Rich Woman, But Got Dumped By A Jerk Three Times. - Chapter 21
Chapter 21: Caught You Again
That soft call, like a raindrop falling into the deep sea, silently dissolved in the night.
The tremor in the treetop stopped then, as if it were merely a ripple caused by a startled bird.
But Yun Jiushu was not fooled by this illusion. With a cigarette between her fingers, she rested her forearm across her chest and gazed intently into the deep green before her.
“Why didn’t I notice before,” she exhaled a thin smoke ring and chuckled, “that this tree actually attracts animals to climb it.”
Her voice wasn’t quiet, and it was directed right at the tree shadows.
So every word landed clearly in Yi Chengsong’s ears.
The hand clutching the tree trunk tightened incessantly, her teeth grinding her lip, and even the frequency of her breathing was desperately controlled.
She used the word animal to describe me.
Looking down at the trunk her feet trod on and her hands gripped tightly, Yi Chengsong felt Yun Jiushu was right.
What difference was there between her actions and those thoughtless, uncontrollably physical animals?
This nocturnal escapade was a mistake from start to finish.
Yet, she had allowed this mistake to happen, leading to this consequence.
But when did she discover me?
Yi Chengsong was now caught between a rock and a hard place. She was the one suspended, and the gaze from the window was scorching, forcing her neither to approach nor retreat.
“Little animal, do you know what this cigarette is?”
Although she received no response, Yun Jiushu knew she was listening.
Just like the gaze hidden in the depths of the tree, observing along with the moon high in the sky.
She couldn’t help but smile, carrying contempt in her voice: “Many people enjoy a post-coital cigarette, but this one of mine is for unfulfilled… release.”
Post-coital cigarette…
Unfulfilled… release…
Yi Chengsong’s long-standing legs suddenly twitched a few times, and she almost lost her footing.
The bark had already pricked her fingertips, but her grip dug in even deeper.
What does she mean by that statement?
What does “unfulfilled” mean? She was clearly just…
Her thoughts were easily provoked by a single sentence.
She couldn’t help but recall the undercurrent of desire her eyes had just recorded.
The white floating in the hazy night, the glistening wet red—vivid and piercing.
It was a shame she was too far away to hear any sound.
She swallowed silently.
Yi Chengsong forced herself to forget it, but the more she tried, the clearer it became.
“I was thinking,” Yun Jiushu said flatly, “if it had been you beneath me just now, perhaps this could have been a post-coital cigarette.”
As her voice fell, the treetop in the windless night suddenly swayed.
The cigarette in her fingers burned out. The irritation caused by the unreleased tension was now smoothed over by the swaying treetop.
Yun Jiushu suddenly smiled, raising her hand to extinguish the last pinpoint of light.
Pushing someone too hard wasn’t fun.
She had given her the time of one cigarette, but since she preferred to act like an animal, then she could stay hung up there.
Placing the ashtray on the balcony table, Yun Jiushu adjusted her clothing and turned back into the room.
The curtains on both sides slowly gathered, and the warm glow of the lamp and the woman’s graceful silhouette, which had swayed all evening, gradually disappeared from sight.
It wasn’t until only black remained before her and around her that Yi Chengsong could no longer hold on. Her feet slipped slightly, and she sat down with a thud.
Her reason.
The sanity that had started to leave her since the afternoon was now completely shattered by Yun Jiushu’s few words.
If her own lips/tongue and fingertips had replaced those rabbit ears just now.
If her own arms had pushed over that glass of milk and pressed down.
If her own lips had swallowed that red mouth and the moist tears.
If…
Yi Chengsong suddenly shivered, her thoughts feeling as if they had been scorched by the cigarette Yun Jiushu held between her fingers.
What was she thinking?
How could she have such thoughts?
This courtyard, this night.
And that fox-like woman.
Everything here was too bizarre. Yi Chengsong quickly cut off her thoughts and, without lingering, flipped down from the tree.
She had to get away.
She had to get away.
After one final tremor, the treetop finally fell silent.
Standing by the curtains, Yun Jiushu heard the dull sound of footsteps landing and couldn’t help but curve her lips.
She thought she had more guts. She’s just useless if she can’t withstand three sentences.
After this little game, Yun Jiushu was surprisingly a little sleepy.
She padded barefoot, pulling her pajamas tight, and prepared to take a shower.
The room door was pulled open. The main lights in the corridor were all off, and Yun Xiao had thoughtfully left the nightlight on for her.
