My Mysterious Darling Wife (GL) - Chapter 3

Chi Nian was being held in a villa district adjacent to the Chi Family’s research and development base. This exclusive community was primarily inhabited by high-tech researchers from the Chi Shang Group, and one of the villas was rumored to belong to the Chi Family, which is why Zhang Yuning had come here.

After disabling the community’s surveillance system, Zhang Yuning deftly evaded security patrols and located the villa. She had initially planned to infiltrate through the basement, but when she cracked the password lock on the main door, a trap was automatically triggered, revealing Chi Nian imprisoned inside.

Everything here was an illusion the sky, the garden, the golf course—all the opulence was a technological construct. As Chi Nian had said, everything they saw within the villa was what the house wanted them to see, like a dream where reality and illusion blurred.

The elevator ascended to the third floor and descended directly to the ground floor. Logically, the entire area should have been under surveillance, including the glass-walled chamber. Although Zhang Yuning had deliberately used a signal jammer to block all communications, their escape had been suspiciously smooth.

Something felt off, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

Chi Nian followed Zhang Yuning for a few steps before asking, Where are we going?

Let’s go to my motorcycle first, then we’ll leave this place, Zhang Yuning replied. Sensing Chi Nian’s silence and fearing she might be uneasy, she added, The bike’s hidden deep in the park. After that, we’ll go wherever you want.

Chi Nian nodded.

Zhang Yuning loved riding, and her motorcycle was concealed deep within the park. She walked at a brisk pace, completely disregarding Chi Nian, who was struggling to keep up in her high heels. The terrain was hilly and uneven, with steep slopes and stairs that made the climb exhausting even with the steps.

At three in the morning, the night remained dark, the park illuminated only by solitary streetlights.

Glazed Island was an island nation, and their capital city was called Glazed City. The city boasted a vast coastline and an extensive network of waterways. The park itself was lush with subtropical vegetation. As dawn began to break, a cool breeze rustled through the coconut palms.

To avoid detection, Zhang Yuning had parked her motorcycle on higher ground. The path leading uphill was paved with stairs in the middle, but the flat, smooth terrain on either side allowed for skilled riders to navigate the slope.

Chi Nian trudged along, clutching her arms around herself. Finally, unable to endure the relentless pace, she stopped. The frantic speed, as if they were fleeing for their lives, left her breathless.

Zhang Yuning’s long legs carried her swiftly, but Chi Nian couldn’t keep up. Noticing the growing gap between them—nearly ten steps—Zhang Yuning realized Chi Nian had stopped moving. She turned back to see Chi Nian standing with her hand pressed against her lower back, refusing to go any further.

She bent slightly, her left hand resting on her knee as she stepped up with one foot, the other remaining below. The custom-tailored, form-fitting design revealed not a hint of excess flesh even when she was crouched. The dress’s waistline was perfectly tailored, accentuating the figure beneath the crimson gown—a silhouette Zhang Yuning had glimpsed in her dream, the mere thought of which made her ears burn.

You do realize there’s someone behind you, right? Chi Nian’s tone carried a hint of displeasure, shattering Zhang Yuning’s reverie and preventing her from lingering on the memory.

What kind of sane person flees for their life in high heels and a dress like this? Zhang Yuning retorted, turning back.

Even when fleeing, one shouldn’t look sloppy.

You could wear sneakers! With all the space here, there aren’t any casual clothes or sneakers?

Chi Nian gave her a reproachful look, frowning as she replied, No. I don’t wear those.

So you’re saying your entire wardrobe consists of designer gowns and limited-edition high heels?

Yes.

Fine. Typical heiress, Zhang Yuning thought to herself, slowing her pace to match Chi Nian’s.

Just as she was about to walk at a leisurely pace, Chi Nian grabbed her arm. You’re just going to leave me?

I’m slowing down to wait for you to catch up. What more do you want?

I’m not going to take off my shoes and give them to you, am I?

Chi Nian simply stared at her, silent, as if waiting for a satisfactory solution.

Zhang Yuning, held by Chi Nian, accidentally brushed her hand. Chi Nian’s fingers were icy, making the early summer morning feel truly cold.

Chi Nian didn’t force her to do anything, but Zhang Yuning couldn’t help feeling a pang of sympathy. The memory of Chi Nian’s provocative words on the bed, even the tears in her eyes, made it hard not to feel pity.

But she couldn’t keep compromising her principles for Chi Nian. Her principles were to never bend to emotion, to never be led by the nose, and to never be threatened. Even working for Third Miss Xiao Family, her benefactor, was a voluntary act of gratitude.

For her entire life, she had remained unburdened by attachments, seeking only freedom and contentment in her later years.

Yet Chi Nian was her boss. Shouldn’t she maintain proper decorum?

Then let’s rest for a while, Zhang Yuning said, noting that the area seemed safe for the moment. She chose to temporarily yield, reminding herself that she was the bodyguard and Chi Nian was the boss.

My foot is injured. Resting won’t help me walk, Chi Nian said, lifting her ankle. The back of her heel was already raw and red. Her black, pointed-toe stilettos, about 6 centimeters high, were clearly custom-made. A delicate chain, studded with genuine diamonds, looped around her ankle, and it was precisely this expensive ornament that had chafed her skin raw.

As Zhang Yuning pondered what to do, Chi Nian stood up and raised her hand. Carry me.

What?

I won’t repeat myself, Chi Nian said, her expression shifting instantly from a neutral one to a warm, playful smile. You promised to protect me.

I’m a bodyguard, not a nanny.

So you won’t carry me?

I’ve never carried anyone before. Zhang Yuning had lived independently for years, never needing to please anyone. From the moment she could remember, she knew she had to rely on herself. Her past arrogance had cost her dearly, but she was fortunate to meet the Third Miss, who opened up a whole new world for her, giving her a place to call her own.

