***
Bonus chapter! Thank you to Selkae for the donation! ^^
***
In the next moment, a subtle confusion crossed his exquisite face, as if he didn’t quite grasp the meaning behind Yang Chenjin’s words.
Yang Chenjin, however, continued to gaze at him with a full, knowing smile.
Ruan Qing pressed his lips together, averted his eyes, and hesitantly spoke, “If you... like this shirt, I can give it to you.”
Seeing the stiffness and unease in front of him, Yang Chenjin knew Ruan Qing was trying to play dumb.
Wanting to access the data without anything in return was not a deal Yang Chenjin was willing to accept.
Yang Chenjin chuckled lightly, once again crouching in front of Ruan Qing, “Sister-in-law looks beautiful in a shirt.”
“But I...” Yang Chenjin extended his hand, a slender, fair finger sliding down from the collar of Ruan Qing’s shirt, moving slowly.
Eventually, it reached Ruan Qing’s chest, and both his tone and actions became highly suggestive.
“I prefer Sister-in-law without clothes.”
In stark contrast to the earlier ambiguity, this time Yang Chenjin’s words were straightforward, leaving no room for Ruan Qing to feign ignorance.
His gaze was assertive, as if his hand wasn’t sliding down through the fabric, but instead, stripping away Ruan Qing’s clothes.
Ruan Qing instinctively leaned back, avoiding Yang Chenjin’s seemingly excessive fingers.
As he was already crouched on the ground, this slight retreat caused him to sit down, and his delicate figure looked somewhat vulnerable.
It seemed he was startled by Yang Chenjin’s words.
Yang Chenjin lowered his eyes, observing the pretty young man sitting on the carpet, supporting himself with his slender fingers.
His gaze shifted downward, landing on the subtle changes in the young man’s chest, possibly a result of the stimulation from his earlier touch.
The summer shirt, already thin, appeared a bit loose on the young man. However, due to his seated position and the backward tilt, the shirt clung closely to his body, revealing a subtle shape at the chest, lifting the fabric slightly.
Despite the fact that the shirt wasn’t translucent at all, it exuded a captivating allure, tempting anyone to lean in closer, exposing those changes further.
Or perhaps, going a bit too far, indulging in desires on this luxurious carpet, staining his pristine white shirt completely.
And thus, dirtying the entirety of him.
This was the fourth floor. The fourth floor reserved exclusively for the Yang family. Even if a desperate plea echoed loudly from the young man, no one would come to his rescue until his voice turned sickeningly sweet and fragmented.
In the end, he could only whimper pitifully, begging for mercy.
Ruan Qing looked at the man before him, sensing something amiss in his eyes. A chill ran down his spine, and he wished he could turn and run.
But he couldn’t.
This was no longer about a fictional character’s fate. It was about whether the man in front of him, Yang Chenjin, would permit his escape.
If he angered him...
Ruan Qing pretended not to notice the dangerous look in Yang Chenjin’s eyes. With a somewhat unpleasant expression, he spoke, “I am your sister-in-law.”
“Sister-in-law, so what?” Yang Chenjin’s gaze slightly narrowed, a nonchalant expression on his face. “Yang Chenfeng is already dead, and, sister-in-law, you’re single again, aren’t you?”
“What difference does it make who you’re with?”
Yang Chenjin lowered his eyes, smiling gently as he looked at the person in front of him. “What I can offer you is much more than what Yang Chenfeng could.”
“Perhaps you should consider me, sister-in-law.”
“No need. I’ll investigate the cause of Brother Chenfeng’s death myself.” Ruan Qing’s tone became icy. “I won’t trouble my second brother with it.”
Ruan Qing emphasized ‘second brother,’ reminding him of their relationship.
This wasn’t just about being single or not. It was about not harboring inappropriate thoughts about one’s sister-in-law.
But Yang Chenjin seemed utterly unconcerned. He chuckled, not offended by the rejection. “Well, sister-in-law, good luck.”
With a meaningful reminder, Yang Chenjin continued, “But you only have until the day of big brother’s funeral. If, by that day, you haven’t found a way to leave the Yang family...”
