Chapter 28: Love

Su Ling felt as if she were floating in a light mist, incredibly thirsty.

Time seemed to blur; she thought it was midnight at the villa. The man’s presence was familiar, but her eyelids felt weighed down by a thousand pounds, impossible to open.

Su Ling thought she might be sick and softly murmured, “Qin Xiao, I think I’m ill. I’m so thirsty.”

The man was silent for a moment.

She waited for what felt like an eternity before a cup was placed at her lips.

Su Ling’s face flushed red, and instinctively, she drank whatever was in the cup. It tasted strange... In her daze, she thought it might be alcohol.

Qin Xiao, expressionless, had fed her a glass of red wine.

The young girl curled up on the sofa, her hair disheveled.

Under the starry sky above, with lights flickering about, his face alternated between shadow and light. Not unattractive, but not particularly handsome either.

Perhaps if she had called out another name, he might have been so enraged that he could have strangled her.

But Qin Xiao didn’t dwell on such hypotheticals; after all, capitalism only valued tangible results.

Su Ling was weak, struggling to open her eyes even a little. Her surroundings were dark, yet stars seemed visible. She blinked and looked at the man beside her.

He loomed over her, but the light was too dim to make out his expression.

However, Su Ling recognized his silhouette. Her hand weakly rested on her forehead. “Qin Xiao, what did I just drink?”

“Wine,” he replied indifferently. A rather strong one, too.

She didn’t understand, but the alcohol emboldened her. The effects of her earlier drink had worn off, and now she was feeling drunk again.

Her beautiful face turned a deep shade of pink, losing some of its innocence while gaining an aura of allure.

“Why did you give me alcohol?” Light danced across her long lashes and pure black eyes.

He brushed aside strands of hair from her cheeks. “Because I was angry.”

“Why are you angry?” She became a bundle of questions.

Qin Xiao’s eyes betrayed no emotion as he stated coldly, “You don’t like me.”

That much was true, she nodded.

He sneered.

Thinking about strangling her, his hand hovered near her neck, then slowly caressed it. Once touching her, he couldn’t bear to let go.

He lifted her shirt slightly, his fingers lightly revealing her delicate collarbone.

Her creamy skin stood out starkly against the darkness.

He touched her a few times; her skin was smooth and soft, with a warmth that contrasted his icy fingertips.

Though he didn’t continue further, his body betrayed an honest reaction.

Qin Xiao stood up and went to borrow a cigarette from young Master Fang.

He smoked right next to Su Ling, his gaze still fixed on her. It was too dark here, nobody could see her clearly. The dance floor was lively, the noise overwhelming; she seemed uncomfortable, her low tolerance making her sleepy.

The smell of smoke filled this small area, causing Su Ling to cough delicately.

Expressionlessly, he stubbed out the half-smoked cigarette.

He wanted to torment her to death, to end everything.

Yet he remained motionless.

He desired her love, not her hatred. When love proved unattainable, perhaps hate would suffice.

But now wasn’t the time.

Through her haze, Su Ling heard loud noises, followed by the sound of a table being overturned.

A female voice exclaimed, “Ling Ling!”

Then came the surprised and angry voice of a young man, “Su Ling!”

The dark world suddenly brightened as someone turned on the lights. The sudden brightness made her squint, and the next moment, her eyes were covered by a hand.

The hand was devoid of warmth, cold like ice.

But it woke Su Ling somewhat. She parted her lips, recalling the girl’s voice calling her, “Yun Bu?”

The young man’s voice sounded familiar too, like Ni Hao Yan.

Neither Yun Bu nor Ni Hao Yan heard anything; only Qin Xiao who covered her eyes heard them.

Qin Xiao curved his lips, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Wan Bai Bai turned on the lights. She was furious, filled with pent-up anger. “Young Master Qin, what happened to Ling Ling?”

Qin Xiao ignored her.

Gritting her teeth, Wan Bai Bai moved forward, but the hall lit up brightly. Ni Hao Yan was held back by the guards at the door. Yun Bu was also stopped from entering.

Qin Xiao watched with interest, as if observing two fish on a chopping block.

