Yun Huaizhu's Sudden Visit

“Knock, knock, knock—”

Lin Meng’s knocking from outside grew louder and louder. “If you don’t open the door, I’m breaking it down!”

Just as Lin Meng, anxious and restless, was truly about to force the door open, Su Yutang—whose height rivaled the doorframe—finally stepped out. She handed the phone back to Lin Meng with a displeased expression, and Lin Meng hastily checked whether her chat history had been touched.

Seeing her like that, Su Yutang’s suspicion instantly deepened. She bent down until her forehead was almost touching Lin Meng’s. “Darling, just scrolling through your phone won’t tell you whether I looked or not. I’m really curious—what secret is on your phone that’s worth guarding against me like this?”

A flicker of guilt crossed Lin Meng’s face at those words.

It seemed Su Yutang probably hadn’t seen anything.

Lin Meng smiled at her. “Nothing. Alright, it’s getting late. Let’s go to sleep.”

“Sure!”

Su Yutang’s voice came from behind her, but before Lin Meng could return to the bedroom, the long-legged Su Yutang had already beaten her to it and slipped inside.

By the time Lin Meng reacted and hurried in, Su Yutang was already lying on her bed as if it were her own home, covered with her blanket, looking perfectly settled in for the night.

Lin Meng marched over and yanked the blanket off Su Yutang. “Hey, weren’t you going to sleep? Why are you on my bed?”

Su Yutang looked utterly exhausted, her voice languid beyond measure. “Sleeping is done on a bed, obviously. Alright, darling, I’m too tired. Goodnight!”

With that, she turned her head away and closed her eyes, back facing Lin Meng. Lin Meng reached out with both hands to pull at her. “No sleeping! You should be on the sofa outside. Get out, I need to sleep!”

She tried several times, but couldn’t pull Su Yutang up.

When Lin Meng had nearly exhausted her strength, she stared at Su Yutang with a gloomy expression.

After a moment, she lowered her voice and said to Su Yutang, “Fine, you can sleep on my bed, but you’re not allowed to do anything weird to me, and absolutely no rubbing your pheromones on me. Got it?”

Su Yutang, at that moment, seemed truly asleep, letting out soft, steady sounds of slumber.

Only then did Lin Meng carefully climb in from the other side of the bed. She pulled the blanket over and covered herself. But before long, Su Yutang—still asleep—curled up and began to shiver. “Mom... I’m so cold.”

Su Yutang climbing onto her bed without permission had already made Lin Meng angry.

Lin Meng not giving Su Yutang the blanket was, in her mind, a form of punishment. But when she heard that timid, vulnerable voice, her heart became a tangled mess of emotions.

Although summer was just around the corner, the nights were still chilly. After a fierce battle between the little angel and little devil on her shoulders, Lin Meng ultimately decided to drape the blanket over Su Yutang.

Su Yutang felt the warmth and instinctively sought it out, her arms wrapping around Lin Meng, just like she used to hold her favorite rabbit plush toy as a child.

“So warm...”

Lin Meng didn’t like being held while sleeping; the feeling of being trapped made her suffocate.

Just as she was about to desperately pry Su Yutang’s arms off, Su Yutang whispered against her ear, “I’m so scared of being alone. Please, don’t leave me by myself.”

Su Yutang’s heartbeat came from behind her. In the quiet of the night, their two heartbeats seemed to resonate, their rhythms aligning as if they had become one.

Lin Meng sighed helplessly and let Su Yutang hold her as they slept.

She wasn’t that deep a sleeper; if Su Yutang tried anything, she should be able to feel it.

If Su Yutang really still wanted to do something she shouldn’t, she’d kick her out immediately.

With that thought, Lin Meng closed her eyes.

A worker’s biological clock is always so punctual. Lin Meng’s head had barely touched the pillow for five minutes before she was asleep.

Seeing this, Su Yutang slowly opened her eyes.

Actually, what she had told Lin Meng earlier wasn’t entirely a lie—she really was terrified of the dark.

During those three days and three nights, she had been locked in a shipping container. The air inside was foul and thin. She had cried countless times in her heart, calling for her mother.

