CITM - 39

As they stepped out of the ballroom, the night was deep and slightly chilly. Bai Wenfu held Ye Yun’s hand tightly. Her gaze kept flickering toward his pants, and Bai Wenfu could naturally sense her mischievous curiosity. With a teasing tone, he said, “If you really want to see, I can find an empty place to let you feast your eyes.”

Ye Yun’s pale face instantly flushed red to her ears. “Don’t say such things. I wasn’t trying to look. I’m just worried about you.”

Bai Wenfu raised an eyebrow. “Worried about what?”

“I mean… if it doesn’t subside, will it hurt?”

“Subside what?”

“The fire.”

“... Hmm, that definitely won’t feel good.”

“What will happen?”

“It’ll be bad for your body.” Bai Wenfu replied with utter seriousness.

Ye Yun tilted her head. “Really?”

Seeing her eyes brimming with curiosity, Bai Wenfu couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head. His deep, smooth voice carried through the night, light and pleasant.

“Can I ask you another question?” Ye Yun hesitated for a moment before speaking again, feeling a bit embarrassed after being teased by him.

His eyes twinkled with amusement. “Ask away.”

“How long does it usually take for this ‘fire’ to subside once it starts?”

In all his years, Bai Wenfu had never been asked such an absurd question by a woman. He shot her a sidelong glance, wondering where her little mind came up with these curiosities. Then again, before coming to the city, she likely hadn’t been told much about such matters at home. Afterward, her time with Wenbin had been brief, and even when she first got together with him, she’d been like an innocent young girl. If not for knowing her feelings toward him, he might have thought he’d tricked her into bed.

With that in mind, Bai Wenfu answered earnestly, “It depends on the person. Everyone’s physical condition is different.”

Ye Yun murmured timidly, “Just tell me about you.”

A smirk tugged at the corner of Bai Wenfu’s lips. “Me? Hard to say.”

“Why is it hard to say?”

His smile deepened. “I’m afraid it might scare you if I tell you.”

“…” A subtle silence fell between them.

After a while, Ye Yun asked again, “Then… how did you deal with it before?”

“Did you enjoy the candied haws?”

He had brought some back for her last time when he went downtown. But Ye Yun didn’t understand what candied haws had to do with this topic, so she simply replied along with his words, “They were delicious.”

“Before you tried them, did you crave them?”

“Of course not.”

Bai Wenfu released her hand, his strong, muscular arm encircling her delicate neck. He pulled her close, lowering his head to whisper against her ear, “I only became addicted after meeting you. If you keep discussing this topic with me, there’s no going back.”

With that, he gently nibbled on her burning earlobe. Ye Yun had never been so intimate with anyone in public before; a mix of tingling excitement and nervousness coursed through her. She shyly tugged at his clothes, blushing, “I won’t say anything more.”

As they neared the newsstand, Ye Yun slowed her steps, creating distance between herself and Bai Wenfu. Understanding her intentions, he stopped walking.

Ye Yun walked into the stairwell, turned a corner, and looked into the distance. Her relaxed mood vanished without a trace. Stepping into this building felt like being enveloped by some invisible force, leaving her chest heavy and her breathing constricted. Her relationship with Bai Wenfu seemed to have reverted to months ago—separating when returning home and avoiding others. However, thinking that this phase would soon end, Ye Yun took a deep breath and strode upstairs.

When Wenbin saw Ye Yun’s figure in the corridor, he immediately approached her. “Where did you run off to?”

Avoiding his gaze, Ye Yun didn’t stop walking as she replied, “Just nearby. I closed the shop to deliver clothes to an old customer and chatted for a bit.”

Wenbin took a step forward, blocking her path, his brows furrowed. “You chatted for that long?”

Ye Yun stopped a few steps from home, lifting her head to meet his gaze with a faint smile. “Is that not allowed?”

Accusation? Criticism? Suspicion? At this moment, facing Ye Yun’s composed smile, Wenbin’s lips tightened, yet he couldn’t utter a single word.

Tong Mingfang hurriedly opened the door. “Come in already. It’s late.”

Ye Yun walked past Wenbin to the front door. Wenbin suddenly turned around, staring intensely at her back, his voice cold. “Big Brother went looking for you. Didn’t you see him?”