Guo Ming Yan tightly held onto Wan Bai Bai, “Oh my ancestors, don’t cause trouble.” While others couldn’t tell Qin Xiao’s emotions, Guo Ming Yan, who had grown up with him, knew very well. Qin Xiao was angry, and anyone who crossed him would be unlucky.

Wan Bai Bai was fuming. She momentarily lost sight of Su Ling, and Qin Xiao had done something to her, which made her feel partly responsible.

But Guo Ming Yan was a man, and she couldn’t break free.

Wan Bai Bai considered stomping on him, but seeing her ten-centimeter heels, she raised her foot and then retracted it.

Guo Ming Yan knew Qin Xiao appeared abnormal and quickly said, “Let’s wait and see.” This was a rare idiom he, as someone uneducated, knew how to use.

The music from the dance floor had stopped. Everyone present exchanged looks, realizing Qin Xiao was in a bad mood and avoiding provoking him.

Ni Hao Yan had his hands pinned behind his back, his eyes bloodshot. “Su Ling!” He kept struggling fiercely, but the guards showed no mercy, exerting full force to restrain him.

People were allowed upstairs by Qin Xiao; otherwise, Ni Hao Yan and Yun Bu wouldn’t have reached the third floor. Security at Cloud Pavilion was top-notch.

The staff consisted of bodyguards, not regular security.

The boy couldn’t break free, unaware of Su Ling’s condition. He was too far away and only knew she was on the sofa.

Qin Xiao was like a territorial tyrant, forbidding anyone from approaching Su Ling. After covering her eyes for a while, he removed his hand. She blinked and saw his face.

He looked extremely angry.

His anger was restrained, almost hysterical, hidden beneath a veneer of calm, making it even more chilling.

The wine was too strong for her. Though she sensed something was wrong, her thoughts were sluggish.

Qin Xiao helped her up and chuckled softly. “Two interesting people have arrived.”

Su Ling clutched his arm. “Qin Xiao.”

“Hmm?”

“Don’t do this.”

He gave a noncommittal smile.

If he couldn’t touch her, couldn’t he touch others? She cared about them, but never about him.

Yun Bu had no idea what was going on. When Ni Hao Yan came looking for Su Ling, Yun Bu realized it was Su Ling’s birthday. Neither Su Ling nor Yun Bu paid much attention to this day, likely due to family issues.

Upon learning Ni Hao Yan was Su Ling’s cousin, Yun Bu informed him that Su Ling was at Cloud Pavilion. Immediately, the boy’s face changed, and Yun Bu realized something was amiss. They hurried over together.

Yun Bu was frantic, worried Su Ling had been wronged. “Ling Ling!”

Hearing her voice, Su Ling steadied her dizzy head. Something felt off, but she couldn’t pinpoint what.

After all, Su Ling’s memories from her past life were vivid. If she had to distinguish, this life felt more like an illusion.

Yet subconsciously, she knew how to handle this situation.

Her small hand tugged at his sleeve, her voice soft and pleading. “Qin Xiao, let’s go home.”

For a second, the coldness in his eyes froze. Initially, he intended to deal with the Ni family brat, but now he hesitated. He glanced at her tightly gripping his sleeve and gently stroked her cheek. “Do you know what you’re saying?”

How could she be so infuriating yet so endearing when drunk?

Su Ling certainly didn’t know.

Her eyes wet, she pleaded, “Let’s go home.”

He chuckled. “Alright.”

Then he leaned down and picked her up. Surprisingly, she complied this time, neither hitting nor kicking him. Her pale arms loosely encircled his neck.

As Qin Xiao carried her past the doorway, Ni Hao Yan’s eyes reddened with anger. “Su Ling, what’s wrong with you? What did he do to you?”

Struggling to focus, Su Ling recognized him as her cousin.

She was momentarily confused. Back when she broke her leg, Ni Hao Yan hadn’t been able to take her away. Later, Qin Xiao forbade him from coming. Why was he here now? Didn’t Qin Xiao threaten to break his legs?

Anxious, Su Ling looked up at the man holding her.

Feeling her gaze, he smirked. “What?”

Fearing Qin Xiao might harm Ni Hao Yan, she smiled sweetly at him. “I won’t leave with him. I’ll go home with you.” Her smile was pure and innocent, like freshly bloomed peach blossoms, swaying attractively.

