My Mysterious Darling Wife (GL) - Chapter 17

Zhang Yuning never took afternoon naps and rarely fell asleep during the day. Whether it was due to physical discomfort or the extraordinary comfort of Chi Nian’s embrace, she had drifted into a deep, unguarded slumber.

Her sleep was profound, devoid of dreams, like being under general anesthesia. It felt as if she had been transported to another realm, where she needed not think nor see, only experience pure nothingness.

Falling asleep had been effortless, but waking up was abrupt. Zhang Yuning’s eyes snapped open as if she had returned from a journey through the void. Who was she? Where was she? What had happened? She sat up and realized she was lying on the bay window, the pillow and blanket neatly arranged, suggesting someone had been taking care of her.

Chi Nian? She closed her eyes tightly, recalling the details. This wasn’t a dream it had actually happened. She had leaned against Chi Nian’s shoulder, and then everything went blank.

She had fallen asleep in someone else’s arms? It seemed unbelievable. Zhang Yuning had few friends Lan Chengjin was perhaps the closest she had. She maintained her distance from others, never forming deep connections, let alone letting her guard down.

She vividly remembered the bone-chilling cold she had felt earlier, yet now she was completely fine, showing no signs of a cold, fever, or discomfort. Zhang Yuning stood up and walked toward the living room bedroom, where she discovered a lavish dinner laid out on the bar counter.

Chi Nian cooked again?

Having barely eaten all day, she found the table laden with her favorite dishes, and her stomach rumbled in anticipation.

Dinner’s ready, Chi Nian said, emerging with a bowl of soup. Wearing an apron, she looked every bit the quintessential housewife, her beauty ethereal.

The words doting wife flashed through Zhang Yuning’s mind. Chi Nian’s noble status should have kept her far from the kitchen, yet her gentle, natural movements and expressions made her seem as if she belonged there.

Zhang Yuning recalled how long she had been cared for and felt a pang of guilt seeing Chi Nian doing such menial work.

Thank you, she said, unable to find any other words.

Chi Nian clasped her hands beneath her chin, a playful smile on her face. So, how do you plan to thank me?

Tell me what you want, and I’ll do it.

Anything? Chi Nian ladled a bowl of soup for her and handed it over. How could she be so adept at taking care of others?

The youngest Miss Chi of the Chi Family, caring for someone’s daily needs? That’s practically a fairy tale.

Zhang Yuning took the bowl and looked at her. Anything. Just name it. She took a sip of the soup, but before she could swallow, Chi Nian replied, How about you repay me with your body?

The words caught in Zhang Yuning’s throat. Instead of going down, the soup surged back up, choking her violently. She couldn’t help but cough uncontrollably.

It’s not like we haven’t done it before. What are you afraid of?

Chi Nian’s seductive tone grew increasingly brazen. Zhang Yuning didn’t look up or respond, afraid of prolonging the conversation. The memory of her recent erotic dreams filled her with shame.

She lowered her head, wiped her mouth, and continued to silently drink the soup.

Throughout the meal, Zhang Yuning remained silent, while Chi Nian only ate a vegetable salad, saying nothing more.

This simple yet flavorful meal gave Zhang Yuning her first true sense of home. After years of living alone, her perfunctory single life had always been casual and unpretentious. Those distant, unattainable dreams had seemed utterly unrealistic.

The ideal of a house, two people, three meals, and four seasons held no appeal for her. Survival was enough the arduous journey of her physical existence would eventually end when it was meant to. Thus, she harbored no aspirations, no expectations, and no plans. But now, this ideal had transformed from an abstract concept into a tangible reality.

This fleeting glimpse of something so distant only made it seem even more unattainable. If it was destined to be short-lived, perhaps it was better to have nothing at all from the start.

After dinner, Zhang Yuning cleaned up as usual. Chi Nian remained, watching her intently.

When Zhang Yuning emerged from the kitchen, Chi Nian finally couldn’t resist reminding her, Remember not to get caught in the rain again.

Only then did Zhang Yuning recall feeling a chill when she went downstairs the previous night. Could such a light drizzle really have made her feel unwell? Something didn’t add up. Was Chi Nian hinting that she had seen her go downstairs?

I… Zhang Yuning hesitated, then quickly changed her tune. Okay.

If you break your promise again, I’ll have to punish you.

Punish me how? What do you even have to punish me with?

Plenty.

Zhang Yuning had only ever accompanied Chi Nian to meetings or protected her from afar. What was this now? Cohabitation? Bedmates?

Bed partner… Zhang Yuning inwardly scorned herself for actually anticipating such a relationship. In her mind, Chi Nian existed in multiple forms in bed, in everyday life, at social gatherings, melancholic, complex, mysterious…

She even longed to strip away Chi Nian’s layers of complexity to see her true, naked self. What was the real woman beneath the surface?

These thoughts often left Zhang Yuning feeling disoriented. She couldn’t imagine why Chi Nian would care about or admire her. Perhaps everything had nothing to do with her personally maybe Chi Nian’s plans simply couldn’t be revealed, or perhaps she truly served some minor purpose.

Miss Chi, what exactly are you after?

You’re calling me so formally again, Chi Nian remarked.

Zhang Yuning chuckled calmly. We’re not close, so it’s fine if I address you this way, right? I’ve been thinking a lot these past few days about what you’re trying to achieve, why you’re doing it, and what you’re after.

