Chapter 14: Endure It Yourself
“Who that person is goes without saying.”
Her mother was extremely domineering. Taking advantage of her illness, she had become increasingly unreasonable and overbearing in the past two years. If things didn’t go her way or contradicted her wishes, she would start throwing tantrums without cause.
For the sake of family harmony, Song Yanzi had no choice but to swallow her pride and endure. Taking a subtle, deep breath, she finally promised, “I won’t. You can rest assured.”
Across from her, Su Xijin fixed her with a look full of hidden meaning.
“Don’t think you’re a victim. This is what you deserve. Endure it yourself.”
Without mercy, Su Xijin tossed out these words and left decisively.
Song Yanzi stood frozen, her mind replaying her mother’s words. Each syllable was like a thousand needles piercing her. Though no blood was drawn, the dense, sharp pain was unmistakably real.
Those closest to you know exactly how to hurt you—that saying was painfully true.
She had thought she had grown accustomed and numb to it, but she hadn’t.
After leaving Liyuan, Song Yanzi drove back to Jinghe Apartment.
Her client had sent her messages, but she ignored them. In a bad mood, unwilling to deal with him, she kept her distance.
But then he called.
Just out of the shower, Song Yanzi answered, “President Shen, may I take a leave?”
Shen Yichi replied, “In a bad mood.”
He spoke matter-of-factly!
He was the only person who could gauge her mood just by tone.
Song Yanzi felt a tightness in her chest and responded vaguely, “No, I’m just a bit tired today.”
Shen Yichi teased, “Why not have two male models treat you?”
Song Yanzi recalled the subtle rivalry in the elevator and chuckled.
“No, too expensive!”
His tone softened, “Go ahead, I’ll reimburse you.”
Sitting on the bed, she said, “President Shen, how generous of you.”
He replied, “Just enjoy it quietly. Where else would you find such a charitable client like me?”
Their conversation floated lightly back and forth.
For the next two days, Shen Yichi didn’t contact her.
---
Sheng Zhiyi was hospitalized, presumably because he was busy staying by her side.
That was fine; she enjoyed the leisure.
Su Xijin had found a new match for her and arranged a meeting at a café.
After work, Song Yanzi went to the appointment.
These endless blind dates were tiresome, yet she was powerless to refuse.
Upon entering the café, she scanned the room, her gaze settling on a man by the window.
Composing herself, she approached.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
With that, she pulled out a chair and sat down.
The man opposite put down his magazine and looked up at her.
She was beautiful, dressed in a professional suit—capable yet gentle.
Song Yanzi began to examine the man.
He had a handsome face, dressed sharply in a suit, exuding the refined demeanor of a gentleman.
His voice steady, he said, “Hello.”
Song Yanzi introduced herself, “I’m Song Yanzi. Nice to meet you.”
The man replied, “I’m Sheng Qiannan.”
Sheng Qiannan?
Wasn’t the other party supposed to be Mr. Xu?
Song Yanzi’s expression stiffened slightly. “Aren’t you Mr. Xu?”
The call had been handled by Liu Jia, who only gave the meeting location.
The man leisurely said, “My surname is Sheng.”
Embarrassed, Song Yanzi smiled awkwardly. “Sorry to bother you. I think I’ve mistaken you for someone else.”
The man smiled gently, “It’s alright.”
She looked around the café again, but saw no other men besides him.
She called her assistant to confirm the name.
The match was indeed Mr. Xu, not this man.
Rising, she said, “Sir, sorry for the trouble. I think I’ve mistaken you for someone else.”
Utterly embarrassed.
The man watched her retreating figure, a profound emotion swirling in his eyes, his lips curling into a subtle smile.
“You really don’t remember me!”
---
Song Yanzi got the contact number from her assistant and called.
The other party hung up, claiming he was busy and couldn’t meet.
That was good—saving her time and energy.
Halfway through her drive, Shen Yichi called.
His voice rich and mellow: “Where are you?”
Song Yanzi gripped the steering wheel. “Is something wrong?”
His tone turned cold. “Is this how you usually treat your clients?”
His indifferent voice carried a trace of displeasure.
She quickly changed her tone. “Hello, President Shen. I’m driving home from work. How may I assist you?”
He was brief. “Come to Mist.”
Almost cutting her off, he hung up decisively.
The first clause of their contract: the contractor must obey the client’s commands and be available at all times.
Song Yanzi arrived punctually at the Mist Club.
The elevator doors opened to reveal two drunken men standing outside.
They clumsily supported each other as they staggered in.
The confined space was thick with a pungent, unpleasant smell of alcohol.
The two men, intoxicated and bold, spotted a beautiful woman with a perfect figure and began to harass her.
“Hey beautiful, alone?”
“Want to come have some fun with us?”
Song Yanzi’s expression remained indifferent, ignoring them.
When they got no response, the men gave her a malicious grin and continued to speak rudely.
She remained coldly indifferent, treating them like air.
Angered, the men prepared to make a move, but just then, the elevator doors opened.
Song Yanzi pushed through and hurried out.
She thought that would be the end, but the two men wouldn’t give up and chased after her.