cleared her mind, her phone rang. She saw it was an international call from Australia. Could it be that rascal Yu Chen finally remembering to care about her? She answered, but heard another voice. "Oh, little Xi Xi, I've missed you so much! Why did you suddenly take leave? You've left me heartbroken, sleepless, growing thinner by the day, and my thesis has been shelved..."

Yu Xi took a deep breath. She knew this person was impossible to rein in once he started rambling. She grabbed the phone and roared, "The point!"

A slight pause, then his voice became normal. "My flight is tomorrow morning. Pick me up."

Yu Xi frowned. "You're coming back?"

"I've graduated, so it's a good time to go back and find a job."

"Why not stay in Australia?" Given his excellence, the conditions and treatment there were far better than in China.

There was a pause, then he simply said one thing before hanging up: "Nine AM tomorrow morning. Remember."

She was about to refuse, but the dial tone already hummed in her ear.

"Passerby A, you scoundrel!" she cursed under her breath, then slumped back onto her desk, playing dead. Once that plague-bearer returned, he would surely cling to her and cause trouble again.

The office door opened and closed, and footsteps stopped beside her. "Are you exhausted from the monumental task of two hundred words, or did you faint from hunger the moment lunchtime arrived?"

Yu Xi immediately sat up, offering her superior a sweet smile. "Both, both! You guessed perfectly right." He wasn't right at all.

Gong You Qi adjusted his jacket, stating blandly, "Let's have lunch together."

The handsome man and beautiful woman sat in the Western restaurant, instantly illuminating the place, drawing all eyes. Yu Xi darted glances at the passing waitstaff, giving a sweet smile to every handsome man, subtly flirting, swaying like a blooming flower. She knew perfectly well this was not allowed by the contract; she was supposed to be absolutely devoted when with her benefactor. But ever since she learned Young Master Gong already had someone in his heart yet still played this game, she harbored a quiet resentment towards him.

She wasn't naive. She merely admired noble love from afar, like the Lord Ye who loved dragons but feared them in reality. Once entangled, life became a constant state of anxiety, fearing loss. She had seen many good girls at Xin Yue, abandoned by men, their hearts broken by love, only to willingly fall into ruin. So she constantly reminded herself not to follow in their footsteps.

But she also believed in beautiful love; otherwise, why would so many people still walk hand-in-hand into the tomb of marriage every day? It was just that she preferred to observe from a distance, to admire, and was too lazy to personally venture into such danger. And for those in love, she always held a blessing attitude, disliking those who embraced love while also being unfaithful. Infidelity was fine, having several women at once was also fine; it was merely a game of the rich and powerful, a sign of their carefree nature. But once one had a beloved, one should rein in their wandering thoughts and love wholeheartedly. She could not stand those who wanted both love and frivolous affairs.

Gong You Qi's face indeed darkened. He coldly watched her openly flirting with other men. "Do you think the salary I'm paying you is too high?"

"Oh, I accidentally forgot!" she quickly apologized with a smile. "It must be because I'm tired and hungry that I'm so muddled. Please don't take it to heart."

A little while later, "Oh, Young Master Gong, I really didn't mean to knock over the wine glass..."

"Oh, why did I accidentally step on your foot..."

Gong You Qi finally turned black with anger. "Half of this month's allowance will be deducted."

Wuwu... Half means ten thousand, doesn't it?... Indeed, I shouldn't act on impulse. What he did with his love life was none of her business.

However, she felt considerably better, deciding to end her spree of venting there. As soon as they were out of the restaurant, she pressed close to him again. "Young Master Gong, you're not that petty, are you...?"

"Too late," he said, taking long strides with his lengthy legs.

She quickly followed, desperately clinging to his arm. "I heard a new movie premiered tonight. Will you take me to see it? We said we would last time..."

Gong You Qi stopped, looking at her. He recalled indeed having promised to "take her on a romantic outing occasionally." Looking at her pitiable, heavily made-up eyes, which were surprisingly bright and clear, a strange curiosity suddenly sparked within him. He wondered what she looked like without makeup. His expression softened. "Next time. I have something to do tomorrow."

What could he have to do on a weekend? She was too lazy to guess. But her commission couldn't just fly away... She pretended to be even more pitiful. "Then my salary..." Sensing his calm, unangered gaze, her heart swelled with delight. Before he could answer, she quickly interjected, "Don't worry, don't worry! There will definitely be no more mistakes like today!" Heh, ten thousand big yuan saved!

Pulled along by her, Gong You Qi involuntarily slowed his pace to match hers. He suddenly found this woman, when she was being so impudent, was surprisingly hard to refuse. And this, he mused, was also one of her superior vase tactics.

The most painful thing in life, surely, was not being able to lie in a cool bed on a weekend, but having to wake early and brave the scorching summer heat to do errands.

