Beyond Reach - Novelbike

In the private room, there were four people, and on the surface, Yan Tingli only knew Gao Linhan. The question seemed directed at him. Only Shi Sui felt a chill down her spine, her face turning slightly pale.

“Not welcome?”

Gao Linhan was dumbfounded, taking a moment to react before quickly saying, “Welcome, of course, you’re welcome.”

He hurriedly shifted his position, creating an empty seat between himself and Xue Jing, directly opposite Shi Sui.

“This is Yan Tingli,” Gao Linhan, who had just been gossiping behind his back, looked a bit awkward but tried to lighten the mood, “He’s quite famous, everyone should know him, haha.”

“Fang Huaijing, Xue Jing,” Gao Linhan introduced each person, and when his gaze landed on Shi Sui, he emphasized, “Shi Sui, our high school classmate, now also at A University.”

Yan Tingli leisurely placed the red wine on the table.

His tone lifted slightly, “Shi Sui?”

Not knowing what he was up to, Shi Sui’s heart skipped a beat, her gaze quickly rising and then falling.

“I remember you.”

“…,” Shi Sui clenched her hand tightly.

Gao Linhan grew interested, “Hey, have you met before?”

“The elective course the day before yesterday, thanks to Miss Shi for covering for me,” Yan Tingli lowered his head to pour the wine, pushing it towards Shi Sui, as polite and courteous as he appeared to outsiders, “I haven’t properly thanked you.”

Shi Sui paused slightly.

Unsure whether she should accept the wine.

-He clearly knew she couldn’t drink much.

After a moment of tension.

A hand reached over, Fang Huaijing took the wine glass, “She doesn’t handle alcohol well, and it’s not safe for girls to drink outside. I’ll take it.”

Almost as soon as he finished speaking, Shi Sui felt the air freeze momentarily.

“Sorry,” Yan Tingli responded lightly, “Was I being too forceful?”

Though his tone was apologetic, Shi Sui saw the coldness in his eyes.

She quickly pressed down the wine glass, took a sip, “It’s okay, I can drink a little.”

Fang Huaijing, “You…”

“I want to drink,” Shi Sui interrupted him.

She knew her actions were rather ungrateful.

But survival was crucial.

Yan Tingli finally chuckled softly, continuing to pour the wine, speaking earnestly, “Drinking with me won’t be unsafe.”

After speaking, he looked at Xue Jing, seeking her opinion, “Miss Xue, what do you think?”

Xue Jing, struck by his close-up charm, forgot her bearings, “Yes, yes, we’ll just taste it, a little is fine.”

Moreover, she noticed the wine’s label.

Petrus Winery, she’d only seen it in magazines, each bottle costing tens of thousands, tasting it was a gain.

“Weren’t you dining with your advisor next door, why come here?” Gao Linhan was still puzzled, accepting the wine Yan Tingli handed over.

He didn’t want to appear flattered-yet Yan Tingli suddenly coming over was, given his understanding of him, truly baffling.

“Seeking peace,” Yan Tingli replied succinctly.

Gao Linhan was still concerned, “Wouldn’t Advisor Su be unhappy?”

Yan Tingli’s gaze lightly swept over Shi Sui.

Watching her head lower further.

His lips curved into a faint, cold smile, as if jokingly saying, “As long as I’m happy.”

The statement was truly arrogant.

Fang Huaijing glanced over, meeting Yan Tingli’s indifferent and cold gaze upon him.

-Scrutinizing. The word popped into his mind.

He was being scrutinized, and from a high position, not friendly.

Yan Tingli had an excellent reputation outside.

A young genius, handsome, with a distinguished family background, all accolades upon him, peers spoke of him with admiration; professors and teachers discussed him with praise.

But Fang Huaijing had encountered him multiple times in mech competition arenas.

Contrary to the name “Tingli,” he was arrogant, sharp-edged.

This was Fang Huaijing’s entire impression of Yan Tingli.

After a moment of silence, the private room door opened again, a waiter placed a dish on the table, “Hello everyone, Cantonese roast goose.”

“Eh?” Gao Linhan was surprised, “Ours is already served.”

“It’s another serving, this gentleman ordered it,” the waiter smiled at Yan Tingli.

“Weren’t you going to pack it?”

“No need.”

Gao Linhan, “Eh?”

“Eating here is fine too.”

As he spoke, Shi Sui felt an indistinct gaze.

“Miss Shi,” he suddenly called her.

Shi Sui was drinking soup, choking suddenly.

The call made everyone at the table look up.

