Taking Advantage, Then Trying to Run - Chapter 11

I fled from Hai Yan and returned to my own life.

That life was as simple as ever: work, work, and more work.

This was better, I sighed.

If I only had to think about work, everything was manageable. Feelings were too extravagant and far too troublesome. Best not to touch them.

The person delivering Hai Yan’s meals reported that she had fully recovered and could return to work.

I told them to stop going. There was no need to disturb her any longer.

The days passed one after another.

Somehow, nothing felt quite the same as before.

Work alone had once made my life feel full.

Now, no matter how completely I packed my schedule, one place inside me remained hollow, as though a piece were missing.

I raked an irritated hand through my hair.

Forget it. I’d find a college boy and work off the frustration.

I went to the university gate I used to frequent. When I spotted a student I liked, I invited him into my car.

At the sight of my silver sports car, he climbed in without a second thought.

“Jiejie, where are we going for our drive?”

See how sweet college boys were? He knew to call me Jiejie the moment he got in.

Unlike a certain someone, who’d had to be taught.

My gaze wavered before I quickly pulled myself back.

Why was I thinking about her again?

I forced up my spirits and a smile. “Why don’t we have dinner? I know an excellent buffet with all-you-can-eat lobster and king crab.”

“Yes, please!”

I let out a long breath and pressed the accelerator.

—

The meal delighted both host and guest.

The young man understood the game. I gave him no more than a few meaningful looks, and he caught every hint.

Afterward, he followed me home as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

When we got out of the car, he trailed behind me and boldly placed a hand on my waist.

I gently removed it.

“Little brother, we only met today. Don’t rush.”

“Sorry, Jiejie. I had a little wine and got carried away.”

He grinned, not discouraged in the least by my rejection. Instead, he leaned closer. “Can I go up to your place for a glass of water?”

I looked at him.

He had a young face too.

The arms exposed by his short sleeves were solid and strong.

I was sure the body beneath his clothes wouldn’t disappoint.

But…

All my interest suddenly vanished.

No.

More accurately, I’d never been interested in him from the start.

I’d imagined a young man could help ease the knot inside me.

Instead, he’d only made me more restless.

I inhaled deeply, then slowly breathed out.

“I’m sorry. I’m tired tonight. Another time, all right?” I gave him a strained smile. “It’s easy to get a taxi here. Go home, and I’ll reimburse the fare.”

I turned toward the building.

Before I’d taken two steps, someone yanked me back.

The force threw me off balance, and I fell against him.

He wrapped his arms around me, his smile carrying an ugly edge. “What’s wrong, Jiejie? Got cold feet at the finish line?”

I rested against him without struggling.

I understood boys like this. Resistance only excited them.

I touched his face and smiled brightly. “Do you know what kind of little brother Jiejie likes best?”

“What kind?”

“Obedient ones.”

I patted his cheek and blew softly against his ear.

“Jiejie still has work tonight. I’ll call you when I have time. Be good.”

Only after squeezing his chin did I straighten in his arms.

“Go home. Clingy boys aren’t cute.”

He studied me for a long moment, then shrugged. “Fine.”

He turned and walked away.

I watched his back recede and finally exhaled in relief.

When I turned around, I found the face that had visited my thoughts every day.