Chapter 32: A Stirring of the Heart

After eight o’clock in the evening, the class chat group, silent all day, suddenly came alive. Some mischievous boys were wildly exaggerating the events that had just unfolded at the bar—

“Fu Xiang was hanging out with Qu Yitao and a few other second-generation rich kids at the bar, got a bit drunk, lost in some prank game, hahaha, ended up stripping and crawling on the floor barking like a dog. [Video][Video]”

Lin Yiwei clicked on the video and saw that Fu Xiang was indeed being “tormented” quite thoroughly. Qu Yitao and his group of spoiled sons pried open a beer bottle and poured the foaming beer over Fu Xiang’s head.

Fu Xiang was wagging his tail on the floor like a lapdog, barking obsequiously at them. If he hadn’t been drunk, no one would have believed that the normally righteous and upright class cadre would do something so disgraceful.

Like a puppy, crawling and wagging his tail, making those rich kids burst into laughter.

The video was only a few minutes long but showed him in such an undignified state. One could only imagine how many more ridiculous moments had been left unrecorded.

“Ah, they’re so mean.”

“Is this for real? Our class monitor usually acts all official, never thought he had such a wild side, crawling on the floor barking like a dog, hahaha.”

“He must be drunk.”

“Voluntarily, obviously. Everyone knows he’s always kissing up to those Qu Yitao boys.”

“Wait until he sobers up and sees these videos—he’ll probably want to move to Mars.”

The video spread beyond the class group. Soon, Ye Anning sent Lin Yiwei a link: on the TalkTok forum, someone had posted the video of Fu Xiang barking like a dog, sparking a wave of ridicule. The thread had hundreds of comments.

The moderators pretended not to see and never deleted it.

The next day, Fu Xiang woke up to social death. Walking down the street, classmates greeted him, while some mischievous boys deliberately barked behind him.

He was utterly humiliated, seriously considering relocating to another planet.

Lin Yiwei knew this was Xie Bo’s handiwork. When he asked how she wanted Fu Xiang to die, she replied coldly, “I don’t want him dead; for the humiliation I suffered, I want him to pay back tenfold.”

To be honest, this was a masterstroke by Xie Bo.

Fu Xiang usually fawned over Qu Yitao to the utmost, and everyone knew Qu Yitao also flattered Xie Bo.

Once Xie Bo gave the order, they could torment Fu Xiang mercilessly.

Lin Yiwei’s anger subsided considerably.

Not long after, Chi Xiyu knocked on her door, asking if she wanted to visit the ancient town with her.

Though exhausted, Lin Yiwei agreed to accompany her.

“I’ll wait downstairs,” Chi Xiyu said, already changed into a traditional Hanfu outfit for photos.

“Okay, I’m coming down.”

Normally, Chi Xiyu was never short of company; her circle was always lively.

Lin Yiwei wasn’t her closest friend, so it surprised her that Chi Xiyu chose her to accompany her for a stroll.

Only after coming downstairs did Lin Yiwei understand why.

Waiting for her was not only Chi Xiyu but also Chi Xicheng.

Xu Qianxi and the others feared Chi Xicheng — everyone in Qinggang City knew how rotten and twisted he was; his notorious reputation was widespread.

Many girls tried to please him, but even more feared him.

With such a hell-raiser brother around, no wonder Chi Xiyu could only find Lin Yiwei to accompany her.

Chi Xiyu noticed Lin Yiwei was also wary of him and quickly reassured her: “He insists on tagging along, really annoying. Let’s just ignore him; with me here, he won’t do anything to you.”

Lin Yiwei nodded but couldn’t shake the chill from Chi Xicheng’s sinister gaze throughout their walk.

The ancient town was bustling at night; long streets lined with stalls selling various hairpins, beads, and bracelets. Shops on both sides were the products of the influencer economy, all selling trendy food items like jarred roasted milk tea and bamboo-tube bubble tea—perfect for photos and social media check-ins.

Lin Yiwei spent the walk helping Chi Xiyu take photos, and they chatted and laughed.

