100 Days with the Contract Lover - Chapter 122

Yu Nuanxin looked at him, seething with anger, and said with a sense of helplessness and despair, “Does it make any difference whether I admit or deny it? You already have your mind made up, and my explanations won’t change your opinion!”

“Nangong Yao, don’t you find yourself contradictory and absurd? You’re the one who said I’m just a tool for you, that you never gave me the illusion of being Madam Nangong. You wouldn’t feel guilty even if something happened to me. So, why bother about my relationship with Liang Jingtang? Don’t you think you’re being contradictory?”

Nangong Yao was rendered speechless by her questions. This was the most painful and conflicting part for him; he didn’t care about her, yet couldn’t bear her being close to another man.

He fell silent, suddenly pushing her against the wall, gripping her chin with his right hand, his face cruel and bloodthirsty. “Don’t flatter yourself. I just don’t want a woman who belongs to anyone.”

Yu Nuanxin’s back pressed against the cold wall, her body aching from the impact. She raised the corners of her mouth in a desolate smile, “Nangong Yao, you are the most selfish man in this world!” He didn’t value what he had, yet couldn’t tolerate others touching it, only caring about his own possession.

Her accusations, her despair pierced Nangong Yao’s heart like icy blades. Her smile surprisingly made him feel a hint of panic, and he released her in dismay. She laughed coldly, turned around without looking back, and walked back to the restaurant. Picking up her bag, she said to Liang Jingtang, “Let’s go!”

Liang Jingtang glanced at Nangong Yao approaching from the same direction, realizing something, but he didn’t ask anything and left with her.

Nangong Yao watched them leave, his fists clenched tightly, feeling anger and powerlessness for the first time in his life.

His anger, his ‘irrational behavior’ only widened the gap between them. He had a feeling that this woman would never belong to him. All that remained between them was endless torment and mutual quarrels.

…

On the way, Yu Nuanxin leaned against the car window, gazing at the night scenery outside without speaking, her brow filled with exhaustion. Liang Jingtang didn’t want to disturb her, so he played some soft music.

The car drove all the way to the seaside, with endless ocean and beach on either side of the road. The sea breeze blew gently, and the air was filled with the salty sweetness of seawater.

Liang Jingtang stopped the car and turned off the lights. The surroundings were pitch black, with only the distant lighthouse’s light occasionally sweeping over, casting shadows on her face.

“Do you want to ask about my relationship with Nangong Yao?” After a while, Yu Nuanxin spoke softly. He was so considerate, always thinking about her feelings first. He was completely different from Nangong Yao, who was too selfish, always self-centered, never caring about her feelings.

“If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s okay.”

“Thank you…” She was really exhausted now. She had barely mustered the courage in the restaurant, only to be interrupted by Nangong Yao. Now, she had no courage left, unable to speak.

“Earlier, you must have been upset, right? I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. As long as I’m with you, I’m happy.”

Yu Nuanxin felt increasingly guilty as he remained silent, as if she was committing an unforgivable crime. She resolved to confess to him, hoping to prevent further harm.

“You don’t actually live in that apartment building, do you? The government decided to demolish it three months ago.”

He had known all along, yet chose not to confront her?

“I’m sorry!”

“No need to apologize. Everyone has things they prefer to keep private, and that’s understandable.”

“I… I need to confess something to you.”

Seeing her seriousness, Liang Jingtang couldn’t help but feel a bit tense, taking a deep breath. “Go ahead.”

“Actually… Nangong Yao and I… we are…” The word “married” was about to escape her lips when a sudden ringtone interrupted her, with “Nangong Yao” flashing on the screen.

Yu Nuanxin, annoyed, hung up immediately.

But within seconds, the phone rang again, like a relentless summons, as if it wouldn’t stop until she answered.

“Go ahead, it’s okay.”

“I don’t want to!” Yu Nuanxin decisively turned off her phone. Just seeing his name irritated her, let alone answering his call.

Gathering her courage once more, “Actually, we are…”

Liang Jingtang’s phone rang too, and it was Nangong Yao calling. He thought for a moment and handed the phone to Yu Nuanxin. “It’s for you! Answer it, maybe he has something important to say.”

Yu Nuanxin had no choice but to step out of the car, asking impatiently, “What do you want?”

“You dare hang up on me? You’ve got guts!”

“I can be even bolder if you want to try me.”

“Now, immediately, come home!”

“I don’t want to!”

“Are you planning to spend the night out with your old flame?”

“And if I am, what does it matter to you?”

“Yu Nuanxin, do you know who you’re talking to?” His voice was cold and threatening, like a chilling wind that made her shiver. “I’ll say it again, come home right now!”

“I said no, I won’t!” She shouted into the night wind.

“Very good! You’ve got spirit!” He laughed angrily. “I’ll give you an hour. If you really don’t care, then be prepared to collect your father’s body!”

He hung up, leaving Yu Nuanxin with a bitter smile, feeling utterly helpless. She had no power to resist, did she? Like a pitiful ant, her life was in his hands, without even the right to say ‘no.’

She wiped away tears that had unknowingly formed at the corners of her eyes, refusing to allow herself to be weak and powerless. Returning to the car, she said to Liang Jingtang, “Could you please take me home?”

He covered her hand resting on her knee, giving it a firm squeeze, his warmth transferring to her, promising steadfastly, “No matter what happens, I’ll be by your side. Just say the word, and I’ll do anything for you!”

“Thank you!” She brushed his hand away. She knew he cared for her, and precisely because of that, she couldn’t drag him into her troubles. Some things she had to handle herself; no one else could understand the helplessness involved.