When Yu Hekun returned home in the evening, Yu Mingzhong had just wearily gotten out of bed.
Jet lag combined with being a bit of a fussy sleeper, plus not sleeping well during the day and taking two calls from abroad, meant Yu Mingzhong hadn't rested properly at all.
However, during dinner, the three of them sitting around the table appeared perfectly harmonious, with no trace of the fact that the two at home had practically torn off all pretenses when Yu Hekun was out during the day.
Yu Mingzhong simply didn't believe the things Jian Youyou had said that afternoon. If she truly liked his brother, she definitely wouldn't touch his brother's money. Girls are usually like that—the more they like someone, the stronger their sense of pride, especially for a woman from a family like hers.
But observing Jian Youyou, the person who had been all claws and defiance, acting shamelessly towards him during the day, was actually attentive and doting towards his brother. She cracked jokes, whispered sweet nothings, cupped his face laughing like a sunflower, sticking to him coquettishly with endless "Brother Kun this, Brother Kun that," making Yu Mingzhong's teeth ache a little.
If judged purely as a little lover, this little wildcat was undoubtedly very qualified.
But the problem was, this little wildcat wasn't content with just being a little lover. She was playing a long game, angling for a big catch, and even harbored the delusion of marrying his brother.
Yu Mingzhong couldn't possibly sit back and let that happen. This kind of woman absolutely must not enter the Yu Family.
Especially after testing the waters during the day, Yu Mingzhong concluded that his brother was definitely no match for this woman. He couldn't stay here for too long, so before returning abroad, he had to find a way to deal with her.
He couldn't be too obvious about it. Offering money hadn't worked, so Yu Mingzhong was already contemplating another approach. He remembered Huo Jiaoyue, who had been on the same flight back to the country with him. After dinner, Yu Mingzhong's finger hovered over Huo Jiaoyue's contact name on his phone for a moment before lightly tapping to dial.
The person who answered seemed quite surprised. "Hello?"
Yu Mingzhong took a soft breath, his voice steady and gentle. "Jiaoyue, it's me, Yu Mingzhong. Do you have time to meet for a drink?"
There seemed to be a sound of something dropping on the other end, then Huo Jiaoyue's voice came through, sounding a bit distant. "Oh, oh, sure. Where?"
Yu Mingzhong went out for the night, leaving only Jian Youyou and Yu Hekun at home. Such a perfect opportunity couldn't be wasted, so Jian Youyou started working her charms on Yu Hekun.
"Brother Kun, you've been busy outside all day. Let me give you a shoulder massage," she said, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Yu Hekun on the sofa. "Let's go to your room."
Yu Hekun wasn't really tired. He hadn't had much work today, and most of it had been handled by his assistant. But facing Jian Youyou's gaze, he couldn't help but feel a tingle down to his hair.
"I'm not going," Yu Hekun sat firmly on the sofa, not budging no matter how hard Jian Youyou pulled him. "And I'm not tired."
"How could you not be tired?" Jian Youyou put on an eager face. "You work so hard every day earning all that money. Come on, let me help you relax!"
She pulled at Yu Hekun with even more force—her arm strength was no joke. Yu Hekun slid a distance on the sofa from her tugging, grabbing onto the armrest and shaking his head vigorously. "I'm not tired! I don't want to relax! If you keep this up, I'm calling the police!"
Jian Youyou couldn't help but laugh. She walked over to Yu Hekun, wrapped her arms around him, and said, "Good Brother Kun, please? Let's go upstairs!"
Yu Hekun was both amused and exasperated, whispering, "Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do. No way!"
It was too fast, too sudden. He wasn't ready at all.
Yu Hekun hadn't even fully sorted out his own feelings yet. The more Jian Youyou acted as if she liked him to an unbearable degree, the more cautious Yu Hekun became.
He felt that someone who liked him so much shouldn't be treated casually or rashly...
So he stubbornly refused to go upstairs. Jian Youyou wasn't some super-strong woman who could hoist Yu Hekun over her shoulder, haul him upstairs, and toss him on the bed. She wore her lips thin trying to persuade him, but still couldn't trick Yu Hekun into going up.
