Lixin gulped in hardly. He could feel her breath on his bare skin, her body just a few distances away from him. He stared deeply into her hazel-brown eyes; it was very beautiful and explicit. Suddenly, he pushed her aside, took over, and pressed her down on the bed. They were so close that they could hear each other's heartbeat. Mingxia nervously stayed with him, biting her lips proactively. No matter what she did to Lixin, she was only tempting him to do the worst.
He crouched lower to her face, nibbling on her earlobe, both of his hands blocking her from running away. She was prey in her predator's trap. Her breath hitched, and it was difficult to make any sound. All she could do was moan.
… A moan actually escaped from her mouth during their awkward moment. Mingxia quickly covered her mouth, her heart thumping quickly, and she closed her eyes, waiting for her punishment from her master. When nothing happened, she peeked to see Lixin undressing himself. Butterflies swarmed her tummy, and she bit her lips, not wanting to speak her mind.
"Are you going to look at me while I change? You stained my pants with lipstick. Lixin's husky voice provoked Mingxia's dirty mind to take a peek at his trousers, and just then, she froze. Her lipstick truly stained the one part she did not expect, his lower body. Her face became crimson-red in color, and her cheeks had a faint, tainted blush on them. She fanned herself, covered herself with the pillow, and breathed out.
"I am sorry. She awkwardly said it through the pillow, and as soon as Lixin gave her permission to look, he was already done changing. Lixin had tiger-print pajamas on his body, and he headed straight to the dining room. Mingxia followed suit and went to sit a few chairs away from Lixin. She sat down and started munching on the food. Her mouth full of food, she reached for a cup of milk next to her. Her hands flipped over to her phone as she scrolled through her anonymous Weibo account, reading the new reactions to the image posted some hours ago.
Mingxia had not expected it to be trending within a few hours, but then again, it was Lixin that was holding her—the renowned, ruthless king. Obviously, many people would be drawn to it the second it was posted. Her lips curled in a smirking manner; she glanced at Lixin eating quietly while reading a business magazine, and her heart melted. Then again, their embarrassing scene flashed into her head.
She bit her lips and looked away, munching on the dinner. Once done, she aided Yuming in clearing the table. The whole living room was dead silent, so all she could do was secretly glance at Lixin. He looked so handsome whenever he was serious and mischievous when playful.
"Are you going to keep staring at me? His eyes peeked from the magazine and caught Mingxia's gaze intensely. They both looked at each other for a while and let go. "The court case is tomorrow."
Mingxia's lips widened, and she became serious. This time around, she was determined to prove to the world that, although her father may have bought those certificates for her, she was the one with the passion. She sat down closer to him with her phone, reading and examining the last evidence. Reading through, she found some loopholes she could use to counter them. Too bad that Haoyu tagged his own wife as mentally ill. "Lixin, it is an irony that we both have the same fate. We wish to be loved by our fathers, but in the end, we get nothing. Mingxia uttered it bitterly.
She exhaled, calming her emotions, and when she was able to get them under control, she left in silence to get ready for tomorrow's case. If they were able to win this first trial, she would be really grateful. Lixin twitched his lips, watching the retreating shadows of Mingxia. His heartbeat increased even more when he finally understood what she meant.
… How many years did Mingxia long for her father's love?
He asked internally, staring at the cream-colored ceiling. His mind drifted to what Muchen had said before when they met. He was a little bit surprised that his own daughter survived—not that he cared, but because he was threatened by her own existence. Why would a father hate his own daughter to such an extent?
He breathed out, crossed his legs over each other, and thought deeply. A phone call brought him out of his daydreams. He caressed his face and picked up the calf.
"Boss, Ling Haoyu is boarding the next flight out of the country. Muchen actually pulled his hands away from him." Lixin's face went pitch-black, his aura suddenly becoming unapproachable. He balled his fist upon hearing what Skyler had informed him about.
… Ling Haoyu was chickening out of the deal; what a slick man!
"Contact all flight managers and restrict his movement. It is an order, do you understand? He yelled, standing up from the couch and heading straight to the balcony. He stared at the mirror for a few minutes, unmasking himself. The huge scar was made visible, and his fingers ran down through it.
He chuckled silently while, in his mind, wishing nothing but death for his father.
"You cannot leave so fast when the party is about to begin... You have ruined my life; I will ruin yours in ten million folds. Lixin stated, wearing back his mask. He lingered a while on the balcony, enjoying the silent night. His eyes caught hold of Mingxia on the bed. "What exactly are you hiding from me? You are not being honest yourself. He coldly murmured, drawing nearer and nearer to the sleeping Mingxia. He halted his steps and closed his eyes. "Skyler, do a detailed investigation on Mr. Zhou!"
-Next Day-
Taking in deep breaths, Mingxia inhaled and exhaled while standing at the entrance of the building. Never did she think that she would be able to come back here to battle cases. She pushed her hair into the ponytail and glanced at Lixin, whose face remained stoic from the car. She ignored the feeling of distrust and made her way into the building. Her hands trembled seeing everyone being seated. Her eyes examined those seated, and from there, she sighed. Her father was not present.
"Mingxia, I have a call. I will be back. Lixin excused himself, walking straight to the hallway and leaving her all alone. Mingxia pursued her lips in a thin line, comforting herself and reading his documents for the last time. She became pressurized and went out to use the restroom. On her way back, she bumped into a silhouette she wished she had never seen.
Her feeble body fell into his embrace; his scent filled her nostrils, and she became stunned. She struggled to get herself away from him, but his grip was firmer than hers. Mingxia gazed at him and instantly felt chills running down her spine. He did not change after two years. He was still the same Luo Yuxuan.
Her Ex! She had run into her ex!
Mingxia found it difficult to talk as her words were lumped in her throat. Her legs were frozen to the core. She could only stare into his eyes. Everything about him became imprinted on her mind. His lips, his carefree attitude, everything—but why did she feel she had lost him all over again? Mingxia forcefully tore off his arms, which were wrapped around her body, and stepped away from him.
"Mr. Luo, I did not expect to see you here."