Beyond Reach - Chapter 6 - She Wants to Break Up

“Yan said it’s just the two of us,” Shi Sui put down her phone after receiving Zhou Xuyan’s reply. “We’re going to the Guojin Center for some shopping.”

“Tomorrow?”

Shi Sui nodded.

Yan Tingli offered, “I’ll drive you there.”

“But aren’t you supposed to…” Shi Sui hesitated, swallowing her words. “I can go by myself. It’s not far, just a few subway stops away.”

“What am I supposed to do tomorrow?”

Yan Tingli removed his glasses and looked down at her.

Shi Sui fiddled with her phone, replying to Zhou Xuyan with an “ok.” “Didn’t Uncle Yan invite you for dinner?”

If it were just a regular dinner, Yan Zecheng would have invited her too. Since he didn’t, it meant it wasn’t related to her.

“I’ll drop you off and then head over.”

“Oh.” Shi Sui lowered her eyelashes.

The dessert shop on the top floor of the Guojin Center was brightly lit. Across from Shi Sui, Zhou Xuyan sported long, ash-brown curls, paired with a strap dress and long boots. Her bold red lips made her look strikingly vibrant.

“Every time you come to see me from his place, you look pale and worn out.”

She clicked her tongue, “Young people should take it easy.”

“No, I’m just a bit tired lately.”

Shi Sui denied it, but her ears betrayed her, turning red.

Zhou Xuyan didn’t press further, changing the topic:

“He said he’d pick you up after we’re done. Does he have plans?”

Given Yan Tingli’s usual meticulousness, Shi Sui’s every move was typically under his watchful eye. From dropping her off here to picking her up later, it was unlikely he’d leave it to her.

“He has a dinner, with Uncle Yan and the others.”

“With Uncle Yan?” Zhou Xuyan looked at her, “Didn’t they invite you?”

Shi Sui shook her head, “Maybe it’s not convenient.”

A brief silence followed.

“Suisui.” Zhou Xuyan suddenly called her.

“Yes?”

“Who is he really having dinner with?”

Shi Sui bit the straw in her drink, “He didn’t say. I overheard. It’s definitely Uncle Yan, but also his advisor, Su Ye.”

She paused, speaking softly, “Maybe Professor Su’s daughter too.”

Zhou Xuyan squinted, “He’s having dinner with a woman behind your back?”

Shi Sui thought for a moment, “I wouldn’t say behind my back. He didn’t hide the call from me.”

“But he didn’t openly tell you either?”

Shi Sui fell silent.

A few seconds of quiet passed.

After a moment, Zhou Xuyan asked, “Didn’t you tell me last time that you wanted to break up with Yan Tingli?”

Shi Sui was momentarily stunned, her long lashes lowering. She nodded slightly, but corrected herself, “It’s not really a breakup, more like a separation.”

After all, they weren’t in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship.

Zhou Xuyan was referring to something Shi Sui had mentioned last month while they were out for plein air sketching.

Back then, Yan Tingli hadn’t contacted her for half a month, and Shi Sui thought that their relationship would just end like that. In that moment, she felt a subconscious sense of relief, perhaps indicating that at some point, she had already considered the idea of parting ways.

Shi Sui had only briefly mentioned it during a phone call with Zhou Xuyan.

She said they were probably going to separate.

“You really thought he would break up with you?” Zhou Xuyan laughed at her naivety, “I told you it was impossible.”

Shi Sui remained silent.

Sensing her silence, Zhou Xuyan realized something, “Suisui, is it you who wants to break up?”

Shi Sui opened her mouth but didn’t say yes, only replied, “We’ll have to separate sooner or later anyway.”

Returning from her thoughts, she heard Zhou Xuyan ask, “Do you think Uncle Yan inviting him to have dinner with Professor Su’s daughter means something?”

Shi Sui rested her chin on her hand, “Matchmaking?”

“You know it’s matchmaking, yet you’re so calm!”

Shi Sui gazed out the window, saying, “They’re a good match, and Uncle Yan and Aunt Song would be pleased.”

“Doesn’t it bother you? Aren’t you jealous?”

Shi Sui thought, it would be a lie to say she didn’t care at all. But she had mentally prepared herself for such things two years ago, always ready for this kind of situation.

She said calmly, “If they can develop something, wouldn’t it be easier for me to separate?”

“Do you think you can really separate?” Zhou Xuyan was skeptical.

Shi Sui replied, “Why couldn’t I?” Yet, deep down, she felt a strange sensation.

“Do you know what his gaze on you is like?”

“…Hmm?”

Zhou Xuyan leaned in, lowering her voice, “Like a snake.”

A chill ran down Shi Sui’s spine, but she still pursed her lips and said, “You’re exaggerating.”

