Xia Jinqi started to disrobe, her movements slow.
First, a delicate, white, luminous blouse.
Then, a rose-tinted, sleeveless, high-waisted skirt.
Finally, a smooth, skin-toned bra.
Her perfect skin, resembling the finest tallow jade, was left exposed to the air, feeling a slight chill.
Xia Jinqi bit her lip, her long, fluttering eyelashes betraying her unease.
She couldn’t bring herself to look at the stranger before her, her body trembling as much as her heart.
On the expansive, nine-meter-wide balcony overlooking the sea, the glass doors were left ajar.
A salty, moist sea breeze swept into the room, carrying with it the low moan of the wind, reminiscent of a baby's cry.
The man stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his tall, lean figure turned away from her.
The light from the countless glass lamps overhead converged on him, casting him in a divine glow.
“Why did you agree to this marriage?”
His tone was utterly indifferent, laced with a chilling edge.
“Do I have a choice but to agree?” Xia Jinqi countered, momentarily lost in thought.
How could she possibly escape the arranged marriage, a pact made by her parents?
“Perhaps you never intended to refuse in the first place,” the man chuckled lightly, a hint of amusement coloring his words. “After all, becoming the wife of the Yan Corporation’s president would grant you considerable shares, wouldn’t it?”
Xia Jinqi’s heart clenched upon hearing this, as if an unseen hand had seized it!
“Yan Jun! Won’t you gain the Xia family’s political backing by marrying me? Isn’t this merely a mutually beneficial arrangement? Must you be so sarcastic?”
She could no longer contain her frustration. Her almond-shaped eyes widened as she glared fiercely at the man she was set to marry the very next day!
He was the heir to the Yan family, the most powerful clan in Rao City. Rumor had it he possessed a cold demeanor and a ruthless resolve, wielding influence in both legitimate and illicit circles – the infamous King of Hell!
Even his name sounded like it belonged to royalty…
Xia Jinqi yearned to ask him why he didn’t simply adopt the moniker King of Hell.
Yan Jun’s sword-like eyebrows rose slightly. Instinctively, he turned, intending to face the woman who dared to challenge his authority!
Caught off guard by his sudden turn, Xia Jinqi recoiled in alarm, quickly grabbing the pink and white wedding dress beside her to cover herself.
What kind of ridiculous changing room was this, shared by both a man and a woman!
A flimsy veil separated them, offering no real concealment.
As Yan Jun turned, his gaze fell upon her rounded, fragrant shoulders and the discarded clothes nearby.
His eyes, dark as ink, narrowed dangerously. His tone sharpened as he sneered, “You claim to have no control over yourself, yet your body speaks volumes… Are you attempting to seduce me?”
Realizing the implication of his words, Xia Jinqi’s face flushed crimson. “You, you pervert, barged into my changing room! It’s you who should be accused of seduction!”
Pervert?
Yan Jun shot her a cold glance, about to retort when his eyes landed on her through the sheer curtain. Her skin was as white as snow, with a faint rosy hue. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes drowsy, and in her shyness lay an unintentional allure. Her beauty was as striking as winter plums and as delicate as spring blossoms.
His throat felt suddenly dry.
His slender legs moved involuntarily as he stepped towards her.
Xia Jinqi clutched her wedding dress tighter, her palms slick with nervous sweat. “What are you doing? I’m changing. Get out!”
Her terrified rejection only ignited the deep-seated desire to conquer within him!
A glint of coldness flashed in his profound pupils. He leaned in suddenly, pushing Xia Jinqi down and pinning her beneath him!
He gazed down at her from above.
“If you dare to show your face at tomorrow’s wedding, I will end you.”
The threat, laden with lethal intent, mingled with the man’s warm breath, washing over Xia Jinqi’s face.
Xia Jinqi gritted her teeth stubbornly. “If you have someone you love, I won’t interfere with you after we’re married…”
He pressed his body closer, his gaze fixed on hers. “Are you pretending not to understand, or do you truly not grasp the situation?”
Xia Jinqi tilted her head up slightly, only to be met by a pair of piercing eyes!
Eyes as dark as ink, sharp and sinister, radiating icy fury!
They were like those of a lone wolf perched atop a valley, striking chilling fear!
This man… just looking at him made her feel as though her very life was being claimed!
“My words are bound to be remembered!” With that declaration, he lifted his sculpted hand, brushing it against her delicate neck with an air of detachment, as if appreciating a priceless piece of art.
To Xia Jinqi’s utter astonishment, he then lowered his head and inflicted a biting punishment.
A sharp pain flared on her neck, causing Xia Jinqi to gasp. Just as she moved to push him away, he had already risen and was heading towards his dressing room.
Xia Jinqi quickly regained her composure and hastily donned her wedding dress before rushing out the door.
Little did she know that the moment she took a step, his detached voice halted her. “What is your connection to Yan Qing?”
Her legs turned to stone in that instant.
Xia Jinqi pressed her lips together, her heart feeling as though an immense boulder had descended upon it, crushing her with its suffocation.
Yan Qing…