Lai Shuo’s mind went numb again. He looked blankly at Xiao Linye.
Xiao Linye, however, coldly closed the door.
Staring at the cold door panel, Lai Shuo subconsciously touched his nose, which had nearly been hit. As long as you think it’s fine! he mumbled, somewhat shaken, and quickly turned to leave.
Inside, Xiao Linye was completely unaware of the intense internal struggle Lai Shuo had just experienced.
Ye Yuning was still asleep.
She was seriously injured and utterly exhausted. She hadn’t stirred at all while Xiao Linye bathed her.
She only began to stir when he was applying medicine, her dazed and bewildered eyes meeting Xiao Linye’s.
The moment she clearly registered the sensation from beneath her, Ye Yuning snapped fully awake.
She grabbed Xiao Linye’s arm, her grip so tight it felt like she intended to crush his wrist. Staring into his eyes, her own pupils constricted in an instant.
Xiao Linye met her gaze. In contrast to Ye Yuning’s shock, his eyes were filled with tenderness.
"Be good. I’m just applying medicine."
As he spoke, he kissed her forehead, as if to calm her. He didn’t realize, however, how provocative the words "applying medicine" were at that moment.
Ye Yuning’s face flushed crimson, and even her bewildered gaze held a hint of resentment.
In such situations, it’s alarming when both parties lose control. However, it was clear Ye Yuning had also been schemed against last night. She had remained conscious longer than Xiao Linye, likely because she hadn’t drunk much to begin with.
Ye Yuning was utterly exhausted. Upon realizing it was Xiao Linye, she loosened her grip, her reaction a mixture of acceptance and resignation.
After that, Xiao Linye’s application of the medicine went much more smoothly.
Ye Yuning slept until the sun was high in the sky.
When she woke again to find herself in an unfamiliar environment, she jolted fully awake.
She was lying on a sofa and instinctively tried to get up. But the moment her feet touched the ground, she was so exhausted she collapsed to her knees.
Xiao Linye emerged from the study to see Ye Yuning kneeling on the floor, a blank look on her face.
"Awake?" Xiao Linye approached. He casually scooped her up.
The moment he held her, the little wildcat, perhaps genuinely angry, fiercely pinched his waist, a clear declaration of her inner dissatisfaction.
Xiao Linye looked down and saw her gritting her perfect little teeth, as if ready to bite.
He chuckled softly, "Are you angry?"
"I’m in pain," Ye Yuning complained.
"Sorry," Xiao Linye replied.
"Were you drugged last night? You were so fierce!" Ye Yuning said tearfully.
Xiao Linye nodded. "Yes, and so were you."
Ye Yuning was speechless. She was too? Which bastard dared to spike her drink?
Thinking back, she realized she had been constantly targeted over the years, but she had never fallen prey to such schemes before. Last night, she was clearly with Tang Xi, Yan Jun, and the others. How could she have been...? At this thought, Ye Yuning’s breathing grew heavy.
She’d better not find out who that scoundrel was, or if she did, she’d skin that little wretch alive.
Seeing her indignant little face, Xiao Linye placed her on the sofa and gently pinched her cheek.
Ye Yuning came back to her senses. When she looked at Xiao Linye, she saw the calm expression on his face.
What was this? After sleeping with her, how could he act so composed, as if nothing had happened?
Ye Yuning was speechless. This man! Really! And she was in so much pain.
"You’re asking about food at a time ?" Ye Yuning complained.
"I asked if you were in pain," Xiao Linye stated. "You didn’t answer, so I assumed you were too embarrassed."
Ye Yuning was speechless. Could he be any more direct?
From her time with Xiao Linye, she knew he was a man of few, direct words. But this was a bit too blunt, wasn’t it?
She hadn’t felt embarrassed initially, but after his remark, it felt almost wrong not to. Her face flushed a delicate pink as she glanced at Xiao Linye. "I’m in pain."
Her sweet, gentle voice instantly softened Xiao Linye’s heart.
He sat down, gathered her into his arms, and gently touched the tip of her nose. "Does it hurt a lot?"
"Yes, it hurts!" Ye Yuning nodded.
"Sorry," Xiao Linye said. "I’ll be gentler next time."
He truly hadn’t been in control last night. He had tried to regain his senses midway, but to no avail, ultimately hurting her.
Hearing this, Ye Yuning’s temper flared. "You’re already thinking about a next time?" She desperately wanted to scratch his face but managed to restrain herself.
Xiao Linye chuckled softly. "I am."
Ye Yuning was speechless. This man!
He didn’t utter sweet nothings, yet his earnest, firm words made her blush. Or perhaps, Ye Yuning had never encountered someone who could speak of such intimate matters so forthrightly.
"Where are we? And why would anyone target you from the business department? You need to be careful; don’t let this affect your work!"