Content Warning
Rape?
Two months ago, in the rental apartment…
Yan Xun, who had sneaked out of his home with the cat, was on the phone with Lin Ran.
The phone was on speaker on the table, next to two empty cans of sparkling wine. Yan Xun held Baobao in his arms, hanging his head and being scolded…
“He doesn’t like you, and you’re still marrying him?!”
“Yan Xun, are you out of your mind?!”
Lin Ran had always been cold and stern with Yan Xun since he was a child. He had been harsh before, but it was rare for him to so directly criticize Yan Xun’s sanity.
After all, this adopted younger brother had always been very smart, quick to learn, and had consistently been at the top of his class. He had few friends, and Zhou Ze was the only one who was relatively close.
But despite Yan Xun being good-looking and kind, aside from his family background, he excelled in both academics and career. He had plenty of admirers, but Yan Xun was uninterested in any of them and found them annoying.
So, Lin Ran never expected that one day Yan Xun would be so infatuated that he would marry someone who didn’t even like him.
When Lin Ran called to confirm that Yan Xun had already registered the marriage with that man, he was so angry that he couldn’t sleep, so he called again.
“When is the wedding?”
Although the other person was a man and a wealthy CEO, Lin Ran didn’t want to owe anyone anything, nor did he want their family’s wedding to feel like they were marrying off a son.
“Did you give the bride price? How much are you planning to give?”
“No wedding.”
Unexpectedly, Yan Xun gave him a completely negative answer.
“No bride price, I won’t give him any, nor will there be any other formalities or ceremonies. We just registered the marriage.”
Lin Ran: “…”
Just registering the marriage?!
What kind of wedding is this?!
Lin Ran felt he wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.
“He doesn’t even want a wedding?!”
“…It’s what he wants. So I don’t want a wedding.”
Yan Xun explained in a low voice,
“Their family situation is a bit complicated and doesn’t really agree. We’re both men, and… I think it’s too much trouble. We might end up getting divorced later, so there’s no need for a wedding.”
Yan Xun couldn’t bring himself to say that this marriage was nothing but an embarrassing transaction.
He had put a price tag on his feelings, marriage, and future freedom, selling them to Chu Tingyun.
That marriage certificate was just a cover-up.
But Lin Ran didn’t know this. He couldn’t believe that someone as serious as Yan Xun would treat such an important matter as marriage so carelessly and perfunctorily.
No wedding is one thing, but thinking about divorce right after getting the certificate?
This could only mean one thing—
He had no hope or expectations for this marriage or this partner. If that’s the case, why get married at all?
At that time, Lin Ran could only think that Yan Xun must be deeply in love with that man, but the man didn’t love him as much.
Moreover, Yan Xun had acted unilaterally and got the certificate before telling his family. His attitude was very resolute. Lin Ran was furious but couldn’t interfere in his life choices.
So now, three years later, when Yan Xun came to tell him about the divorce, Lin Ran was not surprised. He just couldn’t help but scold him a few more times and urged him:
“Don’t dawdle. If you want a divorce, get it done quickly!”
“Got it…”
After drinking, his voice was slurred,
.
“I’ve already signed the divorce agreement and sent it to him, along with his card and the money I owe him.”
After a pause, Yan Xun added:
“I’ll pay back the money I owe from home as soon as possible. I’m already looking for a new job, and there are the IOUs…”
“What home money? It’s clearly your money. You’re just paying it back.”
Lin Ran interrupted him directly.
When Yan Xun was in college, he won a competition prize of five hundred thousand yuan. Later, he developed a few small programs for a big company, earning tens of thousands more. He used most of this money to treat Lin Ran’s leg, which wasn’t just a simple amputation. It had some rare complications, and prosthetics couldn’t be fitted. The cure rate in the country was low, so they had to go abroad.
After going abroad, Yan Xun sent money every month.
Over two years, Lin Ran recovered and returned to the country. Coincidentally, their old house was demolished, and they received over three million in compensation, which was all given to Yan Xun.
As for the money for the divorce, Yan Xun explained that he had spent a lot of money during the marriage, and Lin Ran’s mother had also received a lot of things and help from Chu Tingyun. So, it was necessary to pay back before the divorce.
“Pay it back then.”
Lin Ran agreed with this.
Clear it up, pay it cleanly, and then cut off all contact with that person and start a new life.
Yan Xun was only twenty-five this year, still young, with education and ability, so the future was not a worry.
