The embrace came without warning.

Ji Dongyang staggered back a step before steadying himself. His hands instinctively pressed down on the woman in his arms as he barked in anger.

“Zhou Yining, have you lost your mind?”

She didn’t move, her arms still locked around his waist. She wasn’t weak, but he hadn’t used his full strength either. For a few quiet seconds, she simply held him, eyes closed as though memorizing the moment. Then she lifted her face and said softly,

“I just wanted to see if holding you off set feels any different.”

His face darkened. He shoved her away with one firm push. There was none of his usual cold detachment, only irritation, a warning flashing sharp in his gaze.

Everyone in the industry said Ji Dongyang’s temper was frightening. Just one look from him could make someone’s knees go weak. Yet Zhou Yining… wasn’t afraid at all.

In fact, she thought, he finally looks a little human-like this. Otherwise, he’s just too cold.

She smiled at him. “It does feel a little different.”

He looked anything but pleased. This was the first time any woman had ever embraced him so directly. Truth be told, it had shaken him. If he had thought she was just playing around, the flicker of stubborn resolve in her eyes unsettled him far more.

Her gaze made him restless. He frowned and ordered curtly, “Enough. Go back.”

The room wasn’t cold, but the floor beneath her toes was. She curled them slightly, then slowly let go.

“I’m not playing around,” she whispered. “I just needed to be sure.”

Sure that her wandering heart had already tilted toward him.

And now she was sure.

But looking at his stormy expression, she suspected she’d soon be banned from his door again.

Sensing the danger before he exploded, Zhou Yining backed away with a laugh. “Fine, I’ll head back.”

He didn’t answer, didn’t even look her way. She made it halfway to the door, then suddenly turned and grinned at him.

“Hey, Ji Dongyang. You’re not that young anymore. The time you found yourself a girlfriend. But looking at you… I bet you’ve never even chased a girl, have you?”

His brow twitched. “Go. Don’t make me say it a third time.”

She pouted. As much as she wanted to test his limits, she reined herself in. Their relationship wasn’t even defined yet; better not to push too far. Obediently, she went back to the sofa and slipped on her slippers.

“Take the wine back with you,” Ji Dongyang said.

She ignored him, only turning back at the doorway to flash a mischievous smile. “Not taking it. I’ll drink it next time.”

Then she slipped out the door.

Ji Dongyang’s lips pressed into a hard line. The anger roiled in him, with nowhere to go. He sat back on the sofa. His gaze fell on the half-empty bottle she’d left behind.

Next time…

He let out a cold snort. There won’t be a next time.

He poured the wine, tilted his head back, and drained it all. Half drunk, half sober.

The first time Ji Dongyang met Zhou Yining was four years ago, at a birthday party.

It was close to the New Year. He’d planned to return early to B City because of family troubles, but his old friend Lu Xiao had begged him to attend a birthday gathering. The company president’s little daughter was a rabid fan, and Lu Xiao needed him there.

Lu Xiao had been his middle school classmate, one of the few people he stayed close to. Ji acted; Lu did business. Whenever their schedules allowed, Ji Dongyang sometimes did him favors, though fan parties were usually beneath him. Lu Xiao had threatened to burn bridges if he didn’t show, so he reluctantly agreed.

At the party, the little princess and her friends had swarmed him for photos and autographs until his expression turned frosty. Only then did they scatter.

He’d hidden himself in the corner with a glass of wine when Lu Xiao came over and plopped down beside him with his usual grin.

“Bored already?”

“Bored,” Ji answered flatly.

Lu Xiao chuckled awkwardly. It was shameless of him to drag Ji here, but that was the way of business. Everyone knew Ji Dongyang was a film emperor. Just having him show his face opened doors, like earlier, when Zhou Lihui had made a point of striking up a conversation.

The two sat in silence. Behind them, a group of girls whispered.

“Jiahui, isn’t your sister coming?”

“She’ll be late on purpose. Don’t bother about her. Anyway, today’s my day. I still can’t believe I got to see Dong-ge in person! He’s so much more handsome than on screen. I wanted to hug him, but his face was too scary…”

They giggled and gushed on. That year, Ji was twenty-nine. He’d debuted at fifteen, exploded into fame at twenty-three, and ridden a nearly flawless wave of success until last year’s downturn.

