Chapter 32: Unsullied by the Mire

“Why didn’t you tell me Shen Yan would be here too?” Ye Yaoyao asked.

“I just got back to the country myself—I don’t know much about everyone’s connections,” Yu Wanning answered honestly.

One had just divorced, the other had just returned home; both were focused on their careers and had little interest in social networks, so naturally, they were unaware.

“Fine then.”

Ye Yaoyao turned to leave, and Shen Yan caught the movement. His heart sank, though his face remained unreadable.

Did she really dislike him so much? Did she not even want to see him?

Yu Wanning linked arms with Ye Yaoyao and headed into the crowd.

Both wore matching athletic outfits, their high ponytails neat and crisp, giving off a youthful, vibrant energy.

Since it was an outing, they had dressed for comfort and ease.

Ji Yanxi glanced at Yu Wanning, then at Yu Qingqing, unable to resist comparing the two.

Yu Wanning exuded confidence from the inside out, her features delicate and her figure striking; even in simple sportswear, she looked like she was walking a runway.

As for Yu Qingqing...

Having been up close and personal with her, Ji Yanxi had touched every part of her body and knew how much was artificial. He suspected her face had been surgically altered as well.

How could two half-sisters, sharing the same father but different mothers, be so different?

Ji Yanxi unconsciously distanced himself from Yu Qingqing, waving and grinning at Yu Wanning. “You’re here!”

Yu Wanning gave him a cold glance and responded with a noncommittal hum.

Ji Yanxi just scratched his head and grinned foolishly, unfazed.

Shen Yan shot him a look—such a sycophant.

Ye Yaoyao and Yu Wanning were genuinely here for fun. With the fine weather and grassy field, they found a spot, spread out a blanket, and unpacked their snacks.

They had just settled in when the others came over.

“You girls really know how to have fun—this setup is perfect for the mood.”

Ji Yanxi’s eyes lingered on Yu Wanning. He couldn’t help but resent that she hadn’t been the one to throw herself at him.

But Yu Wanning ignored his attempts at conversation.

Ji Yanxi went to the trunk for drinks and placed them down. “You brought snacks, I brought drinks.”

He made himself at home, pulling out his phone and suggesting, “Let’s play Truth or Dare! I’ll drink this bottle, then we’ll spin.”

Yu Wanning exchanged a helpless look with Ye Yaoyao. Refusing wasn’t really an option; it was a team-building event, after all, and they had to keep the atmosphere lively.

Ji Yanxi sat cross-legged beside Yu Wanning, with Yu Qingqing following suit. Shen Yan took a seat next to Ye Yaoyao, and Bai Moxian settled beside him.

Ye Yaoyao turned slightly, meeting Shen Yan’s eyes. She quickly looked away, her expression indifferent, as if he were just a passing stranger.

The moment Shen Yan doubted her, they had become strangers.

Ji Yanxi, always the life of the party, found a list of Truth or Dare questions and got things started.

“All right, whoever the bottle points to gets to choose!” he called.

He gave the bottle a little nudge, ensuring it landed on Yu Wanning.

“Hey, it’s you! Truth or dare?”

Yu Wanning glanced at Ye Yaoyao for help, cursing her luck inwardly.

Ye Yaoyao patted her knee reassuringly.

“Truth,” Yu Wanning said, wary of what Ji Yanxi might demand if she picked dare.

“Okay, let me see...” Ji Yanxi scrolled through his phone, picking a racy one. “In bed, are you the active or passive type?”

Yu Wanning laughed. She had overestimated Ji Yanxi; the questions she’d faced abroad were far more outrageous.

“Active.”

Ji Yanxi’s hand shook in surprise—she was the active type? Just his taste!

Yu Wanning spun the bottle next. It landed on Ye Yaoyao.

“I treat you like a sister, and this is how you repay me?” Ye Yaoyao teased.

Yu Wanning gave an awkward smile. “Yaoyao, I didn’t do it on purpose.”

“Dare,” Ye Yaoyao declared. She had no intention of answering perverse questions.

“Got it.” Ji Yanxi checked his phone. “Pick someone of the opposite sex here and give them a French kiss for ten minutes.”

Ye Yaoyao: What kind of dare was that?

She looked at Ji Yanxi, who shuddered in fright. “Sister-in-law, don’t look at me. That wouldn’t be appropriate.”

He didn’t dare offend Shen Yan.

The next moment, Shen Yan’s cold gaze swept over them.

“It has to be the opposite sex? Can’t it be the same?” Yu Wanning gave Shen Yan a meaningful look and quipped, “If I’d known, I’d have asked Yan Cheng to come. He’d be fine for this.”

Every word reached Shen Yan’s ears.

Gu Yancheng? She could do that with him? What was their relationship? Had they grown close enough for French kissing?

Ye Yaoyao shot Yu Wanning a warning look, telling her to stop spouting nonsense.

The atmosphere grew tense. Just as Ye Yaoyao was about to take a drink to get it over with, Yu Qingqing spoke up.

She laughed, gently patting Ji Yanxi’s arm and coaxing, “Oh, that’s enough. Yaoyao doesn’t have any close male friends here—don’t force her.”

Turning to Ye Yaoyao, she added considerately, “Yaoyao, just drink a glass and it’ll be fine.”

Ye Yaoyao nodded and was about to reach for her glass when her chin was suddenly seized and turned. Shen Yan’s handsome face loomed before her, infinitely magnified.

A domineering, forceful kiss descended, leaving everyone stunned.

Heavens! Was it really going to be this intense?

Ye Yaoyao struggled, ready to grab whatever was at hand to hit him, but Shen Yan, angered, held her tightly, and she couldn’t break free.

She thought of biting him, but calmed herself—what was the point?

After a long ten minutes, they separated under the complicated gazes of the group.

Yu Wanning watched the scene unfold, her face full of interest. With the way Shen Yan acted, there was no way he didn’t care for Ye Yaoyao.

Ji Yanxi, meanwhile, was thinking how he wished he could be so assertive—maybe then he’d have a chance with Yu Wanning.

Yu Qingqing felt a surge of jealousy. She had wanted to embarrass Ye Yaoyao, but Shen Yan had stepped in to rescue her.

What exactly was going on between Shen Yan and Ye Yaoyao?

“Let’s continue,” Ye Yaoyao said, spinning the bottle.

It landed on Bai Moxian, who immediately sensed a chill directed his way.

He hadn’t planned for this.

“Truth or dare?” Ji Yanxi prodded, eager to see his friend squirm.

“Truth.”

“Who was your first time with? Where? In what position? How long did it last?” Ji Yanxi asked, eyes gleaming mischievously.

“My first time hasn’t happened yet,” Bai Moxian replied evenly.

His answer stunned everyone.

Bai Moxian was still a virgin? Untainted by the world?

Ye Yaoyao couldn’t help but look at him again. He really did seem the gentleman.

That glance did not escape Shen Yan.

So women really valued a man who was still a virgin? Even Ye Yaoyao...

“No way, man! You really...” Ji Yanxi scoffed. “You need more experience—that’s the only way to improve.”