Chapter 17: So Sexy

For a long time, Leyin didn’t reply. The screen kept showing that she was typing. Jingwan’s words had clearly unsettled her.

At last a message appeared. Wanwan, how could you say that? Do you suspect there’s something between Ji Huaizhi and me?

Jingwan was too weary to answer.

Leyin: Please don’t overthink it. I know you’ve always liked him. How could I steal my best friend’s man? We’ve known each other so long. Don’t you know what I’m like?

She kept mentioning Ji. Jingwan wanted to block her, but restrained herself. Little Yu’s case wasn’t resolved, and she couldn’t let Leyin sense anything was wrong.

* * *

Under a clear moon that evening, Uncle Tang followed Congli’s instructions and played the surveillance footage on a large screen for Lu Daiqing and Jingwan.

Three cameras showed Leyin waiting until Jingwan went upstairs and the dining room was empty. Then she quietly poured white powder into the glass of milk on the table.

Disgust showed on her face. Her hand trembled; she was afraid of being caught, but her malice won out.

Congli watched Jingwan. Her lashes shook and her breathing quickened—the signs of anger. He stroked the back of her hand and found it cold. “Wanwan, are you all right?”

She looked at him, sickened by betrayal all over again. “It really was her!”

Lu Daiqing remained cold. “You may not have hurt him yourself, but you brought the wolf into the house. What sort of wicked friend have you made?”

Guilt surged through Jingwan. She had indeed misjudged Leyin.

Congli took her hand. “Mom, Wanwan is a victim too.”

“Keep defending her! Your heart belongs entirely to her.” His mother thought him excellent in every way except his fierce protectiveness.

She rose and looked at them. “That woman dared harm Little Yu? Does she think the Huo family can be disregarded?”

“Don’t worry, Mom.” Congli glanced at the footage, tapping the sofa with long fingers. “She’ll pay for what she did.”

Then he called his mother back. “You misunderstood Wanwan. I hope you’ll apologize.”

Lu Daiqing stiffened and glanced awkwardly at Jingwan. “…Even if you didn’t do it, you brought her here.”

Congli’s eyes remained fixed on her. “Mom, you owe Wanwan an apology.”

She stood there, unable to say it.

Knowing her mother-in-law wouldn’t readily yield and unwilling to worsen the rift between mother and son, Jingwan rose. “Mom is right. I do bear responsibility. I’ll be more careful.”

Both stared at her in surprise; neither had imagined she would ever back down. Congli felt the change especially keenly. Why had she changed so suddenly? Deep unease and fear gripped him, and his hand tightened on the sofa.

Lu Daiqing gave a proud huff. “At least you’re sensible.”

* * *

After discharge, Little Yu went to the old residence for one night. He would return after school tomorrow.

Jingwan arranged to meet Leyin for afternoon tea the following day, saying nothing else. Leyin probed her attitude, detected no change, and readily agreed.

On the terrace, the evening breeze stirred Jingwan’s robe. She looked up at the stars, roses fragrant in the air. Since her rebirth, she had never doubted her friendship with Leyin. After today, it felt as if she were seeing her for the first time. The warm, attentive friend she remembered had become the jealous, vicious woman on the recording. When had she changed?

Troubled, Jingwan found a pack of slim cigarettes on the crystal table and lit one. Congli reached around her, intending to take it away. She tapped ash into his palm. “I’m upset. Just half.”

He could do nothing with her. The ash blew away with the smoke; her cigarette smelled of fruit.

“Because of Luo Leyin?” He crouched before her, gentle and patient.

Even after ten thousand looks, his face was still stunning. Holding the half-smoked cigarette, Jingwan tipped up his chin and met his dark eyes. “What do you usually do when a business partner betrays you?”

“Leave him no way out, so he can never show his face again.” Congli was a decisive businessman who pursued profit.

She smiled, her foxlike eyes alluring. “Only today have I seen a lot of people clearly.”

He kissed her fingertip, his heart trembling. He wanted to ask whether Ji Huaizhi was among them, but didn’t dare. Ji’s name had become an unspoken taboo between them.

Jingwan grew playful. She pressed his lips with a finger, then held the cigarette to them. “Take a puff.”

He obliged and slowly blew a smoke ring. She smiled. “So sexy, Mr. Huo.”

“Do you like it, Wanwan?”

She nodded, then shook her head.

He moved closer on his knees, the corners of his eyes red. “You don’t like me like this?”

She put out the cigarette and looped her arms around his neck. “Huo Congli, do you think I treat you well?”

His throat moved. “You treat me very well.”

“Liar.” She touched her forehead to his. “Everyone says I’m difficult. Your mother doesn’t like me either.”

She had few friends, perhaps because she’d spent all her time and energy on Ji. Now she felt lonely, and turned to her husband as her only confidant to ease the hurt.

“You aren’t difficult. You only act out because I haven’t given you enough.”

She had acted out because her needs went unmet. It was like wanting the one moon while being offered stars again and again. She could accept the stars, but only the moon would truly make her happy.

Jingwan rested against his shoulder and bit his neck lightly, almost annoyed that he understood her so well. “…Huo Congli, I want to make love.”