Volume One, Chapter 10: Liu Xin Takes the Initiative to Visit

Returning home, Zhang Han was surprised to find Liu Xin still waiting, sitting by the stairwell with her head resting against the wall, already asleep.

Such a thing would have been impossible before.

Yet, here it was, happening in reality.

Liu Xin had deliberately dressed up, her long hair pinned back in a style reminiscent of a bride’s wedding look, but she wore a striking crimson, form-fitting cheongsam. The dress featured a heart-shaped cutout at the chest, and she squatted on the stairs, alluring and eye-catching.

The side slit of the cheongsam was even more daring, running all the way up to her waist, held together at the hip by three delicate clasps.

Tsk, tsk... quite a bit of effort went into this.

The stairwell light flicked on, startling Liu Xin awake. She opened her eyes to see Zhang Han standing there.

Immediately, she stood up angrily and shouted at him, “Zhang Han, didn’t you see my messages? Someone might have thought you were dead!”

“Do you know how long I waited outside your door? The mosquitoes nearly bit me to death.”

Her eyes reddened; in truth, she hadn’t waited for Zhang Han all night. She had taken a taxi home, but after being scolded by Liu Zhong, she came back. When no one appeared, she went to the mall, hoping to indulge herself with some shopping.

Used to Zhang Han footing the bill, she spent freely but found her WeChat balance insufficient. She wanted to call Zhang Han to pay, but since they were “in a fight,” she couldn’t bring herself to ask. Instead, she turned to Liu Zhong for money. For the first time, Liu Zhong scolded her, saying she didn’t even know what was happening at home and still dared to ask him for money.

Truly immature.

Had this been before, Zhang Han would have been heartbroken to see Liu Xin like this. Now, although he still felt pangs of pain, it was all an act. With six people unresolved, he had to play the role of the devoted admirer in front of Liu Xin.

That said, Liu Xin was undeniably stunning, especially in this outfit.

Four words to describe her: born to captivate.

So what if he played the sycophant?

Who wouldn’t want to?

In this moment, Zhang Han couldn’t help but think deeply, yet recalling his eight years living in the dormitory, his resolve was ironclad. Any fleeting ripple of emotion quickly dissipated.

Damn it, he wasn’t ruthless enough—still feeling a flicker of pity for Liu Xin.

What a fool.

In fact, Zhang Han had initially been bullied when he entered the dorm. A handsome man standing at 1.8 meters, he was coveted not only by women who wanted to possess him but also by men who wanted to dominate.

He had reached rock bottom, without parents or money, ready to meet death. Many were intimidated by his ruthlessness and refrained from crossing him.

But this couldn’t last forever. Better to fear the thief’s interest than the thief’s theft. Fortunately, after Zhang Han severely beat two men who tried to take advantage of him, a gang leader approached him, offering to take him under his wing.

During their conversations, Zhang Han shared his story. The man laughed heartily, saying Zhang Han’s troubles were nothing compared to his own experiences, yet he still wanted to live.

Besides, Zhang Han was young—only eighteen. When he got out in eight years, he’d be just twenty-six, with his life just beginning.

So the man took Zhang Han under his wing, teaching him bit by bit. Otherwise, with Zhang Han’s hot-blooded nature, his first thought upon rebirth would have been to destroy Liu Xin and the entire Yang family. How could he have entertained the idea of gradual severance, of killing with a knife to the heart?

Of course, the man had his conditions: after Zhang Han’s release, he was to help reclaim the business empire that rightfully belonged to him.

“Hey, don’t cry, don’t cry. Seeing you cry breaks my heart,” Zhang Han said as he climbed the stairs, approaching Liu Xin with an earnest expression. He reached out to take her hand but was met with a cold snort as she dodged.

Liu Xin raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re just going to forget what happened before?”

“Forget it. Anyone who brings it up is a dog,” Zhang Han replied with a flattering smile.

“Then have you forgiven Yang Song?”

Zhang Han remained silent. Forgiveness could only be given to one person; otherwise, how could the two families drift apart?

Feigning devotion, Zhang Han lent some money to Liu Zhong. When Yang Chongrui found out...

Seeing Zhang Han silent, Liu Xin frowned. “What’s wrong? Yang Song didn’t mean it. It’s all because I’m too beautiful, my figure too good.”

“That day, I wore so little just for you.”

“It was you—it was you who suddenly had a stomach ache and went to the bathroom, giving Yang Song the chance. It’s all your fault!”

Zhang Han sneered coldly. If it hadn’t been for the stomach pain, he’d still be working in the dormitory right now.

Having returned to life, he intended to accomplish what he was meant to. Otherwise, how could he justify his rebirth?

Even a blind man could see it.

“But you know how much I love you. In my heart, you are pure and sacred, untouched by worldly dust.”

“How dare he take advantage of you! Even if he’s a close friend, it’s unacceptable. Now you know your worth in my heart,” Zhang Han said, his devoted lover’s rhetoric flowing effortlessly.

No choice—he had sincerely adored her for two years and couldn’t forget so easily.

Liu Xin smiled, clearly pleased with Zhang Han’s response. She felt that devoted admirer had returned.

“Hmph, I’ll let it slide this time, but if it happens again—”

“I’ll never forgive you, and I’ll never let you be my sycophant again.”

“Sorry, Liu Xin, I want to be your sycophant for life,” Zhang Han pleaded.

Liu Xin raised her right hand; Zhang Han quickly took it. The two went downstairs and found a 24-hour hotpot restaurant.

After their meal, Liu Xin hinted that she had waited at Zhang Han’s place for so long—could a simple hotpot dinner make everything right?

Did he think she was that cheap?

Zhang Han took out his phone and transferred 2,000 yuan to Liu Xin. She hugged her arm, her chest full and prominent, mostly exposed—consider it a reward for Zhang Han.

“If you behave well in the future, I’ll help you personally.”

“All right, all right, I’ll definitely behave well,” Zhang Han nodded vigorously.

He opened the taxi door and personally saw Liu Xin into the car. Watching the taxi disappear into the distance, Zhang Han pulled out a cigarette, leaned against a streetlamp, narrowed his eyes, and smiled.

The next morning, Zhang Han took a taxi to the agency, where Zhao Rui was already waiting.

Today, she wore a deep V-neck long dress, her hair loose and makeup exquisite, radiating a strong feminine charm. Most importantly, her face beamed with a genuine smile that enhanced her allure.

A woman nurtured by a man was like a blooming flower, glowing from within.

Upon arriving at the office, colleagues teased her about slacking off yesterday, suggesting she had secretly gone on a date with a handsome guy, since she seemed like a different person.

They even warned Zhao Rui not to be fooled—he was just after her body.

Zhao Rui smiled without replying.

Seeing Zhang Han get out of the car, Zhao Rui didn’t shy away. She boldly linked her arm with his as they entered the office. Zhang Han handed over his ID to Zhao Rui, who made over a dozen copies and placed them in a blue folder to take with her.

Zhao Rui went to push the electric scooter, but Zhang Han called out, “Today, we’re taking a taxi!”