78: A tight hug and kiss

Chapter 78: A Tight Embrace and a Kiss [10,000 Characters]

Cleaning up the house…

Zhao Manman’s heart was filled with anticipation.

Although they had only been apart for a short while,

she missed him terribly.

What had happened couldn't be changed.

After her earlier struggles and coming to terms with it,

Zhao Manman’s mood

had lightened considerably.

This time…

She really had to give her a good hug.

Thinking of Ji Zhiting's adorable appearance, Zhao Manman's heart couldn't help but be filled with a surge of maternal love.

“This time, I’ll completely leave Zhejiang.”

“Once those properties are sold.”

“Oh, right, Xiao Yan’s birthday is coming up, isn't it?”

Actually, Zhao Manman had never paid attention to Li Zhiyan's birthday before.

But recently, her mother-son bond with him had grown stronger,

so she started paying attention to Li Zhiyan's birthday.

“For his birthday, I should prepare a special gift for him.”

“What should I prepare…?”

Zhao Manman sat on the sofa and began to ponder.

…

After a long while,

Ji Zhiting drank a lot of milk.

This new brand of pure milk indeed tasted good.

She even had a faint scent of milk on her.

With her ponytail tied up,

Ji Zhiting stood up. She was too tired yesterday,

so today her walking was a little unnatural.

Just now, she was so inseparable from Li Zhiyan, and he told Ji Zhiting to go home.

She was truly very reluctant to leave.

However, convincing her mother to come to the Magic City this time was also a very important matter.

If she stayed in Zhejiang for a long time, she would definitely develop psychological problems.

Ji Zhiting also didn't want Zhao Manman to live like that.

“Well, I’m going home today.”

Looking at Li Zhiyan beside her, Ji Zhiting felt a little scared…

She was still in pain, but he didn't know pain.

If she stayed any longer, she really wouldn't be able to bear it. It was better to get some good rest.

In the future, a few times a week would be enough.

Li Zhiyan also understood Ji Zhiting's thoughts.

“Alright then, I’ll take you to the high-speed rail station. Call Mom later and have her pick you up.”

“Remember not to mention our relationship yet.”

“Wait until Mom’s emotions stabilize before we talk about this.”

Ji Zhiting hummed in agreement.

“I know… She’s my biological mother; I care about her more than you do.”

“We’ll tell her about this after she’s recovered emotionally.”

“Also…”,

“My sister…”,

Speaking of Ji Mengting, Ji Zhiting felt a strange emotion in her heart.

She and Li Zhiyan were already a done deal.

It was impossible for her to remarry him.

“Don’t worry about Meng Ting. You don’t need to handle that. You just need to be with me.”

“Don’t worry, no one can separate us.”

Ji Zhiting had given everything to him.

Li Zhiyan naturally had to protect her.

“Okay… I understand, Baby. I’ll go back to Zhejiang first and try to persuade our mom well.”

…

Li Zhiyan took Ji Zhiting out of the residential area.

The rolls-royce was already waiting at the entrance.

Such a super luxury car attracted the attention of many passersby.

“Baby.”

“Where’s our car?”

Li Zhiyan pointed to the rolls-royce.

Ji Zhiting jogged a bit, but then felt a slight pain.

The number of game rounds was simply too many.

Both of them were too engrossed in that feeling, which led to their current state.

“Is this our car?”

“Yes.”

Li Zhiyan took Ji Zhiting's hand and touched her bun.

Now he didn't need a high ponytail, after all, there was no need to hold it.

“It’s newly bought.”

Ji Zhiting looked at Li Zhiyan, and the admiration in her eyes reappeared.

Li Zhiyan’s image in her heart had always been very grand.

And now, Li Zhiyan's repeated displays of strength

kept her feeling a considerable sense of mystery about him.

The person she had always liked was an exceptionally talented individual.

The two got into the rolls-royce, and Ji Zhiting felt the back seat of the rolls-royce.

It was indeed much more comfortable than the previous million-dollar car.

“Baby, this car is really much nicer than the previous one, and it even has stars on the ceiling.”

Ji Zhiting stared at the stars on the ceiling for a long time.

Li Zhiyan felt that rolls-royce understood women.

Perhaps all women liked such a romantic starlight headliner.

When no one was around, you could even practice yoga here.

Like trying to reach the starlight headliner with high heels or something.

“It's really good. When you come back, tell me too, Xiao Ting Bao. Brother will pick you up.”

Ji Zhiting squeezed over and sat in the same seat as Li Zhiyan.

She clung to Li Zhiyan, reluctant to part.

After arriving at the high-speed rail station, Li Zhiyan embraced Ji Zhiting for a while longer.

“I have to go, Baby…”

Ji Zhiting looked around to see if anyone was watching.

She actively hugged Li Zhiyan's neck.

Li Zhiyan also knew what Ji Zhiting meant.

The things he had taught her, she could now apply quite skillfully.

Then the two embraced and kissed.

It wasn't until time was almost up that Ji Zhiting kissed Li Zhiyan on the cheek.

“Baby… I’m leaving…”

Looking at the tearful Ji Zhiting, Li Zhiyan also felt a bit reluctant.

However, she still had to do serious business back in Zhejiang.

“Alright, go back, Xiao Ting Bao. It’s fine. You’re studying here, and I’m here too. Plus, we’re in a serious relationship, so we’ll have plenty of chances to meet in the future.”

“When you come back, I’ll check your hair volume again.”

Ji Zhiting shyly ran into the high-speed rail station.

After watching Ji Zhiting walk away, Li Zhiyan walked towards the car.

“Let’s go to the company and take a look…”

Li Zhiyan planned to develop some small businesses for entertainment.

With his connections, he basically wouldn't lose money, it would just be for fun.

He had a continuous source of cash flow, so there was no need to fuss.

