Chapter 17

If it were just one day earlier, Yuan Ying would have smacked her pillow right in his face upon seeing him grin at her like that.

But now, staring at this bastard—whether real or merely a figment of her dreams—she remained dazed for a long moment before the corners of her mouth gradually turned downward.

Zhu Feng instantly turned serious, nuzzling against her while coaxing, No crying now, we won’t cry. You’ll feel better soon.

Like a big dog, his silver-gray hair brushed against her face, tickling her until she leaned back to avoid it, only to be gently pressed down onto the bed.

Baby, open your mouth, Zhu Feng coaxed seductively, Just one kiss.

Yuan Ying turned her face away, but he pinched her chin and turned it back. One kiss, just one.

Annoyed by his pestering, she reluctantly parted her lips.

Zhu Feng leaned in to kiss her, one hand sliding behind her neck to gently caress her earlobe, while the other gripped her arm, using his size advantage to envelop her completely.

His tongue slipped past her teeth, lightly nibbling and entwining with hers. Their breaths mingled, then parted in an instant.

The mattress sank slightly under their combined weight. Yuan Ying felt as if she were melting into the bed, and in her daze, she sensed his hand slipping beneath her pajamas.

She was wearing a loose, oversized short-sleeved shirt that was already gaping and full of openings. With his practiced ease, he effortlessly left the imprint of his large hand visible through her thin pajamas.

Exhausted and drowsy, Yuan Ying feebly grasped the hand sending shivers through her, the thin fabric doing little to shield her.

Zhu Feng stopped at once, planting a kiss on her forehead. No more teasing. Sleep now.

Yuan Ying truly fell asleep, though just before drifting off completely, he pinched her chin and made her drink some water, along with something strange that tasted metallic.

The flavor reminded her of the astringent taste she often had in her mouth during her hospitalization after the fall.

Swallow it, and you won’t feel uncomfortable anymore.

So Yuan Ying swallowed.

A soft chuckle sounded in her ear. So trusting? Not afraid I poisoned you?

If she’d had the energy, Yuan Ying would have rolled her eyes at him. Unfortunately, she didn’t, so she could only succumb unwillingly to sleep.

She dreamed again.

This time, she dreamed of what happened after Zhu Feng shoved her trashy boss into a beer barrel.

Fearing the recording, the boss, though seething with hatred, still marked all the boxes on her evaluation form.

Yuan Ying successfully passed her probation but had no intention of letting him off—she just wasn’t sure how to proceed.

Although she’d told Zhu Feng she would spread the recording everywhere, given society’s harsh judgment of women and the selfish, utilitarian nature of adults, she had been wrestling with whether to actually do it.

If she didn’t, the scumbag would keep causing trouble and possibly victimize other employees.

If she did, it might not go as planned. After all, he had closed many major deals, and the boss might protect him by firing her instead, or he could retaliate by smearing her reputation.

After two days of indecision, Yuan Ying sighed to Zhu Feng, If only we could find other evidence to take him down.

Then go find it, Zhu Feng said.

Yuan Ying shot him a glare. Where am I supposed to look?

What do you think? he retorted.

Yuan Ying actually pondered for a moment before sighing, Then the only option is to sneak into his house and search his personal computer. He doesn’t even know how to clear his cache—we’re bound to find plenty of evidence.

Zhu Feng remained silent.

When Yuan Ying turned to look at him, she saw him sprawled lazily on the sofa watching TV, wearing the T-shirt and loose shorts she’d bought from a street vendor days ago.

Here she was, agonizing over her future, while he lounged in clothes she purchased, slouched on her sofa, munching on her chips and watching her television.

A sudden surge of irritation made Yuan Ying grab a cushion and hurl it at him.

With his thick skin, Zhu Feng simply took the cushion and propped it behind his head.

Hmm, even more comfortable now.

After another sleepless night of deliberation, Yuan Ying finally resolved to report her supervisor, even if it meant facing repercussions.

Once the decision was made, a weight lifted from her heart, and her steps felt lighter as she headed to the office.

But upon arriving, she discovered her supervisor’s personal computer mysteriously placed inside her desk drawer.

Baffling.

Though uncertain how it got there, Yuan Ying immediately seized the opportunity.