Just when she was about to lose all hope, one of the kidnappers had hauled her up and pressed a sharp fish-gutting knife to her neck. She struggled desperately, and the blade cut through her skin.

The men, delirious, had muttered, “Damn it, why do you rich people get to have everything from birth? We scurry around like rats in a gutter.”

“Anyway, one of us has to die today—you or me. Listen up out there! If you want her alive, put the money on the ground and prepare a car. We’ll let her go once we’re clear. Otherwise, I’ll slit her throat right now!”

At that moment, hearing those voices, she let out muffled, agonized whimpers through her bound mouth. Then came a thunderous “bang”—the smell of gunpowder and blood exploding in the air as several bullets struck the kidnapper holding her.

Terrified beyond reason, she slid down along with the knife. After that, she remembered nothing at all.

The kidnapping had left too deep a psychological scar. Every night when she was alone, she would have nightmares. She wanted her mother to stay with her, to hold her and tell her stories until she fell asleep.

But Su Yurong was very busy during that time, and those things could only be done by a nanny.

After Su Yutang learned that the kidnapping had been orchestrated by Aunt Lu—the very person she had once loved most—she developed a wariness toward everyone around her who cared for her.

Su Yurong had told her since childhood that she shouldn’t get too close to the people who took care of her. Because they were never from the same world to begin with. Once a master was too good to their subordinates, the subordinates would overstep. It was precisely because she had given her truest feelings to Aunt Lu, who had cared for her in childhood, that she had ended up with such a deep psychological shadow.

As the constant nightmares and insomnia wore on, Su Yutang’s mind became dazed and unsteady. Su Yurong had no choice but to send her to a rehabilitation center.

Although gentle psychiatric therapy had some effect—Su Yutang no longer had nightmares every night—afterward, whenever something angered her or stirred her emotions too greatly, she would still dream of those scenes she could never forget for the rest of her life.

She thought Su Yurong was right. The people who came near her—what genuine feelings could they have? They were all just coveting her status.

Because there had been too many people around her since childhood, she couldn’t tell who was sincere and who was false. So she simply categorized them all as the type who approached her for her status.

As long as those people made her happy, she could fulfill their wishes.

Those beneath her in status—she measured them by that.

This way, she wouldn’t give her true heart and get hurt. Only this way could she live more happily.

Su Yutang gazed at Lin Meng’s sleeping face, lost in thought—she felt Lin Meng was different from the others. Lin Meng wouldn’t harm her like Aunt Lu, and she wouldn’t ask her for anything.

This person had burst into her life as if out of nowhere, and from that day on, her world had begun to change.

With that thought, Su Yutang scooted closer to Lin Meng, then continued to hold her as she slept. She wanted to take Lin Meng away with her to hide for a while. Or maybe she should just give that small company she’d acquired a year’s vacation?

...

Huo Yi had just showered and was about to start her nightlife. But as she was about to walk to her rooftop pool and jump in, she received a text from “Little Sheep.”

Huo Yi pulled her foot back and picked up the phone on the lounge table, opening the message.

Little Sheep: [Huo Yi, are you free Saturday night? Do you remember that place we went to last time called Grace? I have something very important to tell you. You have to come to Grace Saturday night—I’ll be waiting for you on the top floor!]

Seeing this message, a look of suspicion appeared on Huo Yi’s face.

The tone didn’t sound like Little Sheep at all; it sounded more like Su Yutang, who was always on equal footing with her.

Huo Yi had heard a few days ago that Su Yutang was acting rebellious again—she’d left home without her phone or bank cards, all by herself.

Someone like Su Yutang, who had never experienced the harsh realities of society, surely wouldn’t last more than a few days outside before going back. But unexpectedly, this time Su Yutang seemed to have vanished into thin air. Su Yurong had contacted so many connections, searched for so long, and still couldn’t find a trace of her.

When Huo Yi saw this message that seemed to have been sent by Su Yutang with her tone toned down, she finally pieced together the whole situation.

No wonder Aunt Su couldn’t find Su Yutang—she was hiding at her lover’s place.

