Chapter 2: Possessiveness

Li Yaru was about to be driven mad by Zhuang Qiting.

She was already fighting with him and talking about divorce because of this, yet that old man still dared to have people watch her!

No wonder he’d been so quiet these days— turns out he was scheming behind her back!

What did he mean by this? Was he threatening her? Telling her that even if she left Hong Kong Island, she still couldn’t escape his gaze, that he knew her every move?

She’d only exchanged a few words with that male waiter!

Although, well, she did tease that handsome young man for a bit…

It was Lu Junqiu who first teased the boy, asking if he liked older sisters or younger ones. She just laughed and chimed in, “There are plenty of benefits to having an older sister— Vdefinitely worth investing in.”

The hot-blooded young man couldn’t handle the flirting, blushing as he invited them to play beach volleyball by the sea.

Women, especially wealthy women like them— how could they resist teasing a young, handsome, well-built guy for a few lines?

She wasn’t wrong!

“………”

Li Yaru suddenly turned around and strode quickly into the suite.

“Hey, Eleanor, you’re not doing the SPA anymore?”

“Coming.”

Li Yaru quickened her pace, her feet full of fine sand, leaving it all over the room.

She used the landline to call the hotel front desk, asking if a waiter named Jack from the Sunset Restaurant was on duty tonight.

The front desk checked and apologized, “Sorry, ma’am, Jack resigned yesterday. We don’t know where he went.”

Li Yaru nodded calmly, “Okay, thank you.”

She’d already guessed this answer. She felt sorry for that sunny, smiling boy for a few seconds, but mostly found it absurd and ridiculous.

Zhuang Qiting was such a lunatic! The older he got, the more neurotic he became!

Just a male waiter—what was he so jealous about! Luckily, she wasn’t the type to overthink things, or else she’d have died of guilt over all the innocent people Zhuang Qiting had swept away.

This wasn’t the first time Zhuang Qiting had done such a thing— he was adept at eliminating every possible “threat” that appeared around her.

Those men who had tried to take advantage of her when the Li family was in trouble— either bankrupt, in jail, or simply vanished— were probably all his doing. That was whatever; those who dared bully her deserved whatever happened to them.

But some really were innocent.

For instance, Eda, the professional manager who handled her art collections, a refined, elegant, and handsome young man.

Because every painting he recommended suited her taste, he won her favor— so Zhuang Qiting quietly got rid of him.

Or the new male assistant Jeff at the Shenghui Group’s board office— a pretty honest kid from the mainland, his Cantonese not even fluent yet.

Back then she needed help for a project, so she asked for him as her assistant. Seeing the kid was honest and hardworking, far from home, she’d even take him along for meals.

After a week, Zhuang Qiting fired him.

Zhuang Qiting was shrewd. He only played the tyrant from the shadows, and when she finally realized something was wrong, she was shocked to find his gaze everywhere.

He controlled her movements without a trace, so he knew who she dined with, who she spoke to, who she smiled at, who she praised.

He hardly bothered to manage their son, but when it came to watching her, he spared no effort.

Li Yaru’s good vacation mood was half gone. Just thinking that there were spies sent by that old man around her made her uneasy, and her island trip ended in a hurry.

The day Li Yaru returned to Hong Kong Island, Zhuang Qiting sent a special car to pick her up.

Four Phantoms lined up in a row on the tarmac, followed by several SUVs— impressive enough that it was hard to tell if they were welcoming a VIP or chasing down a fugitive.

Li Yaru looked out the window and saw Zhuang Qiting’s personal assistant, Xiao Shen, getting out of the car and directing the bodyguards to move the luggage.

Liang Yongwen patted Li Yaru’s hand and said softly, “I know you’re upset about what happened last time. Let it go— Mr. Zhuang just treasures you too much, he’s afraid you’ll be swept away by some young man. Look at how attentive and thoughtful he’s been this time, his attitude is clearly softening. Men are all the same. With your skills, isn’t it easy to make him bow down to you?”

Li Yaru of course understood what her friend meant—advising her not to go as far as divorce.

“If he doesn’t change those bad habits, I won’t put up with it anymore. You know his temperament, it’s not normal.”

Liang Yongwen shook her head helplessly.

The few sisters who knew the inside story all understood— Mr. Zhuang treated Li Yaru as both a daughter and a wife, doting on her but also controlling her.

Honestly, it was kind of twisted, even more chauvinistic than her own Lao Yi.

After getting off the plane, Li Yaru said goodbye to her friends and got into her own car.

Zhuang Qiting had arranged things very properly— each person had their own car, so there was no need to take detours. The luggage would be sent separately.

As the car started, the assistant messaged Zhuang Qiting: [Sir, Madam has been picked up.] A few seconds later, the assistant received the order: [Send her over.]