Ye Yun left behind a simple “No” and stepped inside.

Tong Mingfang observed her second son’s expression while urging Ye Yun to tidy up and rest. Meanwhile, she kept glancing outside, waiting for her eldest son to return. No one knew exactly what she was busy with, but she was bustling around the house like a whirlwind.

As usual, Ye Yun boiled hot water and carried the basin into the room. She rolled up her pant legs. From the living room, Wenbin watched her, his tall, lean figure resembling a flickering solitary lamp. Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, Ye Yun casually closed the door.

After finishing and changing into slippers, she emerged from the room to head to the washroom. On her way back, Wenbin called out to her, “Did you drink alcohol?”

Ye Yun paused slightly. Tong Mingfang watched silently, knowing her disapproval of women drinking. Ye Yun didn’t respond.

Wenbin pressed further, “Was your guest a man or a woman?”

“A woman,” Ye Yun replied.

Wenbin’s voice sharpened. “What kind of woman drags you out for drinks at night? What has happened to you?”

Ye Yun’s clear, beautiful eyes tightened as she suppressed her emotions, refusing to argue. She started toward her room, but Wenbin abruptly grabbed her elbow, anger flashing in his eyes. “I’m asking you a question!”

The sound of a lock turning echoed as Bai Wenfu pushed the door open, taking in the scene. In a low, steady voice, he commanded, “Let her go inside.”

He closed the door with a dull thud, causing both Ye Yun and Tong Mingfang’s hearts to jolt. As Bai Wenfu’s figure appeared in the room, an oppressive aura filled the space. Wenbin released his grip, and Ye Yun wasted no time retreating into her room.

Tong Mingfang urged, “Everyone should rest early,” and hastily entered her own room.

Wenbin clenched his fists, staring at the closed door, standing there until the lights in the room were extinguished.

When he finally shifted his gaze, his eyes were bloodshot. Bai Wenfu sat by the doorway, lighting a cigarette, meeting Wenbin’s stare.

This was the first time in over twenty years that the two brothers had faced each other in such a silent, tense confrontation. Neither gave ground.

...

The next day, Tong Mingfang planned to visit her uncle’s house with Wenbin. The last time they had gone was during the Spring Festival, and so much time had passed since then. Moreover, Wenbin’s recent affairs hadn’t been shared with the family yet, so Tong Mingfang decided to bring him along to visit their elderly grandmother, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time.

Bai Wenfu rarely interacted with his uncle’s family. Since childhood, his wild and unruly nature made him hard to control, and no one could tame him. Compared to the obedient and fair-skinned Wenbin, their grandmother favored him less. Additionally, due to the distance, they rarely met, and Bai Wenfu shared little emotional connection with her.

Still, the elder had aged, and despite the lack of interaction, every time Tong Mingfang visited, Bai Wenfu would send gifts to show respect.

Thus, early in the morning, Bai Wenfu accompanied Tong Mingfang to the market.

The previous night, Wenbin had intended to wait for Ye Yun to return and discuss skipping the tailor shop the next day so he could take her along to their uncle’s house.

But after waiting for hours, Ye Yun returned late, and the matter was left unspoken.

In the morning, Tong Mingfang advised Wenbin against bringing Ye Yun, citing the urgency of their departure and suggesting they discuss it another time. After a few attempts to persuade him, she wasn’t sure if he had listened. Rushing to the market with Bai Wenfu, she didn’t press the issue further.

Not long after they left, Wenbin approached Ye Yun, who was folding clothes in the room. She glanced up at him briefly before lowering her head to continue her task.

Recently, there had been no shortage of meat at home. Compared to when he first returned, Wenbin’s complexion had improved significantly, and after tidying himself up, he looked much more handsome.

The edge of the bed beside Ye Yun dipped slightly as Wenbin sat close to her. The movements of her hands slowed, feeling uneasy.

He was the first man she had ever grown close to. When she first came to the city, she had entrusted herself entirely to him, and back then, her feelings were sincere. Now, however, his presence felt unfamiliar to her, and being alone together in the same room made her uncomfortable.

“Last night, I spoke too hastily. I was mainly worried about your safety, so I apologize,” Wenbin said.