“This time, I was with a crew filming wildlife, and one group was cobras,” Zhou Xuyan said, reaching for her phone, “Let me show you…”

Shi Sui, terrified of reptiles, got goosebumps and waved her hands frantically, “No, don’t show me!”

“Scaredy-cat,” Zhou Xuyan laughed, “How did you dare to mess with Yan Tingli with such a timid heart?”

Shi Sui thought for a moment and uttered a few words, “Blinded by attraction.”

“I knew it was him who seduced you,” Zhou Xuyan slapped the table, “Do you know when I found out you two slept together, my world collapsed?”

Zhou Xuyan knowing about this wasn’t entirely by chance, or rather, it was Yan Tingli’s intention.

During the summer after high school graduation, Zhou Xuyan often invited her out.

She taught her how to dye her hair, do manicures, apply makeup, and take photos.

The fun between girls was endless, and Shi Sui was reluctant to leave. Zhou Xuyan even suggested she stay at her place, and Shi Sui was tempted.

The Gaokao was over, and she didn’t need to continue living at the Yan Family’s house.

Zhou Xuyan was often alone, and she could keep her company.

When Shi Sui mentioned this to Yan Tingli, he seemed indifferent.

The next day, in front of Zhou Xuyan, he grabbed her, lifted her hair, and kissed her right neck.

Turning his head, he said coldly to Zhou Xuyan, “If she stays with you, who will stay with me?”

Zhou Xuyan was furious but dared not speak out. Afterward, she shook Shi Sui’s shoulders, “Are you crazy? How could you get involved with him? Did he force you?”

At that time, Shi Sui couldn’t understand Zhou Xuyan’s frenzy, and even when asked, she wouldn’t say.

In her memory, Zhou Xuyan and Yan Tingli barely interacted. Zhou Xuyan feared nothing except had a bit of apprehension towards Yan Tingli.

And Yan Tingli, always maintaining a good reputation, had no reason to target Zhou Xuyan specifically.

Shi Sui couldn’t help but ask, “What exactly is the issue between you two?”

Zhou Xuyan pursed her lips, “Well, while there might be some friction between us, the real problem is that Yan Tingli has some issues.”

Sometimes Shi Sui wondered what could have shaped Yan Tingli’s personality, given his seemingly smooth-sailing life. She thought about it and decided to voice her curiosity.

Zhou Xuyan met her gaze, eyes wide, but remained silent.

Shi Sui blinked, “Can’t you tell me?”

Zhou Xuyan cleared her throat, assuming a serious demeanor, “Technically, if Yan Tingli hasn’t mentioned it to you, I shouldn’t be the one to spill the beans.”

Knowing her friend’s nature, Shi Sui remained calm, “Then let’s just leave it.”

Zhou Xuyan was silent for a few moments.

Eventually, she couldn’t hold back, “Don’t tell me you’ve been at the Yan Family for so long and haven’t noticed anything off about them?”

Shi Sui blinked again, not particularly surprised.

The Yan Mansion was peculiar. Yan Zecheng rarely stayed overnight, and Song Jie was also frequently absent. The family of three seemed more like polite acquaintances than relatives. Aside from the structured upbringing of Yan Tingli, Shi Sui felt no emotional connection among them.

Whether she was there or if there were more outsiders, it wouldn’t make any difference.

Anyone would sense that this wasn’t a healthy, harmonious family in any sense.

Returning to the conversation, Shi Sui asked, “Is it something you can talk about?”

Zhou Xuyan rested her chin on her hand, “Actually, I’ve been waiting for the right moment to tell you.”

“Why not today?”

“But this is a secret of the Yan Family. If I tell you, it might seem like I’m being indiscreet.”

Shi Sui reassured her, “It’s just between us.”

“What if Yan Tingli finds out and decides to take revenge on me for old and new grudges combined?”

Shi Sui swallowed her juice expressionlessly, “Maybe you shouldn’t say anything then.”

She assumed it was nothing more than typical family issues.

Essentially similar to those “I don’t need a lot of money, I just need a lot of love” stories about wealthy second-generation heirs online.

Zhou Xuyan, spurred by a sense of competition, exhaled, “Alright, there’s no time like the present. I’ll tell you today.”

Finally prying open a crack in Zhou Xuyan’s resolve, Shi Sui poured her some water, “Take your time, no rush.”

“Do you remember the room on the second floor, next to Aunt Song’s room?”

Shi Sui thought for a while before nodding.

The largest house she’d ever seen was the Yan Mansion. It had a housekeeper’s room, a movie room, a gym, and more-over a dozen rooms in total, even an elevator.

The entire villa, including the basement, spanned five floors. When she first moved in, Shi Sui would often get lost.

Over the two years, she mostly stayed in the living room and her bedroom on the third floor. She rarely ventured into other rooms and never opened them voluntarily.