…

On the way, Li Zhiyan checked WeChat.

There was a message from Zhao Manman.

Zhao Manman: “Son, how have you been lately?”

Li Zhiyan replied to Zhao Manman.

“Mom, life in the Magic City is great.”

“It’s just that you’re not here, and without an elder, we all feel uneasy.”

Li Zhiyan's words were still urging Zhao Manman to settle in the Magic City.

Now, Zhao Manman replied to Li Zhiyan's messages instantly.

Zhao Manman: “*Smirking emoji*.”

“Do you really want Mom to come to the Magic City so quickly?”

Li Zhiyan: “Of course.”

“The Magic City is definitely the most suitable place for you.”

“The scenery here is beautiful. Later, we can buy a river-view apartment by the Bund. What a happy life that would be.”

Looking at the message Li Zhiyan sent her,

Zhao Manman’s beautiful eyes couldn't help but show some longing.

Buying a river-view apartment by the Bund, with her children by her side.

She could enjoy the joys of family.

What a wonderful life that would be.

Zhao Manman: “Mom can’t afford a river-view apartment.”

“But Mom plans to buy you an apartment in the city center.”

Zhao Manman replied to Li Zhiyan; she had thought it through.

She had no relatives in Zhejiang.

Her only relatives

were Li Zhiyan, Da Ting Bao, and Xiao Ting Bao.

As for everyone else, they had no relation to her. Li Zhiyan was like her own son.

In Zhao Manman’s heart…

She was willing to do anything for Li Zhiyan.

Li Zhiyan: “Never mind that, Mom.”

“I know you treat me like your own son.”

“But I’m not short on money.”

“If you can come and settle in the Magic City, I’ll be very happy.”

“Other things don’t matter; the main thing is for you to come over.”

“Only this is the most important.”

Zhao Manman was delighted to read it. Li Zhiyan truly treated her as his mother.

Zhao Manman: “Mom will give you an answer about this very soon, okay?”

“*Smirking emoji*.”

Li Zhiyan: “Okay, then please do it as soon as possible.”

“Xiao Ting is home. Have you picked her up yet?”

Zhao Manman: “I know, Mom is already in the car, heading out now.”

“It’s annoying when driving, can’t wear high heels.”

Li Zhiyan also knew Zhao Manman's two obsessions.

Li Zhiyan: “Then be careful, and send me a message after you pick up Xiao Ting and get home.”

Zhao Manman: “*Smirking emoji*.”

“Okay, son.”

While chatting, Li Zhiyan arrived at Zhiyan Investment.

Because he had sent a message to Hu Mengke in advance,

Hu Mengke had been waiting for him at the company entrance for some time.

“You’re here, Boss.”

“You’re looking good, Miss Audi.”

Li Zhiyan looked at Hu Mengke's face, which carried a hint of alluring charm, and felt that this woman was becoming more and more captivating.

Perhaps as she aged, her femininity was gradually emanating.

Actually…

It wasn’t impossible, it mainly depended on her thoughts.

After all, she hadn't dated before, and for a beautiful woman with a good figure who hadn't dated,

Li Zhiyan was still very interested, after all, he was a scoundrel.

“Boss, it’s hot outside, let’s go to the office first.”

Li Zhiyan and Hu Mengke walked together, looking at Hu Mengke's black silk beautiful legs.

He always felt something was missing.

“Mengke, the black stockings are nice, but I always feel like something is missing. Do you like Valentino?”

Hearing this, Hu Mengke was a bit surprised.

She didn't expect Li Zhiyan to suddenly ask such a question.

“I like it a lot, but I’ve never worn it.”

“I’m 26 this year, so I might not be able to pull it off.”

Li Zhiyan looked at the perfectly mature Hu Mengke and said, “I think you can actually pull it off.”

“You should look very good wearing it.”

Hearing Li Zhiyan say this, Hu Mengke felt that her relationship with him was not without hope.

Although Li Zhiyan was indeed a scoundrel,

in Hu Mengke's heart, Li Zhiyan was the most perfect man.

“Then please wait, I’ll go out and shop for a pair.”

Li Zhiyan chuckled and said, “Let my driver take you.”

“The money for the shoes can be reimbursed by the company later.”

Hu Mengke was also very happy to hear that she could ride in a rolls-royce.

The time spent with Li Zhiyan was bound to be extraordinary.

Sitting in the office, enjoying the air conditioning, Li Zhiyan saw a message from Liu Xiaoyan.

Liu Xiaoyan: “Brother, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Zhou Mengmeng is working odd jobs at a yoga studio.”

“It seems she wants to pay you back.”

Li Zhiyan hadn't expected Zhou Mengmeng to actually go work odd jobs.

Li Zhiyan: “What kind of work does she do at the yoga studio?”

Liu Xiaoyan: “I haven’t been there, but Song Zhenzhen went once. She seems to be serving tea and water and cleaning for the women who practice yoga there.”

Hearing this…

Li Zhiyan couldn't help but imagine the scene of fair-skinned Zhou Mengmeng with her twin ponytails serving tea and water to those women.

He felt a bit uncomfortable; this silly girl was too stubborn.

If she had agreed to what he asked, she wouldn't have to worry for the rest of her life.

However, this was precisely what made her different from others.

It was also something Li Zhiyan liked very much about her.

Li Zhiyan: “I understand. Send me the address of the yoga studio.”

“Tomorrow I’ll go see what’s going on.”

Liu Xiaoyan obediently sent the address.

She and Song Zhenzhen had received favors from Li Zhiyan, and both were working very hard for him.

…

Sitting in the rolls-royce, all the way.

Hu Mengke felt that many people were looking at her.

Their gazes were very obvious; they were envious.

Hu Mengke even had a misconception that she was the owner of this multi-million dollar rolls-royce.