Looking down, Yun Jiushu noticed a glass of milk left by the door.
Unfortunately, Yun Jiushu, now sleepy from her game, had no appetite.
The milk went with her into the bathroom, where it was poured down the sink.
…
…
The bathroom door was pushed open from outside.
“A’Ci?”
The originally sleepy person was shocked by the sight before them. Hezi chuckled teasingly: “Why are you up so early? Are you practicing swimming?”
Hearing the question, the person who had been submerging her face in cold water slowly lifted her head.
The gauze on her right eye was soaked, and water droplets clung to her long, straight eyelashes. Her amber pupils were streaked with red bl00d vessels.
She looked defeated and pitiful.
“You…” The joke caught in Hezi’s throat, and he swallowed. “Did something happen?”
Slowly putting on her hearing aid, pretending she had just heard the concerned question.
Yi Chengsong shook her head, gesturing in sign language: “I just got back from my morning run. It was too hot.”
She casually lied. In fact, she hadn’t gone for a run at all and had been sleepless all night.
Since escaping the courtyard, Yun Jiushu’s figure had haunted her mind like a ghost.
As soon as she closed her eyes, there was the image of her solo reading.
What Yi Chengsong found even harder to accept was that a hint of moisture had been aroused in her own body.
Having enrolled in the police academy since high school, with her physical and academic performance consistently holding the top spot, Yi Chengsong had never encountered such things.
It was ironic.
Even holding hands, hugging, and kissing were all taught to her by Yun Jiushu three years ago.
Her mind was too disturbed to sleep. Her long, slender legs repeatedly rubbed against the corner of the quilt but eventually gave up, unable to find release.
It wasn’t until she could hear the birds chirping outside the window that Yi Chengsong finally stopped her torment in bed.
But Yun Jiushu’s appearance was impossible to forget.
Handing the bathroom over to Hezi, Yi Chengsong, standing in the living room, let out a long, slow sigh.
“Good morning, A’Ci.”
Xia Shu emerged from her room, looking weary and slightly distressed.
“Good morning,” Yi Chengsong, catching her mood, proactively asked, “Did something happen?”
Although Yi Chengsong was usually polite and distant, Xia Shu had never met anyone more perceptive at reading emotions than A’Ci.
Asked like this, Xia Shu sighed deeply: “My sister’s school has a research trip to Beijing, but I…”
“I have it.”
Yi Chengsong saw the distress and veiled words in Xia Shu’s expression and, without hesitation, pulled out her phone: “Is five thousand enough?”
The ends of the person’s wet hair were still dripping water. Xia Shu now noticed her depressed state and looked even more troubled: “But I just borrowed from you last time…”
Not replying in sign language again, Yi Chengsong held up her phone, signaling that the transfer had been completed.
“A’Ci…” Xia Shu was so moved that her eyes welled up. She wanted to say something more, but the person had already turned away.
The emotions that had been doused with cold water finally stabilized.
Yi Chengsong then realized she hadn’t reported the events of last night to the organization.
If Sister Jiang were to ask about it later, how to answer would become a difficult problem.
Returning to her room, Yi Chengsong changed her soaked clothes.
Today, the band was scheduled to perform all day at [Decay] bar.
Fortunately, she didn’t have to go to Yun Ji’s shop, nor did she have to see that woman again.
She could avoid her for a short time. Thinking this, Yi Chengsong removed the soaked gauze from her right eye.
…
…
“Hey!”
The person sitting in the rosy glow of the bar raised her hand and smiled, “Over here, A’Jiu.”
The person still standing at the entrance looking for a seat heard the call and smiled from afar.
Black leather heels with red soles clicked against the marble floor. A gold-inlaid, neon-purple qipao sparkled under the light. Her red lips slightly curved as Yun Jiushu slowly took her seat.
“Sorry,” her red lips parted slightly, and her fox-like eyes curved, “I’m late.”
The rapidly changing bar lights suddenly brightened in that instant, then dimmed again.
Nuo Ye was momentarily stunned, then also curved her lips: “It’s not easy to see you, my busy Boss Jiu.”
“It’s you who called too suddenly,” Yun Jiushu smoothed her hair, complaining, “I even dismissed a gathering just for you.”
When she received the message, Yun Jiushu was having dinner at her shop with an old friend who had traveled specifically from Beijing.
