Disgusting.
But she didn't stop. Her target was already in sight.
From below, she could make out Qian Jinxing in the center room, his sharp silhouette against dim lights. Her lips curled in satisfaction, she was right.
But before she reached him, trouble struck.
The door of the room beside his swung open, and a man stumbled out, reeking of alcohol. His eyes immediately latched onto her like a predator spotting prey.
"Well, what's this little gem?" His hand shot out, gripping her wrist with surprising strength.
Yunying jerked back, her smile dropping. "Let go."
Instead, he yanked her closer, the sour smell of liquor rolling off him. His grin was filthy. "What's the matter? Didn't you dress like this because you wanted attention? Didn't you want men to look at you and drool? Well, congratulations, sweetheart. You've got my full attention."
Her eyes narrowed in irritation. "I said...let go."
She twisted, but his grip only tightened, his breath hot on her ear. "Don't be shy. You parade around in clothes like this, and then act all pure? Don't you want to be spoiled? I'm already hard just looking at you. Be a good girl and come with me."
Yunying's expression iced over.
Then...
Crack!
She slammed her heel straight down on his foot.
The man howled, staggering back as his grip loosened. Yunying tore herself free, her chest heaving with fury.
"You fucking bastard.."she snapped, voice rising. "Touch me again, and I'll break more than your foot!"
Gasps from the hallway, few people were watching now, while the guards pretended not to see anything. The man's face twisted in rage. "Bitch! If you won't come with me, then don't blame me when I share you with the rest. You'll be begging by the end of the night!"
Her eyes widened, her heart stuttering..he was serious. He pulled out his phone, muttering threats into it.
No time to waste.
Yunying's heels clicked rapidly as she rushed the last few steps and slipped into Qian Jinxing's room, praying she wasn't about to walk into another nest of wolves.
But to her surprise.
The room was quiet, empty, except for him. Even the men she'd seen flanking him earlier weren't there.
Qian Jinxing lounged on the sofa, one hand lazily resting against the armrest, the other holding a glass of amber liquor. His sharp eyes flicked up, landing on her like he'd been expecting her all along.
For a moment, neither spoke. Yunying stood at the door, chest rising and falling from the adrenaline. He tilted his head, brow lifting slightly.
"…It's obvious you want something from me.." he said at last, voice deep, smooth, dangerous. "No need to hover like a thief. Come closer."
Yunying hesitated. After what just happened outside, her instincts screamed caution.
But his gaze was magnetic, pulling her step by step until she stood within his reach.
And before she could speak, his arm shot out.
In one fluid motion, he yanked her down, settling her onto his lap like she weighed nothing. His arm wrapped snugly around her waist, trapping her against him.
"Ah!" she gasped, her hands braced against his chest.
Bang!
The door burst open as everal men walked in, followed by the man, Yunying had stepped on.
Qian Jinxing didn't so much as glance at them. He leaned in instead, his breath warm against her ear as he murmured, soft but commanding. "Stay quiet."
Yunying froze as she turned her face to his chest, she had a feeling she knew who had just entered the room.
The so-called boss sneered, trying to puff his chest. "Hand her over, Mr. Qian. She's the one who dared to insult me."
Jinxing didn't even glance at him. Instead, he leaned back against the leather sofa, one arm still wrapped lazily around Yunying's waist as if she were part of him now. His other hand lifted his glass, the amber liquid catching the light as he swirled it slowly.
"You want her?" His voice was calm, almost amused. "Then come and drag her out of my arms yourself."
The men exchanged looks. But not a single one dared to move.
Yunying's breath caught. His words weren't loud, but the weight behind them made the entire room feel suffocating.
Jinxing finally raised his gaze, locking it on the boss with a cold, cutting smile.
"And another thing.." he drawled, voice laced with mockery. "you've got guts barging into my private room. Tell me, Wang Shao, are you really that eager to go bankrupt by tomorrow?"
The boss's face drained of color at the mention of his name. His lips parted, but no sound came out.
Jinxing tilted his head slightly, his stare sharp enough to pierce bone. "If not, then get out."
The silence stretched as the men behind Wang Shao shifted nervously, some already edging toward the door.
-_-
Wang Shao hissed "You're dead the moment you step out of this club bitch.."
Finally, his bravado cracked, clenching his fists, his eyes darted between Yunying and Jinxing, but he didn't say another word.
With a sharp turn, he stormed out of the room, his men scrambling after him.
Only when the door shut did the air loosen.
Yunying realized she'd been holding her breath. Her hands gripped Jinxing's sleeve without her realizing it.
Yunying let out a shaky breath, forcing her voice to steady. "Thank you.." she murmured, trying to slip from his lap.
But Qian Jinxing's arm only tightened around her waist, anchoring her in place. His tone was deceptively calm, but the steel underneath was impossible to miss.
"I know you want something from me. Go on. Say it. Now's your chance."
Yunying's lips twitched, the mood was totally ruined and her bravodo had cracked. Still, she wouldn't waste the opportunity especially when he was asking for it.
"Marry me, not my sister Xian Lian.."
Jinxing smiled, he hadn't even voiced his opinions but the public had already accepted that he was going to marry Xiao Lian.
With a personality that was dirtier than a pig's, there was no way he was ever going to marry Xiao Lian. Not even if heaven came down.