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63: An Outsider
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 64: Shall I Rearrange the Rooms Tonight?
After the performance concluded, everyone moved inside. The butler had the kitchen prepare a meal for Grandma Qin, though it was strictly according to dietary regulations. Given the late hour, she ate conservatively, setting down her spoon after just a few bites."Thank you, everyone. I appreciate your efforts," she said graciously.Grandma Qin then prepared to freshen up, and as Lillian offered to assist, she was gently stopped with a pat on her hand."What help do you think I need for a simple wash? I'm not completely helpless," Grandma Qin chided gently.Before Lillian could utter another word, Grandma Qin turned to Serena and softly suggested, "It's getting late, Serena. Why don't you stay the night? Have Lillian ask the servants to prepare a guest room for you."Caught off guard while nibbling absentmindedly, Serena promptly declined, "No need, Grandma Qin. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to stay.""What's inappropriate about it?" Grandma Qin countered. "We have plenty of guest
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 65: Don't Touch Me
Even through her heavy coat, Lillian could feel the icy chill emanating from the bathroom walls. Oliver's grip on her shoulder was firm and unyielding, pinning her in place with a force that sapped her will to fight back, leaving her breathless.She glared up at him, the man pressing down on her, and let out a cold chuckle amidst labored breaths, "What are you doing? Are you so infuriated because I struck a nerve?"Oliver's gaze darkened as he observed her. Her eyes sparkled like stars against the bathroom lights, a radiant contrast to her bright pupils. Her nose, pert and proud; and her lips, a rosy pink, shimmered temptingly. Yet from that beautiful mouth came words so sharp, they stabbed at the heart, making one wish to silence her forever, to stop her from ever speaking again.In a swift motion, as if to prevent her from saying another word, Oliver bent down and captured her lips in a forceful kiss."You... mmph."As he leaned in, Lillian's uneasy premonition barely had time to re
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 66: What Are You Doing?
Oliver's brow furrowed, his dark eyes emanating a cold light. The oppressive aura around him was so heavy that Lillian almost thought he was about to do something drastic. Then, to her relief, he turned and left the room. As she let out a sigh, her lips curled into a mocking sneer.Serena stood outside the door, her fingers twisted together in nervous anticipation. Oliver's voice had sounded irate, as though something significant had been interrupted. This realization sent a shiver of unease through her. When she had identified herself and yet he took so long to open the door, her anxiety deepened. What was taking so long? What was he doing in there?Her mind a tumult, the door finally opened. Serena's head snapped up, and she scrutinized Oliver carefully. He was still wearing the clothes he had on when he went upstairs, his coat unremoved but slightly wrinkled. She quickly assured herself that wrinkles didn't signify anything.Then, as she lifted her gaze and noticed a small cut on O
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 67: Morning Sickness
At his inquiry, Lillian glanced at him with an uninterested air. "What's it to you?"Silence followed her retort."Just a few minutes and you're prying. Worried I'd bully her?" Lillian teased, her voice tinged with mockery.Oliver's frown deepened, his displeasure evident. "That's not what I meant.""Then what? Do I need to report every bit of girl talk to you?"Oliver realized that Lillian's patience with him had run thin, a stark contrast to her previous demeanor. Outside of the necessary pretense before Grandma Qin, she treated him like a stranger. This shift grated on him, especially since they used to get along so seamlessly.With no response from him, Lillian simply gathered her clothes and went to freshen up. Afterward, she retreated to bed, acting as if Oliver didn't exist.Ignored, Oliver went through his nightly routine with a scowl, lying down to rest with the same expression. Though they shared a bed, a bolster pillow laid
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 68: Pensive Moments
Who would have anticipated that due to Lillian's nausea, the household would be thrown into utter chaos?Lillian leaned weakly against Oliver, her mind still somewhat adrift.Meanwhile, Serena, who had tagged along, suddenly had a thought and suggested, “Oliver, the hospital is quite far now. Why don’t we take her to that clinic my friend recommended last time? I suspect Lillian might have eaten something disagreeable.”Although Serena seemed to be calmly making a suggestion, inside, she was in complete turmoil.If Oliver took her to the hospital at this moment, they were bound to uncover the truth.If a checkup was indeed necessary, it would be better to go to a clinic where her friend worked; if something unexpected came up, she still had a chance to rectify the situation.Reflecting on this, Serena suddenly remembered how Lillian had refused to go to the hospital when she had a fever on the road some time ago.Back then, Serena thought Lillian was just acting up and playing the vic
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 69: Why Come Back?