Nuo Ye’s tone was urgent and mysterious, coaxing Yun Jiushu that she had a business opportunity to introduce.
Only after Yun Jiushu dismissed her gathering and came over did she realize that tonight’s business was with Chen Ruoyang again.
“A’Jiu, I’m happy the moment you arrive.”
Chen Ruoyang squinted, smiling. She was wearing a pure white long dress today, making her look even more maternal: “Seeing you makes me feel close, so how about we do some business?”
The gentle-looking Chen Ruoyang had a straightforward personality.
She didn’t beat around the bush and directly laid out her idea upon meeting.
“What do you think? Don’t say I don’t think of you,” Nuo Ye giggled mysteriously: “This person manages half the bars in Yuncheng. Partnering with her to open one means practically earning money while lying down.”
Nuo Ye talked herself up excitedly, her eyes bright.
Yun Jiushu took a sip of wine, not immediately responding.
In business, there were no absolute friends or absolute enemies. She and Nuo Ye had known each other for years. Although they were friends, most of their interactions were business-related.
Nuo Ye was slippery and experienced, relying on her friendship with Yun Jiushu and the Yun Ji brand to expand her own industry chain in Yeyu City.
Yun Jiushu, in turn, had gotten to know many people through Nuo Ye and secured the cheapest and best quality source of goods.
Such transactions involved exchange.
But this time, Nuo Ye first introduced her to the two suppliers and their connections with the food and drug administration, then Chen Ruoyang.
And now she wanted to pull her into a bar partnership with Chen Ruoyang.
By all appearances, Yun Jiushu was the beneficiary.
“Sister Yang feels close to me,” Yun Jiushu put down her glass and smiled lightly, “I feel the same way about Sister Yang, but I haven’t ventured into the bar industry…”
As if she had anticipated this, Chen Ruoyang waved her hand, cutting her off: “A’Jiu, don’t rush to refuse me.”
“The reason I called you is purely because I feel as close to you as I would to a younger sister, but more importantly, I trust your abilities.”
Yun Jiushu was momentarily taken aback by this statement. The displeasure of being interrupted earlier began to surface in her heart.
“I won’t pressure you,” Chen Ruoyang drank her wine heartily and laughed, “How about this: any bar under my name in Yuncheng is yours to inspect. As long as you’re interested, we can talk anytime.”
This pitch was flawless, and Yun Jiushu couldn’t utter a word of refusal. She picked up her glass, took a sip of wine, and nodded in assent.
Things discussed at the drinking table inevitably had to be dissolved with more alcohol.
Three rounds of drinks later, it was already ten o’clock at night.
Nuo Ye clamored to move to another venue, but Yun Jiushu declined.
Her mind was preoccupied with Chen Ruoyang’s invitation. The person who seemingly placed her in a friendly position showed a dominance that felt like a needle hidden in cotton—impossible to ignore.
“In that case, we won’t force A’Jiu to keep playing.” Chen Ruoyang pulled Nuo Ye, stopping her from extending another invitation: “Be careful on your way home, and text me when you get there.”
Yun Jiushu smiled and agreed, standing up and watching their figures leave.
Ten o’clock at night was the bar’s peak hour.
Stepping out of the private room on the second floor, Yun Jiushu felt no annoyance. She dug out a cigarette from her clutch.
As she lowered her gaze to light it, she saw the person performing on the first floor.
An unmissable, superior appearance. Even though she was missing some color compared to others, and carried a degree of incompleteness, just sitting there on stage, she naturally became the focus of attention.
Recalling the swaying treetop last night, Yun Jiushu smiled with the cigarette in her mouth and gracefully descended the stairs.
…
…
After an hour of continuous performance, the band members were fully energized.
Even the drummer, usually cool and distant, had his hair half-tied up. As the drumsticks flew, bright, fine sweat glistened on his wheat-colored skin.
His concentration was highly focused on the music, allowing no distraction.
The person completely immersed in the music tilted her head back slightly. As the drumstick slammed down heavily, Yi Chengsong let out a long breath.
The suffocating frustration that had plagued her all day and night finally dissipated.
She could finally stop being preoccupied by that woman.
The song ended with the final drum beat.
Yi Chengsong exhaled deeply, reached for the water bottle beside her, and drank deeply, her gaze unconsciously sweeping over the tables below the stage.
Her swallowing motion suddenly halted. She nearly choked on the water and broke into a violent cough.
Catching her loss of composure, the gold and light purple figure below the stage smiled. Her fox-like eyes curved, like a captivating scimitar.
