WG - 61

“……”

Chi Yan seemed to have not expected him to respond in such a manner. He paused for a moment, then suddenly smiled.

The coldness in his eyes melted away, as if an iceberg was thawing. “Hello, I am Chi Zhiyu’s father.”

After saying that, he seemed to recognize Xie Ye as well, and realization dawned on him. “Oh, it’s the boy from the house across the street. No wonder I didn’t recognize you earlier—my apologies.”

“You don’t need to apologize,” Xie Ye said, observing the smile on his face. “You don’t come here often, so it would be abnormal for you to recognize me.”

There was nothing wrong with what he said, but upon closer inspection, it came off as an insult.

Moreover, Xie Ye spoke in a lazy tone, addressing him with icy indifference and formality, devoid of any respect.

It only added to the sarcasm.

Chi Zhiyu snapped out of her thoughts, tightening her grip on Xie Ye’s hand slightly as she looked at the person across from them.

Chi Yan appeared unfazed, showing no trace of anger. Hearing Xie Ye’s words, he chuckled softly, choosing not to respond directly. Instead, he turned his head toward Chi Zhiyu and said, “Remember to come home early. Your mother is waiting for you.”

Chi Zhiyu frowned slightly and urged him, “Please take your time leaving.”

Chi Yan nodded. The car window slowly rose, and the driver, following instructions, pressed the accelerator and started the car.

The vehicle gradually moved away from the street.

Inside the backseat, Chi Yan glanced at the figures retreating behind him through the window. His expression remained calm.

Then, he turned his gaze forward. The secretary sitting in the front passenger seat picked up a phone, turning to signal him. “Chairman Chi, it’s Madam’s call.”

Chi Yan showed no particular expression as he calmly replied, “Hang up.”

“Yes.”

The car continued driving for a while until Chi Yan seemed to recall something. He spoke, “Look into which Xie family Xie Ye belongs to.”

The secretary was momentarily surprised but quickly nodded. “Yes, Chairman Chi.”

________________________________________

After watching Chi Yan’s car drive away, Chi Zhiyu turned to Xie Ye and smiled faintly. “Let’s go.”

Xie Ye stared at her expression and gave a nonchalant “Mm.”

The two resumed walking, with Chi Zhiyu seemingly lost in thought about other matters, remaining silent.

Xie Ye walked beside her, gently swinging their intertwined hands.

“Hmm?” Chi Zhiyu came back to herself, turning her head to look at him. “What is it?”

Xie Ye asked indifferently, “What are you thinking about?”

Chi Zhiyu answered honestly, “I’m thinking about what Chi Yan might do to you later.”

Xie Ye smirked. “Is that all?”

Hearing his tone, Chi Zhiyu furrowed her brows, her expression serious. “Don’t laugh. I’m not joking with you.”

Compared to Bai Li’s neurotic tendencies, Chi Yan’s attitude and behavior were impossible to decipher. She couldn’t guess his intentions.

She didn’t know what Chi Yan might do to Xie Ye, but she understood the businessman’s nature hidden beneath his facade.

If there were no vested interests involved, he wouldn’t care about Xie Ye’s identity or whether he was her boyfriend.

The frightening part was—if she proved useful to him.

Xie Ye would become an obstacle.

An obstacle blocking his interests.

One that needed to be removed.

“Alright,” Xie Ye nodded. “I won’t laugh.”

“…” Chi Zhiyu thought about how he had openly declared his identity to Chi Yan just moments ago. She turned her head to ask him, “Aren’t you afraid?”

She rarely allowed him to interact with Bai Li, let alone Chi Yan. This was their first direct confrontation, and yet he had gone straight on the offensive. She wasn’t sure if it was because he was too bold or if he had been deceived by Chi Yan’s demeanor, mistaking him for someone easy to deal with.

“Afraid?” Xie Ye’s lips twitched, but before he could speak—

Looking at his expression, Chi Zhiyu already knew what he would say. She preemptively responded for him, “Yeah, the word ‘afraid’ doesn’t exist in your dictionary, does it?”

