Duan Yiheng's "coercion" also contained a touch of selfishness.
He wanted to fight for himself. At 26, he had been with the group for two years, wielding some power but constantly being controlled by others. Frustrated, he and Mu Zhao drowned their sorrows at a bar, where Duan Mingxuan overheard him confiding his feelings to Mu Zhao.
Duan Mingxuan flew into a rage and warned him. At that moment, his desire to control Yin Fan reached its peak. He didn't know if Duan Mingxuan had told Lin Xi about his feelings, and waited agonizingly for ten months.
Because they had no contact normally, ten months later, Lin Xi returned to visit due to her grandfather's health. He deliberately appeared before her, seeing her as before, he felt relieved but also lost and sleepless.
Seeing her relationship with Duan Mingxuan growing stronger, he even tried to give up. But ultimately, he couldn't. Returning from Philadelphia, she was going to join Yin Fan, and Duan Yiheng's long-dormant heart stirred.
He knew that regardless of whether Lin Xicheng admitted it or not, she would eventually distance herself from him. But the unspoken boundaries of their ambiguous relationship were better left unsaid than one of him succumbing to them alone.
Even if they drew a line, he wanted Lin Xicheng to clearly remember what had happened between them. Thinking this, Duan Yiheng's gaze deepened. Like a wolf poised to pounce, he stared at Lin Xicheng and asked, "I kissed you last night, didn't I?"
Lin Xicheng's palms were sweaty. Her face showed panic and shame as she nodded, feigning composure, saying, "It's okay, I know you didn't mean it. You were drunk." "I really didn't mean it."
Duan Yiheng leaned closer to her, "But for you—" "I've already admitted it. Let's just consider it an accident." Lin Xicheng suddenly looked up, "What do you say?" Duan Yiheng had anticipated this outcome, but he was still incredibly disappointed.
Seeing his silence, Lin Xi assumed he was unwilling and added, "If you force me, I'll resign now. An accident is the best way to handle this." Duan Yiheng smiled sadly, "I understand. I won't bring it up again. You don't need to resign. Public matters are public, private matters are private."
Lin Xi raised her hand and pressed his arm, "Officially, we have a superior-subordinate relationship; privately, you're just my older brother. Of course, if you feel I'm not worthy to be your sister, then we have no personal relationship."
His soft face spoke colder than the weather outside. Duan Yiheng released her, "You can leave now." Lin Xi, suddenly freed, paused for a moment before turning and leaving the CEO's office.
Back at her workstation, she took a long, deep breath. The smart dimming glass remained closed until the afternoon. For several days, they only discussed business. Duan Yiheng indeed kept his word, not uttering a single unnecessary word to her outside of work.
But they were, after all, living under the same roof. This afternoon at four o'clock, both Lin Xi and Duan Yiheng received messages from home, inviting them to dinner at the North Courtyard tonight. Going to the old man's place—except for Duan Yiheng, who was delayed by work, who dared to disobey?
When it was time to leave work, Lin Xi didn't waste a second, also intending to avoid Duan Yiheng. But she unexpectedly ran into him at the door, who was also leaving get off work. Whether intentional or coincidental, Lin Xi could only take a small step back, letting her boss go first.
It was incredibly awkward. Just as Lin Xi was about to make an excuse to wait for the next appointment, Qin Yang came out of his office. He greeted Lin Xi warmly, "Secretary Lin, why aren't you leaving?" Lin Xi breathed a sigh of relief and went into the elevator with him. "I suddenly remembered something."
Qin Yang leaned slightly closer to Lin Xi. "Do you remember Xiao Han from the R&D department?" Lin Xi turned her head and asked, "You mean Han Zicheng, the engineer in the testing department?" "Yes," Qin Yang said. "He asked me about you." Lin Xi: "Why would he ask me?" Qin Yang chuckled.
"Secretary Lin, you're at least 23, what else could a handsome guy want your contact information for?" Lin Xi: "…" Duan Yiheng cleared his throat and glanced back at Qin Yang. Qin Yang was taken aback; why did he seem a little displeased with President Duan?
He winked at Lin Xi, indicating that they could talk about it later. Lin Xi nodded to him. After leaving the company, Lin Xi headed towards the parking lot. Duan Yiheng followed behind her and asked, "Are you going to give it to him?" "What?" Lin Xi didn't understand what he meant.
"Are you going to give him your contact information?" Duan Yiheng asked again. "None of your business." Lin Xi took out her car keys from her bag. "Why aren't you leaving yet?" Duan Yiheng's car had already arrived. He frowned slightly, then got in.
Lin Xi didn't go back to the front yard; she went straight to the old man's place. When she arrived, Duan Mingxuan was already there. He greeted her somewhat awkwardly when he saw her. "Xiao Xi, you're back. Are you tired?" Lin Xi shook her head, walked past him, and greeted the old man.
"Your uncle and aunt will be here soon. By the way, where's your older brother?" Lin Xi: "He should be here soon." Just then, Duan Yiheng walked in.
The old man sat on a single sofa, while Lin Xi and Duan Mingxuan sat on a long sofa. Duan Yiheng went over and sat down next to Lin Xi. Lin Xi stood up and said, "I'll go to the kitchen to see what we're having for dinner." Duan Yiheng watched Lin Xi's retreating figure, his eyes unfathomable.
Duan Mingxuan, like a shadow, got up: "I'll go see too." At the same time, Duan Zheng and Chen Baiwei arrived. The two younger children were in the kitchen. The old man gestured for them to sit down and said to Chen Baiwei:
"Xiao Xi was wronged, but she didn't hold it against you. Instead, she said many good things about you. You should know that." Chen Baiwei smiled ingratiatingly:
"It's my fault. I've felt guilty and upset these past few days. After all, I raised her, and I feel sorry for her too." Duan Yiheng chuckled. The living room suddenly fell silent. Duan Zheng frowned at Duan Yiheng with displeasure: "What are you laughing at?"
Duan Yiheng glanced at him sideways: "Are you sure you want to hear this?" Duan Zheng stared blankly; he didn't want to hear it at all. The old man rolled his eyes at his son, then turned to Duan Yiheng and said: "Yiheng, your aunt has had enough punishment this time. You should also back down."
Duan Yiheng responded expressionlessly. Chen Baiwei clenched her fist excitedly, her heart filled with disdain and hatred for Duan Yiheng. Sister Mei came over to ask the old man if dinner was ready, and he nodded.
The family sat around the table, Duan Zheng and the old man exchanging a few words occasionally, the atmosphere seemingly harmonious and tranquil. Lin Xi was sandwiched between Duan Yiheng and Duan Mingxuan, her eyes constantly darting around.
Duan Mingxuan and Duan Yiheng each ladled a bowl of red mushroom and duck soup. While Lin Xi was still in a daze, both bowls were simultaneously placed in front of her. Lin Xi was startled and subconsciously looked up to see the reactions of those around her.
The old man smiled with satisfaction, Duan Zheng seemed indifferent, and Chen Baiwei smiled broadly. Duan Yiheng and Duan Mingxuan exchanged glances but remained silent, simply pushing their soups forward again, as if in a competitive struggle.
One reserved, the other expectant, their gazes fixed intently on Lin Xi.