A Twisted Love Affair
Chapter 129: Following him, you’re bound to fall sooner or later_1

Chapter 129: Following him, you’re bound to fall sooner or later_1

The helicopter descended steadily onto a flat, vast plain just outside the highway.

A few bodyguards, each holding a black umbrella, walked toward them.

Having been by Zhou Luchen’s side for a while, Shen Jing recognized those faces. They were from the Zhou Family. It wasn’t Zhou Luchen who came; he had sent his bodyguards instead. This scene was quite a display of force.

Even though he hadn’t deigned to appear himself, Shen Jing’s eyelids twitched involuntarily, swollen and aching. In that moment, the desolation of a castaway on a deserted island washed over me, each beat of my heart an agonizing impact. It was as if I were being meticulously manipulated, my emotions stirred until tears threatened to spill.

One of the arriving bodyguards held a black raincoat. With utmost restraint and politeness, he draped it over her shoulders and patiently helped her put it on. In the heavy rain, they treated me like a lost, precious pet.

"The Second Young Master sent us to bring you back," one of them said. "He said, ’I can’t let my woman be touched by a single drop of rain. For you to even need this raincoat is a personal failing on his part.’"

I could just imagine Zhou Luchen, always so indifferent and calm, uttering those words with an expression full of mockery, yet utterly imperious. After that phone call, he’d coldly hung up, only to silently dispatch men to retrieve me from the highway.

Really, if he kept playing these games, I would fall for him sooner or later. It was inevitable. Or perhaps, I already had.

The ordeal of this night, the sight of the helicopter landing—these images were now seared into my weary, sorrow-filled mind. His affection was like a pickaxe breaking through the ice of a desolate, forbidden wasteland. It struck me, someone who had craved familial warmth since childhood, rendering me unable to guard my heart, causing me to fall for him again and again.

His doting was real. His protectiveness was real. But his lack of love? That was real too.

Just then, Shen Jing’s phone rang. It was Zhou Luchen. She sniffled before answering.

His voice came through, deep and cold. "Come back."

Shen Jing, a whirlwind of gratitude and fury, choked out, "You jerk! I’m starving!"

A chuckle, laced with amusement, echoed from the receiver. "Such a temper. Yelling at me?"

Ignoring him, she continued to cry out, her voice thick with tears, "Why didn’t you tell me you were sending people? You scared me, showing up so suddenly! Do you have any idea?"

Zhou Luchen’s voice was laden with meaning. "Then go ahead and cry."

Silence. He hung up, leaving her to her tears.

The bodyguard holding an umbrella behind her spoke softly, "This way, Miss Shen."

Shen Jing pocketed her phone. "Where is he?"

The man replied coolly, "I cannot disclose his location. I can only ensure that not a single drop of rain touches you."

I was furious and utterly lost.

「After boarding the helicopter.」

Shen Jing sat on the sofa, her eyes red. She pulled out tissues to wipe her nose, all while composing a text message to Zhou Luchen.

Zhuang Ming glanced at her, then turned to fetch her some warm water. No wonder the Second Young Master doted on her so much, he thought. He really couldn’t stand seeing her look so lost and bewildered.

"What about our car? My bag and my notes are still in it," she suddenly asked.

Zhuang Ming replied, "Have him get you a new one."

Shen Jing looked down. "I don’t want that."

Zhuang Ming placed the water beside her and sighed. "You should be the one to tell him that."

She propped her chin on her hand, looking troubled. "How could I dare make demands of him? How could I dare raise my voice to him? He’s incredibly harsh."

Zhuang Ming remained silent, offering no rebuttal. After all, he thought, I clearly saw her sending those scolding texts. I clearly saw her yelling at the Second Young Master on the phone. Though, it’s true, the Second Young Master is indeed quite intimidating.

Before long, Shen Jing realized the helicopter had flown out to sea and was now being directed to land on the deck of a yacht.

Even before disembarking, she could already see the vibrant, bustling scene unfolding on the vessel below.

Still wearing the raincoat, she followed one of the crew members down the stairs.