C17 Occasionally He Could be a Little Less Human

Mu Yanchen's gaze was fixed on her, as if he were looking at a pile of garbage.

No one would willingly endure such pain and humiliation, but Yeh Xirann couldn't escape it no matter what.

"Mu Yanchen... are you really intent on stripping me of everything and dragging us both down?"

The agony that rips through the soul is something only those who've endured it can understand. Yeh Xirann, trembling with pain, ceased her struggles and whispered the words in a voice so faint it was nearly gone.

Whenever she spoke like this, it would cause an uncontrollable quiver in the hearts of those listening.

Yet, Mu Yanchen was never among them.

"Before we go down together, I'll make sure you watch Yeh Xizhe suffer a fate worse than death," Mu Yanchen said, his icy voice tinged with an unusual flippancy.

"Mu Yanchen! You wouldn't dare harm my brother!"

Provoked to her core, the previously subdued Yeh Xirann looked up at Mu Yanchen and began to struggle fiercely, to no avail.

Kuan Yue couldn't stand to watch any longer. He clenched his fists and turned to intercede on Yeh Xirann's behalf.

"Is that the lady with the lovely voice?"

Zhou Jinheng, who had returned unnoticed, was squatting on the ground, turning to look at the woman pinned down.

With a lollipop in his mouth and a baseball cap worn askew, he looked even more like a ruffian than before.

"Oh my, it's really you! Get off her! She's the last new friend I made this year, and you're being incredibly rude!"

Zhou Jinheng unceremoniously pushed away the person holding Yeh Xirann down and helped her to her feet.

His reputation for being unruly and unconventional was well-known in their circle; he was fearless regardless of the opponent, and in that moment, no one dared to intervene.

Yeh Xirann massaged her aching arm, the fire in her eyes extinguished.

After ensuring she wasn't seriously injured, Zhou Jinheng continued, "Head to my lounge and rest up. I'll have my manager escort you out later."

"Thank you," Yeh Xirann said, feeling that the words were inadequate to express her gratitude, especially since he had come to her rescue twice now.

Until she walked into the lounge with Zhou Jinheng, Yeh Xirann didn't even steal a glance at Mu Yanchen.

Mu Yanchen's face was devoid of any expression, giving the impression that the entire situation was of no concern to him.

The head of the production crew was obsequiously apologizing to him, but Mu Yanchen didn't even acknowledge him with a sideways glance as he strode away, his face set in a cold expression.

Kuan Yue cast a worried look at the firmly shut door of the lounge and quickly followed after Mu Yanchen.

Inside the lounge, Zhou Jinheng pulled out a wet wipe and handed it to Yeh Xirann. "I told you to stay out of sight, but you still got caught. How could you be so careless! You even ran into Mu Yanchen, a rare menace. You definitely didn't check your horoscope before leaving the house."

Yeh Xirann replied with a resigned silence, "...You're right."

"Your clothes are dirty. Just take a cab home later," Zhou Jinheng said, spreading his hands. "The reporters recognize my car, so I can't drive you without causing more trouble for you."

"You've already been such a help today. I can manage something as simple as getting home on my own," Yeh Xirann said, taking a deep breath to quell the hurt inside.

"It's no trouble at all! Since I've already declared you my new friend, feel free to call on me anytime you need help," Zhou Jinheng said cheerfully. "But if you're looking to collaborate or need a spokesperson, you'll have to convince my agent first."

With her intentions laid bare, Yeh Xirann felt a twinge of embarrassment. "You've been a friend and saved me twice; how could I take advantage of you? I may be a businesswoman, but I'm not heartless."

"To make money, sometimes you can afford to lose a bit of your humanity. I'm easygoing; as long as the price is right, I don't mind being used," Zhou Jinheng said with a robust laugh.