Zhuang Qiting’s hands were dripping wet, water dripping down clearly defined knuckles, sliding past the golden watch strap before disappearing into the pristine white shirt cuff.
He kissed Li Yaru fiercely, savoring every second until the very last moment before pulling away.
“Happy birthday, Arou. You’ll always be nineteen in my heart.”
Then he added, “Don’t talk to filthy men—they’re not worthy of you.”
Just as Li Yaru was about to curse him out, the world suddenly brightened. The entire villa’s lights flickered on simultaneously, dazzling like daylight.
Her eyes, which had been plunged into darkness, were suddenly assaulted by a strong light, and instinctively she shut them tight. When she opened them again, everything was back to normal.
Zhuang Qiting had long since vanished without a trace, as if he had never appeared at all. Everything that just happened felt like a mere illusion.
Liang Sijie hurried in with two male servants.
“Madam, are you alright? We’ve been checking the circuit faults and have switched to backup power. Sorry, we didn’t expect the power outage.”
Li Yaru’s cheeks burned hot, tinted with a natural blush. As she was about to accept the juice Liang Sijie handed her, she suddenly noticed a heavy ring on her ring finger that wasn’t there before. A deep, luxurious blue sapphire gleamed with a velvety radiance.
A thirty-carat, unheated royal blue from Kashmir—just two months ago, one had appeared in Christie’s spring auction.
Li Yaru couldn’t help but laugh. The old man gave birthday gifts in such a sneaky way— was he afraid she’d throw his present away? She was too lazy to take it off and simply wore it as it was.
The refreshing pear juice diluted the heavy, ambiguous feeling lingering in her mouth. She spoke up, “It’s not a big deal. Go soothe the guests and just tell them the power outage was a small planned part of the evening.”
Liang Sijie nodded. “The dance troupe is ready. We’ll let them perform first, then cut the cake for you.”
Order was quickly restored. Some noblewomen placed hands on their chests, laughing that they had nearly kissed a stranger just now.
“By the way, what was wrong with the circuit?” Li Yaru asked casually while going back to her room to touch up her makeup.
Liang Sijie replied, “It was an issue with the power company. It wasn’t just us—there was a blackout nearby as well. We called Shenghui Electric; they said a generator unit at the power plant had a minor fault but has been repaired.”
Li Yaru nodded, feeling the power outage was strangely suspicious, as if someone had deliberately manipulated it.
Shenghui Electric…
It wasn’t worth it. Zhuang Qiting wouldn’t stoop to such ridiculous acts—not that he was some reckless teenager throwing tantrums.
The banquet continued uninterrupted, and the atmosphere grew even more lively because of the blackout. The Spanish dance troupe performed a stunning piece adapted from Opera Phantom, perfectly matching the party’s theme.
The masked male lead, “Phantom,” held out a rose and invited Li Yaru to dance. She hadn’t expected this segment; it was probably arranged by Liang Sijie to please her, so she happily accepted the rose and danced.
The skirt fluttered, the music swelled, and the lights glittered, allowing Li Yaru to temporarily forget the lingering heat inside her body.
She felt like a coal smothered in fragrant ash, radiating warmth. She hadn’t changed her underwear, so during the dance it clung to her, which was surprisingly comfortable.
While dancing, Li Yaru glanced around and saw one mask after another, making it impossible to tell who Zhuang Qiting was.
At seven o’clock, the Western-style buffet began. Three tall, masked young valets wheeled in a gigantic Table cake—a one-meter diameter strawberry birthday cake that drew all eyes. It was ten times more extravagant than the birthday cake Li Yaru had chosen.
One of the valets removed his mask, revealing a youthful, handsome face.
“Ming!” Li Yaru exclaimed with delight.
Li Shengming gleefully jumped onto her and presented a diamond crown. “Happy birthday! Mommy, you’re forever eighteen. This is my birthday gift to you— put it on!”
