Chapter Eleven: Love’s Dilemma

The swirling lights cast a glow on her flushed face, her eyes squinting against the glare. She seldom came to bars, and the few times she had were always with Luo Yichen, so she wasn’t used to the dazzling lights and the raucous noise.

Under the influence of alcohol, she felt a rush of excitement coursing through her body and stepped into the dance floor. She moved her waist with nimble grace, her hips swaying vigorously, her limbs naturally flowing in sync with the rhythm. Such a captivating dance caught the attention of the men around her.

Before long, she became the prey of the men on the dance floor; their lust-filled eyes fixated on her, searching for an opportunity to claim her. One man boldly approached and struck up a conversation. Soon, Yin Guizhen was chatting animatedly with him. His large hands drifted teasingly around her waist, and she occasionally responded with equal enthusiasm.

Mu Lichen sat silently at the bar, watching her indulge herself with a heavy heart. He longed to pull her away from that man but remained rooted in place. Even if he drove the man away, she would easily find another.

Finally, the man succeeded. Yin Guizhen nestled coquettishly in his arms as they left the bar together. Their expressions were intimate, mutually understanding what was about to unfold.

Mu Lichen followed them in his car to a hotel. Unsure if he could halt her reckless behavior or restore her reason, he watched as Yin Guizhen got out and walked over to his car. “Don’t follow me anymore. I know exactly what I’m doing,” she said.

He regretted bringing her to the bar that night. He couldn’t bear to watch her sink further. After she and the man entered the hotel, he stormed inside, forcibly dragging her back to the car.

Startled by Mu Lichen’s roughness, Yin Guizhen shoved his hand away and shouted, “Let me go! What do you think you’re doing? Are you crazy?”

Mu Lichen roared, “Yes! You’re driving me crazy! How can you be so careless with yourself?”

Unyielding, Yin Guizhen glared and said, “What I do is none of your business!”

“Don’t be so willful! I’ve supported you no matter what, but this time, I can’t!”

“You can stop me for a moment, but not forever!” She forcefully shook off his hand and reached for the door to get out.

Mu Lichen locked the door before she could open it, his face darkening. “Fine! You want men, right? Then what about me?”

Her face flushed bright red. Thinking he was just venting, she replied indifferently, “Fine! I don’t care who it is!”

Mu Lichen was enraged. He pulled her into his arms, and before Yin Guizhen could react, his kiss crashed down on her lips like a hailstorm. The fierce, punishing kiss seemed to burn away everything with desperate intensity.

Yin Guizhen was caught off guard, cheeks flushed, her small hands fluttering against Mu Lichen’s chest as if trying to push him away. But Mu Lichen, growing wild with emotion, ignored her resistance and gripped the back of her head tightly. As he moved to press further, she truly panicked, crying out, “No! Don’t! Mu Lichen, why are you doing this to me?”

Seeing her tears, Mu Lichen suddenly sobered and scolded himself deeply: How could I use stopping her as an excuse to do this? He quelled the storm within and released her, asking through her tears, “So you’re scared now? Would that man have let you go like I did?”

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