Chapter 8: Let Us Part Amicably

Shen Yan stood behind Qin Miao, visibly displeased by the closeness between Ye Yaoyao and Ye Shen. He held back a surge of emotion in his chest. "Are you alright? Nothing happened to you?"

Sensing Shen Yan's concern, Qin Miao pitifully threw herself into his arms. "A-Yan, I thought you and Sister Yaoyao had already separated. So why is everyone saying I'm the other woman?"

This remark was particularly pointed; she managed to cast both Shen Yan and Ye Yaoyao as heartless and unjust. At the same time, she was forcing Shen Yan to acknowledge her presence. She was clever, but no one else here was a fool either.

"Are you alright?" There was a flash of fury in Ye Shen's eyes. He generally didn't stoop to bickering with women, but if anyone crossed his line, the restraints on his own temper no longer applied. "For Ye Yaoyao, Shen Yan was nothing more than a passing amusement. It's over now, there's no need to waste any more time or energy."

His family's little princess had no shortage of admirers! Hearing this, Ye Yaoyao turned her head and looked at Ye Shen with admiration.

Handsome! Incredibly so! That's her brother for you!

Ye Yaoyao's look of adoration was greatly satisfying to Ye Shen, but it stabbed like a knife in Shen Yan's eyes.

Was he just a diversion for Ye Yaoyao? And what about Ye Shen—was he supposed to be true love? The anger in Shen Yan's chest burned even hotter.

The atmosphere in the room was tense, everyone silent, though their eyes sparkled with the thrill of gossip. What a show! Wasn't this more riveting than any melodramatic soap opera?

"I'm afraid that's not for you to decide, Young Master Ye," Shen Yan said coldly, turning his gaze to Ye Yaoyao.

For Ye Yaoyao, pursuing Shen Yan had indeed been a stain on her reputation, but she was someone who dared to face her past head-on. She met Shen Yan's gaze, her eyes calm and untroubled.

"Of course it's up to Young Master Ye to decide. He knows me best of all."

"I admit, I did once have feelings for President Shen, but that’s all in the past. When that agreement between us ended, so did our relationship—completely."

"I'm busy, with plenty to do every day. I have neither the time nor the energy to concern myself with you. Frankly, I can't even be bothered to clarify the facts."

"As for what relationship exists between Shen Yan and Qin Miao, I couldn't care less. This is the last time I'll state my position. If you persist in clinging to me shamelessly, I'll have no choice but to protect my interests through proper means."

With that, she shot the two of them a warning look and walked over to Zhao Heyue.

"Ms. Zhao, there's an endorsement deal Ye Group would like to discuss with you. Could we have a word in private?"

Zhao Heyue was still caught up in the memory of Ye Yaoyao's imposing presence, when suddenly that strikingly beautiful face loomed even closer before her.

"Of course," she replied.

Ye Yaoyao led Zhao Heyue away, while Ye Shen shot Shen Yan a meaningful glance before following after them.

The crowd dispersed, but the looks directed at Shen Yan and Qin Miao were full of unspoken meaning.

Qin Miao seethed with resentment. She'd hoped to pull Ye Yaoyao down, but instead, that woman had sidestepped her perfectly. What was so special about Ye Yaoyao anyway? Why did Young Master Ye go to such lengths to protect her?

As for Shen Yan, aside from letting her cling to him, he hadn't said a single word on her behalf.

Shen Yan's expression was icy. The public display of affection from Ye Yaoyao stoked his irritation. A mere diversion? Very well, then. Excellent. Ye Yaoyao... she was finished.

...

Ye Yaoyao discussed the endorsement with Zhao Heyue. Cooperation with the Ye Group was never gained through connections—everyone in the industry knew how powerful they were. Even Zhao Heyue, who was used to throwing her weight around, had never dared to dream of such an honor. Yet today, it had unexpectedly fallen into her lap!

Fortunately, she was accustomed to the ways of the world, so she managed to keep her composure. "Alright, I'll come to Ye Group to sign the contract when the time comes."

"Good."

With the endorsement settled, Ye Yaoyao lingered a moment before leaving with Ye Shen.

Shen Yan had never cared much for banquets, but this time, against all odds, he’d stayed for much longer than usual. As soon as he saw the two of them leave, he followed.

Originally, Ye Yaoyao and Ye Shen planned to go home together, but an urgent matter arose at work. Concerned that she’d be tired, Ye Shen went to handle it himself. In the rush, he left first, while Ye Yaoyao waited for her ride.

As she waited, Shen Yan’s car pulled up in front of her.

"Get in."

Ye Yaoyao: ?

When she didn’t move, Shen Yan stepped out, marched over, and shoved her into the passenger seat.

"Shen Yan, are you out of your mind?" Any pretense of civility was gone.

Without a word, Shen Yan hit the accelerator and the car shot off.

"Who would have thought, President Shen has a penchant for kidnapping now?" Ye Yaoyao fastened her seatbelt—she valued her life. "I wonder how Qin Miao would feel if she knew about this?"

At her words, Shen Yan’s foot faltered on the gas, the car jerking abruptly before speeding up even more.

He stopped outside the old house; Ye Yaoyao refused to get out.

"Get out."

"Shen Yan, if you’re unwell, see a doctor. Don’t bring your issues to me!" Her anger had reached its peak. "We’re done. Do you understand?"

For some reason, Shen Yan had become hypersensitive to the word "done" when it came from her. He seized Ye Yaoyao’s wrist and dragged her out of the car.

"Let go of me!"

She wasn’t strong enough to resist and didn’t want to make an ugly scene, so she was forced inside.

He tossed her onto the sofa, and before she could struggle, Shen Yan was upon her.

Realizing his intentions, Ye Yaoyao fought back with all her might. "What do you think you’re doing? This is rape!"

"Going to report me?"

Shen Yan hated the emptiness gnawing at his chest; he needed to do something to fill it.

Ye Yaoyao clenched her fingers, barely able to contain herself after he’d grabbed her so forcefully. But now... she couldn’t endure it any longer.

She drew up her knee, aiming a heavy blow at his vital spot, but he dodged. She sprang to her feet, Shen Yan lunged again, and the two of them wrestled.

Every strike Ye Yaoyao threw was aimed to hurt. Shen Yan, exasperated, actually laughed.

"Ye Yaoyao, do you want to throw away your happiness for the rest of your life?"

She paused, then shot back without hesitation, "That’s not up to you!"

Not up to him? So it was Ye Shen?

Emotions roiled inside Shen Yan. Would this infuriating woman die if she didn’t provoke him?

Ye Yaoyao didn’t dare let her guard down, and Shen Yan was serious too. In the end, it was a draw.

"I really underestimated you," he said.

"Shen Yan, let’s just part ways in peace."

With that, Ye Yaoyao turned and left.

Shen Yan didn’t give chase, instead staring at the ring in his hand. It was the one Ye Yaoyao had searched for at the company—the one with special significance. She would have to come back for it.

Ye Yaoyao hailed a cab home.

What bad luck! Running into Shen Yan and Qin Miao—double the misfortune!

Suddenly, she realized her ring was missing.

When did she lose it? Next time she found it, she’d never wear it out again.

She contacted the staff at the banquet hall to look for it, but the answer came back negative.