Volume One, Chapter 17: So, Will You Let Me Sleep?

The two of them exited the bedroom one after the other. Mrs. Mo looked at them with a smile, her gaze lingering on the red marks on Su Li’s neck, the amusement in her eyes deepening.

"The housekeeper has made some nourishing porridge. Come and have some," she said warmly.

Mrs. Mo rose to go to the kitchen, personally serving the porridge and handing a bowl to Su Li. "You must eat well."

"Thank you," Su Li replied, taking the bowl with both hands, obedient and considerate.

Mrs. Mo then turned to Mo Xingyuan, giving his shoulder a gentle pat. "No matter what happens, you must eat properly and rest well."

"I know," Mo Xingyuan said, picking up his bowl. "Your actions today—"

"It won’t happen again," Mrs. Mo quickly assured him with an apologetic smile. "The first time, and also the last."

He glanced at her, and Mrs. Mo nodded earnestly. "Truly."

As Su Li sipped her porridge, she could see how much Mrs. Mo cared for Mo Xingyuan. If not for his limited time, Mrs. Mo would never have intervened in his marriage. In a family like theirs, Mo Xingyuan would have married someone he truly loved.

Seeing the two of them actually living together, Mrs. Mo was finally at ease and didn’t linger long before leaving.

After she was gone, Su Li continued eating her porridge with quiet focus. She looked up at Mo Xingyuan. "Have you ever thought of leaving them something to remember you by?"

She left the words unspoken, but the meaning was clear.

Mo Xingyuan finished his last sip, took a napkin to wipe his mouth, and replied, "There’s no need."

Su Li nodded. "I understand. A child should be born of love."

"You really think that?" Mo Xingyuan leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed. "Could you marry and have a child with someone you don’t love?"

"No," Su Li answered without hesitation.

Mo Xingyuan raised an eyebrow. "Then what you told me before was a lie."

Su Li met his gaze. "You’re different."

Mo Xingyuan was suddenly reminded of something He Xinyan had said yesterday—that he’d once saved her life. Yet he couldn’t recall ever meeting her, much less saving her. His memory was good; he wouldn’t forget something so significant.

"My parents must have offered you quite a bit," he remarked, his tone and eyes cool. "If you bore my child, you’d be a hero to them. Even if I’m gone, you’d still live a life of luxury."

Su Li didn’t deny it. She had nothing to argue.

A mocking smile tugged at Mo Xingyuan’s lips, his arm draped over the chair. "Time is running out. Aren’t you afraid your chance at wealth will slip away?"

"True. So, will you let me sleep with you?" Su Li’s eyes sparkled mischievously.

Mo Xingyuan narrowed his eyes. She’d reverted to that playful, insincere demeanor again.

"No," he replied.

"Then I suppose I’m simply not destined for riches," Su Li said, rising to clear away the dishes, a note of resignation in her voice. "If it’s not meant to be, I won’t force it."

Mo Xingyuan doubted she’d ever spoken a word of truth.

After tidying up, Su Li went to the bedroom to gather her things and said, "I’m leaving now."

Mo Xingyuan didn’t move.

At the door, as she changed her shoes, she heard him speak behind her. "That man will harass you again."

"Hmm?" Su Li turned.

"Your ex-boyfriend," Mo Xingyuan clarified. "He knows where you live. Aren’t you afraid he’ll show up again?"

Su Li shrugged indifferently. "What can I do if I am? I’ll just call the police."

Mo Xingyuan’s fingers twisted together, his gaze darkening. "You don’t need to leave."

"What?"

"I said, you can stay here," he replied even more coolly. "You keep calling the police over nothing. It’s a waste of their time."

Su Li paused, noticing his slightly awkward demeanor and stiff tone. She couldn’t help but laugh.

"Are you worried about me?" Su Li was the type to push a joke as far as it would go. She changed her shoes back and walked over, grinning. "Mo Xingyuan, are you falling for me?"

Mo Xingyuan stood abruptly, hands stuffed in his pockets, and walked toward the bedroom. "You’re ridiculous."

"Can I come back after ten tonight?" Su Li called out loudly as he was closing the door.

Mo Xingyuan ignored her.

Still smiling, Su Li headed downstairs. At the office, she was inevitably questioned about the three men from the night before. Since they knew she was acquainted with He Xinyan, they assumed the other two must be friends as well.

"I only know the cold one is married. As for the other, I’m not sure," Su Li replied truthfully.

"Ah, so all the handsome ones are taken. Next time, could you ask about the other one?"

Su Li thought Chi Mu seemed more approachable than Mo Xingyuan—at least he appeared gentler. She agreed; if such a tall, handsome man didn’t have a girlfriend, she could certainly keep an eye out for someone suitable for him.

As they chatted, Zhou Yi walked in from the door.

Since Su Li had rejected him last time, Zhou Yi had become cold and distant, never speaking to her except when necessary for work. Su Li wasn’t bothered; she actually preferred it—strictly business made everything easier.

At lunch, her colleagues mentioned, "I heard Zhou Yi is going back home."

Su Li hadn’t known.

"His family’s in Beijing. It’s probably for the best."

"Honestly, it’s a pity about you two. He really liked you, and it’s true you’re married. If you weren’t, your story would have been a happy ending, not a tragedy."

Su Li couldn’t help but laugh. Were people really still shipping them together?

With the Spring Festival approaching, most work had wound down. Still, everyone staying behind was busy preparing for next year’s exhibition.

Near the end of the day, Zhou Yi walked over to Su Li’s desk.

"My flight is tomorrow," he said.

Su Li looked up. "Safe travels."

Zhou Yi bit his lip, then suddenly smiled. "Su Li, could you be any colder?"

Su Li frowned. "What should I do, then?"

"I chased you all the way here, and you got married without a word. Now I’m leaving, and you can’t even invite me to a meal or see me off?" Zhou Yi was full of grievances.

Hearing it like that, he did seem rather pitiful.

Su Li took a deep breath. "I know it may sound heartless, but it’s also the truth. I’ve always rejected you—I never asked you to do anything for me. You followed me here on your own. From the beginning I told you I was married; I never hid it. You liked me, and I thank you for it, but I don’t owe you guilt just because your feelings went nowhere."

"No dinner, and I shouldn’t be the one to see you off," Su Li said calmly. "We’re colleagues; all I can do is wish you a safe journey and a bright future."

Zhou Yi stared at her, watching her lips move. He’d never realized she could be so cold and detached. In the office, she was friendly with everyone, always ready to joke, never putting on airs because of her looks. She was straightforward, generous, and genuine.

She got along with all her colleagues, men and women alike.

Yet now, she was utterly indifferent.

Zhou Yi didn’t know whether to be angry or not. In the end, all he could do was laugh bitterly. "Heh. Now I finally know you."

"As long as you do," Su Li replied with a small smile. "We’ll probably still cross paths at work in the future. I hope we can both keep things professional."

"I’m quitting as soon as I get back. We’ll never have anything to do with each other again."

Su Li showed no reaction. "Oh."

Zhou Yi gave her a long look. In truth, he felt reluctant to let go. After all these years of liking her, he was finally giving up.

He steeled himself and walked away. After a few steps, he turned back. "Su Li, I hope you have a happy marriage."

Su Li was momentarily taken aback, then smiled softly. "Thank you."