The area where Lin Meng lived was old and remote. Even if Aunt Su racked her brain, she’d never imagine Su Yutang could lower herself to live in a place like that with someone she liked for so long.

No—rather, Su Yurong had never imagined that Su Yutang would actually fall for a beta.

Aunt Su had maintained herself well over the years, but she couldn’t withstand her daughter provoking her time and again.

Thinking of this, Huo Yi sighed helplessly. She couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Aunt Su, who at her age still had to worry about Su Yutang.

Huo Yi didn’t reply to the message. She figured if this really was sent by Su Yutang using Lin Meng’s phone, then Lin Meng would definitely go to Grace with Su Yutang on Saturday night.

Come to think of it, she hadn’t seen Little Sheep in quite a while. She missed her these past days.

With that thought, Huo Yi searched through her contacts, then found the number for the steward by Su Yurong’s side.

Huo Yi thought Su Yurong was probably up to her ears in Su Yutang’s mess right now. If she called this late, Su Yurong might not even pick up. Better to call the dutiful Ji Quanying directly.

After a few rings, the other end connected. “Hello, this is Madam Su Yurong’s private line. How may I help you?”

Huo Yi quickly said, “Aunt Quanying, it’s me.”

Ji Quanying recognized the voice. “Miss Huo, calling Madam’s private line so late—is something the matter?”

Though Huo Yi wore a fox-like, bold smile on her face, her tone was full of worry. “It’s just... I think I may have found Tangtang’s trail. I don’t know where she’s staying exactly, but I’ve gathered that she might go to Grace Saturday night. If she goes there, it’ll be much harder for Aunt Su to keep Tangtang confined again.”

Ji Quanying had been somewhat tired, but upon hearing this news from Huo Yi, she instantly became alert. “Miss Huo, please tell me in detail.”

Huo Yi continued, “That’s all I know. Please make sure to pass it on to Aunt Su. Don’t tell anyone else besides you and Aunt Su, because Tangtang is my best friend. I’m afraid she’ll be angry with me if she finds out. Aunt Su is managing Tangtang for her own good. I don’t want to be caught in the middle...”

Ji Quanying caught the difficulty in her tone and quickly said, “Miss Huo, rest assured. This matter will not be known by anyone other than myself and Madam. Thank you very much for the lead.”

Only then did Huo Yi, with feigned unease, say a few polite words before hanging up.

She knew Ji Quanying was tight-lipped—that was part of why she’d called her first.

If Su Yutang got caught by Su Yurong again, she wouldn’t be let out for at least a year or two. By then, only Yun Huaizhu would remain, scheming over company interests every day.

That person was somewhat difficult to deal with, but as long as the price was right, Yun Huaizhu would naturally back down.

By then, the innocent, harmless Little Sheep would truly be hers to devour.

...

When Lin Meng was about to get off work on Friday, she vaguely overheard people from the finance department saying that next week might be a year-end holiday.

May Day was still half a month away. It wasn’t a major holiday, and the company hadn’t signed any multi-million-dollar deal worth celebrating. What year-end holiday were they talking about?

Besides, they’d just finished spring break and now another year-end holiday? Had the company made so much money they didn’t want to work anymore?

If the company she worked for were like Su Yutang’s family, she wouldn’t mind a year off. But a small company couldn’t just take holidays all the time.

Even across all of Jing City, she’d never heard of such a thing. It was probably just a rumor.

Tomorrow was Saturday. Lin Meng tidied her workstation half an hour before getting off, then clocked out on time.

But when she took the bus back to her neighborhood, she suddenly noticed a black Audi parked at the entrance. She was too far to see the license plate clearly, but something about the car felt familiar.

As she approached, the Audi’s door suddenly opened.

Lin Meng was startled for a moment, then the familiar figure stepped out, beaming.

It really was Yun Huaizhu!

Hadn’t she told Yun Huaizhu they’d meet when she had free time on the weekend? Why had Yun Huaizhu come now?

Before she could think further, Yun Huaizhu jogged over. Today she wore a pair of yellow diamond earrings shaped like sunflowers, and her dress was printed with sunflowers reminiscent of Van Gogh’s paintings.

