Chapter 9

At four years old, Yu Xi and her brother Yu Chen lost their home. Before that, she lived a life of luxury, unaware of her privileged status. She had a loving father, a twin brother who looked just like her, a "stepmother," and several siblings to play with. But after her father's death, she and Yu Chen were sent to an orphanage, losing their opulent lifestyle. Yet, Yu Xi still felt content. The orphanage director, Liang Bo's son, looked after them well, often lamenting that everything belonging to the Liang family should have been theirs. Yu Xi, oblivious, would snuggle into his warm embrace, murmuring, "Uncle Liang, you smell like my father. Will you be my father?"

Before she turned seven, she and her brother were called Liang Yuxi and Liang Yuchen. They thrived at the orphanage, where Yu Xi met her first good friend, Xiao Chuchu. It was then that she began to understand why Uncle Liang said they were Liang family members, and how their "stepmother" had stripped them of their inheritance.

At seven, a beautiful, elegant woman found them, adopting them and introducing herself as Aunt Xin, a friend of their late father. After discussions with Uncle Liang, their identities were changed, and they became Yu Xi and Yu Chen. Years later, Aunt Xin would reveal that the records of Liang Yuxi and Liang Yuchen had been erased due to an "accident."

From then on, Yu Xi, following Aunt Xin, witnessed the harsh realities of life in dance halls, particularly the struggles of dancers and singers. This fostered a growing dislike for the world. Eventually, she realized that if the world couldn't adapt to her, she had to adapt to it.

Chuchu, at Yu Xi's insistence, was also brought to live with Aunt Xin and grew up at Xinyue, developing a deep bond. Aunt Xin had seriously discussed with them that such establishments weren't suitable for them, but Yu Xi was determined to stay. She learned that Aunt Xin had once been a mistress and resolved to be a woman like her, one who could pick up and let go with grace.

Was being a mistress lowly? Yu Xi scoffed at such thoughts. If it were, her "stepmother," who had also been a mistress, certainly elevated their status, entering the family and expelling Yu Xi and Yu Chen, the rightful heirs, to seize the Liang family's immense fortune. And the lawyer who facilitated it all, Lu Chuyuan, played a crucial role.

Aunt Xin, insightful and wise, wanted to shield Yu Xi and Yu Chen from the cycles of revenge inherent in wealthy family feuds. Upon adopting them, she made them swear to sever all ties with the Liang family and willingly relinquish their rightful inheritance, choosing to live as ordinary people. Despite Yu Xi's decade-long efforts to avoid any connection to the Liang family, the deep-seated pain would resurface unexpectedly.

For instance, in middle school, she occasionally encountered her former close siblings on the street. They, believing she had truly passed away, would stare intensely, trying to confirm her identity, forcing her to skip school and hide at home to avoid their questions. Later, during her time in Australia, when she eagerly sought a playful challenge with a stranger, she discovered he was Lu Chuyuan's son.

Life, she realized, was full of irony, reminding her of forgotten pain that was merely a superficial wound, ready to ache profoundly at the slightest touch.

She knew Lu Renjie saw her differently. Though he often teased her and changed girlfriends frequently, his behavior toward her was distinct. He publicly claimed her as his "thirteenth girlfriend" to deter other men. His teasing and opposition were merely bids for her attention, and he always appeared coincidentally when she needed him, subtly offering help.

She thought she might have liked him too – his meticulousness, his methods, his constant opposition, and her avoidance of his unspoken concern. But how could she forget that his father had orchestrated the scheme that cost her everything? She knew she couldn't transfer her resentment to him, innocent as he was. Yet, while revenge might not be pursued, the past couldn't be ignored. So she pretended not to understand his kindness, keeping her distance to avoid hurting him someday.

Still, he followed her back from Australia. Her casual flirtation with Gong Youqi became a convenient excuse to push him away, forcing her to feign deeper involvement, hoping he'd give up. She played the field, seemingly infatuated with attractive men, wanting him to believe she wasn't worth his effort. She didn't want him to face a painful choice between family and love for her, so she chose to reject him from the start.

His tenderness, she knew, but chose to pretend not to. If that thin veil broke, they would only hurt each other. Years of observing the world with a cold eye had taught her to mask her true feelings. To avoid living a life of burden, she believed she should take nothing to heart. Some things, even if painful, required a smile. Some people, even if cherished, had to be let go.

Leaving the Su family mansion, Lu Renjie pulled Yu Xi to a secluded, tree-lined path, gripping her arms to reclaim her attention. "Tell me clearly, what's going on?"

Yu Xi turned her head away, muttering, "Nothing means nothing."

He reached out, turning her face to force eye contact. "Do you think my IQ is below 150?"

"Oh, I forgot, senior's IQ is 250."

