Chapter Thirteen: The Distress Signal

"What are you doing!" Li Ran immediately pushed him away and shouted, "Show some respect!"

Hu Jin Hong sneered, lunging forward to pin Li Ran in the corner. "Respect? Salespeople like you should always please your clients. If you piss me off, you'll regret it!"

As he spoke, he tried to kiss her, his breath reeking of alcohol and a nauseating odor. Li Ran turned her head to escape, her hands flailing desperately to push him away.

"Let go of me!" Panic overwhelmed Li Ran, and she struggled with all her might, praying someone would pass by and rescue her.

Hu Jin Hong was accustomed to obedient women; this was his first time encountering someone like Li Ran who refused to submit. A desire to conquer her rose within him, and his grip tightened.

They tussled in the corridor, Li Ran calling out for help. Across from them, a door silently opened, and two people emerged, witnessing the scene.

The one in front was Ye Huai. His room was directly opposite Li Ran's, and as he stepped out, their eyes met. Ye Huai saw clearly the panic and plea for help in her gaze.

The refined man behind him was unfazed by the spectacle—such things happened daily here. He was about to suggest Ye Huai leave, but paused as Ye Huai strode toward them.

"Chairman Hu, you're in high spirits tonight. Can't even wait to get inside?" Ye Huai approached, watching them with amused interest.

Hu Jin Hong, lost in his desire, hadn't noticed anyone behind him until the voice snapped him back to reality. He turned and saw Ye Huai, hurriedly releasing Li Ran.

Ye Huai was well-known in Liangcheng, and Hu Jin Hong recognized him—feared him, even.

"Mr. Ye... What a coincidence, you're here too?" Hu Jin Hong stammered, bowing his head slightly.

Ye Huai chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on Li Ran. Her blouse was undone at the collar, her neck and cheeks flushed with a delicate pink, making her look irresistibly adorable.

Even so, Ye Huai felt his throat tighten, his breath quickening.

Hu Jin Hong was shrewd, well-versed in the ways of business. Seeing Ye Huai fixate on Li Ran, he understood immediately. Without hesitation, he shoved Li Ran toward Ye Huai. She stumbled, falling straight into Ye Huai's arms.

"Mr. Ye, I've never touched this woman yet. If you like her, she's yours. My colleagues are waiting for me downstairs, so I'll be going," Hu Jin Hong said, casting one last reluctant glance at Li Ran. He hated letting her go, but facing Ye Huai, he had no choice but to concede.

Li Ran collided into Ye Huai's chest. His hand gripped her slender waist tightly, forbidding any escape.

"Xiao Yuan, I have something to take care of. You go on ahead," he said to the refined man behind him.

Xiao Yuan was surprised. He hadn't spoken earlier, but he'd watched Ye Huai's expression closely. Never before had he seen Ye Huai defend any woman; today was unprecedented. Who exactly was this woman to him?

Ye Huai ignored Xiao Yuan's doubts, holding Li Ran as he led her into his room.

"You—" Li Ran had barely spoken when Ye Huai flung her onto the bed. He followed, pinning her wrists with both hands, his cool lips brushing against her ear...