Jiang Ze Xi had intended to go upstairs to change his clothes.
A glance from the corner of his eye caught sight of the young girl trailing behind him, so he turned and walked directly out the door.
Stepping outside, the clamor from within was cut off.
Xia Wan Fu's uneasy heart gradually calmed, and her cold hands and feet finally felt a trace of warmth.
The air conditioning was on inside; stepping out, a wave of heat enveloped her.
She didn't feel hot now, only the relief of finally being away from danger.
In front of the villa was a lawn, and a short distance away, an outdoor swing set.
Jiang Ze Xi walked to the swing and sat down, leaning back casually.
A wicked smile curved his lips, his floral shirt slightly unbuttoned, exuding a careless, alluring sexiness.
Xia Wan Fu stopped before him, not daring to meet his gaze directly, but still thanked him sincerely, "Thank you."
Jiang Ze Xi chuckled indifferently, his tone exceptionally cold, "You should leave."
Upon hearing this, Xia Wan Fu felt a pang of reluctance. If she had harbored thoughts of clinging to him before, she now genuinely liked the man before her.
No wonder in the movies, women so easily fell for heroes who rescued them.
She now understood deeply how, when you are helpless and terrified, the person who suddenly appears feels like salvation.
She gathered her courage and said to Jiang Ze Xi, "I won't leave..."
The rest of the words she couldn't utter.
Should she tell him she liked him? Who would believe it in such a short time?
Tell him she wanted to stay by his side, perhaps like those women who offered companionship?
Tell him her approach had an ulterior motive?
But Jiang Ze Xi didn't care about any of that.
The curve of his lips remained, his eyes still seemed gentle and affectionate.
Yet, the aura around him seemed to have dropped several degrees, and his voice was as indifferent as water.
"I detest women who debase themselves. You should leave."
Xia Wan Fu's face turned instantly pale. She bit her lower lip, disbelief filling her eyes.
This person, who seemed so gentle, could utter such ruthless words.
Jiang Ze Xi spoke with a mocking tone, "Wouldn't you come to a place like this if you weren't willing to fall? I've seen plenty of women like you.
Let me guess your motive: to latch onto power, or for money, or for gain?"
Xia Wan Fu's breath hitched, her heart feeling as if it had been struck a heavy blow, her heart instantly cut like a knife.
Her eyes welled up again, tears hanging precariously in her gaze, creating a picture of utter grievance.
She choked out, "I'm sorry to have disturbed you."
Yes, her intention was indeed to seduce Jiang Ze Xi, and the reason was to gain significant benefits.
She wanted to salvage her family's bankrupt company and save her parents.
Jiang Ze Xi's expression remained unchanged, he merely stated calmly, "Money and power are external possessions. When you lose something irreplaceable, that's when true regret sets in."
In his gentle, peach-blossom eyes, for the first time that night, another emotion flickered.
It was a meaning Xia Wan Fu couldn't comprehend.
But he quickly reverted to his roguish, devil-may-care demeanor, his eyes still soft and affectionate.
Xia Wan Fu didn't know what to say. It seemed that staying longer would only lead to further humiliation, as those eyes seemed capable of seeing through everything.
She bowed deeply to Jiang Ze Xi, a gesture of gratitude for his help that evening.
Then, without hesitation, she turned and left.
Jiang Ze Xi didn't look at her again, only gazing up at the starry sky, his eyes filled with a multitude of thoughts.
...
Once in the car, Xia Wan Fu's heart finally settled completely.
She had not anticipated the turn of events that evening.
If she hadn't met Jiang Ze Xi today, what would her fate have been?
Gang rape...
That would have been a minor issue.
So what did Wu Jia Jia mean by that?
She wasn't foolish; seeing Wu Jia Jia's demeanor, she was clearly very familiar with this place.
Previously, when they were close, she only knew Wu Jia Jia changed boyfriends frequently, but she never imagined her private life would be so chaotic.
This time had been truly perilous; she had almost ended up in a worse state than Xia Wan Tang.
But Xia Wan Tang wasn't faring any better.
She hadn't been slept with by Du Jia Sheng; who knows who had slept with her!
With that thought, she took out her phone, intending to call Xia Wan Tang, but as soon as she opened her contacts, she remembered she had been blocked.
Xia Wan Fu pursed her lips, let out a cold hmph, and tossed her phone onto the passenger seat before driving away.
Although she hadn't achieved her goal this time, she felt she had gained more.
The price of growth was always etched in memory; after this, she would never entertain such thoughts again.
Young Master Jiang was right; some things, once lost, can never be regained, and then one would truly regret it.
She couldn't be like Wu Jia Jia; she was afraid she would go mad.
If she could have endured tonight, she would have obtained everything she desired, but the price would have been the loss of her most precious possessions.
Of course, if it were just Young Master Jiang, she wouldn't have fled in panic.
But he simply didn't fancy her, and she had her pride, she would never force herself upon him.
By the time she arrived home, it was past eleven o'clock.
The living room light was still on. As soon as she entered, she saw Xia Yi Chen still sitting on the sofa playing games.
The volume was loud, and he was so engrossed that he hadn't even noticed her return.
Xia Wan Fu shook her head helplessly; she doubted she could count on him to visit their parents.
It was late; she would have to go see them herself tomorrow.
With that thought, she went upstairs, and even after she returned to her room, Xia Yi Chen remained oblivious.
Tonight had been truly thrilling, and she still felt a lingering fear.
The thought of those lecherous hands and the lascivious gazes around her made her heart palpitate.
And the sight of the unconcerned kisses, embraces, and touches...
Fortunately, there had been a ray of saving light, a presence that was equally unforgettable.
After a night of bewildered thoughts, Xia Wan Fu showered, changed into her pajamas, and lay in bed, finally falling into a deep sleep.
—
Xia Wan Tang had not eaten much at dinner.
Ling Yu Chen noticed but didn't say anything.
After they had eaten, they went to the supermarket together.
With Ling Yu Chen's looks and physique, he was the center of attention wherever he went.
He was simply too outstanding, and his sharp demeanor made it impossible for him to be discreet.
Xia Wan Tang was also beautiful, but if one didn't look closely, she could easily blend into the crowd.
Ling Yu Chen completely ignored the attention from those around them.
He simply followed behind Xia Wan Tang, pushing the shopping cart, accompanying her as she shopped.
Xia Wan Tang bought body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, towels, and so on.
Since she had left without bringing anything, she had nothing at home.
Approaching the slipper section, she chose a pair of pink slippers with a cute Pikachu pattern.
After placing them in the cart, she contentedly prepared to buy a toothbrush cup and a water cup.
Ling Yu Chen's gaze darkened slightly as he said, "Wait."
Xia Wan Tang turned back, a look of confusion in her eyes.
Ling Yu Chen frowned, "I don't have any slippers."