"Indeed, Grandma," Lillian chimed in, filling the silence to avoid arousing suspicion. "Ever since I was little, I've disliked fish. I tried it once thinking it was something exquisite, but ended up vomiting severely. So today, when I smelled it, the memories just flooded back."At her words, the pensive look on Grandma Qin's face faded.A childhood incident of vomiting after eating fish? Growing up with such a shadow seemed plausible.Yet, she remained concerned. "Are you really alright? Maybe you should have a check-up at the hospital, just in case.""There's no need, Grandma. I'm fine now, see? Do I look like I'm still unwell?"Grandma Qin scrutinized her for a few moments, noting her restored color.She did seem fine, which relieved her, prompting her to pinch Lillian's soft cheek. "You cheeky girl, why didn't you say earlier that you don't eat fish?""Um," Lillian whimpered cutely, "You enjoy it so much, Grandma. I thought maybe I wouldn't react the same way as when I was little
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 70: For the Sake of the Baby
After seeing Grandma Qin comfortably settled in, Serena looked at Lillian and said, “Thank you.”Throughout the day, she had been seizing every chance to ingratiate herself with Grandma Qin. Lillian had the opportunity and the means to intervene, but she didn't.“I misjudged you before. I thought you were not a person of your word. Sorry.”With Grandma Qin’s sudden collapse and the surgery postponed, Serena had been skeptical. Her first thought upon hearing the news was one of disbelief. Why would a perfectly healthy person suddenly faint? She darkly suspected that Lillian might have confided in the old lady about her pregnancy and Serena's involvement, and the old lady had conspired with her to delay the surgery.That was her initial thought.Serena knew she tended to think the worst of people, a trait known only to herself. But at present, it seemed Grandma Qin was oblivious to it all.And Lillian hadn’t stopped her from getting close to Grandma Qin and playing the good Samaritan. H
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 71: Do You Believe I Can Ruin Him?
Oliver?What was he doing here???Lillian nearly let out a scream.Wasn't he supposed to be handling work? Why was he here in the study, and so silently at that? She hadn’t heard a peep when she came in.Had she just… mentioned the baby?And Oliver had come in at that very moment. Had he caught that critical word? Or...Lillian's face turned as pale as snow, her heart racing as she looked at Oliver, lips pressed tightly in a feigned calmness.Oliver hadn’t expected her to be in the study either.Seeing her ghost-like expression, his brows knit together slightly. She’d been jumpy lately, as if she was hiding something from him.He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, his sharp gaze falling upon Lillian's pale face."Who were you talking to just now?"Lillian faltered.Did his question mean Oliver hadn’t clearly heard what she was saying?But she couldn’t be sure. What if he had heard and was now probing her?With this thought, Lillian regained some composure and whispered, "Why are y
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Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 114: Just Hold Back for Now
The room fell silent at Su Qiao's unexpected suggestion. Everyone stopped to consider the possibility—Duan Ziye was a thug and literally a desperado, making him the perfect candidate for some dirty work.Lestari was shocked by Su Qiao's words and quickly tried to dissuade Duan Ziye from considering it. However, Duan Ziye was resolute in his conviction, indicating that he had never done anything significant for Lestari in the past but had sworn never to let anyone hurt her. If anyone dared, they would have to answer to him.Lestari's friends did not want her to speak well of Kartika anymore, asking Lestari what she had done to deserve Kartika's visit or any concern. The consensus was that since Kartika had not shown up for Lestari nor shown any remorse, she did not deserve any kindness in return.Lestari lowered her eyes in sadness, "I was just..."However, the others wouldn't let her finish. They knew of her kind nature, but they were not willing to be as forgiving if they were treate
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 113: Willing to Do Anything for Her
