Chapter 48: What More Do You Want

It was the first time Su Wan had ever seen Bo Yezhou so utterly out of control.

In her memories, Bo Yezhou had always been the epitome of composure and maturity. Back when she was still in her rebellious phase, bickering with Su Yichuan, he had already begun cleaning up after her messes. Even the last time they met before this, his face had been a blank mask, as if Su Wan was nothing more than a tool to him.

All those sweet memories they once shared—it seemed they had merely been a performance on his part.

“All because of you! Just for you! I gave up my chance to be promoted to deputy director, just to come back and find you!” Bo Yezhou’s hands gripped her shoulders so tightly it felt as though he might crush her bones.

The pain furrowed Su Wan’s brows. “Let go!”

Those words seemed to snap him back to reality. He released her, then forced a laugh. “Yes, I should let go. You’re getting married soon, after all.”

Su Wan had no wish to be near him. When she realized the car door was still locked, she turned to him. “Open the door.”

“What are you afraid of, Su Wan?” His voice came softly from behind.

The question sent a tremor through her body. Without thinking, she retorted, “I’m not!”

“Not afraid?” Bo Yezhou gave a short laugh. “Then why won’t you ever stay with me? Are you afraid you’ll fall for me again?”

His gaze was so intent that Su Wan’s eyes grew cold. “Officer Bo, you’d best mind your behavior. I have a boyfriend now. And these words are not for you to say.”

“Mind my behavior…” Bo Yezhou chuckled bitterly. “You’re right. I’ve been telling myself that for years. If back then… If only—”

“Enough!” Su Wan cut him off. “I know exactly what you want to say. But Bo Yezhou, let me be perfectly clear. I don’t hate you, but I’ll never love you again. If you don’t want me to despise you, open the car door!”

He stared at her for a long while, then finally unlocked the door.

Su Wan turned to get out. She hadn’t even set one foot on the ground when Bo Yezhou suddenly grabbed her hand and yanked her back.

Startled, Su Wan barely realized what was happening before she was pinned beneath him.

“What are you—”

She was about to curse him when a car sped past, nearly scraping their own. If Bo Yezhou hadn’t pulled her back at that exact moment, she would have been thrown into its path.

Her eyes widened. Looking ahead, she saw several men get out of the car, baseball bats in hand, surrounding their vehicle.

Su Wan’s face drained of color.

“Who are they—?”

“Probably here for revenge. Stay in the car. Don’t come out!” Bo Yezhou threw the words over his shoulder as he leapt out, slamming the door and locking her inside.

Su Wan pounded on the window, her eyes glued to the scene outside.

Bo Yezhou was talking to the leader, but the man clearly wasn’t listening. As the group moved to smash the car, Bo Yezhou drew a gun and fired a shot into the air.

The thunderous bang echoed even inside the car, and the men’s faces changed instantly. They exchanged glances, then, after shooting the car a final glare, turned to leave.

One of them, not content, swung his bat viciously at Bo Yezhou’s leg as he left.

Bo Yezhou dropped to his knees.

The group piled into their car and sped away.

Supporting himself on the car, Bo Yezhou limped back, step by step.

Inside, Su Wan’s eyes were red with panic as she banged on the window. The moment he finally opened the door, she rushed to him.

“Are you hurt? Are you all right?” Her voice trembled, her eyes bright with tears.

Bo Yezhou glanced at her, then suddenly smiled.

Tears threatened to fall from Su Wan’s eyes. “Well? Are you okay? Say something!”

“It’s fine. I don’t think it’s broken, but I can’t drive right now…”

“I’ll take you to the hospital!”

“No need, I just need to rest a while.”

Without another word, Su Wan helped him into her apartment, fetched the first aid kit. “Where does it hurt?”

He didn’t answer.

When she looked up, she saw him smiling gently.

“What are you smiling about?”

“Nothing. Just… it feels good to have you care for me like this.”

Her breath caught. She nearly dropped the medicated oil in her hand.

She quickly steadied herself, took a deep breath. “Stop fooling around. Where does it hurt?”

“Here.” He pointed.

She began to massage him gently.

She remembered the old days, when Bo Yezhou worked under Su Yichuan and would often get minor injuries—not knife wounds like Mu Yunshen, but plenty of bruises. She’d always keep a stock of medicated oil and help him rub it in.

