My Paranoid Girlfriend Asks Me to Be Her Kept Woman (Rebirth) - Chapter 25.1

Shanhai Building

Lin Yi stood by the window, staring at the locust tree downstairs that would take several people to wrap their arms around.

Fan Texi leaned closer and looked, but did not see anything interesting. Curious, he asked, “What are you looking at?”

Lin Yi came back to herself. “Nothing. What were you saying just now?”

“I was talking about your contract with Jianming.”

“What about it?” Lin Yi’s expression was cool.

Fan Texi continued, “Shanhai’s legal department has already used the information in your hands to contact multiple signed artists who have been deeply oppressed by Jianming’s contracts. They’re preparing to jointly report the contract issue.”

“We’ve set the date for when you release your song.”

“How is your song coming along?”

Lin Yi could not quite muster any enthusiasm. The emptiness in her heart seemed to be continuously devouring her.

She could not say she was happy, nor was she completely indifferent. It was just that she seemed faint toward everything.

“The teacher said it’s still missing a little.” Missing a little intense emotion.

Lin Yi knew what was missing, but her heart was so weak and powerless.

She was about to release a new song, strike back at Lin Xiaolu, take revenge on those people from her previous life, and have a brand-new future.

Yet her heart seemed to rise and fall in a small boat, drowning in the water while not wanting to save itself.

Wuming had disappeared too.

The lighthouse ahead seemed blurred by thick fog, leaving her unable to find a clue, unable to grasp the direction, with only exhaustion remaining.

Fan Texi felt that something was wrong with Lin Yi. Her mood had been growing lower and lower these past few days, sinking into some inexplicable emotion.

It did not seem like anxiety. She would only occasionally stare at a certain place in a daze.

He blinked, then seemed to remember something and said, “Oh, right. Today is the day Boss comes back.”

“What?” Lin Yi’s voice grew slightly louder. “Zhao—Boss is coming back?”

Fan Texi snickered. As expected, Boss was refreshing. Look, didn’t she instantly regain her spirit?

He picked up the clipboard beside him and patted Lin Yi on the shoulder. “Work hard. When Boss comes back, give her a surprise.”

Lin Yi’s eyes widened roundly. The loss and weakness from just now seemed like bubbles that burst with one poke.

What had she been doing recently?!

The news of Zhao Qi’s return woke her up at once.

Lin Yi shook her head hard and patted her cheeks.

She had already come this far. She had to do her best! She had to become popular with one shot! She had to make her debut battle resound! Only then would she not disappoint the woman’s investment in her!

Zhao Qi had already poured enough into her! She could not let emotions control her!

As long as she continued to shine brightly, the woman’s gaze would always remain on her! Just like in the previous life! Hadn’t Zhao Qi been deeply attracted by her then too? Since she could make Zhao Qi fall in love with her once, she could make her fall in love with her a second time!

Once her resolve was firm, Lin Yi’s eyes seemed to contain a blaze, burning fiercely.

Fan Texi nodded in satisfaction. As expected, he was a qualified agent. With one sentence, he had stirred up his artist’s motivation. Everyone was happy.

After Fan Texi finished explaining all the work matters, Lin Yi rubbed the tips of her toes against the floor, her lips moving.

She wanted to ask about Zhao Qi’s recent condition. After that hurried meeting in Europe last time, she had not seen the woman again for nearly ten days, and she did not know how Zhao Qi was doing.

Fan Texi packed his things and was about to leave when Lin Yi finally asked aloud.

“Zhao Qi… is she okay?”

Fan Texi scratched the back of his head. “I don’t know much about Boss’s condition either. Assistant Li should know more. He’s been staying in Europe with President Zhao. He only revealed it to me today while assigning work.”

“Oh, right.” Fan Texi seemed to remember something else and said, “Boss doesn’t seem to be going to the old residence to recuperate.”

Lin Yi’s heart tightened, pounding wildly.

“Then where is she going?” She pinched her palm, and her throat tightened with it.

“To Sangzhu, I think,” Fan Texi said. “From what I heard, the housekeeper is already preparing to send servants from the old residence over to take care of Boss.”

