Returning Late

"I know, it must be someone forcing you, leaving you with no choice. They deliberately suppressed Wang Corporation, secretly bought it up, left me with nothing, and now they're threatening you so you can't come back to me. It has to be this..." Wang Chenhao was trapped in an obsession, his mind deranged, spinning his own explanations to ease the pressure in his heart.

Suddenly, his gaze clouded, and the crazed man seized Rong Qing’s wrist, his powerful grip instantly leaving red marks. Rong Qing’s expression shifted. "Come with me, I’ll protect you," he said, dragging her like a wild beast in a frenzy, trying to rush out the door.

"Threatening you, my foot! Lunatic!" Aaron had just stepped out and was confronted with this scene. No wonder there were so many madmen in the world—every time they saw a beautiful woman, they imagined she belonged to them. Didn’t he see such an outstanding, perfect person standing guard by her side? Even blind, she wouldn't give a second glance to a loser like him.

Aaron’s strong arm clamped down on Wang Chenhao’s wrist, forcing him to let go. Rong Qing slipped free from his grasp. Next, Aaron landed a solid punch on him. Wang Chenhao, pampered his whole life and physically frail, couldn't withstand it—he collapsed to the floor.

"Manager, throw him out. From now on, he's not welcome here." Aaron commanded a middle-aged man with undeniable authority. Soon, a group of security guards moved in, lifted the fallen man by his arms and legs, opened the doors wide, and dumped him outside with a thud.

Aaron looked apologetically at Rong Qing. This perfect opportunity had been ruined by that foolish man. For once, the usually confident Aaron felt somewhat discouraged.

"Qing, from now on, stay far away from him. He’s not to be trusted, I worry you might be in danger." In truth, he’s just a madman! Aaron muttered inwardly.

"Yes, I understand." Rong Qing rubbed her brow.

By the time they left the farm, night had fallen. Aaron drove Rong Qing back to Xiangshan Villa. The tranquil hills of Xiangshan were covered with a sea of crimson leaves, breathtakingly beautiful, shifting from green to red as the elevation rose, with streams murmuring and not a soul in sight. They sped along under the dim streetlights, the car silent.

"Aaron, thank you for bringing me home." Rong Qing said politely, about to open the door, when a warm hand caught her arm. The heat in Aaron’s palm and the sweat in his grasp betrayed his inner turmoil.

"Yes?" Rong Qing raised an eyebrow, puzzled and a bit confused.

"Heh... The weather’s really nice today!" Aaron released her, forcing an awkward smile.

Rong Qing glanced at the sky, thick with clouds, the moon nearly gone and a handful of faint stars. She nodded knowingly, "Yes, it’s very nice." Her fox-like eyes sparkled mischievously, their starry brilliance shining in the dim car, like the stars illuminating the night sky.

Aaron had never felt his heart race so fast. The air was thick with ambiguity, heat enveloping him from head to toe. The man who usually flirted with ease and spoke with wit now found his words lost, as if his heart was entirely captivated by those starry eyes, leaving him powerless to control himself.

If only... If only... Aaron’s sapphire eyes drooped, his face slowly drew closer, like a little sprite, as the fiery atmosphere ignited. His full lips glistened with sensual light, and Aaron felt almost giddy with happiness.

A soft click—the sound of the car door opening—jerked the man from his reverie. His blue eyes shot open; the mischievous sprite was gone. Rong Qing had gotten out ahead of him. The carefully nurtured intimacy was doused with a bucket of cold water. Unaware, Rong Qing happily waved at him—infuriating!

"Get home early and be careful on the way," Rong Qing gently admonished.

Aaron forced a bitter smile, ruffling his upright chestnut hair. There was only one woman who could leave him so flustered and yet willing to go through hell for her—she was exhausting him.

Watching the silver-grey Porsche disappear from sight, the smile on Rong Qing’s face finally collapsed. She was certain now that Aaron wasn’t joking. Faced with unfamiliar emotions, she panicked and fled, bewildered by how such a perfect and noble man could possibly fall for her.

As she pushed open the door, bright lights greeted her. Huo Lingtian stood at the entrance, face dark and stormy, the pressure swirling around him.

"You only just remembered to come home this late?"

Rong Qing glanced at the clock—nearly ten. She’d forgotten about the household's gatekeeper who demanded punctual returns. "I was... catching up with an old friend. I lost track of time. Sorry."

"A man? And one with intentions toward you?" Huo Lingtian’s voice was low, thick with jealousy. He’d waited for her to come home, only to witness that maddening scene outside. If the man in the car had made any move on her, he’d have been furious enough to kill. The rage threatened to burst out, but he forcibly suppressed it as soon as Rong Qing walked through the door.

A beast in the grip of rage often needs to be soothed. Rong Qing tiptoed to gently kiss Huo Lingtian’s cheek, her voice soft and coquettish. "Lingtian, just this once, okay?" She blinked at him, pleadingly.

Even when anger boiled, that kiss and gentle touch melted it away, leaving nothing but warmth. He knew full well this little rascal wasn’t really sincere, just teasing him, but he couldn’t help but soften.

"Next time, don’t come home so late. Understood?" Huo Lingtian put on a stern face.

"Yes, yes..." Rong Qing replied cheerfully.

-- Extra Notes --

Dear readers, the next chapter has been censored due to its mature content... What should I do? Should I leave it in the comments as usual, or edit and post it here? Please continue to support me!