Now, Bo Yezhou sat there, eyes closed. “Why don’t you… hate me?”

Her hand paused. She set the bottle aside.

“No reason. I just don’t.”

“And you don’t love me, either?” He opened his eyes and smiled at her.

She said nothing, which was answer enough.

“Call one of your men to take you home.”

“Can’t I sleep here for just one night?”

“No.”

Her refusal was crisp. Bo Yezhou lowered his head and smiled. “All right.”

She didn’t see him out. He made his own way downstairs, his leg aching but manageable.

As he left the complex, he noticed a car parked nearby. His eyes narrowed; once he was sure he hadn’t seen wrong, he let out a low laugh, hailed a cab, and left.

Mu Yunshen was in the passenger seat.

Pi Zi glanced at him, finding his face pale as death.

“Shen-ge, maybe you should go home and rest? Or I could call the missus to come pick you up?”

“No,” Mu Yunshen’s voice was hoarse. “Let’s just go home.”

—

The next day, as usual, Su Wan went to work.

Her phone remained silent all day.

She thought Mu Yunshen might at least try to explain. In fact, she’d decided that as long as he was willing to talk, she would forgive him.

But he didn’t.

She flipped her phone screen-down on her desk and closed her eyes.

Suddenly, her phone rang.

“Today, Teacher’s being discharged. Will you come?” His voice sounded.

Su Wan checked the time. “All right.”

Su Yichuan said nothing about the previous day, and Su Wan didn’t bring up Mu Yunshen either.

Bo Yezhou’s leg seemed recovered; he busied himself moving things up and down, eager to help.

Watching him, Su Yichuan suddenly remarked, “Actually, Yezhou’s a pretty good man, don’t you think?”

Su Wan pressed her lips together, silent.

“I remember you used to say you’d marry him when you grew up.”

Bo Yezhou happened to walk over at that moment, just in time to hear her reply.

“That was just childish nonsense.”

His steps faltered, but he smiled and approached. “Teacher, shall we go?”

At the Su family home, Su Yichuan insisted Bo Yezhou stay, claiming their last meal together had been interrupted and this time they must sit down properly.

Bo Yezhou glanced at Su Wan.

She had already sat, saying, “But the doctor said you can’t drink.”

“That’s fine, I can’t drink, but you two can. Wanwan, you drink with Yezhou for me tonight!”

Su Wan hadn’t wanted to drink, but thinking of Mu Yunshen left her restless. After some coaxing, she had a few cups.

It was potent liquor; after several glasses, a flush crept up her cheeks.

She stood, the room spinning slightly, but forced herself to steady. “I… I’ll go to my room to sleep.”

“This girl’s drinking can’t compare to mine,” Su Yichuan laughed. “Yezhou, help her upstairs.”

“No need, I can manage.” Su Wan shook off his hand and headed for the stairs, but she swayed and nearly fell backward.

Luckily, Bo Yezhou caught her before she hit the ground.

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

“I’d better help you up.” he said.

“I said no!” Su Wan, annoyed, pulled away and went up by herself.

She didn’t want to go to her room, so she stood on the balcony, letting the wind cool her.

Bo Yezhou didn’t approach, but he didn’t leave either—just stayed quietly by her side.

“You should go,” Su Wan said quietly, head bowed.

Bo Yezhou’s expression shifted, but he said, “The wind’s strong tonight. You’d better go in.”

“I won’t.” She sounded like a stubborn child, eyes fixed on the path ahead. “I just won’t.”

At her words, she suddenly felt something draped over her shoulders. Turning, she saw he’d placed his jacket around her.

“If you won’t go inside, at least wear this, or you’ll catch a chill.”

Her face flushed, she stared at him for a long time, then suddenly began to laugh. With force, she yanked off his jacket. “Liar! You’re a liar! Still trying to fool me? Wasn’t it enough, all the lies back then? What more do you want? Tell me! What more?!”

She kept pushing him, but couldn’t keep her balance and fell forward.

Bo Yezhou caught her in his arms.

“I want you.”

His voice was low, and Su Wan stared at him in surprise.

