Chapter Twenty-Three: Kept

“Miss, may I have the honor of accompanying you and sharing dinner together this evening?”

Su Chai had never been the kind of man to wait patiently for opportunities; his philosophy was that whatever sprang to mind should be acted on immediately. In his worldview, there was nothing money couldn’t solve.

The woman before him was no exception—he believed she could also be managed with money. From head to toe, Yuan Yao’er exuded the aura of someone who adored wealth. This was all too familiar to Su Chai; he was certain of success. Tonight promised entertainment.

A man as old as you, still hoping to invite me out? If it hadn’t been so awkward just now, I would never have danced with you. Now I feel greasy, as if I can’t wash it off no matter how hard I try.

Such were Yuan Yao’er’s thoughts, though outwardly she maintained her composure, wearing a gentle and sweet smile. Her words, however, neither agreed nor refused.

“That would be my honor. However, my mother is quite strict; I’m afraid you may be disappointed.”

Who was President Su? He was a man seasoned by the tempests of life, familiar with every kind of cunning woman. Naturally, his mind moved far more nimbly than this young girl’s. If Zhang Xi knew this lecherous old Su intended to attend, she would never allow her daughter to risk it.

“Wang Ma, it’s getting late. Call Yao’er’s driver and tell him, no matter what, that I’m waiting at home for her,” Zhang Xi instructed, uneasy. She resolved to have Yuan Yao’er return first. There would be plenty of such opportunities—as long as she remained Mrs. Yuan and held company shares, there was no shortage of chances.

Wang Ma had been Zhang Xi’s housekeeper since she married into the family, brought from her previous home to give the old woman a job and means of support.

“Yes, madam.”

This matron, with her mottled face, was rather frightening to look at. Still, Zhang Xi would never allow any woman who might threaten her position into the house; whether young or old, she chose only plain-looking maids.

Outside, the driver had just seen Miss get into an old man’s car. Miss had specifically instructed him not to return tonight; if anyone asked, he was to say she was staying at a friend’s house. Coincidentally, the call came just as the car pulled away.

“Hello, Xiaoyi, where are you?”

Wang Ma’s voice came through the receiver as Xiaoyi settled into the car.

“I’m outside the venue, preparing to return home immediately.”

Something sounded off. “And Miss? Is she with you?”

“Of course not, Ma’am. Are you confused? When has Miss ever left a party in the family car? It’s always those young gentlemen who take her home.”

Even though he’d promised Miss, Xiaoyi understood who held the purse strings—Wang Ma controlled the household budget, including his salary—so he knew where his loyalties lay.

At this moment, Yuan Yao’er was seated in the passenger seat of a limited-edition supercar—a first for her. Although the rich heirs she’d mingled with before drove luxury cars, none were this flashy.

“Miss, you have good taste. There are only two of these cars in the world—one in my possession, and the other with the manufacturer.”

He wasn’t exaggerating; this was the most ordinary car Jin Yuan ever drove.

“Mr. Su, you’re remarkable. I’m delighted—having dinner with you is truly my honor.”

She hadn’t employed any particular strategy; Yuan Yao’er simply couldn’t resist the sight of money and a business card. She was a challenge, indeed—Su Chai had never before met a woman who, after taking a business card, also expected a check.

He’d heard rumors in their circle: she was a top socialite, unimpressed by any gift. Clearly, those rumors were false.

With a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, Su Chai revealed a set of gleaming teeth.

“As long as Miss Yuan is pleased. A beautiful woman deserves a fine car. I can’t appear stingy—at such a high-end event, I mustn’t let the ladies look down on me.”

He emphasized “high-end,” but Yuan Yao’er didn’t notice at all.

They drove on until the road grew remote and desolate, and only then did Yuan Yao’er realize how serious the situation had become. Though this road led to many places—no doubt a wealthy man like him lived in such an area—Yuan Yao’er felt a growing unease.

“Mr. Su, where are we going?”

“To invite a lady of your stature, it’s only right that we dine at my private restaurant. It’s open solely for me—such a place is worthy of your status.”