Ye Yun glanced at him briefly. Her calm demeanor didn’t mean she wasn’t upset. Bai Wenfu’s daily tolerance, guidance, and understanding had allowed her to experience what it felt like to be treated equally. Even when she socialized too closely with other men or sneaked out to drink, Bai Wenfu might have been displeased but never once scolded her harshly or questioned her integrity.

Wenbin leaned closer, trying to coax her. “Can we make up? I won’t be angry anymore. I’ll take you out.”

“I can’t go. I still have work,” Ye Yun replied.

“I already asked Lei Zi’s wife to inform Tailor Zhang on our behalf. You don’t need to go today.”

Ye Yun stopped folding clothes. “When did you tell her?”

“This morning. By now, his wife should have already left. Mother and I are going to see Grandma later. Come with me. She hasn’t met you yet, and this is a good opportunity. Once she sees you, she’ll definitely like you.”

Ye Yun froze. What identity would she assume if she went with Wenbin to meet his grandmother? If she went, everyone at their uncle’s house would know she was Wenbin’s wife. Afterward, if she continued to be with Bai Wenfu, everything would become chaotic.

After thinking it through, Ye Yun realized she absolutely couldn’t go. Calming herself, she softly explained to Wenbin, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I have an appointment with a customer today and can’t leave.”

Wenbin’s expression darkened. “Are your customers really that important? More important than us?”

Ye Yun lowered her gaze. “I promised, so I can’t break my word.”

The silence between them grew heavy, like the calm before a storm.

After a long pause, Wenbin asked, “And what about us? Can we just break our promise?”

Ye Yun’s fingertips trembled, and her eyes began to redden. She didn’t respond—couldn’t respond. Even if she broke her promise now, it was already too late to turn back.

Suddenly losing control, Wenbin snatched the clothes from her hands and hurled them against the wall. His voice erupted from deep within his throat. “I’m asking you about us ! Do you understand how much I’ve thought about you? Every day on that ship, the moment I opened my eyes, I marked the date on the wall, counting down the days until I could see you again. I didn’t even dare to think about dying! Even in unbearable pain, all I could think about was not leaving you behind. But what about you? Have you ever thought about me? Did you truly wish for me to come back?”

Each word pierced Ye Yun’s heart, searing her conscience.

She didn’t share his intense emotions. After Wenbin left home, she had felt lost and confused, but she couldn’t miss him as deeply as he claimed, even without Bai Wenfu in the picture.

Once again, Ye Yun was overwhelmed by a suffocating sense of guilt. It was the same feeling she had experienced when Tong Mingfang had angrily confronted her, demanding, “Doesn’t it bother you at all that Wenbin is gone?”

She couldn’t control her inner turmoil, nor could she explain why. Tears slid down her cheeks, delicate yet broken.

Seeing her cry made Wenbin’s breath catch. A single flutter of her lashes felt like someone twisting his heart.

He hadn’t meant to make her cry or pressure her, but things had spiraled out of control. He couldn’t restrain himself any longer.

Wenbin reached out and pulled her fragile body into a tight embrace. Ever since their reunion, he had longed to hold her like this. Now, unable to suppress his desire any further, he held her close.

The moment Ye Yun felt herself restrained, panic surged through her. She struggled fiercely, but against Wenbin, her efforts were futile. Despite his weakened state, he was still a man, and his arms locked around her with unyielding strength, stubborn and determined.

His cold voice whispered in her ear, each word deliberate: “You don’t have to come with me today. But when I return tomorrow, we’re going to get our marriage certificate.”

Ye Yun’s mind went blank. All her strength seemed to evaporate, her thoughts plunging into an icy abyss. She felt cornered, only a wall separating her from the truth. She didn’t know what to do.

As her struggles weakened, Wenbin felt the softness of her body against him for the first time in ages. Lowering his head, he inhaled her sweet scent. Countless times in his dreams, he had imagined conquering her beneath him, her fair and tender figure becoming the object of his obsession. Each time he dreamed of possessing her, his longing for her upon waking grew stronger.

The front door creaked open. Tong Mingfang stepped inside, glancing into the room. Startled, she dropped whatever she was holding and flung her arms out to stop Bai Wenfu from entering.