Another girl tittered, “Your sister’s really something. Probably still dressing up. Last year she wore that backless dress. Wonder what scandalous outfit she’ll wear today.”

“She’s so calculating. Always trying to steal the spotlight with her flashy looks. Two years abroad and she comes back all wild, God knows how many boyfriends she’s had.”

Their words grew nastier.

Even Lu Xiao frowned. Ji Dongyang downed his wine, eyes narrowing, then suddenly stood. The girls froze, faces flushing. He didn’t spare them a glance as he walked away.

“Dong-ge, stay for the cake at least!” Jiahui hurried after him, cheeks pink.

“No,” Ji said coolly. “I have business.”

Then someone cried, “Your sister’s here!”

All eyes turned.

The girl who entered was striking. Her clothes were bold, baring more skin than most red carpet starlets. Yet despite the mature getup, her face still held youthful softness. Only her eyes seemed older, steadier than girls her age.

Ji remembered the gossip and could guess her circumstances. He looked away and started to leave.

But as he passed her, she stumbled, falling right in front of him. One hand braced on the floor, and he nearly stepped on her fingers before jerking his foot aside.

Under the lights, her skin glowed blindingly pale. Her chest curved full, barely covered by small pink pasties. The slip was absolute.

Someone in the crowd snickered. Her face burned crimson as she sat frozen on the ground.

Ji’s expression stayed unreadable. He bent, caught her wrist and waist, and pulled her up. His voice was low. “You’re exposed.”

The teasing from the crowd grew louder. Her hand clutched his tight. She lifted her eyes to him, gratitude flooding her gaze, only to twist into fury an instant later. She yanked her hand free and snapped, “None of your damn business.”

Ji pressed his lips together and walked away.

Later, in the car, he smoked, blindfolded himself, and tried to sleep. Lu Xiao came back laughing.

“That girl you helped? Zhou Yining. Daughter of Zhou Lihui from his first marriage. He married for business, then ran off with his old flame while his wife was still pregnant. Both women ended up expecting. The first wife gave birth, then left for abroad. No one really looked after that kid; she grew up wild.”

He chuckled again. “You should’ve seen her face just now. Honestly, she’s rough around the edges, but far more real than that spoiled princess. Cute, even.”

Ji leaned back, silent, blindfold still in place.

The years passed. Lu Xiao thrived in business, still unmarried like Ji. Zhou Lihui had tried pairing him with his younger daughter Jiahui, but Lu Xiao had no patience for princess types. He had once even said, If only it were the older one, Yining. She’s got flavor.

Half a year ago, on the set of Redemption in a small county town, Zhou Yining had appeared with actress Jing Xin. Ji had overheard Jing Xin scolding her.

“This place is crawling with thieves. Don’t carry that much cash around, it’s dangerous!”

But Zhou Yining had just laughed. “They can’t steal it.”

And Ji had glimpsed the backpack heavy with bundled cash.

Not long after, Lu Xiao had called him. Zhou Yining had run away from a marriage alliance. No one could find her.

That day on set, when Ji heard her name and saw the little mole on her cheek, he realized she was the runaway bride Lu Xiao had mentioned.

The next morning, Amin waited in the garage for ten minutes. Ji Dongyang never kept him waiting. Unease prickled. Had he overslept?

He hurried upstairs and unlocked the door.

The apartment was silent. Two empty bottles sat on the table. Amin’s eyes darted toward the closed bedroom door. Could it be… was the little witch still inside?

The thought made him sweat. Dong-ge never drank much, never smoked, and never brought women home.

Should he knock? What if he saw something he shouldn’t?

Just as he hesitated, the bedroom door swung open. Ji Dongyang emerged, running a hand through his hair. His eyes narrowed at Amin. “What time is it?”

“Seven-thirty,” Amin muttered, sneaking a look at the half-open bedroom.

Ji’s brows knit. He turned back in, washed, dressed, and returned within minutes. Snatching up his phone, he barked, “Let’s go. What are you staring at?”

Amin stammered, pointing at the bedroom. “D-Dong-ge… the little witch isn’t still in there, is she?”

Ji’s gaze cut sharp as a blade. “Don’t talk nonsense.”

Amin clamped his mouth shut. Still, he couldn’t help thinking: Dong-ge’s been spending a lot of time with her lately. Drinking together, late nights… One of these days, something’s bound to happen.

NOTES

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