Chapter 133: Drunken Outburst
"Xiaoluo, what's wrong?" Yan Ruoxi asked, her tone full of concern.
Liang Xiaoluo clutched the hem of her shirt tightly, her head bowed, unable to find the words to respond.
"Well, well, isn't this my dear sister-in-law? You've returned," came a mocking voice.
Yan Ruoxi turned and saw Gu Lingzi approaching, her face twisted with arrogance. "Why are you here?" Yan Ruoxi asked, shocked.
"Sister-in-law, isn't that a silly question? I'm Lin Gege's fiancée. If I'm not here, where else would I be?" Gu Lingzi said smugly, her voice dripping with disdain.
Yan Ruoxi stared at her in disbelief. "What did you just say?"
But Gu Lingzi ignored her, turning instead to Liang Xiaoluo, her expression one of pure contempt. "Oh, it's Lin Gege's former woman. How do you even have the face to return here? Didn't he already throw you out? Your shamelessness is truly astonishing."
The memory of Ye Tianlin's cold, distant gaze came rushing back to Liang Xiaoluo, making her confidence waver. She trembled, her lips pressed tightly together, unable to defend herself.
Yan Ruoxi stepped forward, shielding Liang Xiaoluo. "Watch your mouth! Get out of here right now, or I'll call security!"
"Hah, the one who should leave isn't me—it's her," Gu Lingzi sneered, standing her ground.
"You—!" Yan Ruoxi's fury boiled over. She had seen brazen people before, but Gu Lingzi's shamelessness was unmatched.
"Come in," a cold, commanding voice suddenly interrupted, slicing through the tension like a knife.
Everyone turned toward the source of the voice. It was Ye Tianlin.
Gu Lingzi's eyes lit up as she rushed over to him with a saccharine smile. "Lin Gege!"
She reached out, trying to loop her arm around his, but Ye Tianlin sidestepped her touch, leaving her awkwardly clutching at empty air.
"Not you. Her," he said sharply.
His gaze landed on Liang Xiaoluo.
Gu Lingzi froze, her smile faltering. "Lin Gege, you…"
"Don't just stand there. Come here," he ordered Liang Xiaoluo, his tone firm and unyielding.
Liang Xiaoluo stood rooted in place, shocked by the abrupt shift in his demeanor. Yet, as if on instinct, her feet moved toward him, her hands nervously clutching her clothes. Her head remained bowed, as though expecting ridicule.
Was he about to humiliate her?
After all, he was going to marry Gu Lingzi. Wasn't her return to the Ye family shameless?
To everyone's surprise, Ye Tianlin reached out and took Liang Xiaoluo's hand, leading her away.
"Ye Tianlin, you promised to marry me!" Gu Lingzi cried, stepping forward to block their path.
"I did say I'd marry you," Ye Tianlin replied, his tone calm but cutting. "But I never promised you'd be my only woman."
Gu Lingzi stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief. She had thought she could manipulate Ye Tianlin, but his ruthlessness was beyond her control.
She could only watch helplessly as Ye Tianlin led Liang Xiaoluo away.
On their way out, Yan Ruoxi threw Gu Lingzi a mocking glance. "Please, Miss Gu, don't let us keep you."
Humiliated, Gu Lingzi stomped off in a rage, silently vowing revenge against Liang Xiaoluo.
Inside the room, Ye Tianlin finally released Liang Xiaoluo's hand. Without a word or a glance in her direction, he retreated to the bathroom.
Liang Xiaoluo stood frozen in place, unsure of what to make of his behavior. Her heart weighed heavy with uncertainty.
After some time, Ye Tianlin emerged from the bathroom. His sharp features were partially hidden in the dim light, and his narrowed eyes scanned her silhouette leaning against the doorway. For a moment, he stood there silently, his head throbbing from the alcohol.
"I'm sorry," Liang Xiaoluo finally whispered, her voice trembling. "I'll pack my things and leave soon."
Each word she spoke felt like a stab to her heart. The thought of leaving him made her chest tighten with sorrow, but what choice did she have?
It was better to leave on her own terms than to be cast out.
Ye Tianlin's dark eyes remained locked on her. His lips curved into a bitter, self-deprecating smile.
He hated himself for being this way—for hurting her, for hurting himself.
Lowering his gaze, he seemed to wrestle with his emotions before walking toward her. As his footsteps drew nearer, the faint scent of mint mixed with his natural masculinity filled the air, making Liang Xiaoluo's nerves tense.
When he was close enough to reach her, she instinctively raised her hands to keep some distance between them. "Tianlin, please…"
But before she could say more, he pulled her into his arms, his chin resting lightly on her head. "Stay with me," he murmured.
His voice was low and hoarse, tinged with an aching vulnerability.
Liang Xiaoluo was overwhelmed by confusion and emotion. Before she could think it through, she found herself nodding. "Okay…"
She couldn't resist him. He was her poison, and only he held the cure.
"Remember, you're mine," he whispered, his voice both commanding and tender. "Don't even think about leaving."
Her heart raced as his arms tightened around her, pulling her closer. His cool lips descended upon hers, stealing away the breath she didn't realize she was holding.
Caught in his embrace, she felt herself surrender, wrapping her arms around his waist in return. His kisses were desperate, consuming her entirely.
"Tianlin…" she murmured, her voice barely audible.
"Never leave me," he whispered against her lips, his tone a mix of plea and command.
And in that moment, she believed him. She believed in the love hidden beneath his anger and pain.
Later that night, as they lay entwined, Liang Xiaoluo felt a peace she hadn't experienced in a long time. She listened to the steady rhythm of Ye Tianlin's breathing, her heart filled with hope.
Though their relationship had been fraught with hurt and misunderstanding, she was willing to endure it all for the chance to be with him.
"Are you asleep?" she whispered, her voice soft.
He didn't respond.
"Can we talk for a while?" she asked, though she already knew he was awake.
Still, he remained silent, his eyes fixed on the ceiling.
"Are you thinking about Grandpa?" she guessed, her voice hesitant.
Finally, he turned to look at her. His gaze was heavy, filled with a mix of exhaustion and sadness.
"Just sleep," he said quietly, avoiding her questions.
Liang Xiaoluo wanted to press him further but stopped herself. She knew he carried too many burdens he wasn't ready to share.
Before she could speak again, he closed his eyes, signaling the end of the conversation.
But one question lingered in her mind, refusing to be silenced.
"Are you really going to marry her?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Ye Tianlin's body tensed, but he didn't reply.
"Is it because of Grandpa? Are you just pretending to…" Her voice trailed off as she searched for reassurance.
But the answer she sought never came.