"Don't joke with me. Let's talk business."

"Senior, you're becoming more and more like a woman, not just your looks, but your personality has been assimilated by your female compatriots? I told you not to change girlfriends so often." She deliberately teased, using guerrilla tactics to change the subject. She knew Lu Renjie hated being called feminine and purposefully provoked him.

Indeed, his peach blossom eyes showed a hint of coldness, flashing dangerously. "Are you deliberately trying to annoy me? Be careful how I deal with you."

She looked at him fearlessly, hoping he would leave in anger.

His enchanting face suddenly drew near, his breath on her cheek, a faint lemon scent drifting into her nostrils. Instinctively, she tried to push him away, but he was quicker, catching her hands and pulling them back, lifting her chin until their noses touched.

"What... are you doing?" she asked, feigning ignorance. This time, unlike before, she wasn't calm; her heart hammered against her chest.

His warm thumb caressed her lips. His charming baritone voice said, "I want to... brush your teeth again."

He withdrew his fingers, replacing them with his sensual lips.

She stared wide-eyed at him, his lips cool as they pressed against hers, like a soft leaf falling from a tree. Yet, her mind remained clear. She knew she couldn't let him fall deeper. She twisted her head to avoid him, but his large hand firmly held her chin, making her struggle involuntarily.

"Don't move," he commanded softly, pulling her body into his embrace, holding her tight. He lifted her chin, chuckling, "But how many women dream of me doing this to them?"

Yu Xi kept her lips tightly sealed, using her eyes to resist. "Then go find them."

"But," his gentle gaze met her cold, annoyed eyes, "I only want to do this to you."

Her heart pounded harder, a hint of fear creeping in. She had always known he was a charming seducer. It had taken immense willpower to keep her distance from him. If this continued, she feared she would be the first to succumb to his tenderness.

"Senior..."

"Close your eyes, be good." He coaxed, bending his head, placing his lips just above one of her eyes and kissing it without hesitation, making her instinctively close her eyes. She felt feather-light kisses on both eyelids. As she savored the sensation, his lips suddenly invaded hers without warning.

There was no escape now. She let him explore, her defenses crumbling. Finally, she sighed to herself, Fine, let me indulge just this once... My heart is truly tired tonight, I have no more energy to refuse him...

This kiss was unlike a dental scaler; it filled her with warmth and tenderness.

"Xixi, you know I..." He decided to press his advantage and reveal his feelings.

"Don't say it!" she hastily interrupted. "Don't, don't say it..." Even if she was deceiving herself, as long as he didn't say it, she could pretend to be deaf and blind, she could ruthlessly ignore him. If he said it, she feared she wouldn't be able to stop herself from falling.

Lu Renjie hesitated, then finally sighed softly. "I know you need time."

Yu Xi broke free, looking down at the ground, a rare sadness in her eyes. She whispered, too softly for him to hear, "Time won't help either."

She glanced at the brightly lit Su mansion across the street, then turned back, saying, "Don't ask me what's going on anymore. It's my own business, it doesn't concern anyone else."

Lu Renjie frowned and nodded. He felt that she had only become upset after seeing that man and woman, and the man who called her "Yuxi," and decided to investigate them.

"I'm not feeling well and want to go back. Can you tell Young Master Gong for me?"

He became concerned. "Where don't you feel well?"

She smiled faintly. "In my heart."

Then she added lightly, "I have some things to think about myself. I'll be fine once I figure them out."

"Tell me, I'll help you think."

"You can eat my meals for me too then."

"That's not the same thing."

"To me, it is. I have to think my own matters through."

He conceded. "Alright, I'll take you back then."

"No need, I want to be alone for a while." She pouted at Lu Renjie. "Senior, you took advantage of me again tonight."

"I welcome you to take advantage of me too."

"Hehe, no thanks." Her slender fingers traced the seducer's exquisite face. Her eyes regained their usual playful glint. "Beauty, you should only be admired from afar and not touched."

She remembered a piece of advice he'd given her in Australia, when he discovered her habit of flirting with handsome men at weekend dances. Now, it was used against him, which was somewhat amusing.

He also curved his lips into a smile, momentarily captivating a certain infatuated woman. The infatuated woman quickly composed herself, insisting he not see her off, and went to the main road to hail a taxi alone.

He called after her, "Call me when you get back."

Yu Xi looked back, a knowing smile playing on her lips, and saluted. "Yes, sir."

But as soon as she turned away, her smile slowly faded, leaving only a lingering melancholy in her eyes.

It was still early. She went back, changed into loose shorts and a T-shirt, and sat idly on the swing in the small garden downstairs, troubled.