"Why are you so guarded against me?" Jian Youyou was utterly puzzled. "I just want to lie down with you for a while, just lie on your bed with you, that's all!"
"Stop trying to fool me," Yu Hekun still wore that amused yet helpless expression. He slid his arm around the back of Jian Youyou's neck, his thumb and forefinger framing her chin. "I've heard that line before."
"What line?" Jian Youyou asked, a bit irritable, grabbing Yu Hekun's arm and glaring at him.
Yu Hekun seemed a bit embarrassed to say it, but after spending these last couple of days with Jian Youyou, his skin had thickened a bit. He leaned closer and said, "I'll just rub against it, I won't go in."
Jian Youyou was stunned for a second, then burst out laughing. "I really just want to lie on the bed with you! Your mind is just too dirty! You're a man and I'm a woman, what could I possibly do if you don't want to?"
Yu Hekun still wouldn't relent. His eyes and brows were full of laughter as he sat on the sofa, hooking his arm around Jian Youyou's shoulders and pulling her into his embrace. "We can lie right here. Why do we have to go to the bed?"
If a man is unwilling, a woman indeed can't do much, given that men generally hold the advantage in terms of physical strength and certain... physiological aspects.
But the problem lay in Yu Hekun's lack of confidence in himself.
His rational mind wanted to properly sort out his feelings first, before thinking about how to proceed with Jian Youyou.
But with the two of them sticking together all day, ever since the incident of jumping into the sea, Yu Hekun found his resistance to Jian Youyou getting lower and lower.
It had only been a few days, yet Yu Hekun himself was sometimes shocked at how suddenly and deeply intimate they had become.
Since she couldn't persuade Yu Hekun and couldn't manage to get into his bed, Jian Youyou had no choice but to give up. She leaned into the crook of Yu Hekun's arm, her fingers lifting the hem of his suit jacket to wrap around his waist.
The atmosphere between them was sweet and warm. Jian Youyou rested her head on Yu Hekun's chest, one leg draped over his, swinging it idly as she pondered what she should do. Was she really going to return empty-handed this time?
If she didn't take the initiative to go back by dawn, it would be troublesome.
But if she didn't quickly deal with the money under the bed... Yu Mingzhong had clearly already looked into the matter of her bracelet, so it was hard to guarantee he wouldn't soon discover the thing about the cufflinks.
Even if he did find out, Jian Youyou wasn't afraid he'd immediately tattle. Someone like Yu Mingzhong wouldn't make such an insignificant report unless he was absolutely sure it would make Yu Hekun thoroughly disgusted with her.
Because a small matter like that, even if told to Yu Hekun, wouldn't cause any major conflict. Still, she had to be prepared, just in case. After all, coaxing someone was a hassle.
"But I just wanted to know what it feels like to share a bed with you," Jian Youyou said in a whiny, clingy tone. "Brother Kun, sleep with me tonight, please?"
Yu Hekun naturally couldn't agree and was somewhat speechless at her persistence. "Aren't you tired? I've never seen anyone as clingy as you."
Jian Youyou chuckled. "You've only ever had me, who else have you seen?"
Yu Hekun was momentarily stumped. He wanted to say he hadn't only had Jian Youyou, but the image of Huo Jiaoyue flashed through his mind, causing him to frown slightly.
How could Huo Jiaoyue count as his? That was just a long, unrequited crush that never went anywhere.
However, the thought of Huo Jiaoyue made Yu Hekun's mind waver briefly. He remembered his brother telling him that Huo Jiaoyue had already returned to the country.
Yu Hekun held Jian Youyou in his arms. She carried a faint, sweet milky scent from her body wash, filling his nostrils and permeating the air around him.
The scent was light and subtle, yet it seemed to occupy all of Yu Hekun's senses, even his thoughts. He was surprised to find he had no desire to see Huo Jiaoyue.
When he first heard the news of Huo Jiaoyue's return, even amidst his anger at the time, his heart had trembled.
But these past couple of days, he realized he hadn't even thought about going to see Huo Jiaoyue. He even found himself eager to hurry home from work.
