Chapter Three: The Rogue

An unexpected arrival always brings a burst of excitement, but when the arrival is a stunning beauty of fairy-like grace, the effect is nothing short of explosive—especially against the backdrop of a sky growing ever dimmer. Gazing upward at the enchanting figure perched atop the sports car outside his window, Lin Yang couldn’t help but widen his eyes in disbelief. He even rubbed them, as if suspecting some trick of vision, his mouth agape wide enough to fit an egg. Stunned was not enough to describe his expression.

A low-cut lavender gown, a ponytail, blue high heels, and a red Mercedes sports car—this was a tableau of sharp visual contrasts. And Tang Yixue, descending upon the scene like an angel out of nowhere, played her role to perfection.

Seeing Lin Yang gawking, his eyes nearly bulging from his head, Tang Yixue strode over with an easy, laughing grace, the picture of confidence. This was exactly the effect she wanted: after all, women dress beautifully to catch men’s eyes, and to be acknowledged by the one you like is the most satisfying feeling.

“Yixue, what brings you here?” Lin Yang blurted out, almost involuntarily.

A perfectly ordinary question, but to some ears, it might have sounded otherwise.

“What, am I not allowed to come? Didn’t I say last time I’d visit you in a while? Two months have passed, and you haven’t called once. Truly heartbreaking,” Tang Yixue replied, her words tinged with a prickly edge of annoyance.

“It’s not that—I’ve just been busy lately. Come in, please! Jinhai isn’t like Yinchuan; it’s cold and windy here. You really should’ve worn more. Dressed like that, aren’t you afraid—” Lin Yang tried to redirect the conversation, feigning concern while his eyes shamelessly lingered on her shapely figure, which could have felled a thousand men.

The definition of beauty has never gone out of style, and Lin Yang was no exception—especially after two months away, which had sharpened his appreciation. As the old saying goes: “The refined lady is a gentleman’s desire... The ancients were truly rascals.”

Jinhai was known for its dramatic difference between day and night temperatures. At night, the cold wind swept everywhere, chilling to the bone—a truth Lin Yang had come to know well after two months. Yet, thanks to the unique martial arts he practiced, “Thirteen Heavenly Saber Techniques,” his tolerance for cold had reached a new level.

“It’s fine! It isn’t even late autumn yet,” she replied, trying to sound nonchalant, though her body betrayed her with an involuntary shiver.

Watching her tremble, Lin Yang sighed inwardly. Women! Their devotion to beauty was truly terrifying—they’d choose style over warmth any day. But, being a gentleman, he slipped off his black jacket and draped it over Tang Yixue’s shoulders.

She accepted the gesture with pleasure. What woman doesn’t want affection? Even someone as strong-willed as Tang Yixue was no exception—especially since they’d grown up together. It all seemed perfectly natural.

He led her into the hospital office, brewed her a cup of hot tea to warm her up, and they soon fell into easy conversation. After two months apart, their reunion was as warm as a newlywed’s.

“How long do you plan to stay, Yixue?” Lin Yang asked, genuinely curious. He assumed she’d just come to this backwater city to see the sights, breathe some fresh air, and would soon return to the comforts of her golden nest.

“I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. I might be here for ten days or half a month. I’ve got some business matters to handle this time. Unlike you, I can’t do as I please—my family keeps a tight rein,” Tang Yixue said, a note of envy in her voice. For children of prominent families, freedom was a luxury—most of their lives were mapped out in advance.

Lin Yang was inwardly delighted. The longer she stayed, the better—more time to get closer, perhaps even coax her into bed eventually. After two months away, he’d certainly changed a bit. As they say, one takes after the company one keeps, and Lin Yang had certainly picked up some new habits—especially a penchant for teasing, speaking without a filter.

“Business? Need any help?” he offered, eager to be of assistance.

“Women’s fashion. Unless you don’t mind, I have no objection to you joining me,” Tang Yixue replied with a burst of laughter, nearly doubled over, tears threatening to spill.

Lin Yang’s face froze. He’d only spoken out of politeness, but to think her family business in Jinhai was women’s fashion! He’d brought this on himself. In that moment, he felt like smashing his head against a wall or suffocating himself with a pair of 36D bras.