Adults were enjoying the evening breeze, and children laughed and played around her. Yu Xi, influenced by their carefree laughter, smiled faintly and swung gently. She blamed herself for not being calmer. Since she had already decided to let go, thinking so much was just self-inflicted trouble. Her half-siblings might not even recognize her. At worst, she'd deny it. Besides, they probably wouldn't meet again.

It was a bit surprising that the woman was Su Yingran's aunt. That made her and Su Yingran distant relatives, she mused. She chuckled to herself, finding the thought amusing and pointless. Was she actually thinking of claiming kinship?

She was only frustrated by her relationship with "stranger A," fearing he wouldn't give up, and even more, fearing she wouldn't be able to control herself. She secretly told herself she absolutely couldn't relax or back down again. Luckily, Young Master Gong, the handsome man, still held some appeal for her. She decided to stick to her role as his mistress and continue playing along with him.

Putting aside her strange thoughts, she got off the swing and joined the children on the open ground, laughing with them. Within minutes, she became the "king of the kids." She realized it had been a long time since she'd visited Uncle Liang and the children at the orphanage.

She covered her eyes with a scarf, playing hide-and-seek with the children. Touching a piece of clothing, she quickly grabbed it, triumphantly shouting, "Caught one!"

She pulled off the scarf and froze, realizing she was bent over, clutching Gong Youqi's lapel.

His dark eyes looked down at her. "Weren't you feeling unwell? You seem quite healthy and lively."

Yu Xi, her eyes covered by a scarf, played hide-and-seek with the children. She touched a piece of clothing and quickly grabbed it, triumphantly shouting, "Caught one!"

Pulling off the scarf, she froze, realizing she was bent over, clutching Gong Youqi's lapel.

His dark eyes looked down at her. "Weren't you feeling unwell? You seem quite healthy and lively."

Yu Xi gave an embarrassed laugh, said goodbye to the children, and walked back with Gong Youqi. She asked, a little puzzled, "Young Master Gong, weren't you with Miss Su?" The banquet seemed to have ended a bit early.

Gong Youqi didn't stop, walking forward silently. She had left mysteriously tonight, and then Lu Renjie delivered her message, saying she had gone home feeling unwell. He was faintly worried and called her phone, but she didn't answer. He left the banquet early, making an excuse.

He wanted to see what was wrong with this woman, but before he even went upstairs, he heard her and a group of children laughing. When he went over, he found her happily leading a troop of little soldiers in a game.

He felt a bit displeased, thinking he had been deceived again. As soon as they entered the door, he spun around to face her, making Yu Xi quickly shrink against the wall, wondering if her leaving midway had caused him any trouble.

"You're becoming bolder and bolder."

"Huh?"

"Daring to lie and feign illness, don't you want to attend banquets with me? Aren't those the kind of occasions you usually enjoy?" He questioned her, moving closer. Then he remembered that she seemed to have left with Lu Renjie tonight. Were they having a private meeting?

"I was unwell then... I was afraid of troubling you, but I'm fine now." Her thoughts were straightforward; once she understood, she had no more burdens. "You didn't specifically come here to scold me for this, did you?" She didn't believe he would give up an opportunity to be with beautiful Miss Su for such a small matter.

His cold eyes swept over her, noticing her simple clothes, making her look like a pure high school student again. A strange, familiar feeling welled up... Why did he have a growing suspicion that she was originally a pure angel who had deliberately disguised herself as a flirtatious woman?

Yu Xi looked at Gong Youqi, smiling at the distracted handsome man and wiggling her fingers to "call his soul back." "Young Master Gong, are you really here because you're concerned about me?"

Her slender fingers were seized. He didn't answer, but instead asked, "Is your relationship with Lu Renjie very unusual?" He was certain that Lu Renjie showed no admiration when looking at Su Yingran, but his gaze toward Yu Xi was deep enough to raise suspicion.

Yu Xi leaned in, her big eyes fluttering charmingly. "If Young Master Gong is asking because you're jealous, then I'd be happy to answer."

Gong Youqi grabbed her chin, stopping her from getting closer. "It seems I've been too lax with you lately."

She wasn't afraid of his icy face at all, still smiling and looking directly at him. After spending some time together, she had a good grasp of Gong Youqi's temperament. She knew he only pretended to be cold on the outside, but was actually a passionate man beneath a cool exterior.

"Doesn't Young Master Gong like me even a little bit?"

Gong Youqi actually found her frank gaze a bit hard to handle. She had always been bold and direct, and he should have disliked such women, yet he felt an indescribable, unusual sensation towards her teasing. She always expressed her thoughts undisguisedly, straightforward to the point of being endearing. He wanted to resist her allure, but couldn't help but be drawn to her.

He suddenly released her and turned to sit on the living room sofa, watching her coldly. Perhaps he had always underestimated this woman. She even made him feel guilty – he was devoted to Su Yingran, so how could his heart be swayed by a gold-digger like her?

