Volume One, Chapter Four: Welcome Home, My Child

Jiang Yihuan's nerves suddenly tightened, and her eyes darted anxiously across Zhou Jingmo’s face. "What are you doing?"

A lazy smile curved at the corner of Zhou Jingmo’s mouth. He tilted his head slightly, his breath brushing gently against Jiang Yihuan’s cheek, carrying the rich scent of tobacco with a hint of seductive allure.

He spoke softly, "You look so tense right now—completely different from the girl I met two years ago."

Jiang Yihuan pressed her hands against Zhou Jingmo’s chest, intending to create some distance to calm herself down.

But she only felt a surging force beneath that solid chest, stirring her desires into a restless turmoil.

Her Adam’s apple bobbed. "Big brother, I think you should calm down right now."

After all, this wasn’t an apartment in New York, nor was it Zhou Jingmo’s car.

At the end of the corridor lived several servants.

On the second floor was the Shen family of three.

No matter how she looked at it, this was definitely not a place suitable for Zhou Jingmo—or for her to act recklessly.

But obviously, Zhou Jingmo didn’t see it that way.

He stood still, gazing down at her for a few seconds before tilting his head slightly and slowly pressing his lips to hers.

The tingling, warm, tender sensation settled on Jiang Yihuan’s lips, the movement gentle and slow, like a petal drifting down.

Her heart involuntarily began to race, and she stood frozen, not daring to tremble even slightly.

Because she couldn’t control herself.

She liked it rough, but clearly, the environment wasn’t right now, so it was better to let Zhou Jingmo take the lead.

His kiss was extremely gentle and light, a delicate brush of lips unlike anything she had expected.

He lingered just a moment before pulling away.

"???"

What a joke.

Since when was Zhou Jingmo’s kiss so innocent?

Jiang Yihuan looked at him in surprise.

Zhou Jingmo smiled. "I’m very calm. Come on, tell me—who do you want to take down first?"

Jiang Yihuan teased, "Are you crazy, or am I? Killing is illegal, big brother, and besides, what leverage do I have?"

"You have me."

---

"Then I’m sorry to disappoint you, big brother. I have no intention to take revenge on anyone. It’s already good enough that I haven’t been kicked out of this house."

"Ha." Zhou Jingmo let out a soft chuckle, his finger gently massaging Jiang Yihuan’s lips, eyes full of adoration. "Still pretending to be a good girl with me. Do you think I don’t know what you’re really thinking?"

Jiang Yihuan raised an eyebrow. "Pretending? I never pretend."

Zhou Jingmo smiled and licked his lips. "You want to get back at Shen Qiming, at Shen Wuyang, at Mrs. Shen, but you know very well you can’t do it on your own."

"You want to escape but can’t find a way out."

"You hate this world but feel helpless."

"So you wrap yourself in thorns like a hedgehog, only to protect that little softness beneath."

"Sister, there’s no need to pretend with me. I will be your strongest card against the Shen family. As partners, we must be completely open, understand?"

Zhou Jingmo’s words pierced Jiang Yihuan’s heart like a blade.

She cupped his face and kissed him deeply, trying to hide the embarrassment of having her inner thoughts seen through.

But she knew her acting was poor.

She released Zhou Jingmo, her eyes complex as she looked at him.

Indeed, there was no need to pretend with this man.

There would always be those who could easily see through every emotion of others.

Zhou Jingmo was one of them.

He licked his moist lips, smiling wickedly. "So sweet."

Jiang Yihuan frowned, warning softly, "There are people downstairs... don’t lose control."

"But I want you."

As his words fell, Zhou Jingmo scooped Jiang Yihuan up horizontally, walking steadily to the bed and tossing her onto it. He then leaned over, his strong muscles radiating pressure, pinning her firmly beneath him.

Leaning down again, he captured her lips with his own.

This time, the gentle touch instantly escalated into a passionate kiss.

Their lips moved with increasing intensity, carrying his unique dominance and familiar scent.

Instinctively, Jiang Yihuan wrapped her arms around his neck, her heartbeat instantly losing all rhythm.

As the kiss deepened, that familiar taste gradually filled her mouth, mind, limbs, and entire body.

She began to struggle for breath, the air she drew in unable to keep up with her consumption.

---

She felt like a trapped beast, utterly at Zhou Jingmo’s mercy.

She had no strength to resist, and of course, no reason to.

Her blood warmed beneath her skin, seeping out through her sweat glands, enveloping her in a haze of feverish heat.

Just as their emotions and bodies were about to reach a deeper level,

Zhou Jingmo gently bit Jiang Yihuan’s ear, his voice low and hoarse with a sly smile.

"Little sister, if you’re really afraid they’ll hear, then just keep it down a bit later..."

Jiang Yihuan’s body trembled softly, her breath fluttering like willow branches stirred by spring breezes.

She bit her lower lip lightly. "Zhou Jingmo..."

"Hmm?"

"You bastard!"

Zhou Jingmo’s lips curved into a playful smile, one that seemed capable of stealing souls.

His hand wandered almost imperceptibly at her waist, each touch like a dragonfly skimming water, yet filled with tantalizing magic.

He leaned closer, his heated breath brushing her ear, voice deep and seductive.

"I still like hearing you call me big brother..."

As he spoke, his fingers traced lightly across her lower abdomen, leaving a faint trail of tingling sensation.

With Zhou Jingmo’s passionate pursuit, desire gradually consumed every cell in Jiang Yihuan’s body.

She discarded the last of her reason, sealing off every escape route.

When the clouds parted, the rain stopped, and the winds calmed,

Zhou Jingmo carried Jiang Yihuan into the bathroom.

She hung breathless on him as he washed her body.

The medicine she had taken earlier had already taken effect, leaving her too exhausted to move even a finger.

After Zhou Jingmo finished bathing her, he wrapped her in the blanket.

Jiang Yihuan was drowsy and silent the entire time.

Only as consciousness slipped away did she vaguely hear Zhou Jingmo whisper in her ear,

"Welcome home, my child."