Chapter 45

Zhou Zhuangfei pushed open the door to find Ye Chen leaning against the window, cigarette in hand.

"The safehouse is ready," Zhou said, rubbing his palms together, sweat beading at his temples. "Shall we take a look now?"

Ye Chen stubbed out his cigarette, lips curling into a smirk.

"Efficient as always, Fei." He clapped Zhou's shoulder. "Consider us partners from now on."

Zhou bobbed his head obsequiously. "Just call me Old Zhou. In Dongzhou, you need only ask."

Jun Wuhui crouched in the corner polishing a blade. He glanced up. "Boss, take me along this time. Let me see how things are done."

Ye Chen eyed the glaring sunlight outside. "Fine. Go with Fei."

Three black SUVs idled in the courtyard. Zhou personally opened the middle vehicle's door. "After you."

The convoy wound through downtown before turning onto a tree-lined lane. At its end stood a three-story villa, its pale facade half-hidden by bamboo groves.

"Discreet." Ye Chen surveyed the property approvingly. "You've outdone yourself."

Zhou produced a brass key. "There's an escape tunnel in the basement. Back gate leads straight to the mountain trails." He lowered his voice. "Things are tense lately. Be careful."

Dongfang Xin'er waited under the portico, suitcase in hand. Sunlight filtering through bamboo leaves dappled her face with shifting patterns, breathtaking in their effect.

"Wuhui." Ye Chen stopped the departing youth. "Remember the rules."

The boy flashed a grin, canines glinting. "Wouldn't dream of embarrassing you, Boss!"

As engine noise faded, Ye Chen turned to find Dongfang staring blankly at the second-floor balcony.

"Like what you see?" He took her luggage.

A soft hum of agreement. Her lavender qipao cinched a waist slender enough to span with two hands.

The villa's interior was minimalist. Ye Chen pushed open the master bedroom door—fresh white roses adorned the nightstand. His gaze darkened. Suddenly he seized her wrist.

"That night..."

Amid the roses' scent, her lashes fluttered. "I chose it."

Ye Chen slammed her against the wall. The qipao's slit revealed a flash of pale thigh. His Adam's apple bobbed.

"I'll make you Dongzhou's most revered woman." His teeth grazed her earlobe. "Anyone touches you, I'll wipe out their bloodline."

Bamboo shadows danced beyond the window. Dongfang tilted her face upward. A single tear traced her cheek.

"Just stay alive."