Su Qiao immediately stood up, ready to take action. "Is he still downstairs? I'll go send him away. What a toad lusting after a swan."Just as she was about to leave, Lestari stopped her. "Wait a second.""Let him come up," Lestari said quietly with an unexpected smile.The surprise in the room was palpable, voices raised in unison, "Lestari!?""Do you forget how he treated you before? Duan Ziye is a thug. If you let him come up, aren't you...""Su Qiao," Lestari's voice was gentle, "No matter how he treated me in the past, the fact that he found out I'm hurt and came to the hospital means he cares. Shouldn't I be touched by that? How can I send him away?"Others in the room were not convinced. "Lestari, he's not concerned about you; he's interested in you in that way. If you entertain him, he'll think he has a chance.""I know you're kind-hearted and think his visit is sincere, but if he had no ulterior motive, why would he come?""Don't be too soft-hearted. If he tries to do anythin
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 112: The Kiss Was Not Passionate Enough
Only Mrs. Qin was allowed to go inside for the check-up, while everyone else had to wait outside the examination room. Farhan, leaning against the window, absentmindedly touched his pocket and remembered it had been a long time since he last smoked. Though he had hardly been a heavy smoker, he’d completely quit just over a year ago, shortly after he and Kartika slept together by accident. Since then, he’d become almost addicted to her scent and the touch of her skin, and he began to kiss her every chance he got, at various times and places.After enduring a particularly grueling several-hour-long meeting that had left Farhan in a foul mood, he returned to his office looking to smoke for some relief. He had just lit a cigarette when Kartika walked in with some documents and, upon seeing him smoke, asked with concern, "Why are you smoking now? Are you feeling upset?"He didn’t respond, only staring at her with brooding dark eyes. At that time, Kartika and Farhan were on good terms, and
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 111: Can Also Get Hurt
Compared to Farhan's emotional upheaval, Kartika remained much more composed. "Just drive, we shouldn't delay Grandma's check-up."Without any outsiders around, Kartika didn’t feel the need to act, and her tone and expressions were genuine, no longer the performed warmth she'd held before. After asking him to drive, she noticed Farhan making no move to start the car, her brow slightly furrowing in impatience. She hadn't intended to confront Farhan so directly, but his words had been too aggravating, prompting her to snap...She scolded herself for losing composure especially when Grandma's check-up results were still unknown. Taking a deep breath to regain her calm, she was about to speak to Farhan when the car suddenly surged forward at high speed. Startled, Kartika turned towards Farhan and saw him driving furiously, his dark mood filling the car.Unexpectedly, Kartika felt a wave of immense grievance wash over her, and her nose tingled with the sensation of oncoming tears. Why, whe
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 110: Of Course We Give Her the Best
Mrs. Qin's embrace carried a refreshing scent of lemon, creating a relaxing atmosphere that made Kartika reciprocate the hug with warmth. Female elders always held a special place in Kartika's heart.Mrs. Qin noticed Kartika's affection and playfully tapped her nose. "Are you missing your mom?"Kartika was momentarily stunned by the reference to "mom" but then nodded in acknowledgment after regaining her composure. "Yes, I have missed you all.""Ah, sweet girl, we've missed you too," Mrs. Qin said, then pinched Kartika’s cheek, marveling at her soft skin. She grasped it a few more times before turning to Mr. Qin, "Did you bring the gifts for Kartika that we talked about?"Mr. Qin rummaged through his pocket and pulled out two small boxes. "I did."Mrs. Qin took the boxes and handed them over to Kartika. "Here, these are gifts from us on this trip."Kartika had always received gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Qin, even before marrying Farhan, and they had always been quite valuable. Mrs. Qin wo
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 109: Can You Bear to See Her with Someone Else?