Xie Ye: “Not bad, you’re pretty sharp.”

“Then are you stupid?” Chi Zhiyu shot him a glance, her lips pressed tightly together. “Are you really not afraid of what Chi Yan might do to you?”

“…”

Xie Ye stopped walking and suddenly called out in a low voice, “Chi Zhiyu.”

Chi Zhiyu was startled for a moment, turning her head to look at him. “Hmm? What’s wrong?”

Xie Ye met her gaze, asking calmly, “And what about you?”

Worried about me?

And what about you?

Aren’t you afraid?

Chi Zhiyu froze for a moment, taken aback.

“…”

Xie Ye held her hand, his tone lowering slightly. “Why don’t you think about yourself for once?”

How had she endured those days? How had she faced Bai Li’s madness and pathological mindset over the years? Hadn’t she been afraid?

“I…” Chi Zhiyu’s voice grew hoarse. After pausing for a few seconds, she raised her head and softly said, “I’m not afraid anymore now.”

Because.

She was no longer alone.

________________________________________

They continued walking until they finally returned to the familiar alleyway. Xie Ye escorted Chi Zhiyu to the entrance of her house, raising his hand to ruffle her head. “Go inside. I’ll wait for you out here.”

His rough touch made her head sway dizzily. Chi Zhiyu reached up to rub her head, hearing his last words with a slightly questioning tone. “Wait for me? Why?”

Xie Ye glanced at her, his tone indifferent. “To call the police for you.”

“…”

Perhaps the incident in the dance studio during middle school had left a lasting impression on him—it had certainly stayed in his memory.

Chi Zhiyu paused, snapping out of her thoughts, and curved her lips to reassure him. “She won’t do that anymore. You should hurry back.”

“Then don’t go inside.” Xie Ye didn’t believe her.

“It’s not like I can sleep anywhere else.”

“Isn’t there a room at my place?”

“…” Chi Zhiyu didn’t respond, changing the subject. “You go back first. If anything happens, I’ll call you, alright?”

Without waiting for his reply, Chi Zhiyu turned around, opened the door slightly, gestured for him to leave, and closed the door with one hand.

The lock clicked shut.

The entrance hall was a bit far from the living room. Chi Zhiyu adjusted her emotions, changed her shoes, and stepped inside.

Wang Yi, carrying cleaning tools, passed by the entrance hall. Catching sight of something from the corner of her eye, she looked up to see Chi Zhiyu returning. She quickly shook her head, signaling her not to speak.

Chi Zhiyu took a few more steps forward and observed the situation at the dining table ahead.

The table was in disarray. Plates and bowls containing food had all been swept onto the floor, creating a chaotic mess.

A water glass lay shattered on the ground, its crystal shards scattered, some stained with fresh red blood.

Chi Zhiyu shifted her gaze to the side, where Bai Li sat with her back turned. Her expression was unseen, as if she were quietly eating alone.

Chi Zhiyu approached and called softly, “Mom.”

The knife Bai Li was using to cut her steak paused momentarily, as if she had just snapped out of her thoughts. She raised her head to look at Chi Zhiyu and suddenly smiled tenderly. “Ayuu, you’re back.”

“Mm. Why are you only eating now?” Chi Zhiyu glanced at the bleeding wound on her foot and asked indifferently.

Bai Li hesitated for a moment. “Is it late already?”

“No.”

Bai Li gazed at her warmly. “Did you eat dinner with Xie Ye tonight?”

“Mm.” Chi Zhiyu naturally reached for the knife in Bai Li’s hand. “This place is dirty. Let Aunt Wang clean it up. You can eat again later.”

Bai Li didn’t resist and curiously asked, “Do you like Xie Ye?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, is that so?” Bai Li turned her head, staring at the steak on her plate, and suddenly called out, “Ayuu.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you know why your father married me?”

“…”

Chi Zhiyu raised her eyes.

“Because he also liked me. But do you know?” Bai Li smiled as she looked at her daughter. “He deceived me—”

Her voice suddenly rose, and she violently swept the plate off the table, shattering it on the ground with a loud crash.