With this feeling, Hu Mengke truly felt much more confident.

This seemed to be the true meaning of the Magic City.

Most people's Magic City was just endless overtime, working hard for a living.

But Li Zhiyan's life was truly one of extravagance and indulgence.

Being with Li Zhiyan…

Did other things really matter?

At this moment, Hu Mengke’s heart began to waver.

As long as she could get some things from Li Zhiyan, giving up a few things herself didn't really matter, right?

As for that woman, she would be completely invisible and transparent.

No one would affect anyone, right…

While she was thinking, the rolls-royce stopped in front of the shopping mall.

Hu Mengke went straight into the mall and chose a pair of authentic Valentino studded high heels.

The sales associate also praised, “Miss, Valentino really suits you. It makes your legs even more beautiful and longer.”

Hu Mengke’s height was already very outstanding.

After putting on the Valentino, her black silk beautiful legs indeed appeared even longer.

“I’ll buy this pair of shoes.”

…

All the way back to the company, Hu Mengke was still immersed in the feeling of sitting in the rolls-royce, being admired by the nearby girls and passersby.

This feeling of vanity made it impossible for her to forget.

She couldn't resist, and some of her beliefs were constantly crumbling.

When she returned to Li Zhiyan’s office, she closed the door behind her.

No one else dared to enter here except her.

Li Zhiyan looked at the pair of Valentino shoes, feeling a strange sense of trance.

Bodycon skirt, black stockings, Valentino.

Shorter girls really don’t even need to think about such a combination.

At least 165 cm tall to even attempt to pull it off.

So beautiful…

Li Zhiyan couldn't help but sigh that this gold digger indeed had her qualifications.

It was just that she hadn't found a suitable person yet.

“Boss, what do you think…?”

Hu Mengke said somewhat sweetly. It was her first time trying to wear Valentino.

Walking was very unnatural, unlike someone who could easily manage it.

“Not bad.”

Hu Mengke nodded seriously.

“Hmm… Boss, I also think this outfit looks very good.”

“But walking in these shoes is too tiring. I might need some time to get used to them.”

Li Zhiyan felt that…

As a boss, caring for his secretary was only natural.

The saying “Let the secretary do the work” illustrates how hard secretaries work.

After all, she had to help him with work, make cream puffs, pick up deliveries, and get milk.

He would inevitably trouble her in the future.

“Let me give you a massage.”

Hearing this, Hu Mengke felt she should refuse.

After all, he was already in a relationship…

But she quickly realized that this was just a boss's concern for his secretary.

It was company culture, humanistic care; she was overthinking it.

“Then I’ll take off my shoes.”

Hu Mengke wanted to take off her Valentino shoes.

But Li Zhiyan refused her.

“Mengke, there’s no need. Anyway, the heels won’t touch the ground on the sofa.”

“It won’t stain the sofa.”

Hu Mengke was very obedient and sat on the sofa.

Li Zhiyan picked up Hu Mengke’s black silk beautiful legs and placed them on his lap.

He gently massaged and relaxed her.

Li Zhiyan had studied massage; he had a compassionate heart.

So at this moment, he was very focused, and at the same time, he recalled his previous medical records.

A compassionate heart…

As she was thinking, Hu Mengke noticed Li Zhiyan's change.

Her heart was also suddenly startled…

It turned out that Li Zhiyan was not only handsome but also rich.

He was actually so formidable, truly one in a million men.

If she missed Li Zhiyan, she would definitely regret it for the rest of her life.

Dating someone you could spend your whole life with

was not as good as dating Li Zhiyan for three or five years.

What he could give her far exceeded what an ordinary person could achieve in a lifetime of effort.

“Mengke.”

“If you don’t have a boyfriend, why don’t you date me?”

Hu Mengke listened to Li Zhiyan’s words and understood his meaning.

She knew Li Zhiyan was interested in her, and she felt a bit fortunate.

Fortunately, her parents gave her good genes, making her much prettier than ordinary girls.

Since childhood, she had been a goddess in the eyes of friends and classmates.

If it weren't for this, in this realistic society,

she would have no right to interact with someone of Li Zhiyan’s caliber, or even have any connection, let alone become his secretary…

However, he was, after all…

This went against some of her beliefs.

She really wanted to date a rich man.

And she was talking to a handsome, rich man.

However, Li Zhiyan's situation was not easy.

Nevertheless, she began to answer, following Li Zhiyan's lead.

"Boss, what should we do about the person we talked about?"

"Don't you already have someone?"

Hu Mengke asked tentatively. She knew Li Zhiyan was a true 'sea king' (playboy).

With his background and strength,

what kind of beautiful women couldn't he have?

"Just pretend you don't know, isn't that enough? Act like you're invisible."

Li Zhiyan asked while performing a medical massage.

Hu Mengke felt very unnatural. She remembered the envious looks people gave her when she went to the mall in a rolls-royce before.

It was as if she were the eldest daughter of a wealthy local merchant family in Magic City.

Hu Mengke knew very well that such a life was too far away from her.

However, with Li Zhiyan, she might not be without hope.

Even a little bit of his resources would be infinitely beneficial to her.

Even if she could bear him a child...

"This, I..."

Hu Mengke subconsciously wanted to say that she couldn't accept it.

She was very materialistic, but she hoped to find a rich man she was satisfied with to marry, thereby changing her life.

What Li Zhiyan offered her was not what she wanted.

But that sense of vanity from riding in a rolls-royce surged into her heart again.

And she thought of Li Zhiyan's frightening aspects.

Hu Mengke slowly sobered up. If she missed Li Zhiyan,

it would probably be impossible for her to meet a man like Li Zhiyan in the future.

Looking at Li Zhiyan, who was outstanding in every aspect,

she felt it was time for her to do something.

