The serenity of the night was in stark contrast with my emotions. My blood boiled in my veins, and I couldn't conceal the wrath in my eyes. I must have scared Yan Si because the look on his face was wary.
''Tang jie, what happened? Why do you look like you are planning someone's murder?'' He asked in a shrill voice, throwing me a suspicious look. I narrowed my eyes at him and repeated coldly.
''Come and see what I am talking about.'' Slowly with uncertainty, he closed the door, and soon his body leaned over my shoulder.
'' I don't think it is a good idea to check father's laptop.''
''Read first and comment later.'' I cut him off, and he looked at me with a hurtful expression. I didn't pay attention to him too immersed in my thoughts. What to do with this knowledge?
''What the bloody hell is this?'' His loud exclamation took me out from my reverie, and as a result, I jumped in scared in my chair.
''Are you trying to get me diabetes, stupid? Mind the volume of your voice!'' I slapped his nape angrily, and not a second later, there was the second cry not of indignation but pain.
''Tang jie, why are you so mean? I have every right to be mad. I was left in the dark the whole time while grandfather and dad did all these things. It's unfair. I wanted to participate too.'' I was stupefied. So, he wasn't upset because the weapon's deal was illegal and immoral but because he was left out of the playfield. Was I brought up with the wrong values?
''Don't worry, you have a role too,'' I said through gritted teeth, and his eyes shone like lights on Christmas.
''Really, tang jie? Did dad trust you enough to share with you about me? D*mn it! Do I look so unreliable?'' He was frustrated like a child who was forbidden to eat candy. I wanted to smile for a moment, but I remembered how serious the problem was.
''Tonight during the celebration, I heard Kang Xianliang giving a warning to butler Che. If Yan Corporation didn't return the stolen money, you would have the same fate as Fu Hai. And the deadline is tomorrow.'' After Yan Si heard my words, his face became pale. He blinked a few times in confusion, trying to process the meaning of what was said fully. After that, he rudely pushed me from the chair, waving at his face like an afraid concubine.
''Tang jie, am I really going to die?'' I wanted to deny it, but he continued with a weak voice. ''That can't happen. I am too young full of vigour and vitality. This young stallion can't go to the butchery.'' I stared blankly at him. Was this the normal reaction of a person whose life was in danger? Every sane one would be terrified. But not Yan Si. He was so dramatic and over the top. I didn't how was I supposed to react.
''Did you just compare yourself with a horse?'' He gave me a condescending look.
''Stallion, tang jie, not just any horse. Stallion.'' I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves a bit. It looked like I was more worried about his life than him. That wasn't fair at all.
''Whatever. As long as you like it, you can be a donkey. The important thing here is what to do to save your ass?'' There was some seriousness in Yan Si's face after I asked. Good, there was still hope for him.
''Well, we have to give him his money back.''
''Do you have ten million us dollars in excess?'' This time his face became yellow as corn.
''Tang jie, this stallion is going to die.'' He wailed and wailed, and his eyes became teary. When he started crying like a big baby, I pinched my eyebrows. Was he always like this? Where did my real cousin go? He was a little bit annoying, but it was bearable. This time, it wasn't.
''I can try to track down the person who stole the money. But I need your father's files on the deal.'' Miraculously, his tears stopped, and there was a wide grin on his teary face. He stood up and hugged me, almost crushing me. How did this locust have so much strength?
''Thank you, Xiao Luo. I'm happy to know I occupy such a large part of your heart. If you can forget your principles, that means I should be someone really important to you.'' And then it dawned on me.
''You stupid clown, was it necessary to act like this?'' I asked him indignantly, and he patted my back reassuringly.
''Feel privileged. You are one of the few people who can see my antics.'' Well, that calmed me down a little.
Later that night, Yan Si sent me all of his father's files, and I went through a thorough check-up on the mediator from Yan Corporation. He worked for my uncle for years, and there was nothing suspicious in his biography. Only his brief work in Italy was extraordinary. It was years ago in Venice. On the surface, it looked legal and normal. I checked his employer.
After seeing who it was, I was shattered. I hoped I would not hear this family name again, at least not when I was in China. D'Arcangelo casinos. Bei He worked as a manager at his casino in Venice. What was happening here? If he is the Italian mafia's person, why would they make him stole Kang Xianliang's money when he was more than ready to pay them. Did they want to save their weapons? I could speculate as much as I wanted. However, there was only one fact. Yan Si was in danger. Bei He was now in Venice with 10 million Kang Enterprise, and Kang Xianliang wanted them back. Or Yan Si could die. I sighed deeply. According to the law of misfortune, Leonardo was involved in some way. What sin did I commit in my past life to be entangled with that man again?