These middle-aged men had limited mental capacity—all his passwords were identical. She easily accessed the computer.

Just as she expected, someone with such low morals would inevitably exploit company resources. Yuan Ying copied incriminating documents and chat logs, then forwarded everything directly to the company owner.

The boss might tolerate harassment complaints against high-performing managers, but when core company interests were threatened, he drew the line. The police were called the same day the evidence was received.

As Yuan Ying entered the office, she witnessed her supervisor being escorted away by officers.

It was you, wasn’t it? he snarled, face dark with rage. My sentence isn’t guaranteed yet. You’ll pay for this.

Officer, he’s threatening me, Yuan Ying immediately complained.

The supervisor fell silent.

Yuan Ying smiled faintly as she brushed past him.

That evening, she asked Zhu Feng, Did you put the computer at my workstation?

Zhu Feng: Mhm.

How did you get it? Yuan Ying asked, perplexed.

Zhu Feng: Avoided security cameras, infiltrated his residential compound, slipped into his apartment, retrieved it, and delivered it to your office.

Yuan Ying: …

What kind of criminal mastermind was this?

After his explanation, Zhu Feng waited for her response. When none came, he glanced over.

Yuan Ying sat slumped in her chair, face clouded with worry.

Why aren’t you happy? Zhu Feng asked.

Huh? She snapped out of her thoughts. Ah… it’s not that I’m unhappy, just concerned.

About what? Zhu Feng sprawled with legs apart, his flimsy shorts doing little to conceal his… advantages.

Yuan Ying kept her eyes carefully averted as she voiced her fears: He said he’d get revenge.

But he’s already arrested.

Yuan Ying: True, but we don’t know if he’ll be convicted or how long he might serve.

Zhu Feng: Oh.

Yuan Ying: …

Any normal person would have offered some comfort at this point.

Realizing excessive conversation with this guy was futile, Yuan Ying immediately retreated to her room.

Next morning, as she got ready for work, she found Zhu Feng already waiting at the door.

Let’s go, he gestured toward departure.

Yuan Ying looked confused: Where?

To work. Zhu Feng started walking out first.

Only when he entered the stairwell did Yuan Ying realize he meant to accompany her to work.

She chuckled and hurried after him: Thanks.

Zhu Feng: Tch.

It has to be said, having a 1.9-meter-tall bodyguard by her side did make her feel very secure.

On her way to work, Yuan Ying felt completely at ease. But when it was time to leave the office, seeing the empty workspace and the dimming sky outside, she began to frown again.

Knock, knock, knock.

The glass door of the office was tapped twice. Yuan Ying looked up.

Let’s go, Zhu Feng said, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, watching her calmly.

Yuan Ying blinked slowly and walked toward him.

From that day on, Zhu Feng started accompanying her to and from work.

As the weather grew hotter, Yuan Ying would wake up every morning thinking that maybe today, Zhu Feng wouldn’t want to escort her. Yet every time she stepped outside, he was already there waiting.

For someone who usually did nothing but eat and sleep, he was now waking up earlier and being more diligent than she was. Yuan Ying had to admit, she was a little touched.

After a month of being escorted like this, news about her former boss finally arrived.

During their evening commute, as a group of colleagues walked out together, someone suddenly remarked, Did you hear? That guy got sentenced to five years, and it’s effective immediately!

Yuan Ying instinctively asked, Who?

Who else? Your old boss! the person laughed.

Yuan Ying froze, but there was no joy on her face.

The colleague was about to say more when they caught sight of a figure nearby and excitedly nudged Yuan Ying. Your boyfriend’s here!

Snapping out of her thoughts, Yuan Ying looked up ahead.

Zhu Feng was watching her with a faint, amused smile, clearly having overheard the comment.

Yuan Ying said a quick goodbye to her colleague and walked over to him. Zhu Feng casually opened the door, waited for her to step out, and followed. The two walked home in comfortable silence.

Their home was only an eight-minute walk from the office—one of the reasons Yuan Ying had chosen this job in the first place.

Side by side, they walked along the sidewalk. The sky hung low, thick with clouds, and the air was heavy and humid, as if rain was imminent.

After a while, Zhu Feng suddenly spoke. Earlier…

Oh, that, Yuan Ying cut in. Since you’ve been escorting me so often lately, they misunderstood. To avoid complications, I didn’t explain too much.