Qin Xiao’s pupils contracted.

Almost involuntarily, an indescribable joy welled up inside him.

This was the tender, adorable image he had yearned for day and night.

He adored this feeling.

Though the change was abrupt and puzzling, it didn’t dampen his spirits. In front of Ni Hao Yan and Yun Bu, he leaned down and kissed her cheek.

With half-closed eyes, she touched her cheek in confusion.

Qin Xiao genuinely smiled this time.

Witnessing this stranger’s audacious behavior, Ni Hao Yan was nearly driven mad. Especially since his foolish cousin still appeared so naïve.

Like an enraged young beast, he shouted, “I’ll kill you! Let her go!”

The guards felt Ni Hao Yan’s violent movements and tightened their grip. Yun Bu heard clearly the sound of bones cracking; evidently, his wrist was dislocated. Yet Ni Hao Yan seemed unfazed, his red eyes intent on biting a chunk out of Qin Xiao.

Yun Bu paled.

Qin Xiao sneered, not even glancing at him, and carried Su Ling downstairs.

Wan Bai Bai was livid at this turn of events. She glared at Guo Ming Yan. “This is your so-called ‘wait and see’!”

Guo Ming Yan: “...” No, what does this have to do with him?

Wan Bai Bai knew these two must be Su Ling’s friends; earlier, when they chatted, Su Ling mentioned someone would come to pick her up.

She quickly went over. “Let them go.”

The people at Cloud Pavilion didn’t listen to her. Guo Ming Yan said, “Let them go, let them go.”

Ni Hao Yan was released. His face was pale, but his eyes were bloodshot. As soon as they let go, he tried to chase downstairs.

Yun Bu was more rational. “Ni Hao Yan, don’t act rashly. He drove away; you can’t catch up now. We...” She wanted to suggest they call the police.

But seeing the many wealthy and influential people at Cloud Pavilion, and unsure of their relationship with the man from earlier, she refrained from casually suggesting this.

Ni Hao Yan wasn’t stupid and immediately understood it was futile to chase now.

He pursed his lips, finally feeling the pain of his dislocated wrist.

Wan Bai Bai was also anxious. Qin Xiao’s temper... was truly terrifying.

She said, “Guo Ming Yan, I’ll return everything you lent me. You bring Su Ling back.”

Guo Ming Yan thought to himself, do you think I’m not afraid of Qin Xiao?

But at this moment, he couldn’t show cowardice in front of everyone. With wide-open eyes, he lied, “The problem is... I don’t know where Brother Xiao went.”

With so many properties, how would he know where Qin Xiao had taken her?

And seeing that he left in a good mood, it seemed unlikely anything major would happen.

Wan Bai Bai sneered. “Birds of a feather flock together.” She shouldn’t have trusted him. She checked on Ni Hao Yan’s condition. “Are you Su Ling’s friend? Don’t worry for now. We’ll call the police. Go to the hospital to get your injury treated.”

The young man pursed his lips and shook his head. Ni Hao Yan noticed that Wan Bai Bai and Qin Xiao weren’t part of the same group. That man’s aura was too fierce. He was deeply concerned about Su Ling.

“I’m fine, Sister Yun Bu. Call the police.” His hand wouldn’t move.

Zhan Lei patted Nuan Nuan’s head, walked over, and shot Guo Ming Yan a sidelong glance. Hmph, impressive.

Swaying indecisively.

“Miss Wan, others may be ignorant, but haven’t you heard about Young Master Qin’s temperament?”

Wan Bai Bai gritted her teeth, remembering Su Ling’s sincere happiness and gratitude from earlier. She took out her phone and called the police.

Whatever happens, happens! I started from nothing anyway!

When Qin Xiao drove back to Songshan Villa, Aunt Ding heard the engine noise from afar and eagerly welcomed him. “Young Master is back.”

Mrs. Wen didn’t care for Qin Xiao, but Aunt Ding had taken care of him for several years and was fond of him.

Qin Xiao nodded. “Aunt Ding.”

But Aunt Ding saw him carefully carrying a girl out of the driver’s seat.

The girl’s face was buried in his chest, unclear in appearance, but her exposed arms were fair and slender.

