Chapter Fifteen: She Truly Loved Him

Under the influence of alcohol, Shang Qi could no longer maintain her composure. At this moment, she no longer wished to deceive herself and shouted loudly, “I love you! It’s because I loved that it hurts so much, and because it hurts so much that I’m afraid to love again. The position of Mrs. President of the Luo Corporation—how could an ordinary person ever sit there? Your future wife could never be me. If I want to love you, I can only be your mistress. Luo Yichen, can you not be so cruel?”

Luo Yichen’s expression darkened. He lit a cigarette and smoked silently. Endless grievances and unwillingness surged in Shang Qi’s heart. The effects of the wine came back to her, and she felt her legs weaken, barely able to stand. Leaning against the corner of the wall, she sat down on the floor and cried bitterly. The night was so quiet, and the endless darkness slowly engulfed the hearts of the two.

After a long while, Luo Yichen said, “Give me some time, alright? I will prove to you that you and only you will be my wife.”

Wiping away her tears, Shang Qi replied, “Can you give me freedom until you prove it?”

“Fine!” Luo Yichen said confidently. “I believe no man can replace my place in your heart.”

Shang Qi was stunned by his unwavering tone and stood there in a daze. Luo Yichen was pleased with the expression on her face. He walked over to her, lifted her up, and carried her into the room. Shang Qi wanted to struggle but her limbs were too weak. Eventually, she gave up. If Luo Yichen wanted her that much, then tonight she would surrender to his wish.

Luo Yichen only worried she would catch a cold on the floor, so he carried her inside. But the moment he laid her on the bed, Shang Qi wrapped her arms around his neck. It was the first time she had kissed him willingly. He was a little flustered by the sudden kiss. The lingering fragrance of wine on her breath intoxicated Luo Yichen. Just as they were about to shed their clothes and roll together, Luo Yichen suddenly remembered something.

He released her and asked, “Do you want to keep a final memento?”

“Yes.” Shang Qi blushed deeply, breathing heavily as she answered. The rising passion made her forget her sadness at this moment; she only wanted to give herself to the man she loved most. She leaned over Luo Yichen again and kissed his tempting lips. But this time, no matter how much Shang Qi teased, Luo Yichen showed no reaction.

He pulled her hand away, his eyes no longer filled with desire. Luo Yichen asked sadly, “Don’t you trust me?”

Shang Qi dared not meet his gaze and lowered her head. Luo Yichen held her in his arms as he lay down, whispering in her ear, “I can’t let it end like this. The most beautiful moments will be saved for our wedding night. Go to sleep early!”

Soon, Shang Qi heard Luo Yichen’s steady breathing near her ear. She tried to slip away from his embrace but was held tightly. Her heart gradually calmed, and she no longer worried that the man behind her would take advantage of her. In his warm arms, she fell into a deep sleep...

***

The next morning, Luo Yichen was woken by a phone call. Picking up, his secretary anxiously said, “President Luo, the board meeting is about to start. Everyone has been here for half an hour. Where are you?”

Luo Yichen was startled and glanced at the woman sleeping beside him. Shang Qi was disturbed and made muffled sounds. The secretary blushed slightly upon hearing this and silently regretted the timing of the call.

Luo Yichen immediately said, “I have acute gastroenteritis this morning and am currently receiving an IV at the hospital. Please apologize to everyone on my behalf and reschedule the meeting for the afternoon.”

After hanging up, Luo Yichen lowered his head and kissed Shang Qi. In this lingering kiss, he began to regret letting her go so easily last night. It was rare for her to take the initiative to express love, and he had missed the opportunity.

Shang Qi was awakened by his kiss, her eyes wide as she looked at the man leaning over her.

Luo Yichen was bare-chested. His warm heat radiated through her thin clothing. His kisses grew more passionate, his hand moving from her abdomen deeper inside. Shang Qi was startled and pushed him away, shouting, “Luo Yichen, weren’t you acting like a gentleman last night? Why are you getting handsy now?”

Luo Yichen, frustrated and looking pitiful, said, “I regret it! We can continue now; it’s not too late.”

“There’s no medicine for regret in this world!” Shang Qi, both embarrassed and angry, pushed him aside and tried to get off the bed.

Luo Yichen, caught up in the moment, pulled her back. Just as he was about to pounce, he met Shang Qi’s furious gaze. In the end, he relented. Luo Yichen gently kissed her forehead and said, “I’ll let you off today. But you have to make me breakfast as compensation.”

Shang Qi nodded and finally gained her freedom. Glancing at the clock on the bedside table, she exclaimed, “Oh no! It’s already 9:30. I’m late; this month’s bonus is probably gone.”

Luo Yichen casually sat on the bed and said indifferently, “Just tell them you accompanied me to the hospital this morning. You’ll be counted as present.”

Shang Qi rolled her eyes at him. She picked up Luo Yichen’s shirt from the floor and threw it at him, saying, “Put this on quickly! Take me to work.”

“Help me wear it!” Luo Yichen started to act spoiled.

***

In a hurry to go to work, Shang Qi was furious and shouted, “If you won’t wear it, then forget it!”

Luo Yichen assumed the air of a boss and said, “What kind of attitude is that? Talking to the president like this? Don’t want your bonus this month…”

Before he could finish, a cushion was hurled at him. Shang Qi snapped, “This isn’t the office; don’t act so high and mighty!”

Luo Yichen laughed heartily and said, “You finally don’t see me as your boss. Otherwise, I’d be worried you’d even ask for permission before sleeping with me! Just like last night, acting first and explaining later—much better!”

Thinking of how she had taken the initiative to seduce him last night, Shang Qi’s face flushed deeply. Ignoring Luo Yichen’s words, she quickly dressed to leave. Unexpectedly, Luo Yichen suddenly grabbed her, his hand reaching for her hip. Shang Qi dodged immediately, but Luo Yichen said, “Your skirt’s zipper isn’t closed, and you’re running around like this?”

Shang Qi looked down and sure enough, the zipper of her skirt was undone! Fortunately, it was winter, and she was only exposing nude-colored tights underneath. Her face burned with embarrassment as she turned to find a place to zip it up. Before she could move, Luo Yichen had already reached out and zipped it for her.

He said teasingly, “Why are you hiding? You weren’t so shy last night; you were quite proactive!”

Shang Qi’s cheeks flushed a deep red as Luo Yichen held her gently in his arms. After a moment of tenderness, Luo Yichen regained his composure and said, “Let’s go! The door code is your birthday. You can come by often from now on; we’ll have plenty of opportunities.”

Shang Qi was about to protest but was already being pulled out the door. Thinking of work, she didn’t argue further.

They arrived at the company and, while waiting for the elevator, encountered the finance manager. The woman greeted politely, “Hello, President Luo,” while her eyes discreetly glanced at Shang Qi standing behind him.