After Kartika fell asleep, her breathing gradually became even and deep. Farhan moved to the other side of the bed, where she lay turned away from him, and discovered she was indeed sound asleep—not just asleep, but in a peaceful, deep slumber.Touching the cheek that Kartika had slapped earlier, Farhan's expression was somewhere between reality and doubt—was it not for a faint soreness, he would have thought the previous uproar was a mere illusion. After all, who falls asleep in one moment, deeply and without care, straight after being furious?Kartika's recent changes were so significant that Farhan felt he barely knew her. His heart was unsettled, his emotions with no outlet, yet as he watched her serene sleep, he found himself rendered speechless. When he finally left the bedside, he did so with an almost lighter step.Settling on the sofa outside, Farhan couldn't deny the wakefulness of his mind despite the late hour; Ji Qingbei's parting words at the bar repeated themselves in h
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 108: I Don't Really Like You
With these thoughts, Kartika let out a mocking laugh, her eyes looking at him with a cold intensity. "If you have needs, go to Lestari."Farhan's eyes darkened with a shadow of anger as he bit down hard. "I want you, no one else."Despite Kartika slapping him and telling him to leave, Farhan’s grip on her wrist tightened as he raised his voice in frustration. "Angry? Weren't you playing the role of the dutiful wife quite well these past days? Why stop acting now?"Furiously struggling against his grasp, Kartika no longer had any desire to reason with Farhan, her sole focus was to free herself.As he watched Kartika's vehement resistance, Farhan felt both irritated and pity. Recalling the recent conversations with Ji Qingbei and Mrs. Qin, he gripped her wrist tighter. "These were your own words before, so why are you angry now? Shen Nuonuo, what are you angry about?"He was trying to confirm something with his intense gaze. "Are you upset because I said you’re just a physiological need
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 107: It's Been a Long Time Since I Kissed Her
Gu Yanxi stormed off in a huff, leaving only Farhan and Ji Qingbei at the bar. Ji Qingbei glanced at Farhan, who seemed lost in thought, and thus refrained from initiating further conversation.After a short silence, Farhan asked in a low voice, "What did you mean by what you said just now?"Ji Qingbei's lips curved up slightly, "Don't you already know the answer?"Farhan looked up, his gaze heavy and dark, seeking clarification."What answer?""Farhan, do you remember the last time we were here I asked you if, after all these years, you still hadn't figured out what you really want?"Farhan paused, recalling that Ji Qingbei had indeed inquired the same. The question felt familiar from earlier in the evening with his grandmother. However, when Ji Qingbei had asked previously, Farhan didn't give it much thought and disregarded the remark.Observing Farhan's silence, Ji Qingbei sighed softly, "You've watched her grow up, you've seen her through every mood and phase, and you know her ins
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 106: You're Not Enchanted by Her, Are You?
The night was cool and calm as Gu Yanxi and Ji Qingbei made their way through the crowd towards the bar counter, following yet another call from Farhan in the dead of night.To their surprise, they expected to find a drunken Farhan but instead arrived to see him completely sober and immaculately dressed, sitting at the bar with a drink before him that had not been touched."What's going on? Didn't you call us here for a drink?" Gu Yanxi asked, puzzled.Approaching Farhan, Gu greeted him: "Farhan, what's up with you? Not a single sip yet?"Hearing the familiar voice, Farhan snapped back to reality, his eyes finding Gu Yanxi before turning questioningly towards Ji Qingbei as if to ask: Why did you bring him along?Ji Qingbei caught the look and quickly realized the situation. It seemed that Farhan had only summoned him, not Gu Yanxi, but by then it was too late to rectify the mistake. Both men, understanding the circumstance, chose not to comment any further.Gu Yanxi, ever the carefree