Zhu Feng raised an eyebrow, accepting her explanation.

They continued walking in silence, and by the time they reached home, both were covered in a sticky layer of sweat.

Yuan Ying pushed the door open and stepped into the entryway, then abruptly turned around. Zhu Feng, caught off guard by her sudden movement, took another step forward, bumping into her and sending her stumbling backward. He caught her by the waist and pulled her back.

For a moment, their bodies pressed together, curves fitting snugly, breaths held.

Yuan Ying paused, then immediately pushed him away, silently resolving to buy him a pair of better-fitting shorts with proper support when she had the chance.

About that, she began awkwardly, since that person has been sentenced, starting tomorrow, you don’t need to escort me anymore.

Saying those words didn’t bring the relief she’d expected—instead, it felt heavier.

Zhu Feng was silent for a long moment before asking, Just because he’s sentenced, does that mean you’re safe now?

Huh… What? Yuan Ying looked up at him.

Zhu Feng pressed, Doesn’t he have friends or family?

Yuan Ying fell silent.

I don’t think you’re safe enough yet. I should keep escorting you. What do you think? Zhu Feng asked.

I suppose… you might be right, Yuan Ying replied hesitantly.

Zhu Feng nodded. Also, since people already think I’m your boyfriend and you haven’t denied it, if they find out I’m not someday, it might cause them to look at you differently.

Yuan Ying’s left eyelid twitched as she asked, You mean…

For the sake of your reputation, I can be your boyfriend, Zhu Feng said.

Yuan Ying: Ah… alright.

Mm.

They exchanged a glance before returning to their respective rooms.

Only when she turned on the air conditioner and the cool air cleared her mind did Yuan Ying belatedly realize… she had a boyfriend?

She actually had a boyfriend now?!

Yuan Ying’s eyes snapped open, her gaze gradually focusing on the hotel ceiling as she realized everything had just been a dream.

And now, nearly four years had passed since the events in that dream.

She lay in bed staring blankly for a long while, gradually recalling that before this dream, there seemed to have been another one.

That dream felt far too real – as if Zhu Feng had really pinned her down and kissed her for a long time. Her lips still felt numb, with a faint lingering astringent taste.

As Yuan Ying raised her hand to touch her mouth, wondering why a dream could feel so vividly real, a sudden noise came from the bathroom.

Who’s there?!

No response came from the bathroom, as if the sound had just been her imagination.

Holding her breath, she waited a moment before carefully getting out of bed. Grabbing the ashtray from the nightstand, she slowly approached.

Though the distance from bed to bathroom was only two or three meters, it took her nearly a minute to cover it. Cautiously gripping the doorknob, she took a deep breath before throwing the door open with one hand while raising the ashtray overhead with the other.

Come out!

She shouted angrily, only to see the bathroom empty with the window wide open.

Had she opened the window for ventilation last night?

Yuan Ying frowned, unable to quite remember.

After thoroughly checking the bathroom and confirming no one was there, she walked to the window.

This was the ninth floor of the hotel – even if there had been a burglar, they couldn’t have escaped through this window.

So she must have opened it herself after all.

Yuan Ying let out a soft sigh before washing up and hurriedly checking out.

Today her last two test results came out. After checking out, she went straight to the hospital, collected the reports, and found the same doctor from yesterday.

This time the doctor studied her results for a long while, wearing a thoughtful expression as he read.

Yuan Ying didn’t dare interrupt until he set down the various reports, then asked expectantly, Well? Do I have some condition?

You’re as healthy as a young ox.

Yuan Ying: …

Your physical exam results are excellent. Maintain your current lifestyle and you’ll likely live to at least a hundred, the doctor said cheerfully, preparing to call the next patient.

Wait! Yuan Ying quickly stopped him.

The doctor: Something else?

Staring at him incredulously, Yuan Ying asked, I’m not sick? Really not sick? Are you sure I’m not sick?

Under her triple questioning, the doctor’s smile gradually faded: Are you hoping to be sick?

Of course not… no, doctor, you might not understand. I came for the checkup because I’ve been feeling unwell. If the tests show nothing wrong, it just means my condition is very serious. That’s why I keep asking, Yuan Ying explained patiently.