The fork flew from her hand, hitting Chi Zhiyu’s hand before falling to the floor.

Bai Li’s eyes widened, tears streaming unconsciously down her face as she stared blankly at her daughter. “So Ayuu, you must listen obediently and become the best dancer. If you can succeed, your father will come to see you. Whatever honor and status I can give him, I can give to you too. As long as you behave and let your father visit us occasionally, I’ll treat you well. Do you understand? Do you understand…?”

Hearing the commotion, Aunt Wang hurried over from the back. Chi Zhiyu handed the knife to her and then led Bai Li toward the living room.

Chi Zhiyu retrieved the first-aid kit from under the coffee table and began preparing supplies as usual.

Bai Li had gradually calmed down and was seated on the sofa. Observing Chi Zhiyu’s actions, she seemed to slip into another state and softly asked, “Ayuu, did you see your father when you came back?”

“Mm.”

“Then why didn’t he answer when I called him? Was he busy?”

“He didn’t want to answer.”

Bai Li looked up at her. “Ayuu, don’t you like your father?”

“Mm.”

“Why not?” Bai Li seemed puzzled. “Isn’t he gentle and kind?”

Chi Zhiyu stopped the blood flowing from her mother’s foot and lowered her gaze. “That’s all fake.”

“…”

Bai Li’s body stiffened.

After a brief silence, Chi Zhiyu casually set the tweezers aside and softly called out, “Mom.”

“Hmm?”

“Let’s go to the hospital.”

“…”

Bai Li responded slowly. “Why?”

Chi Zhiyu gazed at her pale face and said softly, “You’re sick.”

“…”

Bai Li’s lashes trembled slightly, as if resisting fiercely yet gradually pulling herself back. “I’m not.”

Eternal avoidance.

Chi Zhiyu didn’t bring it up again.

Suddenly, a sound came from the entrance hall. Hearing it, Bai Li immediately turned her head to look. Chi Zhiyu caught the hopeful gleam in her eyes and slightly tilted her head.

No one was there.

Perhaps it was just the wind.

Bai Li’s gaze gradually became unfocused.

After Aunt Wang finished cleaning the dining area, she returned and took the cotton swab from Chi Zhiyu’s hand, whispering softly, “Let me handle this.”

“Mm.” Chi Zhiyu straightened her posture.

As Aunt Wang helped Bai Li toward the stairs, she signaled toward the entrance and whispered, “Someone’s waiting for you.”

Chi Zhiyu was startled and quickly turned to walk briskly toward the entrance hall.

The door was slightly ajar, allowing her to see the waiting figure through the gap.

Turns out it wasn’t the wind.

Chi Zhiyu suddenly chuckled softly.

It was her young man.

Perhaps hearing the sound, Xie Ye pushed the door open, raised his eyes, and saw the girl standing at the entrance. He straightened himself, extending his hand toward her. “Come here.”

Chi Zhiyu took a few steps forward, leaned her body, and fell into his embrace, wrapping her arms around him.

Following the momentum, Xie Ye leaned back against the wall, teasing, “Trying to take advantage of me again?”

“…” Chi Zhiyu chuckled softly. “How many times have I done that? One more time won’t make a difference.”

“Alright.”

Xie Ye straightened up, wrapping his arms around her. “Here, hold me.”

Chi Zhiyu buried her head into his chest, inhaling his familiar scent, and softly hummed.

The heaviness in her heart dissipated, replaced by a sense of security.

He must have heard everything.

But he hadn’t left.

He had waited for her.

Chi Zhiyu tightened her embrace and looked up at him. “Didn’t I tell you to go home?”

Xie Ye casually closed the door and responded, “I came to collect my debt.”

Noticing his actions, Chi Zhiyu was momentarily confused. “Hmm?”

Xie Ye pinched her cheek. “Who said they’d make me honey water?”

“…”

Chi Zhiyu had completely forgotten, but his reminder made her laugh softly. “Ah, alright, I’ll make it for you.”