Bai Wenfu sensed something was wrong and brushed Tong Mingfang’s arm aside. What he saw was Wenbin embracing Ye Yun on their mother’s bed. Instantly, an icy aura emanated from him. “What the hell are you doing on Mom’s bed?” he growled.

Ye Yun jolted in fear, struggling to break free. Wenbin released her and lowered his head.

The chilling energy radiating from Bai Wenfu sent a shiver down Tong Mingfang’s spine. Hurriedly, she rushed forward, grabbing Wenbin and dragging him toward the door. “What were you thinking, coming into my room like this? This is unacceptable! Grab your things and leave immediately!”

Without sparing Bai Wenfu a glance, Wenbin silently picked up his bags and walked out.

The door slammed shut, and the atmosphere in the house plummeted to freezing levels. Ye Yun curled up, her back to Bai Wenfu as tears streamed down her face.

His shadow loomed over her. Before she could react, he scooped her up in his arms. His face was terrifyingly dark, exuding danger that made Ye Yun tremble with fear.

Carrying her out of the room, Bai Wenfu kicked away a stool blocking his path. Ye Yun shook violently. He strode directly to his own room, locked the door behind him, and tossed her onto the bed. His eyes burned with suppressed fury.

Ye Yun met his gaze, shrinking toward the corner of the bed as she tried to explain through sobs: “I pushed him with all my strength... but I couldn’t push him away. He said...”

“What did he say?” Bai Wenfu removed his jacket and threw it onto a chair, loosening his collar.

Ye Yun hugged her knees, curling into a trembling ball. Weak cries escaped her throat. “He said… tomorrow he’ll take me to get the marriage certificate.”

A murderous aura enveloped Bai Wenfu. Dark clouds churned in his eyes, and his sharp features tensed with visible veins. He let out a cold snort, his expression hardening.

Approaching the bed, he grabbed her delicate ankle and pulled her beneath him. The icy glint in his eyes instantly transformed into an unstoppable wave of heat.

Tears streamed down her face as he kissed her eyelids, the tip of her nose, and finally her lips. Slowly, he soothed her overwhelming distress. Gradually, Ye Yun’s tears subsided, and she began to respond to his kisses, her thoughts consumed by the fiery passion he ignited within her.

Bai Wenfu had intended to kiss away her tears and comfort her, to stop her crying. But the image of Wenbin holding her replayed in his mind over and over, fueling the fire burning within him. There she was beneath him—charming, enchanting, and tender. As a man, he understood perfectly what Wenbin wanted.

Bai Wenfu reached up to unbutton Ye Yun’s clothes, his eyes clouded with a storm of desire. “It’s always been like this with him. Whatever he wants, he’ll find a way to make me give it to him.”

He gripped her waist and lifted her.

“He’s younger, so I didn’t argue with him. As long as he asked, I’d give it to him.”

Ye Yun was placed gently on the soft bedding as layer after layer of clothing was removed.

“One time, I made a slingshot. He coveted it and took it without my permission. Later, he accidentally hit a child in the face, nearly blinding the poor kid.”

Her flawless, jade-like body came into view, and Bai Wenfu’s desire erupted uncontrollably.

“After losing the slingshot, he ran back home. When others discovered it belonged to me, they came to our house.”

He captured her ankle again, placing it over his shoulder.

“I took responsibility for it and warned him—if he ever touched my things again without permission, he wouldn’t have me as a brother anymore.”

Leaning down, his gaze fierce, he continued, “For years, he’s stayed within those boundaries.”

A trace of bitterness flickered across Bai Wenfu’s lips, and his eyes reflected deep sorrow. “I’ve never fought him over anything. Our family has always favored him—his education, career, future—I’ve considered everything for him. I thought he’d at least acknowledge all the care I’ve given him over the years, respect the fact that I’m his older brother.”

“But he crossed the line... because of you.”

With a sudden shift, Bai Wenfu pressed down on her waist, unleashing a torrent of passion.

The darkness in his eyes swirled like raging waves, drowning her completely. Ye Yun arched her back, her hollow heart suddenly filled. Together, they shed their burdens and reached the shores of each other’s souls.

Until... the front door creaked open, and someone entered the house, pounding on the bedroom door.