Yun Jiushu, with a cigarette between her fingers, exhaled a smoke ring towards the stage and winked ambiguously.
Her previously calm thoughts were shattered. Her fingers unconsciously tightened, and the heavy plastic water bottle crunched.
Icy water sprayed out, soaking Yi Chengsong’s clothes.
How could this woman be here?
No, when did she arrive?
No, why did she appear just when I was celebrating my relief?
A jumble of questions instantly filled her mind.
But Yi Chengsong had little time for confusion. The music started again on stage.
Hezi’s singing reminded Yi Chengsong that the performance wasn’t over.
The previously powerful drumming weakened, sounding muffled and off-key.
Hezi, noticing something was wrong, frowned and looked over.
The person who had been in excellent form all night looked like she had lost her soul and seen a ghost. Her perpetually calm expression was filled with shock.
And even a hint of panic.
What did she see? Hezi scanned the audience below the stage. The packed bar was full of faces, indistinguishable like a field of radishes and cabbages.
Before Hezi could turn back to signal, a heavy drum beat fell, and A’Ci had already recovered her composure.
Yi Chengsong now wished she was playing the role of someone blind in both eyes.
That way, she wouldn’t be captivated by those fox-like eyes below the stage.
She lowered her head, avoiding the gaze, and forced herself to concentrate.
Fortunately, this piece was the finale. After Yi Chengsong hit the final drum beat, Hezi began the curtain call.
Yi Chengsong, having mentally braced herself repeatedly, raised her head and looked below the stage.
The gold and purple silhouette had silently disappeared. The table was empty.
If not for the half-smoked thin cigarette butt remaining in the ashtray, Yi Chengsong would have doubted whether it was her imagination.
Why did she appear?
And why did she disappear?
This question plagued Yi Chengsong until she had packed up her instruments and left the bar. She was still in a daze.
“A’Ci, are you feeling unwell today?”
Hezi looked at the somewhat distraught person, his tone filled with concern: “Maybe you should rest. Don’t go for your night run today.”
At his question, Tangtang, who was replying to his girlfriend’s messages with his head down, joined the chorus of concern: “Yeah, if you’re not feeling well, take a break. Health is your capital.”
“You seem distracted all day today,” Xia Shu said with concern in her eyes: “Did something happen?”
Although A’Ci didn’t have a strong presence usually, whenever someone in the band needed help, she was always the first to offer assistance.
She silently did what needed to be done but never took credit.
Therefore, the three band members were especially caring toward her.
After walking a few steps with the group, the ride-sharing car they called pulled up by the roadside.
Still unable to calm down, Yi Chengsong suddenly stopped. She shook her head and signed: “Sorry, I want to go for a night run.”
Understanding her intention, Hezi instinctively moved to object but was stopped by Tangtang first.
“Okay.”
Tangtang nodded: “Be careful then. We’ll wait for you to come home.”
Understanding her good intentions, Yi Chengsong smiled faintly and nodded at her.
It wasn’t until the band members’ figures and the sound of the car faded away that Yi Chengsong was finally left in silence.
But her mind simply wouldn’t settle.
Yi Chengsong looked at the long, empty street. The bar behind her was still immersed in music and alcohol.
She was the only one standing alone by the roadside.
Why didn’t I go back with my teammates?
Where am I going next?
Reason told Yi Chengsong she couldn’t make any more impulsive decisions, but her body uncontrollably turned and walked back.
She wanted to seek out that fox who had appeared and then vanished.
Realizing her thoughts were being led by someone else, Yi Chengsong noticed footsteps constantly approaching her from behind as she walked toward [Decay].
Looking at the person walking briskly forward.
Yun Jiushu’s red lips lifted slightly, and she quickened her pace. Just as Yi Chengsong passed the narrow alley between the bar walls.
A slender, white fingertip shot forward.
Her wrist was tightly grabbed and powerfully yanked. Completely unprepared, Yi Chengsong was dragged into the narrow alley.
The streetlights were blocked by the wall, and just as her vision plunged into darkness, a pair of bright, fox-like eyes invaded her space.
Her back hit the wall. The sudden impact made Yi Chengsong wince in pain.
The woman in the high heels finally didn’t have to look up at her, even holding the advantage of being the aggressor.
Yun Jiushu looked down at the person before her, curved her lips into a soft smile, and said in a light tone: “Caught you again.”