Lin Ran asked him, “Do you plan to stay in the capital afterwards?”
“No, I’ll move to another city after the divorce.”
Because the capital had Chu Tingyun.
“Where to specifically, I haven’t decided yet. I’ll see.”
“Alright.”
At this point, Yan Xun suddenly asked, “What about the senior sister?”
“Have you seen her since you came back? I heard she seems to be getting married.”
Since being brought back from Russia by Chu Tingyun, Yan Xun hadn’t seen or contacted Jing Shu, the senior sister.
Chu Tingyun didn’t allow him to interact with the Jiang family. It was only recently, with the news of the He family and Jiang family alliance, that Yan Xun had heard some things.
“…”
Lin Ran was silent for a long time and said,
“She’s getting married. Why should I go see her?”
Before Lin Ran went abroad, he had already clarified with Jingshu that they were not suitable, mainly because he was not worthy of her.
As for Jiang Jingshu asking Yan Xun to pretend to be her boyfriend to avoid blind dates, that was something that happened afterward.
They pretended to be together for over four months, then broke up amicably. At that time, Jingshu realized that her approach was too naïve, like a child playing house, and it was useless.
“…That’s true.”
Yan Xun understood.
Since they already knew they couldn’t be together, it was best not to disturb her.
With that, Lin Ran had lost interest in continuing the conversation. He reminded Yan Xun several times to get the divorce done quickly and not to procrastinate before hanging up.
Beep…
After the call ended, Yan Xun no longer had to maintain his composure and sobriety. He picked up Baobao and staggered toward the bedroom, leaving the door open.
The whole house was empty, and an open door didn’t matter. It also meant he didn’t have to worry about Chu Tingyun’s delicate skin.
He could finally cuddle with the cat tonight.
Yan Xun buried his face in the soft belly of the kitten and took a deep breath, easing his tense nerves and inner frustration.
He also took the opportunity to pinch Baobao’s little bell.
This was his only private little quirk.
So, while drunk and absorbed in his cat, Yan Xun didn’t notice someone silently unlocking the door and walking in.
By the time he realized someone was there, it was too late.
Chu Tingyun, who was fierce and spoke little, immediately grabbed the cat from the bed and threw it into the living room, then slammed the bedroom door shut with a “bang.”
He locked it with force.
No matter how much the kitten outside meowed and scratched at the door, Chu Tingyun didn’t care.
Yan Xun, lying on the bed, took a while to realize what had happened. His gaze focused on Chu Tingyun’s angry and sullen face, gradually confirming that the person had indeed come to find him.
Not only had he found him, but he had also somehow managed to break into Yan Xun’s last little refuge in the middle of the night.
The young man struggled to sit up, looking both puzzled and uncertain.
“Chu Tingyun, how did you get here… How did you get in?!”
“How did I get here?”
Chu Tingyun loosened his tie with one hand and laughed with rage,
“I should be asking why you’re here?!”
“We’re getting a divorce!”
Clearly, Chu Tingyun’s sudden appearance and direct intrusion had enraged Yan Xun. He stood up, trying to get out of his currently somewhat vulnerable position.
“Chu Tingyun, I’ve already returned all the money to you. Where I go now is none of your business!”
“Yan Xun, do you think this will make me leave you alone?!”
Chu Tingyun gripped his wrist tightly and forcefully pushed Yan Xun against the nearby wardrobe door.
“I won’t sign. Don’t even think about getting a divorce!”
“If you don’t sign… I can file for divorce.”
The alcohol made Yan Xun feel weak all over, and with Chu Tingyun’s unusual strength in his furious state, he couldn’t break free for the moment.
“Let go of me! Chu Tingyun, you’re breaking into my home!”
“Hmph…”
The man laughed when he heard this. He leaned in, putting himself in a very intimate position.
“Breaking into your home? Are you going to call the police next?”
“Yan Xun, regardless of our marriage, do you want to see whose name is on the property deed for this house?”
“…”
The young man’s eyes widened suddenly as he realized something.
“Yes, you guessed it.”
Chu Tingyun’s tone was filled with a sense of vindictive pleasure,
“I bought it. Yan Xun, you’re living in my house now.”
“…”
The moment he heard this, Yan Xun felt as though a bucket of cold water had been poured over him from head to toe. Countless invisible ropes seemed to wrap around him, making it hard for him to breathe.
“…I want a divorce.”
He shivered slightly, gritting his teeth and said.