A few hours later, there was a loud commotion in the hallway outside my room. Slowly, I opened my eyes, listening to the loud voice of Yan Si's mother. The words were a little bit unclear due to the thick walls, but I could grasp the conversation's meaning. Or the monologue, to be exact. Han Wei was urging Yan Si to wake up, and knowing how he slept like a bear in hibernation period; I could guess she found the task excruciating. I got up from my bed and came closer to the door. Normally, I wasn't a nosy, gossiping person. However, I couldn't stop wondering why Han Wei was so nervous. Her voice was laced with panic, and she sounded almost hysterical.I switched the lights off, which I used to doze off until morning, and looked outside. Only my eye was visible. Han Wei was standing at the doorstep, stomping with her foot. From her profile, I could see she was red with anger and worry.''Yan Si, I order you, get up right now, or I will beat you until your ass is red! I d
Early in the morning, the private plane set off from China to Italy. The flight was long, and I had nothing to do. Last night I tried to sleep in set on lights, but Han Wei disturbed me. Since then, I counted many sheep. Alas, it was futile. So I thought I would have the chance to rest during the flight. ''Luo Luo, we didn't have much time to talk yesterday.'' It was Xi An's voice. At the engagement party last night, we only had time to nod at each other. There were so many guests and friends of both families, and Yan Si and Xi An, together with their parents and family heads, had to pay attention to them. My mother and I were left to the side, but mom had old acquaintances in China, so she wasn't left alone, and I…well, I preferred being bored than speaking nonsense. Besides, I hated hypocrites, and most of the people there were like this. ''Well, we can make up for that until we land in Venice.'' I smiled gently, not too sad for my wasted opportunity to sleep, and not long after, w
The lights of the casino were bright and blinding. I blinked a few times, waiting until my eyes adjusted. It was so noisy here. The sounds from the betting machines, the people exclaiming happily when they won and their disappointed wailing when losing pierced through my eardrums.Oh my God, why did I agree with Yan Si's plan? It was such idiocy. I was supposed to find Bei He and charm him. He was forty years old unmarried man and had a liking for younger women. Thank you, Facebook, Instagram and Weibo, for giving me this information. Next, when he was head over heels for me, which I thought was totally impossible, I had to take him out of the casino where a rented yacht will take us away to a more secluded place. Then, Yan Si and I will let Xi An and her military training took care of Bei He.It looked like a piece of cake. However, many variables could screw us. I walked around the many slot machines which the people played, stopping for a second or two because I was
I was ready to open my mouth and explain. I didn’t see a reason to keep my cousin’s problem a secret. I preferred honesty when possible. And considering this case, I thought that I would win more if I told the truth. Besides, I was a bad liar. However, before I can realise it, Leonardo strode towards me, wrapping his fingers around my throat. My eyes bulged from surprise, and I wanted to remove his hand. But, the next second, his grip became stronger, and I choked due to the lack of oxygen. Panic surged in my veins, and I desperately tried to fight with him. He was unmovable like a rock.‘’What is your relationship with him?’’ His voice was as dreadful as the death incarnate. It was devoid of any emotions. I could feel the eerie feeling of impending doom upon me, which made my adrenaline rush. I strug
The next day Yan Si received a call from his father. The problem with Kang Xianliang had been settled. Uncle had anonymously received information for Bei He’s location, and he sent it to Kang Enterprises, leaving CEO Kang to deal with the stealer as he saw fit. My cousin almost hit his head on the ceiling when he jumped from happiness. Xi An and I had a sigh of relief.Now, when that burden had been lifted, and we had no more worries, we could enjoy our stay in Venice. We did all the things a typical tourist would do. We sailed on a gondola, we visited some of the landmarks like Doge’s palace, and we enjoyed an opera night in La Fenice. Also, we visited Gallerie dell’Accademia because one of Xi An’s most favourite periods was the Renaissance. Alas, all good had its end.After a week, we returned to China from our abrupt but funny vacation. The preparation for the wedding was in full motion, so both the fiancé and fiancé
After we left my mother at the family mansion, I received a message from her. As I guessed, she felt the situation between Kang Xianliang and I was fishy. She demanded an explanation after I went home.‘’What is it?’’ His cold voice sounded from my left. I turned my head meeting his side profile. His eyes were closed, and if it weren’t for his question, I would think he was sleeping.‘’Nothing. What business do you have with me?’’ I didn’t hide the animosity I felt toward him. After all, he threatened Yan Si’s life and scared me at the engagement night. My opinion of him wasn’t positive at all. I wanted to be as far away as possible from someone like him.‘’Didn’t you hear that the curiosity killed the cat?’’ His low chuckle caught me off guard. He turned his head, and his dark
