Chapter 166: The Three Rules
Yang Siya, being a savvy businesswoman, understood the importance of clear transactions. Zhang Yi appreciated this straightforward approach, as he disliked unnecessary complications.
Zhang Yi glanced outside. It was getting dark, being wintertime, and it seemed they wouldn’t be able to leave tonight. "It's getting late. Let's rest," he suggested.
As the wind and snow calmed outside, Zhang Yi retrieved some clothes from his spatial space and placed them by the bed. "Here are some new clothes. You can change into them."
Seeing Zhang Yi’s ability to retrieve items seemingly out of thin air, Yang Siya's eyes widened in astonishment. "What kind of ability is this?"
"A little trick," Zhang Yi smiled.
As he turned to leave, her soft, pleading voice stopped him. "Don’t go."
Zhang Yi raised an eyebrow, smiling. "What’s the matter?"
Zhang Yi stretched and said, "I’m a bit hungry. Let’s go to the living room. We can talk while we eat."
Yang Siya nodded, her eyes lighting up at the mention of food. Shortly after, they sat on the living room sofa. Freshly washed, Yang Siya had regained her elegant appearance, her hair styled in a bun, exuding the aura of a refined housewife. She wore a black off-shoulder dress, highlighting her smooth shoulders and deep cleavage.
Elegance never goes out of style. Even in the apocalypse, her presence was pleasing. Just having her around, even as a beautiful decoration, was worthwhile. Zhang Yi reclined on the sofa, placing hot food on the table, which amazed Yang Siya, thinking it was some kind of magic trick.
"Eat up! We’ll talk as we eat. Let’s clarify some things to avoid future troubles," Zhang Yi said, biting into a hot cheeseburger and laying down the rules.
"My house is quite big, and having one more woman won’t be a problem. My only requirement is that you obey me."
"You’re smart; you should understand what I mean, right?"
Yang Siya, still embarrassed by recent events, bit her lip. "I understand. In our industry, such things aren’t unusual."
Zhang Yi nodded in satisfaction. Smart people were easier to deal with. He didn’t have many demands from Yang Siya. Keeping her was like having a beautiful ornament at home. With Zhou Ke’er joining soon, the two women could share household chores and alternate duties without much pressure.
Zhang Yi’s sudden thought made him frown. "I remember buying some medicines from Zhou Hairun. Let me check later."
Yang Siya, suppressing her shyness, boldly addressed Zhang Yi. "I can agree to your demands, but I have some conditions I hope you’ll respect."
Zhang Yi spread his hands, indifferent. "Let’s hear them."
Yang Siya, in her soft voice, said, "First, our relationship is limited to the duration of the snow disaster. If we ever part ways, I hope you won’t reveal anything that happened here. As a public figure, if people find out what we did, my career would be over."
Zhang Yi slightly pursed his lips. Like Zhang Yuan Zheng and Cai Mingyu, she hoped society would return to normal after the disaster. Those who enjoyed societal benefits most were least willing to see it collapse.
"Alright, I promise not to reveal anything we did," Zhang Yi replied, easing her concerns. As a popular national idol, any relationship with her would excite men, making them eager to boast.
"Second, I’ll follow your requirements, but you can’t force me to do things I don’t want to do."
Her voice grew softer. She needed the courage to set such terms. She felt shame over using herself as a bargaining chip. Despite acting tough, she had lost her autonomy and was now at Zhang Yi’s mercy. She hoped he would respect her in some way.
Zhang Yi found joy in her mix of humiliation and shyness.
"I’ve learned my lesson. I used to value young girls, but now I see the appeal of mature women," Zhang Yi thought.
Moving closer, Zhang Yi’s approach frightened her. Her instinctive attempt to keep distance failed as he pulled her into his arms. Her face flushed, she looked away, unable to meet his gaze. Zhang Yi grinned, holding her chin to make her face him.
"You came to me willingly. Don’t act so pitiful. Even if it's a temporary arrangement, as a top actress, I expect your best performance. It’ll make me happier, and it’s better for you too, right?"
His domineering gaze made her heart tremble. Despite her hopes, she realized she had little choice.
"Fine, but you must agree to my conditions first," she insisted.
Zhang Yi laughed lightly. "Don’t worry. I’m not a demon. As long as you behave, I won’t make things too difficult for you."
"Not too difficult," he thought, "but I didn’t say not at all."
Yang Siya glared at him but could only pout in silent frustration.