He gazed back, eyes lowering, moving closer and closer…

Just before his lips touched hers, Su Wan seemed to remember something and shoved him away.

For reasons she couldn’t name, her eyes flickered instinctively to the street across from the house.

And there she saw him, standing in the shadows.

Her face went pale.

Without a thought, she whirled and ran downstairs.

Bo Yezhou stood where he was; in the darkness, two men’s eyes met, and something fractured between them.

Mu Yunshen turned and left.

He was about to get into his car when Su Wan caught him by the arm.

If he’d used any force, he could have shaken her off easily—but he didn’t.

“Why… why are you here?” she asked, breathless.

He didn’t answer.

Su Wan suddenly remembered the rift still between them, and her hand dropped.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

Mu Yunshen looked at her, lips barely moving. “Passing by.”

Anger flared in Su Wan. “Fine, then keep passing by!” With that, she turned away.

He didn’t stop her.

Su Wan walked on, her sense of injustice mounting until tears spilled from her eyes. She wiped at them, but the more she wiped, the more they came.

Someone grabbed her from behind, dragging her into the car.

Her head banged against the seat, pain startling a gasp from her. Before she could catch her breath, he was kissing her—punitive, but above all, possessive.

Soon she felt breathless, the alcohol making her head spin even more.

At last he let her go. “You’ve been drinking?”

Su Wan’s eyes were unfocused, and after a long look at him, she murmured, “Bo Yezhou?”

Mu Yunshen’s face darkened instantly.

It was the first time Su Wan had seen him so livid, and she couldn’t help but laugh.

He was taken aback, then seized her hand. “You’re teasing me?”

“You’ve tricked me so many times; tricking you once is nothing.” Her head was heavy, but her words were clear.

“When have I ever tricked you?”

“Haven’t you?” Su Wan took a deep breath. “Why didn’t you come? Why didn’t you call?”

Not a single call all day.

Mu Yunshen pressed his lips together. “I wasn’t off fighting.”

“Then what? Even if you had something huge, you could let me know, couldn’t you? Did you know I waited for you the whole day yesterday?”

Her eyes reddened as she spoke. Mu Yunshen watched her, the words he’d meant to say swallowed back.

In truth, he’d gone yesterday.

But in the hospital parking lot, people had come at him without a word.

Those men meant to kill him.

More importantly, he suspected they had been sent by Su Wan’s… father.

But he said none of this, only held her tightly. “All right, it’s my fault. Hit me if you want.”

She wiped her tears on his shirt, then remembered his wound. “How’s your injury?”

“It doesn’t hurt. Not compared to seeing you cry.”

He brushed her cheek tenderly with his fingers.

Su Wan sniffed. “Then why did you come tonight?”

“I thought you’d be home, so I came to check on you. Didn’t expect to run into… that.”

“There’s nothing between me and Bo Yezhou!” Su Wan blurted.

Mu Yunshen gazed at her.

She bit her lip. “All right, I should go. You’d better leave too.”

She turned to open the car door, but he held her hand fast.

“I want to be with you.”

“No, if I don’t go home my dad will be looking for me. He’s still mad at you.”

“I can go to your room.”

Her eyes widened. “Are you crazy?”

“I can climb up there,” he said, pointing to the balcony.

Never did Su Wan imagine she’d one day be party to sneaking someone up to her room—her heart pounded the entire time, terrified a servant would spot them and both she and Mu Yunshen would be doomed.

Thankfully, he was agile; in a few swift moves, he was on the balcony, and she hurried him into her room.

No sooner had she closed the door than Mu Yunshen started to laugh.

“What’s so funny?” she asked.

“Nothing. It just feels like we’re having a secret affair.”

She stiffened, then her cheeks flushed. She shot him a glare. “Get lost!”

“But it’s exciting, isn’t it?”

He approached, and Su Wan’s breath quickened. She backed away two steps, pressing her hands to his chest. “Wait… your wound hasn’t healed yet!”

“So… when it does?”

She felt he’d trapped her.

“I…”

“All right, I’ll take that as a yes. I’m tired, I want to sleep.”

He collapsed onto her bed without even pulling up the covers.

Su Wan hurried over, pulled up the quilt, smoothed the sheets, and finally let him lie down.