"You don't want to?"

Li Zhiyan asked, placing his hand on the Valentino.

He thought of some familiar things...

Li Zhiyan's hand also trembled slightly.

"Please give me some time to consider. I've always been your secretary, I can't run away."

Li Zhiyan knew this clearly.

After all, the secretary handles things...

She couldn't leave him, because she still had to help him with those matters.

"It's alright, take your time to think it over. I'm not in a hurry."

Yesterday, Li Zhiyan did a lot of work.

Hair quality inspector, furniture quality issue testing.

Now he didn't have many thoughts.

He could tell that Hu Mengke, this older sister type, was already wavering in her heart.

Once such a materialistic woman wavered, she could never go back.

"Mm..."

"Then, will I have to wear Valentino from now on?"

Li Zhiyan felt the sensation of the Valentino.

He agreed, saying, "If you can, then wear it."

"If you're not used to it, then forget it."

Hu Mengke hummed.

"Don't worry, although it's really not comfortable at first, I will practice."

"From now on, when you come to the company, I will wear these high heels."

After chatting with Hu Mengke for a while,

Li Zhiyan left the company. He planned to go to the yoga studio to see what Zhou Mengmeng was doing.

For this socially anxious girl to be able to do a part-time job, it was definitely a very difficult thing for her.

...

In Wan City, after finishing her work, Wu Yuexian had already started knitting a sweater.

The raw materials she bought on Jingxi were not cheap.

The delivery speed was very fast, and the express delivery arrived in her hands in the afternoon.

After finishing work, she started knitting a sweater for Li Zhiyan.

While knitting the sweater, Wu Yuexian had already emerged from that inexplicable sense of loss.

In fact, she and Li Zhiyan truly had that kind of fate.

She could only treat him as a younger brother to dote on, as for anything else, there was no need to think too much.

He was dating Ji Zhiting...

Actually, it could be considered a good thing.

"What are you doing...?"

Liu Xiaoyun secretly leaned over and asked.

"Knitting a sweater."

"Knitting a sweater in this weather, Wu Yuexian, are you out of your mind?"

Liu Xiaoyun looked at the very serious Wu Yuexian, whose face still carried a hint of tenderness, and she understood.

What this 'voldemort' (a joking term for someone who dotes on a younger brother) wanted to do...

"The weather is very hot now, but it will get cold after a while, won't it?"

Liu Xiaoyun whispered, "I don't even need to think, this must be for Li Zhiyan, isn't it?"

Wu Yuexian didn't deny it.

"Yes, of course, this sweater is my birthday gift for him. Don't you think it's good?"

If it were before, Liu Xiaoyun would definitely have lectured Wu Yuexian.

But now, she could only envy her...

"Sigh, I really think being a 'voldemort' is so good. If only I also had such a rich younger brother."

"That little brat asked me for money not long ago."

"He said he wanted to buy a computer costing over ten thousand, and I scolded him back."

"I've truly given up on all illusions. It seems he has no money."

Listening to Liu Xiaoyun's words, Wu Yuexian also didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Maybe he'll be rich in the future."

While knitting the sweater, Li Zhiyan's image kept flashing in Wu Yuexian's mind.

Making her heart feel very warm.

"Rich? He won't even be able to afford a Big G (Mercedes-Benz G-Class) or a large flat for his whole life."

"By the way, for Li Zhiyan's birthday, are you planning to go to Magic City?"

Wu Yuexian said with a sweet smile, "Of course."

"I definitely have to go to Magic City."

Liu Xiaoyun slapped her forehead, feeling that her question was a bit redundant.

How far was Magic City from Sichuan and Chongqing before?

But Wu Yuexian never found it too far, and would go to see Li Zhiyan every now and then.

What's more, now that she was in Wan City, how could she not go to celebrate Li Zhiyan's birthday?

"Pretend I didn't ask."

"By the way, Xianxian, does your Li Zhiyan have a girlfriend now? Do you think there's a possibility..."

Liu Xiaoyun hadn't finished her sentence.

When Wu Yuexian interrupted her.

"Don't think about it, no chance..."

"His standards are very high. His ex-wife was a standard beauty, and he's dating someone now."

"His current girlfriend is even more beautiful."

Liu Xiaoyun looked at Wu Yuexian, who seemed a little displeased.

She teased, "I asked if there's a possibility of you stealing from yourself, how did you turn the topic to me?"

"Anyway, your surname is Wu, his surname is Li, and your household registration isn't with his family."

"You have nothing to do with him, why not just be together?"

Wu Yuexian pinched Liu Xiaoyun's face.

"What nonsense are you talking about...?"

"Impossible, and he also told me, he's really dating someone."

"I'll be content just watching him live a good life."

But Liu Xiaoyun noticed something was off.

"No way, you don't really have that inclination, do you...?"

"I think so too. I think you just like Li Zhiyan, which is why you haven't dated anyone for so many years, isn't it?"

"I think if you really like him,"

"you can just make Li Zhiyan break up. Li Zhiyan likes you so much, actually, getting him is just a piece of cake, a matter of a thought."

"If it really doesn't work, just bring out that mountain from Sichuan and Chongqing, 'Laozi Shu Dao Shan' (a phrase from a famous poem, meaning 'I am the Shu Road Mountain', implying great difficulty or power)."

"I guarantee Li Zhiyan will comply obediently. What a good man he is."

"If he slips away, I'd feel heartbroken for you, truly heartbroken."

Looking at Liu Xiaoyun's imitation of a heartbroken expression,

Wu Yuexian also felt very helpless.

This idiot...

"You fool, you're getting more and more outrageous, don't you know?"

"Listen to what you're saying, you shovel."

Wu Yuexian's Sichuan and Chongqing dialect wasn't authentic, so many of her local phrases weren't quite right.