The doctor: Specifically, where do you feel unwell?

Yuan Ying paused awkwardly before saying, Well… what I told you before – insomnia, frequent dreams, night sweats and such.

The doctor nodded. Usually, these symptoms are caused by a deficiency in certain elements or endocrine disorders with hormonal issues. But your test results show everything is normal. How about this—I’ll prescribe some calming medication for you to take when you can’t sleep.

Calming medication doesn’t work for me. I’ve tried it, Yuan Ying immediately responded.

The doctor sighed helplessly. Then there’s no medication I can prescribe.

Yuan Ying: …

Seeing her fall silent, the doctor once again asked her to leave.

Steeling herself, Yuan Ying closed her eyes and blurted out, All my dreams are erotic dreams!

The doctor froze, looking at her in confusion.

Once the first sentence was out, the rest came much more smoothly.

They’re all dreams related to my ex-boyfriend, and my body keeps having various physical reactions. Last night I even developed a fever… Well, actually I’m not completely sure if it was a fever, but my body was burning hot, and my exhaled breath felt like fire. It should’ve been a fever. Anyway, these reactions have seriously affected my daily life. I urgently need to diagnose the cause.

Yuan Ying’s mouth felt dry from talking. She picked up her half-finished water bottle and gulped down several mouthfuls, feeling the slight bitterness in her mouth gradually fade.

Do you understand what I’m saying?

The doctor nodded. I understand.

Yuan Ying breathed a sigh of relief and said worriedly, Then based on your experience, since all these test results are normal, should I undergo some other examinations?

The doctor replied, If it’s really as you described, you do need some additional tests.

Yuan Ying perked up. What tests?

After thinking for a moment, the doctor said, I can’t prescribe those here. How about this—take the elevator to the fifth floor, turn right and go to the department at the end of the hallway. Ask Director Yang to arrange the examinations for you.

Okay, thank you, doctor.

Yuan Ying politely expressed her gratitude and left with her test reports.

Following the doctor’s instructions, she took the elevator to the fifth floor, turned right, and walked all the way to the end.

Then she saw three large characters: Psychiatry Department.

Yuan Ying remained silent for a long time before turning away.

Having spent thousands of yuan with nothing to show for it, a depressed Yuan Ying didn’t head straight home. Instead, she wandered around the area, found a wholesale market, and bought some daily supplies commonly used at her guesthouse.

Though she wasn’t buying clothes or jewelry, when the tissues, cups, and toothbrushes filled both the trunk and back seat, Yuan Ying still felt a sense of satisfaction.

It was already early July, and the skies in Jinlin Town were finally staying light a bit longer. However, Yuan Ying had lingered outside for too long, and by the time she returned to Jin Yuanbao, darkness had fallen.

Boss, Xiao Yu, who was about to leave after her shift, approached when she saw Yuan Ying’s car. You bought so many things! Let me help you carry them.

No need, no need. You’ve worked hard these past couple days—hurry home. I can manage myself, Yuan Ying declined.

In the past, Xiao Yu would have insisted on staying to help, but this time she simply nodded and said, I am pretty tired actually.

Then she turned toward the courtyard and shouted, Shu Lin! A Ye! Time to work!

Yuan Ying: …

Coming! Shu Lin eagerly ran out, with A Ye close behind.

Xiao Yu waved at Yuan Ying with a smile. See you tomorrow, boss.

Yuan Ying chuckled. See you tomorrow.

Bye, Sister Xiao Yu! Shu Lin waved back, then turned to ask Yuan Ying, Boss Yuan, what’s the work?

As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly twitched his nose, and his expression shifted slightly.

Yuan Ying noticed his movement and asked in confusion, What’s wrong?

Before Shu Lin could speak, A Ye spoke up first, Boss Yuan, did you kill a dragon?

Yuan Ying didn’t catch it clearly, …What?

A Ye said, You have heavy blood on you…

Shu Lin immediately jumped up to cover his mouth, N-nothing’s wrong.

After saying this, he glanced worriedly toward the second floor of the guesthouse.

Yuan Ying didn’t notice their subtle exchange. After opening the trunk, she turned her head and said, Could you help me carry these things to the linen room?

Sure!

Shu Lin agreed and called A Ye to help with the work.