Thinking this, Yu Hekun looked down at Jian Youyou. She was nestled against his chest, docile as a kitten. He reached out to touch the crown of her head and kissed her hair.
"Let's take it slow," Yu Hekun said in a low voice.
Take it slow, give him some time to completely let go of Huo Jiaoyue, who had occupied almost his entire adolescence, in his heart and memories.
Only then would he feel he wasn't betraying a girl who liked him so much.
He envisioned this beautifully. However, Jian Youyou just hummed in agreement, thinking to herself, Like hell I'm taking it slow with you.
If they took it slow, when would she ever finish her plotline? And if the plot wasn't finished, how could she go home?
She hadn't managed to trick Yu Hekun again tonight. Around eleven, Yu Mingzhong returned. Seeing Jian Youyou and Yu Hekun curled up on the sofa, he locked eyes with Jian Youyou. After a brief, silent clash, Jian Youyou was certain she read mockery in Yu Mingzhong's eyes.
Mocking her for failing to 'handle' his brother even when he wasn't home.
Jian Youyou gritted her teeth in frustration, her competitive spirit ignited. That night, when she got up to use the bathroom in the dead of night, she tried Yu Hekun's door. Unsurprisingly, it was still locked.
This time, she didn't run into Yu Mingzhong lying in wait in the hallway. She considered, but ultimately decided against kicking his door, since he had some leverage over her. She had to show a symbolic amount of caution.
Jian Youyou returned to her room after her failed attempt to sneak into bed and slept until dawn.
For the next two days, Jian Youyou couldn't find a good opportunity. Just when she thought she'd return empty-handed, Yu Hekun suddenly told her one morning that he was taking her on a business trip.
"You mean we're going into the mountains this time?" Jian Youyou had indeed heard Yu Hekun mention it a couple of days ago, but what kind of business trip required going into the mountains?
Yu Hekun saw her confusion and gave a wry smile. "The actual site inspection isn't in the mountains. It's an investment for a hotel. The mountain trip is a recreational activity arranged by the other party."
Yu Hekun explained, "This is pretty common. We'll just tag along for some sightseeing."
Normally, the formal inspection would happen after everyone was well-fed, well-watered, and well-entertained. Yu Hekun usually didn't attend these kinds of trips personally, sending subordinates instead.
But this time, Yu Mingzhong was also going. Yu Mingzhong had even discussed the project with him twice, showing considerable interest.
Yu Mingzhong also said it would be good for Yu Hekun's health to get out and have some fun after his recent recovery.
Yu Hekun acted disdainful, but secretly, he was looking forward to the trip.
Although Yu Hekun often talked about sending Yu Mingzhong back abroad, he was all bark and no bite. He was actually happy his brother was back staying for a few days. He couldn't even remember the last time he went camping with his brother.
Jian Youyou calculated the time. She had to return home within three days. Luckily, they set off that very afternoon after Yu Hekun told her.
Since it was out of province, they flew to the local area where they were received. A welcome dinner was arranged for that evening.
Jian Youyou played the part of an ornament, sitting beside Yu Hekun. She responded to anyone who looked her way with a standard smile. Occasionally, when someone's gaze lingered a bit too lecherously, she'd curse inwardly, What the hell are you looking at?
That night, she made another effort. But even after drinking, Yu Hekun's willpower remained remarkably firm. Even when kissing him, Jian Youyou could clearly feel his arousal, but he stubbornly managed to push her out of his room in the end. So, Jian Youyou spent the night alone.
He really just wanted to sleep alone, huh? This is so difficult.
Jian Youyou even considered feigning illness the next day to go back first, skipping the mountain trip, and using the chance to go home.
However, the next morning, while eating in the hotel's breakfast hall and pretending to press her hand to her chest while concocting an excuse, she saw Yu Mingzhong enter. And behind him was a woman with an exceptionally striking presence.
Jian Youyou knew almost instantly that it was Huo Jiaoyue, even though she had only seen a photo in the book once and didn't remember her features clearly.
But Yu Hekun's frozen movements, and the tense, rigid body she could feel beside her, all confirmed that the woman was indeed Huo Jiaoyue.
