A kiss wasn't a big deal; it felt rather relaxing. However, when the boy wanted to take it further, Han Yanyan pressed his hand down and said, “Sleep. You're tired.”
The boy looked a little disappointed. But Han Yanyan had no interest in casual flings. To her understanding of time, it had only been a few hours since she had been forced to part from the one she loved. Right now, she didn’t want to date anyone or be intimate with any man.
Though those few hours weren't long, they were filled with a strange frightfulness. Han Yanyan lay on the bed, her thoughts racing.
Regardless of whether Yao Chen was Ding Yao or not, that man was rich, powerful, bold, cunning, and difficult to deal with. Amusingly, Leo didn’t even have a clear plan on how to win him over.
If Han Yanyan were to say, the best way would be to point a gun at his head, make him recall the sins he committed in his life, and then reward him with a bullet. How wonderful that would be! But if she did that, she would have nearly lost her life instead.
In this moment of calmness, Han Yanyan began to recall and sort out her thoughts. This world was clearly a “normal” world, unlike the apocalyptic realms with all sorts of “special powers.” Whether the ability to destroy truly belonged to Yao Chen was still uncertain, but Han Yanyan felt that what happened before seemed more like a trigger for a self-defense mechanism.
Throughout these past few hours dealing with Yao Chen, she came to the conclusion that he had no memory of their first encounter. In her eyes, he looked just like an ordinary underworld boss, without any signs of possessing superpowers.
How should she approach a man like him?
Han Yanyan closed her eyes and thought quietly. There’s no perfect person in this world. Even someone who appears strong must have weaknesses. Everyone has their desires, things they want or like, even if they themselves may not be clear about it.
For instance, Ding Yao loved taming wild horses.
...
What if... what if Yao Chen really was Ding Yao...
Han Yanyan opened her eyes and glared fiercely at the ceiling. The boy beside her, having been rejected, turned and tossed for a long time before finally falling into a deep sleep. The next day, they both woke up early; the boy had to catch a flight.
Han Yanyan helped him drag his suitcase downstairs, watching as he loaded his luggage into the taxi's trunk, closed the lid, and turned to look at her.
“Uh, I extended the rent for another month…” he stammered.
This apartment was rented by him, and Han Yanyan moved in only after they began dating. He didn’t need his girlfriend to share the rent. If he left, she couldn't afford it alone and would have to move back to the school dorm, making her part-time job in the evening inconvenient. But he wasn't independent yet, relying on his parents' money; what he could do for her was to pay one more month of rent.
And then, there was nothing more to say.
At this stage in life, she wasn’t sure what could be said anymore. Everything that needed to be said happened during their breakup discussion. For example, he had advised her against working in those extravagant clubs, but she needed the money. She had asked him tearfully if he could stay, but he couldn’t.
Love alone wouldn’t fill the emptiness in life; it was vast, after all. His life path was clear, arranged by his parents and shaped by his hard work. But what about her life? What future awaited the girl he liked?
He felt lost and worried, helpless.
In the end, he said, “I’m sorry…”
Han Yanyan smiled softly. She gently helped him tighten his coat and said, “No need to...”
No need to say “sorry.”
In her memories, this boy was wonderful. His presence brought happiness and sweetness to “Han Yanyan.” Ending their relationship on such peaceful terms was already good enough.
The boy’s eyes turned red. He looked at her, always feeling something about her was different. Yet her calm gaze somehow made him feel reassured.
Han Yanyan watched the taxi drive away, beginning to ponder the significance of this boy's existence in her original life.
She had experienced more than one world, each time called “Han Yanyan.” This was already the second time around, and after the reset, she even had a new identity. It was clear that Leo had a certain control over these “worlds.” Though he couldn't make her level up or gain strength directly within the world, he could clearly make some adjustments from the very beginning.
Then what was the significance of a “boyfriend” in this world?
Was he merely an excuse to refuse Yao Chen?
It was the weekend. In the past, Han Yanyan would have four tutoring sessions each weekend. Later, while working at “Jin Hao” as a waiter, she could finally take a breather and only accepted two tutoring jobs a weekend.
It was only six in the morning; still early. Han Yanyan leisurely returned to bed for a light nap, waking up at eight to dial her home phone.
“Why did it take you so long to return my call? You didn’t pick up your phone all night yesterday!” her mother complained.
“My phone got lost,” Han Yanyan replied briefly, “What’s up?”
Her mother sighed heavily, and after a long pause, she said, “Your brother… he’s unhappy. He wants a gaming laptop.”
“Sure,” Han Yanyan responded.
Before her mother could express her joy, she continued, “If he doesn’t have dialysis for a month, I can buy a gaming laptop.”
“You… how can you say that? He can’t skip dialysis! You’re trying to take your brother’s life!” her mother exclaimed in shock, followed by criticism.
Han Yanyan coldly replied, “If you know life is precious, then save up the money for his dialysis. Otherwise, he can get a job and earn money for what he wants.”
This daughter had never spoken like this before; her mother was taken aback. Soon after, she burst into tears, “How can you say that? Your brother’s health isn’t getting better. He needs dialysis! He stays home all day feeling suffocated; he’s unhappy. He probably won’t live long; these years are few. Can’t you make him happy as an older sister? Just a few thousand, can’t you manage? You’re living with your boyfriend, so you don’t have to spend your own money.”
