Chapter Thirty-Nine: Loneliness Spreads Like a Plague

A man who becomes serious is truly terrifying; his gaze alone is enough to make one tremble. Mai Xijun pursed her lips, deciding that continuing to argue would only bring her more losses. So, sensibly, she changed the subject. “Where did you just say you wanted me to accompany you?” Since she couldn’t repay his kindness, perhaps treating him a little better—fulfilling whatever requests he had—would be enough. Yes, that should do.

Yan Lie seemed to awaken from a dream, having chatted with her so long he’d forgotten the time. He rolled up his sleeve, checked his watch, and said, “In a while, come with me somewhere. For now, eat your meal.” Mai Xijun glanced at him, lowered her eyes, and ate in silence.

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This city bears a beautiful name—City That Never Sleeps. The origin of that title is clear to see. By day, people rush about, busy with their tasks. At night, the city becomes saturated with desire and indulgence. While most believe morning marks the start of a new day, for another half, nightfall is when their day truly begins.

In front of a high-end entertainment venue called Imperial Dynasty International Club, Mai Xijun paused as soon as she stepped out of the car. Why had he brought her here? While she wrestled with her thoughts, Yan Lie took her by the wrist and strode inside.

“Good evening, Young Master Yan!”
“Welcome, Young Master Yan!”
The guards were clearly familiar with him, bowing and greeting them politely. Mai Xijun quickly sized up their uniforms—how imposing, and oddly enough, they wore camouflage outfits reminiscent of mercenaries.

What surprised her most was the atmosphere inside: unexpectedly tranquil, nothing like the debauched, extravagant, and intoxicating scenes she’d imagined for a bar or club.

Stepping into the elevator, she watched his handsome profile as the doors closed—flawless skin, a beautifully shaped jaw, perfect lines. Such a man, stunning enough to captivate an entire nation, had told her that, in this world, he wanted no one but her? The feeling was intoxicating, his dominance and intensity overwhelming. In the days to come, how badly would she be burned by him?

Turning away, Mai Xijun stood by his side, attempting to calm herself. At that moment, their fingers were tightly entwined.

The seventh floor of Imperial Dynasty was unexpectedly quiet, yet everywhere reeked of opulence, whether in the décor or the people passing by. Mai Xijun suffered mild night blindness; the corridor shimmered with golden light, but when Yan Lie paused and opened a door, she was greeted by darkness. She struggled to adjust, seeing only a haze, aware only of his presence, his heartbeat, his warmth—memories that lingered.

When Yan Lie led her into the room and stopped, Mai Xijun, unguarded, bumped into his shoulder. She couldn’t help but utter a soft “uh,” covering the spot she’d hit with her hand. “Why didn’t you say you were stopping?”

It sounded like a complaint, yet to others, it would seem more like affection—love disguised as scolding.

Yan Lie’s brow furrowed, then relaxed, apologetic. “I forgot you have night blindness.”

With that, he reached out and drew her into his arms. Laughter erupted in the room, and as the darkness gave way to light, Mai Xijun instinctively squeezed her eyes shut, burying her head in Yan Lie’s chest.

“Well, sister-in-law, are you and my brother whispering sweet nothings?” Yu Wen Si laughed again, clearly delighted by the scene.

As expected, Mai Xijun knew that the company Yan Lie kept could not be simple. The man teasing her was cold, calculating—a notorious smiling assassin in the business world. The sole heir to Yu Wen Media—Yu Wen Si.

But as Mai Xijun opened her eyes and looked around, she was stunned. So many people sat in the room, all perfectly aligned—and among them, only two women, herself included.

Heavens, what was this?

The group regarded her with the curiosity reserved for a new exhibit at the zoo, making her cheeks burn with embarrassment. Surely, it was only the room’s temperature—yes, it must be the room’s temperature.

Yan Lie settled her next to him on the sofa.

Unfamiliar with the place and the people, she sat quietly by Yan Lie’s side, saying nothing.

She’d heard of Imperial Dynasty, but knew nothing of its rules. She wasn’t even sure whether it was a bar or a gathering place for the elite. The unexpected tranquility challenged her preconceptions, leaving her unable to make sense of it.

Yan Lie was playing cards... Mai Xijun felt foolish. She’d eaten, changed clothes, sacrificed sleep, only to sit beside him and watch him play cards? She must have reached a new level of boredom, or perhaps loneliness was overwhelming her...

Yet, among the crowd, a pair of eyes watched her intently, never wavering.

When she turned to look, her heart skipped a beat.

It was him? Mai Xijun was about to speak, but the man immediately raised his right index finger to his lips, signaling her to be quiet.

Mai Xijun understood and obediently closed her mouth.

The card game was halfway through; she didn’t really understand it, but Yan Lie seemed to win almost every round. Having drunk too much soup, she suddenly needed the restroom, but didn’t know where it was. Leaning close to Yan Lie’s ear, she whispered, “Hey, where’s the bathroom?”

Yan Lie turned his head at her voice, bringing her face so close they nearly kissed. Before she could retreat, he moved in and brushed her lips with his own—a fleeting touch, as light as a dragonfly skimming the water. “I’ll go with you.”

Mai Xijun was stunned. Was Yan Lie mad, doing this in front of everyone? He must be! “No need, I’ll go myself,” she replied coolly, rising and walking out without looking back. Self-reliance was her creed—she didn’t need him, that twisted maniac! Mai Xijun raged silently.

He was wealthier than kings, handsome beyond measure—did he lack women? Why, then, did he choose her? And why kiss her in public? Was he so desperately lonely?

Ridiculous!

Mai Xijun left the room and wiped her lips fiercely. What an infuriating man!