บท 9: Heart-to-heart talk with the Devil (3)

Zi Jue was about to leave right after he had dropped Yan Qing Shan's gift at her door. But then, he heard a muted scream followed by a thud inside her room. Without realizing it, his feet scrambled and slammed the door open. His heartbeat racing with worry.

He didn't see her in the room so Zi Jue headed straight to the bath. His breathing slackened when he saw her sprawled at the floor, her hair still having remnants of shampoo with only a miniscule towel threatening to slip out from her body. Zi Jue gulped as his eyes landed on the trail of her collarbones which were slick with soap, glistening under the flourescent lights.

However, the pained groan that went out from her mouth roused Zi Jue from his dangerous thoughts. Ignoring his now parched throat, he kneeled beside her and helped her up.

"Are you alright? What happened?"

He asked concerned. He held her back carefully, deliberately ignoring how silky it was under his touch. Zi Jue felt her shiver, so after making sure she was stable, he moved himself far away from her. He reached out for the robe at her hamper and wrapped her in it as tenderly as he could.

Zi Jue felt her staring at him. But he held himself and avoided meeting her eyes. The worry he felt was now overridden by his fear and guilt. He clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms when he saw the fading bruises in her neck and wrists. His face clouded with gloom as he realized that she had just recovered from what he did and now there were new bruises marring her fair skin.

"Where does it hurt? Sigh. I'll have Liu Ying put rubber mats to your bathroom tomorrow."

Zi Jue said as he led her to the bed. He noticed a small scrape in her elbow. He wanted to treat it but she hasn't even finished her shower yet, it would be useless.

"My hips feel a bit sore. And my elbows too. But that's about it. Thank you for the rescue."

Qing Shan's voice was soft and melodious. Zi Jue was stunned. Her answer exceeded the usual one or two words cut. And she even thanked him. It took a moment for him to recover.

"You should rinse off and get dressed. It won't be good if you catch a cold."

He told her after a slight pause. Zi Jue saw her nod and stood up slowly. He then proceeded to the door to get the box he left in front of her door. He was already inside her room anyway, it would be better to just give it to her right away.

"Zi Jue, stay here for a moment. There's something I need to talk to you about."

Zi Jue froze halfway to the door when he heard that.

'She wants me to stay? Sh*t what do I do? Should I really stay? Zi Jue, what the f*ck is wrong with you? Be a man. Be a M-A-N!'

Zi Jue took the box and sat stiffly on the edge of Qing Shan's bed. His head was in turmoil, but he made sure to look cool and composed. He did not want to embarrass himself in front her. He was the freaking smiling devil, damn it!

---

'Dummy Qing Shan! Do you really have to make yourself look stupid?'

Yan Qing Shan berated herself as she washed off. She did not expect that Zi Jue would come rushing in. She got too flustered she couldn't even speak half the time. It was good that she was able to amass enough guts to ask him to stay and talk. But somehow, Qing Shan felt she was being too suggestive asking that while she was in a towel. So, she quickly dashed to the bathroom without waiting for his answer.

She sighed and just focused on washing off. Thankfully, she took her clothes with her. Qing Shan silently walked out and found Zi Jue in her bed.

It was no wonder that almost all women in City Z coveted this man. He was sinful even just sitting there in a simple house clothes. Even dressed in a sack, he would still be immaculate. Despite being dubbed as the smiling devil, Zi Jue actually had gentle features. His eyes framed by thick, dark lashes were seductively languid, like the night sky made resplendent by the full moon. Complemented by straight brows that seemed unable to carry the slightest malice. He had an aquiline nose, and heart shaped lips that beckons for a kiss. Qing Shan was a woman, but even she feels inferior to this man's looks. Pairing it up with his matchless status and wealth, voila! A lethal combo.

Seemingly feeling her stare, Zi Jue turned to her.

"What did you want to talk about?"

His warm, mellow voice rang in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. Qing Shan steeled herself and approached him. She sat herself by his side before she spoke.

"Zi Jue, do you like me?"