“First of all, just because you don’t undergo dialysis doesn’t mean you can’t do anything. Go online and see; many patients don’t give up their normal lives, studying and working hard to fund their treatment. He stays at home because he wants to; he does nothing and relies on others. The insurance only covers half of the dialysis cost; I pay the rest. If he spends my money, then he’ll listen to my words. I won’t force him if he doesn’t go to school or work. But he shouldn’t dream of getting a gaming laptop,” Han Yanyan stated.
“And then, I broke up with Xiao Xu, just as you wished. But I won’t go back for a blind date with that construction boss you introduced. I can continue to pay for your precious son’s medical expenses while studying and working here. But if you ever think of tricking me back for a blind date, don’t expect to get a single penny from me.”
Han Yanyan hung up, ignoring her mother’s shocked screams and tears, and sat on the sofa lost in thought.
Just one night with her boyfriend, and a family that was unbearable to behold… Why was the setup of this world so nice? She could be carefree, unlike the previous world where that pillar had collapsed, crushing her father who wholeheartedly loved and protected her. She didn’t even dare to look back.
The fewer ties, the better.
Han Yanyan glanced at the wall clock and prepared to head out for tutoring. But then she remembered she still hadn’t retrieved her phone; without it, it felt uncomfortable to leave the house.
She picked up the landline and dialed her phone number. After several rings, it was finally answered.
A slightly hoarse voice, as if the man had just woken up, said, “Hello?”
When Yao Chen was released from the police station, he retrieved the items that had been confiscated during the search. He dropped Han Yanyan off at the entrance of Jin Hao, and on the way, he opened the brown paper bag, only to find an extra phone.
He turned on the screen; the wallpaper showed a young, attractive couple in a sweet selfie. The girl was beautiful, and the boy was handsome, most importantly, they had that youthful glow that made one feel envious.
Despite Yao Chen’s confidence in his own youth and vigor during the prime years of a man’s life, he couldn’t help but feel older when compared to this young couple.
He pressed his tongue against his cheek, casually swiping the screen without bothering to check the missed calls and opened the photo gallery.
The gallery was filled with the girl’s sweet face, and there were also pictures of the young boy taken from an affectionate perspective. Some of the photos were taken at home; though they weren't revealing or vulgar, they were private. Yao Chen felt like he had glimpsed into a girl’s life. Ordinary happiness mixed with sweetness, simple joys, and inexpensive contentment.
But the girl in the photos seemed very content.
Yao Chen’s lips curled slightly as he casually tucked the phone into his pocket.
That morning, he woke up later and went down to the kitchen to find food, only to hear a vibrating phone. The phone that he had casually tossed on the coffee table the night before was buzzing, and the caller ID showed “Home.” The avatar displayed two young faces pressed together, both wearing blissful silly smiles.
Yao Chen picked up the phone in silence, “Hello?”
Han Yanyan paused for a moment and asked, “President Yao?”
There was a unique connection between Han Yanyan and her target, allowing her to recognize him at a glance. Even through the phone signal, she could tell right away that this was Yao Chen. While she was still pondering how to win over Yao Chen, he had delivered himself right to her. Regardless of the situation, she had to engage with him first to figure him out.
Han Yanyan explained, “President Yao, I’m Han Yanyan. This is my phone; it might have fallen into your possession yesterday.”
Yao Chen murmured in response while pouring himself coffee, “Come and get it.”
Han Yanyan thought for a moment and politely declined, “Sorry, President Yao, I have work during the day. If it’s convenient for you, just leave it at Jin Hao, and I’ll come by after my shift tonight.”
“Oh.” Yao Chen said, “Understood.” He hung up the phone.
On the screen was the girl’s sweet face, pure and innocent, like a little lamb, delivering herself right at his doorstep.
During the day, Han Yanyan taught tutoring sessions and afterward resigned from the two families. As long as she refused her terrible family’s unreasonable demands, her wages plus tips from working at Jin Hao would be enough to cover her tuition, living expenses, and her brother's medical bills each month. There was no need for her to waste her time and energy on part-time work.
She arrived punctually at Jin Hao that evening, changed into her work attire, and prepared to inquire if her phone had been returned. Normally, if Yao Chen had no business, he spent his evenings at Jin Hao to pass time.
After checking, she learned it was still early; Yao Chen had not arrived yet.
As customers gradually came in, she became busy with her tasks when the supervisor called out, “President Yao wants you in Room 812.”
Han Yanyan put down her work and went to Room 812. She knocked and entered to find all men inside, with Yao Chen seated in the center on the sofa, surrounded by his subordinates.
Her unexpected arrival drew the men’s attention. In this kind of nightclub, the way men looked at women always carried a tinge of desire and ambiguity.
Han Yanyan stood there, scrutinized by this group of men; the scene felt eerily familiar.
But this time, Han Yanyan had no intention of sacrificing herself for the man in the middle anymore. To truly pierce a man's heart and leave a lasting memory, it didn’t necessarily have to involve such offerings.
After all, hate could last longer than love.
The author has something to say: It's dangerously hanging on the tail end of the monthly ranking, and it might be pushed down any minute. I kindly request everyone to leave a review. Thank you.