Chapter 002: Discovered with Kiss Marks, Caught Cheating

Beneath his fingers, the warmth was smooth and delicate, like the finest silk brocade. Zhou Jingyi’s palm seemed to ignite with fire, and he quietly rubbed his fingers, somewhat irritated as he ascended the stairs.

No longer thirsty. No need for water.

Wen Ni watched the broad shoulders and narrow waist of the man vanish around the corner before she rubbed her aching wrist and withdrew her gaze.

Good. Judging by Zhou Jingyi’s words, he would not acknowledge the nap from earlier that evening. At last, she could rest assured.

All traces of grievance faded from Wen Ni’s face.

A cold sneer—“Cursed to bring misfortune to husbands?” If she truly possessed such a power, she’d marry whomever she wished dead; how convenient!

Wen Ni shook her head and returned to her cushion, her palm absently caressing her abdomen. Suddenly, inspiration struck—if it were Zhou Jingyi, she wouldn’t need to scheme or conceal anything for a paternity test regarding this child.

The thought invigorated her instantly.

She pressed her lips together, energized by the night’s secrecy and intent on mischief.

Zhou Jingyi resided in the easternmost room on the sixth floor. Wen Ni tiptoed and knocked gently.

Not long after, Zhou Jingyi himself came to open the door. The heavy huanghuali wood swung aside, and a familiar undertone of perfume drifted past. Recognizing her by scent, Zhou Jingyi moved to shut the door swiftly.

But Wen Ni was prepared. As soon as the crack appeared, she slipped her leg inside.

The door pressed against her, and Wen Ni let out a soft, coquettish moan.

Zhou Jingyi extended his long arm, grasped her waist with one hand, covered her mouth with the other, drew her into his embrace, and brought her inside.

Wen Ni was pinned against the door. Zhou Jingyi’s movements were forceful—her shoulder blades ached from the impact.

Her pale arms clung tightly to his powerful waist, feeling the tension and anger coursing through him.

Zhou Jingyi’s gaze was dark and stormy. "Wen Ni, have you forgotten what I just told you?"

Wen Ni tilted her head, staring at his lips. "What nonsense are you mumbling? I don’t care to listen—I want a kiss."

She rose on tiptoe, reaching for his lips.

Zhou Jingyi turned his face away. "You have three seconds. Get out!"

He was truly furious; his voice trembled with barely contained emotion.

Wen Ni, unfazed, slid her hand downward, eliciting a muffled groan in return.

She smiled mischievously, like a mouse caught in the act, "So, Uncle prefers the left side."

Zhou Jingyi’s hand traced down her waist, winding its way to settle on her hip.

Wen Ni let out a muffled whimper.

He lifted her up.

The unspoken understanding between man and woman was laid bare in moments like this.

Her legs wrapped around his waist.

Zhou Jingyi kissed her fiercely, hurriedly striding toward the bathroom.

At four in the morning, silence reigned outside the window.

On the chaotic bed, the man leaned against the headboard, slender fingers holding a cigarette, its ember flaring and fading.

His movements carved a slash of light through the darkness.

Zhou Jingyi’s piercing gaze rested on Wen Ni as she sat up.

Silk sheets slipped slowly down her skin, which was even softer than silk itself, settling at her waist.

She was pulling on her bra.

Zhou Jingyi’s gaze lingered on her flat abdomen, deep and unreadable.

Wen Ni noticed his attention and beamed, "I took the pill—seventy-two hours."

Zhou Jingyi flicked his fingers, his voice rough and low, tinged with the lingering sensuality of satisfaction, "Wen Ni, are you sure you took birth control, not an aphrodisiac?"

Wen Ni pondered and asked, "Are you complimenting me?"

Zhou Jingyi: “……”

She turned away, presenting her back. "My arms are sore. I can’t fasten it."

Zhou Jingyi snorted softly.

Just as Wen Ni thought he wouldn’t help, he suddenly snuffed out his cigarette and leaned in.

He bit her shoulder.

Wen Ni let out a muffled sound.

He had already fastened her bra.

Wen Ni frowned, glancing at the mark on her shoulder, "Are you part dog?"

She dressed and went to the door.

Her fingers had yet to touch the handle when the man’s gloomy voice came, "Wen Ni, don’t let this happen again."

Her hand paused.

Then, she pushed the door open with calm composure.

So much—surely she could conceive now.

Once pregnant, even if Zhou Jingyi knelt before her, she wouldn’t spare him a glance.

Wen Ni slipped out quietly, returned to her room, and showered.

When she emerged from the bathroom in a robe, she caught an unfamiliar masculine scent in the air.

She walked quickly to the small sitting room.

Met eyes with “Zhou Linchuan.”

Wen Ni was certain he had absentmindedly entered the wrong room.

She frowned, "Why is it you? I’m your sister-in-law. Your brother Zhou Mingfan just died, his ashes are still downstairs, and you come into a widowed sister-in-law’s room in the middle of the night? What are you trying to do?"

Hearing Wen Ni repeatedly mention Zhou Mingfan’s death, Zhou Mingfan was uncomfortable.

But, remembering that his current identity was Zhou Linchuan, he had to suppress his displeasure.

Henceforth, for the rest of his life, he would only be Zhou Linchuan.

Zhou Mingfan forced himself to curb his dissatisfaction and made an excuse, "I noticed you weren’t in the mourning hall and worried you might be grieving too deeply."

Wen Ni laughed, "A man like Zhou Mingfan, is he really worth mourning?"

At her words, Zhou Mingfan’s face darkened, a hint of barely detectable fury in his voice, "What did you say!"

He stared at Wen Ni, unconsciously moving closer.

Wen Ni raised her hand, pointed at the door, her voice sharp, "Zhou Linchuan, whatever happens between my husband and me is none of your business. Get out, or I’ll shout and let everyone know the brother’s body isn’t cold before the younger one is forcing the widow to share his bed."

As she lifted her arm, the robe’s collar parted slightly, revealing a fair, rounded shoulder marked with a clear, small imprint.

Even if he’d never tasted forbidden fruit, he’d seen it enough to recognize the mark—a kiss.

Zhou Mingfan’s gaze turned crimson. He strode forward, gripping Wen Ni’s arm tightly, his voice hoarse with accusation, "Is that a kiss mark? Wen Ni, you’re cheating, aren’t you?"