Only then did Fan Texi remember that Lin Yi lived with Boss. He said, “Lin Yi, why don’t you move to the company dormitory? Living with Boss must feel a little uncomfortable.”

A sweet smile suddenly appeared beside Lin Yi’s cheek. Her emotions were like a roller coaster, rising and falling.

“No, Boss is very good.”

Only then did Fan Texi remember the connection between his artist and Boss.

That was true. After all, their relationship was different.

He had seen how Boss treated Lin Yi. It was an unusual kind of kindness and approachability, making him think Boss had been possessed by someone else. But toward him, she was still as merciless as autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves.

Cry, cry.

Fan Texi’s heart put on a dejected face. He continued instructing her, “Then you have to work hard these next few days.”

“Your song release date is coming soon!”

“Mm!” Lin Yi nodded.

Only then did Fan Texi leave at ease.

Lin Yi happily hopped a few times in the lounge, filled with the happiness of a little girl.

She checked the time. It was still early. Energized again, she went to the recording studio to discuss the song arrangement and production.

They were about to shoot the MV soon, and she seemed to have some ideas.

Everything was getting on track, and Zhao Qi had returned to Huaicheng.

“Eldest Brother, you really don’t need to see me off. Don’t you still have a lot of things to handle?” Zhao Qi said helplessly to the person behind her. “Assistant Li is here. That’s enough.”

Zhao Chengye pushed the wheelchair. Zhao Qi, sitting in the wheelchair, was wrapped up tightly.

“I’ll send you to Sangzhu and take a look at your living situation while I’m there. If it isn’t good, you’ll come back to the old residence with me.” He still had not given up on bringing his younger sister back.

Zhao Qi smiled helplessly.

“Xiao Qi!” A gentle and warm male voice carried a trace of urgency. “Are you all right?”

Zhao Chengzhe had been waiting at the helipad. As soon as he saw the plane arrive, he could not wait to come over.

“Second Brother? Why are you here too? Aren’t you working today?” Zhao Qi asked.

“How could work be more important than you?” Zhao Chengzhe stood in front of Zhao Qi, rubbing his hands, not knowing where to put them. “Does the wound still hurt? Are you all right? What did the doctor say? Do you need to go to the hospital again?”

Zhao Qi smiled as she watched her second brother at a loss. She answered, “I’m fine now. Really.”

Zhao Chengzhe was so distressed that he squatted down and held his younger sister’s hand. “Look, your hands are cold. How can you be fine?” Then he looked at Zhao Chengye reproachfully. “Eldest Brother, really. Why didn’t you stuff a hand warmer in for Little Sister?”

Zhao Qi looked at the sun hanging in the sky. It was not even autumn yet, but she was practically being treated as if winter had arrived.

“I’m fine, really!” She was nearly ready to swear to the heavens. “My hands have always been cold.”

“Really?” Zhao Chengzhe did not believe her.

Zhao Qi became helpless again. This excessive attention was too much for her to handle.

“Isn’t it bad for us to block the way here?” She changed the topic, shifting attention away from herself.

Zhao Chengye’s face was dark. He snorted coldly at his second brother. Did he not see who had been taking care of Xiao Qi in Europe? Yet he dared say Zhao Chengye had not cared for her properly?!

This spendthrift could forget about him supporting the projects he tried to connect in the future! Zhao Group was not a charity! Did he not see how much money had already been lost? If not for the sake of family and supporting his work, Zhao Chengye would have knocked Zhao Chengzhe’s head off! How many mines did their family have to let him send money out like this?!

Zhao Chengzhe still did not know what his eldest brother was thinking. He quickly moved aside and accompanied his eldest brother in sending their younger sister to Sangzhu.

When they arrived at Sangzhu Apartment, Zhao Chengye walked around the apartment twice. The housekeeper had already brought the servants and waited there early.

By the time their group arrived, everything had been prepared. Even the bedroom where Zhao Qi would sleep had been changed to a high-end multifunctional hospital bed like the ones in hospitals. The family doctor was also staying in the guest room and could check the young miss’s condition at any time.

