Chapter 82: The Rabbit and the Pig

Mai Xijun was silent for a long time. The deep tenderness in Shen Yanlie’s eyes moved her profoundly. Her lips pressed tightly together, she struggled to steady her breath, gazing at him with utmost seriousness.

Suddenly, Shen Yanlie flipped over, and Mai Xijun’s back met the mattress. Her elegant brows drew together slightly, but Shen Yanlie gently placed a finger on his lips. “Shh. Don’t speak.”

It was as if Mai Xijun had fallen under his spell, bewitched and entranced, her mind clouded. She lay still, listening intently to the pounding rhythm of his heartbeat, feeling his breath so close—steady and orderly, though at times a bit hurried. The warm air brushed her cheek.

Before long, Shen Yanlie drifted off to sleep, his eyelids closed. After confirming he was truly asleep, Mai Xijun pulled up the blanket to cover him.

That night, she curled up against Shen Yanlie’s chest, and slept peacefully.

When Shen Yanlie awoke early the next morning, the space beside him was empty. No one remained in the room. As he rolled over, he noticed a lingering warmth where she’d been. She must have only just left...

Unexpectedly, he’d slept so soundly that night.

***

Outside the rehabilitation center, Nian Yuchen stood in a silver-gray suit, his tall figure leaning against the car with arms crossed, waiting.

Afraid of disturbing Shen Yanlie, Mai Xijun hadn’t checked the time upon waking, which resulted in her being late.

Seeing her slender yet graceful silhouette, Nian Yuchen’s lips curled into a slight smile as he straightened.

“I’m late again,” Mai Xijun said, embarrassed, her face flushed. Why did every meeting with this man require him to wait for her? And always, she was the one who needed his help...

What a strange situation.

Fortunately, Nian Yuchen’s temperament seemed exceptionally patient.

“Let’s go,” he said without fuss, the curve of his lips showing he didn’t mind, nor was he truly upset.

Mai Xijun hurried after him, hoping her mother, after much reflection, would realize she was now Mai Xijun’s only family left in the world, and perhaps accept her, no longer resisting her presence.

But in the visiting room, after a long wait, the outcome was...

“I’m sorry, Mr. Nian. She doesn’t wish to see anyone. You understand—she has that right. We truly have done all we could…”

The leading female officer glanced at Mai Xijun, then addressed Nian Yuchen impartially. Although Song Ci, a prosecutor, could use his connections to help them see Chen Xue Min, if Chen Xue Min insisted on refusing, even Song Ci himself could do nothing. It was her right, her personal freedom. Not only Mai Xijun, but the entire institution had no recourse if Chen Xue Min was so stubborn and unwilling to see Mai Xijun.

A heavy sense of disappointment surged in Mai Xijun’s heart. After waiting so long, all she received was news that her mother neither wanted nor wished to see her.

In the visiting room, Mai Xijun stumbled, quickly steadying herself with the table. She seemed so fragile and overwrought now... In front of her own family, she could never be unbreakable.

She wished desperately that Chen Xue Min would meet her, embrace her, gently cup her cheeks and examine her, speak of her experiences or changes over the years—or perhaps say nothing, simply hold her and weep.

Any of these would have been enough for Mai Xijun. But Chen Xue Min gave her only near despair, unwilling to see her. Perhaps, after all these years, Chen Xue Min had grown used to a life without her, and in the days ahead, did not wish for her presence.

“Mr. Nian, thank you again for your help. I’ve washed your clothes; I’ll bring them back to you another day.”

Leaving the rehabilitation center, Mai Xijun kept up a smile, but only she knew the bitterness in her heart.

“It’s no trouble. Are you headed to work, or…? I can drive you,” Nian Yuchen offered, his words full of gentlemanly charm and maturity.

Mai Xijun pressed her lips together, unable to utter a refusal. If she kept insisting on gratitude or declining his help, would it make her seem overly formal? After all, he had gone to such lengths for her.

***

Eurasia Trade Tower.