Despite Chi Xicheng’s presence, this rare chance to accompany the young lady shopping was precious.

Normally, Lin Yiwei was not on the same level as Chi Xiyu; their spending habits were worlds apart.

Through their time together, Chi Xiyu realized Lin Yiwei perfectly hit her happy spots.

Compared to Xu Qianxi and the other girls, who were clumsy and repetitive with their flattery, Lin Yiwei didn’t compliment her looks, fashion sense, or bags in the usual insincere, overplayed way.

Instead, she said things like, “Xixi, let me braid your hair,” or “Xixi, tilting your head slightly when taking photos makes your face look smaller,” and “Xixi, these bead bracelets were all wholesale from small markets; I suggest not buying them unless you really like them, or you’ll be overcharged.”

Gradually, Chi Xiyu found that Lin Yiwei provided her with far more emotional value than those “sisters” who only knew flattering words and obedience.

With Lin Yiwei, she truly felt the joy of shopping.

Chi Xiyu bought two cups of jarred milk tea and handed one to Lin Yiwei. She took pictures of them holding the tea and posted them on her Moments with the caption:

“Having a great time shopping in the ancient town with my sister, ignoring the annoying guy behind us! [Photos][Photos]”

They played until eleven, when the shops around closed, then returned to the hotel.

When Chi Xiyu invited Lin Yiwei to the bar later, Lin Yiwei glanced at Chi Xicheng and said, “I’m on my period, so I won’t go.”

“Ah, you even accompanied me for so long during your period—then go rest quickly!”

Chi Xiyu’s attitude toward Lin Yiwei visibly softened.

Lin Yiwei nodded and went back to the hotel. Upon entering, she saw Chi Xicheng still smiling at her with ill intent…

She locked the door, collapsed onto the bed exhausted, and closed her eyes for a short nap.

Today had been utterly draining, but at least… her relationship with Chi Xiyu had taken a positive step.

Given time, she would become Chi Xiyu’s closest “sister”…

Sharing secrets, speaking freely.

At that moment, her phone chimed with a message from Chi Xicheng.

Earlier, she had deleted him, but at the Baiyin Club that night, he added her back on WeChat.

“Did you like the milk tea? Big brother added a little something for you. [Mischievous smile]”

Lin Yiwei’s eyes darted to the empty jar on the table.

The milk tea was bought by Chi Xicheng after waiting in line. When Chi Xiyu took Lin Yiwei to another place for over half an hour, Chi Xicheng came over with the milk tea.

Because Chi Xiyu was around, Lin Yiwei couldn’t refuse. She couldn’t refuse any “gift” from Chi Xiyu.

Moreover, the milk tea was sealed, and the taste was normal, so she didn’t think much of it.

She hated wasting things; such expensive drinks were always finished completely, not a drop left.

Now, seeing Chi Xicheng’s message, Lin Yiwei’s scalp tingled.

“What's in it?” she messaged back.

“Don’t worry, it’s not a drug, just a little ‘good stuff.’ [Mischievous smile]”

Lin Yiwei leapt out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, vomiting violently. She desperately scraped her throat with her hand, finally emptying the milk tea and dinner from her stomach. Even with an empty stomach, dry heaves continued.

She didn’t know what it was, but the nausea was unbearable!

That bastard Chi Xicheng!

Her temples throbbed, her head felt like a balloon about to burst, and her eyes, nose, and mouth swelled.

She splashed cold water on her face, wiped away mucus, but her stomach kept convulsing in waves of pain…

She felt terrible.

Lin Yiwei sat on the bed, clutching her fists, struggling to stop herself from dwelling on the disgusting thought.

Closing her eyes, she tried to think of something beautiful…

Thought of Lin Xie.

Tears nearly spilled over.

At that moment, the doorbell rang. Startled, she cautiously asked, “Who is it?”

“It’s me.” A lazy yet magnetic voice, instantly recognizable.

Fearing exposure, Lin Yiwei quickly opened the door and pulled Xie Bo inside.