Yu Xi felt that she had teased the handsome man enough. She smiled slightly and began to wrap things up, using the tactic of feigning reluctance to dismiss him. "Young Master Gong, did you enjoy your time with Miss Su tonight? I deserve a lot of credit for that. It's getting late. Are you staying with me tonight?" She first reminded him of Su Yingran's loyalty, then used the inappropriate request to stay to provoke him into leaving.

Gong Youqi indeed stood up. "Did I say I was staying?"

She feigned reluctance, enticing him. "The night is long. How can you bear to leave me alone?"

He avoided her "demonic claws," frowned, and walked toward the door. "Don't think that just because I show you a little concern, you can overstep your boundaries."

She lowered her head, pretending to admit her mistake, but chuckled inwardly. She knew how to avoid annoying this kind of trouble-averse man, and also how to quickly annoy him.

By staying in her place, he wouldn't abandon her. To annoy him, she just had to do the opposite.

Yu Xi stood at the door, feigning reluctance as he left, but in her heart, she was already shouting, "Good riddance!" As soon as he disappeared around the corner, she closed the door, locked it, and went to bed.

She replayed the day's events, feeling somewhat ashamed of her behavior tonight. Even if she was recognized, she should have remained calm and unfazed, but she couldn't help herself. Liang Yuxi, that identity, like that person, no longer existed. She didn't want to be tied down by hatred, or have any more ties with the Liang family.

She was also displeased with "stranger A's" kiss. She should have firmly refused. She had been foolish to give him a glimmer of hope. Next time, she absolutely couldn't be soft-hearted. She liked him, but so what? Liking someone was simple, just as she could easily like her game partner, Gong Youqi.

As long as a person had merits, they had endearing qualities and the potential to be liked. But the feeling of liking was too abundant, like a child looking at a shelf full of dolls in a store – they liked them all, but wouldn't be sad if they didn't get them.

She had to admit that Gong Youqi was indeed a good man. His devotion to Su Yingran alone earned her admiration. As for his occasional display of concern, she considered it reasonable. After all, she was his mistress, and if her health issues caused her to be unavailable when he needed her, it would be his loss.

However, she always kept her distance from "good men," not wanting to provoke them, nor bearing to hurt them. So, she felt a slight apology towards Gong Youqi. Perhaps she should end this game soon and let him focus entirely on Su Yingran, rather than using his infatuation for her own entertainment.

Slowly, her thoughts cleared, and she fell asleep contentedly.

The company had just completed a large order last week, so these past few days were relatively quiet. Yu Xi proactively asked Guo Qiang for tasks and finally received a short manuscript of less than five hundred words after two afternoons of asking.

She diligently typed at a snail's pace, intending to finish the task in an afternoon and earn Guo Qiang's praise for her improvement. As she typed, she read the document—a proposal for the company to donate to the Hope Project. Vice Chairman Gong personally led by example, donating 200,000 from his personal assets.

She hadn't expected Gong Youqi to be so caring. Suddenly, she remembered it had been a long time since she visited the orphanage. After some thought, she typed and printed the document in less than ten minutes, putting it in a folder to submit tomorrow. She asked Guo Qiang for leave, using the same old "feeling unwell" excuse. She herself felt that her body, which was as strong as an ox, had been feigning weakness so often lately that it seemed to be seriously ill.

Assistant Guo asked a few perfunctory questions and approved her leave. Gong Youqi was inspecting a branch company and wasn't around, and there wasn't much work anyway, so he let Yu Xi go. Her presence or absence wouldn't diminish his workload in the slightest.

Yu Xi, thrilled with her newfound freedom, excitedly went home to change clothes. Then she went to a large shopping mall, bought many toys, candies, and small gifts, and, carrying two large bags, hailed a taxi to Dai Shan Orphanage outside the city.

It was half her home, where she had spent over three years of her childhood. The last time she went was to say goodbye to Uncle Liang before leaving Shanghai for Australia. Returning after more than a year, she felt a bit like a prodigal son returning home to visit family.

She was in a good mood the whole way, even playfully teasing the shy taxi driver uncle, making his face turn a rosy apple-red. Yu Xi sat in the back seat, smiling triumphantly.

She didn't notice that a car had been following her from a distance.

When Gong Youqi returned from his inspection and found that Yu Xi had skipped work, his gaze became incredibly deep. Guo Qiang quickly rushed to confess, and Gong Youqi casually flipped through her desk, finding the printed document.

Guo Qiang's eyes widened like brass bells. He thought this five-hundred-word document would take at least two days to produce, and it wasn't urgent since it wasn't needed until next week. Seeing it already printed, he firmly disbelieved Yu Xi had completed it herself, openly stating he would investigate which "pervert" helped her out.

