C6 Punishment!

"Huh?" Before Linyue could respond, Qiai was startled and let out a surprised sound.

"Maybe it's because we're cousins, so we have similar tastes when choosing our partners," Linyue explained with a polite smile.

Qiai's heart was pounding.

Five years ago, they were practically in a secret marriage. Everyone knew he was married, but no one knew to whom.

"Oh... I think so too," Zhimo nodded. "Makes sense. But seeing my cousin's girlfriend reminds me of my wife."

"It's been five years, and I wonder how she's doing, if she's with someone else..." Zhimo's voice was filled with sadness, drawing sympathetic looks from everyone at the table, except for Qiai, who knew the truth all too well.

"Zhimo, don't be too upset. It all happened so suddenly back then. I believe your wife will come back," Linyue's mother comforted.

"Yeah, life is unpredictable, but everything happens for a reason. Your story isn't over yet. You'll see each other again," Linyue's father added.

"Thank you, Aunt and Uncle," Zhimo nodded, wiping his eyes.

Qiai thought to himself, what a great actor this guy is!

"I'm sorry for bringing up such a downer on my cousin's happy day," Zhimo suddenly seemed to realize, nodding apologetically at the others around the table.

"It's okay, no need to apologize. I feel for what you've been through," Linyue quickly shook his head.

Qiai felt the atmosphere at the table grow increasingly awkward, and everyone slowed their eating, wary of making any noise.

"Qiai, you don't look well. Are you feeling alright?" Linyue suddenly asked as Qiai was eating.

Immediately, Linyue's parents turned to him with concerned expressions.

"Uh? Oh... it's nothing, I just felt a bit unwell. I'll head to the restroom for a moment," Yann stammered, quickly getting up and almost sprinting out of the dining room.

She grabbed her purse and stood in front of the restroom mirror, intending to touch up her makeup to look a bit more refreshed. However, a familiar voice behind her nearly made her scream.

"Is that your boyfriend?"

Zhimo stood behind Yann, his hand coldly sliding up to her neck, pressing down as he glared at her reflection in the mirror.

Seeing him in the mirror sent a shiver down Yann's spine. Ever since she saw Zhimo at the family gathering, she had been on edge. But she quickly regained her composure.

"Zhimo, who I date is none of your business," Yann said coldly, staring at him through the mirror. "I can be with whoever I want. Now let go of me!"

"Oh really? My own wife cheating on me is none of my business? Yann, you really have no shame!" Zhimo spat out, wrapping an arm around her waist and lifting her onto the sink before she could react.

"Zhimo, you—"

Yann was so startled she almost screamed, but Zhimo cut her off. "If you dare cheat on me, you should know there will be consequences!"

With that, Zhimo turned and locked the restroom door.

Taking advantage of his momentary distraction, Yann jumped off the sink and rushed to the door, pounding on it desperately. "Help! Somebody, help..."

But her cries were abruptly silenced by Zhimo.

"I’m just giving you a friendly reminder, Miss Yann," Yan Zhimo said casually, leaning against the door. "If you want everyone in this house to know that you and your boyfriend's cousin are locked in the bathroom together, by all means, keep going."

Yann Qiai shivered, hating the man's cold demeanor, but she stopped what she was doing. "Yan Zhimo, what exactly do you want?"

She took a step back, crossing her arms protectively, watching him warily. But Yan Zhimo didn’t respond, just stepped closer, his gaze dangerous.

"What do you want? You don’t even like me!" Yann Qiai demanded directly, dropping her arms. "You don’t like me, and we’re about to get divorced! Why do you care who my boyfriend is now? Haven’t you had other women in the five years I’ve been gone?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Yan Zhimo’s expression darkened. "Yann Qiai, you should know not everyone is as unfaithful as you!" he spat, glaring at her.

"Even if I am, I’ve survived these five years on my own terms!" Yann Qiai shot back, meeting his eyes defiantly. "You have no right to judge me! You’re not qualified!"

"Oh really? Let me show you just how qualified I am!"