After looking through all of the housekeeper’s arrangements, Zhao Chengye’s face grew even darker.

He had originally wanted to find an excuse to bring his younger sister back to the old residence, but the housekeeper’s thoughtful service left him unable to find even an excuse!

The housekeeper cautiously observed the master’s expression. Sensing Zhao Chengye’s displeasure, she thought the master was still dissatisfied with what she had done for the young miss and grew even more terrified. She sent people to tidy everything more carefully, making sure every corner would make the young miss comfortable while recovering.

The sky gradually darkened, and the evening star grew brighter. After finishing a day of work, Lin Yi could not wait to rush home.

Zhao Chengye inspected the entire apartment. In one corner of the room, he saw a withered bouquet. He furrowed his brows. Xiao Qi being injured this time was already unlucky enough, so why was there still a dried bouquet here?! Inauspicious.

He immediately instructed the housekeeper to clean up the dried flowers. Zhao Qi and Zhao Chengzhe came out from inside while talking and smiling, just in time to see the housekeeper holding the dried flowers and instructing the servants.

Her heart moved, and she called out to the housekeeper.

“Wait. What are you holding?”

The housekeeper stopped. “Miss, it’s the bouquet placed on that small table over there. Master said it had already withered and asked me to clean it up.”

“Bring it over and let me see.” She spoke softly, carrying an emotion she could not name.

The housekeeper bent slightly and brought the bouquet closer to the young miss.

Zhao Qi looked over the flowers that had finished blooming and already withered.

There was nothing especially novel about them. Yet Lin Yi had treasured them so much.

She thought faintly, then waved her hand and told the housekeeper to deal with them.

As the housekeeper turned, the card tucked among the branches and leaves drifted down in front of Zhao Qi.

Zhao Chengzhe bent down and picked it up. “Xiao Qi, there’s a card here too. Did someone write it for you?” The man did not open it and asked with a smile.

He assumed that anything at Sangzhu should have been given to his younger sister by someone.

Zhao Qi took it from her brother and slowly opened the card.

It seemed Lin Yi had not noticed there was a card either. Otherwise, the string had not been moved at all and did not look like it had been opened.

She opened the card without any politeness. She wanted to see who had sent it.

A line of graceful handwriting entered her eyes: To the one reading this, hello, Lin Yi’s beloved. I am the director who raised her…

Zhao Qi kept the card open for a long time without moving. Zhao Chengzhe leaned over curiously, wanting to see exactly what content had stunned his Xiao Qi.

Before he could see clearly, Xiao Qi snapped it shut, her mood low.

Zhao Chengye was still in the living room giving instructions: what to add here for Xiao Qi, how to arrange things there.

Zhao Chengzhe squatted down worriedly. “Xiao Qi, what’s wrong?” She was clearly unhappy, and a low pressure had appeared around her.

Zhao Qi opened her mouth, but there was movement at the entryway. The two raised their eyes and looked over. A woman as bright as spring sunlight had returned with the depth of the dark night.

“Zhao Qi!” Lin Yi had not even changed her shoes when she saw the woman at once.

She kicked off the shoes on her feet and charged over with thudding steps, fierce and imposing.

Even Zhao Chengzhe was forced back by Lin Yi’s momentum. He moved aside, leaving a step of space so Lin Yi could insert herself in front of Xiao Qi.

But once she reached Zhao Qi, Lin Yi softened into a puddle of water and asked gently, “Does your wound still hurt?”

Zhao Qi subconsciously held the card in her palm, not wanting Lin Yi to see it.

Her chest ached dully. From the moment she had seen the card’s contents, it felt as though a stone were pressing against her heart.

She had misunderstood Lin Yi…

Lin Yi tilted up her small face and obediently squatted in front of Zhao Qi’s wheelchair. Her face was filled with joy at seeing the woman, impossible to suppress.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore.” Zhao Qi leaned forward.

The two looked at each other for a long while, then awkwardly moved their gazes away.

There were people present, so they could not kiss.

There were people, so she could not kiss Zhao Qi.

