Chapter 9: Villa Number Thirteen

"It’s your first day on the job and you’ve already left your post without permission. Do you even want to keep this position?" A man’s furious interrogation blared from the phone.

Shi Ran was just about to explain when a large hand snatched the phone away.

"She has resigned." The cold, detached voice echoed inside the car. Before the person on the other end could react, Zuo Yelin hung up.

"Young Master..." Shi Ran felt a wave of trepidation. She swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue as she met Zuo Yelin’s gaze. She had wanted to say that it was her job.

"Su Yu, handle her resignation," Zuo Yelin said, his gaze shifting away, his tone cold.

"Ah?" Shi Ran’s mouth fell open in surprise. Realizing it was unbecoming, she quickly covered it with her small hand, stealing a glance at Zuo Yelin. Had this young master forgotten to take his medicine today? Why the sudden kindness? He never allowed her to resign before.

Never mind. Even if she lost her job as a design assistant, as long as she could get away from Zuo Yelin, she could always find another job. Unable to hide her thoughts, a faint smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

"What’s making you so happy?"

Coming back to her senses, she found herself met with a pair of icy, piercing eyes. The man’s deep, cold voice carried an undeniable air of authority.

"Nothing, nothing at all." Shi Ran scooted to the side, putting some distance between herself and Zuo Yelin. She swore to herself that she could never tell the truth. If Zuo Yelin knew what she was thinking, there was no telling what he might do next. She was currently on her period and couldn't handle this young master’s relentless tormenting.

"Su Yu, head to Villa Number Thirteen," Zuo Yelin commanded. The car began to move slowly.

A large hand reached out and yanked Shi Ran toward him. The sudden, fierce force caught her off guard, pulling her right in front of him.

"You have no secrets from me." The large hand gripped her chin, tightening abruptly. The man’s teasing voice echoed in her ear, "Understand?"

With her mouth pinched, Shi Ran couldn’t utter a sound, nor could she even nod. She stared at Zuo Yelin, her hands waving helplessly like someone drowning, searching for a lifeline.

"Tell me, what were you thinking just now?" Zuo Yelin suddenly released his grip. The momentum sent her crashing back against the seat, and she rubbed her aching chin, her gaze fixed on those large hands. If he had used any more force, he might have killed her.

She didn’t know how Zuo Yelin stayed in such peak condition; despite their frequent, wild, and indulgent nights, he never seemed drained—on the contrary, he always appeared vigorous and full of energy.

Unfortunately, he refused to acknowledge their relationship. Shi Ran’s eyes dimmed, and she couldn't help but sink into sorrow.

"You have one minute." The cold voice sounded like the tolling of a death knell. Shi Ran snapped back to reality, realizing she had forgotten to answer his question.

"Young Master, the reason I was happy is because of the resignation I thought we were handling." Shi Ran had no experience in lying, and Zuo Yelin dealt with all sorts of people; he was far too skilled at reading them. Fearing she would be exposed, she had no choice but to be honest.

"If you dare to leave, I will make those videos public." Zuo Yelin’s large hand tapped against the leather seat. As he looked at her, his eyes seemed to hold an abyss, ready to swallow her whole.

Shi Ran shivered, looking like a weak, pitiful little rabbit. Faced with the bullying of the big bad wolf, she could only meekly say what was on her mind. She was truly terrified; she knew Zuo Yelin always kept his word. If those videos were ever released, she would have no place left in the Zuo family. By then, Zuo Jiaqi might mock her, and Mei Lan would be deeply disappointed. That was something she couldn't bear.

Shi Ran bit her lip, her heart filled with resentment. Picking on her all the time—what kind of man was he?

"Young Master, you aren't a man of your word. You clearly said you would handle my resignation, so why are you forcing me to stay by your side?" Her grievances poured out along with her tears. Her makeup ruined, she glared at Zuo Yelin, demanding an answer.

"Assistant Shi, Chairman Zuo asked me to handle the resignation from the design firm, not your position as a personal assistant," Su Yu, in the driver’s seat, replied on his behalf.

Shi Ran was stunned. Realizing she had misinterpreted Zuo Yelin’s meaning and ended up in this situation, tears flowed uncontrollably. She had thought Zuo Yelin was forcing her to stay, but it turned out she had been the one who misunderstood. It made sense; before he grew tired of playing, why would he let her go so easily? Shi Ran laughed at herself.

"Clean yourself up." A slightly disgusted voice sounded, and a pack of tissues was tossed at her.

Shi Ran silently pulled out a tissue and began to clean her face. Since it was her own mistake regarding the resignation, and she would still be working under Zuo Yelin, she might as well obey and avoid being made a target. She didn't know how others saw Zuo Yelin, but in her eyes, he was a man who kept meticulous score.

He was also incredibly overbearing. He refused to acknowledge their relationship, yet he wouldn't let her go.

The car drove for an unknown amount of time before stopping again.

"Get out." Zuo Yelin’s gaze landed on her. Shi Ran opened the door and stepped out.

"Assistant Shi, starting today, this villa will be your residence. Without Chairman Zuo’s permission, you are not to bring any men near this place." Su Yu stepped out of the car and handed her a set of keys.

Shi Ran looked at the villa in front of her, her mouth slightly agape. This was to be her new home? Why would Zuo Yelin be so generous all of a sudden? Wait—Zuo Jiaqi already knew about her previous place. Zuo Yelin was a germaphobe; could that be the reason? She couldn't think of any other possibility. It surely wasn't because Zuo Yelin had suddenly developed a kind heart, was it? Was that even possible?

"Assistant Shi, do you have any other questions?" Secretary Su’s voice interrupted her thoughts. She pulled herself together and looked at the expressionless man.

"Secretary Su, can I go back and retrieve my belongings from my old place first?" Shi Ran asked cautiously. This secretary was a classic "poker face." He never showed any other expression, not even on occasions that called for happiness. He was, effectively, the second person Shi Ran feared most.

"Assistant Shi, I will arrange for movers to bring them over," Su Yu said, his face devoid of any ripple.

"Throw that junk away; don't dirty my property with it," Zuo Yelin scoffed with dissatisfaction. Although she couldn't see him through the car window, she could imagine the look of disdain on his face.

"Maybe let's just forget it, Secretary Su. Those things aren't worth much anyway," she said with a forced smile. She served Zuo Yelin; if she brought back things he disliked, she might provoke his anger. Regardless of anything else, she didn't want to give him any more excuses to make her life difficult. She might be able to handle it mentally, but her body was another story.