Chapter 22: A Call from Jiaqi

A flush crept across Shi Ran’s cheeks, her eyes unfocused and hazy as she struggled instinctively. She was like a small beast caught in a hunter’s trap, left entirely at his mercy.

"Who were you planning to see last night?" The deep voice, like a devil’s whisper, sent a chill down her spine while striking her heartstrings with the weight of a heavy hammer.

Shi Ran’s consciousness was clouded, and at the question, she responded reflexively.

"Jiaqi." Her red lips parted slightly, exhaling a hot breath.

The man’s expression darkened.

"Jiaqi?" The teasing tone suddenly sounded right by her ear, the warmth of his breath scorching her earlobe and shaking her back to a sliver of clarity.

What had she just said?! How could she have let it slip so carelessly? How could she possibly argue her way out of this now?

"No, I... I had an accident on my way out yesterday, so I didn't make it to the meeting." Shi Ran’s voice trembled with a hint of trepidation. She wanted to salvage the situation, but she met those emotionless eyes, and instantly, all her defenses withered into silence.

Shi Ran began to struggle, her fingers clutching the flat sheets until they wrinkled. She turned her head, looking at the lit-up phone screen. The cessation of the ringtone hadn't stopped the call from coming through. Just as she was wondering how to answer later, a large hand snatched up her phone.

Shi Ran’s pupils contracted sharply.

"You know what to say, don't you?" The large hand held the phone before her face and, right in front of her, swiped to accept the call. She tried to reach out to hang up, but before she could, her hands were pinned down.

"Ranran?" Hearing the voice from the receiver, Shi Ran closed her eyes in despair.

"Ranran, where are you? Why didn't you answer your phone last night?" Zuo Jiaqi’s voice was filled with anxiety.

Shi Ran bit her lip hard, not daring to make a sound. She suddenly opened her eyes wide, letting out an involuntary groan.

"Ranran, what’s wrong? Have you been kidnapped?" Hearing the commotion, Zuo Jiaqi seemed to go frantic, his questions coming in rapid succession.

Before Shi Ran could react, a large hand reached over and hung up the phone.

It was over. Shi Ran slumped in relief.

"Will there be a next time?" The heavy, ragged breathing mingled with the devil’s whisper at her ear.

Shi Ran shook her head, not daring to harbor any more thoughts of rebellion. Zuo烨Lin seemed satisfied with the result; he dressed neatly and left the bedroom.

After washing up, Shi Ran dialed the number back.

"Ranran." Zuo Jiaqi’s voice sounded full of pleasant surprise.

"I’m sorry, I couldn't catch a cab last night," Shi Ran whispered her apology.

"It’s fine. I’ll come pick you up tonight," Zuo Jiaqi said, dismissing it entirely.

Shi Ran thought back to what had happened after her address had been leaked previously. She abandoned the idea of telling Zuo Jiaqi where she was. He had been relentless before, and if not for Secretary Su’s intervention, she didn't know what might have happened. Moreover, Zuo烨Lin seemed to be secretly signaling to her that Zuo Jiaqi was not to be trusted. Both the video and the documents he provided spoke of Zuo Jiaqi’s malicious deeds. Of course, given that Zuo烨Lin was hardly a saint himself, she remained skeptical of these materials.

She decided to investigate for herself when she had the time. After all, the wisdom of those before her had warned that hearing is second-hand, while seeing is believing. She didn't need the evidence provided by Zuo烨Lin; she would verify it herself.

"Ranran, why did you suddenly hang up earlier?" Zuo Jiaqi asked about the previous incident.

"My stomach was upset, I was heading to the bathroom," Shi Ran made up an excuse.

"Are you feeling better now? Did you catch a chill?" Zuo Jiaqi pressed, his tone laced with concern.

Setting aside the evidence, Shi Ran’s impression of Zuo Jiaqi leaned toward him being gentle and considerate. He was her ideal lover.

"I just ate something bad. I’ll be fine with some rest," Shi Ran continued to fabricate excuses.

"Alright, I won't bother you then. I’ll come by your place to pick you up tonight." Zuo Jiaqi didn't press the matter further.

"I have plans with a close friend tonight, so I might not be home," Shi Ran said, her lie delivered without a blush or a racing heart.

"Just let me know if you return so I can arrange the restaurant and the reservation in advance," Zuo Jiaqi paused, then gave her a gentle reminder.

Shi Ran nodded and hung up. Her gaze then drifted to Mei Lan’s number. She had intended to call back, but the memory of the vicious messages she had seen earlier made her suppress the thought immediately. Forget it; calling would just lead to being scolded. She had no masochistic tendencies.

What should she do now?