I’m after you, Chi Nian replied frankly, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. A flicker of surprise crossed Zhang Yuning’s eyes. Me?

Yes. You’re capable, skilled in IT, trained in martial arts, and intelligent. I needed a female bodyguard, and you fit the bill perfectly.

So that’s it. Zhang Yuning had anticipated this answer, but hearing it aloud filled her with a wave of disappointment. She couldn’t bring herself to ask any further questions.

Why did she take care of me? Perhaps a bodyguard who lost her combat abilities lost her value.

Why was she so lenient with me? Maybe she simply disliked arguing and creating conflict.

Why did she insist on staying at my place? Perhaps the most ordinary places are the most unexpected. Who would ever imagine Miss Chi living in a humble residential building?

Every question had a perfectly logical explanation, yet Zhang Yuning refused to believe them. Disappointment aside, reason prevailed. There were still unspoken truths, and she resolved to investigate them herself.

An awkward silence hung between them. Just then, the security alarm blared again, and within seconds, a knock echoed from the door outside.

Her apartment could only be accessed through the storefront on the ground floor. How could anyone be knocking on her inner door? Even though the door wasn’t locked, who would dare rush up here uninvited?

Zhang Yuning immediately tensed, gesturing for Chi Nian to be quiet. Her priority had shifted from exposing Chi Nian to protecting her.

Go to the study, Zhang Yuning instructed Chi Nian, immediately grabbing the retractable baton from the entryway, tucking it behind her back, and approaching the door. She peered through the peephole to observe.

Before she could get a clear look at the visitor, a deep female voice called out from outside I’m Mo Lindi. Open the door.

Mo Lindi? The Chief Superintendent of Glass Island herself? So we couldn’t escape the police investigation after all?

Let her in, Chi Nian’s voice rang out. She hadn’t retreated to the study but stood calmly in place.

Zhang Yuning checked the surveillance monitors, confirming that Mo Lindi had arrived alone, without any police vehicles in sight. Immediately understanding Chi Nian’s intentions, she cautiously opened the door.

Mo Lindi stood tall at 178 centimeters, her curly hair pulled back in a high ponytail. She wore a high-collared black jacket and a holstered sidearm at her waist, exuding an imposing, almost aggressive aura. Her dark expression never softened as she strode in, not even glancing at Zhang Yuning.

When do you plan to return? she demanded, fixing her gaze directly on Chi Nian. Had they met before, or did Mo Lindi already know?

So, was this entire disappearance orchestrated by Chi Nian herself? Zhang Yuning stood silently to the side, piecing together clues.

In a week, Chi Nian replied.

Chi Jing has already inquired about the news. I’ve used a few scapegoats, but that won’t hold for long.

Chi Nian remained composed, a faint smile playing on her lips. Inspector Mo, could you please assist me for another week?

Very well. No one will disturb you here. But if you wander around and things get out of hand, I won’t be able to help.

Mo Lindi’s tone was devoid of flattery, her words carrying the weight of equal partnership, yet tinged with the familiarity of old friends. Zhang Yuning couldn’t quite decipher the nature of their relationship. Mo Lindi was an enigmatic figure, impervious to persuasion and indifferent to worldly affairs. Her allegiances remained ambiguous despite her high rank and widespread reputation within the police force, she never curried favor with the powerful or wealthy.

What method had Chi Nian used to secure the assistance of such a woman?

Alright, I’ll take my leave now.

Their conversation lasted barely two minutes, concise and to the point. Mo Lindi had likely come to deliver a warning and instructions, while also scoping out Chi Nian’s location. Before departing, she cast a deep, lingering glance at Zhang Yuning, offering no further words.

Mo Lindi’s silent arrival at the door was already unnerving. Her ability to calmly breach a private residence, her aura so oppressive it felt suffocating, was a feat only she could accomplish.

Zhang Yuning suddenly realized that Chi Nian was surrounded by experts like clouds. Even Third Miss Xiao Changying had instructed her to obey Chi Nian’s commands. This woman was truly formidable. If that were the case, wouldn’t seizing control of the Chi Shang Group be as easy as taking candy from a baby?

You don’t actually need anyone to protect you, she said, turning to Chi Nian. Even Mo Lindi is guarding you. Is there anyone on Glass Island who could even scratch you?

Yes, Chi Nian replied, lowering her gaze with a wry smile. Even her heaven-defying abilities wouldn’t help.

Why? She’s Mo Lindi.

But she’s not you.

Zhang Yuning froze. Every time Chi Nian said something like that—half-flirtatious, half-serious—her heart would race, unable to decipher the meaning or whether Chi Nian was teasing her.

I’m just a nobody. How could I possibly deserve Miss Chi’s attention?

Try saying that again, Chi Nian warned, her serene expression hardening into displeasure. She didn’t seem to be joking.

Now she’s threatening me? Zhang Yuning could have obediently shut up, but her rebellious streak flared. Curious about how Chi Nian would react, she deliberately added, I said I’m grateful for Miss Chi’s attention.

Chi Nian stared at her expressionlessly, her icy complexion draining of color until her skin looked unnaturally pale, as if she were ill.

Is this how you repay me?

I… well… that…

Zhang Yuning stammered, flustered. Chi Nian took her hand and led her to the bed. I said I’d offer myself in return. Your punishment is to hold me while we sleep tonight.