She released her hold and followed him into the kitchen. Glancing back and seeing him trailing behind, she didn’t mind.

Chi Zhiyu filled the kettle with water and placed it aside, instructing him, “Plug it in and boil the water.”

Xie Ye placed the kettle on its base and pressed the button, leaning against the counter to watch her.

Chi Zhiyu opened the cabinet above, but her hand accidentally bumped into the handle. She paused briefly, then naturally found the honey and prepared it on the side. Glancing at the kettle, the water surface still showed no movement.

“Let’s wait outside for a bit,” Chi Zhiyu turned her head, extending her hand to push him out.

But Xie Ye stared at her, catching her wrist. Under the warm kitchen light, he clearly saw a small, fresh bruise on her fair hand, along with a slight scratch that hadn’t broken the skin.

Xie Ye’s expression remained calm. “Explain. What happened this time?”

Thinking of his reaction last time, Chi Zhiyu sighed helplessly and admitted truthfully, “When Bai Li was throwing things earlier, the fork accidentally hit me.”

Xie Ye: “Couldn’t you dodge?”

Chi Zhiyu lowered her head. “I forgot.”

“You forgot?” Xie Ye’s lips pressed into a straight line, his tone growing stern. “When she goes crazy, all you can do is stand there like an idiot?”

Knowing his temperament, Chi Zhiyu decided not to argue and simply touched her cheek, murmuring, “I understand. Next time, I’ll dodge.”

Xie Ye didn’t respond, his tone icy. “This time it was a fork. Next time, will it be a knife?”

“No…” Chi Zhiyu muttered softly. “I took the knife away.”

“…”

Xie Ye laughed sarcastically. “So you’re quite capable.”

“…”

Chi Zhiyu chose not to respond this time. Coincidentally, the kettle began to make noise, bubbling softly.

Glancing at it, she quickly changed the topic. “Are you going to train for the Asian Invitational soon?”

Xie Ye was clearly still angry and ignored her.

Chi Zhiyu hooked her fingers around his and swung them lightly. “Hmm? Are you going to isolate yourself again?”

Xie Ye glanced at her. “Do you have something to say?”

“…”

Chi Zhiyu reasoned with him. “If you’re going into isolation, then I’ll restrain myself.”

Xie Ye: “And if not?”

“If not…” Chi Zhiyu leaned in and kissed his lips playfully.

Xie Ye raised his eyes.

Chi Zhiyu chuckled softly and leaned in again, kissing him lightly. “Then I’ll come visit you just the same.”

As she pulled back, Xie Ye wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close and kissing her lips. It felt almost like punishment as he nibbled her lower lip, licked it, and then released her.

Feeling his restrained force, Chi Zhiyu blinked.

But his tone carried a warning. “Show me your injuries next time?”

Such contradictory actions and words.

Chi Zhiyu suppressed a laugh and responded with an “Oh.” At the same time, the kettle let out a soft beep, signaling the water was ready.

Glancing at it, she patted his hand. “I understand. Let go first so I can make your honey water.”

Xie Ye narrowed his eyes, his tone harsh. “No.”

“…” Chi Zhiyu glared at him. “If you don’t let go, how can I make it?”

Xie Ye half-carried her out of the kitchen. “Never mind drinking it.”

“?” Chi Zhiyu watched him turn off the kitchen lights and tried to walk over to turn them back on. “Aren’t you feeling unwell?”

Xie Ye pulled her into his arms, checked the time, and leisurely headed upstairs. “Yeah, I’m not feeling well.”

“Huh?” Chi Zhiyu was even more confused. “Then why aren’t you drinking the honey water?”

Xie Ye: “Honey water won’t help.”

Chi Zhiyu’s mind lagged a beat. “Then what will?”

Xie Ye carried her into his room, closing the door behind them. With ease, he laid her down on the bed, half-leaning over her.

Chi Zhiyu froze, immediately looking up at him.

Xie Ye lowered his eyelashes, meeting her gaze, and spoke with an uncharacteristic tone, uttering four words: “Sleeping helps.”