Chapter 4 You Are Mine Now

• Tang Xuchun squinted to take a good look at the man, but He Yanfeng had by then retreated into the car. He slammed the door shut and drove off quickly.
• Tang Xuchun couldn’t be more puzzled.
• Knowing well that it was He Yanfeng, the butler fibbed, “Please pay no attention to it, Madam. It was one of our guards. He probably didn’t want to disturb you.”
• Convinced, Tang Xuchun nodded and continued walking up the stairs.
• “May I know if Young Master Yan is ill?” Tang Xuchun asked in her melodic voice.
• “He is, but please don’t worry too much about it.” Following her, the butler responded respectfully.
• Tang Xuchun acted slightly surprised, “Gosh, that’s...”
• Fantastic!
• Please stay away for as long as you can, so I don’t ever have to see you! Though Tang Xuchun acted surprised, she was actually happy that she didn’t have to meet the man who was rumored to be brutal.
• In fact, she was so overjoyed that she even missed a step. Almost tripping over, Tang Xuchun quickly held onto the railing.
• She was so embarrassed that she wished she could dig a hole and hide.
• “Watch your step please, Madam. Are you concerned about our Young Master?”
• “Yes, I wish him speedy recovery.” Tang Xuchun steadied herself as she creased her brows to look worried.
• “I would love for him to come home soon.” Tang Xuchun let out a sigh. Her acting was so moving that anyone who saw it would mistake her for a loving yet doomed bride.
• Turning away from the butler, Tang Xuchun celebrated by letting out a grin. Her eyes darted around in excitement.
• “Rest assured that our Young Master wouldn’t impose any restriction in your life. He wanted me to let you know that other than living in a different house, you may continue your life as it was before. Also, he’s happy to satisfy your every need,” said the butler.
• Tang Xuchun had not anticipated that. Surprise flitted across her face.
• I should take advantage of being able to live my life freely right now. When the time is ripe, I’ll flee with Grandma.
• “I’m assuming I’m allowed to have my own career and education?” Tang Xuchun’s eyes lit up as she looked at the butler behind her.
• “I don’t see why not, but we must get Mr. He’s permission first,” answered the butler.
• “I see,” Tang Xuchun replied. She pondered for a while and bit her lower lip. A sudden slyness took over her bright eyes.
• “After you, Madam.” The butler pushed open a door upstairs and invited her into a bedroom. Tang Xuchun was stunned to see a bright red king-size bed.
• The auspicious red color was jarring and completely unexpected in the minimalistic and chic room.
• “I’ll let you rest now. Please let me know if there’s anything you need,” said the butler. Tang Xuchun nodded at him. Bowing his head, the butler backed out of the room and gently closed the door after him.
• He then went downstairs to call He Yanfeng.
• He Yanfeng had instructed him to report Tang Xuchun’s every move.
• Standing in the enormous and unfamiliar bedroom, Tang Xuchun felt rather out of place. She came up to the bed and looked for a picture of the groom, only to draw a blank.
• What does he look like?
• Tang Xuchun didn’t allow herself to indulge in her own curiosity. Curiosity kills the cat, after all.
• He must be a monster. Why else would every woman steer clear of him despite his wealth?
• The rumors replayed in Tang Xuchun’s head, sending chills down her spine. Thankfully I’m spared for the day. Otherwise, who knows how I’ll end up?
• She didn’t dare go close to the bed. After removing her tiara and the lengthy veil, she stretched her neck and walked over to a couch. Sitting down on it, she reflected on what the butler had told her. If I can have my own job, does that mean I can even find a job that requires frequent traveling? Would he agree to that?
• Mm, what kind of job would it be?
• A miner in Africa? Or... a jaguar researcher living in the wild?
• Tang Xuchun let her imagination run wild, but she was quickly discouraged. She wasn’t strong enough to be a miner nor was she bold enough to get close to vicious wildlife.
• Besides, he might not even let me.
• Tang Xuchun shook off the crazy ideas as she continued to come up with better ones.
• How about I pray really hard for him to never come home? I guess that’s the most doable idea.
• She clasped her hands together, then started her first prayer - or rather, her first curse.
• I’m not evil. So, please don’t take his life and don’t make him suffer. Just make him stay in the hospital for good somehow. Please, dear God!
• In the middle of the night.
• A black Rolls-Royce slowly entered the villa’s grounds through the gate.
• With headlights off, it was completely concealed in darkness.
• The car came to a full stop.
• A long, slender figure dressed in a custom-made suit got out of the car. The man passed through inky darkness and the shrouding fog. Though fuzzy, his features eventually came into view. His entire presence exuded a frosty aura.
• Without any conscious effort, he radiated awe-inspiring dignity and elegance.
• Detecting subtle movements outside, the butler came to the door.
• “Young Master Yanfeng, what brought you home?” He Yanfeng usually stayed the night at the hospital with his brother whenever he was admitted. This was out of the ordinary.
• “Where is she?” He Yanfeng asked as he strode in.
• “She’s sleeping now. She locked the door, and we couldn’t wake her for dinner,” the butler notified him promptly.
• “Key,” He Yanfeng demanded. The butler handed over the key.
• He Yanfeng continued going up the stairs without stopping.
• He inserted the key into the door and twisted it. After a mechanical click, the door opened.
• A soft ray of moonlight shone through the window, illuminating the room dimly.
• It was so quiet in here that one could hear a pin drop.
• Tired from the long day, Tang Xuchun did not wake up from the slight noise.
• He Yanfeng walked in.
• His features were well-defined and perfectly symmetrical, and he looked all the more charming under the moonlight. This was the closest a man could get to resemble a Greek god.
• He approached the couch in the dark like a mysterious shadow.
• Standing still next to the couch, he lowered his gaze and studied Tang Xuchun’s pretty face.
• You have already run off when I woke up this morning. Now when I see you again, you’ve become my bride.
• Tang Xuchun was curled into a ball as she cuddled a plush pillow on the couch.
• Sleeping like a baby, her face was peaceful and her breathing light.
• This innocent and vulnerable version of Tang Xuchun was the polar opposite of who she was the night before.
• The image of the insulting banknote she left lingered in He Yanfeng’s mind. He narrowed his eyes in an effort to suppress his frustration.
• Regardless, he allowed himself an act of harmless revenge by pinching Tang Xuchun’s fair cheek.
• At last, you’re mine now.
• “Mm.” The pinch woke Tang Xuchun up. Tonight she didn’t feel safe enough to sleep deeply.
• Rubbing her eyes, she drowsily made out that a man was looking at her.
• Shocked, Tang Xuchun quickly had her eyes wide open.
• “Ah! Ghost!” she shrieked loudly.
• Covering her eyes, she curled up even tighter on the couch and trembled violently.
• He Yanfeng didn’t expect to wake her with that pinch.