Still, his skin was thick enough to rival a fortress wall. “Sounds great! Men and women working together get better results, right? If you insist on bringing me in, I won’t resist—might as well surrender,” he grinned cheekily.

“You’re looking for trouble!” Tang Yixue snapped, like a little lioness, her expression as fierce as if she’d caught her husband cheating. Her hand slid down Lin Yang’s waist, locking onto a sensitive spot and twisting mercilessly. Only when his face turned a shade of liver did she let go, satisfied.

He stifled a cry—no way was he going to embarrass himself. Not to be outdone, he brazenly reached out and gave her pert bottom a sharp smack.

A crisp sound rang out, and Lin Yang, ever shameless, gave a squeeze and commented, “Hmm, not bad at all.”

Tang Yixue’s cheeks blazed, and she shot him a menacing glare, but didn’t explode as he’d expected. Lin Yang, ready to apologize profusely, was left somewhat baffled. Could it be that the usually domineering Yixue was turning demure?

She chose not to make a fuss—after all, if she pushed too hard, she worried their relationship might stall at mere friendship, making it difficult to move forward. If she played it down, she didn’t know what to say either. She decided silence was golden.

Thankfully, Lin Yang had the sense to change the subject, sparing them both further awkwardness.

They sipped their tea and chatted for nearly half an hour, until darkness had settled completely outside. Only then did they leave the hospital.

Without waiting for Lin Yang to suggest dinner, his stomach announced its protest with a loud growl. Embarrassed, he grinned at Tang Yixue. “Yixue, let’s get something to eat. I’m starving.”

He’d been busy all day and hadn’t eaten a thing since ten in the morning. After expending so much energy, he was famished.

Tang Yixue had flown in directly, thanks to the excellent airline service—meals, drinks, and fruit all provided. After landing, she’d come straight to surprise Lin Yang, not even stopping at her company, but driving the pre-arranged red Mercedes to find this absent-minded fool.

“What would you like to eat?” Lin Yang asked. After two months away, he’d grown used to simpler meals and worried the golden phoenix Tang Yixue wouldn’t adjust. He wanted to be a good host.

“Anything. I’m not as picky as you think.” She shrugged, unconcerned. She understood the meaning behind his question, and besides, she wasn’t all that hungry.

With her approval, Lin Yang didn’t bother pretending. Now that he was working for himself, money was tight, and he had no time for extravagance. He found a small eatery near the hospital and ordered a few simple dishes.

The place was modest, but the food came quickly. Lin Yang, ravenous, devoured the meal with little thought for manners or appearances. After all, they were practically as close as two people could be without sharing a bed—no need for pretense.

Having not seen each other for two months, they had plenty to talk about. After dinner, Lin Yang suggested a walk. The two hadn’t yet crossed that final line, but in their hearts, they already regarded each other as future partners—a wish shared by both families.

Lin Yang readily admitted he had a thing for strong, elegant women, and Tang Yixue had always been his type.

Under the colorful city lights, they strolled side by side, the autumn night imbued with a touch of romance. Some things come naturally—Lin Yang gently took her hand, and as she didn’t resist, he felt utterly content. Passing pedestrians shot envious glances—the men jealous, the women admiring—making Lin Yang puff up with pride like a proud rooster, much to Tang Yixue’s exasperation.

“What a perfect couple!” remarked an older lady doing her exercises in the square, evidently reminded of her own youthful days.

Her words, though casual, made Lin Yang even more smug. He couldn’t resist giving the soft hand in his grasp another affectionate squeeze.

“Rogue.” Tang Yixue finally burst out laughing, the silence broken by her playful scolding, but there was no real reproach in her voice.

Lin Yang just grinned foolishly, and without a word, their relationship edged forward.

As the sky turned black as ink, Tang Yixue suggested heading home. Reluctantly, Lin Yang agreed—after all, he was hitching a ride. He escorted her to the Tang family’s stately villa and then, with her permission, drove the Mercedes back himself.

Just as the engine roared to life and he was about to pull away, Tang Yixue turned with a smile. “Xiao Yang, tomorrow I’ll introduce you to someone important. It might help you in the future.”

“Someone important?” Lin Yang muttered, surprised. Before he could ask more, Tang Yixue had already disappeared. “Keeping secrets, are we? This ‘important person’—maybe a great beauty?” He let his imagination run wild, hit the gas, and sped off into the night.