Aunt Ding beamed with joy. Oh, this was the first time the young master brought a girl home!

Perhaps she would be the future mistress.

Qin Xiao carried her upstairs, with Aunt Ding following behind.

Qin Xiao said, “Prepare some water for her to wash.”

Aunt Ding happily responded, went to the bathroom, and prepared the water.

Then she came out to see the girl placed on the bed, with Qin Xiao taking off her shoes.

Finally, the girl’s face was revealed. Aunt Ding felt a jolt in her heart; this girl was stunningly beautiful—far surpassing Mrs. Wen in her youth.

And her young master was taking off the girl’s shoes!

Aunt Ding quickly said, “Young Master, let me do it. I’ll help this young lady. You rest for a bit.”

Qin Xiao had already removed her socks, revealing a delicate, white foot.

Aunt Ding promptly pulled him up. “I’ll help this young lady undress. Young Master, you rest for a moment.”

Qin Xiao: “...”

Turning around, Aunt Ding saw his gaze fixed on the girl’s exposed foot. Sweat formed on his forehead. Aunt Ding removed Su Ling’s shoes, carefully covered her with a blanket, and considerately lowered the air conditioning a few degrees.

Qin Xiao turned and exited the room. “Aunt Ding, wash her.”

He instinctively touched below his nose; no nosebleed, but his breathing was hot.

Aunt Ding was unaware of this peculiar habit of his. Besides Su Ling, no one else knew. He himself hadn’t even realized it before.

He stayed outside for a while, wanting to smoke.

The villa was quiet at this hour.

He closed his eyes briefly; his mood was still irritable.

Qin Xiao entered the room again. Aunt Ding had already helped Su Ling undress. The bathroom door was ajar. Aunt Ding probably didn’t expect him to return so soon. “Young Master?”

The young girl lay in the bathtub, her exposed skin milky white.

His Adam’s apple moved slightly. Screw restraint; he was about to say he’d take over.

Su Ling opened her eyes; her lashes still glistened with moisture.

But the hot water had sobered her up by forty percent.

She stared at him with wide eyes.

In the foggy steam, he hadn’t seen anything yet. Qin Xiao cursed inwardly. He forced a smile. “I’ll step out. Take your time washing.”

Aunt Ding found nothing unusual. Su Ling, still a bit dizzy, recognized Aunt Ding. “Aunt Ding, please close the door for me.”

Only after closing the door did Aunt Ding find something odd and then rejoiced. “Miss, do you know Aunt Ding? Did the young master mention me to you?”

Su Ling’s face gradually changed.

She surveyed her surroundings. The remaining sixty percent of her drunkenness vanished instantly in fear.

This wasn’t those five years from her past life...

Things from Cloud Pavilion slowly came back to her. Recalling her words, she felt awful. Reincarnation was an unbelievable concept, and she initially planned not to tell anyone. She mixed up the Qin Xiao from her past and present lives, saying things she shouldn’t have.

And Ni Hao Yan and Yun Bu—what happened to them?

The worst scenario was that this familiar place was the villa where she spent five years with Qin Xiao.

She had returned somehow.

“Is Miss the young master’s girlfriend? You’re so beautiful.” Aunt Ding smiled warmly, admiring not just her beauty but her figure as well. All the right curves, porcelain-like skin, vibrant and alluring.

The young master has excellent taste.

Su Ling clenched her teeth, her face grim.

“No.”

“!” Aunt Ding was momentarily stunned, then awkwardly smiled, fearing Su Ling might be offended. Softly, she said, “It’s Aunt Ding’s mistake. Miss, take your time washing. Let Aunt Ding know if you need anything.”

Although Su Ling disliked Qin Xiao, Aunt Ding was genuinely a kind person.

During those five years of her past life, Aunt Ding loved and pitied her, treating Su Ling like a daughter.

Su Ling softly thanked her.

Aunt Ding stepped out to see Qin Xiao smoking in the corridor, visibly agitated.

Aunt Ding cautiously suggested, “Young Master, shall I prepare a room for that young lady?”

Qin Xiao’s long fingers held the cigarette. “No need. She sleeps with me.”

