Chapter 9: Is the Young Mistress Killing the Donkey After Getting the Grain?

Jiang Yi’s words provoked Pei Yinian, his expression turning slightly feral, a fierce aura radiating from him. “You’re asking for death!”

He took a step forward, ready to deal with Jiang Yi, the tall figure drawing closer.

“If you dare lay a finger on me, I swear you won’t see tomorrow’s sun!” Jiang Yi threatened through clenched teeth.

The man snorted coldly, his dark eyes chilling as he completely ignored Jiang Yi’s threats.

Qin Wanyi snapped back to reality, her gaze falling on the doorway. She had no desire to get further entangled with Jiang Yi; if Pei Yinian really fought, she feared she might be stuck with that scumbag for life.

Suppressing her pain, she stepped toward the door and, before he could act, reached out and pulled him back.

The warmth of her palm pressed against Pei Yinian’s wrist; instinctively, he restrained his anger. As he turned, he wrapped a long arm around her waist.

The scorching touch coiled around her side, and where his hand brushed her skin, it felt electrifying, causing an involuntary, intimate sound to escape from Qin Wanyi’s throat.

To Pei Yinian, it sounded like a soft purr, like a kitten’s whisper. Qin Wanyi was startled by the sound she herself made, lifting her eyes warily to meet his.

Their gazes locked. As Pei Yinian drew her into his embrace with too much force, their noses touched, breaths mingling.

Her fragrance enveloped his senses, making his Adam’s apple bob involuntarily. His expression grew increasingly complex as he looked at her delicate face.

“No need…” Qin Wanyi began, but the man silenced her with a sudden kiss.

Her eyes widened in terror, clearly shocked by the unexpected move. She furrowed her brow, pushing him hard.

Pei Yinian’s kiss deepened. Feeling her struggle, he ignored it, instead clutching the nape of her neck and intensifying the kiss.

That bastard!

Qin Wanyi gasped for air under his assault. Pei Yinian deliberately bit her lips lightly, the slight pain drawing a soft whimper from her.

Jiang Yi stood at the doorway, suddenly witnessing the intimate scene, his eyes stinging with pain.

“Qin Wanyi! You shameless slut! How long has it been, and you’re already messing around with that dog?”

His eyes bloodshot with fury, he clenched his fists, cursing at them both.

Pei Yinian’s kiss was too fervent; Qin Wanyi couldn’t break free, completely ignoring Jiang Yi’s curses.

“You shameless couple! So you’re just playing me for a fool!”

“I want to see how long you can last with that dog after leaving me! By then, even if you kneel before me, remarriage is impossible!” Jiang Yi roared hoarsely.

The two were deaf to his words, locked in a passionate embrace.

Jiang Yi’s face darkened with rage as he raised his foot and kicked the fire hydrant cabinet.

The glass shattered instantly, shards clattering to the floor.

Startled by the noise, Qin Wanyi stiffened, summoning all her strength to shove the man before her away.

Forcing herself to calm down, she noticed the furious man was gone.

He must have left.

Pei Yinian’s gaze was hazy; he licked his moist lips unconsciously, still savoring the lingering sensation.

“Miss.”

His voice was hoarse, and his towering figure involuntarily leaned closer.

His call snapped Qin Wanyi back to herself. Her expression instantly turned cold. She pushed him away forcefully, and before Pei Yinian could react, a sharp slap landed on his cheek.

“Mind your place. You’re just a dog by my side. Better keep your little schemes to yourself, and don’t even think about touching me!”

Her eyes were icy as she glared at him, her slender fingers jabbed sharply into his shoulder.

The man lowered his eyelids, his gaze falling on her fingers. Even when angry, she was beautiful.

“We’ve only ever had one relationship—from start to finish: employer and employee. If you dare cross the line again, get lost!” Qin Wanyi snapped coldly.

Pei Yinian’s eyes darkened; her words struck a nerve.

Grimacing, he swallowed hard. His dark gaze slowly lifted to meet her exquisite face.

“What kind of man do you like, Miss?” he asked calmly.

He knew this would anger her, but he said it anyway.

“What did you say?” Qin Wanyi’s body froze, clearly irritated by his words.

She turned to scold him sharply. “Is that something you should be asking?”

Her glare was sharp and warning.

Pei Yinian received no satisfying answer, feeling unsettled. Thinking of her earlier behavior, jealousy stirred within him.

“That scumbag Jiang Yi?” Pei Yinian’s voice was low, barely containing his fury.

Her heart skipped a beat, momentarily speechless.

“What’s so good about that scumbag? How many times has he come home since marrying you? He’s not worthy of your affection,” Pei Yinian said bitterly, clenching his fists.

“That’s enough, Pei Yinian! Don’t forget your place. My affairs are none of your concern,” Qin Wanyi snapped.

She raised her hand to strike him, but Pei Yinian caught her wrist with one hand. “What are you doing?”

Before she could respond, a force pulled her suddenly forward; she stumbled and fell into his arms.

Her cheek pressed against his warm chest. Qin Wanyi struggled awkwardly, but Pei Yinian noticed her resistance and deliberately tightened his hold, locking her in place.

“Pei Yinian, let me go!” Qin Wanyi’s face flushed with anger as she warned him.

He took in every detail without loosening his grip. Instead, he blew softly by her ear.

The hot breath near her ear made her body shiver; her fair ear flushed red.

“Miss, your ears are so red. Could it be you’re shy?”

Qin Wanyi turned her head away, ignoring him, unwilling to waste words.

His dark eyes watched her every move.

“Miss, rest assured, I know my place. I won’t overstep.”

At least, not yet, Pei Yinian thought.

Hearing this, Qin Wanyi reluctantly believed him.

“But Miss, I don’t have to discard you so soon, do I? After all, I just helped you out of a big mess.”

His eyes were deep, but his tone carried a hint of playfulness.

Qin Wanyi sighed. Indeed, he had helped her earlier, but it wasn’t enough to justify such grand gestures.

“That guy just left, and you want to distance yourself so quickly? Are you trying to keep yourself pure for him?” Pei Yinian’s voice was tinged with sadness, as if this mattered deeply to him.

His words stung Qin Wanyi; her expression darkened instantly as she glared fiercely at him. “What did you say?”

His warm fingers traced her waist, deliberately or not.

“Am I wrong?”