The two thought this at the same time.

“Lin Yi?” Zhao Chengye asked in surprise. “You live here?”

Zhao Chengzhe smiled gently and elegantly beside them.

Only then did Lin Yi realize that both Zhao brothers were present. She stood up and smiled shyly, not quite at ease.

Zhao Chengzhe remembered that last time, it was Lin Yi who had helped Zhao Qi block a knife. The smile on his face was warm.

“Xiao Qi living here alone would have made me worry. It’s wonderful that you’re here.” He had always been good with words, and with one sentence, everyone present felt comfortable hearing it.

Zhao Chengye glared at his younger brother, then followed by nodding too.

This sentence at least sounded somewhat proper. With Lin Yi here, he could finally feel reassured about Xiao Qi.

Without realizing it, Lin Yi held a weight in the hearts of the Zhao brothers that she herself did not know.

The Zhao brothers were both very busy people. Being able to make time today was already extremely rare.

Especially Zhao Chengye, who had been gone for ten days and had not even returned home.

Although Zhao Chengzhe had not married, he worked within the system, so it was not easy for him to take leave either.

Zhao Qi was considerate of her brothers. Not only did she not keep them for dinner, she even told them to hurry off and handle their own matters. She had everything here and only needed to rest quietly.

The two men and the housekeeper were driven out of the apartment and stood at the door, looking at one another.

“Were we disliked?” Zhao Chengzhe held his chin and pondered.

Zhao Chengye gave a scoff and called the housekeeper to return home.

“When you have time, come check whether Xiao Qi is missing anything and make up for it. She injured her body, so catch a few more pigeons and stew them to replenish her qi and blood.” The housekeeper listened to the master’s words and agreed one by one.

Zhao Chengzhe also took a long stride and followed behind his elder brother. “Eldest Brother, since you’re going home, drop me off at my workplace. I still have some work I haven’t finished. Also, what do you think about the Lanhua Mountain project?”

Zhao Chengye tugged at the corner of his mouth and gave a fake smile. “Does our Minister Zhao not even have a driver?”

Invest money! Invest money! Every time he saw him, it was projects! Projects! The last project was still incubating! He really wanted to knock Zhao Chengzhe’s head off!

Zhao Chengzhe smiled honestly. “I took a taxi here. Public cars can’t be used for private matters.” After saying that, sharp light filled his eyes. “This project has policy support from the Guo family. Eldest Brother, you can take a more detailed look.”

Zhao Chengye said irritably, “Don’t give me that routine! Which place are you trying to act as the God of Wealth for this time? Even poverty alleviation isn’t done the way you do it.”

Zhao Chengzhe smiled ingratiatingly at his brother. “Isn’t Zhao Group’s influence right there? Once you move, other investors will naturally rush in. It can drive the surrounding area up.”

“Have someone send the project to our investment department. This time, I’ll listen to the planning department.”

“If it passes their review, I’ll agree.”

Zhao Chengye said impartially, “This time, I can’t open a precedent for you again. The directors already have opinions.”

“All right, all right.” Zhao Chengzhe narrowed his eyes. “That works.”

The brothers clapped hands in midair, and a preliminary agreement was reached.

Inside Sangzhu Apartment, Lin Yi pushed Zhao Qi into the bedroom. The servants who stayed behind were busy in the kitchen. It suddenly felt much quieter, but the two of them enjoyed the atmosphere now.

Zhao Qi could get out of bed and walk a few steps now, but her wound had not healed yet, and any tug caused deep pain.

Lin Yi helped her sit on the bed, then slowly raised the bed so Zhao Qi could lean back against it. After that, she lifted the woman’s legs onto the bed.

She did these things willingly, without the slightest displeasure on her face, because the woman had once treated her like this too. Back then, Lin Yi had been far more miserable than Zhao Qi was now.

Zhao Qi silently observed Lin Yi.

As soon as Lin Yi raised her head and met Zhao Qi’s gaze, their eyes were drawn together like magnets. And now, there were no outsiders.

She bent down. Her soft hair slipped down and covered the woman.

Lips and teeth depended on each other as they exchanged themselves.