After Li Yaru got in the car, she didn’t say a word. The car was filled with her favorite chypre fragrance, the music soothing— classic Cantonese songs she used to sing at karaoke in her youth, timeless and charming.

She casually opened the fridge in the back seat; inside, neatly arranged, were peeled pomelo, skinned red grapes, slit-open honeydew, and the low-sugar desserts made by the family chef— all her favorites.

She’d complained on the island that the desserts there were too sweet and missed the taste of home.

That old man was domineering, annoying, and controlling, but he truly spoiled her to the extreme—and satisfied her in bed as well.

Li Yaru fiddled absentmindedly with her ring. The ring was plain, set with a single twenty-carat flawless diamond, emerald cut— take it off and it could kill someone if thrown.

It was the engagement ring Zhuang Qiting gave her when he proposed.

Should I just put up with it…

“Xiao Shen, where are we going?” She suddenly realized the route was wrong.

Assistant Shen: “Madam, we’re on the way to the Group.”

“Zhuang Qiting’s orders?”

Assistant Shen immediately sensed danger and hurried to explain, “Madam, please don’t be upset. It’s my fault for not reporting in advance. The Chairman has missed you for days and wanted to see you as soon as possible, so he asked us to bring you to the company. He originally planned to pick you up himself, but something came up at the Group last minute and delayed him.”

Li Yaru said idly, with a hint of sarcasm, “He misses me but makes me come to see him? Does he think he’s the emperor? Turn around, go home.”

“Madam…”

Li Yaru chuckled, “Can’t I even order you around anymore?”

“No, no, Madam, it’s just… I can’t explain it to the Chairman…” Assistant Shen was terrified—caught in the crossfire of a quarrel between the Chairman and the Chairman’s Wife, he couldn’t afford to offend either! “The Chairman even specially prepared a candlelight dinner by the sea for you, all your favorite dishes, Madam, please don’t be mad at the Chairman…”

Who wants to have a candlelight dinner with that old man!

Li Yaru ordered herself not to lose her temper— anger ages you faster. She’d originally wanted to find a time to talk things out with Zhuang Qiting; as long as he promised not to do anything that made her uncomfortable in the future, she’d let it go.

Now she didn’t want to put up with it at all.

Li Yaru had a bad temper but good manners— she never took her anger out on the innocent. Since Zhuang Qiting wanted her to come, she’d see what kind of emperor act he was going to put on.

The car, as planned, drove into the underground garage of Shenghui Tower.

As soon as it stopped, Assistant Shen rushed out to open the door for Li Yaru, grinning obsequiously, “Esteemed Chairman’s Wife, please watch your step.”

.

Shenghui Tower covered a vast area, its internal structure complex. There were twenty elevators in operation, and one of them was reserved exclusively for Zhuang Qiting, leading straight to his office.

When Li Yaru stepped into this private elevator, the man who had been reviewing his speech notes looked up, watching the numbers on the display climb, a few faint ripples appearing on his stern face.

The elevator doors were wrapped in genuine leather, with no reflective surfaces—restrained, silent luxury pervaded the space. Every detail of this office was the same—imposing without making a sound.

Li Yaru hadn’t changed out of her vacation clothes on the plane—still in a strappy sundress, open-toed sandals, radiating an exotic island vibe. The moment she stepped in, Zhuang Qiting felt the dull air sweeten.

He showed his first smile in days.

Time could not defeat a beauty—especially not one like Li Yaru, who was stunning at twenty, thirty, and forty, each age with its own allure.

Too bad the beauty had a frosty face. But she was still adorable.

“Come here, Ah Ruo.”

Zhuang Qiting didn’t move, sitting upright in his leather chair, his large, hard hand holding a pen, his knuckles flexing in the air.

He liked it when Li Yaru came to him on her own, sat in his lap—and if she acted coy, even better. Whatever she wanted, he’d give.

But things never went as he wished. His beautiful wife didn’t even spare him a glance, her high heels click-clacking as she strode like a regal black swan, tossing her bag onto the far sofa and sitting down with commanding presence.

Li Yaru didn’t have a soft, cutesy look—her face was striking and elegant, the kind of bone structure that withstood the passage of time. She looked the same now as she did when she was young.

Zhuang Qiting was silent for a few seconds, capped his pen, and stood up unhurriedly.

August on Hong Kong Island wasn’t suited for a relaxed city walk— the scorching sun baked the streets, but no matter how hot it got, it didn’t affect Zhuang Qiting.

He still wore his old-fashioned shirt and vest, the satin fabric stiff and luxurious, his arms slightly muscular, his long legs strong and straight.

It only took a few steps from his office to the sofa, and he walked with pride and vigor.

