Chapter Thirty-Eight: I Want No One But You

“What are you doing?!” Mai Xijun roared, but before she could finish, her words were locked away—her soft lips seized in a forceful kiss, every inch invaded and conquered with relentless dominance.

That bone-deep invasion sent alarms blaring in Mai Xijun’s mind. She tried to push him away, pressing against his shoulders, her mouth parting to shout again, but all she managed was to give him a better opening. His nimble tongue swept in, stirring every nerve, awakening every cell in her body...

His long fingers traced her delicate curves. Without heels, she stood around one meter sixty-three, yet before him, she seemed no more than a child. He towered over her by more than twenty centimeters; at over one eighty, he had to bend down to kiss her.

“Mmm, Shen Yanlie—stop, stop!” Flustered, Mai Xijun seized Shen Yanlie’s hand, pulling it away from her body.

What did he think he was doing? Where had his hand wandered? He had even touched her underwear... She was on the verge of losing her mind.

“Your body is far more honest than your words. If you like it, why resist?” He claimed her pink lips again, his tongue outlining their shape.

She wanted to resist, but her body and mind had slipped beyond her control. He was so fierce, so overwhelming, and she—a prey seemingly made for him—was helplessly conquered, step by step.

His lips lingered at her ear, his tongue gliding along her cheekbone, sending shivers of electricity through her. Her whole body trembled, limp as soft clay, her back pressed against the wall, melting gently into his arms.

“Don’t go to Paris. I don’t want you to leave.” He bit down hard on her neck, breath hot against her elegant collarbone.

Startled, Mai Xijun tensed, her arms straining with the urge to leap up and, if she had to, chase him around the room with a shoe! She held herself back—if only for the meal he had prepared for her.

“You’re a pervert!” she cursed, glaring daggers at Shen Yanlie before wrenching herself free and storming out of the bedroom.

Shen Yanlie’s brows drew together ever so slightly, but no anger showed. His eyes were dark as a midnight lake, his nose sharp and sculpted, his alluring lips now stained with the lipstick she wore for work, the color uneven from their encounter.

She was furious, embarrassed beyond words, but he merely followed her with a faint smile.

Mai Xijun looked thoroughly exasperated, saying nothing as she dragged a stool over, sat down, and picked up her chopsticks to eat. Yet, she had to admit—his cooking was surprisingly good. The last time he cooked, she’d polished off every last bite.

Living alone, Mai Xijun disliked trouble. She’d once juggled several part-time jobs, so her kitchen was always stocked with pickled vegetables. On nights too busy to cook, she would pair those with a steamed bun or a bit of rice. Barring the occasional treat at a decent restaurant, today’s meal was the most extravagant she’d had at home in a long while.

She always assumed that men like Shen Yanlie—heirs of rich families—were waited on hand and foot, never needing to lift a finger. Well, perhaps she was too conventional, just another ordinary person... But the man before her was truly exceptional. Not only was he devastatingly handsome, but even his cooking was on par with his looks!

“So, what is it you want from me? I’m a straightforward person—if I can give it, I’ll give it.” This way, he wouldn’t have to cling to her every day, and he’d stop investigating her. Investigating her was one thing, but having a key to her apartment? Just today, she’d received notice about going to Paris—how did he already know?

Did he have invisible eyes watching her every move? The thought sent a chill through Mai Xijun. This man was terrifying.

Still, she had her own calculations. She had nothing to give him—no money, nothing at all. And he was so rich already, wealth beyond measure. Sometimes, when people say grand words, it’s only to hide the weak cards in their hands.

Shen Yanlie calmly pulled over a chair, turned it around, and straddled it, his long legs stretched out, hands resting on the backrest as he studied her. “I want you.”

Mai Xijun, just about to put food in her mouth, bit the inside of her lip in shock and let out a muffled cry.

Without understanding, Shen Yanlie reached out, poured a cup of tea, and handed it to her.

There was meat in today’s dishes, but she still managed to bite herself—again. This wasn’t even the first time she’d heard those words from him, so why did she still lose her composure?

She took the cup, gulped down a large mouthful, and tried to collect herself. Why did she always look so disheveled before him? Not once had he seen her at her best.

“I’m not joking! You never say what you want. How am I supposed to know? Just say it—so long as it’s not murder or arson, if it’s within my power, I’ll do it. Not just try—I’ll succeed.”

Mai Xijun spoke earnestly, nearly pounding her chest to swear an oath.

She’d always thought their story began at that jewelry exhibition. If he thought spending ten million on her ring was a loss, she could pay him back? Impossible! She could barely support herself, let alone come up with that kind of money. Ten thousand, maybe, but ten million? That was a fantasy, an astronomical figure.

Thinking it over, she added, “Honestly, I think you overpaid for my ring, but it’s too late to regret it now. I have no money, only my life!”

She nearly blurted out, “Do as you see fit!” But she stopped herself just in time. If she did, and he told her to pay him back in installments, she’d be doomed.

“Fine. If you have no money, then your life will do. From today onwards, your life belongs to me.” On Shen Yanlie’s exquisite face, an enigmatic smile played at his lips. It was teasing, but his gaze showed not a trace of insincerity.

Mai Xijun took him seriously—this man must be insane.

“Name your terms. If I can do it, I will.” She treated it as a joke, too tired to care whether he meant it or not.

“I’ve already told you. I want nothing but you.” Shen Yanlie folded his arms over the chair back, chin resting lightly on his hands, his brows melting into his hairline, eyes fixed unblinking upon her.