AERHABDAW 27

Chapter 27: The Three-Way Confrontation

“Ugh!”

Fu Xingchen cried out in pain, a mix of hurt and pleasure, but before he could move closer to sweet-talk his way out of it, a reproachful voice came from above him.

“If you die, what am I supposed to do?!”

Looking into Shao Leyan’s teary eyes, Fu Xingchen’s heart softened completely. He pressed gentle, reassuring kisses on her small, slightly angry face.

“I was just joking. I won’t die, and neither will you. We’ll both… live well, okay?”

Only then did Shao Leyan break into a smile through her tears. She leaned forward and offered her lips. Just as they were about to kiss, three dull, rhythmic knocks came from outside the door.

Fu Xingchen’s eyes flickered with impatience at the interruption. But anyone daring to disturb him after he had given instructions clearly meant it was urgent.

He sighed, still rubbing the soft flesh at Shao Leyan’s waist.

“I’ll be right back.”

Seeing his hesitation, Shao Leyan gently pushed him. “Go quickly. Business comes first.”

Once Fu Xingchen was properly dressed, he opened the door.

Fu Xingyan and Lin Ying were standing side by side outside. One wore a cold expression, while the other had a warm, smiling face.

But to Fu Xingchen, neither came with good intentions—they were both trouble.

He darkened his expression and spoke calmly, “What do you want with me?”

Fu Xingyan curled his lips slightly and asked, nonchalantly, “Brother, are you with Yan Yan?”

Not only did Fu Xingchen’s eyes darken instantly, but even Lin Ying widened her eyes in disbelief, staring at Fu Xingyan.

He actually called his future sister-in-law “Yan Yan,” such an intimate name!

This kid had been so close with the future lady of the city just now.

It was so awkward!

Fu Xingchen corrected him sharply, “Xingyan, that’s your sister-in-law. Only I can call her Yan Yan. It’s not appropriate for you.”

Fu Xingyan laughed heartily, his handsome face betraying no regret or recognition of his mistake.

He was still as open as ever, as if he didn’t feel he was wrong—or didn’t think Fu Xingchen’s warning had any grounds.

The subtext was clear: he had no intention of keeping his distance.

“If she’s only my sister-in-law, then calling her Yan Yan might be inappropriate. But we’re close enough that calling her ‘sister-in-law’ feels too formal. I think Yan Yan sounds better. Don’t you agree, brother?”

Fu Xingchen’s heart sank, and a frown appeared between his brows.

“What do you mean by that?”

Fu Xingyan smiled without answering, silently counting down.

Three… two… one…

Before Fu Xingchen could demand an explanation, hurried footsteps approached from inside the room.

Shao Leyan had hastily thrown on a pajama set, forgetting her shoes, and ran over with her bare, delicate feet. She grabbed Fu Xingchen’s arm and smiled apologetically, explaining:

“I told him to call me that. After all, Xingyan is both your brother and my experiment assistant. Being more familiar makes it easier for me to relax during experiments.”

Shao Leyan had been secretly listening to the brothers’ argument at the door. The moment Fu Xingyan confidently uttered her nickname, she had shivers down her spine, goosebumps all over.

Fu Xingyan was deliberately trying to make Fu Xingchen misunderstand their relationship.

This troublesome, scheming little uncle!

So Shao Leyan didn’t bother overthinking. Fearing that the brothers might escalate into a fight, she quickly threw on her sleepwear and, before Fu Xingyan could respond to Fu Xingchen, she gave a hasty excuse.

Fu Xingchen apparently believed her makeshift story, and his expression softened considerably.

Lin Ying stared at the stunningly beautiful woman who had just rushed out of Fu Xingchen’s room, dressed in a state between half-dressed and fully dressed, unable to blink or look away.

Her smooth, long black hair cascaded like a waterfall. Her skin was like milk, pure and tender, as if a touch could squeeze water from it.

Her oval face was delicate and soft, her brows and large eyes carried an indescribable allure. Her high, refined nose and full, cherry-red lips were irresistibly kissable.

Her slender neck was swan-like, her tiny waist delicate, the thin sleepwear barely containing her curves. Even the small, cherry-colored peaks were clearly visible.

Her slim waist, rounded hips, shapely figure, straight, fair calves, and delicate feet—all exuded seductive charm. She looked innocent yet her beauty and figure were provocative, truly otherworldly.

Lin Ying unconsciously swallowed, unable to tear her gaze away, wishing she could touch that silky skin herself—or even taste it, certain it would be sweeter than candy.

Seeing Shao Leyan like this, half-dressed and alluring, Fu Xingyan unconsciously clenched his fists, his lower abdomen tightening unbearably.

He had seen and touched every part of her body, even kissed those tempting little lips.

But now, his brother had come and taken Shao Leyan away, leaving the recent days of experiments as his only memory.

Yet he knew that those few days spent with Shao Leyan had been the happiest of his life.

Why?

Why did his brother have to snatch his happiness away?

Fu Xingyan’s heart ached with jealousy and unfulfilled desire. Then, a thought flashed through his mind—Lin Ying’s earlier words:

“They absolutely cannot be together.”

Right!

How long had they known each other?

How much real affection could there be?

Why should his brother monopolize her just because she wasn’t afraid of thunder?

Such a wonderful person didn’t belong to anyone. Shao Leyan belonged only to herself!

Fu Xingyan struggled in the pain of jealousy and unrequited love.

Suddenly, someone tugged at his sleeve.

Snapping out of his thoughts, he locked eyes with Shao Leyan, shining like a sky full of stars.

She had finally calmed Fu Xingchen down, but Fu Xingyan remained silent, making her anxious. She grabbed his clothes.

“Xingyan, tell your brother I’m right, okay?!”

Fu Xingyan looked up, his eyes swirling like whirlpools, pulling Shao Leyan in so tightly that no matter how much she struggled, she couldn’t escape.

He instinctively held her small hand, his fingertips caressing her delicate skin possessively.

Fu Xingchen, guarding against his brother like a vigilant sentry, slapped Fu Xingyan’s hand the moment he moved.

Smack!

The electric sting made Fu Xingyan’s palm tingle, forcing him to release his grip.

Meanwhile, Shao Leyan was pulled into Fu Xingchen’s arms, who wished to shield her completely, leaving not a single inch of skin exposed.

Shao Leyan glimpsed Fu Xingyan’s sweating, pained face out of the corner of her eye and felt a pang in her heart. She tugged at Fu Xingchen’s shirt, gently chiding:

“Why are you shocking him? He’s not me. If you’re angry, shock me instead!”