The dessert shop on the top floor of Guojin Center was brightly lit. Across from her, Zhou Xuyan had long flax-brown curls, paired with strappy boots, her bold red lips making her appear even more striking and alluring.

"Every time you come to see me from his place, you're sporting a pale, kidney-deficient face."

She clicked her tongue: "Young people should still practice some restraint."

"No, I've just been a bit tired lately."

Shi Sui denied it outright, but her ears had already betrayed her by turning red.

Zhou Xuyan didn't call her out on it, changing the subject instead:

"He asked me to finish up and send you back. What's up, does he have plans?"

According to Yan Tingli's usual way of doing things, he should have precise control over Shi Sui's every movement. From sending her here to taking her back at night, he shouldn't have left it to her.

"He has a dinner engagement with Uncle Yan and them."

"With Uncle Yan?" Zhou Xuyan looked at her, "He didn't invite you?"

Shi Sui shook her head: "Probably not convenient."

Two seconds of silence.

"Suisui." Zhou Xuyan suddenly called her.

"Mm?"

"Who exactly did he go to dinner with?"

Shi Sui bit the straw in her mouth: "He didn't say, I just overheard. It is Uncle Yan, but there's also his mentor Su Ye."

She paused, then said softly: "Probably Professor Su's daughter, too."

Zhou Xuyan narrowed her eyes upon hearing this: "He's having dinner with a woman behind your back?"

Shi Sui thought about it: "Maybe it's not really 'behind my back' – he didn't avoid me when taking the call."

"But he didn't proactively tell you either, did he?"

Shi Sui was momentarily speechless.

A few seconds of silence.

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 stunned, her long eyelashes drooping.

She nodded very lightly, then corrected: "Break up isn't quite right, at most it could only be called separating."

They weren't in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship anyway.

What Zhou Xuyan was referring to was something Shi Sui had mentioned to her last month while sketching.

That time, Yan Tingli hadn't contacted her for half a month, and Shi Sui thought this relationship would just end like that. In that instant, her subconscious had felt relieved – perhaps at some point, she had already had thoughts of separating.

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

She had said they would probably be breaking up.

"You think he would break up with you?" Zhou Xuyan laughed at her naivety, "I said it was impossible."

Shi Sui remained silent.

Hearing her silence, Zhou Xuyan finally sensed something: "Suisui, is it you who wants to break up?"

Shi Sui opened her lips but didn't say yes, only saying: "We're going to separate sooner or later anyway."

Coming back from memory, she heard Zhou Xuyan ask: "Do you think this time Uncle Yan calling him to have dinner with that Professor Su's daughter – what's his plan?"

Shi Sui rested her chin on her hand: "Matchmaking?"

"You know it's matchmaking, yet you're still so calm!"

Shi Sui gazed out the window, saying: "They're very suitable for each other. Uncle Yan and Aunt Song would be satisfied too."

"Don't you care? Aren't you jealous?"

Shi Sui thought that saying she didn't care at all would be false, but she had already built psychological defenses two years ago, constantly preparing herself for such situations.

She said calmly, "If they can develop something, wouldn't it be easier for me to break up?"

"Can you even break up?" Zhou Xuyan was skeptical.

Shi Sui: "Why can't I break up?" Though she asked this, a strange feeling still arose in her heart.

"Do you know what his gaze looks like when he looks at you?"

"...Hm?"

Zhou Xuyan lowered her voice and leaned closer: "Like a snake."

Shi Sui suddenly felt a chill down her spine, but still pursed her lips and said: "You're being too dramatic."

"I was with a film crew shooting wild animals this time, and one segment was about cobras." Zhou Xuyan was about to take out her phone, "Let me show you..."

Shi Sui was most afraid of reptiles. She got goosebumps all over and waved her hands repeatedly, "Don't, don't show me!"

"Little coward," Zhou Xuyan laughed, "How did such a timid person dare to provoke Yan Tingli?"

Shi Sui thought about it and uttered four words: "Lust clouded my judgment."

"I knew he was the one who seduced you." Zhou Xuyan slapped the table. "Do you know that when I found out you two had slept together, my world collapsed?"

Zhou Xuyan, knowing about this, wasn't coincidental, or rather, it was Yan Tingli's deliberate doing.

During the summer vacation after high school graduation, Zhou Xuyan kept asking her out.