I spent the whole night in the car with that crazy man. Luckily, he didn’t wake up until morning. I had enough time to reminiscence about the events yesterday. Everything was so surreal. If the backseat wasn’t filled with broken glasses and I didn’t have cuts on my body I would think I dreamt. By the way, that made me sit on the passenger seat. I didn’t want to sit in a pool of glasses. When I relaxed my body on the seat I gave Kang Xianliang curious look. He stopped time. It was for five seconds but the slow-motion was the same as the one in the movies. Which made me realise a few things.Firstly, the woman he mistook me with. It should be her. The one who reversed time back for me to change my fate. I wasn’t delirious that time. Part of me always doubted that everything was a dream. After all, this was out of common logic. That made me ask myself why. Why did she do it? What was her history with CEO Kang? Did she give him the ability to slow do
I thought Kang Xianliang would drop me at home. However, he continued driving to Kang Enterprises. The sun was up, and the traffic was high. Everyone could see the broken mirror behind the backseat. I felt really uncomfortable and tried to hide somehow. I knew it was a pointless feat, but the stares I got every time we stopped in front of a traffic light made me feel like a museum exposition.‘’Shouldn’t you change the car?’’ My voice was low and timid. I was too overwhelmed with the stares I received from the people on the walkway. One woman stopped with a widely opened mouth. If it wasn’t her husband who nudged her, I thought she would stare at us for a whole day.‘’No, why? I don’t see a problem with this one.’’ I gave him a disturbing glance. My mind couldn’t quite comprehend how it was possible to exist such a thick-skinned person. Let&rsqu
The morning air was crisp and fresh. The sun was shining brightly, and its warmth gently caressed my skin. I was lying on the concrete next to the pool in the yard of Leonardo’s two-story house. My eyes were closed, and I was exuding an air of tranquillity. Or at least I hoped my pretense was believable enough for the security guard whose eyes were glaring at me with murderous intent. I wish I could sigh, but that would give me away. Honestly, at this point, the constant threats to my life felt like an annoying chore I had to constantly deal with. A normal person would be scared, constantly on edge, looking behind their back to make sure there isn’t a crazy personal hitman or a mentally unstable woman trying to end them, but maybe because I died once, I became a bit indifferent. Or maybe my indifference was a result of me going cuckoo. Whichever one it was, I was too lazy to give a sh*t.The security guard looked around for the fifth time during the last ten minutes. No, not because h
Trigger warning, panic attack, suicide, ptsd 1 month later, Valetta, Malta I raised my hands wrapped in boxing gloves and tried to relax my shoulders. They shouldn’t be stiff or too high. That would make my belly vulnerable. I put my right leg forward and crouched a little just enough to easy to avoid an attack coming to my face. I looked at the man standing opposite me and once his eyes met mine, I tried to hit him with my right fist. He blocked it as always, but it didn’t’ mean it will stop me from trying to punch him again and again. When I tried to hit him for the fourth time, he raised his fist so quickly I couldn’t even see it before I felt pain on the left side of my head. I staggered backward and shook my head like a wet dog. ‘’ I told you to be careful when you attack because you leave your guard open.’’ Leo’s voice was even and unbothered. On the other hand, I was already breathing with difficulties. ‘’Don’t focus only on attacking. You need to prot
For the first time in a long while, I felt some semblance of satisfaction. Was it because Leonardo, the man I used to love so much without being reciprocated, was standing in front of me? No, definitely, not. It was because of the fear in the eyes of the woman who ordered my death and almost succeeded in taking my life. Her skin was as white as a sheet of paper, and her dark eyes were round with dread. Did I look like that when Xavier took a picture of me and sent it to her? Did she feel the same thing as me now? If the answer was yes, I could truthfully say that I understood her. I sincerely understood why she enjoyed watching the person she hated suffering. My gaze full of malice was promising endless pain if I got the chance to get near her. Noticing the promise in my eyes, she quickly hid behind Xavier. As always. God, I just wanted to see her alone without the protection of her dog. I clenched my jaw, sensing my boiling anger but then forced myself to calm down. I wante