Fang Huaijing handed her a tissue, placing it by her side, and poured her water.

“Sorry, did I scare you?” Yan Tingli said lightly.

He seemed to be apologizing, Shi Sui looked up, meeting his expressionless face, lacking any hint of apology.

He looked into her eyes, pushing the roast goose forward, “This is my thank you gift, not sure if you like it.”

Shi Sui was actually full, but still forced herself to take a piece, “I like it, thank you.”

“No need to thank.”

Fang Huaijing saw her slightly furrowed face, couldn’t help but say, “If you can’t eat, don’t force yourself.”

Yan Tingli suddenly laughed.

As if casually saying, “You two seem quite familiar.”

Gao Linhan chimed in, “Speaking of which, it’s quite a coincidence-”

“Excuse me,” Shi Sui suddenly stood up, interrupting the conversation, “I need to use the restroom.”

She moved quickly, almost running out.

Shi Sui reached the door, sending Yan Tingli a message: [Come out for a moment]

[What for] he replied.

Shi Sui had no patience for further discussion: [Come out, I’m waiting outside]

She walked ahead, heading to the end of the corridor, turning the corner.

Returning to the spot where she had made the phone call earlier.

Waited for a while.

Soon.

Footsteps sounded behind her, unhurried.

Before Shi Sui could turn around, someone wrapped their arms around her waist from behind.

The scent of wine wafted over her neck, the voice indistinguishable in mood: “What are you doing?” He toyed with the hair by her ear, leaning in to ask, “Cheating?”

Shi Sui didn’t respond, her voice tense as she asked:

“What exactly do you want?”

“Bringing Suisui her favorite roast goose.”

“Unfortunately,” his hand moved to her lower abdomen, slowly upward, pressing down at her stomach, he sighed, “Seems like someone has already fed you here.”

Shi Sui felt uncomfortable hearing this. She turned her head, avoiding his breath: “Don’t talk like that.”

Yan Tingli’s thumb and forefinger clamped her chin: “Tell me, who fed you? Hmm?”

Shi Sui recalled Fang Huaijing giving her a few pieces of roast goose when she went to answer a call, her eyelashes trembled lightly: “…No one, don’t ask.”

But her lies were always easily seen through.

Yan Tingli let out a chuckle from his throat, casually lowered his gaze, and mentally reviewed.

“When was it?”

“Was it during that half month of plein air sketching,” he paused, “or during the few days of Spring Festival back in Hang City?”

Shi Sui took a moment to react.

Only then did she realize he was probing, probing when she and Fang Huaijing had any interaction.

A thin layer of cold sweat formed on Shi Sui’s back.

Forcing herself to remain calm: “Neither! It was today, we only met today.”

This wasn’t a lie, just a partial truth.

Yan Tingli leaned closer.

Feeling his gaze scrutinizing her from top to bottom, Shi Sui held her breath, suddenly remembering.

-He had studied micro-expressions.

The Yan Family’s study had walls lined with bookshelves, densely packed with various types of books, with psychology books taking up a large portion.

The Yan Family’s aunt had proudly mentioned that Yan Tingli had read them all.

Several seconds passed, the gaze lingering on her face disappeared.

It seemed the matter had passed.

Shi Sui subtly exhaled in relief.

The next second, her chin was lifted.

Yan Tingli looked at her levelly, saying, “Kiss me.”

Shi Sui didn’t like doing such things outside.

But today, she pressed her lips together, glanced around, and still stood on tiptoe.

As their breaths drew near, Yan Tingli’s fingertip pressed heavily on her lower lip, the warmth in his eyes instantly turned cold: “When did you become so obedient?”

“…” Shi Sui’s mindset was practically exploding.

“I’ll give you one more chance to tell the truth.”

Shi Sui’s chest rose and fell.

Her heart raced, feeling a suffocating sense of panic.

Just then, Shi Sui’s phone rang, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief, glancing down at the caller.

It was Xue Jing.

“Not answering will make her worry.” Shi Sui said.

She had been gone too long, Xue Jing was uneasy, calling to check on her safety: “As long as you’re okay, I thought you were drunk.”

Shi Sui replied: “I’ll be back soon.”

“Do you want me to come get you?”

“No need, I’m almost at the door.”

After hanging up, Shi Sui pleaded slightly, “I need to go back.”

“Finish by eight-thirty.” Yan Tingli glanced at his watch, speaking coldly.

Shi Sui opened the door and returned to the private room.

“Finally back.”

“The restroom was a bit crowded.” Shi Sui made an excuse.