Jian Youyou knew Huo Jiaoyue had returned. She had been monitoring Yu Hekun's phone lately, trying to sneakily notice when he might go see her.
But Yu Hekun's phone had no password, and it was all work-related. Aside from work, she was his only contact, besides that annoying Zhan Cheng. There was no trace of any other woman.
Jian Youyou had thought the plot wasn't happening early, just that Huo Jiaoyue's return was early. She hadn't expected it to be waiting for her here!
A meeting was inevitable sooner or later. Far from panicking, Jian Youyou was actually very excited. She stared even more intently than Yu Hekun as Huo Jiaoyue walked over. One had to admit, the female lead's standard setting was impressive. Those few steps were like a catwalk, yet it didn't feel exaggerated because the aura around Huo Jiaoyue simply gave off a very high-class feel.
To exaggerate a bit, her presence made the entire ordinary breakfast hall seem to glow.
Of course, the main reason it seemed to glow was that Jian Youyou loved the dress Huo Jiaoyue was wearing. A light gold, body-hugging dress of excellent quality that accentuated her curvaceous figure. She looked like a queen draped in gold and silver, yet on Huo Jiaoyue, it wasn't garish at all. Instead, it made her skin look especially fair.
As she and Yu Mingzhong approached, Yu Hekun seemed completely frozen. Jian Youyou really wanted to kick him right then. Couldn't he have a little more backbone?
He had been secretly in love with her for so many years, and now Jian Youyou understood why Yu Hekun had always remained in the shadows—he was just a dumb log who only knew how to stare, unable to even string a sentence together. It was quite possible Huo Jiaoyue had no idea Yu Hekun was pining for her.
As for whether Huo Jiaoyue actually knew about this subplot, Jian Youyou hadn't seen it in the book. She had only read the first half containing her own parts, since the later sections of anguished love and drama had nothing to do with her.
In the end, it was Jian Youyou who pinched Yu Hekun's arm and hauled him up from his seat. She waved towards Yu Mingzhong's direction, calling out, "Brother, over here!"
Jian Youyou waved her hand cheerfully at Yu Mingzhong, while cursing him inwardly. This old bastard bringing Huo Jiaoyue over was absolutely to show off in front of her.
In the original plot, the character Jian You and Huo Jiaoyue didn't meet like this at all. Their meeting was more of a "caught in the act" scenario, where she discovered Yu Hekun secretly meeting Huo Jiaoyue, stormed over in a rage to confront them, only to be rebuked by Yu Hekun who demanded, "What right do you have?"
The scene had been extremely awkward and ugly.
But meeting like this, just looking at Yu Hekun's reaction—which was practically like rigor mortis setting in—this dumb blockhead definitely had not met Huo Jiaoyue in private.
Yu Mingzhong bringing Huo Jiaoyue over was indeed, as Jian Youyou suspected, to make this woman understand what kind of woman Yu Hekun truly liked, to make her clearly realize why Yu Hekun kept her by his side.
A fish eye mixed amongst pearls—anyone with a glance could tell which was precious.
However, Yu Mingzhong was clearly disappointed, because he didn't see any loss of composure on Jian Youyou's face, only a hint of excitement.
Yu Mingzhong couldn't help but glance sideways at Huo Jiaoyue. Huo Jiaoyue raised an eyebrow, her meaning clear: she didn't know what was going on either.
Logically, as Huo Jiaoyue's lookalike, this woman couldn't possibly not know who Huo Jiaoyue was. But her current behavior, acting like she'd seen her own sister, was genuinely a bit bizarre.
Huo Jiaoyue and Yu Mingzhong had made a deal last night. The terms were simple: Huo Jiaoyue would help Yu Mingzhong get rid of the woman by Yu Hekun's side, and in return, Yu Mingzhong promised to invest in her family's company abroad, which was facing a broken capital chain.
Huo Jiaoyue's return to the country this time was originally for this very purpose, intending to reach out to some of their relatives in China to see if they could pool funds to tide over the crisis.
Yu Mingzhong's proposal was like a pillow delivered to someone ready for sleep. Huo Jiaoyue had taken over the Huo family business many years ago; rolling in the commercial world had long since stripped away her youthful naivety.
