Chapter 5: I Only Want You to Be My Bride

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Shi Ran’s struggling ceased, and she began to caress him softly. Just as she tried to pull away, her head was instantly forced back. The kiss deepened. The large hand tracing her back carried a strong sense of possession, and the sparks ignited spread along her spine.

“Mm—hmm—”

There were people in the front row, and fearing any further advances, she pushed back with all her might. Yet the man before her remained unmoved, his next actions only provoking her to respond more boldly.

A moan escaped her lips, abruptly jolting her awake. As she pushed him away, she blurted out, “Young Master!” Immediately, her eyes caught the phone screen ending the call.

“Put away that expression!” His words were as cold and sharp as a blade, cutting into Shi Ran painfully.

The car slowly restarted and sped onto the airport expressway. Before boarding, Shi Ran received nine missed calls—one from Mei Lan, and the rest from Zuo Jiaqi.

She felt a vague sense of anticipation about this trip. Upon arrival, she attended a cocktail party as an assistant. Amid the many admirers, Zuo Yelin coldly reminded her, “Don’t forget your identity!”

Having declined much of the alcohol, Shi Ran was slightly tipsy on the ride back. Mei Lan’s phone call came abruptly, a torrent of scolding: “You stubborn girl, not answering calls! What are you trying to do?” Her voice was loud.

“I told you to keep Jiaqi hanging, not to ignore him. Can you use your brain? His calls are going to me now; you better return them quickly!”

Shi Ran agreed.

“I heard the third family is already planning to set Jiaqi up on blind dates. Stop pretending to be reserved. Men are like that—if you let them eat but never let them have you, they’ll insist on marrying only you…”

Her drunkenness vanished instantly. Flustered, she cut the call, glancing anxiously at the man beside her, wanting to explain but finding no words.

In the shifting light, Zuo Yelin’s sharply defined features darkened further.

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The car reached Riverside Road, and suddenly a low, irritated voice commanded, “Stop the car!”

Shi Ran shivered involuntarily. The driver obediently pulled over at the order to “get out,” and the oppressive atmosphere in the dim interior thickened to its peak.

“You probably already know the news, right?”

Zuo Yelin slowly adjusted his tie, emitting a single syllable, “Hmm? Getting anxious?” Then a faint curve appeared on his lips, a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “So, you resigned in advance?”

His words made Shi Ran’s heart tremble.

“You know well I have no such intentions. If you insist on thinking that way, I have nothing to say.” She found courage from somewhere. “I know my place. I wouldn’t dream of a sparrow turning into a phoenix, nor would I cling to you relentlessly…”

The world spun wildly as Shi Ran was pressed back into the seat, unable to move an inch.

“Can’t get what you want from me, so you want to stop the loss in time?”

Shi Ran was speechless, a flood of grievances rising to her throat, unbearably suffocating.

All these years, she quietly watched him, carefully guarding her feelings, secretly growing close to him. Even the slightest warmth in his gaze was worth her continued devotion.

“Shi Ran, if I don’t say it’s over, don’t dream!” His kisses came down like a storm, one large hand clutching her neck. “The day you climbed into my bed, you should have been prepared for this!”

Tears escaped uncontrollably. She knew that only because of her period did he restrain himself, sparing her some dignity.

The next day, Shi Ran booked a flight back on her own. Nervous all the way, as soon as she stepped out of the gate, she saw Zuo Jiaqi smiling and waving, holding a bouquet.

She sighed helplessly and approached him. “Why are you here?”

“Ran Ran, I was rude. Don’t be angry. I definitely won’t do it again. Believe me!”

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Zuo Jiaqi’s sincere eyes were exceptionally clear. “Don’t worry, I won’t go to blind dates. You know, I’ve always wanted you to be my bride…”

“Don’t forget your identity!” The cold, biting reminder echoed in her ears.

Shi Ran stared fixedly at the smiling face and the bright red roses, momentarily lost.

Her whole being struggled to process as a surge of pent-up grievances from the past flooded back.

The person she once adored and followed silently treated her as a dispensable bedmate—called when needed and discarded at will...

Seeing her expression falter, Zuo Jiaqi stepped forward two paces. “Ran Ran?”

Her gaze fell on his worried face, the reflection of herself deep in his eyes. She forced a bitter smile. “Let’s go.” She took the bouquet, and Zuo Jiaqi’s smile blossomed, radiant and spirited.

“Ran Ran, are you not mad at me anymore?” During a pause in the drive, Zuo Jiaqi hurriedly reassured her, “I definitely won’t go on blind dates! You know, I only want you to be my bride.” His tone was natural and confident, as if he were born for her.

Looking out the window, Shi Ran was mildly moved.

Zuo Jiaqi was the direct heir of the Zuo family, second only to Zuo Yelin. His background and character were impeccable. She had long been aware of his feelings, but her heart had already been given to someone indifferent.

With a soft sigh, she watched the man who was so happy just because she accepted the bouquet. She wanted to refuse but held back.

After thanking him and preparing to go upstairs, she was suddenly pulled by the arm. Turning with a puzzled look, she saw Zuo Jiaqi’s serious expression.

“Ran Ran, I’m serious. Believe me!” His sincere eyes, like a pool of water, held her gaze, and she remained still.

After a moment, she spoke: “Jiaqi, let me think about it.”