He carried a faint chill of winter air, a scent of freesia and pine—an aroma from the scent diffuser on his family’s drying machine.

Once inside, Xie Bo turned and pressed her gently against the wall, smirking as he leaned in to bite her neck.

But he saw her flushed cheeks, slightly swollen eyes, and faint tear marks.

“You look uglier than when I last saw you.”

He continued to nuzzle her ear lovingly, nibbling on her earlobe.

Lin Yiwei pushed him away. “What are you doing here?”

“What else? To see you.”

“Well, now you have.”

“Didn’t upset you, did I?” Xie Bo noticed her chilly tone and narrowed his eyes playfully. “Is it about Fu Xiang? Not happy with how it was handled?”

“No, Xie Bo.”

“Then why the attitude toward me?”

A flame of hatred burned in Lin Yiwei’s heart. She looked at Xie Bo and said, “Can you handle Fu Xiang? Can you handle Chi Xicheng? I want him dead.”

She almost ground her teeth on that last word.

Xie Bo released her, sat on the sofa chair, jaw tightening slightly. “Yi, you always give me difficult tasks.”

“Can you do it or not?”

“What else did he do to you?”

He asked, “With Chi Xiyu around, it shouldn’t be too bad. He’s a bastard but a good older brother.”

“Yeah, it shouldn’t be.” Lin Yiwei’s hatred was barely contained. “He spit—or something—in my milk tea. I just forced myself to vomit; I almost threw up bile…”

Xie Bo stood, reaching to hug her, but she pushed him away.

He pondered silently for a moment and then said seriously, “I can’t touch the Chi family, Yi Yi. That’s something I just can’t do.”

Indeed, the Xie and Chi families were deeply intertwined with complex interests.

Small skirmishes were fine, but he couldn’t truly harm Chi Xicheng.

Lin Yiwei didn’t push him. She knew her limits but didn’t feel like being pleasant. She went to the bathroom to brush her teeth and freshen up.

When she came out, Xie Bo had already left.

She couldn’t give him the amusement he wanted or make him happy, so naturally, he looked elsewhere.

Xie Bo was no fool and wouldn’t bother trying to coax her.

Lin Yiwei lay in bed, eyes closed, trying to rest but couldn’t sleep. Her stomach growled, but she had no appetite—only nausea.

After a while, she heard hurried footsteps outside. The wooden structure of the inn made sound carry; she could hear everything clearly.

She caught Chi Xiyu’s voice on the phone—

“Who did this?”

“Can’t find the guy?”

“Then where’s my brother? Which hospital?”

…

Lin Yiwei dressed and came out, grabbing Chi Xiyu’s arm. “What’s going on?”

Chi Xiyu snapped, “My brother was wasted at the bar, and someone dragged him into an alley and beat him up badly. He’s been sent to the hospital.”

“Who did it?”

“Don’t know, no cameras. This town’s a mess. But he deserved it—acting like a maniac all the time, acting arrogantly on someone else’s turf…”

Chi Xiyu didn’t say more and hurried downstairs to catch a taxi to the hospital.

Lin Yiwei went back to her room, barely able to suppress a smile.

Serves him right, absolutely serves him right.

She hoped his injuries were severe enough to break some bones—that would be satisfying.

What a coincidence, instant karma?

Lin Yiwei never believed in fate or that the heavens would punish evildoers on her behalf.

Thinking of Fu Xiang’s incident, she began to suspect something but wasn’t certain. She took out her phone and messaged Xie Bo—

“Where are you?”

No reply.

Lin Yiwei typed many messages but deleted them all.

She wasn’t emotionless. Though she fiercely resisted the stirrings of warmth in her heart, she wished she could be carefree and indifferent.

But she couldn’t.

Because she felt guilty for snapping at him earlier.

She called Xie Bo, but he didn’t answer. Yet she heard his phone ringing next door, where the thin walls made the sound carry.

“….”

He was staying next door.

She opened the door, peeked down the hallway to make sure no one was around, then knocked on his door.

