Chapter 9 Let's see how long you can keep up this act.

That summer, a torrential downpour occurred, and the person became the target of everyone's criticism and condemnation.

Song Yan stood not far away, coldly watching her, his eyes filled with nothing but indifferent disgust, and then walked around her as if she were a weed.

Si Yuan fled into the gymnasium equipment room and curled up in a corner to hide.

The school uniform shirt was soaked through by the rain and clung stickily to my body.

Outside the door, several girls were kicking the iron gate with all their might.

"What are you pretending to be so high and mighty for? How dare you even think of coveting Song Yan?"

"Get out here! Let us see what right this little bastard raised by the Song family has to steal Shuangyu's boyfriend!"

Si Yuan bit her lower lip hard, the taste of rust spreading in her mouth.

"Bang--"

Another loud bang, and the door lock began to loosen.

Suddenly, a rustling sound of fabric rubbing came from the corner.

Si Yuan then realized that there was a person lying in the shadows.

Light streamed in obliquely from the high window, illuminating the boy's messy black hair and the dancing dust motes.

He lazily sat up and looked over.

"It's so noisy, get out!"

His voice wasn't quiet; it could be heard clearly even from outside the door.

Then it fell silent instantly.

Si Yuan recognized him—Jiang Wang.

A prominent figure at the school, rumored to have an unfathomable family background; at this school, even his name is something people avoid.

Jiang Wang narrowed his eyes and began to scrutinize her.

The girl was crying, her wet hair plastered to her neck like a cat soaked in rain, her face smeared with ink.

But her collarbone is very white.

Si Yuan's voice trembled, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"Quiet--"

Jiang Wang interrupted her, then, hearing hurried footsteps outside the door, gave a disdainful smile: "They ran away."

Yes, the girls who were so aggressive just moments ago have vanished without a trace.

Jiang Wang withdrew his hand, took out a cigarette case from his pocket, and put one in his mouth: "You are... the adopted daughter of the Song family?"

Si Yuan froze.

“You’re quite pretty. Come with me.” He lit a cigarette, the embers flickering in the dim room. “I’ll protect you.”

This is not an inquiry, but a notification.

Si Yuan opened her eyes wide, and before she could react, Jiang Wang had already gotten up and pulled up the iron frame that was blocking Si Yuan's view.

Sunlight streamed in, casting a long, slender silhouette against the light as he stood before her, slowly reaching out his hand.

His eyes, hidden behind the smoke, were unfathomable. "From now on, you belong to me. No one will bully you anymore."

Si Yuan paused for a moment, then raised her hand, letting him encircle her wrist and apply medicine to her wrist.

...

Memories receded like the tide, and Si Yuan suddenly came to her senses.

The twenty-four-year-old Jiang Wang in front of him was more imposing than the nineteen-year-old Jiang Wang, and his suit and tie could not hide the wildness in his bones.

He leaned over her, his tie dangling, and lightly brushed his lips against hers.

Hmm... It's so soft, it looks so inviting.

He chuckled softly, his breath hot.

"You remember now?"

Si Yuan turned her face away: "I already said, that was just... youthful ignorance."

"Ignorant?" Jiang Wang's eyes darkened, and he grabbed her wrist, pinning it against the wall. "Then what about all those other times in my apartment, on the balcony, and on the sofa...? Was that also being ignorant?"

Si Yuan's ears instantly burned.

"So, you chose me?"

“President Jiang, really, it’s not necessary.” She took a deep breath, her expression somber and bewildered. “Between you and me, we both know the truth. No one owes anyone anything. Let’s just pretend nothing happened…”

Jiang Wang stared at her for a few seconds, then suddenly took her hand.

Jiang Wang's palms were large and warm, with calluses on his fingertips that completely enveloped her slender fingers.

With his other hand, he grabbed her side waist.

He squinted, his gaze intense: "Stop spouting nonsense to me, what the hell are you babbling about?"

I want to kiss you.

Si Yuan's eyes widened in surprise.

What outrageous things is he spouting now?

Do you still think it's the same as before?

Before Si Yuan could even utter a curse, the man collapsed on top of her.

He was more than 20 centimeters taller than her, and standing in front of her was like an unyielding wall, almost completely dominating her.

Si Yuan was immediately frightened.

Everyone bullies me, even Jiang Wang. Jiang Wang not only bullies me, but in this involuntary situation, that is... coercion.

Before Si Yuan could shed a tear, Jiang Wang stopped.

At this moment, he was very close to her lips.

Si Yuan looked at him, blinking, somewhat bewildered.

"Aren't you going to take the initiative?"

Si Yuan shook his head.

He stepped back, and a soft sneer came from above.

"My composure is stronger than before."

Si Yuan swallowed hard.

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow and slightly increased the distance between them: "Fine, I'm not in a hurry. I know your little bit of self-control. Let's see how long you can keep up this act in front of my face."

Si Yuan knew he was good-looking, but she was still speechless at his words.

But... it seems he doesn't really intend to bully me.

Footsteps suddenly came from the stairwell.

Si Yuan was startled and pushed Jiang Wang away.

In that instant, she clearly felt the burning heat beneath that thin shirt.

It still feels...familiar.

Si Yuanshun thought to himself that his physique seemed even better now.

Then he abruptly pulled his hand back, immediately created distance, and walked down the stairs without looking back.

Saying it's "leave" isn't quite right; it's more like "escape."

The sound of a lighter came from behind, and the smell of smoke mingled with his distinctive black licorice aroma.

Jiang Wang watched her retreating figure, exhaled a puff of smoke, and stared intently at Si Yuan's back.

"Trying to ditch me again this time?"

"No way."

——

After get off work, Si Yuan went to Blue Bay Cafe on time.

She chose a seat by the window, her fingers unconsciously stroking the rim of her glass.

"Si Yuan?"

A gentle male voice came from above.

Si Yuan looked up and saw a man in a light gray casual suit standing by the table.

He had handsome features and wore gold-rimmed glasses, giving him a refined and scholarly air.

"Are you Ding Cheng?"

Si Yuan stood up and politely extended her hand.

Ding Cheng held her hand; it felt dry and warm to the touch.

He smiled and said, a faint smile line appearing at the corner of his eyes: "Zhou Xiaoxiao said you were very beautiful, but I still underestimated your beauty."

Si Yuan smiled, subtly withdrawing her hand.

After the two were seated, she got straight to the point: "About the dinner party at the end of the month..."

“I’ve heard Zhou Xiaoshuo’s story.” Ding Cheng pushed up his glasses. “Pretend to be your boyfriend in London, right?”

Si Yuan nodded and took a folder out of her bag: "These are the materials I prepared, including my study abroad experience and some details that may be useful."

Ding Cheng took the document and flipped through it.

After the conversation ended, Si Yuan waved to the waiter to pay the bill.

Ding Cheng pressed down on the bill: "Wait, this meal is on me."

Si Yuan smiled distantly: "No need, I'm the one who asked for your help, it's my turn to pay."

Ding Cheng looked at her profile, pursed his lips, and nodded: "Okay."

This girl is really too aloof.