Chen Liang took Su Chunchun with him. It wasn’t that long until they had their distance from Han Xiping’s presence that she finally looked better. At this time, she let Chen Liang lead her on the dance floor, behaving like a sweet, delicate marionette under the control of his strings.

 

Since Chen Liang brought her here, it meant that he had already decided to resolve the misunderstandings between her and Han Xiping. 

 

He must be planning to complete the task, but does he plan to walk away and leave her just after that? How can she just let that be…

 

Su Chunchun followed in his footsteps while fulfilling the role of a puppet perfectly. During the slow section of the dance, she then happened to notice the woman who was originally by Han Xiping's side.

 

… 

 

The woman was Tang Zi. She had been struggling in these aristocratic circles for so long. Now that she was finally given the opportunity to climb Han Xiping, how could she just let go?

 

Her surprise didn’t really last long when she found out that she was being thrown aside by him. Because she knew that when it comes to men, once they obtain something, it usually loses its novelty. 

 

However, since this was an opportunity that rarely comes by. She had to seize it.

 

She waved a hand, beckoning a staff and pointing them to the direction of Su Chunchun.

 

After a while, she walked towards Han Xiping and smiled. "Young Master Han, why don’t you head to the lounge and wait? I guarantee you that your wish will definitely be fulfilled later.”

 

Han Xiping frowned. "What do you mean?"

 

Tang Zi blinked. "The glass of wine..." 

 

His eyes followed her gaze and spotted someone bringing a glass of wine and heading toward Su Chunchun. He immediately understood what she meant.

 

Reverting his focus to Tang Zi, his gaze was cold and terrible.

 

"It seems that I underestimated you," he angrily blurted out as he immediately strode over Su Chunchun's direction

 

Tang Zi was then left alone, confused by such a heavy reaction from him. Did she somehow misunderstand his intentions? Did’t he want to be left alone with that woman just so he can…?

 

......

 

After the dance, Chen Liang led Su Chunchun aside to rest. For some reason, he just felt so pleased right now. 

 

Perhaps it was because it was the first time that Su Chunchun willingly seeked comfort from him, leaning in closer to him when in the face of Han Xiping! Just this fact alone filled him with inexplicable joy.

 

However, there was still a detail that made him feel uncomfortable in his heart. Just thinking about his main purpose of coming here—

 

Chen Liang’s expression turned grim and cold. He glanced at the person before him. Even after he leaves this world, she should be fine and well taken care of by Han Xiping, right?

 

Just as he was lost in thoughts, a waitress came over. She held a tray in her hand with a glass of wine settled over it; and yet she suddenly tripped on her feet. The glass tipped over and was about to sprinkle its contents toward Su Chunchun.

 

Realizing what was about to happen, Chen Liang came back to his senses. With Su Chunchun's current situation, she couldn't dodge a cup of water—not to mention, a glass of wine.

 

In the blink of an eye, Chen Liang made his move. 

 

Immediately turning his body to a specific direction, he grabbed her and turned her around, shielding her from the impending spill of liquid.

 

Then, hūa lā [1]! 

 

The entire back of his suit was stained with wine.

 

He immediately inspected Su Chunchun to make sure that not even a single drop of wine reached her. Only when he was assured that he breathed out a sigh of relief.

 

He then turned around. His face was cold as he stared at the responsible person. The waitress trembled in fright as she immediately seeked his forgiveness, stammering apologies repeatedly.

 

Han Xiping entered the scene and discreetly ushered another waiter to help assist the man drenched in wine. "My deep apologies, Mr. Chen. Rest assured, we’ll handle this case properly; but first, you must get a change of clothes." 

 

Chen Liang indifferently glanced at the host yet nodded without a word. 

 

He was then taken to the dressing room for a change of clothes. But before that, since he wasn't assured of Su Chunchun being left alone in the banquet hall, he requested for a female attendant to guide her to the lounge in the meantime.

 

Fortunately, Su Chunchun’s emotions weren’t as unstable as before and had long been calmed down by him. After Chen Liang’s instructions, she was led to the lounge by the female attendant. Her expression was dull as she obediently followed along.

 

"Miss Su, please have a seat here for a while. After Mr. Chen changes his clothes, he will come and pick you up."