Though when Yu Mingzhong mentioned that Yu Hekun had been secretly in love with her for years, Huo Jiaoyue was genuinely surprised.
Since the three of them had practically grown up together, Yu Hekun had never shown the slightest hint of having a crush on her.
This meant Jian Youyou had guessed correctly. Huo Jiaoyue agreed to Yu Mingzhong's request. After all, it wasn't exactly deceitful, as Yu Mingzhong had told her about the woman by Yu Hekun's side swindling him for money. Given Huo Jiaoyue and Yu Hekun still shared some childhood friendship, helping out was reasonable.
Of course, Huo Jiaoyue had another thought in mind. If Yu Hekun truly liked her that much, she wouldn't mind exploring a relationship with him. A marriage alliance between the Huo and Yu families would be very beneficial for her family's future development back in China.
As for Huo Jiaoyue's past feelings for Yu Mingzhong, they were just like Yu Hekun's past crush on her—nothing more than a fleeting, unfulfilled flutter of the heart.
The fact that Huo Jiaoyue could smile and actively greet someone she once liked at the airport proved she had completely moved on from that brief, meteor-like spark of youthful infatuation.
However, Yu Mingzhong said Yu Hekun had found a lookalike replacement modeled after her. Standing by the table, Huo Jiaoyue's red lips curved slightly as she smiled at the girl supposedly driven by greed and vanity. She scrutinized her carefully but couldn't find any trace of herself in her.
Moreover, Huo Jiaoyue glanced sideways at Yu Mingzhong, even feeling his description might be inaccurate. This girl's attitude was composed, her eyes clear, her demeanor natural and graceful. Was she really a money-grubbing swindler?
"I was wondering why Brother didn't come with Hekun and me. So it was because he had a beautiful sister for company," Jian Youyou blinked at Yu Mingzhong, her gaze unwavering on Huo Jiaoyue. "Sister, you are truly gorgeous."
After all, everyone said she was Huo Jiaoyue's stand-in. Jian Youyou would definitely seize the chance to compliment herself.
Yu Mingzhong, oddly enough, grasped Jian Youyou's implication. The corner of his mouth twitched, and he couldn't help but curse inwardly about her shamelessness.
He and Huo Jiaoyue sat opposite Yu Hekun and Jian Youyou. Under the table, Jian Youyou stepped on Yu Hekun's foot. He didn't react. She then gently nudged his arm and said with a smile, "Hekun, what are you spacing out for? Look, the beautiful sister Brother brought... doesn't she look somewhat familiar?"
This line was delivered with such a "pick me" vibe. Yu Mingzhong pressed his fingers to his temple. Huo Jiaoyue shifted her posture on the chair and reevaluated Jian Youyou.
But no matter how she looked, even if Jian Youyou's words carried a slightly off flavor, her eyes were too clear. Huo Jiaoyue simply couldn't connect her with a bad girl who deceived people for money out of vanity.
Still, appearances can be deceiving, and Yu Mingzhong wasn't a liar. Huo Jiaoyue decided to observe a bit more. She spoke softly, "My name is Huo Jiaoyue. No need to keep calling me 'beautiful sister'; it's a bit embarrassing."
After speaking, she looked at Yu Hekun, who had been staring at her as if his soul had left his body. By now, she was starting to believe a little that Yu Hekun had secretly liked her.
Huo Jiaoyue extended her hand towards Yu Hekun. Her index finger was slender and delicate, like a spring onion shoot—Jian Youyou even felt an urge to give it a pinch.
Huo Jiaoyue said, "Little Kun, it's been many years."
Yu Hekun's hand didn't move, still rigid. His lips parted, and he uttered dryly, "Y-yes... long time no see..."
Jian Youyou was practically dying of impatience watching this. She couldn't help but grab Yu Hekun's hand from under the table, lift it, and place it on Huo Jiaoyue's hand, squeezing their hands together firmly.
Go for it, male lead! This is your official heroine! Everyone, remember to bookmark the site or keep the web address in mind. The site is free, no theft, no anti-theft measures. For error reports, seeking books, or chatting with fellow readers about books...