Yang Chenjin paused for a moment, smiling with a gaze devoid of warmth. “You’ll die.”
“Everyone attending the funeral will die.”
Yang Chenjin’s words were casual, as if discussing the weather. Yet, the cruelty in his words was extreme.
Yang Chenjin continued to speak cautiously, “The ones who knew why Yang Chenfeng died, no one survived except members of the Yang family.”
Among those aware of the circumstances of Yang Chenfeng’s demise, none survived except members of the Yang family.
Those who attended the funeral numbered in the thousands. However, Ruan Qing did not dare doubt the authenticity of his words.
Their demeanor of the Yang family in the morning already conveyed an air of arrogance and ruthless indifference.
Ruan Qing’s eyes widened, unable to control the trembling in his body. A hint of fear appeared in his beautiful eyes. Though he opened his mouth, he seemed as if he had been frightened into silence, unable to utter a word.
After Yang Chenjin finished speaking, he picked up the scattered documents from the floor and slowly stood up. “By the way, feel free to come find me anytime, Sister-in-law. After all, if you’re useful, you might just escape death.”
Ruan Qing’s eyelashes trembled slightly. Although fear still lingered on his face, he felt a slight relief in his heart.
Just a moment ago, he thought Yang Chenjin might physically harm him. Fortunately, it seemed like Yang Chenjin preferred letting him walk into the trap voluntarily.
Yang Chenjin placed the documents back on the table, ignoring Ruan Qing. He walked towards the door in large strides, seemingly ready to leave the room.
Ruan Qing, however, gazed at the documents left on the table, falling into a contemplative silence.
Yang Chenjin seemed to be doing this deliberately, exposing his fishing bait openly. Yet, Ruan Qing had no choice but to act like he was contemplating whether to take a look.
Even if he didn’t genuinely plan to sneak a peek, he had to display a hesitant desire to do so. After all, the original owner of the body would undoubtedly want to know.
Ruan Qing subtly turned his head and looked at Yang Chenjin’s departing figure. Yang Chenjin didn’t turn back to look at him and was almost out of the study.
After waiting for almost half a minute, when the sound of footsteps was no longer audible, Ruan Qing cautiously stood up. He first glanced around to ensure no one was present, and then approached the office desk.
Just as he hesitated to extend his hand towards the documents, a familiar light laugh echoed from the doorway.
Following that, Yang Chenjin’s voice resounded, “Oh, I almost forgot to remind you of something, Sister-in-law.”
“The Yang family’s rule is to retire to your room by ten o’clock.”
“So, after ten o’clock, please avoid going out.”
Upon hearing a light laughter, Ruan Qing’s body stiffened. He immediately withdrew his hand, looking flustered as he turned to the man leaning against the door.
After delivering the message, Yang Chenjin observed the nervous young man standing awkwardly in front of the desk.
Perhaps due to a guilty conscience, the handsome young man was visibly tense. His long eyelashes trembled slightly, and he didn’t know how to place his hands, leaving them awkwardly entwined in front of him.
His appearance resembled that of a mischievous child caught in the act.
However, this person was no child; he was a stunning and captivating adult.
Every inch of him exuded the allure of a captivating grown-up.
Even the slender, entwined fingers were so aesthetically pleasing that they held one’s gaze.
Yang Chenjin paused for a moment, smiling again as he issued a reminder, “Sister-in-law, please never attempt to challenge the rules of the Yang family.”
“Disobedience could really lead you into the mist.”
Yang Chenjin’s words served as both a reminder and a warning, making it clear he had noticed his attempt to sneak a peek at the data.
Ruan Qing’s expression stiffened as he lowered his head, becoming even more uncertain.
After delivering the message, Yang Chenjin left once again.
This time, Ruan Qing didn’t attempt to access the data.
After hesitating for a moment, he glanced at the information, took a deep breath, and left the room.
The steward, who seemed to have been waiting at the door, saw Ruan Qing coming out and politely greeted him, “Master Yu, the Second Young Master has instructed me to escort you downstairs.”