 

After the waiter said that, she stepped aside. Su Chunchun remained quiet in her place, expressing no emotions. 

 

As she quietly surveyed the interior of the room, she suspected that it was Han Xiping who arranged such an accident. Given his calculative personality, it was completely impossible for Chen Liang to not realize; but he still let her be taken away.

 

She quietly sat in her seat for a little longer until the knob of the door could be heard being twisted on the other side. It immediately attracted the attention of the two people towards the exit.

 

However, it wasn't Chen Liang who came.

 

The newcomer wore a white shirt with sleeves rolled up to his arm’s length. The gentle expression on his face earlier was gone. It now only retained the indifference and coldness in his eyes. There seemed an air of casualness in his current countenance, yet there was also a hint of danger.

 

"Young Master." 

 

The waiter paid her respects to him, bowing.

 

Han Xiping nodded, his expression indifferent, as he gestured for her to leave. With a brief acknowledgment, the servant quickly exited, closing the door behind him.

 

Han Xiping slowly approached, step by step. His eyes were solely focused on Su Chunchun who was sitting on the sofa, trying to carefully assess her and not miss out any detail that there might be.

 

However, no emotions betrayed her face.

 

Su Chunchun remained still and motionless. She looked at his eyes, vacantly. Just as the man approached, she unconsciously raised her hand and grabbed the ring on her neckline as if it would make her heart settle down.

 

Han Xiping didn't know that. 

 

In his eyes, the person in front of him seemed to pretend not to know him!

 

After a long time of silence, Han Xiping finally spoke, "It seems you’re doing well." 

 

His dry words were full of complex emotions while his gaze held a murky obscurity that even he couldn’t fully grasp.

 

He had now reached Su Chunchun’s position. He towered over her, looking down at her from above. She looked pretty good. 

 

Her lips were red. Her skin looked fair and white to the touch. Nothing seemed to have changed. Other than her gaze looking dazed, she looked beautiful and clean as ever!

 

Su Chunchun remained stagnant as if he was a stranger in her eyes, making Han Xiping feel sour in his heart. He pulled out a mocking smile. "What? What’s this reaction? Since you managed to climb on Chen Liang’s bed, you don’t even dare recognize your once closest man?”

 

He suddenly reached out to grab her chin, lifting her face to completely face him.

 

Her gaze met his, and Han Xiping could clearly see his reflection in her eyes. The dull look finally changed; she seemed to get uneasy as her body started to tremble before him.

 

Her skin was white and smooth, so Han Xiping could already see her chin starting to get bruised. He knew that her skin was really easy to leave traces on. From the sight, he unconsciously reduced his strength. Even so, it was still a bit too late as there was already a mark on her skin.

 

Seeing the bruise, he was inclined to release his grip. His fingers gently stroked it. His mouth couldn't help but softly blurt out, “Does it hurt?"

 

Han Xiping, who had done all this without thinking, was stunned. He felt like a fool; he wanted to laugh at himself so much for his behavior.

 

He thought he hated her! 

 

During the time he was away, he tried to take over his family with the fastest speed he could muster and suppressed all the oppositions, just to be able to come back sooner! He was supposed to retaliate against her...

 

But upon seeing her, he realized that he missed her.

 

He wanted to see her, to hold her, and to kiss her…

 

Even if she was with someone else...

 

Suddenly, he lifted her chin again and leaned over, gently kissing her.

 

Su Chunchun remained dazed, offering no response to his action.

 

Han Xiping’s eyes eventually darkened as his heart surged with rage. 

 

As soon as he managed to have a taste of her soft, petal-like lips, the gentle caress developed into a violent storm. The tips of his tongue forced its way to her mouth, clashing with her unresponsive tongue, as his lips were wildly sucking hers.

 

Su Chunchun began to tremble. Her expression gradually became strange as she started to respond softly to his confrontation. 

 

However, his thorough exploration left her almost no room to react. He was conquering everything that she almost couldn't respond nor breath. Her face was flushed; her eyes seemed to gleam with tears.

 

Since Han Xiping had been paying attention to all her little movements, he quickly noticed her state. The ferocity of the kiss was eventually toned down. He then gently licked her lips as the tip of his tongue meanwhile soothingly explored in and out.

