Chapter Five: Facing Death Without Fear

Jiang Yingnan’s expression was indifferent as he said, “No need.”
Du Xin was someone who understood how to read people. Although Jiang Yingnan’s face appeared calm, she could still discern a hint of impatience. She smiled gently and said, “Take care on your way.”
Jiang Yingnan nodded, got into the car without the slightest hint of reluctance.
Even after the roar of the engine faded and the car disappeared, Du Xin remained rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed in the direction where the exhaust had vanished.
She replayed every detail of her meeting with Jiang Yingnan: he had come to pick her up, they dined together at a restaurant for couples, everything had gone smoothly—until Jiang Yingnan asked about her relationship with Du Zhiye...
Jiang Yingnan’s car had barely turned out of the Du family villa when he spotted Du Zhiye. He raised his brows slightly; he’d assumed that after seeing him on a date with Du Xin, Du Zhiye wouldn’t bother him anymore. Yet, in just a short while, here she was, following him.
He saw her in the distance, waving at him with a flirtatious smile, but instead of slowing down, Jiang Yingnan pressed harder on the accelerator.
Just seconds after Jiang Yingnan and Du Xin left, Du Zhiye had figured things out. She didn’t care for Jiang Yingnan as a person, nor would she ruin his relationship. All she wanted was a photograph.
She wasn’t about to give up the chance to live another month simply because his date was Du Xin.
Resolute, she hailed a taxi and followed him without hesitation.
As Jiang Yingnan’s car approached, Du Zhiye stood by the roadside and purposefully lifted her skirt, revealing her long, pale legs, then waved at him with a seductive smile.
Du Zhiye expected Jiang Yingnan to stop. Instead, this fool not only didn’t stop when he saw her, he even stepped on the gas.
She was stunned for a moment, but she had no intention of giving up so easily. Within seconds, she made up her mind, stepped boldly into the middle of the road, extended both arms, closed her eyes, and adopted a posture of defiant sacrifice—as if ready to face death with courage.
Of course, her real aim was to attract the man’s attention.
So her gesture was far from heroic; it reeked of foolish romance.
The screech of brakes cut through the air, and a gust of wind whipped past Du Zhiye, sending her heart racing, as if it might leap from her throat at any moment.
But the pain she expected never arrived. She exhaled slowly, opened her eyes, and immediately found herself locked in a pair of cold, jet-black eyes—eyes that glared at her through the windshield with mounting irritation.
Du Zhiye felt a surge of fear. Her alluring, delicate face had turned deathly pale.
She looked so fragile that one might be compelled to gather her gently into their arms, to comfort and cherish her.
But Jiang Yingnan was not a man given to pity. All he felt was anger at Du Zhiye’s reckless stunt.
Unpleasant memories flooded Du Zhiye’s mind, and before she could read Jiang Yingnan’s expression, her legs buckled, and she slowly collapsed to the ground.
Jiang Yingnan remained in the car for a moment, frowning when he saw Du Zhiye hadn’t gotten up. He got out, showed no sign of chivalry, and hauled her to her feet, his tone distinctly impatient. “Tired of living?”
Seeing that Du Zhiye had yet to recover, Jiang Yingnan’s irritation peaked. “Speak.”
Du Zhiye’s legs were still weak, and as Jiang Yingnan let go, she instinctively leaned toward him for support.
Jiang Yingnan recoiled in disgust, his face cold, dodging her touch. Du Zhiye swayed twice before barely managing to stand upright.
It took a full half-minute for Du Zhiye to regain her composure. She flashed a smile designed to enchant men. “Second Young Master, give me a ride.”