But she didn't care...

As long as she insisted that what she spoke was 'Xian-style Sichuan and Chongqing dialect',

then everything she said was correct.

"Alright, alright, Xianxian, just think about it yourself. I truly think you two are very suitable."

"And he treats you even more important than his own life. Where can you find such a good man?"

"Think about it carefully, okay?"

Seeing Wu Yuexian about to unleash 'Laozi Shu Dao Shan',

Liu Xiaoyun wisely ran away, not daring to stay there any longer.

After Liu Xiaoyun returned to her side,

Wu Yuexian's heart was heavy. Did Liu Xiaoyun really notice something?

Her knitting needles didn't stop, and a small section of the sweater was already taking shape.

...

On the way to the yoga studio, Li Zhiyan was still thinking about Hu Mengke's Valentino.

Had to say...

Those high heels were truly stunning.

He used to just think the shoes were nice, but after seeing the beautiful person wearing them,

Li Zhiyan became a little obsessed.

Hu Mengke looked really good in those shoes.

But the most beautiful part of these shoes was the sole...

Turning them over to admire them carefully would surely allow one to appreciate the beauty of this artwork even more.

When the rolls-royce stopped at the yoga studio,

it quickly attracted a lot of attention.

The car's presence was simply too strong.

Especially in a place like a yoga studio, it was even more eye-catching. Many girls come here to exercise to find some wealthy boyfriends.

When Li Zhiyan stepped into the yoga studio, the beautiful manager also walked over.

"Sir, are you here to pick up your girlfriend?"

"Yes, her name is Zhou Mengmeng."

The manager was clearly a bit incredulous.

That simply dressed girl, who didn't wear makeup and covered herself completely,

actually had a boyfriend who drove a rolls-royce.

The young man in front of her could be said to be a true 'tall, rich, and handsome' (a common Chinese term for an ideal boyfriend).

"You mean Mengmeng? I really didn't expect her boyfriend to be so outstanding. I'll go call her."

Li Zhiyan didn't let her call.

"No need, I'll go up and see what she's doing."

The manager was also very polite and didn't stop Li Zhiyan.

Wealthy people are almost always treated favorably everywhere.

After going upstairs, Li Zhiyan saw Zhou Mengmeng helping a married woman practicing yoga to bend her back.

Her head was covered in sweat. The air conditioning upstairs seemed to be off. It was such a hot day, and she was working very hard.

"Many girls are spoiled rotten and really can't endure such hardship."

Li Zhiyan felt very sorry for Zhou Mengmeng.

If she hadn't met him, but instead a deeply affectionate and devoted person, she might have lived a very happy life.

But since she had already met him,

he couldn't let her leave.

After all, he wanted to be a scumbag.

"Zhou Mengmeng."

Li Zhiyan came behind Zhou Mengmeng and called out.

Zhou Mengmeng subconsciously turned her head and saw the person she wanted to see every day.

Then, she instinctively wanted to hide, to escape this place.

Looking at Li Zhiyan's eyes, Zhou Mengmeng ran out. When she ran past Li Zhiyan,

she didn't speak to him.

That married woman practicing yoga...

also felt very strange at this moment.

Li Zhiyan went downstairs and chased after her.

Zhou Mengmeng ran in front, but at 170cm, her legs weren't as long as Li Zhiyan's.

After running for a while, Li Zhiyan caught up to her.

He grabbed Zhou Mengmeng's arm.

He asked, "What's wrong, Mengmeng?"

"Do you want to run away when you see me?"

Zhou Mengmeng remained silent. Once Li Zhiyan grabbed her, she couldn't run anymore.

"Don't want to say a word?"

Zhou Mengmeng still said nothing.

"Call me Daddy."

"Daddy..."

Subconsciously, Zhou Mengmeng blurted it out. She felt like crying again.

This boy, five years older than her, always liked to bully her like this.

"Alright, Mengmeng, you're all sweaty. I'll take you somewhere to shower."

Saying that, Li Zhiyan didn't care about Zhou Mengmeng's decision.

He knew that girls like Zhou Mengmeng liked it most when others made decisions for them assertively.

Indeed, after Li Zhiyan spoke, Zhou Mengmeng really wanted to refuse.

But her body honestly followed Li Zhiyan, going with him to shower.

Upon arriving at a newly opened spa, her heart began to panic completely.

The shower he mentioned, it wouldn't be...

It wouldn't be that kind of 'mandarin duck' (referring to a shared bath)... or something, would it?

"Sir, do you want a private room?"

Clearly, someone like Li Zhiyan, who brought a girlfriend,

didn't need a masseuse or anything.

"Yes."

"Sir, you've come at the perfect time. Our private rooms haven't been used yet."

"You and your girlfriend will surely have a great experience."

After Li Zhiyan said a few words to the attendant, he led Zhou Mengmeng by the hand into the private room.

Once inside, he locked the door.

Li Zhiyan looked at Zhou Mengmeng, who seemed like a little white rabbit.

"It's so hot, go take a shower."

Zhou Mengmeng finally spoke.

"Do you want to shower with me...?"

Li Zhiyan looked at Zhou Mengmeng.

"Do you want to?"

Zhou Mengmeng shook her head.

"No... I can't shower with a boy. You're not my boyfriend."

As she spoke, the grievances of these past few days almost surged into her heart.

Zhou Mengmeng was somewhat teary-eyed.

Seeing her pitiful look, Li Zhiyan felt a little unbearable.

"Mengmeng, it's not what you think."

"Look, isn't it separated here? You can go in and shower, and I'll wait for you here."

"It's so hot, aren't you uncomfortable?"

Zhou Mengmeng indeed felt uncomfortable all over.

"You go shower first. I'll wait for you, and we'll go for a walk together later."