 

From gentleness to aggression and then returning to gentleness...

 

From being unresponsive to trembling, and then to finally reciprocating..

 

The familiar sensation gradually faded the vacant look in Su Chunchun's eyes. Her trembling hands touched his cheeks, softly muttering his name.

 

"Xiping... Han Xiping..."

 

"Why? Did you finally drop the act of not recognizing me?” Han Xiping gave out a hoarse chuckle. His voice was with a tinge of lust. Although he was reluctant to admit it—but one kiss with her, and it was enough for him to lose complete control over himself.

 

"What are you talking about?" 

 

She blinked her droopy eyes, still a bit dazed from the intimacy, then as if realizing something, she started to blurt out a series of questions. 

 

"You—how are you still here? Didn’t you leave?” She just regained her reason and was confused about this current situation. She didn't seem to recall a lot of things.

 

Han Xiping was stunned by her reaction. He couldn't help but let out a snort, "Don't pretend that you didn't know what just happened. Are you trying to feign amnesia now?”

 

"I’m not falling for this anymore. You have been with him for so long, and yet he hasn’t even taught you how to kiss,” he whispered to her while gently stroking her disheveled hair; his words, however, were shameless and extremely embarrassing. "Or I wonder.. is this how you originally hook yourself up with people?"

 

Su Chunchun was shocked at his statement and gave him an incredulous look. Her face then paled as she remembered that their relationship had already ended the day she said those words

 

She didn't reply, simply feeling guilty.

 

Even so, despite all her cruel actions, Han Xiping still couldn't help but want her. 

 

He endured the pain in his heart as he coldly offered out a proposal. "Say, how much do you want?" He was back now, and he swore that he would be richer than Chen Liang. 

 

So…

 

Can she please... come back to him?

 

"How much did Chen Liang offer you? I will give you more than that." Will this allow her to stay by his side forever?

 

Su Chunchun peered at his handsome face, and it was no longer gentle like it used to. It was full of doubts and resentment that it had become cold and indifferent. His current self was completely different from what she was familiar with. 

 

Her face turned ashen, her gaze devoid of life

 

"Well, yes. He gave me a lot of money; and you… are you offering me more money to buy me from him?” she asked as if seeking for confirmation. Then, she let out a laugh. Brushing his arms off her, she stood up. Her body almost lightly swayed in the process. 

 

"Hmm, then I'll consider it."

 

Looking at her smile, Han Xiping suddenly felt sad. However, it turned into panic the moment he saw that she was about to leave. He clenched his fists before finally he couldn't restrain himself—he snatched her wrist and pleaded for her to not go.

 

His grip was so sudden and so strong that she lost her balance and immediately fell into his arms.

 

At that moment, Han Xiping was given the chance to have a glimpse of her neckline. A touch of silver entered his sight, and it widened upon recognizing the accessory to be the ring that he was not able to give away!

 

He stared at her in astonishment as he began to question her, "Su Chunchun... you... why are you still wearing this?"

 

He couldn't tell what he was feeling at that moment. There seemed to be a mixture of joy, panic, and fear as he stared at her in anticipation, waiting for a word of explanation.

 

"Oh… this. Do you like this? Then take it.” Chunchun nonchalantly pulled the ring off her neck and tossed it to the floor.

 

Han Xiping’s expression turned panicked. He immediately bent his body to grab the ring that she, without any hesitations, threw away. Su Chunchun took that as an opportunity to walk away, never even daring to look back at him.

 

The moment he had picked the ring, she was already by the door, exiting the room.

 

He looked at the ring, almost dumbfounded. Why? Why was she still keeping the ring he had thrown away that day?

 

He wanted to find her and get some answers.

 

Han Xiping quickly made his way to the door, but just as he was about to open it, the knob seemed to twist; and it was open from the outside.

 

Chen Liang entered the room. 

 

He quickly scanned the room in search of Su Chunchun, but he only saw Han Xiping who looked a little bit flustered by the door. His expression couldn't help but become even more ugly as he inquired, "Where's Teacher?"
 

[1] 哗啦 (huā lā) - an onomatopeia; used to depict the sound of the spilled drinks as they splash onto Shen Liang's back.