Song Yunlang had a grain of rice stuck by his mouth. I smiled at him and handed over a tissue. He smiled back sheepishly.
Through the polished glass, I met Wen Qi's gaze. His brows were tightly knit, dark eyes swirling with apocalyptic intensity that seemed to penetrate through the crowd and windows. Song Yunlang shivered.
"How is it so cold in summer? Are you cold, sister?"
I shook my head with a smile, summoning a waiter to order hot milk. When it arrived, I pushed the cup towards Song Yunlang and stood with a tissue. "Sorry, my boyfriend's here to pick me up. I'll take my leave."
As I grabbed my purse, my wrist was suddenly caught. The electric touch raced up my arm before I jerked free. Song Yunlang looked contrite. "My apologies, sister. I was just surprised... Have you gotten back together with him?"
Knowing he was aware of some history, I started, "Yes, I..."
Wen Qi stormed over but stopped paces away, his oppressive aura stifling. "Chen Xu, come here."
His use of my full name instead of usual endearments signaled barely restrained fury. "Chen Xu, don't make me repeat myself."
"What's your problem?!" Song Yunlang stepped between us, shielding me. "What do you mean by that?"
"Me?" Wen Qi's gaze turned blade-sharp. "You're the one who sent her away. What's your game, kidnapping my girlfriend?"
"She came willingly! Who knows if you abused her!" Song Yunlang pulled me further back.
"Let her go!"
"Make me!"
As their shouting match escalated, the entire restaurant stared. Surprisingly composed, Wen Qi locked eyes with a panicked waitress until I sighed and pried Song Yunlang's grip loose.
"This doesn't concern you. Finish your meal." I pressed him back down.
"Are you serious about him?" he demanded. Following my glance at Wen Qi, I nodded. "Our relationship is nobody else's business."
19.
The incident might make headlines, though Wen Qi would likely suppress it. For everyone's sake, I quickly dragged him out. He soon took control, carrying me to his car where familiar scent enveloped us.
Pinning me to the seat, his ice-cold eyes chilled the air. "What game are you playing, baby?"
My heart skipped - did he suspect something? "Is that the man from City B? Some bratty kid? You like that type?"
In the shadowy interior, he seemed part of the darkness. "Answer me, Chen Xu."
"I..."
"Hush." His mood shifted rapidly. "Even if you like him, I'll never let you go." His fingers traced my cheek before teeth sank into my collarbone. Through the pain, his obsessive whisper vowed: "You. Belong. To. Me."
20.
I expected cold war, but life resumed normally - so uneventful I wondered if my jealousy ploy failed. With June graduation approaching, I had no time to dwell.
On graduation day, the ever-busy Wen Qi appeared. "I want to attend every meaningful moment with you," he said. His presence alongside my frequent热搜 appearances made us instant话题.
Maintaining a client-meeting demeanor, he only softened when looking at me - making me the target. Whispers followed: I was a gold-digging plaything. Before I could react, Wen Qi stepped forward, gaze hardening.
"Chen Xu is my girlfriend, my only love. I won't tolerate slander against her."
