Cao Yang finally breathed a sigh of relief once he and Lei Yu stepped out of the gates of Lushan International. This trip had been full of danger, but fortunately, it ended safely.
"Cao Yang, thank you." Tears streamed down Lei Yu's face. She hadn't expected him to come. She used to have doubts about Cao Yang, thinking anyone associated with her brother couldn't be a good person.
"It's nothing. No need to cry." Cao Yang helped her with her suitcase. She had been kidnapped on the way to the train station, and her luggage had been taken along with her.
As they waited for a car, a glossy black Mercedes slowly approached. This one was different—longer than a typical Mercedes, clearly expensive, and with dual license plates for Guangdong and Hong Kong.
The driver honked lightly. Lei Yu instinctively pulled Cao Yang back a couple of steps.
The car pulled into the parking lot and stopped at a VIP spot.
The door opened, and the first thing Cao Yang noticed was a black leather shoe, then black trousers, then a white shirt.
A man in his thirties, with a refined appearance, stepped out. He casually draped a black suit jacket over his wrist, exuding a natural elegance.
Cao Yang watched as several subordinates greeted him. He guessed this must be Tang Shaojie—the man the driver mentioned—master of the Dongguan branch of the Yi He Hui, and a strong candidate for the next top leader.
The woman Cao Yang had just met, Hu Qing, was likely his wife. From the looks of it, they were a handsome couple.
Cao Yang only relaxed his gaze after Tang Shaojie entered the building and disappeared from sight. He thought to himself: if he were to rise in this world, he'd have to reach Tang Shaojie's level.
...
The two got into a car, and Cao Yang took Lei Yu to a hotel.
At this point, the Yi He Hui probably wouldn't cause them trouble. But there was still "Fatty Qi." They had taken 600,000 yuan from him. Would Fatty Qi let it go?
Most likely… not.
Finding Cao Yang might be difficult, but since he was a friend of Lei Yu's boss, locating her would be far easier. Lei Yu didn't dare return to her old residence, to avoid another kidnapping.
Cao Yang booked a separate room, right next to Li Yan's. He didn't want the two of them meeting—otherwise it would just be arguments, maybe even a fight.
"You rest here. I'll be next door. Call me if anything happens."
Cao Yang prepared to leave, wanting to go back to finish what he hadn't with Yan Jie. Just thinking of Li Yan's naked body made his lower abdomen tingle.
"Cao Yang… I'm scared. Can you stay with me?" Lei Yu whispered. She had truly been frightened today.
"Lei Dian will arrive first thing in the morning. Can you wait until then?"
They had already informed Lei Dian by phone that everything was fine. Once Lei Dian learned his sister was in trouble, he'd rushed to get back.
Seeing that they were safe, he breathed a sigh of relief and told them he was now at Shuangliu Airport and would reach Bao'an in the morning.
Cao Yang checked the time—it was already 5 a.m. Lei Dian must be on the plane, arriving in a few hours.
"Alright," Cao Yang nodded and stayed. The atmosphere became a little awkward.
They sat on the edge of the bed, neither speaking.
Unable to endure the silence, Lei Yu tried to make conversation. She first asked about Cao Yang's relationship with Li Yan. Learning they weren't blood-related, she guessed why Li Yan disliked her—she must be jealous of anyone around Cao Yang.
As she observed Cao Yang more closely, she realized the boy, four years younger than her, was quite handsome—tall, strong, young, and most importantly, overwhelmingly powerful, giving a sense of security.
She asked about his childhood, digging up almost every detail.
After their conversation ended, the awkwardness returned.
"I feel sticky. I'm going to shower," Lei Yu broke the silence, getting up.
Listening to the water running and looking through the foggy glass, Cao Yang could just make out her silhouette and couldn't help but fantasize.
"Cao Yang, can you get my dress for me?" Lei Yu said. "It's in my suitcase—a red nightdress."
Cao Yang opened her suitcase and found a red silk camisole nightdress. The material was smooth and luxurious.
"Here you go."
"What are you staring at? Go out!" Lei Yu reminded gently.
Cao Yang left the bathroom, feeling frustrated.
He felt Lei Yu was deliberately teasing him. He wanted to rush in… but hesitated, thinking if he was wrong, it would be awkward. After all, she was Lei Dian's sister. If he did anything and she told Lei Dian, it would be embarrassing.
"Lei Yu, go ahead and shower. I'll head back." Cao Yang tried to suppress his frustration, planning to vent it with Yan Jie—who would definitely be willing.
"Don't go!" Lei Yu ran out in the red nightdress, holding onto him.
"You said you'd wait for Lei Dian!"
"But I feel uncomfortable!"
"Where? Let me see if you're hurt."
Cao Yang pointed below, and Lei Yu blushed instantly.
"You bad man!" she cursed lightly, lying on the bed and pulling the covers over herself.
"I'll nap. Wake me when Lei Dian arrives," she said, covering only her lower half.
Ten minutes later, Cao Yang saw she wasn't moving. He guessed she was asleep, and quietly got off the bed to leave and find Li Yan.
Just as he moved, Lei Yu grabbed him and opened her eyes.
"Not asleep yet?"
Shaking her head, her big eyes stared at him. "Don't go."
"I'm tired too. If I don't leave, I'll sleep with you."
Lei Yu said nothing.
Cao Yang took off his clothes, pulled the covers over them, and lay down beside her.
Lei Yu closed her eyes, holding him tightly, afraid he'd leave.
Seeing this, Cao Yang felt if he didn't make a move, it would be cowardly.
Lei Dian would arrive soon, and Lei Yu might leave with him—perhaps they'd never see each other again.
Thinking this, Cao Yang didn't want regrets. His courage grew.
"Cao Yang, what are you doing? Don't… don't do anything. Let go of me!"
"Uuuu…"