Teaching her to dye her hair, do her nails, put on makeup, and take photos.

The fun between the girls was endless. Shi Sui was completely absorbed, and Zhou Xuyan even directly suggested she move to her house. Shi Sui was tempted.

High school entrance exams were over, so she didn't need to continue living at the Yan house.

Zhou Xuyan was often alone, so she could keep to herself.

When she mentioned this to Yan Tingli, he appeared nonchalant.

The next day, right in front of Zhou Xuyan, he pulled her close, lowered his head to lift her hair, and kissed her right neck.

Turning his head, he said coldly to Zhou Xuyan: "If she keeps you company, who will keep me company?"

Zhou Xuyan was angry but dared not speak out. Afterward, she grabbed Shi Sui's shoulders and shook her: "Are you crazy? Are you insane? How did you end up getting involved with him? Did he force you?"

At that time, Shi Sui couldn't understand Zhou Xuyan's hysteria. When she asked, Zhou Xuyan wouldn't say.

In her memory, Zhou Xuyan and Yan Tingli barely communicated. Zhou Xuyan feared nothing except that she was somewhat wary of Yan Tingli.

And Yan Tingli had always been good at pretending, with a good reputation outside. There was no need to specifically target Zhou Xuyan.

Shi Sui wanted to know: "What exactly is the conflict between you two?"

Zhou Xuyan pouted: "Although he and I do have some friction, essentially, it's still because Yan Tingli has problems."

Sometimes, Shi Sui would wonder what could have shaped Yan Tingli's personality despite having such a smooth life. She thought this and asked it out loud.

Zhou Xuyan stared at her wide-eyed, saying nothing.

Shi Sui blinked: "Can't you say?"

Zhou Xuyan put on airs, clearing her throat twice: "Logically speaking, if Yan Tingli hasn't mentioned these things to you, I shouldn't be gossiping."

Knowing her nature well, Shi Sui said calmly: "Then forget it."

Zhou Xuyan was silent for a few seconds.

After a while, she still couldn't hold back: "Don't tell me you've lived in the Yan house for so long without realizing his family isn't normal?"

Shi Sui blinked, not particularly surprised.

At the Yan villa, Yan Zecheng basically never stayed overnight, Song Jie was similarly absent every few days. The family of three treated each other with respectful distance, worse than relatives. Aside from methodically cultivating Yan Tingli, Shi Sui couldn't sense any emotional connection between them.

Whether there were more outsiders like her in the house or not wouldn't make any difference.

Anyone would realize this wasn't a healthy and harmonious family in any sense.

Bringing her thoughts back, Shi Sui said, "Is it convenient to talk about?"

Zhou Xuyan rested her chin on her hand: "Actually, I've been looking for an opportunity to tell you."

"How about today then?"

"But these are the Yan family's secrets. If I tell you, it would make me seem tasteless."

Shi Sui: "Heaven knows, earth knows, you know, I know."

"What if that guy Yan Tingli finds out and decides to settle old and new scores together to get revenge on me?"

Shi Sui expressionlessly swallowed her juice: "Then you'd better not say it."

She naturally assumed it was just some common family problems.

Essentially similar to those "I don't want lots of money, I just want lots of love" rich second-generation types online.

Zhou Xuyan's competitive spirit was aroused. She exhaled and said, "Fine, there's no better day than today. I'll tell you today."

Having finally pried an opening from Zhou Xuyan, Shi Sui poured her water: "Take your time, no rush."

"The second floor of the Yan house, the room next to Aunt Song's – you remember it, right?"

Shi Sui thought for a long time before nodding.

The largest house she had ever seen in her life was the Yan residence. Maid's rooms, movie room, gym, etc. – more than a dozen rooms of various sizes, and even an elevator.

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

Over two years, her territory was limited to the main hall and the third-floor bedroom. She rarely approached other rooms, much less actively opened them.

That room on the second floor – Shi Sui had passed it many times when taking the stairs upstairs. She was timid and didn't dare take the elevator alone at night, so she had a clear impression of this room.

"I remember it," Shi Sui said, "but I've never seen that door open, don't know what's inside."

"Not knowing is right – that's Yan Tingli's younger brother's room."

A completely unexpected answer.

"Younger brother?" Shi Sui repeated, "Younger brother?!"