He had saved pocket money for eight months to buy the Order of the Laurel. Though simple compared to the multi-million-dollar luxury jewels his father gave, the heart behind it was priceless.
Another valet was none other than Zhuang Shaozhou. He agreed to play a valet because Li Shengming pestered him relentlessly, though he really wanted to wear a high-end suit and present his mother a proper gift.
Zhuang Shaozhou took off his mask with composure and smiled at Li Yaru. “Ms. Li, happy birthday. You can open your gift tonight.”
Li Shengming added, “Big brother ordered the cake. He said this cake is trending lately and looks great in photos. Big brother and second brother delivered it. I told Sijie not to tell you because it was a surprise.”
Zhuang Shaoyan also removed his mask, his smile warm as spring breeze. “Happy birthday, Mom. May everything go better than you hope.” In fact, he was the mastermind behind the valet act and the one who convinced Ming to rope in Shaozhou.
Li Yaru felt tears prick her eyes for some unknown reason. She hugged her youngest son and kissed him.
At forty-four, surrounded by family and friends on her birthday, she pressed her palms together and made a wish just like she did when she was eighteen.
Back then, all her wishes had come true— she had made a fortune, become a super-rich woman who could buy anything she wanted. Aside from her daughter, Li Wang, she had everything she desired.
As for “him”? Li Yaru dismissed the thought immediately. Birthday wishes were serious—she wouldn’t waste them on the old fool.
She paused a moment, then quietly made a wish in her heart: to have a smart, adorable little granddaughter one day.
The banquet didn’t end until 1 a.m. Several noblewomen were drunk out of their minds, supported by servants as they boarded cars.
The Li Residence was a mess— flowers, champagne, ribbons scattered everywhere. Cleaning up would be a huge job and would probably take all night.
Liang Sijie booked a suite at the Star Top Hotel for Li Yaru so she could rest comfortably. Tomorrow, the Li Residence would be spotless once again.
Li Yaru climbed into the Bentley, her slightly intoxicated eyes gazing at the dark sea in the distance. She had drunk a lot, feeling light and floating.
Just thinking about Zhuang Qiting declaring to everyone that he was chasing her made her anxious and uneasy.
She didn’t want to act out a cliché middle-aged idol drama at forty-four, becoming a hot topic in the circle— divorced, being pursued— it was childish and made her look ridiculous.
Soon, she recalled the kiss in the dark, the man’s domineering aura enveloping her, hotter than strong liquor. Desire poured out like a rushing waterfall, nearly overwhelming her.
She hated that she had feelings for Zhuang Qiting but couldn’t deny it— he was truly something else.
Kissing him, being with him—it was all pure enjoyment.
The Bentley sped through the night, the scenery outside shifting from serene to bustling. Li Yaru crossed her legs tightly, trying to suppress the tickling sensation inside her, but the tighter she clenched, the more restless she became.
Zhuang Qiting! That damned ghost of a man!
Li Yaru clenched her fists and slammed them against the leather seat. Without hesitation, she pulled out her phone and messaged Zheng Third Young Mistress.
【Baby, you didn’t get wasted, right?】
On the other end, Zheng Third Young Mistress was busy kissing her young boyfriend, intoxicated. She replied while still kissing, 【No, what’s up?】
Li Yaru’s face stiffened as she typed, 【That Derek you mentioned earlier, is he free?】
At the birthday party, Zheng Third Young Mistress had mysteriously said she was going to send Li Yaru a big gift in return for borrowing Liang Sijie.
She recently met a stunning mixed-race guy, twenty-three years old, blond hair, green eyes, chiseled eight-pack abs, and bursting with hormones.
He was a top student at an American Ivy League school. Elegant in a suit, wild and sexy when undressed— a perfect American muscle sweetheart. Definitely not worse than Liang Sijie.
