Chapter 29: What’s Wrong?
Han Chen drove through the quiet streets, his mind occupied with worry about Yang Liu. He had been on edge since she'd gone out drinking, and as he approached the bar, he felt his heart pound. It wasn't until he spotted Secretary Jing's car parked outside that a wave of relief washed over him. At least she wasn't alone.
Walking into the bar, Han Chen's eyes quickly scanned the room until he saw her. Yang Liu was slumped over, her eyes closed as if she'd fallen asleep on her friend Zhen Lian's shoulder. Zhen Lian, noticing Han Chen's entrance, waved with a smile. "Thank goodness you're here," she said, her tone light. "Jian and I were waiting for you."
Han Chen nodded in acknowledgment, but his focus was entirely on Yang Liu. He walked over, his concern deepening as he gently shook her. "Yang Liu, why did you drink so much? Come on, let's go home," he said, his voice a mix of worry and softness.
At the sound of his voice, Yang Liu slowly opened her eyes. It took a moment for her to recognize him, but when she did, her face lit up with a drunken, silly grin. "Husband," she mumbled, her voice slurred but sweet. Han Chen was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected that. Her calling him "husband" caught him off guard, but it also made him smile.
"Let's go," he repeated, this time with more tenderness.
Yang Liu, still giggling, threw her arms around Han Chen's neck, refusing to let go. He sighed, his heart skipping a beat as she clung to him, her face buried against his chest. He shot a glance at Zhen Lian and Secretary Jian, who were watching the scene with amusement.
"Thanks for taking care of her," Han Chen said, giving them a small nod. Zhen Lian laughed lightly and waved him off. "No problem. It was quite the show," she teased, but there was affection in her tone.
With Yang Liu still wrapped around him, Han Chen struggled to get her into the car. She was reluctant to let go, her hands gripping his shirt as if he might disappear. He chuckled under his breath, gently prying her arms off. "Let go, we're going home," he said softly, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice.
Yang Liu blinked at him, her lips curling into a small, sleepy smile before she finally released him. Han Chen settled her into the back seat, closing the door carefully. As he got into the driver's seat, he kept glancing at the rearview mirror, checking on her every few seconds. She was quiet now, her head resting against the window, eyes closed again. His heart clenched slightly at the sight. Even like this, she had an effect on him.
When they arrived home, Han Chen carefully lifted Yang Liu out of the car, cradling her in his arms. She was completely out of it, her breathing steady, head resting against his chest. Climbing the stairs with her in his arms was no easy task, but he managed to reach their bedroom, nudging the door open with his shoulder.
He laid her down gently on the bed, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. The clock on the wall showed it was well past 1 AM, and he debated calling the maid to help her change. But seeing how peaceful she looked, he decided against it. Just as he was about to pull the blanket over her, Yang Liu stirred, her eyes fluttering open.
"I feel uncomfortable," she muttered, her voice thick with sleep.
Han Chen immediately knelt beside the bed, his concern returning. "What's wrong? Where are you uncomfortable?" he asked, leaning closer, his eyes scanning her face for any sign of distress.
But instead of answering, Yang Liu looped her arms around his neck again, pulling him closer. "If you brought me home, you should kiss me," she whispered, her breath warm against his ear. "That's what you do after a date."
Han Chen couldn't help but laugh softly, shaking his head. "You're drunk, and this wasn't a date," he teased, though his heart raced at how close she was.
Yang Liu, still in her own world, tilted her head as if thinking it over. After a long pause, she smiled mischievously. Without warning, she leaned in and kissed him on the lips, catching him completely off guard. Her lips were soft against his, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stop. She pulled back slightly, licking her lips with a playful grin. "Now it feels more like a date," she said with a satisfied nod before flopping back onto the bed and pulling the covers over her head.
Han Chen was left frozen in place, his heart pounding in his chest. He stared at her, his mind racing. The kiss had been brief, but it stirred something deep inside him. He swallowed hard, his eyes darkening as he gazed at her sleeping form. Only he knew how much he had to hold himself back in that moment.
Han Chen was a man of maturity and composure. He never acted on impulse, always taking his time to weigh the consequences before making a move. Patience was his greatest strength, and it showed in every decision he made. But once he had made up his mind, there was no turning back. Nothing—and no one—could sway him from a path he had chosen. His determination was resolute, and his will, unshakable.
This was the kind of man Han Chen was. It's why, even now, as he stood over Yang Liu's sleeping form, the brief moment of temptation hadn't clouded his judgment. He had been tempted, of course—any man would be, given the circumstances. But Han Chen was different. His maturity kept him grounded, preventing him from acting on a fleeting emotion. Yet, deep inside, something had shifted. He had been careful up until now, letting Yang Liu live her life as she pleased, telling himself he wouldn't get too involved. But after tonight, after hearing her call him "husband" with that sweet, drunken smile and kissing him so unexpectedly, he knew that his restraint was slipping.
As he stood there in the dimly lit room, he realized that something had already been set in motion. His heart had crossed a line, and no matter how much he tried to deny it, he was already making decisions he wouldn't be able to reverse. The kiss wasn't just a playful act—it was a sign of how she was starting to affect him. And now, having tasted that feeling, there was no going back.
Han Chen knew himself well. He wasn't a man who would let his feelings dictate his actions easily. But when he did decide to pursue something—or someone—his focus was absolute. Yang Liu was becoming someone he couldn't ignore. And if she kept pushing him like this, playfully testing his patience, she wouldn't be able to escape the consequences. Because once he set his mind on something, nothing could change it.
With a final glance at her, sleeping peacefully, he whispered to himself, "Yang Liu, if you keep this up, you won't be able to leave me. Not anymore."
With a deep breath, he stood up, running a hand through his hair. The intensity of the moment weighed on him, but he turned away and headed to the bathroom. A cold shower was the only thing that could calm him down now.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
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stone