These words made Ye Lingyun's hair stand on end.
"What did you say!"
"Heh..."
Tang Xiaomin turned and left, not saying another word, leaving him to ponder it himself.
It was already half past ten when she returned home.
As soon as she entered the door, she saw Yan Jue sitting in the living room.
"Why are you here?"
After putting away the medicine she bought for Zhang Meiyu, Tang Xiaomin sat opposite Yan Jue.
Yan Jue glanced at his watch.
"I arrived at eight-thirty. I saw your car leaving when I got here. It's only half an hour round trip from here to the hospital. You were gone for nearly three hours. Where did you go in between?"
Tang Xiaomin had not forgotten how Yan Jue had tricked her and fallen into his trap last time.
"I was delayed by a traffic jam due to a car accident on the way. What's wrong?"
"Why are you so vigilant? I'm just worried about your personal safety."
"Okay, I know."
With that, Tang Xiaomin tied on an apron and went to the kitchen to get busy. She planned to make a pot of soup to nourish Mrs. Zhang, who had recently been discharged from the hospital.
Life is precious. She had fought hard to get her life back, so she naturally had to take good care of herself, lest she betray the person who gave their life.
Tang Xiaomin poured her heart into the tedious task of cooking.
Yan Jue knew that Tang Xiaomin was still angry with him because of that incident.
But it didn't matter. After all, he had benefited from it, so it was only right for him to endure her displeasure.
"Minmin, I'm just worried about you. If you don't want me to inquire, I won't ask next time."
"Why are you at my house?" Tang Xiaomin asked faintly, her hands not stopping their work.
She was acting very aloof at the moment, as if they were not lovers, but acquaintances having a conversation.
Yan Jue was already accustomed to her demeanor. He shamelessly walked into the kitchen as usual.
He didn't do anything, just found a chair and sat down, quietly watching Tang Xiaomin busy herself.
She could manage the household and excel in her career, possessing top-notch abilities.
Marrying such a wife was a blessing he had cultivated over several lifetimes.
She put away the seasonings, placed the pot on the stove to simmer, and then left it to time.
She could have just set the timer, but Tang Xiaomin wanted to see what Yan Jue was up to.
She didn't leave but stayed in the kitchen, staring at him.
"Minmin..."
Yan Jue took Tang Xiaomin's hand, wanting to say something but hesitating. After a long while, he couldn't utter a word.
The stalemate made it seem like something was wrong even if nothing was. Tang Xiaomin couldn't bear the atmosphere any longer.
"What do you want to say?"
"Uh... Nothing."
Tang Xiaomin didn't believe him.
"Just say what you want to say. What kind of man withholds his words?"
He simply wanted to be with her, which could be summarized in four words.
"I miss you."
There was nothing shameful about missing her.
Tang Xiaomin lowered her head, secretly hiding her smile.
"But I'm busy making soup now, I don't have time for you."
"It doesn't matter. You do your thing. I won't bother you. I'll just stay here with you."
With him saying that much, Tang Xiaomin couldn't bring herself to chase him away.
When she returned earlier, she had seen the many lights outside and suddenly realized that none of them were lit for Yan Jue. She felt a little sorry for him.
For the next while, Tang Xiaomin idly played on her phone, occasionally checking on the soup simmering in the pot.
As it neared midnight, she yawned and slumped onto the table.
Just as her head was about to make contact with the tabletop, Yan Jue, who was beside her, reached out and placed his hand under her head.
The sudden warmth made her feel happy.
After a moment of this awkwardness, she simply rested her legs on Yan Jue's lap.
Yan Jue understood instantly. In the next second, he pulled her into his embrace, lowered his head, and affectionately stroked her face, gently coaxing her.
"Sleep if you're tired."
"But, the soup is still simmering."
Tang Xiaomin was always meticulous when it came to cooking, and the same applied to other matters.
With her talent and serious attitude, it would be illogical for her not to succeed.
"It's okay, I'll watch it."
"Mmm."
The man's embrace was warm and comfortable, and Tang Xiaomin fell asleep with peace of mind.
...
Outside the kitchen, Tang Ye watched them hugging and embracing with his own eyes, his hand gripping the water glass tightly.
He had gone out for drinks and entertainment and returned late. He had intended to make a cup of honey water before going to rest.
Unexpectedly, he witnessed a scene that angered him.
Yan Jue turned his head and saw the uncomfortable expression on Tang Ye's face.
"Second Brother is back. Did we disturb you?" he asked intentionally.
Tang Ye said irritably, "It's too early to call me Second Brother. Say that when you've married her."
Having received Yan Jue's investment, Tang Ye couldn't be too harsh on him.
"Time flies by. It's just a matter of time."
"Hmph!"
Tang Ye lost the mood to drink his honey water and turned to leave.
...
The next day, the news of Ye Lingyun's disappearance quietly spread through the school.
"Did you hear? Young Master Yun is missing. The Ye and Yang families are doing their best to find him."
"I heard that Liu Feng, who led the 'Save Young Master Yun' plan yesterday, has all been taken away by the Ye family for questioning."
"They were taken away. Will they be in danger?"
"So many people participated last night, from various factions. No matter how powerful the Yun family is, they wouldn't dare to do anything to the young masters and ladies from so many factions all at once."
"I heard that Liu Feng and the others actually failed, but Young Master Yun was rescued by a mysterious person. We just don't know who that mysterious person is." Su Dan Fiction Network
"Yang Yang is furious. They say she's throwing tantrums at home."
"With her spoiled young lady temper, it's no wonder Young Master Yun ran away. Anyone would find it unbearable."
...
Even though Tang Xiaomin was sitting in the back row of the classroom, she couldn't escape the gossip.
Whatever happened between Yang Yang and Ye Lingyun had nothing to do with her, and she didn't want to get involved.
However, Yang Yang acted as if she had gone mad, repeatedly trying to cause trouble for her. Last time, she even dared to scheme and send her to Ye Lingyun's room, leading to the subsequent events.
She would never forget that debt, and it was time for Yang Yang to pay the price.
While she was doing her practice problems, the classroom suddenly fell silent. A girl angrily rushed in front of Tang Xiaomin.
Bang!
She slammed the desk.
"Where is Ye Lingyun?"
This furious and arrogant person was none other than Yang Yang.
Her face, contorted with extreme anger, had lost its usual beauty and looked like a lunatic.
Tang Xiaomin didn't speak, too lazy to even glance at her, and continued with her work.
This scene enraged Yang Yang. She angrily snatched the pen from Tang Xiaomin's hand and threw it away forcefully.
"I'm asking you, where is Ye Lingyun!" she roared.
The onlookers were all startled by Yang Yang's enraged demeanor and took three steps back, looking at them with solemn expressions.
Yang Yang's temper was fiery, but Tang Xiaomin was also an expert at fighting. What kind of sparks would fly between them?