Chapter Thirty-Four: If Only We Had Met Sooner

Enduring the tearing pain in her waist, she braced herself against the edge of the bed, crouched down, and pulled out a box from beneath it. Without hesitation, she opened it and tossed the item inside. She locked it away. She would live as if nothing had happened that night in Venice, as if Xue Lizan had never entered her world.

When Shen Yanlie had nearly finished preparing the meal, his phone rang. Mai Xijun didn’t bother to call him; he emerged from the kitchen wearing her pink apron adorned with cartoon rabbits, and went out to answer the phone.

Half sitting up, Mai Xijun was deeply moved by the sight of Shen Yanlie in her apron. Perhaps it was because, from as far back as she could remember, she had never witnessed such a warm scene. These comforts could not be forced; since she could not receive them, she had learned to give them herself, and over time, she became accustomed to it.

“I have something to attend to, so I have to leave now. The dishes are ready, and there’s some soup simmering on the stove. Can you get out of bed by yourself?” Shen Yanlie hung up the phone, untied the apron, and returned to Mai Xijun’s bedside to ask.

“Yes. I can.” Mai Xijun nodded repeatedly. Shen Yanlie uttered a soft acknowledgment, took his coat, gave Mai Xijun a deep look, and departed.

That final moment before Shen Yanlie left, a flicker of unfathomable emotion passed through his deep, dark eyes, followed by a faint, cold glimmer, which only appeared after he tore his gaze away.

Mai Xijun wasn’t sure what possessed her; hearing the door close, she got out of bed and walked to the window, watching his figure, seeing him open the car door, get in, and drive away. She found herself observing his every move… How wonderful it would have been if he had appeared sooner.

Yes, how wonderful if she had met him earlier.

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Since the day Shen Yanlie answered the phone and left her home, Mai Xijun hadn’t seen him for several days.

However, every other noon, someone would wait for her outside the company building and escort her to the traditional medicine clinic. Zhou Jingyi would help her with massages, and whenever Mai Xijun thanked her, Zhou Jingyi would always respond with a gentle smile. Today would be her last visit, as her body had nearly recovered.

“Thank you for all your trouble these days,” Mai Xijun said, a little embarrassed. She wasn’t adept at expressing gratitude, and she truly didn’t know how to repay Zhou Jingyi for her care these many days.

Zhou Jingyi smiled at her as usual, “You’re welcome. You’re a friend of Young Master Shen, so there’s no need to thank me!”

The same words as before. Mai Xijun nodded, once again realizing that it was thanks to Shen Yanlie that she received such treatment.

“By the way, where has Young Master Shen gone? Why hasn’t he accompanied you lately?” Zhou Jingyi hurried forward to stop Mai Xijun as she was about to leave.

Mai Xijun paused, stunned for a few seconds, then slowly turned around. “The last time I saw him was the day after his first visit here with me…” she answered truthfully.

“Oh…” A fleeting disappointment flickered in Zhou Jingyi’s eyes. “Come by anytime~”

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On her way back to the company, Mai Xijun thought about many things, even losing herself in the reverie. Now that she had fully recovered, would she never see him again?

This thought left her with a touch of melancholy. Why did she yearn for him? Was it because he had brought her such beauty? Because he always appeared at her most helpless moments? Or perhaps he simply showed up during her emotional lull… Was it loneliness? But after so many years alone, what loneliness was she not already accustomed to?

She knew well that he was a multinational executive, someone who could stir the winds and rain in the business world, while she was worlds apart in status and position. Though no longer bound by the ancient requirement of matching family backgrounds, the education she had received always shaped her life. She didn’t want to end up as a bitter woman confined to her chamber.

“Sigh~” Mai Xijun let out a gentle sigh. Lost in thought, she arrived downstairs without noticing the danger drawing near.

This time, after this, she would no longer have any ties to him. She would live her peaceful life, never again letting her heart waver for anyone.

He was a skilled hunter, and she was just prey newly entered the forest, powerless and innocent. He would conquer her step by step, without her even realizing. She didn’t want to lose so miserably again, not at all.

When Mai Xijun sensed someone rushing toward her from behind, she instinctively paused and turned around. With a sharp slap, burning pain exploded on the left side of her face.

“Mai Xijun, let me tell you, don’t think that just because you’re involved with Luo Youcong and have hooked up with the Eurasian president that you can flaunt your power and do whatever you please in front of me. I’m not afraid of you! You bitch!” He Jingjing spat, then turned to leave.

The heat was like fire, and tears welled up in Mai Xijun’s eyes, blurring her vision. The crimson marks of four fingers stood out starkly and painfully on her fair skin.

Colleagues passing by the company entrance witnessed the scene but dared not intervene with a word of comfort.

Gritting her teeth, without hesitation, Mai Xijun strode after He Jingjing, grabbed her elbow, and with her other hand raised high, delivered a merciless slap to He Jingjing’s face.

Jingjing was furious, a word barely out of her mouth before another slap landed on the same cheek.

“Mai Xijun, are you looking for trouble?” He Jingjing’s eyes widened in rage, mortified and furious, as if she wanted to devour the woman before her.

Mai Xijun caught He Jingjing’s arm as she tried to strike back. He Jingjing raised her other arm, but Mai Xijun seized her wrist first.

“He Jingjing, you can’t beat me, so save your strength and spare yourself further embarrassment! And—let me tell you, I was kind to you because you were once good to me. Whatever happened between you and Xue Lizan is your business. From now on, don’t drag me into any of it! I don’t like making enemies, but if you insist on entangling with me, if you offend me by an inch, I’ll repay you by a yard!”