Chapter 2: She Can't Hold Her Own

Shi Ran’s words sent a shockwave through the Zuo family gathered in the hall.

Zuo Jiaqi was a direct descendant of the Zuo family and the younger cousin of Zuo Yelin. He held three percent of the conglomerate’s shares—this was a golden ticket to overnight success. How could she possibly refuse him?

"Ran, you... I am being sincere!" Zuo Jiaqi, overcome with emotion, grabbed Shi Ran’s hand in front of everyone. Zuo Yelin, sitting at the head of the table, narrowed his eyes.

Shi Ran quickly pulled her hand away. "Third Young Master, I am still an intern. My career is not yet stable, and I don’t want to talk about romance so soon..." Realizing her rejection had been a bit too sharp, she softened her tone, took a few steps back, and lowered her eyes to avoid looking at him.

Zuo Jiaqi’s anxiety vanished, replaced by a smile. "It’s all right. I can wait."

Shi Ran darted a quick glance at Zuo Yelin, met his inscrutable gaze, and looked away, startled.

Mei Lan, frustrated by her daughter’s lack of ambition, pulled her aside and hissed, "What are you thinking? You didn’t say yes to such a golden opportunity? Keep a man on a string too long, and you’ll watch him slip away!" Her voice dropped even lower for the final words.

Shi Ran tilted her head to avoid her mother’s prodding finger, offering no defense. In her heart, however, she wondered what Zuo Yelin would think if he heard this.

Zuo Jiaqi’s uncle, having lost face, didn't dare say much due to Mei Lan’s status, merely making a few veiled, cutting remarks before the matter was dropped.

After the memorial service concluded, there was a family banquet.

The direct descendants of the Zuo family sat at the main table for a formal meal, while the collateral branches were served a buffet-style cold dinner, allowing them to mingle and explore business opportunities.

Shi Ran, lacking a formal standing, had been placed at the table by Zuo Yelin with a curt, "Those who have come out of the Zuo family must understand the rules." She sat next to Mei Lan, directly opposite Zuo Yelin, occupying a seat more prominent than those of the older uncles.

As the exquisite dishes were served, the meal began according to protocol. Shi Ran felt a wave of discomfort; a dull, dragging ache in her lower abdomen brought with it a sinking premonition.

She held her chopsticks, frowning as she struggled with how to excuse herself, when the man across from her spoke: "I brought you here to learn the rules, not to pick and choose your food."

Only when Zuo Yelin spoke did Shi Ran realize she had been biting the tip of her chopsticks. She quickly released them and composed her expression. "I’m sorry, I..."

"Enough. You lack poise. Leave."

He spoke dismissively, his gaze sweeping over Shi Ran without a second’s pause.

Zuo Jiaqi felt a surge of anxiety and was about to plead for her, but upon catching Zuo Yelin’s eye, the words died on his lips.

Once away from the table, Shi Ran hurried to the restroom. Sure enough, her period had arrived.

After tending to herself, she felt a sense of relief. But the moment she reached for the faucet, the door was shoved open. Before she could react, she was forcefully pressed against the wall, the impact sending a jolt of pain through her spine.

"You don't want to talk about romance so soon?"

Zuo Yelin gripped her chin, forcing her to look up at him. "I... that’s not what I meant."

"Then what did you mean? Hmm?" He leaned in, biting lightly at her earlobe. "Like this... or like this..." His breath moved across her neck, sending a shiver of numbness through her. "Does it feel good?"

"Or perhaps you want to go deeper?"

His cold, heartless words pulled Shi Ran out of the haze of passion. Looking at the man who could whisper "you are beautiful" with the utmost tenderness one moment and vent his frustrations so cruelly the next, a deep, stinging pain pierced her heart.

Yet, she was powerless to break free.

"You know that was just an excuse," she whispered, allowing his hands to roam recklessly over her.

"So you’re intimate with me, while keeping Zuo Jiaqi on a string?"

Zuo Yelin’s eyes darkened. Shi Ran tried to grab his hands to stop him, but he trapped them behind her back. Her blouse was half-open, and a fresh mark was already blossoming on her collarbone—a mark her small suit jacket clearly couldn't hide.

He had done it on purpose.

His movements became even more brazen. A moan escaped her lips, and Shi Ran started, twisting her body. "I'm on my period..."

The man let out a cold scoff. "What did you think I was going to do to you?"

"Or is that what you were hoping for?" He gnawed at her, causing her slender frame to tremble, his tone dripping with icy mockery.

"No, Eldest Young Master, someone... someone will come in."

The banquet had only just begun; any excuse for him to be away from the table for too long would surely draw attention.

"And do you want them to see?"

Zuo Yelin’s question carried a malicious, soul-piercing weight.

As Shi Ran hesitated, a knock sounded at the door: "Chairman Zuo, you have a call. It's from the Continental branch."

It was Su Yu, Zuo Yelin’s secretary.

Shi Ran exhaled in relief.

"Secretary Su, is my eldest brother in there?" It was Zuo Jiaqi’s voice, followed by a mutter: "The servant said Ran went into the restroom."

Shi Ran leaned against the door, afraid to make a sound.

A cruel smile played on Zuo Yelin’s lips as he suddenly bit down on Shi Ran’s lower lip. Shi Ran let out a sharp gasp: "Ah—"

The door beside them was immediately knocked upon. "Ran? Is that you?" Zuo Jiaqi’s voice sounded distinctly anxious. "Ran, I’ve called for someone! Hang on!"

Zuo Yelin’s smile deepened. "Tell me, what do you think they’ll imagine when they see you in such a state of disarray?"