At this moment, Yun Huaizhu looked warm and radiant.

Seeing Lin Meng’s surprised expression, Yun Huaizhu stepped forward and hugged her. “What’s wrong, Mengmeng-jie? Surprised to see me?”

After the hug ended, Lin Meng finally snapped out of it. “Zhuzhu, you... why are you here?”

Hearing this, the corner of Yun Huaizhu’s mouth dipped a micrometer. Every time she showed up without telling Lin Meng, Lin Meng would ask her that—as if her appearance was a shock rather than a surprise.

What was wrong with going to see the person you liked?

If she had free time, she’d want to stick to Lin Meng every single day.

Yun Huaizhu smiled and answered, “I’m going abroad on a business trip tomorrow. I’ll be gone about two weeks. But once this busy period is over, I’ll have a lot more free time. Then I’ll be able to set aside time every week to go out with you, Mengmeng-jie.”

Hearing she was going abroad for two weeks, worry appeared on Lin Meng’s face. “That must be exhausting. You should go home and rest first.”

Seeing Lin Meng’s concern, a bright, sweet smile appeared on Yun Huaizhu’s face. “It’s exactly because I’m leaving tomorrow and won’t see you for half a month that I came all this way to see you.”

She then pointed to her car’s trunk. “I know you haven’t eaten yet, Mengmeng-jie, so I bought a lot of good food from that Chinese restaurant we went to last time. I want to spend time with you today—otherwise I’ll die of loneliness during the half month I can’t see you.”

Hearing this, guilt welled up in Lin Meng’s heart again.

Yun Huaizhu’s first thought before going abroad was of her. Yun Huaizhu treated her as her best friend, but she was busy dismantling Yun Huaizhu’s canon couple. She really wasn’t human!

After saying this, Yun Huaizhu tried to take Lin Meng’s hand and get in the car. “Mengmeng-jie, get in first. I’ll drive to your building and find a parking spot.”

Hearing this, Lin Meng suddenly seemed to remember something, and panic appeared on her face. “Zhuzhu, you mean... you’re going to my home?”

Yun Huaizhu frowned as if finding it strange. “Of course. I bought all this food to eat at your place, Mengmeng-jie. I’m leaving tomorrow—aren’t you going to welcome me?”

Yun Huaizhu’s words made Lin Meng’s conscience ache.

But this wasn’t a question of welcome or not—there was still a Su Yutang in her home!

What if those two ran into each other? What if they started fighting?

Lin Meng’s tiny rental was so small. If Yun Huaizhu and Su Yutang started fighting in her apartment...

Just thinking about it made Lin Meng’s heart seize up.

But she couldn’t refuse Yun Huaizhu now. Yun Huaizhu was leaving tomorrow—if she refused her now, Yun Huaizhu would definitely be heartbroken.

Just as Yun Huaizhu was about to open the passenger door, Lin Meng’s frantic brainstorming produced an idea. She didn’t know if it would work, but she had to try.

Lin Meng quickly shook off Yun Huaizhu’s hand. Yun Huaizhu looked confused. “Mengmeng-jie, what’s wrong?”

Lin Meng lowered her head and gave a guilty laugh. “N-nothing. I just think my place is a bit messy since I left in a hurry. I’ll go tidy up first. Yes! I’ll go tidy up first. Zhuzhu, you go park the car!”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Lin Meng turned and ran toward her building.

Watching Lin Meng’s hurried retreat, Yun Huaizhu’s frown deepened.

Lin Meng was acting strange today, as if she were hiding something.

...

Lin Meng ran upstairs at the speed of her college physical fitness test’s hundred-meter sprint.

But college workouts were a thing of the past. By the time she reached her door, she was gasping for breath.

She stopped at the door, bent over, breathing heavily. Without waiting to recover, she opened the door and called out, “Su Yutang, Su Yutang—”

Her apartment was so tiny; Su Yutang couldn’t have missed it.

Just as she was about to search the whole place, Su Yutang—who had just put on an apron—poked her head out from the kitchen. “What’s wrong, darling?”