Yu Xi descended from the airport shuttle bus with two dark circles under her eyes, rivaling a panda's, and waited at the arrivals gate. Last night, inspired, she had actually watched a movie. Young Master Gong hadn't accompanied her, but she had happily rented a tape and watched it by herself. She had just dozed off in the early hours when she suddenly remembered Passerby A's phone call from yesterday. After much hesitation, she had crawled out of bed, hastily thrown on some clothes, and come to pick him up. If she hadn't, who knew what trouble that plague might stir up in revenge.

If she was the mischievous, lawless Sun Wukong, then this senior she had met at an Australian compatriot gathering was the malevolent, all-encompassing Buddha, their levels fundamentally different. She had always avoided him like the plague.

On weekends, Gong You Qi rarely summoned her, so she was quite pleased that being a mistress came with weekends off. For these two days, she couldn't be bothered with makeup, letting her skin, usually caked with thick foundation, breathe. She gazed at her dull, refreshed face in the small mirror in her palm; the dark circles under her eyes were certainly a natural look that didn't harm her skin.

"Only a month apart, and little Xi Xi has acquired my habit of narcissism?"

Yu Xi knew whose oily, languid tone that was without even thinking. She closed her compact mirror and looked up to see a breathtakingly handsome man, still as vibrant as ever, pulling a light carry-on bag and smiling seductively at her. It was indeed a seductive smile... Yu Xi felt that the charming skills she had acquired, aside from the large portion learned from Auntie Xin, were the result of subtle influence from this devastatingly handsome man.

Even if his beauty made all women in the world envious, after a year, one would still experience aesthetic fatigue. Yu Xi greeted him listlessly. "I've picked you up. Do what you want." She yawned, deciding to go back and catch up on sleep.

"Don't you think the joy of reunion should first be celebrated with a heartfelt hug?" Lu Ren Jie's long, seductive eyes narrowed. He also noticed her fatigue. "What kind of mischief were you up to last night?"

Little Xi Xi, I've found you again. This time, I won't let go so easily.

Yu Xi was too tired to argue. She waved him off, intending to leave, but Lu Ren Jie grabbed her. "No hug yet." She was so sleepy she wanted to kick him. After a brief tug-of-war, she glanced to the side and saw that familiar tall figure not far away, looking towards them. Gong You Qi? Her heart skipped a beat. She immediately buried her head in Lu Ren Jie's embrace, giggling. "Okay, hug, hug." Close call. He probably didn't see her, did he? Even if he did, he probably wouldn't recognize her; she looked completely different without makeup.

Lu Ren Jie was pleasantly surprised. She usually avoided him, so why the sudden change? Was it truly that she missed his warm embrace after a month apart and had become enthusiastic? His eyes were brimming with amusement as he hugged her tightly. "I knew little Xi Xi missed my warm embrace terribly!"

Yu Xi grumbled, secretly peeking through his arm at Young Master Gong, who was staring blankly at the display board in the distance. Was he waiting for someone too?

Confirming her suspicions, a group of newly arrived travelers walked past Gong You Qi. After the crowd dispersed, a beautiful woman in a pink suit stood elegantly opposite him.

That woman in his heart! The thought instantly popped into Yu Xi's mind. For a moment, she felt a pang in her heart, as if another child had snatched the toy she had been eyeing in the shop window.

"Who are you looking at?" The alluring voice beside her asked. Following her gaze, he chuckled softly. "Little Xi Xi, you still haven't gotten rid of your habit of staring at handsome men and beautiful women." He paused, then looked slightly surprised. "She's back from America?"

Yu Xi couldn't help but ask, "Who is she?"

Lu Ren Jie lifted her chin. "Let me kiss you, and I'll tell you."

Yu Xi curved her eyes, bringing her face closer to his. She saw the hint of hesitation in his affectionate gaze. Just as his descending lips were about to touch hers, she suddenly pushed him away, bursting into gleeful laughter. "Dream on!"

Her laughter drew attention. Gong You Qi and the woman opposite him also looked their way. Yu Xi realized her voice had been too loud and might arouse Young Master Gong's suspicion. She pulled her long hair over her face to hide it, made a face at the teased Lu Ren Jie, and quickly walked towards the hall exit.

She murmured to herself, He didn't recognize me, right? He must not have recognized me. He certainly didn't. When he sees the woman he admires, how could he possibly care about anyone else?

Behind her, Lu Ren Jie quirked his lips into a smile, softly saying, "Naughty," then picked up his luggage and chased after her.

Gong You Qi felt the voice had been vaguely familiar. He turned to look but saw what appeared to be an unfamiliar girl. He pulled his thoughts back, refocusing his gaze on the woman before him. She, too, looked at him tenderly, her beautiful face blooming with a noble smile, like a peony.

"...Ying Ran." Two years later, he finally whispered her name again.