Chapter 10

Although Jiang Yanzhou had moved out at a young age, his room here was still regularly cleaned.

This man had always been devoid of hobbies, completely unlike his younger brother, Song Luo.

Song Luo’s room was plastered with posters of Kobe Bryant, and his bookshelf was filled with Dragon Ball and One Piece manga.

In contrast, Jiang Yanzhou’s room was starkly minimalist—neutral colors, basic furniture, and nothing else.

The bed looked plush, freshly made with new sheets in preparation for Jiang Yanzhou’s return.

Song Zhi flopped down onto it, sinking into its softness like she was falling into cotton.

She let out a satisfied sigh. At least the bed was decent enough.

Jiang Yanzhou sat on the couch, pausing thoughtfully: “You didn’t have to say those things to her.”

Song Zhi retorted: “I can’t stand people who are more shameless than me.”

Jiang Yanzhou said nothing further, and the room fell into an eerie silence.

Song Zhi even wondered if he had left.

She sat up from the bed.

To her surprise, Jiang Yanzhou was still seated in the same spot, unmoving.

Song Zhi asked him: “How could you just sit there without saying anything back when she was acting like that?”

He replied indifferently: “It wasn’t necessary.”

Song Zhi felt exasperated. He never showed mercy when he was angry with her, so why did he suddenly turn into a coward now?

“How is it unnecessary? She’s trying to drive a wedge between you and your father.”

“That relationship doesn’t matter to me.”

His tone was calm and detached, leaving Song Zhi momentarily stunned.

She realized for the first time how indifferent Jiang Yanzhou was toward familial bonds.

But then again, unless you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes, you shouldn’t judge them too harshly.

Song Zhi felt she had no right to comment on this matter.

“Are you going home tonight, or staying here to sleep?”

She pressed down on the soft mattress. “Let’s stay here tonight. I really like this bed.”

Jiang Yanzhou stood up and took her bag from the table: “If you like it, I’ll have someone buy an identical one tomorrow.”

It seemed he didn’t want to stay here a moment longer.

This rare display of thoughtfulness—helping her carry her bag—wasn’t lost on Song Zhi. Grudgingly, she decided to humor him and obediently got up.

“While you’re at it, buy the same duck-down comforter. I love this one.”

He nodded, naturally draping the bag’s chain around her neck: “Make a list of what you want, and I’ll have my assistant buy everything tomorrow.”

The weight around her neck caused her to pause mid-step, and it took her a moment to process what had just happened.

Then she laughed in disbelief.

What nerve this bastard had.

She suddenly stopped walking, and Jiang Yanzhou turned around: “What’s wrong?”

This heartless dog, Song Zhi was so furious steam nearly came out of her ears.

“Jiang Yanzhou,” she called his full name, her tone sharp.

He slightly lowered his gaze: “?”

Song Zhi spoke four words in rapid succession, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jiang Yanzhou didn’t catch it and leaned closer: “What did you say?”

She teasingly played coy: “I’m not telling you.”

Jiang Yanzhou’s tone remained indifferent: “Oh.”

Song Zhi felt herself teetering on the edge of an explosion. She deeply regretted not siding with Ji Weimin earlier to insult this despicable man together.

Stubbornly, she plopped back onto the bed: “I’m spending the night here. You can go home by yourself.”

He gently asked: “Not worried about being unable to sleep in a strange bed?”

Song Zhi snapped back: “None of your business! I’ll sleep wherever I want.”

This little girl had been raised in luxury, surrounded by people who doted on her. Her personality was spoiled and indulged.

But her attempts to lash out were harmless—like a kitten swatting at you. Even when she tried to scratch, it didn’t hurt; instead, it only made her seem cuter.

Jiang Yanzhou quietly observed her for a few seconds before nodding compliantly: “Alright, I’ll come pick you up tomorrow.”

Song Zhi’s eyes widened in shock. Did such a despicable man truly exist?

Couldn’t he tell she was angry? Didn’t he know to soothe her with a few words?

The room fell silent once again. The soft click of the door sounded, and just as Song Zhi thought Jiang Yanzhou had left—

The door was gently closed again. He had returned. The familiar scent of eucalyptus mingled with the room’s incense, creating an intoxicating chemical reaction.

Addictive.

Jiang Yanzhou approached her: “Why are you angry?”

He knew she was upset but still dared to ask such questions?

Around her neck still hung the chain bag Jiang Yanzhou had personally placed there.

Her head was bowed, and the corners of her eyes drooped slightly, like a wronged little kitten.

That bag wasn’t heavy at all, yet she acted as though it weighed her down completely.

Song Zhi declared indignantly: “Do you have any sense of chivalry?”

For some reason, Jiang Yanzhou was momentarily taken aback by her sudden mention of chivalry. But after a brief pause, he understood what she implied.

Jiang Yanzhou didn’t know much about women’s accessories. After Song Zhi’s explanation in the car, he assumed this was merely a decorative item shaped like a bag.

He genuinely questioned: “Didn’t you say it was too plain?”

She had indeed said something like that…

But to gain the upper hand in their argument, Song Zhi straightened her posture: “This outfit looks great on its own!”

He silently appraised her, then offered his concise opinion: “It’s definitely too plain.”

...

Fuck! What an obnoxious straight man!

Song Zhi couldn’t take it anymore: “You bastard, you only know how to bully me!”

Even her petulant cursing sounded flirtatious.

She moved closer, her eyes glistening with feigned tears.

Under the soft lighting, his eyelashes lowered slightly, and his jawline tensed momentarily. As he caught a whiff of her unique fragrance, his Adam’s apple bobbed faintly with a swallow.

Song Zhi wiped away imaginary tears: “Don’t you want to know what I said earlier?”

Referring to the four words she had muttered rapidly before.

Jiang Yanzhou wasn’t particularly interested, but he still nodded: “Tell me.”

She pursed her lips: “But I’m afraid you’ll be upset.”

Jiang Yanzhou arched an eyebrow: “Upset? Me?”

She nodded, seemingly embarrassed: “Those words were… a bit… vulgar.”

Song Zhi often spouted crude remarks, especially during their intimate moments.

Jiang Yanzhou had long grown accustomed to it—and truth be told, he didn’t mind.

Her legs fidgeted restlessly, nearly bumping into a nearby stool several times. Jiang Yanzhou pushed it aside and reassured her softly: “I’m not mad at you.”

“Really?”

He nodded: “Mm.”

That single word was like a pardon, granting her immunity. Song Zhi’s soft, boneless arms wrapped around his waist, her body inching closer, as light and ethereal as clouds drifting across the horizon.

Jiang Yanzhou’s deep eyes gradually darkened with desire. He locked the door, then reached around to undo the buttons on her back.

The little girl parted her crimson lips, her breath warm and sensual, brushing against his ear like feathers.

“You bastard, I—”