“The most important thing is he’s very clean. I’ve seen his health reports. He’s not from our circle, so you can trust him. If he were just saving tuition money, he wouldn’t be doing this kind of thing.”
Li Yaru had never been so desperate to get rid of her physical attraction to Zhuang Qiting. Only a new love could overwrite the old traces.
She knew she was too eager, but every rebellious bone in her body had been awakened by Zhuang Qiting.
Actually, Liang Sijie was a very good choice. But she had no heart for him. To her, Liang Sijie was one of her own, a capable aide.
If things crossed the line, the aftermath would be complicated. How could they ever go back to a master-servant relationship?
One thing at a time— she wouldn’t cheat with someone so close.
Zheng Third Young Mistress slid off her young boyfriend and laughed nonstop. 【Start answering me—what, you’re too cool for me? Can’t do it at night?】
【Li the Big Boss is being asked out, so of course he’s free. Others may or may not be. Where are you? Send me the address. I’ll have him clean up and come find you!】
Li Yaru took a deep breath and stayed silent for nearly a minute, her fingers nearly breaking the screen from tapping.
【Star Top Hotel, room 6808.】
【Delivered within half an hour!】
“Sijie.” Li Yaru turned off her phone screen and spoke slowly.
The man in the passenger seat looked back, his eyes gentle in the dim night. “Madam, you said.”
“Someone will come to the hotel looking for me. You…” Li Yaru swallowed, feeling embarrassed. “Check him over thoroughly. If there’s no problem, you can rest. Don’t bother me tonight.”
Liang Sijie paused. “Check what, Madam?”
Li Yaru closed her eyes and leaned back against the seat. “Cameras and the like.”
Liang Sijie understood immediately. Whoever was coming to the hotel to find Li Yaru was definitely up to something.
.
The grand suite at Star Top Hotel included private butler service. By the time Li Yaru arrived, the hot bath was ready, layered with rose petals and infused with orchid-scented essential oils, filling the entire bathroom.
There was a warm hangover soup, as well as honeydew melon, lychee, sugar-free ice cream, and Longjing tea cookies—all available to enjoy during her bath.
The steam softened Li Yaru’s skin as she slipped out of her cumbersome gown and stepped barefoot into the tub.
A delicate diamond anklet clinked lightly as she moved, sparkling beautifully.
In the suite’s living room, Liang Sijie reviewed a complete health report, casually scanning the young mixed-race man with a sweet smile before him.
The boy was very young and neat, dressed in a certain luxury brand’s latest seasonal shirt and jeans that made his long legs look even straighter.
Cooperatively, he handed his shoulder bag to Liang Sijie, signaling to inspect at will, then placed his phone, watch, and even earrings on the table.
He unbuttoned his shirt, revealing wild, powerful muscles, and finally pointed at his pants. “Should I take these off too?”
Liang Sijie’s face turned cold. “No need, sir.”
“Madam likes cleanliness. Please go wash yourself in the next bathroom, brush your teeth three times. Madam dislikes noisy people, so keep quiet. Madam dislikes wildness, so remain gentle at all times. Do exactly as Madam asks, do not have your own ideas, and do not act without permission. Madam hasn’t mentioned any follow-up. After tonight, do not cause trouble. Take the money and leave, and do not mention anything to anyone afterwards, or else…”
Liang Sijie spoke in the calmest tone possible: “You won’t get paid, and you won’t keep your life.”
“Sure.” Derek had a good temper and smiled, revealing a row of white teeth.
“Take these.” Liang Sijie handed over a glass of water and two pills.
Derek looked confused, about to say he was young and could manage three or four times a night without pills, but he stopped himself and quietly said to the gentle man in front of him, “They’re contraceptives. Take them and remember to use protection throughout.”
Liang Sijie was taking double measures to ensure Li Yaru’s safety.
While soaking in the bath, Li Yaru felt even more dizzy. Her heart raced wildly as she stared blankly at the smooth, snow-white lower leg emerging from the water.