Their breaths tangled together. It was the scent she was attached to.

Lin Yi felt that all her unease was being soothed one by one by the woman’s lips and tongue, and her mood gradually calmed.

She had never been a confident person. It was under the woman’s encouragement that she had gained a self. Zhao Qi was the one who had made her into who she was now.

Zhao Qi panted slightly. After a long time of entanglement, the two separated. At some unknown point, Lin Yi had already leaned beside Zhao Qi.

She carefully avoided Zhao Qi’s wound and leaned just a little against her shoulder.

Zhao Qi closed her eyes. The guilt from seeing the card still remained. That bouquet had actually been meant for her.

Why had she formed such a ridiculous idea and misunderstood Lin Yi?

“I’m sorry.” She had always been honest. If she did something wrong, she had to apologize.

“What?” Lin Yi propped herself up. She was enjoying this moment.

The familiar cool woody fragrance on the woman wrapped around her, making her longing and uneasy soul seem to have found a place to belong.

“The flowers,” Zhao Qi groped and took Lin Yi’s other hand. She rubbed it carefully. The slender fingers were soft, and the finger pads had thin calluses. It was the exact touch her fingers had felt while she was unconscious. “It was my fault.”

Lin Yi leaned closer to the woman. Those watery eyes clearly reflected Zhao Qi. She pecked Zhao Qi again and smoothed the hair by the woman’s temple.

“I forgave you a long time ago.”

Knock, knock, knock—

“Miss, dinner is ready,” the servant at the door said.

Lin Yi hurriedly got off Zhao Qi. She smoothed her hair and adjusted her clothes.

Zhao Qi watched with amusement and answered outside the door, “Got it.”

The servant continued, “Miss, should we bring it in?”

“Yes.”

Zhao Qi still could not sit for long and needed the support of the bed’s sitting equipment to ease the pain of her wound.

Lin Yi opened the door, and the servant pushed a small cart inside.

Lin Yi carefully tied up Zhao Qi’s loose hair. The servant lowered the bed tray and arranged the meal.

Zhao Qi picked up a spoon and looked at Lin Yi. “Eat some with me.”

“Okay.” Lin Yi did not refuse and asked the servant to bring another pair of chopsticks.

This was the first meal they had shared since Zhao Qi left. It was not awkward. A quiet tenderness flowed between them.

Lin Yi told Zhao Qi about her album. Zhao Qi raised her brows.

The person she had set her eyes on was indeed outstanding enough. There was no need to worry about her at all.

Lin Yi lightly passed over other troubling matters and tried to find interesting things from work to tell the woman.

They ate and laughed, and soon they were full.

The sky had gone completely dark.

From the top floor of Sangzhu Apartment, they could still see some brilliant stars.

Lin Yi did not let anyone else do it and personally helped Zhao Qi wash up.

She soaked a hot towel and gently wiped the woman’s face.

Zhao Qi’s body had not yet recovered, and today she had also taken a long flight. By now, she was already tired, exhaustion showing beneath her eyes.

After tidying everything, Lin Yi coaxed softly, “Sleep.”

Zhao Qi’s mind was hazy with warmth and sleepiness, yet she was reluctant to let go and held Lin Yi’s hand.

She did not speak. She only hooked Lin Yi’s fingers and gently swayed them.

Lin Yi’s heart instantly softened. She leaned close to the woman’s ear and murmured, “I’ll stay here with you, okay?”

The corners of Zhao Qi’s lips curved up. Like a small animal, she rubbed against Lin Yi’s cheek.

“Okay…”

Lin Yi lightly pecked Zhao Qi. “I’ll go wash up.”

Only then did Zhao Qi reluctantly let go of her hand.

Lin Yi returned very quickly.

The high-function hospital bed was not very large, but fortunately, with only two women lying on it, it was more than enough.

The moon gradually climbed onto the treetops. Lin Yi carefully avoided the woman’s wound and tucked Zhao Qi’s cold hand against her chest.

She used the warmth of her heart to soothe the woman’s coldness.

In that warmth, the two gradually fell asleep.