With their assistance, all these items only needed one trip. Yuan Ying followed behind them carrying a bag of towels, watching as each of them lifted two large boxes with ease. She couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement.

It’s understandable that A Ye is strong, but Shu Lin, you’re so slim—how are you so strong too?

Shu Lin smiled, People from where I’m from are all this strong.

After being driven out once before, he didn’t dare say he was a dragon again.

Yuan Ying praised them a couple more times and followed them up to the second floor.

The linen room was next to the staircase, directly facing the Fortune Room. While putting things away, Yuan Ying instinctively glanced at the tightly closed door.

He was released yesterday, went out afterward, and only came back this afternoon, Shu Lin said while observing her expression.

Yuan Ying asked, Where did he go?

Her expression showed no sign of abnormality—clearly, she didn’t know Zhu Feng had gone looking for her.

Shu Lin shook his head, I don’t know either.

Never mind him. Have you two eaten? Yuan Ying asked.

Shu Lin and A Ye both nodded.

Yuan Ying specifically asked A Ye, Are you full?

I’m full, A Ye replied.

Only then did Yuan Ying feel relieved, As long as you’re full, you can go rest now.

A Ye, like a robot receiving a command, turned and went downstairs without another word.

Shu Lin followed behind, glancing back repeatedly. Seeing that Yuan Ying was about to go to the third floor, he mustered his courage and turned back, Boss Yuan!

Yuan Ying was startled by his intense tone, Wh-what’s wrong?

…Nothing, Shu Lin’s confidence waned again, and he mumbled, Don’t you want to see Zhu Feng?

Yuan Ying didn’t understand, He’s fine. Why would I go see him?

At least he just got out of the police station, Shu Lin shrunk his neck slightly.

Yuan Ying chuckled, Have you forgotten who called the police to have him arrested?

I haven’t forgotten, it’s just… I just feel like he might not be feeling well now and really needs you, Shu Lin hinted tactfully.

Yuan Ying paused, What’s wrong with him?

I don’t know, probably sick or something, Shu Lin said vaguely before turning and running off.

Yuan Ying stood alone on the staircase for a long time, but eventually turned back to the second floor.

Standing outside the Fortune Room door, Yuan Ying thought to herself that no matter what, he was still her guest, and as the owner, she should check on him if he wasn’t feeling well.

After convincing herself, she secretly warned herself that this time she absolutely must not let desire control her brain. If he tried to seduce her again while spouting nonsense, she would slap him.

Having mentally prepared herself, she knocked solemnly on the door.

No response.

Yuan Ying frowned and called out, Zhu Feng, are you asleep?

There was still no movement from inside the room.

Yuan Feng said, Zhu Feng, open the door.

The door remained quiet, showing no signs of opening.

If you don’t respond, I’m leaving, Yuan Ying said, deliberately taking a few steps away.

The door still didn’t open.

He had hearing as sharp as a dog’s and alertness like a chicken’s, yet he lacked the deep sleep of a pig. Logically, he should have heard her the first time she knocked, yet he still hadn’t come to open the door.

Could he be angry?

Yuan Ying instinctively felt a pang of guilt for a second, but then she thought there was no need for it. Before calling the police, she had warned him repeatedly. He didn’t listen and even intensified his harassment, acting as if he was certain she wouldn’t report him. So, who could he blame for ending up at the police station in the end?

With that thought, Yuan Ying straightened her back a little. I’m really leaving now, she said.

Though she claimed to be leaving, she remained standing in place for another two minutes, making sure he truly wasn’t coming out before turning to head upstairs.

As luck would have it, she missed a step while climbing the stairs. She barely managed to steady herself, but her toe slammed hard against the floor.

Ouch…

The pain brought tears to her eyes. Holding onto the stair railing, she slowly sat down and took a while to recover.

Looking at her toe again, it was already red and swollen.

When luck runs out, even drinking cold water feels like a chore, Yuan Ying sighed. She stood up only when the pain had mostly subsided.

It was as if someone had spiked the air with a potion for cleverness, or perhaps the pain had stimulated her intellect—Yuan Ying suddenly turned around and stared at the door that had remained firmly shut all along.

She had hurt herself, and yet he still hadn’t come out.

Something was very wrong.