Chapter Nine: Tenderness

More and more people on the street began to notice their unusual predicament. The two in front remained entangled, refusing to give way. Han Xiyun felt that she wouldn’t mind using this incident to gain fame, but she definitely didn’t want to make the front page of an entertainment weekly due to gossip; such trivial scandals would be devastating for someone just starting out.

Rong Qing’s eyes flashed with anger, her cold expression like a final verdict delivered upon them. Wang Chenhao had never seen this side of Rong Qing before—so heartless and aloof, yet damnably attractive.

“Beep beep. Beep beep…” The phone in Rong Qing’s shoulder bag rang, shattering the tense standoff.

“Hello…” As soon as she answered, an icy and deep voice came from the other end. “What are you standing there for, dazed? Come here now.”

Rong Qing stood there, phone in hand, stunned. A moment ago her gaze had been sharp and fierce; now it was replaced by a blank, innocent softness. By the curb on Queen’s Avenue, a black luxury car was parked.

Rong Qing stared dumbly at the figure revealed by the lowering window, and her lips, unconsciously, curved into a smile.

“Menglin, I…” Rong Qing looked nervously at her friend, uncertain.

“Alright, alright, someone’s here to pick you up, so hurry and go. No need to suffer here! Don’t worry about me; my house isn’t far, I’ll just grab a cab.” The girl urged impatiently.

Rong Qing cast a grateful glance at her friend and headed toward the Bentley parked across the street. The man who had been in the passenger seat got out, personally opening the car door for Rong Qing before they both settled into the back seat. In an instant, they sped away.

Menglin could easily imagine the expression on Han Xiyun’s face: twisted jealousy mixed with fury, her whole face contorted frighteningly. Rong Qing—those two words spun angrily between Han Xiyun’s clenched teeth. She hadn’t expected that after leaving Wang Chenhao, Rong Qing would find someone even better. Why was her luck so good? The man who had appeared only briefly left behind just a glimpse, but his commanding presence and that rare luxury car made Han Xiyun’s heart twist with envy.

Menglin watched Rong Qing’s departing figure. Though she felt some curiosity about the man, she knew her friend’s character well and felt reassured. See? While three-legged toads are hard to find, two-legged good men are everywhere. No sooner had Qing escaped singlehood than she became irresistibly popular, snatched away by another man!

Inside the car, gentle music played and warm air flowed. Rong Qing lay half-reclined on the soft back seat, drowsy. Her tired eyes had barely closed when a pair of large hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her lazily close so her head rested perfectly on the man’s broad shoulder.

“Don’t move.” The deep, husky voice sounded in her ear. The man was warm, his hands securely around her waist, and that masculine timbre stirred something unfamiliar within her.

Against her ear was the strong, rhythmic heartbeat, and the heat from his chest seemed to spread through her entire body. Her pointed ears blushed slightly. The scent on him wasn’t designer cologne, but a natural masculine aroma—warm and inviting, making her want to linger. Rong Qing curled up like a lazy cat on the man’s abdomen, arms wrapped around his sturdy waist, seeking the most comfortable spot, on the verge of sleep.

Usually, others had to accommodate Huo Lingtian, but he’d never imagined someone could soften him this way. His arms were numb from being used as a pillow, yet he didn’t dare move, afraid he might wake the girl. Strong but occasionally fragile, stunningly beautiful with a touch of icy gentleness, a smile warm enough to linger in memory—Rong Qing, what other surprises will you bring me?

The Huo family’s personal chauffeur glanced at the man in the backseat, whose expression was gentle as water, and was secretly astonished. He quickly averted his gaze; his long tenure at the Huo family was not without reason. One must keenly observe what is appropriate, but restrain curiosity where it is not. Only this balance ensured he could remain under the Huo family’s protection.

Cradled in his arms and already asleep, Huo Lingtian’s gaze darkened, his aura like that of a king withholding his power. “Take care of today’s incident. If someone’s deliberately stirring things up, give her the chance—but I don’t want tomorrow’s entertainment news to involve her.”

“Yes, Young Master Huo.” The chauffeur replied respectfully. Ah, it’s been a long time since the master was this angry. Someone was about to have serious trouble.

Rong Qing woke from her nap to find herself back in their mansion, being held in Huo Lingtian’s arms like a pampered kitten.

“Put… put me down.” Clearly, the man’s iron embrace was not easily escaped.

Watching him carry her step by step toward the upstairs bedroom, Rong Qing’s arms, which had been loosely draped around his neck, began to struggle in earnest.

“If you move again, I’ll settle things with you right here.” The man’s expression remained calm, but his eyes were deep as water, like a vortex threatening to drag her into inescapable depths.

A few traces of embarrassed charm appeared on Rong Qing’s face, yet she remained oblivious. Huo Lingtian grew anxious—damn brat, she’d just slept so comfortably in the car, her delicate nose pressed against his abdomen. And now, her seductive allure was irresistible to any man! At this moment, Huo Lingtian was like a dissatisfied boy, maliciously nudging her with his abdomen. Hmph, the fire you started, you’ll have to put out yourself.

Rong Qing felt a hot, twitching rod pressing against her backside, adding to her embarrassment. “You…” He was practically a rogue! Seeing the imperial man acting like a rascal, Rong Qing could only glare at him fiercely.

In the end, she couldn’t escape the fate of being utterly ravished—from nightfall to dawn, from the bed to the bathroom. Her waist, and everything below it, was numb. How many times had that dreadful man gone at it last night! Grabbing a pillow from the headboard, she mercilessly hurled it at the still-sleeping man. Normally domineering, he now seemed gentle. Huo Lingtian, half-open eyes, pulled Rong Qing into his arms with one hand and murmured, “Be good. Sleep a little longer.”

Rong Qing still had a cover shoot scheduled today. She crawled out of bed, eyeing the man’s half-bare torso, bronze back covered in scratches she’d left. She grinned like a cat who’d stolen cream. She kindly draped the silk duvet over him and hummed as she headed to the bathroom.

Rong Qing arrived at the company before nine; the photographer hadn’t yet come, and people in Studio One gathered in small groups, whispering.

“What’s going on?” Rong Qing asked.

“Sister Qing,”—having spent two years in the entertainment industry, Rong Qing was somewhat known and always amiable, so everyone greeted her warmly.

“Qing, look at that arrogant woman. She finally got what she deserved. Yesterday she was arguing in the street, caught by the paparazzi, and exposed.” A makeup artist leaned over to share the news with Rong Qing.

At once, Rong Qing felt a sudden panic. On the front cover of Entertainment Weekly, a twisted, furious face dominated half the page, with Wang Chenhao beside her. As for Rong Qing herself, not a trace was visible.

‘The heir of Wang Corporation and girlfriend in street quarrel, eyes blazing with fury.’ The headline blared—Wang Chenhao and Han Xiyun were completely infamous after yesterday’s incident.

------Extra------

Collect, collect, collect, collect, collect—Lanlan begs for your collection! Lanlan accidentally filed the chapters in the wrong volume, but unfortunately, 123 Romance has too many permissions to change it.