Her gaze drifted to where Yan Tingli had just been sitting, making a perfectly timed surprised expression.

“He had to go to another dinner party,” Gao Linhan said.

Shi Sui: “…I see.”

“I just looked it up.” Xue Jing nudged her with her elbow, pointing at the wine bottle with her chin, saying in shock, “This bottle of wine, sixty thousand yuan. He just left it here? Is his family really rich?”

Gao Linhan chimed in: “Not just rich, they’re a domestic AI giant, Qisheng Technology, it’s his family’s.”

“Oh my god.” Xue Jing looked at Shi Sui, marveling, “How can someone be so lucky?”

“Don’t compare, comparing will only frustrate you,” Gao Linhan had already come to terms, shaking his head and sighing, “He’s someone you can’t envy.”

Shi Sui forced a smile.

She was troubled by how to face Yan Tingli next.

Her heart felt heavy, inevitably distracted.

Noticing her expression, Fang Huaijing asked, “What’s wrong?”

Shi Sui shook her head: “Nothing, maybe just a bit tired.”

Mentioning fatigue inevitably dampened the mood.

“As long as you’re full,” Fang Huaijing looked up, speaking to the still-chatting Gao Linhan, “Let’s wrap it up.”

“Alright.” Gao Linhan pointed at the half-finished wine, “What about this wine?”

Sixty thousand yuan worth of wine, he felt uneasy taking it back.

Fang Huaijing stood up, packing his bag, “Return it.”

Gao Linhan scratched his head: “Alright then.” He re-corked the wine, “I’ll head to the next private room.”

Xue Jing handed her bag to Shi Sui: “Hold this for me, I’m going to the restroom.”

Only Shi Sui and Fang Huaijing were left, walking out of the private room one after the other.

Both were somewhat silent.

Shi Sui was so awkward she didn’t know what to say, even feeling that things were already bad enough, and further deterioration wouldn’t matter.

It was a reunion of old acquaintances, but the entire evening had been disrupted by Yan Tingli.

She thought for a long time and finally squeezed out, “I’m sorry.”

“Hmm?” Fang Huaijing raised an eyebrow, “I haven’t even said anything, and I’m already rejected?”

“No, no,” Shi Sui felt even more embarrassed and whispered, “I was a bit rude today…”

She was referring to the incident where she insisted on drinking Yan Tingli’s wine without accepting his gesture.

Fang Huaijing looked ahead, “It’s not your fault. Yan Tingli’s true nature is quite domineering; it’s normal for you to be intimidated by him.”

His tone was indifferent, revealing his low opinion of Yan Tingli.

Shi Sui almost wanted to nod furiously.

Finally, someone saw through Yan Tingli’s surface and understood his essence!

As they spoke, Xue Jing and Gao Linhan also arrived.

Xue Jing looked at Gao Linhan, “Why did you bring the wine back?”

“He didn’t want it.” Gao Linhan handed the bottle to Shi Sui, “He said it’s a gift for you, as a token of appreciation.”

Shi Sui’s hand hovered in mid-air, her face scrunched up as if she was looking at a hot potato.

Xue Jing clicked her tongue, “Quite generous, a sixty-thousand-yuan bottle.”

“Just take it; it’s not worth much once opened.” Gao Linhan directly handed it to her, “Let’s go, see you next time.”

Fang Huaijing also nodded slightly, said goodbye, and left.

“Let’s go back to the dormitory.” Xue Jing patted Shi Sui’s shoulder.

Shi Sui felt conflicted.

…She couldn’t leave yet.

After some deliberation, she whispered, “I might need to go home for a bit…”

“Going home now?” Xue Jing was surprised, “Tomorrow’s Monday, are you really going back?”

“There’s something urgent at home.” Shi Sui made up an excuse.

Xue Jing didn’t say anything more, “Alright…”

Shi Sui nodded, “Be safe on your way back.”

“I’m not far, just a ten-minute walk.” Xue Jing gave her a deep look, “You should be the one to be careful.”

Her words carried a deeper meaning.

Just as Shi Sui’s heart raced, thinking Xue Jing had figured something out, Xue Jing patted her shoulder and turned to leave.

Leaving Shi Sui standing there.

A chilly evening breeze brushed past, making her head throb.

Private room 205.

The team had just defeated S University, winning the championship in the finals, and even Su Ye was willing to show up, making the atmosphere at the table lively and joyous.

The table was filled with proud students, especially seeing Yan Tingli at the lower end, Su Ye’s mood was particularly good.