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

Shi Sui was shocked: "Then where is his brother? Why have I never seen him?"

Zhou Xuyan looked at her without speaking.

Shi Sui's expression gradually changed color, "It can't be..."

"It's exactly what you're thinking."

Shi Sui was somewhat dazed.

"Haven't you noticed that Yan Tingli doesn't have a good relationship with his parents, especially with Aunt Song?"

Shi Sui slowly nodded.

"Yan Congjin's death – Aunt Song still hasn't gotten over it."

"Or rather, she's still blaming Yan Tingli."

The spring rain came fast and fierce. After dinner, wind and rain lashed outside.

"Tingli, see Professor Su's family off." Yan Zecheng instructed Yan Tingli while personally opening an umbrella, gesturing for Su Ye to go first.

"We've imposed on you today." Su Ye's wife smiled at Song Jie, falling a step behind.

Song Jie intimately held Su Han's hand: "Not at all. I genuinely like little Han. I was so happy to know she was coming."

Su Ye's wife laughed softly: "I like Tingli too. He's so excellent. I hope little Han can spend more time with him."

Nearby, Su Han curved her lips, her gaze sweeping across Yan Tingli's face at the rear. He didn't look up and showed no expression.

She restrained her smile.

Upon reaching the door, Song Jie held an umbrella and conveniently opened one for Su Ye's wife, glancing at Yan Tingli: "Tingli, look after little Han."

Su Han stood by the door waiting, watching his slender fingers open the umbrella, then hand it to her: "Take care."

She was stunned, slow to take it.

"Tingli." Song Jie noticed this side, her tone slightly heavy, "It's windy outside. Why aren't you holding the umbrella for little Han?"

Yan Tingli's tone was slow: "Two people sharing makes it easier to get wet."

The atmosphere froze for a moment.

Song Jie couldn't save face. Before she could figure out how to smooth things over, Su Han quickly took the umbrella, smiling: "I'll do it myself."

A small episode, but when Song Jie wanted to continue chatting with Su Ye's wife, the latter's lips turned down, no longer as warm as before.

After seeing the Su family off to their car, the lively atmosphere just now dissipated.

Cold wind swept by, bringing swirling fine rain.

Yan Zecheng walked at the front, Song Jie next, Yan Tingli at the rear. No one spoke until they entered the house.

The servants were still clearing the dining table. Song Jie glanced over, and the two immediately put down what they were doing and returned to the servants' quarters.

Yan Tingli put his phone back in his pocket, expression cold and languid: "If there's nothing else, I'm leaving."

Song Jie called out, "Stop, come sit down first."

Yan Tingli didn't move.

"Tingli, sit first. We have something to say to you." Yan Zecheng's tone was still gentle.

"Next time. I'm a bit tired." Yan Tingli said blandly, turning to continue walking.

Yan Zecheng frowned, about to speak, when Song Jie on the side sofa raised her voice: "Tingli, what's your attitude toward us?"

"Little Jie, calm down." Yan Zecheng spoke up.

Song Jie's eyes were indifferent, completely ignoring him.

Yan Zecheng pulled at his lips but didn't continue with the cold shoulder, softening his voice to speak with Yan Tingli: "Tingli, I'll make it short."

Yan Tingli lowered his eyelids, looking at the rain falling outside the door.

"Su Ye had his daughter late in life and dotes on Su Han extremely. Moreover, you can see he appreciates you." Yan Zecheng said.

Song Jie: "Su Han is also talented and beautiful, very suitable for you. You can see the girl has feelings for you, too."

Yan Zecheng smoothly continued: "As far as I know, many companies have tried to contact Su Ye's team, but currently, he's only accepted our invitation. Tingli, you've always been smart – you know what this means."

He observed Yan Tingli's expression, then added: "Even if you don't like her, just bear with it. Get to know her for a while, we'll talk about other things later. It's not like we're asking you to marry her right now."

When it came to business, this couple who seemed incompatible suddenly had a tacit understanding.

A few seconds of silence.

Yan Tingli's eyes moved lazily, and he laughed with a "heh."

"You're right," he walked leisurely toward the front hall, "Liming throws money, Shengshi throws resources, but neither can get a meeting with Su Ye. I sell my body and soul to make him serve Qisheng for life."