Hearing about going for a walk with Li Zhiyan, Zhou Mengmeng's heart was also very expectant.

She really liked Li Zhiyan, but she just couldn't convince herself to be Li Zhiyan's girlfriend.

"By the way, I'll go out for a bit and be back soon."

"When I come back, then you can shower."

Zhou Mengmeng didn't know what Li Zhiyan wanted to do...

But she timidly nodded.

Ten-odd minutes later, Li Zhiyan returned.

In his hand was a black dress.

"You bought me clothes again...?"

Zhou Mengmeng's heart felt very anxious. She already owed him so much money, and now he bought another set.

How long would she have to work as a server at the yoga studio to pay off her debt to him?

If it weren't for the fact that the yoga studio was all women, she would have quit long ago.

It was too difficult for her, being socially anxious, to earn money.

"Yeah, you can't go out on a date with me wearing sticky clothes, can you?"

Hearing the words 'date', Zhou Mengmeng blushed shyly.

"I'll shower first..."

Zhou Mengmeng took the clothes and went to the shower room.

But she found...

The door here couldn't be locked from the inside.

He shouldn't come in, right...?

Zhou Mengmeng kept thinking about whether Li Zhiyan would come in throughout the entire showering process.

She was very nervous.

Only after she changed her clothes and came out did Zhou Mengmeng finally relax.

She sat down at the hair-drying station and dried her hair with a brand new hairdryer.

Soon, Zhou Mengmeng tied her twin pigtails again.

Li Zhiyan came behind Zhou Mengmeng, gently held her twin pigtails, and leaned in closer.

"Mengmeng, you seem to really like twin pigtails?"

Zhou Mengmeng felt a little scared, truly...

"Mm..."

But she still obediently answered Li Zhiyan's question.

"When I was little, my mom didn't care about me and didn't braid my hair."

"My neighbor's aunt taught me how to braid twin pigtails, and ever since then, I've always worn twin pigtails."

Li Zhiyan couldn't help but feel a little heartache.

Zhou Mengmeng's life was indeed extremely lacking in love; otherwise, such a small thing wouldn't have been remembered until now.

Her parents were truly a bit inhumane.

They completely neglected her, which led to such a beautiful girl

becoming so insecure now.

"Alright, let's go for a walk."

Zhou Mengmeng softly hummed. Her voice was always so small, so gentle.

...

Walking on a somewhat secluded road,

Li Zhiyan looked at the streetlights that had already lit up nearby.

He asked, "Mengmeng, the living expenses your family gives you aren't enough, so you have to work part-time at the yoga studio. It's too hard."

Listening to Li Zhiyan's concern, Zhou Mengmeng especially wanted to throw herself into Li Zhiyan's arms...

She had fantasized about having someone who cared for her like this for too long.

Li Zhiyan, this is the person, but that one thing, she still couldn't accept it.

“I have to pay you back the money…”

“I owe you so much money, I have to pay you back.”

…

“Then why don’t you just talk to me? You don’t need to pay me back.”

Zhou Mengmeng disagreed with Li Zhiyan.

“Even if I become your girlfriend, I can’t spend your money…”

“I’m an adult now; I should be responsible for my own life.”

“You can spend money on me…”

As she spoke, Zhou Mengmeng’s face turned red again.

The way she said it, it was as if she and Li Zhiyan were really together.

This girl always blushes so easily.

Li Zhiyan found it a bit funny, yet also a bit sad.

“Mengmeng, then why did you run away when I came today?”

Zhou Mengmeng lowered her head and replied softly, “I was afraid you’d look down on me…”

“Our family is already poor, and now I’m even doing odd jobs.”

Zhou Mengmeng’s family conditions were once not bad for a period, but they quickly declined.

Now, they are heavily in debt, and she works at a yoga studio, covered in sweat.

It was her most disheveled moment.

Zhou Mengmeng didn't want Li Zhiyan to see her like that at all.

“It’s okay, Mengmeng… In my heart, you will always be the best Mengmeng.”

As he spoke, Li Zhiyan gently took Zhou Mengmeng’s hand.

Then, he embraced her.

Such a lovable little darling, he truly couldn't bear to let her go.

Although her views were very traditional, Li Zhiyan knew that for such a girl who lacked love,

He could definitely win her over with a little more time.

Suddenly embraced by Li Zhiyan, Zhou Mengmeng’s heart uncontrollably panicked a little.

What was he trying to do? They were outside!

She looked around nervously…

Zhou Mengmeng relaxed a little.

Thankfully…

There was no one nearby.

Li Zhiyan lowered his head and gently kissed Zhou Mengmeng.

Zhou Mengmeng tried to push Li Zhiyan away.

This wasn’t the time Li Zhiyan stole her first kiss.

So Zhou Mengmeng hadn't entered that blank state of mind.

She wanted to push Li Zhiyan away, but she was powerless.

Although a 170cm girl is tall, in front of Li Zhiyan, she could only be considered petite.

Besides, Zhou Mengmeng was inherently rather frail.

Helplessly, Zhou Mengmeng could only respond passively.

Gradually, she perceived something, and the fear in her heart also grew.

A long time later, Li Zhiyan felt something cool on his face.

When he let go of Zhou Mengmeng, he realized she was already crying.

“Mengmeng…”

Zhou Mengmeng pushed Li Zhiyan away and squatted there.

“Why are you bullying me…”

“You clearly don’t want to be exclusive with me, yet you stole my first kiss.”

“And now you want to do that…”

Zhou Mengmeng felt very wronged.

“I couldn’t bear to let you go, that’s why I explained it clearly to you.”

“No matter what, in this life, I’ve decided on you. If you don’t want to be with me,”

“I’ll wait until you want to be with me.”

Listening to Li Zhiyan, Zhou Mengmeng felt a strange sweetness.