“Chu Tingyun, I absolutely want a divorce!”
“Alright.”
But surprisingly, Chu Tingyun agreed immediately.
Yan Xun was stunned for a long time, thinking he had heard wrong. But then he heard Chu Tingyun say,
“Then you need to give me the cat.”
“I’ve already said it’s impossible!”
Yan Xun flatly refused.
Chu Tingyun smiled, “Then we’re at an impasse. No divorce.”
He knew Yan Xun wouldn’t abandon the cat. They had already argued about it at home; Chu Tingyun just didn’t expect Yan Xun would actually steal the cat and run.
At this moment, Yan Xun immediately realized the other party was playing him. He angrily grabbed the man’s collar, his emotions flaring.
“Chu Tingyun, let’s be reasonable. I brought that cat home. You didn’t like it at all at the time; it was you who didn’t want it!”
“I’ve been taking care of it for over two years. Moreover, Baobao doesn’t like you either!”
“—Yes!”
Chu Tingyun seemed to be pierced by these words, his eyes reddened as he hysterically shouted,
“The cat doesn’t like me, and you never liked me either!”
Yan Xun was suddenly stunned: “…”
But in the next moment, his wrists were handcuffed.
Yan Xun hadn’t expected that Chu Tingyun had come with handcuffs this time. In a moment of distraction, he was handcuffed and thrown onto the bed.
The following kisses were so rough that Yan Xun was in pain. He bit back, but Chu Tingyun didn’t care; instead, he pinched his jaw and kissed him even deeper. Yan Xun, who had only worn a thin nightgown after drinking at home, was easily torn open. Chu Tingyun bit heavily on his neck and started groping his chest and abdomen before moving down. The next second, Yan Xun’s entire body trembled.
“Chu Tingyun! You… shameless!”
His hands were locked behind him, struggling desperately with the handcuffs but unable to break free. The intense emotions made his blood race, and his face was completely overtaken by anger and shame.
“Who’s shameless here?”
Chu Tingyun sat on his lap, using his weight to forcibly restrain Yan Xun. The man chuckled lowly, “In this situation, you’re still responding, even more intensely than usual, aren’t you?”
“…”
Yan Xun didn’t speak. He turned his head and buried his face deep into the pillow, unable to control his body and the current situation, making it impossible for him to face it with open eyes.
“It’s alright, Yan Xun.”
Since there were no umbrellas prepared in the rental house, Chu Tingyun had brought his own.
“No matter whether you like me or not, you’ll never leave me in this lifetime.”
“…”
This forceful and aggressive encounter continued until dawn.
Afterward, Chu Tingyun didn’t forcibly take Yan Xun away or lock him up; he only left behind the key to the handcuffs and took the cat with him.
The cat was immediately sent to the hospital for an expedited neutering surgery.
From then on, Chu Tingyun developed a deep-seated grudge with the cat.
When they met again, naturally, it was with a fierce hostility.
“Chu Tingyun, why does it seem like Baobao… doesn’t really like you?”
Facing Yan Xun’s question, Chu Tingyun was silent for a moment before partially revealing the truth:
“For its health, I had it neutered.”
“Neutered?”
Yan Xun was a bit shocked.
Baobao was a very healthy and strong tabby cat with sturdy limbs, never losing a fight, and even its little bell was bigger and fuller than other kittens of the same age, feeling particularly good to the touch.
Although touching the bell was a bit perverted, it was indeed one of Yan Xun’s few hobbies.
Moreover, Baobao was very obedient and didn’t urinate around the house. As a male cat, it didn’t go into heat, so Yan Xun had been delaying the neutering out of personal preference.
“Let me see.”
Yan Xun immediately picked up the cat to check its rear.
Sure enough, the once large and full little bell now only had a deflated layer of skin.
“Meow… meow…”
The extremely aggrieved kitten immediately complained to Yan Xun, meowing nonstop.
“Really neutered.”
Yan Xun felt quite regretful, as he had been looking forward to touching it today.
Chu Tingyun noticed his disappointment and felt a bit uneasy and regretful inside, but his expression remained unchanged. He casually suggested:
“I heard there’s a pet prosthetic implantation surgery that’s very safe now. If you really can’t bear to part with it, you could get one.”
He paused and then added:
“It can be made to feel and look just like the real thing.”
“No, fake is still fake.”
Yan Xun shook his head and rejected it quickly, showing no intention of considering it.
Chu Tingyun heard him say:
“I don’t want fake.”