She had passed by that room on the second floor many times while using the stairs. Shi Sui, being timid, avoided taking the elevator alone at night, so she remembered the room well.

“I remember it,” Shi Sui said, “but I’ve never seen the door open. I have no idea what’s inside.”

“That’s exactly it. That room belongs to Yan Tingli’s brother.”

An answer she hadn’t expected at all.

“Brother?” Shi Sui repeated, “Brother?!”

“Yes, Yan Tingli has a younger brother, a biological brother, named Yan Congjin.”

Shi Sui was stunned, “So where is his brother? I’ve never seen him.”

Zhou Xuyan looked at her, saying nothing.

Shi Sui’s expression gradually changed, “Don’t tell me…”

“It’s exactly what you’re thinking.”

Shi Sui felt a bit dazed.

“Have you noticed that Yan Tingli doesn’t get along well with his parents, especially Aunt Song?”

Shi Sui nodded slowly.

“Yan Congjin’s death is something Aunt Song hasn’t come to terms with.”

“Or rather, she still blames Yan Tingli.”

Spring rain arrived swiftly and fiercely, with the wind howling and rain pouring outside as dinner concluded.

“Tingli, escort Teacher Su and her family,” Yan Zecheng instructed Yan Tingli, while he personally opened an umbrella, gesturing for Su Ye to go first.

“We’ve really imposed on you today,” said Mrs. Su, who was a step behind, smiling at Song Jie.

Song Jie affectionately held Han’s hand. “Not at all. I genuinely adore Han. Knowing she’s coming makes me so happy.”

Mrs. Su chuckled softly. “I also really like Tingli. He’s so outstanding. I hope Han can spend more time with him.”

Beside them, Han curved her lips into a smile, her gaze briefly sweeping over Yan Tingli, who neither looked up nor showed any expression.

She restrained her smile.

As they stepped outside, Song Jie held an umbrella, offering it to Mrs. Su, while glancing at Yan Tingli. “Tingli, take care of Han.”

Han stood by the door, waiting, watching him open the umbrella with his slender fingers before handing it to her. “Take care.”

She was momentarily stunned, hesitating to accept it.

“Tingli,” Song Jie noticed, her tone slightly stern, “It’s windy outside. Why aren’t you holding the umbrella for Han?”

Yan Tingli replied slowly, “It’s easier for two people to get wet.”

The atmosphere froze for a moment.

Song Jie felt embarrassed, unsure how to smooth things over, but Han quickly took the umbrella, smiling, “I’ll do it myself.”

It was a minor incident, but when Song Jie tried to chat with Mrs. Su again, the latter’s lips turned down, no longer as warm as before.

After seeing Su Ye’s family off, the lively atmosphere dissipated.

Cold wind swept through, carrying fine rain.

Yan Zecheng walked ahead, followed by Song Jie, with Yan Tingli trailing behind. No one spoke as they entered the house.

The housekeeper was still tidying up the dining table. Song Jie glanced over, and they put down their tasks and returned to the housekeeper’s room.

Yan Tingli slipped his phone back into his pocket, his expression indifferent. “If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving.”

Song Jie called out, “Stop, come sit down first.”

Yan Tingli didn’t move.

“Tingli, sit down. We need to talk,” Yan Zecheng’s tone was relatively gentle.

“Next time, I’m a bit tired,” Yan Tingli replied flatly, turning to leave.

Yan Zecheng frowned, about to speak, when Song Jie raised her voice from the sofa, “Tingli, what kind of attitude is this towards us?”

“Jie, calm down,” Yan Zecheng interjected.

Song Jie looked indifferent, ignoring him.

Yan Zecheng pursed his lips, choosing not to push further, softening his voice as he spoke to Yan Tingli, “Tingli, I’ll keep it brief.”

Yan Tingli lowered his gaze, watching the rain outside.

“Su Ye had a daughter late in life and dotes on Han. It’s clear he appreciates you,” Yan Zecheng said.

Song Jie added, “Han is both talented and beautiful, a good match for you. It’s evident the young lady likes you too.”

Yan Zecheng continued, “As far as I know, several companies have tried to engage Su Ye’s team, but so far, he’s only accepted our invitation. Tingli, you’ve always been smart; you know what this means.”

He observed Yan Tingli’s expression and added, “Even if you don’t like it, bear with it. Spend some time getting to know her, and we can discuss other matters later. We’re not asking you to marry her right now.”

When it came to business, this seemingly estranged couple found an unspoken agreement.

A few seconds of silence hung in the air.

Yan Tingli’s eyes moved lazily, and he let out a scoff. “You’re right,” he said, strolling towards the front of the hall. “Liming Group throws money, Shengshi Group throws resources, and they can’t even get a glimpse of Su Ye. But if I sell my soul and body, he’ll work for Qisheng for a lifetime.”