A man tempered by years and power was fully matured— when it came to presence, young boys couldn’t compare. Plus, he wore glasses at work, making him look even more refined and gentlemanly.

Li Yaru’s peripheral vision involuntarily glanced at Zhuang Qiting a few times, then she curled her lips, unmoved.

Zhuang Qiting caught every small expression of his wife, smiling, “Did you have fun on the island? I saw the photos you posted— they were beautiful. Once I finish up this busy period, I’ll take you to Aspen to ski. Your new gear will finally get some use.”

His body was tall and imposing. When he sat down, the soft ostrich leather cushion sank several inches. Li Yaru was about to move away when a strong arm wrapped around her waist.

“Ah Ruo.”

“Old man, don’t touch me.” Li Yaru squirmed in annoyance.

In the past, when Li Yaru got angry, she’d also call him “old man.” He always took it as a kind of playful banter— after all, in bed, he often made her call him all sorts of things out of order: “daddy,” “uncle,” “godfather.”

But ever since Li Yaru brought up divorce and talked about liking younger men, those words had become his sore spot.

Zhuang Qiting’s expression darkened, his arm tightening, “I’m your husband, why can’t I touch you? Every inch of you belongs to me.”

“Well, you won’t be for much longer.”

She really wasn’t behaving.

Zhuang Qiting looked at her for a few seconds, then suddenly pulled her into his arms, his iron grip welded around her waist.

Li Yaru was instantly overwhelmed by the mature, refined scent of his cologne and the aggressive masculinity— reminding her of intense things: well-worn leather, high-proof brandy, a blazing winter fireplace, a strong masculine hand— nothing gentle about it.

Li Yaru felt dizzy for a moment.

Zhuang Qiting, seeing her silent, pressed his palm against the back of her head, pushing her face into his chest.

When her forehead hit his firm, muscular chest, Li Yaru finally snapped back, angrily bumping her head against his chin. He’d predicted she’d do that and leaned back to dodge, then grabbed her chin.

His dark, deep eyes were hidden behind his glasses as he stared at her, “What exactly are you making a fuss about?”

Li Yaru sneered, glaring at him, “Zhuang Qiting, you ignore it when I ask for a divorce, and instead double down by having people spy on me, taking it out on innocent people, ruining my vacation. The moment I get off the plane, you drag me here, everyone around you flatters and fawns over you— do you really think you’re the emperor? Should I kowtow and wait for you to grace me with your presence, Your Majesty?!”

Her outburst made Zhuang Qiting laugh. He tapped her forehead with his finger affectionately, “Little thing, if I really were the emperor, I’d keep you locked up with me every day. You think I’d let you run around and have fun?”

That low, gentle “little thing” made Li Yaru flush. She shoved him away with her elbow, “Old man, cut the disgusting talk. If you’re the emperor, then I’m your Queen Mother. I don’t want to see you today—go kneel and take your leave.”

“……………”

His Queen Mother was buried at Baoyuan Temple!

Zhuang Qiting frowned. She really spoke without any filter now.

All these years, he’d tirelessly coaxed, spoiled, and taught her, wanting to shape her into the perfect partner— gentler, more obedient, more sensible— a special flower meant only for him, relying on him, clinging to him, looking only at him.

His demands weren’t high at all— just ordinary, weren’t they? Was that so unreasonable?

Zhuang Qiting’s gaze swept over Li Yaru’s charming face. Those bright, alluring eyes were still full of flair, and her body, after three children, was still seductive.

She was too beautiful, too unruly, wild in spirit, with big courage and big desires. If he didn’t keep a close eye on her, she’d attract a swarm of wild men. All those men out there were trouble, coveting her, and her money…

He could still satisfy her now, but eight or ten years from now, would he…

A vague restlessness began to rise in his heart. Zhuang Qiting never thought he’d lose to anyone—he had the world’s top wealth, his authority and status unchallenged.

But he wasn’t twenty anymore.

Zhuang Qiting’s eyes darkened. He suddenly took off his glasses and tossed them onto the coffee table, grabbed Li Yaru by the back of her neck, lowered his head, and kissed her fiercely— like an enraged, irritable elephant.

A mature man really was different from an eighteen-year-old boy—his broad, strong chest rose and fell beneath his shirt, as if he wanted to devour her, yet he had unrivaled patience, as if proving he was no worse than those young pups.

He understood her.

Li Yaru didn’t know what had gotten into him. She struggled for a bit, then gradually fell silent.

After more than twenty years of marriage, every one of her likes and feelings was known to him, able to make her melt, make her break.

“From now on, you’re only allowed to wear dresses like this in front of me.”

Zhuang Qiting’s breath was scorching, his voice low and rough. He slapped her hard on the butt, “That brat kept staring at your body when he talked to you.”

“I already did him a favor by not hanging him over the sea for three days and nights.”

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