Chapter 54: Haunted Dreams
Before Liang Xiaoluo could respond, Ye Tianlin shot a glance at Zuo Lun, who had been silently following behind them. Zuo Lun immediately understood and swiftly passed on Ye Tianlin's orders.
What was once a deserted shopping mall soon became lively with people bustling about.
"You..." Liang Xiaoluo looked at Ye Tianlin, more puzzled than ever.
Had he taken the wrong medicine? Why was he suddenly… almost considerate?
"Isn't this what you wanted, my dear fiancée?" Ye Tianlin smirked, gripping Liang Xiaoluo's chin. His lips met hers in a forceful kiss, sending a wave of warmth to her trembling red lips.
Liang Xiaoluo resisted with all her strength, pounding her fists against his chest.
But her feeble blows were no match for Ye Tianlin. Not only did she fail to push him away, but he also pinned her against the wall, fully taking advantage of the moment.
When the kiss finally ended, Liang Xiaoluo's cheeks were flushed, and her breath came in soft, uneven gasps. She leaned weakly against the wall, her almond-shaped eyes glazed over.
Ye Tianlin, looking smug, held her hand tightly and continued leading her through the mall, clearly in a good mood.
This wasn't Liang Xiaoluo's first visit to the shopping center—she had been here many times before, often with Nan Shaojie. She still remembered how they would stroll through the shops, laughing and chatting. Those memories were sweet and warm.
Now, however, the person by her side had changed. Instead of the man she loved, it was the man she loathed most in the world.
Her heart felt hollow.
As Liang Xiaoluo became lost in thought, her eyes caught sight of a familiar figure in the crowd. Her body tensed, and instinctively, she leaned closer to Ye Tianlin.
"What's wrong?" Ye Tianlin immediately noticed her reaction and wasted no time, wrapping his arm around her waist. He wasn't about to miss an opportunity for such a display of intimacy.
Liang Xiaoluo shook her head, her gaze darting around the mall. But the figure was gone.
"Were you hoping for another kiss?" Ye Tianlin teased, leaning close to her face.
"Shameless!" she snapped, muttering under her breath as she pulled away.
Her reaction only made Ye Tianlin laugh. Amused, he grabbed her hand again. "Come on, we're here to get you some clothes."
Liang Xiaoluo looked at him in confusion. "Clothes?"
Without another word, Ye Tianlin dragged her into a shop. She froze the moment she saw the displays. Rows of lacey, sheer, and undeniably sexy lingerie greeted her.
"You… Why did you bring me here?" Her face turned crimson, and she quickly looked away, avoiding the gazes of the shop attendants.
"Why else? To pick something that suits you." Ye Tianlin casually picked up a revealing piece, holding it up to Liang Xiaoluo with a grin. "How about this one?"
"Pervert!" Liang Xiaoluo shouted, swatting the garment away and bolting toward the door.
Ye Tianlin grabbed her arm with ease, his grip firm yet relaxed. "I think it's nice. Don't you? Or perhaps this one would be better?"
Liang Xiaoluo wished she could disappear into the floor. Her face burned with embarrassment.
Ye Tianlin, on the other hand, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself. He held up piece after piece, each more risqué than the last. "Not this one? No worries—I'll keep looking until I find one you like."
"I…" Liang Xiaoluo was at her wit's end. To end her torment, she muttered, "Fine, that one's okay."
"Really?" Ye Tianlin's eyes gleamed with mischief.
"Yes," she replied impatiently, too flustered to notice the sly expression on his face.
"Great. Go try it on," he said, his tone dripping with amusement.
"What?" It took her a moment to realize what he had said. "I never agreed to that!"
"You just did," Ye Tianlin replied smoothly, motioning toward the shop attendants. They nodded in agreement, leaving Liang Xiaoluo with no room for argument.
"…You tricked me." Liang Xiaoluo glared at him, exasperated.
"Off you go, then." Ye Tianlin's grin widened as he gently pushed her toward the dressing room.
Reluctantly, Liang Xiaoluo muttered, "Fine."
She stepped into the dressing room, but when she turned back, she found Ye Tianlin standing in the doorway, blocking her exit.
"What are you doing? Didn't you say I should try it on?" she snapped.
"Exactly. I'll help you," Ye Tianlin said, his expression infuriatingly nonchalant.
Liang Xiaoluo's heart sank. She realized she had fallen right into his trap. Trapped in the small dressing room with him, she had no way out unless he stepped aside.
"Move!" she demanded, her voice trembling with anger and embarrassment.
But Ye Tianlin didn't budge. Instead, he leaned against the door, his smirk growing wider. "If you leave now, don't regret it later."
Ignoring him, Liang Xiaoluo reached for the door. As soon as she cracked it open, her breath caught. That shadow—that familiar figure—was back, lingering just beyond the threshold. Her heartbeat raced.
She quickly shut the door again. "Actually… maybe I should try on a few more things," she stammered, desperately trying to buy time.
Ye Tianlin raised an eyebrow, instantly suspicious. He had noticed the shadow too but said nothing. Instead, he leaned closer, wrapping his arms around her.
"Stalling, are we?" he whispered in her ear. "I could help you, you know."
"N-No!" she exclaimed, turning red as she tried to push him away.
Ye Tianlin only tightened his grip, his voice teasing. "Don't be shy. I insist."
"Get out!" she hissed, but her voice lacked conviction.
"Make up your mind," he said with mock disappointment. "Stay or leave?"
Frustrated beyond words, Liang Xiaoluo glared at him, then sighed in resignation. "Fine… help me," she muttered, her cheeks burning.
"Gladly," Ye Tianlin replied, his grin triumphant.