“...” Aunt Ding sighed, “Alright.” Recalling the pretty young girl’s expression earlier, it seemed she didn’t particularly like her young master.

Childless, Aunt Ding truly cared for Qin Xiao. After some thought, she feared he might make a mistake and advised, “Don’t do anything reckless, Young Master.”

He flicked the ash off his cigarette. “Hmm.”

No one could control Qin Xiao’s temper. Helpless, Aunt Ding could only go downstairs.

After the smell of smoke dissipated somewhat, Qin Xiao entered. Su Ling, now fully awake, was terrified and had no intention of bathing. She didn’t wear the robe Aunt Ding prepared, instead changing into her own clothes. Just as she exited the bathroom, Qin Xiao pushed the door open.

“...” Her round almond eyes widened in shock at the sight of him, as if she had received a tremendous fright.

Qin Xiao chuckled. “So, you’re sober now? Come here, let’s settle accounts.”

Su Ling didn’t know whether to be more frightened of what he might have guessed or of her current predicament.

She refused to move.

Qin Xiao calmly commanded, “Come here. Don’t make me say it a third time.”

Su Ling was afraid of him. This place, this situation, reminded her of scenes from her past life when she was under someone’s control.

She told herself not to be afraid and to first smooth things over.

But psychological suggestion had little effect; she was still scared...

Su Ling knew the principle of striking first. She walked over and softly accused him, “You drugged me.”

Her timid demeanor made Qin Xiao sneer. So soft and powerless, utterly lacking intimidation.

Qin Xiao: “No, not me.” Though he tacitly acknowledged it with ulterior motives, it indeed wasn’t him, and it wasn’t any drug.

Engaging with him, her coy demeanor was clearly insufficient. Qin Xiao’s tone turned cold. “Miss Su apparently has a lover. Shouldn’t you introduce us?”

His words hit the mark, precisely striking her biggest fear.

Su Ling shook her head, her heart racing. “No, I was drunk and spoke nonsense.”

Qin Xiao chuckled, “Do you think I’m stupid? Hmm?”

Her lips turned slightly pale.

Qin Xiao stood up, towering over her by a head, exuding a strong sense of pressure. “Su Ling.” He lowered his head to look at her. “Be honest, and I’ll let you off, okay?”

She backed away continuously, too scared to respond.

“I need to return to school.”

Qin Xiao grabbed her wrist, his eyes devoid of amusement.

Su Ling was getting anxious. “These are my affairs, none of your business.”

Yes, all these are my matters in this life. I’ve repaid everything I owed him. He has no right to interfere.

Qin Xiao paused briefly.

He spoke in a cold voice, “It’s related.”

Su Ling looked up, his pupils black as ink. He repeated, “It’s related.”

She suddenly feared what he was about to say next.

But her wrist was firmly gripped by the man.

The September night gradually cooled, the air conditioning set too low, spreading a faint chill through the air.

A faint scent of tobacco emanated from him.

Su Ling heard him speak each word distinctly, “Because I like you.”

Rarely had she heard such a confession, and her ears turned red.

He smiled, “Su Ling, did you hear clearly? Because I love you.”

She bit her lip, her cheeks flushed crimson. “Qin Xiao, don’t... don’t joke like this.”

Love her? How could that be possible?

She believed him when he said he liked her. Everyone has things they like, like a dish or a flower. To Qin Xiao, she was just a woman who suited his tastes—from her face to her body.

Qin Xiao had never said he loved her; this was the first time.

Su Ling didn’t believe it. He loved no one.

Her eyelashes quivered slightly, unsure which topic frightened her more. “I’m telling the truth. There’s no one else, no one. You can check.”

As she spoke, her clear, black-and-white eyes looked at him. Indeed, there was no one else except him.

Qin Xiao narrowed his eyes. He was a shrewd person and knew she wasn’t lying.

When she lied, she felt ashamed first, making her entire demeanor uncomfortable.

Yet this situation had many loopholes. She hated him so much, so why would she follow him home and call this place “home”?

And earlier, that intoxicating smile she gave him when she was drunk—so obedient and enchanting—was simply… damn, exactly what he liked.

It was as if someone had trained her according to his preferences.

Qin Xiao remained composed and smiled. “Alright, I believe you. Let’s sleep now.”