Although it felt odd…

But Li Zhiyan liked her.

No matter what, he was unwilling to give up on her, but that one thing, she couldn't accept it no matter what.

“Anyway… anyway, unless you’re only with me,”

“Otherwise, I won’t agree to you. Don’t kiss me anymore, I’ll really get angry.”

Although Zhou Mengmeng said this, her threat sounded weak and powerless.

Li Zhiyan touched Zhou Mengmeng’s twin pigtails.

“That’s not possible, but I truly like you. To me, you are the most important girl in my life.”

Zhou Mengmeng looked up at Li Zhiyan, her beautiful eyes filled with emotion.

Was she that important in his heart…

Perhaps, he liked other girls too, but among the girls he liked, she was the most important…

If that were the case, could she perhaps accept it a little?

“More important than Ji Zhiting?”

Li Zhiyan played with Zhou Mengmeng’s twin pigtails.

“Yes.”

“You are the most important girl, so, do you want to be with me?”

Zhou Mengmeng still shook her head.

“No… I have to go back to the dorm. It’s very late.”

Zhou Mengmeng stood up…

And walked towards the end of the road.

“Baby, let’s go out tomorrow.”

Li Zhiyan’s use of “Baby” made Zhou Mengmeng’s tear ducts uncontrollably well up again.

As a girl who severely lacked love,

Everything Li Zhiyan did hit her right in the heart.

Making her want to cry.

“I’m not going… I hate you. I’m never going out with you again.”

Zhou Mengmeng didn’t want to see Li Zhiyan anymore.

Although, she really, really liked him.

However, she couldn't accept his actions.

“My birthday is coming soon, won’t you spend a day with me?”

Hearing

Birthday

Zhou Mengmeng stopped in her tracks.

After a while, she said softly, “Alright then, see you tomorrow.”

“I’m going back first.”

Li Zhiyan stepped forward and grabbed her hand.

“Go back for what…”

“I’ll take you.”

“I don’t want to…”

“Call me Daddy.”

“Daddy…”

Under Li Zhiyan’s persuasion, Zhou Mengmeng obediently followed him back to the parking spot and got into the car.

…

It was already past nine when they arrived home.

“Mengmeng…”

“It’s truly hard to imagine that she is the sister of that proud woman.”

Li Zhiyan thought of his first love from his youth.

Her personality was arrogant, a complete opposite of Zhou Mengmeng.

He opened the door and saw Ji Mengting sitting at the dining table, dressed in a professional suit and red high heels.

It seemed she had been waiting for him for a long time.

“Meng Ting, why are you here?”

Li Zhiyan closed the door. He and Ji Mengting still had feelings for each other, after all, five years of a relationship.

He couldn't possibly kick Ji Mengting out.

“I missed you, can’t I come see you…?”

“Why are we so distant now? You used to call me Ting Bao.”

Upon hearing the nickname Ting Bao, Li Zhiyan couldn't help but recall Ji Zhiting emphasizing adding “Xiao” to her name.

It was to differentiate herself from Ji Mengting.

“Meng Ting… we’re already divorced.”

After some thought, Li Zhiyan didn’t want to discuss this issue anymore.

What’s past is past.

“So, do you have something you need tonight?”

Ji Mengting took out Li Zhiyan’s box of items.

“Your girlfriend didn’t come?”

When she mentioned girlfriend, Ji Mengting felt an uncontrollable surge of jealousy.

This truly felt awful…

“No.”

Li Zhiyan said softly.

“Where’s Ting?”

Did she know? But Li Zhiyan wasn't flustered; he was already divorced, so whatever he did now was perfectly justified.

Ji Mengting couldn’t control him like before anymore.

“She went home to find our mom.”

Hearing Li Zhiyan instinctively call her “our mom,” Ji Mengting felt a pang of sadness.

“Your girlfriend, she hasn’t… with you yet, has she?”

Ji Mengting suddenly asked such a question.

Li Zhiyan didn't shy away.

“Yes, yesterday.”

Ji Mengting felt a little suffocated.

“You’re lying, you didn’t use anything, and Ting is at home, so how could you have?”

“But remember not to throw these things around in the future. It wouldn’t be good if Ting saw them in her room.”

“She’s only 18.”

Ji Mengting slowly approached Li Zhiyan.

Then she wrapped her arms around his neck. The weather and their proximity caused Li Zhiyan’s blood pressure to rise a bit.

Although Ji Mengting wasn't as stunning as Ji Zhiting or…

She was definitely a great beauty; otherwise, he wouldn't have pursued her for so long back then.

However, Li Zhiyan remained very calm.

He pushed Ji Mengting away.

“We’re divorced, let’s just… forget it.”

“Besides, didn’t I tell you I have a girlfriend?”

Ji Mengting’s beautiful legs were pressed together.

Only then did Li Zhiyan notice she was wearing black stockings, something she had never worn before.

Her beautiful legs beneath the short skirt were already incredibly attractive.

Now, paired with black stockings, they were even more captivating.

Seeing Ji Mengting in black stockings for the first time, Li Zhiyan inexplicably thought of someone else…

He felt an uncontrollable heat in his heart.

This weather indeed made it easy for people to get agitated.

“Does it look good…? This is my first time wearing black stockings too, I wore them for you.”

Ji Mengting was a little shy. After being with Li Zhiyan for a long time,

Li Zhiyan hadn't seen Ji Mengting show this kind of bashfulness, like when they first got together, for a very long time.

It was only during the first two years they were together that Ji Mengting started to be shy around him.

Before that, when he was pursuing her, she always maintained that aloof demeanor.

“I know you haven’t been with this girlfriend for long.”

“Your feelings aren’t deep, so break up with her soon.”

“Let’s get remarried.”

