"Don't think too much, I'm just going to talk to her about cooperation," Er Zhu whispered into Li Mei's ear, understanding her unease.
"Mmm, I know," Li Mei murmured, shrinking back slightly from the warmth of his breath on her neck and nodding shyly. Her jealousy melted away with his simple reassurance. Was this the power of love? Gazing out the window, Li Mei found herself pondering this for the first time, a smile unconsciously gracing her lips. The air around her seemed to fill with countless pink bubbles, enveloping her completely.
Watching Li Mei's radiant happiness, Er Zhu's gaze softened. He gave her one last, lingering look before turning and heading back to the yard without a backward glance. Though he longed to stay by her side, his great revenge remained unfulfilled; it was not yet a time for romantic dalliances. Clearing his mind, Er Zhu stomped on the accelerator, his black luxury car shooting forward like an arrow loosed from a bow. As the car receded into the distance, Li Mei felt her heart follow Er Zhu.
Soon, Er Zhu arrived at Wang Xiaomei's hotel. Following the receptionist's directions, he reached Wang Xiaomei's office. Just as he was about to knock, a loud exclamation echoed from within.
"Lin Yaowei, I tell you, I will never marry you!"
Er Zhu paused, his hand hovering over the doorknob, as Wang Xiaomei's furious roar filled the air.
"Xiaomei, don't be like this. Marrying me would be the best thing for both our families!"
Hearing this, Er Zhu slowly let go of the doorknob. As someone from a prominent family, he could guess what was happening inside. The world only knew the opulent lives of the rich second generation, but those within the elite circles understood their own share of helplessness. Arranged marriages were a prime example. Er Zhu knew Wang Xiaomei would never agree to such a thing, but as an outsider, he had no intention of interfering.
"Don't try to sugarcoat it. You just can't have me, so you want to marry me and torment me!"
Er Zhu was about to leave when he heard these words, and his hand returned to the doorknob. While he wouldn't meddle in Wang Xiaomei's romantic affairs, he would not stand by if someone dared to bully his friend!
"Haha, you shrew, so what if you know? Your family has already accepted our Lin family's betrothal gifts. I am destined to be yours!" His intentions exposed, Lin Yaowei no longer bothered to hide them. He let out a wild laugh, then revealed a smile more terrifying than any ghost's. He had pursued Wang Xiaomei since high school, spending millions on manpower and resources to win her over, yet he had not only failed to capture her heart but only made her loathe him more! As the young master of the Lin family, how could he accept such an outcome? Thus, he orchestrated this scheme. After the marriage, he would torment Wang Xiaomei relentlessly, making her life a living hell!
*Bang!*
Just as Lin Yaowei was picturing their future, a loud crash from afar jolted him back to reality. He looked up and saw a blur hurtling towards him!
"Damn it!" Lin Yaowei cursed, frantically waving at his bodyguards. But it was too late! Instantly, Lin Yaowei's left eye turned a deep purple. As he prepared to retaliate, his right eye was slammed by another punch.
"What are you waiting for? Beat him to death!" Lin Yaowei snarled, his face contorted in pain as he clutched his eyes, raging at his bodyguards.
Wang Xiaomei, who had been stunned into silence, finally reacted. Seeing the man fighting fiercely for her, her eyes welled up. It was Er Zhu! The man she had been yearning for all this time! She hadn't been in contact with Er Zhu for a long time. Though she missed him terribly, her girlish modesty and busy career had prevented her from mustering the courage to see him, especially with Li Mei in the picture, which made her heart even more complicated. Yet, here he was, coming to find her and fighting for her sake! This meant Er Zhu had feelings for her! Perhaps she wouldn't lose to Li Mei! With this thought, the long-dormant flame of hope in Wang Xiaomei's heart rekindled, filling her with courage!
*Bang! Bang! Bang!* The sounds of punches echoed. Within moments, Er Zhu had beaten the bodyguards to a pulp, while Lin Yaowei, still clutching his eyes, collapsed to the floor in agony. Lin Yaowei was about to yell something, but hearing the groans of his bodyguards, he swallowed his words. The pain in his eyes even seemed to lessen. Who was this man who had beaten him? Was he Wang Xiaomei's suitor, or his enemy? Damn it, this guy was too fast! He hadn't even seen his face clearly before being pummeled!
"If you don't want to die, get out!" Lin Yaowei was about to say more when a cold voice cut through the air. Without a moment's hesitation, the fallen bodyguards scrambled to their feet and fled the room like startled rabbits. They were just bodyguards, after all, not willing to risk their lives for a useless young master.
"Damn these cowardly fools!" Lin Yaowei cursed inwardly. But the pain in his face was too intense; opening his eyes was difficult, let alone speaking.
"Kid, you just wait!" Lin Yaowei staggered to his feet, leaving behind this parting threat before limping out of Wang Xiaomei's office. The office, moments ago filled with chaos, returned to its usual tranquility.
"Er Zhu, take me away! I don't want to marry Lin Yaowei, I'll die if I marry him!" Before Er Zhu could offer comfort, Wang Xiaomei threw herself into his arms, a strong perfume filling the air. Er Zhu stood stiffly. He knew he should push her away immediately, but he couldn't bring himself to, especially feeling the tears she shed on his shoulder. Oh well, it was just comfort, he wouldn't actually do anything.
"Er Zhu, did you hear me? I don't want to marry Lin Yaowei, I don't!" Seeing Er Zhu's silence, Wang Xiaomei became more distressed. She tightened her grip on him, her body pressing close to his, as if they were becoming one! Feeling her soft form, Er Zhu wanted to pull away, fearing she would be even more heartbroken. He really needed to cultivate his Buddhist practice, or he would easily make a mistake!
"Don't cry, I'll find a way to help you. You... you won't marry him," Er Zhu said softly, patting her back as he gently pulled away.