Gong Youqi, however, had a cold expression. Knowing she had used that worn-out excuse to slip away again, a furious anger surged within him. He couldn't sit still and drove directly to her apartment to question her. Just as he reached the community entrance, he saw her getting into a taxi. Suspiciously, he followed her all the way and discovered she was happily shopping in the city center! What he couldn't understand was that she went to the children's products section.

He forced himself to restrain his emotions. When she emerged carrying two large bags that seemed heavier than her, his brows furrowed even deeper. He couldn't figure out what this woman was up to.

Curiosity drove him to follow her, and he only paused, stunned, when she stopped at the entrance of an orphanage on the outskirts of the city. He stared blankly at the large characters on the gate: What was she doing here?

Remembering her background, that she had apparently been an orphan since childhood and lived in an orphanage with her twin brother, and that the name matched the place before his eyes, a soft spot in his heart was suddenly touched. After she had been inside for a while, he got out of his car and followed her in.

He encountered an elderly cleaner, to whom Gong Youqi introduced himself as Yu Xi's friend. The woman immediately welcomed him warmly, inexplicably praising Yu Xi at length. Finally, seeing his impatience, she pointed to a small path leading to the backyard, saying that "Xiao Xi" was playing with the children in the yard.

He walked along the path, and from a distance, he heard a large group of children cheering, seemingly excited and screaming after getting toys. He immediately remembered the two large bags, his dark brows slightly raised. He turned a corner and stood behind a large tree, peering across the lawn from over ten meters away.

Yu Xi was surrounded by a group of children, chirping and trying to snatch the gifts from her hands. She held up the half-distributed gift bag, with children tugging at her pants and sleeves. She pretended to scold the disobedient children while smiling and giving small toys first to the well-behaved ones who were left out, staring with wide, aggrieved eyes.

The afternoon heat had dissipated, but the sunlight was still bright and a little dazzling.

She stood there, simply dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt, elegant amidst a group of little angels, like a scattering flower fairy descended to the mortal world. She was so striking, radiant, outshining even the sun, almost blinding his eyes for a moment, making him stare blankly, unable to look away.

In that instant, she was so sacredly beautiful, her smile so brilliant, that his heart skipped a beat, making his nerves subtly tingle, feeling that clear yet wonderful flutter in his heart.

Until that pair of clear, beautiful eyes suddenly looked over, meeting his gaze, revealing a momentary panic.

He couldn't help but feel annoyed. Was he a monstrous flood beast that she feared? In an instant, those autumn-water eyes filled with a smile again. The fairy slowly walked towards him, crushing a ground full of gentle sunlight. Her clear, pure, and fresh small face made him wonder if this was truly the same enchanting flower from his office.

"Young Master Gong, why are you here?"

He remained silent, simply scrutinizing her deeply with an exploratory gaze, instinctively feeling that he had always been mistaken about something—

Yu Xi suddenly gave him a cunning smile, pulled him, and turned to the group of children still standing there, announcing, "Everyone listen to me, this is Uncle Gong, who is the kindest, most friendly, and loves children! Whoever can get Uncle Gong to hug them first today will get the biggest gift from me!"

Gong Youqi hadn't even reacted when he saw a troop of child soldiers surrounding him, blocking every escape route. Dozens of clean, dirty, white, black, large, and small "demonic claws" attacked him from all directions—pulling, prodding, and tugging at him. Countless childish voices, like enchanting music, filled his ears: "Uncle Gong, hug me..."

...

He couldn't push, hit, pull, or hug. For the first time in his life, he felt utterly helpless, subjected to cruel torment. He could only turn to look at the "little devil" who he had just moments ago hailed as a fairy. Their eyes met, her willow brows and almond eyes full of charm and amusement. In that instant, his world seemed to fall silent, leaving only her charming, unadorned face, deeply etched into his mind.

Turning to look at the little devil, who he had just moments ago hailed as a fairy, their eyes met—her willow brows and almond eyes full of charm and amusement. In that instant, his world seemed to fall silent, leaving only her charming, unadorned face, deeply etched into his mind.

Half an hour later, Gong Youqi, tie removed and jacket off, sat in the reception room. Across from him sat the "devil woman," head bowed in apparent repentance.

She raised her small face. "Young Master Gong, are you still angry? Aren't those children adorable? They rarely get so close to strangers."

Was he supposed to feel honored that those little rascals had disheveled his clothes? His dark eyes remained fixed on her, but not because of that incident. That charmingly smiling, unadorned face, with a hint of adorable blankness, made him feel a little out of control again. He felt it was necessary to understand her better. She was sometimes seductive, sometimes pure, sometimes feigning innocence yet boldly passionate, sometimes seemingly wild yet subtly rejecting, always making him feel unable to truly see through her.