“Han, you’re familiar with Tingli, sit next to him.” Su Ye said.

The room fell silent for a moment. Among those present were Su Ye’s doctoral students and graduate students, their gazes subtly glancing over, carrying a nuanced scrutiny.

Su Ye pretended not to notice.

His support and favor were never something anyone could refuse.

Midway through the drinks, seeing the empty seat next to Su Han, Su Ye frowned slightly, “Where’s Tingli?”

Someone answered, “Seems like he went out.”

“Still not back after so long?”

No one answered.

Su Ye put down his glass, his expression slightly cold. At that moment, the door opened, and Yan Tingli stepped back in.

“Where did you go just now?”

Yan Tingli replied, “Just getting some air.”

Su Ye was not satisfied with this answer, speaking in a calm voice, “I think you were trying to avoid drinking.”

“I’ll penalize myself with three glasses.” Yan Tingli responded smoothly.

Su Ye’s expression improved slightly. Towards Yan Tingli, he felt appreciation, fondness, and pride. But occasionally, he wanted to temper the sharpness that sometimes showed.

As they left, Su Han clung to him as they exited the restaurant, only when they were in the car did Su Ye glance at his daughter, “What’s wrong, why is your mouth pouting so high?”

Su Han turned her head to the side, sulking, “Don’t try to match me with Yan Tingli anymore, didn’t you see he barely pays attention to me, and today he went out for so long.”

Su Ye laughed indifferently, “Petty.”

Su Han protested, “Anyway, I don’t want to keep chasing after him, it’s embarrassing!”

“Does it matter whether he likes you or pays attention to you?” Su Ye said calmly, “Whatever I ask him to do, would he dare truly defy it? Not just him, even his father has to show me respect.”

He patted Su Han’s head, “Don’t let these useless details distract you. My daughter, whatever you want, you’ll get. Don’t worry about his reaction, keep your own core stable.”

Hearing this, Su Han felt much more comfortable.

Luckily, she wasn’t particularly fond of Yan Tingli; she just wanted to have the most sought-after man, attracting everyone’s envious gaze.

Even more fortunate.

She had such a powerful father.

Shi Sui probably waited for about fifteen minutes in the nearby café.

Through the second-floor window, she saw Su Han getting into the car with Su Ye.

And behind them, a group of students and peers sending them off, all with warm expressions and gestures.

Shi Sui rested her chin on her hand, her gaze falling on Yan Tingli, who was a step behind.

Unlike the others, his expression was as calm as ever, as if he wasn’t sending off Su Ye, and he was only doing it out of basic courtesy.

He had all the fame and fortune that people chased after.

Resources that could elevate him further, he neither fought for nor cared about, yet he relentlessly pressured her.

The more Shi Sui thought about it, the more she felt a bit frustrated.

[Come down]

Her phone buzzed.

Shi Sui looked outside; the people had dispersed, and Yan Tingli was leaning against the wall, his gaze lifted towards her direction.

Shi Sui clenched the teacup in her hand, lowered her eyes, and sent a message: [Can we talk here since I have class tomorrow?]

The reply came: [Up to you]

Before Shi Sui could feel happy, another message popped up: [I don’t mind kissing you here]

“…”

Shi Sui expressionlessly deleted the words she was about to send.

That night, Yan Tingli took a taxi back to the apartment after drinking.

The distance wasn’t far, probably only a fifteen-minute drive.

The backseat was very quiet, Yan Tingli stared straight ahead, not speaking.

Shi Sui focused inwardly, her fingers unconsciously fiddling with the wine bottle cork, calculating in her mind the places where Yan Tingli might confront her when they returned.

Thinking it over, she realized that her actions tonight had mostly displeased him.

Realizing that going back would likely make it difficult to muddle through.

Shi Sui’s mind raced, trying to find some way to maneuver.

There was one thing she absolutely had to keep secret: her acquaintance with Fang Huaijing.

Yan Tingli’s possessiveness was inexplicable.

Even the name of the cat change from “Suisui” to “Xiao Yuan” could make him dislike Xiao Yuan ever since.

Shi Sui dared not imagine what would happen if Yan Tingli knew she had once stayed at Fang Huaijing’s home-he might target Fang Huaijing because of it.

Not only in various competitions, they were rivals.

Especially since the Yan Family dominated the Artificial Intelligence field.

If she caused Fang Huaijing to suffer such unwarranted disaster, it would be truly unfair.

“Knock knock.”

Yan Tingli tapped twice on the car window edge.

Shi Sui glanced over with her peripheral vision.

