Chapter 9: The Wild Cat That Bites

Qin Ze seemed not to hear and kept walking without looking back.

Glancing coldly, she snapped, “Who are you?”

The moment those words were spoken, Song Yanyan froze in place.

She couldn’t understand it—just moments ago, Qin Ze had gladly accepted her invitation to dance.

So why had his attitude changed so suddenly?

A few lingering guests nearby witnessed the scene and couldn’t help but whisper among themselves.

“Miss Song is so awkward. She was just trying to get close to Mr. Qin, and now he’s completely ignoring her.”

“Exactly. Looks like Mr. Qin isn’t so easy to cozy up to after all. Maybe he only danced with her out of politeness.”

...

Hearing those faint murmurs, Song Yanyan’s face flushed from red to pale repeatedly.

Embarrassed and angry, tears welled up in her eyes.

Biting her lip, she vowed silently that she would not let this go so easily.

She would find a way to make Qin Ze see her in a new light.

That man—he must be hers!

Song Xixi followed Ye Chunxi to the Ye family’s home for the night.

After freshening up, the two lounged lazily on the bed in comfortable pajamas.

Ye Chunxi, as if opening a floodgate, animatedly recounted her graduation trip over the past month, gesturing vividly in the air.

“Xixi, you have no idea how beautiful the place I went to was...”

Song Xixi, already exhausted from everything at the Song family banquet earlier, was physically and mentally drained.

At first, she forced herself to respond a few times.

But as drowsiness crept in, her eyelids grew heavier and her consciousness blurred.

Ye Chunxi, caught up in her story, turned her head to find Song Xixi had fallen asleep.

She paused briefly, then smiled wryly in resignation.

The next morning, as she came down to the living room, the Ye family’s parents were already seated at the dining table waiting.

Seeing her, Mrs. Ye greeted warmly, “Xixi, come sit. Did you sleep well last night?”

Song Xixi was momentarily stunned.

In all her years at the Song family, she had rarely felt such genuine concern from elders.

She quickly smiled in return, “Aunt Ye, I slept very well.”

Mr. Ye gently added, “Xixi, don’t be shy—consider this your home. Eat more. You look too thin and need to take good care of yourself.”

He then served some food onto her plate.

Just then, Ye Chunxi bounced down the stairs and sat beside Song Xixi at the table.

Grinning, she teased, “Xixi, you finally got up! I was worried you’d sleep in.”

Song Xixi laughed back, “How could I? With such a delicious breakfast waiting, I wouldn’t dream of sleeping late.”

Ye Chunxi, eyeing the food her father had served Song Xixi, pretended to be jealous, “Dad, you’re so biased! You didn’t give me any. I’m skinny too!”

Mr. Ye smiled indulgently. “You two fighting over food now? Just serve yourself—there’s plenty.”

Ye Chunxi stuck out her tongue. “Xixi, you have to eat more. Auntie’s cooking here is amazing. You can eat as much as you want.”

Looking at the food before her, Song Xixi felt a bittersweet ache in her eyes.

“Thank you, Uncle, Auntie, and Chunxi. You’re all so kind.”

Only here, in the Ye family, did she truly feel cared for.

At the Song family for over a decade, all she heard was cold mockery.

Those so-called relatives had long lost their humanity!

They enjoyed what rightfully belonged to her but tormented her without restraint.

The hatred she felt was beyond measure.

After breakfast, Song Xixi, not wanting to impose on the Ye family, prepared to leave.

The Ye parents insisted on having the driver send her back.

But she politely declined, “Uncle Ye, Aunt Ye, no need to trouble yourselves. I can easily take a taxi.”

Seeing her insistence, they didn’t press further but reminded her to be careful on the road.

After bidding farewell, Song Xixi headed to the door, waiting for her ride.

Suddenly, she received a notice—the taxi she ordered had canceled.

Frowning in confusion, she was about to order another when out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Qin Ze’s limited-edition Aston Martin parked by the roadside.

What was this man up to now?

She was about to ignore it and walk in the opposite direction to find a cab elsewhere.

But before she could take a step, Qin Ze stepped out of the car, a lit cigarette dangling from his fingers.

As he approached, a faint scent of sandalwood mixed with tobacco drifted toward her.

The familiar yet intoxicating aroma stirred memories of the countless days and nights tangled with him.

“Miss Song, what a coincidence. Seems we’re quite fated to meet.”

Song Xixi scoffed coldly, replying sharply, “Mr. Qin, let’s be straightforward. What exactly do you want?”

Qin Ze bent slightly, leaning closer.

The mingled scent grew stronger, invading her nostrils, tempting her to inhale more deeply.

Yet, resenting him deeply, she wrinkled her nose instead.

Noticing the wary look in her eyes, Qin Ze smirked faintly and whispered, “What’s the matter? So impatient just seeing me. I only wanted to talk to you. What you caused at the banquet yesterday was quite the spectacle. Aren’t you afraid the Song family will come after you?”

“Mr. Qin, I’ll say it again—the Song family’s affairs are none of your concern. You don’t need to pretend to care here. If you have nothing else, don’t block my way.”

Straightening, Qin Ze crossed his arms calmly. “Song Xixi, don’t be so quick to send me away. I actually came to ask for your help with something.”

He found himself increasingly drawn to this fierce, biting wildcat.

But she needed to be trained.

She must obey and admire him like before.

For this, she was the perfect candidate.

Song Xixi cast him an impatient glance. “What help could I possibly offer? You, the great CEO Qin with your vast network, need my help? Don’t be ridiculous.”

Qin Ze’s brow lifted in amusement as he chuckled softly. “Here’s the thing—there’s an important luncheon today, and I want you to accompany me.”

Without hesitation, Song Xixi refused, “I’m not interested. Find someone else. I have nothing to do with you. I don’t want to go to such events, nor is it appropriate.”

Qin Ze had anticipated her refusal and was unfazed.

He leaned in close to her ear, lowering his voice.

With a hint of threat, he said, “If you don’t go, I’ll tell the Song family about how I’ve been giving you a million a month in allowance all these years. Then, how do you think they’ll react?”

Before he finished, Song Xixi felt a furious itch in her teeth.

Angry and helpless!

This damned man had her right where he wanted.