Then he bit her finger.
Li Yaru made a muffled sound, the bite tingling. “Zhuang Qiting.”
He released her and spoke deliberately, “I told you, I’m dull, mature, domineering. Since meeting you, all I do is work and boss people around. You thought I was old the first time we met—you said I looked like a married man in his thirties, but praised my younger brother’s youth and handsomeness. We’re only four years apart. I wanted you to see a dashing side of me, but I couldn’t attract you. You were always distracted. You’re young, beautiful, with a great figure and loved by everyone.”
“But I’m older, held down by my identity, feared by all. I seem unworthy of you. I’m not Fan Zizhuo, your childhood sweetheart with endless topics. I’m not Yi Er, a charming playboy who knows how to please women. I can’t be Liang Sijie following behind you.”
“I like you, so I want you, kiss you, hold you, and feed you every night. I’m not like Kurt, a spoiled little man calling you Goddess. I can’t imitate Lorenzo’s romantic gestures, running around the streets with you like a romantic film. I know you like that kind of atmosphere. I’m none of those, and I can’t learn.”
“…………”
Li Yaru’s face heated up, glaring at him pitifully.
If you don’t want to do it, you don’t have to say it!
Zhuang Qiting took a deep breath and gently lifted her chin. His gaze was unyieldingly strong, even his insecurities were unique. “How do you want me to be confident? How do you expect me to deceive myself into thinking you will only love me? Just because I have less money than them? Once you have enough money, when you pass that threshold, money becomes meaningless. Or maybe, you like my body. Luckily, I’m pretty good at that and can make you feel good.”
“But I won’t be young forever, Ah Rou. One day, I will grow old.” He lowered his eyes and looked at her calmly.
He didn’t want to accept aging, but time was invincible.
Tears welled up in Li Yaru’s eyes. She brushed them away and smiled. “You’re afraid of getting old too, Mr. Zhuang. You’re afraid of getting old.”
“I’ll always be afraid if you’re not here.”
“But I’m not young anymore either. I’m old now. I’m forty-four.”
“To me, you’ll always be nineteen.”
No other sweet words mattered more than that. Not the Serengeti Rose, the Muse Goddess, the Red Tulip, not ‘I’m moved by you’ or running hand in hand through the streets—none of it could compare.
The sound of the waves rose and fell in their ears.
Li Yaru covered her face, tears pouring down like rain, but her red lips curved wide, laughing so hard she could barely straighten her back.
She looked wild and crazy, with none of the grace of a lady.
Zhuang Qiting pulled her close, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist, holding her in his embrace, wanting her to wipe her tears on him.
They were pressed so close the sea breeze couldn’t pass through, only swirling around their sides, surrounding them.
Li Yaru cried like a child, tears and sniffles wiped on him. “You say those things, and you make me cry, but I still won’t remarry you, Zhuang Qiting.”
Zhuang Qiting stroked her hair, feeling its softness as he slowly smoothed it to the ends.
His brows were furrowed in storm and rain, but his voice was calm. “I don’t want to remarry you. I want to every single night, but I don’t expect these words to win you back. Though tying you up would be easier.”
“I’m definitely not remarrying you. Don’t dream.” Li Yaru emphasized.
She felt very free and happy in her current state, which was like putting a leash on Zhuang Qiting’s neck so he wouldn’t dare act rashly.
“……………”
Zhuang Qiting tightened his hold on her arm, wanting to merge her into his bones and blood. “To me, you never left me. I’m your husband; you’re my wife.”
Li Yaru was stunned for a moment. “Crazy. I’m not your wife. The divorce decree says we’re divorced.”
Zhuang Qiting said moodily, “I’m not your man either.”
“You’re just my bedmate.”
“……………….”
Talking like this was exhausting for Zhuang Qiting. He just pressed the back of her head, pressing her face into his chest, and kissed the top of her head.
“Where is the ship heading?” Li Yaru asked.
“Sardinia. If you don’t want to go, I can turn the ship around.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Li Yaru said, “Let’s go. Seeing the sea isn’t bad. But I don’t have a change of clothes.”
“Tell Madam Ada to pack what you need and give it to Xiao Shen. He can fly it here.”
Li Yaru sympathized with Secretary Shen, feeling sorry for him being on call twenty-four hours. “Being your live-in secretary must be really tough.”
“He earns over four million a year. More than you can imagine in work ethic. Besides, after our divorce, he often works overtime.”
“Right,” Li Yaru tugged on Zhuang Qiting’s shirt. “Why is Kurt willing to help you lie to me? I’ll definitely cause trouble for him when I return to Rome.”