“Master Bo.”

“Sleeping,” came an impatient voice.

“I know you’re not.”

“Annoying.”

“Xie Bo, open the door. I want to see you.”

She was stubborn. If he didn’t open, she’d keep knocking—

“Let me see you, just one look.”

Finally, the door opened. The man stood bare-chested, wearing only black pants. The overhead light cast shadows over his face, hiding his handsome black eyes beneath thick brows.

Lin Yiwei noticed a slight bruise on the knuckle of his right hand.

“See it now,” he said, then slammed the door shut brusquely.

He was a little angry—not with her, but with himself.

Tonight he helped her vent, but no matter the reason, Xie Bo shouldn’t have done what he did.

The risk was too great.

Yet he insisted on doing it himself to truly vent his anger.

He beat Chi Xicheng nearly to death, so badly his knuckles bled.

What a reckless stunt. If Xie Sizhuo found out, Xie Bo would be in deep trouble.

Too impulsive.

Xie Bo decided to give Lin Yiwei the cold shoulder and ignore her.

…

Lin Yiwei returned to her room, inexplicably sleepless for a long while. Checking her phone, it was past midnight.

Her body was weary, yet sleep eluded her.

She had read online that true insomnia wasn’t staying up late gaming or binging shows, but the desperate desire to sleep that never arrives.

Irritated, Lin Yiwei sat up, scrolling through her Moments and Weibo.

She didn’t know whether her messy emotions stemmed from feeling touched… or guilty, or both.

Guilt… How could she feel guilty toward someone like Xie Bo? And feeling touched was no better.

Their relationship was clear—they used each other, demanded from each other, or more delicately put, they exchanged pleasures and emotional value to bring each other joy.

Whoever falls first is doomed.

How could she possibly like someone who would never promise a future?

Only a fool would do that.

She slipped on a down jacket and stepped onto the balcony for some fresh air, only to find Xie Bo on the neighboring balcony.

He wore a thin gray sweater that clung perfectly to his lean, defined frame. He looked slightly pale, distant, yet still youthful.

He lit a cigarette, and when he looked up, their eyes met.

An awkward moment passed.

Lin Yiwei softened and apologized, her voice gentle and conciliatory: “Sorry, I shouldn’t have snapped at you earlier. I was just upset.”

He gave a light scoff, leaning against the railing, “Always like this—help you out and then you act all sweet.”

A breeze stirred her smooth hair. She smiled slightly, a dimple appearing, “Yeah, that’s just how I am. You could have not helped me.”

Xie Bo stubbed out his cigarette, turning to lean on the balcony with both hands. Bruises marked the backs of his hands. Starlight spilled over, adding gold to his dark eyes.

“If I didn’t help, you’d glare at me like I owed you a hundred grand.”

“You could also ignore me, go find someone who doesn’t glare at you. There must be plenty.”

“Same old lines, you’re annoying.”

“You’re annoying too, so I could just find someone else.”

“If I really did, don’t cry.”

“Try it and see if I cry.”

They stood chatting for a while, the tension easing.

Lin Yiwei suggested, “Want to sleep together tonight?”

“Nope, what’s so good about sleeping?”

He waved dismissively and went back inside.

Lin Yiwei crawled back into bed, sleep finally creeping in.

Just as she was about to drift off, a knock woke her.

Opening the door, Xie Bo came in.

“What are you doing?” she asked, sleepy-eyed.

He scooped her up horizontally and tossed her onto the bed, then wrapped her in the covers, fervently kissing her lips, neck, every inch of skin.

Lin Yiwei’s heart skipped; she scrambled to resist, “Xie Bo, not tonight!”

“I know,” he breathed hotly, holding her close. “Just a little kiss.”

Feeling his burning skin, she closed her eyes and softly kissed his moist lips.

“Xie Bo...” she murmured, growing tender, cupping his face and kissing him, “Master Bo...”

“‘Master Bo’ is what outsiders call me. What should you call me?”

“Brother...”