Zhang Yuning expected Chi Nian to be angry at her refusal, but Chi Nian simply stared at her quietly, waiting. This made Zhang Yuning even more uneasy. The two remained frozen in place, Chi Nian’s hand still outstretched.

A sudden wave of sympathy washed over her. She felt she should soften her attitude toward her boss, but the nagging thought persisted Could this be one of Chi Nian’s tricks?

Never mind, she thought. It’s only three months at most. Just as she was about to relent, Chi Nian angrily withdrew her hand. My foot is injured, and you won’t even carry me. How can I expect you to protect me? With that, she limped forward.

Her temper finally flares, Zhang Yuning thought, feeling she had regained the upper hand. But having committed to carrying her, she strode ahead, cut in front of Chi Nian, and declared briskly, How could I refuse? Come on, Miss.

Chi Nian gazed at her. You’re not forcing yourself?

Not at all. Even if I were, you’re the boss. For these three months, I’m at your beck and call. Zhang Yuning, mindful of Chi Nian’s discomfort, stepped down a stair, turned her around, and crouched down to adjust her position to the most comfortable height. Hop on.

Chi Nian, never one to refuse an olive branch, didn’t truly lose her temper. Yet she hesitated, remaining motionless. Zhang Yuning, her legs aching from crouching so long, glanced back. She caught a fleeting, inexplicable sadness in Chi Nian’s eyes, which vanished the moment their gazes met, as if it had never been there at all.

Chi Nian said slowly, I’m sorry, I forgot this dress doesn’t allow me to walk easily.

Zhang Yuning glanced at her, taking in the luxurious and exquisite gown that enveloped her from shoulder to calf. The restrictive design barely allowed for small steps, making it remarkable that she had managed to walk this far. Had Chi Nian genuinely forgotten this? Or was she deliberately leading her on?

Then what do you suggest? Zhang Yuning asked, her displeasure evident as she straightened her posture and checked her watch. They had already wasted too much time, but she forced herself to remain patient. It’s only a five-minute walk. Can’t you just endure it?

Carry me, Chi Nian said, extending her arms again.

Zhang Yuning stared at her in disbelief. A princess carry? There seemed to be no other possibility.

Chi Nian nodded with a smile.

I…

You’ve slept with me before. Are you afraid to carry me?

Zhang Yuning pressed her forehead, hearing that line again. To prevent Chi Nian from saying anything more explicit, she waved her hands in surrender. Fine, fine, I’ll carry you.

The mere mention of that night made Zhang Yuning feel like someone was choking her. It wasn’t a dream, yet it wasn’t entirely real either. The memories were vivid, yet hazy, with certain details blurred. She felt trapped, frustrated, and powerless to resist.

She bent down into a princess carry position. Chi Nian smiled faintly, reached out to wrap her arms around Zhang Yuning’s neck. Zhang Yuning supported Chi Nian’s slender waist with her right hand and lifted her legs with her left, rising effortlessly.

Chi Nian was remarkably light at 165 cm tall, she probably weighed less than 50 kg. She leaned naturally against Zhang Yuning’s shoulder, as if they had done this many times before. Zhang Yuning quickened her pace, desperate to avoid being discovered. If they were caught, carrying Chi Nian would severely limit her ability to fight.

Chi Nian’s closeness made Zhang Yuning’s neck tingle with the warmth of her breath, sending a strange itch through her. She dared not let this distraction show in her grip, fearing Chi Nian might sense her conflicting thoughts. She quickened her pace even more.

Slow down, Chi Nian murmured near her ear. There’s no rush.

I won’t drop you, Zhang Yuning replied, her only thought to put Chi Nian down as soon as possible. For some reason, holding Chi Nian stirred a strange, surging feeling within her. Why do I feel this way?

Was it Chi Nian’s alluring beauty, or the intimacy they had shared? She couldn’t tell.

Zhang Yuning wasn’t one to be swayed by mere looks. When it came to beauty, no one could rival the mixed-race features of the Third Miss Xiao. Yet, for reasons she couldn’t explain, Zhang Yuning found herself holding Chi Nian tightly.

The five minutes of the princess carry felt like an eternity, filled with conflicting emotions. Finally, she spotted the car.

We’re here, she said, immediately setting Chi Nian down.

Thank you. Let’s go.

She’s actually thanking me?

Zhang Yuning pushed the motorcycle out. Noticing Chi Nian’s thin clothing, she worried about her getting cold and took off her jacket, handing it over. Wear this. It’ll be windy on the ride.

Chi Nian crossed her arms, a playful smile on her face. Well, well, look who’s finally learned to care about others.

You’re the boss. I can’t let you catch a cold.

Chi Nian accepted the jacket with a radiant smile, which deepened as she slipped it on. Zhang Yuning then removed the helmet from the handlebars. Put this on for safety.

No, it’ll mess up my hair. Chi Nian’s slightly wavy hair and polished appearance clashed with the rugged motorcycle. She flatly refused any action that might compromise her image.

Which is more important—your hairstyle or your life?

Both are important.

Wear the helmet, Zhang Yuning insisted.

No.

Unable to persuade her, Zhang Yuning gave up. She had initially intended to offer her own helmet, but Chi Nian clearly wasn’t interested.

Beauty trumps everything, I guess.

Zhang Yuning fastened the helmet, straddled the seat, and steadied the bike with her long legs. Before she could speak, Chi Nian had already settled sideways behind her, wrapping her arms around Zhang Yuning’s waist with practiced ease. In a low voice, she said, Head to Bayin Road.

The engine roared to life, like a declaration of departure, pointing toward an unknown turning point. And Chi Nian’s priceless handbag remained firmly in her grasp, never leaving her side for a moment.