“I forced him. Don’t trouble him.” Zhuang Qiting really didn’t want Li Yaru to meet Kurt again. That guy was too clingy and sticky.
Li Yaru didn’t even have to guess—Zhuang Qiting used threats and temptations to control Kurt, who dared not lie to her.
“Still, where did you get this outfit?” Li Yaru pinched his arm hard. “I told Ada to throw it all out!”
He was dressed like a model—both ascetic and seductive. She wanted to say he looked mature when young, but that maturity was just right for a man entering his prime. At forty, he still looked like he was in his thirties.
She didn’t like his money or his body; she liked his face. Handsome and commanding.
Zhuang Qiting didn’t flinch as she pinched harder, practically flirting. “You bought it all for me. You didn’t have the heart to throw it out, so you fished it back from the trash.”
“Thanks, Ah Rou bb, I love it. Especially the perfume. I’ll wear it every day.”
Li Yaru curled her lips coldly. “These were rewards for you serving me well. If you mess up again, even if you kneel and cry before me, I won’t pay attention.”
An hour later, the helicopter carrying Secretary Shen landed on the yacht’s helipad.
Shen Mishuzhang came down carrying several large bags—all of Li Yaru’s personal belongings.
Zhuang Qiting patted Shen Mishuzhang on the shoulder, saying a word of thanks. Shen Mishuzhang stood straighter, startled.
The yacht was extremely luxurious, especially the master suite with three sides facing the sea, offering the most luxurious, unbeatable ocean view.
But now it was night, so nothing could be seen. Tomorrow morning, the clear skies, the passionate Mediterranean sunrise, clouds, and waves would all be on full display.
Li Yaru took a leisurely bath and applied a layer of instantly melting moisturizing cream. Her whole body gave off an intoxicating scent.
She thought Zhuang Qiting would be waiting on the bed for her, but he was already lying down—and fast asleep.
He had taken off his suit, wearing only a shirt and trousers, looking very exhausted as he lay on the bedding.
He looked so tired—especially tired.
Soft lighting bathed the room, mellowing him, making him less imposing. His thick eyebrows and dense black hair were marks of masculinity and spirit.
Li Yaru had heard that men with thick brows and sharp noses had a strong desire. Usually, he was energetic and full of life, able to work all day without fatigue.
She hadn’t expected him to be so tired he just collapsed to sleep.
Li Yaru sat on the bed’s edge, brushing her fingertips over his brows and eyes, quietly tracing his features.
“If you hurt me again, I won’t forgive you, Zhuang Qiting.”
“This is your last chance.”
Li Yaru whispered softly.
He was sleeping so soundly that she felt awkward waking him. Instead, she climbed onto the bed from the other side, painstakingly pulling the blanket out from under him. She covered herself and left a corner for him.
Zhuang Qiting woke to the movement, pressing his brow, his eyes red. “Sorry, I wasn’t asleep.”
Li Yaru lay on her side, propping her head up, like a fox spirit turned human, lazily teasing, “You slept so well. I was counting on you to serve me tonight. But you’re tired, so forget it. I’m not going to overwork my sugar daddy.”
Zhuang Qiting couldn’t take her mockery. After a few seconds of silence, he leaned over and pressed his lips on hers, kissing deeply, their heated breath mingling between their joined lips.
His palms were large, calloused.
“Don’t…” Li Yaru’s thoughts drifted.
Zhuang Qiting sucked in a breath; his glossy lips gleamed. He flicked his finger.
Li Yaru shivered, then suddenly looped her arms around his neck, pulling him down, exhaling hot breath. “Zhuang Qiting, you old bad dog. You only say those things to satisfy your lust. I’m not stupid enough to believe you. Even if you treat me well, I still wouldn’t like you.”
“Ah Rou is stubborn. I know you can’t bear to leave me. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have bought these gifts for me.” Zhuang Qiting bit her jaw.
“Shut up, dog man.” Li Yaru pushed him away.
He took the slap silently, cursing Xiao Dong in his heart but didn’t torment her any further.
He was indeed tired. Counting it up, he hadn’t slept for two days and nights. He should be, but he feared being inadequate.
If he failed once, it would be better not to start at all—avoiding Li Yaru mocking him for being old and useless.
“I’ll take a shower, then hold you while we sleep. Tomorrow morning, I’ll serve you again and wake you up, Miss Li.”
Li Yaru: “…………..”
Zhuang Qiting held her, his hoarse voice whispering, “I stayed by your bedroom door all night.”
“Li Yaru, I won’t let you be hurt anymore.”