Seeing her in the kitchen again, Lin Meng’s mind went blank for a moment. She strode over and snatched the spatula from Su Yutang’s hand. “Didn’t I say before that you’re not allowed in the kitchen? Why won’t you listen?”

Seeing Lin Meng looked like she’d been running, Su Yutang quickly said, “While you were out, I watched some cooking tutorial videos on my phone. I think I’ll definitely succeed this time. Darling, what’s wrong? You look like you just rushed in from outside. Did something happen?”

Lin Meng’s priority now was to keep Su Yutang and Yun Huaizhu from meeting in her tiny apartment—otherwise her place really couldn’t take it.

Hearing Su Yutang’s words, she said between gasps, “N-no need. Young Miss, you’re a Young Miss... I—we don’t have that talent, so let’s just not do it, okay?”

Su Yutang raised an eyebrow as if disagreeing. “Talent can be learned. Darling, trust me—this time I’ll definitely succeed.”

Was success even the issue right now?

Lin Meng had no time to discuss whether Su Yutang could cook. What she needed to do was get Su Yutang out of the apartment before she ran into Yun Huaizhu.

Lin Meng smiled and pulled out her wallet, then took out two hundred yuan and pressed it into Su Yutang’s hand. “Young Miss, you’ve been cooped up at home these past few days. You’ve worked hard. So tonight you can go out and relax—buy yourself something nice to eat.”

Su Yutang stared at the two hundred yuan stuffed in her palm, her face full of question marks.

Two hundred yuan couldn’t even buy a drink. What was Lin Meng expecting her to buy?

Su Yutang shoved the money back into Lin Meng’s hand. “I don’t want it. Even if I go out, you’re coming with me.”

Hearing Su Yutang refuse, Lin Meng grew anxious and frustrated—she felt like the fire was about to reach her eyebrows.

Ignoring Su Yutang’s protests, Lin Meng tried to forcibly push her out the door. “Then go buy some groceries. I’ll cook myself when I get back, alright? Hurry, hurry, go out!”

Su Yutang stood her ground, but she also felt like teasing Lin Meng. She let herself be slowly pushed toward the door. “What exactly happened? Why are you so determined to make me go out tonight? You’re not using ‘go buy groceries’ as an excuse to kick me out, are you?”

Lin Meng said urgently, “No, of course not!”

Although Su Yutang had said she’d only stay for a week and that week was almost up, Lin Meng really didn’t mean to kick her out today.

Why was she still dawdling with Su Yutang? At this rate, Yun Huaizhu would already be upstairs!

With that thought, Lin Meng finally gave up on pushing Su Yutang out. She let go, then looked up with a pleading expression. “Dear Tangtang, please just bear with it and go out for a while. As long as you listen, I’ll agree to whatever you ask tonight.”

Seeing Lin Meng’s soft, pitiable look, Su Yutang thought she was hallucinating. She stared at Lin Meng in astonishment. “What did you just call me?”

Lin Meng said urgently, “Dear Tangtang.”

Su Yutang finally confirmed she wasn’t hallucinating. She stepped forward and wrapped one arm around Lin Meng’s waist. “Darling, you’ve finally learned to call my name. Do you know, every time you call me that, I can’t help but release my pheromones—like I’ve entered my heat cycle early.”

Lin Meng: “!!”

“No! No releasing pheromones! However much you want to, hold it in!”

Lin Meng’s voice nearly cracked as she shouted, her face showing utter terror.

Lin Meng had been well-behaved from the moment she got home. Just as Su Yutang wanted to ask what had happened, Lin Meng’s cool hands took the initiative to hold hers. “Tangtang, please, don’t ask why for now. Just go out for a while, okay?”

Seeing that Lin Meng was about to cry, Su Yutang removed her apron. “Alright, since you’ve said so, I’ll satisfy your request.”

The key point was that Lin Meng had promised—if she went out now, whatever Su Yutang asked for tonight, Lin Meng would agree.

Su Yutang’s mind was already filled with countless positions.

Just as Su Yutang reached the door and Lin Meng let out a sigh of relief, the sound of someone coming upstairs suddenly came from the old, non-soundproof hallway.