The sudden flutter in his heart had surprised, annoyed, and even a little excited him.

"Young Master Gong?" He said nothing, and Yu Xi wasn't sure if he was truly angry. Such a big man, there was no need to be so petty, right? Looking at the smudges from little hands on his pristine white shirt, she smiled apologetically. "At worst, I'll wash it for you."

Gong Youqi finally reacted, shifting his body. He lazily said, "You should wash it properly for me."

"No problem, no problem." So he was only worried about this small matter? A trip to the laundry would solve it.

"I want you to wash it yourself."

Playing hard to get? Fine, no big deal. She could make a show of hand-washing it.

"I'll wash it right away then."

"...It's not convenient here." Please, this is an orphanage, not a laundry room.

"Then we'll go back."

No way. She had just arrived and planned to stay tonight to properly reminisce with Uncle Liang. "Young Master Gong..."

"Let's go." Gong Youqi stood up, two buttons missing from his shirt, which made him look even more uninhibited and handsome.

"Can't I wash it tomorrow? I'm meeting the director later." She had just managed to come here.

Gong Youqi picked up his clothes and simply pulled her away. "You can see him next time."

On the way, they met the cleaning lady again. Seeing their clasped hands, she chuckled and asked, "Xixi, when are you two getting married?"

Both froze. Gong Youqi's face remained cold, and his pace quickened.

Yu Xi stumbled along, laughing awkwardly. "Aunt Song, this is my boss." As they walked further away, she turned back and shouted, "Something came up today. Tell Uncle Liang I'll come again this weekend..."

The air pressure in the car was extremely low. Yu Xi nervously looked up to see if the weather was changing, then secretly glanced at the stormy, cloudy face beside her.

How did he find his way to the orphanage today? He couldn't have deliberately followed her, could he?

"Any questions?" He continued to drive attentively, looking straight ahead.

"Um, how did you know I went to the orphanage?"

Gong Youqi's eyes flickered slightly. He absolutely wouldn't admit to following her. After a moment, he spoke, "You have a younger brother?" Thinking of her childhood spent in the orphanage, that soft spot in his heart seemed to open again, and his tone involuntarily softened.

"Yes, I have a brother." What's he going to do with that information? She couldn't fathom his intentions, and for a moment, she felt there was a communication gap between them.

"What kind of work does he do? Did you... choose this kind of life for him?" He suddenly linked her self-debasement and descent into promiscuity to her family. Was it for a relative?

Yu Xi chuckled softly, surprised by Gong Youqi's question. Entering the "courtesan" circle for that brat Yu Chen? Hahaha, let me laugh three times first. If that kid hadn't been nagging and watching her like a mother hen, she probably would have made her debut much earlier.

But perhaps then she wouldn't have met Gong Youqi, this interesting man.

He saw her lost in thought and assumed she was recalling painful memories. He turned to look at her, his gaze slightly apologetic. "If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to force yourself."

She held back her laughter. She hadn't said anything, yet he had already reached a conclusion. That's good too. She tilted her head, feigning sadness. "The past is unbearable to recall, Young Master Gong. It's truly a long story." Hehe, it's even more fun to play pitiful.

Gong Youqi parked the car in the garage but didn't immediately get out. He stared down for a moment, then suddenly pulled out an exquisite gift bag from the car's glove compartment and handed it to her without a word.

"For me?" She was flattered. She hadn't done anything to make him happy, so this was either good intentions or a conspiracy. What was his purpose in giving her a gift?

She pulled out a pure white, delicate gift box that made her eyes light up. She couldn't help but praise it. Opening it, she was almost speechless at the small, diamond-studded pendant inside.

Even though she wasn't an expert in jewelry, her father had owned a jewelry store when she was born. Although she was young and naive, the first objects she recognized were the sparkling little stars in the display case. A certain instinct gave her a slight understanding of what constituted a treasure. Later, on a whim, she had read a little about it, enough to at least categorize them.

The tiny diamond on the pendant, as small as a grain of rice, was as pure as a water droplet, completely colorless and transparent. The small diamond had few facets. It lay on the red satin, reflecting a faint light, its watery luster shimmering, subtly revealing a hint of light blue, as if it were the most precious tear in the world, suspended on a small, teardrop-shaped silver ring. It was simple yet elegant, and fatally captivating.

She recognized it as an extremely rare pure water diamond. The more transparent and water-like, the higher the price. Especially those that were clear and had a light blue tint were considered the ultimate in quality. One of the world's most famous diamonds, the "Star of the Century," had once sold for an exorbitant price and belonged to this very type.

Such a tiny speck, she thought, would probably be enough for her to live a luxurious life forever.

"Young Master Gong..." She cast one more greedy glance, then closed the lid and handed it back. "I don't want this."