Nian Yuchen parked steadily by the roadside. After Mai Xijun got out, she waved at him, wishing him safe travels.

Yet as she turned, she saw Shen Yanlie’s car passing by her side…

Did he see her?

Did he not?

Mai Xijun couldn’t fathom why she was so suspicious. With her standing there so obviously and Shen Yanlie’s window open, it seemed impossible he hadn’t seen her. Or perhaps he deliberately pretended not to notice.

She found it baffling, but for now, she needed to behave and dismiss all her speculations, quickly heading upstairs.

Pushing open the office door, she found Shen Yanlie wasn’t inside; she’d entered the building first, while he’d gone to the parking lot.

Seated at her desk, Mai Xijun began preparing documents. Just then, someone knocked at the office door. She answered, and the person entered.

“Assistant Mai, these are the materials you need to review today. Please look them over.” Han Xinyao approached and placed a stack of papers before her.

“Oh…” Mai Xijun immediately stood, took the documents with both hands, glanced through them, then smiled and nodded to Han Xinyao. “Thank you.”

“If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I’m Han Xinyao from HR.” Han Xinyao was as polite and composed as when Mai Xijun first met her—a pretty, doll-faced girl, but sensible and courteous, neither hurried nor impatient. After speaking, she withdrew.

All morning, Mai Xijun sat in the office reading materials. Time slipped away, and soon it was nearly noon. When she glanced at the clock, it was already twelve.

Surprisingly, Shen Yanlie had not appeared all morning. She was certain she’d seen him drive his usual white Cayenne into the company parking lot. An illusion? Impossible, he was so conspicuous…

For lunch, Mai Xijun ventured outside. Unfamiliar with the area and newly arrived, she wasn’t one to quickly adapt to her surroundings. She preferred to eat at a distant fast-food place, then return to the company, rather than linger a moment longer in this intimidating, unfamiliar place.

***

The afternoon passed as Mai Xijun remained busy. Taking on a new position, she had to quickly familiarize herself—an unwritten rule of the workplace.

Whenever she felt tired, massaged her shoulders, or got up for water, she saw her opposite desk still empty. Each time, a sudden emptiness swept through her, slowing her heartbeat for several moments before she regained her composure.

Until the end of the workday, Shen Yanlie did not return.

Lying in bed, Mai Xijun tossed and turned. These days, Shen Yanlie’s presence had easily replaced Xue Lizan’s, pulling her from chaos into cleanliness. Yet he remained so mysterious, always near yet distant…

Closing her eyes, she recalled moments spent with Xue Lizan—walking beneath towering camphor trees, savoring the breath of spring, everything so lovely.

But suddenly, Shen Yanlie burst into the scene, pulling her into his arms. “Don’t touch my woman.”

He spoke with an arrogance that demanded attention, like a king whose command brooked no disobedience, all must kneel at his feet.

Ah…

Mai Xijun nearly collapsed, waking from her reverie, only to hear several clattering sounds from the windowsill.

Frowning, several thoughts raced through her mind. She rose cautiously, took the broom by the door, and carefully approached the balcony.

A shadow flashed before her eyes, and with a sharp intake of breath, she raised her arm, the broom poised in midair, words caught in her throat.

“Still awake? Don’t tell me you were waiting for me.”

The familiar voice, sensation, and scent… And the familiar tone—always irreverent and wild, as if even in darkness, you could sense the reckless smile curling at his lips.

Mai Xijun’s eyes widened. This damned man had vanished under her nose all day, only to appear suddenly now.

And, most importantly, he was once again employing his ‘wall climbing’ and backdoor tactics.

Once Mai Xijun had regained her composure, Shen Yanlie walked past her and turned on the light.

The sudden brightness made Mai Xijun raise her hand to shield her eyes.

Shen Yanlie hadn’t forgotten her night blindness, so he smirked. “You silly rabbit-pig, obviously you need the nourishment of meat, but you stubbornly insist on eating only carrots.”