“All it takes is one bad day to reduce the sanest man alive to lunacy. That's how far the world is from where I am. Just one bad day.” Never in my life did I believe there would be a day when a quote from a comic would relate so closely to me. But recently, I started feeling that the bad days in my life are far more than the good. I was so tired of fighting to keep my sanity. To fight to stay afloat of the sea of misery that was pulling me to its depths with every passing day. I didn’t think I had more strength to swim. I gave up.I looked at the woman kidnapped and wanted to torture me for some unknown reason. Earlier I tied her wrist and ankles with the same rope she tied me before breaking free. My eyes found hers, and I noticed the slight trembling of her body. Her nostrils flared because of her heavy breathing, probably caused by her fear. Yes. It wasn’t funny to be let at the mercy of other people. But I was curious. Did I also look that pathetic
When I was left alone, I used the time to go to the bathroom and pull the lid of the toilet bowl. There I sat in for a while, not thinking about anything. I watched the white door blinking and not letting any thought or emotion in my head. For the first time in a while, I felt some semblance of peace. Why was my life like that? In the beginning, I blamed Leonardo and Bianca. But now? After this hallucination, I didn’t know what to think. Was what I saw something created by my stressed subconsciousness? It was possible, but it couldn’t explain the familiarity I felt. I had that feeling of being aware of it at some point but forgetting about it.However, I couldn’t accept the other option. I wasn’t strong enough mentally to do it at this point. So, for now, I would just bury my head in the sand and believe it was a bad dream caused by the constant stress I lived in. I went to wash my hands, and while doing so, the door opened, and another woman came in.
The door opened to a spacious hall bearing an ancient ambience. I blinked confusedly, wondering what was happening. Many people were inside wearing traditional Chinese clothes, their gazes pointing expectantly at the place where I was standing. Just a moment ago, the make–up artist was preparing me for the interview, and now suddenly, I was on some set for an ancient drama tv-series together with many other unknown people. I must be dreaming. But, normally, people didn’t realise they were dreaming while I was keenly aware that what I see wasn’t real. Then my body started moving on its own accord, making everything even more surreal. My back was as straight as an arrow, my head held high and my breathing steady. But deep inside, I was feeling anxious. Why was I moving without wanting it? I felt like a marionette. I tried to move my head around and better look at the environment, but it was impossible. The only thing I could see was the red hem of my clothes and t
On the next day was the interview which Kang Xianliang and I had to give in front of the press to dispel the rumours of my ‘’affair’’. I woke up tired with no will to live as always, but this time there was an additional reason for my lack of good rest, which didn’t include my nightmares. I was mostly tossing all night, feeling that something unpleasant is about to happen. However, I tried to be positive and just ignore it. While I had my breakfast at Xianliang’s kitchen, I was reading the file he sent me yesterday about the woman who hated me enough to try to tarnish my reputation.To be honest, there wasn’t anything interesting about her. She was an actress who tried for years to become popular and successful, but unfortunately, her acting skills were lacking, and all the movies she starred in were criticised for her performance. Maybe, because she could not achieve her dream, she became a cruel and wicked person who wanted to vent
A hand crept on my back, slowly caressing it, making my hairs stood on ends. My heart started palpitating, and I wanted to step away from that burning tip which I felt was getting closer and closer. However, the moment I tried to move away, the grip on my waist got stronger, and he pulled me even closer, making our bodies touch without even a gap. I put my hands on his shoulders, keeping my face away from him. ‘’What are you doing?’’ I asked, irritated, trying to hide my nervousness caused by our closeness. ‘’You are going to burn me.’’ ‘’It won’t be that bad. It will hurt at the beginning but eventually, you will get better.’’ I blinked a few times, astonished at what he had just said. During the time we spent together, I realised that this man had some really black and twisted sense of humour. So, I knew right now he wasn't serious. But, there was one problem. One moment he was joking, and the other, he was serious, doing exactly what he had been joking about. Seei
The name of the woman who supposedly was behind this whole ordeal didn’t invoke any memories in me. For the sake of my life, I couldn’t remember if I had ever met her, nor could I think of a situation where my actions could directly or indirectly implicate her. We didn’t have common friends or acquaintances. So, why the bloody hell did she do this? But maybe, it wasn’t because of me. Maybe it was because she had a history with somebody close to me and was using me as a revenge tool. However, I could hardly think of a person here in China who cared so much about me they could get upset if I was hurt. While I was thinking about this, I arrived at Kang Xianliang’s mansion. When the butler let me in, I hurried to his office wanting to ask if he knew that woman by some chance. However, I only made one step when the butler’s hand stopped me on my way to the stairs. ‘’Young Master isn’t in a very good mood today. Be careful not to worsen it.’’ My eyebrows furrowed a