Bending down to look at the two: "What deal could be more profitable than this? Even the hostesses at clubs would praise you two as sales champions."

"You bastard!" Yan Zecheng's face darkened, his tone suddenly harsh, "Listen to what you're saying!"

"I've said my piece," Yan Tingli composed his expression, "I'm leaving."

"Stop." Song Jie called out.

Yan Tingli headed straight for the main door.

Seeing that her words repeatedly had no effect, Song Jie's anger flared: "What exactly is your attitude toward me? Do you still consider me your mother?"

"If you say I don't, then I don't." Yan Tingli waved his hand dismissively, one foot already out the door.

Urgent footsteps came from behind. Suddenly, a "bang" accompanied Song Jie's pained cry as she tripped and fell.

Yan Tingli's brow furrowed. Across from him, Yan Zecheng moved his foot and reached out halfway.

Song Jie endured the pain, coldly telling him, "Don't touch me."

Yan Zecheng's expression worsened: "Come help your mother up."

Yan Tingli turned back. Song Jie's voice was indifferent: "I don't need you either."

His footsteps paused.

Song Jie: "Call Aunt Jiang over."

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

Yan Tingli leaned against the doorframe, his eyelashes casting shadows.

"Go upstairs and check on your mother." Yan Zecheng lit a cigarette.

"She doesn't want to see me. Why be an eyesore?"

"She's still your mother. You-" Before he could finish, Yan Zecheng's phone rang. He glanced at it, hung up, but it rang again. He walked a few steps away, "Wait a moment, let me take this call first."

Too far to hear clearly, but Yan Zecheng's brows relaxed, wearing an ambiguous smile.

The corner of Yan Tingli's lips curved mockingly.

"There's something at the company," Yan Zecheng hung up and came over, lowering his head to adjust his tie: "Go check on her. I have to go."

Before leaving, he looked at him again: "Tingli, you are my only heir, always have been."

"Su Ye's team's patents and technology – you know better than anyone how important they are. Even occasional rebellion should have limits."

The car's taillights disappeared into the rain curtain. Yan Zecheng had left.

Footsteps came from the stairs. Aunt Jiang came down, poking her head out toward the door: "Did the master leave already?"

Yan Tingli walked inside, not answering such an obvious question.

"Really..." Aunt Jiang sighed, "The mistress's ankle is all swollen from the fall. How could the master not stay home to take care of her? Even one day as husband and wife means a hundred days of kindness."

She was an aunt Song Jie had brought from the Song family, naturally feeling sorry for her.

But privately discussing employers was a major taboo.

Yan Tingli lifted his eyelids, glancing over.

Aunt Jiang felt a chill, lowering her head and hunching her shoulders, falling silent.

"How is Mom?" He pressed the elevator button.

"Her foot is severely swollen. I just applied ice for the mistress, and it's better now." Aunt Jiang said, "But her mood is still poor..."

She so hoped he would accommodate Song Jie, show more understanding for his mother, but looking at Yan Tingli, she didn't dare voice these thoughts.

This young master had always been noble and opinionated. When had he ever allowed himself to be manipulated?

Just as she was thinking this, Yan Tingli suddenly stopped.

"Little Li?" She was puzzled.

"I'm not going up." He said flatly.

"Why?"

"My going would make her mood worse."

"How could that be? What mother wouldn't be happy to see her child?" Aunt Jiang said matter-of-factly.

After speaking, she saw the young man's eyelashes flutter: "Is that so?"

A questioning tone, but his footsteps didn't stop again as he walked to Song Jie's bedroom door.

The thick carpet muffled his footsteps. The bedroom door was slightly ajar, warm light spilling out.

Yan Tingli raised his hand halfway.

Soft voices came from inside – Aunt Li was comforting Song Jie.

"Please don't worry yourself. Little Li has always been strong-willed, maybe he just doesn't like being arranged..."

"No, some children are born cold-blooded. He's not close to me, never has been since childhood, and doesn't listen to me either."

"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 even count as my child. He's a cold-blooded machine raised by Yan Zecheng."

Song Jie covered her face, her voice taking on a weeping tone, "My Congjin, Congjin was close to me from childhood, would softly call me mama, would throw himself into my arms acting spoiled, and always listened to me most. Why did heaven have to take him away?"

Chapter 6 She Wanted to Break Up!

You might like