He must have been exhausted—he fell asleep at once. She could see the stubble on his chin, the dark shadows under his eyes.

She sighed and went to wash up.

To avoid waking him, she moved as quietly as possible, but just as she lay down, his arm snaked out and pulled her into his embrace.

“Aren’t you asleep?” she asked.

“I woke up when you went to shower.” His breath tickled her neck and she squirmed.

He hissed in pain. Su Wan froze. “Did I touch your wound?”

“No.” He continued, “But I wanted to join you in the shower.”

…

She should have known nothing proper would come from his lips.

“By the way, you seem pretty sensitive when you sleep. Is it because people like you are always on guard, afraid someone might kill you in your sleep?”

“Something like that… Can you stop moving?”

“It’s uncomfortable, you holding me like this.”

At her words, his grip suddenly tightened around her waist. “If you keep this up, I’ll have to do something else.”

She didn’t dare move.

Only then did he loosen his hold, resting his hand gently on her head. “Go to sleep.”

“Um… are you uncomfortable?” she asked after a moment.

He didn’t answer; she thought he was mad, but then he grabbed her hand and guided it downward.

She touched something hot, gasped softly, and jerked her hand back. “Are you a pervert?!”

“You wanted to know, didn’t you? Just letting you feel.”

Who wanted that!

She tried to pull away, but he caught her, and before she could react, he sealed her lips with his own.

“Now will you stop moving?”

His breath was heavy, his body burning.

She shook her head frantically, and for good measure said, “I… I won’t move.”

Only then did he let her go, got out of bed, and soon she heard the sound of running water. Remembering what she’d just touched through his clothes, her face blazed.

When he came out of the bathroom, the person who’d so thoroughly stirred him up was already asleep.

Mu Yunshen laughed softly, just about to pull her into his arms again, when his phone lit up with a message.

Reading it, his expression darkened.

—

When Su Wan awoke, she was alone in bed.

She rubbed her aching head and looked around.

He was gone.

Glancing at her phone, she saw a message from him saying he’d left first.

She relaxed, got up, and washed.

Downstairs, she found Bo Yezhou at the breakfast table.

“Yezhou drank last night too, so I let him sleep in the guest room,” Su Yichuan explained.

Su Wan nodded and said nothing more.

Bo Yezhou glanced at her, set his spoon down. “I’m full, Teacher. I’ll visit again soon.”

“All right. Wanwan, see him out.”

Hearing her father’s words, Su Wan had no choice but to stand.

At the door, Bo Yezhou looked at her. “I’ll go now.”

“Goodbye,” she said, turning to leave, but he called her back.

She turned; he fixed his gaze on her. “Do you know about his past?”

She frowned.

“He was at the police academy once, but expelled for misconduct. Do you know the details?”

In truth, she didn’t know much about Mu Yunshen’s past. Hearing Bo Yezhou mention the academy surprised her, but she replied without hesitation, “I don’t know, but don’t worry—I’ll learn about his past from him.”

Bo Yezhou smiled faintly, nodded, and left.

She watched his car drive away, frowning slightly, but thought nothing more of it. After tidying up, she went to work.

In the days that followed, things between Su Wan and Mu Yunshen were harmonious. He’d pick her up after work, sometimes join her for meals, and at night, he would sleep at her place—but only sleep.

One afternoon, Linda entered her office to see Su Wan grinning foolishly at her phone.

The glow of love was blinding. Linda presented a contract. “Ms. Su, please review this.”

“Okay,” Su Wan replied without looking up.

Linda, used to this, was about to leave when Su Wan’s voice stopped her. “By the way, cancel tonight’s engagement for me. I have plans.”

“Huh? Ms. Su, tonight’s dinner is with Mr. Lin. Are you sure?”

Mr. Lin… Su Wan snapped out of it. That was a key client this month. She looked at her phone and reluctantly replied, “All right then.”

She typed out a message, “I have dinner tonight, can’t make it.”

Mu Yunshen had planned to take her to the mountain to set off fireworks. His reply came quickly: “No problem, I’ll pick you up.”

After some thought, Su Wan sent him the address.

After work, she took Linda to the hotel. Linda had reserved a private room. As they sipped tea, footsteps approached.

Su Wan stood, but her smile froze when she saw who entered.

Gu Yan.