She was greedy for money, but she had her limits. Such an overly precious gift was beyond her acceptance, and she had no desire to acquire it. If she wore it, she would feel as though she had millions hanging around her neck, attracting thieves and danger.

Gong Youqi looked at her, puzzled. Would a gold-digger actually refuse? Or did she simply lack discernment, thinking it was just an ordinary, inexpensive artificial diamond?

Yu Xi chuckled. "Such a small one, Young Master Gong, you're too stingy, aren't you? I remember that big, sparkling DTC diamond being even prettier." That larger diamond, in reality, was probably less than one percent of this one's value.

He studied her again, trying to discern if she genuinely didn't know its value or was feigning ignorance.

"Are you sure you don't want it?" There was only one chance. Although it wasn't originally bought for her, he suddenly had an impulse to give her an opportunity. If she gave it up herself, he couldn't be blamed.

"It's not that I don't want it... I'm just thinking, wouldn't a larger one be more suitable for my slender fingers?" She blinked her large eyes, extending her long fingers towards him, deliberately showing a more avaricious expression.

She truly didn't recognize its value. Gong Youqi, however, felt inexplicably disappointed. He took back the gift box and said blandly, "Next week, I'll have someone send you the one you like."

Yu Xi leaned over and wrapped her arms around his neck, sweetly cooing, "I knew Young Master Gong dotes on me the most. But, what's the reason for the gift?" She needed to know clearly to accept it with peace of mind.

He caught a faint, refreshing fragrance. He reached up and stroked her silky long hair, pleased with the feel. "Reason? For example, a reward for finishing that document so quickly today."

Her movements faltered. Had he found out? She gave two dry laughs. "That... someone else helped me."

"Who?" he pressed.

"...I don't want to betray my friend."

"Still loyal?" He didn't mind, smiling faintly. "Let's get out of the car. Don't forget the work I sent you home to do."

Help him wash his shirt? She paused, surprised he was serious about an article of clothing.

"Okay, okay, I'll wash it for you right away." She mumbled to herself, How can he be so generous as to give her a priceless diamond, yet so stingy as to fuss over a shirt?

They entered the apartment. She was stunned when Gong Youqi led her directly to the bathroom: Wasn't she supposed to wash his shirt? Why was he taking off his pants?

He removed his clothes, wearing only a pair of tight black, sexy boxer briefs. As the infatuated woman felt her blood pressure surge, he walked to the large bathtub, turning on the water and testing the temperature. He turned to her. "What's wrong? Weren't you going to help me wash?"

A generation gap! When did such an insurmountable communication gap appear between them?

She shuffled over hesitantly, muttering, "Don't need to wash the shirt anymore?"

Gong Youqi's dark eyes sparkled, looking at her with a half-smile. "You thought I wanted you to wash clothes?"

He lifted her small face close. "I think the washing machine is more capable of that job than you." He leaned in, whispering against her forehead, "As for your job, your client is me."

Yu Xi felt his sexy, tempting lips about to touch hers the next second. Nervous yet a little excited, she tensed her body, waiting for the kiss.

His warm breath suddenly pulled away. "Are you waiting for me to teach you how to bathe someone?"

The infatuated woman snapped back to reality, seeing the handsome man already in the large bathtub, his back to her. He turned his head and used his chin to indicate the bath brush on the shelf.

Yu Xi felt tricked. Pouting, she grabbed the bath brush from the shelf, applied shower gel, and vigorously scrubbed his lightly tanned, healthy skin.

I scrub, I scrub, I scrub, scrub, scrub! Scrub a layer of skin off you! Scrub you raw!

Gong Youqi, however, seemed to enjoy it, occasionally letting out a low hum. "Mm... left side, a little harder..."

She could only wave her aching arms, on the verge of tears.

That night, Gong Youqi didn't leave.

Sharing a bed, though not for the first time, still made her heart race. Thinking of his powerful, tiger-like intensity the first time, she had just a fleeting thought of escaping when a long arm encircled her, pulling her into his embrace.

She had no choice but to take the initiative. Yu Xi lay on top of him, but her small hands hadn't even begun to move when he grabbed them, placing them together on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist, pulling her close, and softly said with closed eyes, "Don't move, or I can't guarantee you'll be able to get out of bed tomorrow."

She froze at his words, then thought about it and obediently snuggled into his arms without moving. She wondered why he was treating her just like a pillow. Did he feel guilty towards beautiful Miss Su? Or did he dislike her ordinary silk nightgown tonight? Could it be that he was indeed injured in a certain part of his body from their previous indulgence?

She stared at his slightly closed eyelids in a daze. Wow, men's eyelashes can be this long too! Look at those delicate fan-like lashes, that full forehead, that high nose bridge, those pale, thin lips... She swallowed, admiring him lustfully—I really want to take advantage of this sleeping beauty!

