Scarred Hearts — A Girls' Love Tale - Chapter 20

After their passionate moment, Luo Qinghan didn’t fall asleep like usual. Instead, she rested her head against Yan Shuangfei’s neck and sighed without any clear reason.

“What’s wrong?” Yan Shuangfei leaned gently against the headboard, adjusting to a more comfortable position and holding her.

“The New Year is coming again,” Luo Qinghan sat up straight, one hand propping herself on the bed, speaking thoughtfully.

After Christmas comes New Year’s Day—time always flies strangely fast.

In previous years, since the Luo family didn’t really care about the New Year, she often spent it at Yan’s house. Over time, it became a habit—Christmas at the Luo house, New Year at the Yan house. Now that they were reunited, she wouldn’t dare let Yan come to the Yan house. She guessed her grandfather would feel especially awkward meeting her—enemies meeting face to face, and she’d be stuck in the middle, no matter who she sided with.

Troubling! Yan Shuangfei sighed along with her.

“On New Year’s Eve, all the big families have to attend banquets. We’ll go separately then,” Luo Qinghan instructed.

“Mm…”

These gatherings had become tradition. Officially, they were to strengthen bonds and discuss future cooperation. In reality, it was a chance for the families to reshuffle their rankings. Those wanting to climb up would often cause bloody conflicts.

Before, Yan Shuangfei never got to attend these banquets. Even if she did, it was just her grandfather showing her the world, introducing her to other families, and announcing the next heir.

Should I bring Luo Xiao to this? Yan Shuangfei thought for a moment but quickly decided against it. Luo Xiao was still too young to be involved in such matters—no need to bring her to cause trouble.

Seeing Yan Shuangfei agree, Luo Qinghan still didn’t sleep, leaning in her arms and continuing, “I’ve already told someone to prepare the dress for that day. We’ll pick it out then.”

This had also become a tradition. Luo Qinghan took care of all the little things for Yan Shuangfei. Since Yan disliked bright colors, Luo Qinghan chose mostly dark clothes. Yan liked to wrap herself in black, looking somber, so Luo Qinghan added small decorations to make her look more lively but still fit her unique style.

This thoughtful woman knew well that love wasn’t just spoken but shown in small daily details, caring wholeheartedly for the one she always worried about.

Luo Qinghan’s hair brushed against Yan Shuangfei’s chin. Yan’s hand kept stroking her long black hair, the silky feeling making her reluctant to let go.

Earlier, Luo Qinghan had suggested living apart for a while, but Yan Shuangfei strongly opposed it. Though Yan promised no one would find out, Luo Qinghan still worried, wanting to say more but afraid Yan would think she was nagging.

These were dangerous times—who had ever seen two leaders from opposing sides happily living together, fooling around in bed while their factions fought to the death?

“Not sleeping yet?” Yan Shuangfei asked, but her hands were busy, teasing Luo Qinghan’s most private place. The familiar feeling was obvious.

Luo Qinghan struggled to pull Yan’s hand away from between her legs and shot her a playful glare.

Tonight was supposed to be for good sleep, but Yan took advantage of her injury, knowing Luo Qinghan wouldn’t dare resist. She clung tightly, and Luo Qinghan didn’t dare move too much, afraid to reopen Yan’s wound. If she pushed back, Yan’s weak body might not survive. Yan often skipped work, occasionally going to the company to do secretive violent tasks. If she got injured again, her own people might forget what their leader even looked like.

Still, Luo Qinghan’s hands weren’t any better. Seeing Yan’s bare upper body exposed, she couldn’t help but act like an overbearing mother, gently pinching the tip of Yan’s small br3ast, the red peak teasing her palm.

Yan Shuangfei wasn’t very sensitive there. Luo Qinghan made a mental note to remember this for when she wanted to completely take care of her.

Yan didn’t notice Luo Qinghan’s scheming thoughts. Luo didn’t dare act recklessly and waited patiently until Yan finished speaking. Then Yan slid under the covers, exhausted. Injured, having to pretend for Shen Jiayan—the rich second-generation—after the wild night, Yan’s energy was nearly drained. If things kept going like this, she might burn out completely. But if she were to die in such tenderness, it would be a good way to go.

Before falling asleep, Yan gave Luo a mischievous look.

“Chang Yi officially took office,” Su Cheng quickly relayed the news to Yan Shuangfei. “He’s a branch family member, right? I remember when I destroyed the Chang family mansion, the main branch was living there. Didn’t expect the branch acted so fast. Do they have any moves planned?”

Yan Shuangfei didn’t even look at the thick stack of files on the table and pushed them aside to clear space for signing documents.

Su Cheng shook his head. “Not yet. No signs except rushing to protect the Chang family assets and normal talks with other factions. No talk of revenge or anything.”

“Heh, now they want to stay neutral?” Yan sneered. The Chang family had always ranked last among the four big families and relied on the Luo family’s help to keep stable. Facing Yan’s family head-on, they wouldn’t stand a chance.

After this heavy blow, keeping their assets from being swallowed was already a challenge. No way they’d want to be troublemakers. Neutrality was their best choice. Collaborating with the other three families, their current strength wasn’t enough to get any benefits, no point making enemies.

“Smart of them,” Yan worked until almost nodding off, wishing she could finally topple Luo Qinghan—the ultimate boss—make her do all the hard work, and then just enjoy life as a carefree owner.

Was she thinking too far ahead? Yan froze, realizing it was just a daydream. There were so many barriers between her and Luo Qinghan. Without cheating, not even an athlete like Liu Xiang could leap over them in one jump.

Walking with Yan Shaoqiu down a deserted street—though many bodyguards hid in the shadows for security—Yan Shuangfei was cautious. She valued her life deeply and knew no matter how powerful she was, she couldn’t fight against overwhelming odds.

Her steps were light as she squinted at the warm sun, breathing steadily. “Everything arranged?”

“All set,” Yan Shaoqiu grinned. “Miss Luo will receive a big gift.”

Yan smiled back. “I hope she’ll like it.”

Suddenly, she sensed something strange, like a stare catching her attention. Someone was watching? Or following?

A chill ran down her spine. After a quick sharp thought, before she could shout “Who’s there?” her wrist twitched sharply and a hidden dart flew toward the direction.

Yan trusted her skill. After all, when Luo Qinghan once left her alone at home, bored, she practiced throwing darts until every apple was pierced.

But this time, her instinct seemed wrong. The dart flew out without any effect.

A false alarm? Yan scratched her head.

“My dear Miss, what are you jumping at?” Yan Shaoqiu was startled, spilling half a cup of milk tea and fumbling with tissues.

“Think about it, if the enemy was really within dart range, they’d have killed you long ago. Why wait so long?”

Yan agreed but still worried and went to check the area.

“You need treatment for your paranoia. Otherwise, someone will accuse you of abusing employees!”

Yan ignored Shaoqiu’s nagging and kept walking silently.

“Shuang’er!” Luo Qinghan’s voice came from behind. “Let’s go home quickly. It won’t be good if others find out we’re together.”

Yan stopped. The blank look on her face shifted to the special happiness of a woman in love. She obediently nodded, turned, and held Luo’s hand. Their dry skin touched, and soon they felt each other’s warmth.