Gu Yan’s eyes flashed with surprise too. Clinging to her companion’s arm, she asked, “And who are these two?”

“These are today’s partners,” Mr. Lin replied, all smiles.

“I thought your line of work was all rough types, but you’re both beauties.” Gu Yan approached Su Wan with a broad smile. “A pleasure to meet you.”

“A pleasure,” Su Wan replied, then turned to Mr. Lin to discuss business.

She’d expected Gu Yan to hold a grudge after last time and maybe cause trouble, but surprisingly, she didn’t. Throughout dinner, Gu Yan quietly ate, speaking only when necessary.

Mr. Lin had also brought two men. Throughout the meal, Su Wan sensed their leering gazes. Catching Linda’s eye, Linda chimed in, “Mr. Lin, at Ms. Su’s father’s birthday banquet she mentioned wanting to work with you. Didn’t expect it would happen so soon.”

“Oh? And Ms. Su’s father is…?”

“Deputy Mayor Su Yichuan.”

At that, the two men reconsidered any ideas they might have had, and Mr. Lin became even more effusive about their “delightful partnership.”

Su Wan smiled politely.

“Since we’re all so happy, let’s have a toast!” Gu Yan said, filling everyone’s glass herself.

“To Ms. Su.”

Her eyes were open and frank. Su Wan thought perhaps she had let things go and smiled, raising her glass.

“Ms. Su, would you accompany me to the restroom?” After setting down her cup, Gu Yan invited her.

Su Wan had wanted a word with her anyway, so she agreed.

“Everything before was my fault. Seeing you and Shen-ge so happy now, I’m truly glad for you,” Gu Yan said as they left the room.

Su Wan smiled. “Thank you.”

“But I had no idea you were the mayor’s daughter,” Gu Yan went on.

Su Wan was about to reply when she suddenly felt dizzy, bracing herself against the wall.

Gu Yan turned to her. “Tell me, wouldn’t it be funny if tomorrow’s headlines read, ‘Mayor’s Daughter Gang-Raped’?”

Su Wan’s face changed. She tried to turn back, but Gu Yan seized her arm. “Too late, Su Wan. You two may be happy now, but what about me? I’m not happy! So let’s all be unhappy together. Don’t worry, I’ve arranged several strong, healthy men for you—you’ll be satisfied!”

“You… despicable!”

Su Wan tried to protest, but her body was growing feverish, her face burning.

Gu Yan saw her reaction and sneered, dragging her along.

Su Wan tried to break free, but her strength was gone. As they neared the lobby, she shoved Gu Yan away with her last ounce of will.

The bustle of the lobby drew attention.

“Come on, sis, you’re drunk, let’s get you home,” Gu Yan said, reaching for her hand, but someone else got there first.

“Su Wan?” Bo Yezhou’s voice. “What’s wrong?”

At his voice, Su Wan looked up. Recognizing him, she gripped his hand desperately. “Take… take me away.”

Realizing something was wrong, Bo Yezhou scooped her up without another word. Gu Yan started to follow, but then changed her mind and trailed after them.

The drug’s effect grew stronger, and Su Wan’s last shreds of reason faded. She grew restless, tearing at her clothes.

Driving, Bo Yezhou could see her reflection in the mirror and guessed what had happened.

He sped up.

He couldn’t take her to the hospital—a scandal would erupt. So he took her straight to her apartment.

As he carried her inside, she clung to him, her clothes a mess. With just a glance, he could see her pale skin, the exposed…

He looked away, found her keys, and opened the door, laying her on the bed.

He meant to fetch ice, but before he could leave, she pulled him down.

He knew it was instinct.

He knew that, drugged as she was, she’d react this way to anyone.

But seeing her flushed face and parted lips, he suddenly didn’t want to hold back.

He leaned down, about to kiss her—when someone began banging on the door.

His body froze. Looking at her one last time, he pulled the covers over her and went to answer.

Mu Yunshen stood outside.

The two men’s eyes met, neither speaking.

At last, Mu Yunshen moved first, shoving Bo Yezhou aside and heading for the bedroom.

He heard the door close behind him—Bo Yezhou had left.

Mu Yunshen hesitated, then pushed the door open.

What he saw inside, he could never unsee.