This disgusting old lecher, Yuan Yao’er thought, regretting her decision. If only she’d held out, she could have used that business card whenever she wanted. Why act in such haste? Now she couldn’t even leave—if she got out here, she’d be caught. There was no traffic on this deserted stretch; it felt like the wilderness.

Noticing her fear, Su Chai proved he wasn’t a man driven solely by lust. A woman should be savored, but only with mutual consent. He had no taste for force—after all, it was said that forced fruits were never sweet, and he preferred his fruit sweet.

“Miss Yuan, don’t worry. I may not be a gentleman, but I don’t take advantage of others. Since I’ve brought you to dinner, that’s all I’ll do. I noticed your dress was stepped on earlier, so I thought I’d take you to the commercial street for a new one.”

Of course, this was a complete fabrication—Yuan Yao’er hadn’t worn a long dress at all. Her swan-like neck and slender legs were exposed; what could possibly have been stepped on?

With an awkward smile, Yuan Yao’er could only laugh stiffly.

“That’s very generous of you, Mr. Su. Perhaps I’ll return the favor another day. It’s my first time meeting you, and I didn’t bring anything—how could I let you go to such trouble?”

It was only because she’d been chilled by the night air that she’d drifted off. When Yuan Xiangdie awoke, she found herself lying in a warm hospital bed, surrounded by white.

So I’m in the hospital? But what about Grandpa?

She sat up abruptly, the movement so sudden that the needle in her hand tore free.

A sharp hiss of pain escaped her lips as blood welled from the puncture, staining the sheets beneath her. A nurse hurried in.

“Miss Yuan, what’s wrong? Lie down, I’ll tend to your wound!”

“Nurse, when can I be discharged? I’m not seriously ill—see, I’m fine now. Please let me go!”

Yuan Xiangdie’s eyes were full of anxiety—her grandfather was still waiting for her to sign the papers. She couldn’t afford any delay; if she lost another loved one because of this, she would never forgive herself.

The nurse, unable to calm her, pressed the red call button beside the bed, originally intended for patients to summon medical staff. This time, it summoned a doctor in a white coat.

“Doctor, please check on this patient—since waking, she’s been highly agitated. I suspect she’s been traumatized and may need observation.”

The doctor on night duty recognized Yuan Xiangdie immediately—such beauty was unforgettable.

“Oh, you’re that young lady, aren’t you? Don’t worry. Your… boyfriend had to leave for a business trip, but he arranged for someone else to look after you.”

He chose his words carefully, knowing how to comfort a woman who’d just awakened from a coma and was fixated on her boyfriend. Otherwise, it’d be the men who suffered later.

“No, that’s not it, Doctor. I have something very important to do—please let me go!” Yuan Xiangdie was in no state to listen, and the nurse struggled to restrain her as the doctor shook his head.

“Doctor, perhaps we should try a mild sedative,” the nurse suggested, noting the scars on Yuan Xiangdie—some healed, but never perfectly. The sons of wealthy families often had peculiar tastes, and even after healing, scars remained.

The long, curved mark on her back was revealed as she struggled. The nurse’s eyes softened with pity—sedatives were for agitated, uncooperative patients. Perhaps if Yuan Xiangdie could be calmed this way…

“What are you doing? Let go of Auntie!”

Xiaowei had only stepped out briefly. The housekeeper had gone to buy food, and he’d been chatting with the nurse at the front desk, mostly listening to her vent about her difficult days.

Hearing voices, he’d hurried to the ward, only to witness this scene. Like a little knight, he sprang onto the hospital bed, standing protectively before Yuan Xiangdie.

“You bad people, stay away from Auntie!”

His round, angry face looked almost like a steamed bun, but the sight of this little guardian warmed Yuan Xiangdie’s heart.

“Little one, we’re not hurting your… aunt,” the doctor said gently.

Unbelievable—what a scoundrel, the nurse thought. He has a child and still mistreats such a beautiful girl? She goes mad at the mere mention of him—what a sin he’s committed!

The nurse was indignant, and the doctor felt little better. He’d thought the man in a suit outside was the girl’s boyfriend, there to check on her, as someone had been left to care for her. Who would have guessed he was actually the child’s father? What a waste of a young woman’s prime!

Here he was, the eternal bachelor, still without a girlfriend, while this man had already installed a mistress.