He leaned forward, looking at the two of them. “What could be a better deal than this? Even the club’s marketing team would have to praise you as the sales champions.”

“You’re out of line!” Yan Zecheng’s face darkened, his tone suddenly harsh. “Do you even hear what you’re saying?”

“Well, I’ve said my piece,” Yan Tingli said, his expression turning neutral. “I’m leaving.”

“Stop right there.” Song Jie called out to him.

Yan Tingli continued his stride towards the door.

Seeing that her words had no effect, Song Jie was filled with anger. “What kind of attitude is this towards me? Do you even consider me your mother anymore?”

“If you say I’m not, then I’m not,” Yan Tingli replied, waving a hand dismissively, one foot already out the door.

Behind him, there was the sound of hurried footsteps, followed by a loud “thud” and Song Jie’s pained cry as she stumbled to the ground.

Yan Tingli’s brow furrowed. Across from him, Yan Zecheng shifted his foot, his hand half-extended.

Song Jie, suppressing her pain, coldly told him, “Don’t touch me.”

Yan Zecheng’s expression worsened. “Aren’t you going to help your mother?”

Yan Tingli turned back, but Song Jie’s voice was icy. “I don’t need you.”

He paused in his steps.

Song Jie instructed, “Call Aunt Jiang over.”

Song Jie had twisted her ankle and was helped back to her room by the housekeeper to tend to her injury.

Yan Tingli leaned against the doorframe, his eyelashes casting a shadow.

“Go check on your mother,” Yan Zecheng said, lighting a cigarette.

“She doesn’t want to see me, so why bother?”

“She’s still your mother, you-” Before he could finish, Yan Zecheng’s phone rang. He glanced at it, silenced it, but it rang again. He took a few steps away. “Hold on, I need to take this call.”

Though the distance made it hard to hear, Yan Zecheng’s expression relaxed, a hint of an ambiguous smile on his face.

Yan Tingli’s lips curled in a mocking smile.

“There’s some business at the company,” Yan Zecheng said, returning after the call, adjusting his tie. “Go check on her. I have to leave.”

Before leaving, he looked at Yan Tingli once more. “Tingli, you’re my only heir, always have been.”

“The patents and technology that Su Ye’s team holds, you know better than anyone how crucial they are. Even rebellion has its limits.”

The taillights disappeared into the rain as Yan Zecheng left.

Footsteps echoed from the stairs as Aunt Jiang came down, peering outside. “Is the master leaving already?”

Yan Tingli walked inside, not bothering to answer the obvious question.

“It’s just…” Aunt Jiang sighed. “Mrs. Yan’s ankle is all swollen, and the master doesn’t even stay to look after her. Even a day’s marriage should mean a hundred days of grace.”

She was an aunt brought over by Song Jie from the Song Family, naturally concerned for her.

But discussing the employer’s affairs privately was a major taboo.

Yan Tingli lifted his eyelids, casting a glance her way.

Aunt Jiang felt a chill, lowered her head, and fell silent.

“How’s Mom doing?” he asked, pressing the elevator button.

“Her ankle is quite swollen. I just applied some ice to Mrs. Yan’s foot, and it’s a bit better,” Aunt Jiang replied. “But her mood is still not good…”

She wished he would be more understanding towards Song Jie, more considerate of his mother. Yet, looking at Yan Tingli, she dared not voice these thoughts. This young master was always dignified and decisive, never one to be easily swayed.

As she pondered, Yan Tingli suddenly stopped.

“Tingli?” she asked, puzzled.

“I’m not going,” he said flatly.

“Why not?”

“My presence will only worsen her mood.”

“How could that be? What mother wouldn’t be happy to see her child?” Aunt Jiang said, assuming.

After speaking, she noticed the young man’s lashes flutter slightly. “Really?”

His tone was questioning, but his steps didn’t falter as he walked to Song Jie’s bedroom.

The thick carpet muffled his footsteps, and the bedroom door was ajar, letting out a warm glow.

Yan Tingli’s hand lifted halfway.

Inside, faint voices could be heard; Aunt Li was comforting Song Jie.

“Please, don’t worry. Tingli has always been independent, maybe he doesn’t like being told what to do…”

“No, some children are born cold-hearted. He doesn’t feel close to me, never has, even as a child he wouldn’t listen to me.”

“What child isn’t close to their mother?”

“Yes, what child isn’t close to their mother?” Song Jie closed her eyes. “He doesn’t really count as my child; he’s a cold machine groomed by Yan Zecheng.”

Covering her face, her voice tinged with tears, Song Jie lamented, “My Congjin, Congjin was always close to me, would softly call me ‘Mom,’ would snuggle into my arms and be so obedient. Why did heaven take him away?”