Chapter 67: Surprises, One After Another
As Hua Lin turned to leave, she thought she saw a shadow flicker across the other end of the hallway. But when she looked again, all she saw was darkness.
She shook her head, scolding herself for letting her imagination run wild. Steadying her nerves, she left.
But in her heart, she vowed that Gu Lingzi no longer had any reason to exist in this world.
Once Hua Lin had gone, Liang Xiaoluo slowly emerged from behind the vase where she had been hiding. Her heart was still racing, as if she had been caught doing something she wasn't supposed to.
"Phew…" she exhaled softly, trying to calm herself.
Her mind was filled with questions. Even in the dim light of the hallway, she had clearly recognized the figure—it was Hua Lin.
What was she doing sneaking around outside Ye Tianlin's room? What could she have been watching?
Curiosity gnawed at her, compelling her to tiptoe closer to the door. But just as she leaned in, intending to peek inside, the sounds emanating from the room stopped her cold.
Taking a step back, an inexplicable discomfort settled in her chest. What am I even doing? Why do I care so much?
She let out a bitter laugh. Her existence was as insignificant as air. Why should I let this bother me?
Dragging her heavy feet, Liang Xiaoluo returned to her room. She told herself she didn't care. Whatever Ye Tianlin did had nothing to do with her; their relationship was purely transactional.
Inside Ye Tianlin's room, his and Gu Lingzi's bodies were pressed tightly together.
He was fully aware that Hua Lin had been spying outside his door. Everything he had done was calculated to provoke her, to ignite her fury.
Once Hua Lin had left, Ye Tianlin stood up coldly and adjusted his clothes. "You can leave now," he said flatly.
Gu Lingzi, still flushed, was taken aback. "Brother Tianlin, what are you saying? We just…"
"Leave," he repeated, his icy glare as cold as an arctic wind.
"Brother Tianlin!" Gu Lingzi's voice quivered. She couldn't understand. Just moments ago, the atmosphere between them had been perfect. Why had everything turned sour?
"Leave," Ye Tianlin said again, his tone sharp and unforgiving.
He found her repulsive. Everything he had done with her was merely a performance for Hua Lin. Gu Lingzi meant nothing to him.
Swallowing her pride, Gu Lingzi dressed herself in silence. As she reached the door, she turned back and declared, "I won't give up. One day, you'll see that you belong to me."
Her words only elicited a mocking smile from Ye Tianlin. She thinks she can threaten me?
After she left, Ye Tianlin straightened his cuffs and headed toward Liang Xiaoluo's room. It was late, but he couldn't resist checking on her.
When he reached her door, he didn't bother knocking. To him, Liang Xiaoluo was his possession, and he could enter her space whenever he pleased.
The room was pitch black. He didn't turn on the lights but walked straight to her bed, moving as though he knew the layout by heart.
Liang Xiaoluo, lying in bed, heard someone enter. Her body tensed with fear, thinking it might be Ye Tianhao sneaking in again. She was about to scream when she heard Ye Tianlin's voice: "Are you asleep?"
She froze, keeping silent and pretending to be asleep. She didn't want to face him.
Ye Tianlin sat on the edge of the bed, lifting the blanket and sliding in beside her. As he wrapped his arms around her, his restless mind suddenly found calm.
Liang Xiaoluo's heart skipped a beat. She struggled to keep her breathing steady, desperate not to reveal that she was awake.
Sensing her tension, Ye Tianlin deliberately let his hand wander over her body, his touch teasing and mischievous.
Heat rushed to Liang Xiaoluo's face, and she clenched her teeth in frustration. This jerk! She shifted slightly, hoping he would let go, but he only held her tighter.
Her anxiety peaked.
But Ye Tianlin didn't go any further. He simply held her, relishing the quiet comfort. The appearance of Gu Lingzi had unsettled him, stirring emotions he didn't understand.
Was Gu Lingzi right? Did he actually care about Liang Xiaoluo?
The idea frightened him. He feared that if Liang Xiaoluo discovered his past, she would look at him with disdain, as if he were a monster.
But why should I care what she thinks? he wondered. She's just a pawn.
Even so, the thought gnawed at him, leaving him restless.
"Ugh…" Ye Tianlin sighed deeply.
His breath tickled Liang Xiaoluo's ear, sending shivers down her spine. When she heard his steady breathing moments later, she realized he had fallen asleep.
Lying beside her, Ye Tianlin seemed so peaceful, like a lamb.
Liang Xiaoluo's heart ached. She realized that, once again, she was the only one overthinking things. Ye Tianlin did whatever he wanted without regard for her feelings.
With a heavy heart, she eventually succumbed to exhaustion and fell asleep.
The next morning, a knock on the door woke her. "Liang Xiaoluo, it's time for breakfast," a maid called.
She opened her eyes slowly, staring at the high ceiling as fragments of the previous night came rushing back. Jolting upright, she checked her clothes and the space beside her.
Ye Tianlin was gone. The bed was empty.
She let out a relieved sigh. When did he leave?
The maid knocked again. "Miss Liang, are you awake?"
"I'm up," she replied quickly, shaking off her lingering thoughts. She told herself she needed to stay strong. No matter what challenges came her way, as long as her father was safe, she could endure anything.
When she arrived at the dining room, Ye Tianlin was already seated.
"Sit here," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Liang Xiaoluo obediently walked over and took the seat next to him. Just as she was about to sit, Gu Lingzi's voice rang out.
"Good morning, Sister Xiaoluo," she said, smiling sweetly.
"Good morning," Liang Xiaoluo replied curtly.
Gu Lingzi wasn't done. Feigning concern, she added, "Sister Xiaoluo, you look so tired today. Are you okay? Could it be because I borrowed Brother Tianlin for the night and you…"
"Gu Lingzi!" Ye Tianlin's cold voice cut her off.
Gu Lingzi wisely shut her mouth, shrugging innocently. "I was just teasing."
Despite her retreat, she noticed something peeking out from under Liang Xiaoluo's high collar. A mischievous grin spread across her face.
"Sister Xiaoluo, why are you wearing such a high-necked shirt in this heat? Isn't it uncomfortable?"
"No… it's fine," Liang Xiaoluo replied nervously.
"Oh, come on. It looks so stuffy. Let me help you loosen it," Gu Lingzi said, reaching out to adjust Liang Xiaoluo's collar.
"No, that's okay!" Liang Xiaoluo tried to dodge her, but Gu Lingzi moved quickly, tugging at the collar.
"Oh my, Sister Xiaoluo," Gu Lingzi exclaimed loudly. "What's this mark on your neck? Did you fall last night?"
Ye Tianlin's eyes darkened, his gaze locking onto the faint mark on Liang Xiaoluo's neck—a mark that unmistakably resembled a kiss.
He hadn't touched her last night. So who had?