Chapter 8: The Man's Overwhelming Presence

The next morning, Song Yin woke up to the alarm she had set. She still had things to do today.

As she stepped out of the bedroom, she found breakfast already prepared.

Song Yulian rubbed her hands together and spoke in a coaxing tone, “I really forgot yesterday. You’ve worked hard, Yin. I promise I won’t play cards anymore. Will you believe your mother just this once?”

“You’ve said that more than thirty times already. How did it turn out in the end?” Song Yin replied, then went to the bathroom to freshen up.

After changing her clothes, she was about to leave.

Song Yulian hurriedly said, “Have some breakfast before you go.”

“You eat it yourself. I have things to do and don’t have time,” Song Yin said.

“Yin, didn’t Uncle Li give you some money? See if you can give me part of it first...” Song Yulian pleaded.

Song Yin immediately asked, “What do you need the money for? I give you living expenses every month. Lost it playing cards?”

“No, no, it’s about Uncle Li...” Song Yulian started.

Song Yin’s temper flared instantly. “You’re still in contact with him? He vanished as soon as he found out you were sick. Now that he knows you have money for treatment, he’s back?”

“He was in trouble back then, that’s why...” Song Yin cut her off. “I don’t care what he was doing. Just don’t even think about touching that money. It’s for your medical treatment. Even if you don’t use it, it won’t go to him.”

“So you made breakfast early this morning just for this,” Song Yin said.

“No, no,” Song Yulian hurriedly responded, “I’ve made breakfast for you many times before. Didn’t I raise you all these years?”

Song Yin didn’t argue further; she didn’t want to waste time.

Grabbing her keys, she put on her shoes and left.

She had taken on a translation job today.

There was a large exhibition in the southern city, and she was responsible for accompanying several Arabs to attend.

The two-day trip would earn her two thousand yuan—a considerable sum.

She spent the whole day accompanying the clients around the exhibition hall. In the evening, as she was about to leave, one of them called her over and insisted she join them for dinner.

It turned out someone here was hosting the dinner and wanted to include Song Yin.

She wanted to politely decline, after all, she was just a translator.

But they were adamant and said she could continue translating during dinner. They were very satisfied with her service. If she didn’t come, they would feel embarrassed.

Unable to refuse such warmth, Song Yin accompanied them.

The dinner was hosted by the president of a company who had some trade dealings with them.

Knowing they were in town, he warmly invited them to dine.

They went to a newly opened resort-style hotel.

Meals, lodging, and transportation were all provided.

It was owned by President Zhou Yingshi himself.

Zhou Yingshi spoke Arabic fluently and communicated effortlessly with the guests. Song Yin felt almost invisible.

She thought after this meal, they would disperse.

She wouldn’t join any further activities Zhou Yingshi arranged.

Zhou Yingshi was kind and polite, even to Song Yin. “The hotel just opened recently, Miss Song. Help me spread the word. If you ever need anything, feel free to come by.”

“Of course,” Song Yin replied politely.

The prices here were shockingly high—definitely not within her means. Even entertaining clients, it was unlikely she would come here.

During the meal, she stepped out to use the restroom.

She had to walk down a long corridor to reach the end where the restroom was located.

The corridor was lined with many flowers swaying gently in the evening breeze.

Having had two glasses of wine—light enough but making her head feel heavy—she sat down on a rattan chair on the nearby lawn.

Closing her eyes and tilting her head back, she enjoyed the soothing breeze.

“Song Yin.”

As always, someone came to spoil the moment.

She opened her eyes and saw Tang Jiahao standing before her.

She glanced coldly at him and turned her head away.

Tang Jiahao grinned mischievously. “I heard you’re being kept by a real estate tycoon in his fifties. Is it true? Was he the one who brought you here for dinner? Where is he? Introduce me. Let me know why you look down on me. I’m making hundreds of thousands a year now. How about being with me?”

Song Yin stood up and looked at him with utter contempt. “How deep was it with you? A needle prick or fifteen minutes?”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“I learned it from you. You talk nonsense, so can’t I? Who doesn’t have a mouth?”

Feeling disgusted, Song Yin turned to leave, but Tang Jiahao grabbed her wrist.

He sneered, “I talk nonsense? Where? Your mother was a mistress who gave birth to you, and no one at school knew the mess your family is in. You might even be living with your mother, serving...”

Before he could finish, Song Yin slapped him hard.

“You dare hit me?”

“While you were chasing me, you were messing with the school beauty? And you’re still dating her, right? I heard her family is wealthy. Want me to talk to her?”

Tang Jiahao showed a hint of fear.

He let go of her hand and pointed at her. “You’re just a worn-out shoe. Don’t think you’re special.”

“Ha, thanks for not thinking much of me. Your cheesy confessions and countless harassing messages? I thought you were just a horny pig.”

“You...” Tang Jiahao cursed and stormed off.

Song Yin took a breath, but suddenly her back stiffened.

Her senses sharpened, detecting a strong presence nearby.

She turned her head and saw Lou Yizhou standing at the end of the corridor, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a cigarette, calmly watching in her direction.