His lips curved with a hint of coldness: “You have five more minutes to keep thinking.”

Shi Sui: “…Thinking about what?”

“Think about how to fabricate.”

“……”

Stay calm. Don’t panic.

Shi Sui pinched her palm, summarizing from her countless experiences of being tricked by Yan Tingli.

This time, he’s also trying to trick her.

She held her breath, turned her head, and looked over with a “I don’t understand” expression.

Yan Tingli slowly leaned closer.

He must have drunk after returning, the rich aroma of wine lingering around his nose.

His gaze roamed over her cheeks.

Shi Sui remained motionless.

Suddenly, a delicate breath brushed against her face.

Looking up, Yan Tingli’s chest vibrated, a short cold laugh escaping his throat.

His hand tugged at her cheek: “Breathe.”

“And,” he whispered a few words in her ear.

Shi Sui quickly turned her eyes, glaring back.

You’re the one with crossed eyes!

Feeling his mood seemed to improve slightly, Shi Sui’s heart relaxed a bit, just about to continue speaking when suddenly, his phone rang, and he glanced at the caller.

Yan Tingli’s expression turned cold.

Shi Sui caught a glimpse with her peripheral vision.

It was Uncle Yan.

She looked out the window, not making a sound.

Yan Tingli’s hand rested on the car window, answering the call with little engagement, mostly ending with “Mm.”

The impatience in his tone was evident.

Not sure what was said on the other end, suddenly, he chuckled.

“If you like Su Han so much, let my mom divorce you, and you marry her. Both of you should be willing.”

Beside him, Shi Sui listened, her eyes slowly widening.

The noise on the other end grew louder, likely Yan Zecheng was furious.

Yan Tingli held the phone away.

His thumb pressed the screen, hanging up directly.

The taxi driver probably hadn’t seen such a rebellious young man either, his voice chat with friends interrupted.

After a strange silence, the car slowly stopped outside the apartment.

Yan Tingli paid the fare, and the two got out one after the other.

Shi Sui secretly glanced at Yan Tingli’s expression.

It was clear his mood was bad.

Actually, it had been bad from the start.

After Yan Zecheng’s call, it was even worse.

She closed her eyes, her heart pounding.

Without a word, they scanned their fingerprints and entered the apartment door.

Shi Sui followed slowly behind, taking a deep breath before stepping inside.

The room was dark.

Yan Tingli suddenly stopped.

The night cast a deep shadow.

Shi Sui stopped as well.

Not knowing what he intended to do, her expression was somewhat blank.

Until cool fingers held her chin, lifting it.

Yan Tingli leaned closer, his deep black eyes gazing into hers.

Shi Sui felt a shiver down her spine.

A vision of the last look he gave her in the daytime dream.

Until Yan Tingli softly spoke: “Why aren’t you angry?”

“…Angry about what?”

Coldness seeped into his eyes, causing Shi Sui’s gaze to instinctively dodge.

Her chin was pinched forcefully, Shi Sui was compelled to turn her face back.

“Fang Huaijing sat beside you, and I just wanted to pour the whole bottle of wine on his face to make him leave.”

Yan Tingli spoke slowly: “Since you saw me having dinner with Su Han tonight, heard Yan Zecheng wants me to marry Su Han.”

“Aren’t you angry, hmm?”

The final note struck Shi Sui’s heart, trembling. Her intuition told her this question was dangerous.

Her lips opened and closed.

After a while, she softly squeezed out: “…I trust you.”

“How much do you trust me?” Yan Tingli tilted his head, a curious expression on his face.

“Just…” Shi Sui organized her words, “I trust you won’t have anything with other girls.”

“If you trust me so much, then let’s get married.” Yan Tingli cupped her nape, his kiss as light as a feather, brushing past her ear and neck, “How about it?”

In the darkness.

Due to shock, Shi Sui’s eyes slowly widened, her lips parted, unable to make a sound for a long time.

“Why aren’t you answering?”

Shi Sui was so scared she broke into a cold sweat, not daring to respond.

A soft laugh echoed.

Yan Tingli’s last bit of patience seemed to vanish completely, one hand slipped through her sweater, bypassing her smooth waist, reaching her still bloated stomach.

Suddenly, he pressed lightly.

Shi Sui was already full, this action almost made her bend over and vomit.

“Little liar.” She heard his icy voice.

Looking up.

Yan Tingli’s expression was hidden in the shadows, looking down from above, unclear: “Last chance to tell the truth.”

“When did you meet Fang Huaijing?”