C1 Double Blows

"Ding dong." The doorbell chimed, mingling with Wanwan's anxious voice, a stark contrast to the luxury of the International Hotel.

She glanced at her watch, raising her voice, "Hey! Is anyone there? Do you still want the package or not?!"

The delivery window was only thirty minutes, and she was about to run late.

"Forget it, I'll just leave it at the door. I've done my part."

Wanwan bent down, about to place the package on the ground, when the door suddenly clicked open.

Surprised, she looked up, only to have her wrist grabbed by a warm hand before she could speak.

What was happening?

She froze for a moment, then found herself pulled into the arms of the person who opened the door.

A sweet, intoxicating scent filled her nostrils, making her head spin as she was firmly held in place.

In her daze, she didn't notice the door being locked. By the time she regained her senses, she was already tossed onto the bed.

A warm body pressed against hers, emitting that same sweet scent, making her head spin even more, her body too weak to resist.

"Let... go," Wanwan slurred, struggling to lift her head.

She was met with a handsome face, chiseled features, and sharp lines. His amber eyes, unfocused, and his slightly parted lips gasped for air.

A sweet, cloying scent wafted from his mouth. Yang Wanwan tried to pull away, but the man leaned in, silencing her soft cries with his lips. His warm hand traced her waist, slowly moving upward. Gradually, Yang Wanwan's mind went blank, her eyes glazed as she forgot to resist...

When she finally came to, it was late at night. Her phone was flooded with missed calls from her boss and a text message informing her of her dismissal. Staring at her unclothed self and the man beside her, also undressed and turned away, she felt a shock that words couldn't capture.

The crimson "petals" on the sheets stung her eyes, and fragmented memories of moments that made her blush and her heart race flashed through her mind.

"Stay calm... you have to stay calm, Yang Wanwan," she whispered to herself, taking deep breaths. "It's no big deal; it's the 21st century. This doesn't mean anything." But her panicked and desperate eyes betrayed her attempt at composure.

In a daze, Yang Wanwan didn't know how to react. She mechanically dressed in the clothes scattered on the floor, opened the door, and fled in haste.

Under the dual blows of losing her job and a traumatic assault, a crack began to form in Yang Wanwan's resilient heart. She wandered aimlessly down the dark streets for a long time. Even as she stood at her doorstep, she struggled to compose herself. Forcing a small smile, she pushed open the door.

"Mom, I'm home," Yang Wanwan said, looking down as she changed her shoes.

Hearing her, Mother Yang came out of the bedroom, draping a coat over her shoulders. "Wanwan, why are you so late today? Didn't you finish work at nine? It's past midnight now."

Seeing her mother's worried expression, Yang Wanwan almost broke down in tears. She longed to collapse into her mother's arms and cry her heart out, but she knew she couldn't. She was the backbone of the family now; she couldn't fall apart.

"My boss noticed how hard I've been working and kept me for a meeting. He said he wants to give me a raise," Yang Wanwan said, taking an exaggerated deep breath. "Mom, did you make ribs? I can smell them!"

Mother Yang smiled indulgently and hurried to the kitchen. "You little foodie, I knew you'd be starving. You work so hard at the supermarket, and if you don't eat well, you'll lose weight in no time."

The small pot of ribs was tender and aromatic. Mother Yang carefully ladled a bowl and handed it to Yang Wanwan. "Eat up, or it'll get cold and won't taste as good."

Wanwan didn't answer the call. "Mom, have you eaten?"

"I have."

"Then have a little more." Wanwan pushed the bowl back. "If you don't eat, neither will I."

Mother Yang took the bowl, her eyes welling up. "It's all my fault. I haven't been able to give you a better life. Your father is still in the hospital, and the whole burden has fallen on you. It breaks my heart..."

"Mom, what are you talking about? I don't feel burdened at all." Wanwan held her mother's hand gently. "Besides, the driver who hit Dad and ran will be found soon, and things will get better."

"How will they find him?" Mother Yang's face darkened. "It's been so long, and there's not a single clue, not even from the surveillance cameras."

She snapped out of her thoughts and forced a smile. "Let's not talk about it. Eat your meal."

Wanwan had no appetite but didn't want her mom to worry. She forced down a few bites and then excused herself to the bathroom.

Meanwhile, across town at the Yeh's Villa, Beijin sat with a furrowed brow, tapping his temple with his hand.

"Sir, we've found out," his assistant, dressed in a black suit, said respectfully. "It's not the young lady, but an ordinary girl. We've already taken photos."

Upon hearing the words, Yeh Beijin slightly opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing within them. "Why was she in my room?"

"She was delivering something for you," the assistant replied, pressing his lips together before continuing, "I ordered it."

No wonder there were traces on the sheets.

Yeh Beijin closed his eyes and slightly raised his fingers. The assistant understood immediately, quickly stepping forward to hand over the photo he was holding.

The photo showed Yang Wanwan, who had been wandering the streets not long ago. A gentle breeze lifted her clothes, and her downcast face was filled with an inescapable sorrow. Her delicate features evoked a sense of compassion in anyone who looked at her.

Yeh Beijin's eyebrows rose and fell, his hazel eyes betraying an undeniable intrigue.

"Find out everything about her."