Hedonist Prodigy

Chapter 58: Ji Yan’s Unease

Ye Family, Ye Qingxuan’s Residence – Noon  

“Qingxuan, what do you think of this dress? I had it specially brought back from Europe for you. Try it on and let me see.”  

A middle-aged woman walked into Ye Qingxuan’s room, her voice warm but insistent. Elegant and dignified, she carried herself with the grace of someone who had aged like fine wine. Though past fifty, her face and figure were impeccably maintained, making her look almost like an older sister to Ye Qingxuan rather than her mother.  

Frowning, Ye Qingxuan replied, “Mom, this is already the fifth dress you’ve asked me to try. Can we just skip it?”  

Lu Xiuxiu clicked her tongue. “Nonsense! How can we skip it? Old Master Qin’s eightieth birthday is a grand occasion—we can’t afford to be careless!”  

Ye Qingxuan sighed. “Mom, I understand. But I already have plenty of clothes here.”  

Lu Xiuxiu’s expression darkened. “You always say you understand, but when it comes to action, you’re utterly clueless. The Qin family’s banquet will be filled with dignitaries. If you show up in something ordinary, what will people think of the Ye family? Some might even say we don’t respect Old Master Qin’s celebration! And even if you don’t care about that, shouldn’t you at least consider Qin Junlin’s reputation? You should make him proud!”  

Ye Qingxuan knew her mother would bring up Qin Junlin. While Old Master Qin’s birthday was indeed significant, she wanted nothing to do with Qin Junlin. The moment his name was involved, everything felt tainted.  

But her reluctance meant nothing to the Ye family—not even to her grandfather. Everyone, including her parents, eagerly anticipated a union between her and Qin Junlin.  

In matters of marriage, no one cared about her feelings. Not even her own parents.  

“Mom, Qin Junlin doesn’t need me to bolster his reputation. Plenty of others are eager to do that. Please don’t push me,” Ye Qingxuan said wearily.  

Lu Xiuxiu’s face twisted in shock. “Qingxuan! What kind of nonsense is that? What do you mean, ‘plenty of others’? Where do you place yourself in all this? Don’t you understand Qin Junlin’s feelings for you? You’re going to be the death of me!”  

Knowing further argument was pointless, Ye Qingxuan exhaled softly. “Fine, Mom. I’ll try the dress. Don’t be angry.”  

Lu Xiuxiu immediately brightened. “That’s my good girl! Hurry and put it on. If it doesn’t fit, I’ll find you something even better.”  

*****  

Back at the university, Ji Yan’s unease didn’t fade—instead, it grew worse. Her face was ghostly pale, her exhaustion obvious. 

Concerned colleagues urged her, “Professor Ji, are you okay? If you’re unwell, take the day off. Don’t force yourself.”  

Realizing she was in no state to work, Ji Yan requested leave and went home.  

Once there, she tried calling Chang Shan repeatedly, but no one answered. Frustrated, she tossed her phone onto the sofa and headed for the shower.  

Staring at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, she startled herself. ‘What’s wrong with me? I was fine this morning!’  

After her shower, she turned on the TV. The midday news was airing.  

“Last night, an assault occurred at the Lijing Grand Hotel. Two adult males were injured. Police are currently investigating. Below are the victims’ vehicles from last night. Citizens with any information are urged to contact authorities immediately.”  

The camera cut to an underground parking lot. Two cars appeared on screen.  

Ji Yan’s breath hitched.  

She didn’t recognize the Hummer, but the BMW’s license plate was unmistakable—it was Chang Shan’s car.  

What? Her mind reeled. I slept alone at that motel last night. Why was Chang Shan at the Lijing Hotel? And according to the news, he was attacked in his room? How?  

A cold dread settled in her stomach. She quickly dressed, ready to visit the hospital—but hesitated at the door.  

A chilling thought struck her: If I was the last person seen with the victims before the attack, wouldn’t that make me the prime suspect? If I show up now, the police will detain me immediately.  

But… how did this happen? What really went down last night?  

Her legs gave out. She slumped to the floor, clutching her head, her face ashen.  

Then—  

A sharp gasp escaped her.  

The fragmented memories from last night flooded back.  

She remembered the Hummer now. It belonged to a man Chang Shan had called “Young Master Li.”  

Chang Shan had invited her to dinner. She hadn’t wanted to go, but he’d pestered her until she relented.  

Midway through the meal, Young Master Li arrived. Annoyed at the interruption, she’d tried to leave, but Chang Shan ignored her, engrossed in conversation with the man.  

Young Master Li’s gaze had lingered on her—lecherous, possessive. Uncomfortable, she’d urged Chang Shan to leave, but he’d refused.  

Frustrated, she’d drunk more than intended.  

Then, through her drunken haze, she’d overheard them whispering.  

“Let’s find a place to have some real fun,” Young Master Li had said. “Show me your sincerity.”  

After a pause, Chang Shan had replied, “If you like her… you can have her for the night.”  

Fury had surged through her—but then, darkness.  

Now, recalling those words, her body trembled. Two years together… and he was willing to sell me out?  

If things had gone as planned, she should’ve woken up in Young Master Li’s bed. Instead, she’d been in a motel—while Chang Shan and Li were attacked at the Lijing Hotel.  

Did someone save me? Who? And why?  

Her mind raced, but no answers came.  

The source of her unease was clear now.  

But what was she supposed to do?  

*****  

Jiang Feng’s House.  

Jiang Feng had secluded himself in his rented home, unaware that last night’s events had already spread across the city. 

Zhao Wuxia, working overtime, had left prepared meals in the fridge for him.  

Opening the fridge, he saw the neatly packed containers. A quiet warmth flickered in his chest. 

Zhao Wuxia was meticulous—present when needed, unobtrusive when not.  

He knew she did it deliberately. But even so, such consideration wasn’t easy to maintain.  

After a quick meal, he returned to the backyard to cultivate.  

Night fell. 

Silence enveloped the area, broken only by his steady breathing.  

Then—  

His eyes snapped open.  

Someone was here.  

Almost simultaneously, a figure vaulted over the backyard wall, landing soundlessly. The intruder moved swiftly, darting toward the house.  

Jiang Feng’s brow furrowed.  

He recognized the man—the same one he’d met at Liulichang, then again at the French restaurant. The man Li Yuanjue had called “Mr. Shen.”  

“Stop where you are,” Jiang Feng said coldly. “Or I’ll kill you.”  

Mr. Shen stiffened at the voice, then turned. Spotting Jiang Feng, his lips curled into a sneer.  

“So you are here.”  

“You were looking for me?” Jiang Feng stood slowly.  

“Indeed. And unfortunately for you, I’ve found you.”  

Ever since the incident at Liulichang—where Jiang Feng’s interference had cost him millions on a failed gamble—Mr. Shen had held a grudge. Worse, Jiang Feng had walked away with a fortune from the remaining stones, while he’d suffered losses.  

At first, he’d hesitated to act, unsure of Jiang Feng’s strength. But after learning his identity from Li Yuanjue, he’d made up his mind.  

He’d pretended to leave the Li family, telling Li Yuanbai he was departing the capital. In truth, he’d stayed behind, hunting Jiang Feng in secret.  

And now, he’d succeeded.  

“Why?” Jiang Feng asked.  

Mr. Shen’s smile turned vicious.  

“To kill you.”  

With that, he lunged—fist aimed straight for Jiang Feng’s skull.