The "fan-like lashes" suddenly opened, and two inky black gems met her gaze, shining like... polished black shoes. Her heart fluttered, and she quickly lowered her eyes, not daring to look again.

But it was too late. Her lustful gaze had been caught. His dark eyes instantly became even darker and brighter. No longer willing to suppress himself, his lips curved into a deep, beautiful arc. He flipped her over, pinning her beneath him, lowered his head, and bit her earlobe, whispering, "Still hiding? I saw everything... you vixen..."

Pinned down, she couldn't move. That night, she once again profoundly learned the true meaning of suffering the consequences of her own actions.

For the past few days, she had been listlessly slumped in her chair, drowsy. Since she went to the company with Gong Youqi every morning, she had, surprisingly, not been late for a long time.

These past few days, Gong Youqi had actually been staying at her apartment every night. Sometimes domineering, sometimes gentle, sometimes just holding her to sleep. This made her both infatuated with, afraid of, and anticipating the nights. During the day, he gave her almost no work, letting her be lazy and doze off. She preferred to believe he was doing it for his own selfish reasons, allowing her to recover so she could continue to be tormented by him at night.

When she handed that document to Guo Qiang, seeing his hesitant expression, she chuckled inwardly and triumphantly said, "Assistant Guo, my speed has improved this time, hasn't it?"

Guo Qiang's mouth twitched. He believed even less that she had completed it herself. "Your speed is indeed commendable." The praise was for the one who actually did the work, not her.

Yu Xi still smiled sweetly, thinking it was praise for her no matter what. She even decided to continue to perform well in the future, but unfortunately, later on, they didn't even assign her such documents. She seemed to have become a favored concubine waiting for the king, Gong Youqi, to bestow his presence. Every day was idle, just waiting.

"Stranger A" seemed to be very busy with work lately, only calling her occasionally. She would dismiss him with a few brief words, which finally angered the "fox." One lunchtime, he stopped her and questioned the situation. She felt speechless. She had become even lazier recently, and from a distance, she saw Gong Youqi driving away.

Lu Renjie glanced at her. "You know he invited Yingran to lunch."

Xue Han had returned to the U.S. to handle affairs after attending Su Yingran's inauguration banquet last week, leaving a lot of company matters to him. This allowed Gong Youqi and Su Yingran to meet multiple times under the pretense of company cooperation.

Yu Xi yawned indifferently, waved her hand, and wanted to go back to dozing off. Lu Renjie grabbed her. "You haven't really fallen for him, have you?"

He knew Gong Youqi had been staying at her apartment recently. Resentment festered in his heart, but he couldn't express it, only glaring fiercely at her. Couldn't she see that Gong Youqi was just using her to vent his sexual urges?

"Yes, I do like Young Master Gong." Also, to make Lu Renjie give up on her sooner, she admitted it generously. Just as Gong Youqi seemed obsessed with her body, entwining with her every night, she too was immersed in his passion, but it had nothing to do with love.

Both she and he were like this, both feeling capable of separating sex and love. Their two bodies were tightly pressed together without a single gap. Their gazes could be greedy, infatuated, confused, or playfully exploring, but there was no deep affection, no love.

The jewelry and money he gave her piled up in her dressing table box. Each time, she accepted them with shining eyes, peace of mind, and a wide smile. But his eyes grew darker and darker. Every time he gave her a gift, that night he would exhaust her, leaving her needing two or three days to recover. She didn't understand when it had changed, but now, between them, there was only a transaction of money and flesh.

Lu Renjie heard her answer and sat stiffly for a few seconds before speaking again. "Do you know how deeply Gong Youqi cares for Yingran?"

She asked lazily, "Love vows? Forever and ever?"

"He gave 'Crystal Heart' to Yingran."

"Crystal Heart"? She apologized for her ignorance; she hadn't heard of it. She only knew about the sparkling blue diamond called "Heart of the Ocean" in Titanic. A thought sparked: a gem? Could it be... that pure water diamond?

"When the designer polished that priceless 'Star of the Century' diamond, they also left a few small pieces of material. From those, they crafted three unique small diamonds. One is now worn by the Queen of the Netherlands, one is collected at Winston Jewelers in the United States, and the third, incredibly, was obtained by your resourceful Young Master Gong and given to Yingran as a token of their love." Such a rarity was priceless, unobtainable even with money.

She barely heard the rest of his words. Back in the office, she did a quick online search, and the familiar image appeared—a crystal-clear, tear-shaped drop with a faint blue tint. There were thousands of web pages about the "Crystal Heart," its descriptions, and stories, but her gaze was fixed only on the publicly recognized phrase:

Crystal Heart, representing eternal love.