That boy… should already be cleaning up outside, right?
Li Yaru felt trapped, utterly confused at this point. She didn’t know what she was doing. Had she really slept with someone else?
Crazy. Absolutely crazy.
She closed her eyes and sank fully into the hot water. Go crazy, go crazy. What else could be crazier than this lately?
She was already divorced from Zhuang Qiting. That alone was crazy enough— her life had long been on a wild, unrestrained path.
–
Half an hour after Li Yaru arrived at Star Top Hotel, a Rolls-Royce with license plate number 1 slowly pulled up to the hotel entrance. Shen Mi, the secretary, got out and opened the door for Zhuang Qiting.
“Sir, Madam booked room 6808. Your room is 6809.”
Zhuang Qiting gave a faint grunt and strode in briskly. “How is she? Has she had too much to drink?”
Shen Mi replied, “Probably a bit too much. Liang butler helped her into the hotel.”
Zhuang Qiting’s face immediately darkened. “Nonsense. A lapdog from a tiny country dares to help Li Yaru?”
Shen Mi quickly lowered his head.
The top luxury hotel’s elevator was often faster than elsewhere. From the ground floor to the 68th took only a brief moment.
Shen Mi stood silently in a corner, half-closing his eyes, wondering when he could go home and sleep. It was already past one a.m., and the boss’s energy tonight was astounding.
Just then, his phone buzzed with a message.
Shen Mi opened it and scanned the content. His face instantly went pale. Madam’s room had a mixed-race young man in it!
Shen Mi’s tongue tied, unsure how to break the news to his boss. He feared he might be buried here tonight.
The elevator doors opened, and Zhuang Qiting stepped out steadily. His pace was quick, sharp, and commanding. Shen Mi followed anxiously behind, nearly stumbling from nerves.
At that moment, room 6808’s door opened, and Liang Sijie stepped out, colliding directly with Zhuang Qiting.
Liang Sijie’s expression was complicated. He knew why— he would rather have Zhuang Qiting here with Madam than that unknown brat who had popped up out of nowhere.
At least Zhuang Qiting was sincere with Madam— not here for money and would never desecrate her noble and complete soul.
Forget it. Madam could do as she wished; he only needed to be willing to go through fire and water for her.
Liang Sijie straightened his back and calmly walked on. The hallway was narrow and deep. Only when he brushed past Zhuang Qiting did he muster a greeting, “Mr. Zhuang.”
Zhuang Qiting stopped effortlessly, one hand in his pocket, standing upright. His dark eyes didn’t bother to look at him but instead stared down the hall’s depth.
“She lets you stay by her side, so behave like a loyal dog. If you dare have any improper thoughts, I’ll immediately send you back to Japan, back to your mother’s side, and have Yamazaki Elder teach this unruly little grandson a lesson. Got it? Yamazaki Kawaijie.”
Yamazaki Kawaijie.
The familiar name made Liang Sijie’s footsteps halt. His pupils dilated as he struggled to control his breathing. Finally, he relaxed and said, “Mr. Zhuang, you don’t have to mock me. Madam is currently…” He smiled. “You’re so powerful, you don’t need me to say more.”
His words were loaded with hidden meanings. Zhuang Qiting narrowed his eyes. Before entering suite 6809, he looked back deeply at the 6808 door opposite.
What is she doing? Does she need someone to look after her?
Zhuang Qiting rubbed his temples and pulled at his tie. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Shen Mi’s pale and nervous expression.
He said coldly, “Why the long face?”
Shen Mi’s legs shook. “Sir…”
“Speak.”
“Madam—there’s a mixed-race young man in her room. He’s been inside for over fifteen minutes…!”
Zhuang Qiting’s fingers caught on his tie knot, freezing him in place. His entire being exuded a chilling aura.
After several seconds, his body trembled as if a mountain was collapsing, almost falling to the floor.
Shen Mi was terrified.