The Cold White Moonlight Desires Me Every Day - Chapter 40

An hour later, after Ruan Tang and Ni Yunshi had finished their lunch in the office, they heard a boisterous commotion outside the door.

Don’t force me like this, carrying me up the stairs like a sack of rice!

Damn it, I wasted my time collecting plastic bottles today!

Aaaah! My insulation materials!

Ruan Tang swiftly rose and yanked open the door.

Outside stood a tall, burly bodyguard about to knock.

On his shoulder, Ni Yunshi struggled silently, her head hanging upside down as she stretched her arm downward, desperately trying to grab a few crumpled newspapers from the floor.

“President Ruan, are you heading out?” the bodyguard asked, his tone puzzled.

Ni Yunshi froze mid-struggle, her entire body locking into a statue-like pose.

“Come in,” Ruan Tang said grimly, stepping aside.

The bodyguard entered and deposited Ni Yunshi onto the office sofa.

I’ve escaped!

The moment her feet touched the ground, Ni Yunshi sprang up.

But in the next instant, the bodyguard’s lightning-fast reflexes pinned her back onto the sofa.

I’m doomed!

Unable to break free, Ni Yunshi slumped back onto the sofa in defeat.

Ruan Tang scrutinized her closely.

Her once pristine face, fingers, and arms were now covered in grime.

She was still wearing the moon-white silk V-neck gown from the banquet, but it was crumpled and disheveled from neglect. A corner of newspaper peeked out from her neckline.

Ruan Tang frowned in confusion.

Noticing her gaze, Ni Yunshi lowered her head. Instead of pulling out the newspaper, she tucked it further into her dress.

I’ve already dropped several sheets—can’t afford to lose any more.

Otherwise, sleeping in the park or stairwell tonight might become a permanent slumber.

Hiss, I remember seeing a stack of flyers at the reception desk earlier. I’ll swipe some later!

The mental calculations clicked like an abacus, tugging at Ruan Tang’s heartstrings.

It had just passed the Beginning of Winter. Even wearing a dress indoors, her hands felt cold. How could anyone survive sleeping on the streets?

Fine silks had always been good for nothing but looking pretty.

“You didn’t bring anything with you. How have you been managing these past few days?”

Ruan Tang’s sudden softening of tone and expression startled Ni Yunshi.

But she quickly regained her composure, replying indifferently, “Doing a little resource recycling business.”

I’m opening treasure chests! I’m pulling out plastic bags, cardboard boxes, and water bottles!

Right, there should be even more cardboard boxes at the company!

Since I’m already here, I should check the back trash room later…

So she was a scavenger.

Ruan Tang’s brow furrowed even deeper. “If you’re living such a miserable life, why did you run away?”

As soon as the question left her lips, a glint of tears flashed in Ni Yunshi’s eyes before she lowered her head.

If I didn’t run, would I have survived?

You love Ni Yunshi, but not me.

Since you don’t want me anymore, I might as well leave on my own!

When did I ever say I didn’t want her anymore?!

Ruan Tang took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her chest. “Ni Yunshi, how did you end up sitting here?”

“Hah, didn’t you drag me back here yourself?” Ni Yunshi sneered defiantly.

I shouldn’t have been greedy for that delivery box!

Smack! Ambush!

One step to the right, one step forward to the left, and I was being carried into the car!

“Then why do you think I went to all this trouble to bring you back?” Ruan Tang asked through gritted teeth.

This isn’t even a hint anymore—it’s practically a declaration!

Ni Yunshi’s eyes lit up!

Could she… feel something for me?

Before the thought could fully form, Gu Hewan suddenly changed the subject.

“Ni Yunshi, you were clearly in the wrong this time. You made a mistake at work, then ran away to avoid responsibility. You can’t expect Xiao Tang to take the blame for you, can you?”

With that, Gu Hewan slid forward the investigation documents detailing Ni Yunshi’s embezzlement of public funds.

Her timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Ruan Tang shot Gu Hewan a sidelong glance, but the latter seemed completely oblivious.

The light that had just flickered in Ni Yunshi’s eyes dimmed again.

Oh, so my halo’s gone, and now I’m the scapegoat.

Reason? What a joke!

I’m the ultimate slacker!

Ni Yunshi’s lips parted to speak, but Ruan Tang’s warning cut her off like a knife: “Think carefully before you say anything.”

I was trying to clear your name and bring you back!

But Ni Yunshi’s mouth only drooped further, her shoulders slumped, and her pretty face wore an expression of utter misery.

Waaah, I’m not even worthy of being a scapegoat anymore!

Why are you arresting me?! Are you trying to capture me seven times like Meng Huo?!

Let me go! Don’t stop me from recycling resources and getting rich!

Ni Yunshi’s absurd inner monologue left Ruan Tang speechless. But with outsiders present and Gu Hewan’s lingering suspicion, now wasn’t the time for explanations.

With that thought, Ruan Tang grabbed Ni Yunshi by the arm and dragged her off the sofa, pulling her toward the door.

“Xiao Tang, calm down! You…”

“Please handle things at the company this afternoon. I have some personal matters to resolve with her.”

Gu Hewan was about to offer comfort and follow, but Ruan Tang cut her off with a sharp, angry tone.

“Where are you taking me?! Let go!” Ni Yunshi panicked.

A biological research lab? Some shamanistic ritual site? Or maybe northern Myanmar?!

Damn it, I don’t want my heart and lungs ripped out!

Sometimes you have to believe in metaphysics! Little Six Ren is surprisingly accurate for multiple-choice questions!

As she cursed inwardly, she struggled with all her might.

But after three days of urban wilderness survival and nine missed meals, she was utterly drained.

Ruan Tang simply shoved her into the car, locked the doors, and drove her home.

As the car sped along, the street scenes blurring past in a frantic rush, Ni Yunshi’s trembling intensified.

“Ruan Tang, please! I beg you!” Her voice cracked with tears. “I really didn’t mean to take over this body!”

“But you did! And for the past six months, you were with me!” Ruan Tang’s voice deepened, her anger growing.

Why? Why can’t she grasp such a simple truth, despite being so intelligent?!

The car soon reached the gate of Ruan Tang’s home. The automatic gate swung open, and the car drove into the courtyard.

Ruan Tang got out of the car, opened the door, and pulled Ni Yunshi into the house.

Ni Yunshi’s sobs intensified. “I—I was with you because I was selfish, because I liked you! But—but I never meant to deceive you…”

I wanted to deceive you. I tried so hard to embody Ni Yunshi’s personality and behavior.

I wanted to use this body to trick you for the rest of your life.

Even if you didn’t end up with me, you shouldn’t have suffered so much. I just…

“I just… I liked you too much… I’m sorry, I’m so sorry!”

She curled up into a ball, sobbing uncontrollably.

She looked exactly like a stray white puppy that had wandered for too long and been captured by cruel people.

“Annoying! Stop crying!” Ruan Tang yanked her harder.

Do I really look that blind? That terrifying? That incapable of loving her?

Who’s ever seen a top acting like this, whimpering and crying at the slightest thing?

But instead of calming down, Ni Yunshi began wailing like a slaughtered pig.

Ruan Tang covered her ears and dragged her out of the car, but Ni Yunshi simply collapsed in the yard and started rolling around on the ground.

Watching her throw this childish tantrum, Ruan Tang finally lost her patience. She grabbed Ni Yunshi by the collar and hoisted her into the air.

“Ugh!”