CEO's Ugly Flash-Marriage Wife Hides So Many Identities
Chapter 100 All Passion Spent in Vain

Chapter 100: Chapter 100 All Passion Spent in Vain

Pei Liyan frowned slightly as he met He Zheng’s serious eyes.

He pulled a corner of his mouth. "It’s too late to say anything now."

"Better late than never, brother," He Zheng patted his shoulder.

Pei Liyan arched an eyebrow.

Qiao Rui overheard all of their conversation. Her hearing was excellent, and now that she had, she felt somewhat favorably towards He Zheng.

At least he was far more upright than Pei Liyan.

Now, knowing that Pei Liyan had spent the whole night thinking about Ruirui, Qiao Rui was speechless. Could this man have a split personality?

Pei Liyan didn’t say anything more, bid goodbye to He Zheng, and took Qiao Rui away.

After seeing them off, He Zheng turned around and noticed Qiao Xiang watching Pei Liyan and Qiao Rui leave with a deep gaze.

And Fu Yichen, staring at Qiao Xiang, bore the same depth in his eyes.

He approached Fu Yichen and whispered, "Liyan told me to tell you not to take it to heart between brothers."

Fu Yichen was startled, realizing that He Zheng was referring to Pei Liyan’s earlier request for him to apologize to Qiao Rui.

He immediately shook his head. "Am I the kind of person who doesn’t trust my own brothers?"

He Zheng nodded. "It’s good if you understand. Liyan has his own plans."

"Why did Pei choose Qiao Rui in the first place?" Fu Yichen still couldn’t figure it out.

He Zheng shook his head. "You’re asking me, but I don’t know either."

Fu Yichen pondered. "I thought you knew Pei better."

After all, He Zheng and Pei Liyan had always been closest.

"Between friends, some things still need distance and restraint," He Zheng said, patting Fu Yichen on the shoulder.

He was taken aback, his expression a bit awkward.

He had indeed overstepped today.

Qiao Rui was the person Pei Liyan had chosen, the one he had picked to marry in front of everyone.

He must have his own plans.

Fu Yichen slapped his forehead. "I’m such an idiot!"

Seeing that he had come to his senses, He Zheng just smiled faintly and said no more.

Pei Liyan and Qiao Rui walked home together.

He glanced at Qiao Rui and spoke, "You were quite something today."

"Are you planning to settle scores with me after autumn?" Qiao Rui asked indifferently.

Pei Liyan was startled and said, "Are you particularly aggressive when someone speaks to you in a way that offends you, always attacking back?"

Qiao Rui was also taken aback. "Is that so? I thought it was self-defense."

Pei Liyan chuckled lightly. "Self-defense?"

"Yes," Qiao Rui nodded.

"You’re quite skilled at twisting words."

"Are you implying that I should confess to false accusations?" Qiao Rui countered.

"Did I lay a hand on you?" Pei Liyan retorted.

"No," Qiao Rui said indifferently, "so, are you trying to vent Fu Yichen’s anger and teach me a lesson?"

"It’s not about teaching a lesson," Pei Liyan spoke, "just a reminder that when necessary, also leave some face for my brothers."

"But I believe face is earned by oneself," Qiao Rui said. "Your brother was throwing his weight around in front of me all night!"

"It’s true, Fu Yichen targeting you was his immaturity."

"No!" Qiao Rui shook her head. "He was standing up for you, which shows his loyalty and reliability. It’s just that neither you nor my elder sister reciprocate. His enthusiastic efforts ended up being misplaced."

"Misplaced?" Pei Liyan’s voice was still even, but Qiao Rui could discern an undeniable sharpness.

Perhaps it was because this man was accustomed to being high and mighty, always unconsciously carrying an air of authority and a commanding presence.

Qiao Rui shrugged, "Maybe you don’t see it that way. After all, it’s not something you brothers would take to heart over such a trivial matter."

"You should change your temper," Pei Liyan suddenly said.

Qiao Rui was stunned; this man spoke with a commanding tone that was really intolerable.

Qiao Rui looked ahead at the road. Though there were streetlights, the distance ahead was still pitch black.

She spoke indifferently, "Mr. Pei, you should change your commanding temperament first."

Pei Liyan huffed, suddenly stopping in his steps beneath a street lamp.

Clad in a suit, Pei Liyan stood against the light, his lofty stature casting a powerful, oppressive presence.

Qiao Rui, however, was not intimidated, only looking up at the man with a calm demeanor.

Pei Liyan watched her for a moment, then half-closed his eyes and said, "Qiao Rui, you sure are overbearing with me and my brothers!"

"Do you think so?" Qiao Rui calmly countered.

"Yes!"

"I don’t think I’m overbearing at all!"

"The adjective is wrong. You’re defiantly overbearing!" Pei Liyan said with a deep voice.

Qiao Rui was taken aback, then the word amused her, and she laughed, looking at the earnest expression on his face, she was utterly speechless.

She smiled and turned to leave.

Watching her retreating figure, Pei Liyan experienced a moment of daze; that turning figure, in an instant, tightened his heart.

Then, Pei Liyan reached out and grabbed Qiao Rui’s wrist.

"Ah!" Qiao Rui was suddenly seized by the wrist with such force that it nearly crushed her bones.

As she turned back abruptly, she saw the man looking at her in shock. On seeing her face, he too seemed to come to his senses, startled, a deep disappointment crossing the bottom of his eyes.

Qiao Rui was shocked; she almost thought the man was going to do something drastic, but fortunately, he let go of her.

After steadying her nerves, Qiao Rui asked, "What’s wrong with you?"

Pei Liyan’s voice was cold, having regained his composure, he said expressionlessly, "It’s nothing!"

Then, he walked on ahead, his entire demeanor as chilly as if he had been soaked in glacial waters, not looking back.

Qiao Rui watched his cold retreating figure in a daze. His pace was fast, with no intention of waiting for her.

Qiao Rui took a deep breath, looked down at her wrist that he had gripped, feeling the heat that wouldn’t cool down.

Pei Liyan didn’t wait for her again and briskly walked up to the gate.

Upon entering the villa, Mrs. Feng only saw him returning alone and asked with concern, "Sir, where is the young mistress?"

Without turning his head or speaking, Pei Liyan went upstairs.

Mrs. Feng was startled and did not dare to ask more. Stretching her neck to look outside, thankfully, Qiao Rui was following.

She quickly said, "The young mistress is back."

"Yes, Mrs. Feng, I’m back," Qiao Rui smiled serenely. "I’ll go upstairs first, you should rest early too."

"Alright," Mrs. Feng nodded.

As Qiao Rui passed Pei Liyan’s door, she noticed it was tightly shut and breathed a sigh of relief.

Having just returned to her room and before she could change her clothes, Song Muyu’s call came.

"Ruirui, Pei Liyan found my number, insisting on finding you, what should we do now?"

Qiao Rui was startled, "He called you just now?"

"Yes, just a moment ago, I called you right after I hung up."

"What did he say?" Qiao Rui asked.

Song Muyu replied, "He wanted your contact information, what should we do?"