“I miss you, I really miss you…”

“Don’t use that, I want to be with you.”

“I want to get pregnant and have a baby for us.”

Ji Mengting threw the box directly into the trash can.

Li Zhiyan looked at Ji Mengting like that, and he almost softened.

But as a scumbag…

Softness was fatal.

“Forget it… Ting Bao, you should go back. After all, we’re divorced.”

Ji Zhiting watched Li Zhiyan’s change.

He was still so terrifying.

She grabbed Li Zhiyan’s hand, almost like she was coaxing him.

“You’re lying…”

“If you really didn’t like me at all, how could you…”

“Divorcing was truly my mistake.”

“I used to only think about living a luxurious life, but after being divorced for so long,”

“Every night, my heart feels incredibly, incredibly sad. Baby, I truly miss you…”

“We’ve been together for five years. Every day of my life has your presence.”

“I truly cannot live without you.”

As she spoke, Ji Mengting’s tears also flowed uncontrollably.

A woman far more arrogant than Zhou Lili crying like this.

Li Zhiyan had never seen it before.

However, he still ignored Ji Mengting’s sadness.

Li Zhiyan took Ji Mengting’s hand.

Just as she thought Li Zhiyan was agreeing to go back to the bedroom with her,

He led her all the way to the door.

Then, he closed the door and locked it.

“Go to sleep…”

Li Zhiyan returned to the master bedroom and lay down immediately.

At the door, Ji Mengting sat powerlessly on the floor, looking at the black stockings on her beautiful legs, her heart filled with endless desolation and sadness.

She hadn’t expected Li Zhiyan to be so heartless.

It seemed he truly liked that new girlfriend.

Or he was still holding a grudge against her for divorcing him.

That’s why he was treating her this way…

After a long time, Ji Zhiting finally stood up and left.

…

Zhejiang.

In the villa, Ji Zhiting was clinging to Zhao Manman’s bed, refusing to leave.

“Mom, I’m sleeping with you tonight!”

As she spoke, she hugged Zhao Manman’s neck and kissed Zhao Manman’s face several times.

“Okay… Baby, let’s sleep together.”

Zhao Manman also kissed Ji Zhiting.

“Mommy is really happy tonight.”

With Ji Zhiting’s return, Zhao Manman became even more aware that…

The reason she felt empty was because her child wasn’t by her side.

With Ji Zhiting here, that inner sorrow completely dissipated.

“Then, Mom, you absolutely must come back to the Demon City with me, okay?”

“Otherwise, I’ll miss you so much. As a mama’s girl,”

“I want to be able to come find you whenever I miss you in the Demon City.”

Relatively speaking, Ji Zhiting was indeed a mama’s girl.

Zhao Manman had put much more effort into her than into Ji Mengting.

Because at that time, Ji Mengting’s family business was indeed very busy.

But by the time Ji Zhiting was young, there was much, much more time.

“Mm… okay.”

Zhao Manman agreed. The Demon City not only had Da Ting Bao but also Xiao Ting Bao.

And also a Yan Bao.

Recently, she had also completely thought it through; she really should go to the Demon City.

“Really, you agreed!”

Ji Zhiting felt very surprised. This time, Li Zhiyan had also instructed her to definitely get Zhao Manman to the Demon City.

She herself wanted this too, so she had been urging Zhao Manman to go to the Demon City ever since she arrived home today.

But she had never relented…

Now, she finally said she would go to the Demon City.

“You can’t go back on your word, okay?”

Ji Zhiting was very afraid that her dear mother would go back on her promise to go to the Demon City.

“I won’t go back on my word. In all these years, when has Mommy ever gone back on her word?”

Ji Zhiting thought about it, and it was indeed true.

What Zhao Manman promised, she always delivered.

“Then, I’ll video call Baby.”

Hearing this address, Zhao Manman was a little confused.

“What baby?”

But when she saw Li Zhiyan’s profile picture,

She found it a bit amusing. How could this girl be so disrespectful?

Calling Li Zhiyan “Baby”?

…

Soon, the video call connected.

“Xiao Ting.”

Li Zhiyan originally wanted to call her Xiao Ting Bao.

But he quickly realized that Ji Zhiting was clearly sleeping with Zhao Manman.

That matter couldn’t be discussed yet.

He still had to wait until Zhao Manman’s emotions were stable before bringing it up.

“Do you know, our mom is coming to live in the Demon City!”

Li Zhiyan was also very surprised. He had actually brought this up to Zhao Manman many times.

But Zhao Manman always had many concerns in her heart.

He could understand that, after all, it was where Zhao Manman had lived for half her life.

However, this time, she finally agreed.

At critical moments, he still had to rely on his little darling.

With Ji Zhiting’s help, he could properly show filial piety to his elders.

Li Zhiyan’s filial piety had always been particularly strong.

“Really, Mom, tell me, is it true?”

Ji Zhiting moved the camera a bit towards Zhao Manman.

Zhao Manman looked at Li Zhiyan.

And also said seriously, “It’s true.”

“Mommy has decided to move to the Demon City.”

Li Zhiyan’s posture also straightened a bit.

“Then, when will you come? I’ll prepare in advance.”

“You can tell me anything you need.”

Since Zhao Manman was coming, Li Zhiyan naturally wanted her to feel like she had gained a lot.

That way, she could stay happily in the Demon City.

And he also needed to learn more delicious foods…

Cream puffs, milk Oreos, and so on, so he could satisfy Zhao Manman’s appetite for delicious food.

“Mommy doesn’t need anything.”

“However, Xiao Yan, don’t be in such a hurry.”

“Mommy still needs some time before I can come find you.”

“Because this house is being sold, and there are some other properties.”

“This will take some time.”

Li Zhiyan asked, “Then, will you be able to make it for my birthday?”