Chapter 14: Two in the Fitting Room

After leaving the hospital, Tang Yan walked straight home. She quickly realized there was a serious problem: if she didn’t find a job soon, her frequent visits to the Li family would start raising suspicion.

Just as Tang Yan stepped out of the hospital, a sleek black luxury car idled by the curb. “Check who she met,” Li Chuzhe snapped, his jaw clenched tight, his expression dark with irritation.

Sitting in the backseat, he signaled the driver to follow. Tang Yan had planned to head straight home—but then another mission popped up on her phone.
【Meet me at Hao Li’s bar tonight at ten.】

Infiltration ops like this usually meant exchanging intel or handling an urgent situation on the spot. With time still on her side, Tang Yan decided to stop by a store and pick up something appropriate to wear.

"Sir," the driver muttered nervously, peering into the rearview mirror. "Madam stopped ahead. The少爷… he’s completely frozen—like ice from the inside out."

Without a word, Li Chuzhe stepped out of the car and entered the same boutique Tang Yan had just gone into.
"You can go back now. I’ll call if I need you."

"Yes, sir."

Taking advantage of the moment Tang Yan disappeared into the dressing room, Li Chuzhe boldly walked in. The staff instantly recognized him—the Li family’s heir—and practically bowed low, eager to please, offering every ounce of flattery they could muster.

"That lady just now? She’s my wife," Li Chuzhe said coolly, already heading toward the changing rooms. "Wait outside."

The employees nodded obediently, their eyes wide with curiosity. They all knew the reputation: Li Chuzhe never touched women. He was famously devoted, monogamous—so when they heard his words, they exchanged knowing glances, whispering behind their hands.

Inside the fitting room, Tang Yan tried on a long dress—something that matched the persona she’d be playing tonight. A quiet, delicate woman. Her long hair fell over her shoulders, dark and silky, with soft waves curling at the ends.

"This dress has the zipper in the back? How am I supposed to reach it?" she grumbled, twisting her body, tugging desperately at the stubborn zip. No matter how hard she pulled, it wouldn’t close.

"Excuse me," she sighed, turning slightly toward the wall, breathing heavily. "Could you help me with the zipper?"

The curtain parted with a soft rustle. Hearing her voice, Tang Yan politely said, “Thanks for coming.”

No reply. Only footsteps drawing closer. Then warmth—fingers brushing lightly against her bare back, following the line of the zipper down her spine.

“Thank you,” she murmured again, adjusting her skirt, preparing to turn around and check the fit.

But suddenly, one hand seized her right wrist and lifted it high above her head, slamming her against the wall. She spun around, eyes wide. “Li Chuzhe? What are you doing here?”

He pressed harder, pinning her in place. Even though Tang Yan was quick and agile, trapped like this, she couldn’t fight back. His right hand locked her wrist against the wall. His left gripped her other hand, twisting it behind her back, pressing her wrists tightly into her waist. His chest pressed flush against her back.

“What were you doing at the hospital?” His voice was deep, smooth, laced with barely restrained anger.

“I’ve got a sore throat. Went to get medicine.” She struggled for a few seconds, then gave up. There was no way she could break free.

Then he shifted, driving his knee between her thighs, leaning down until their bodies were pressed together. A low hum vibrated through her ear—almost a purr—sending electric shivers down her spine.

Her inner thighs brushed against the sheer fabric of the dress, stinging slightly from the friction. “Li Chuzhe, I’m going to report you. We agreed not to interfere. What’s this mean?”

“Go ahead and report me,” he said coldly. “The agreement says it only applies if your dignity isn’t compromised. Now tell me—why were you at the hospital?”

His grip tightened slightly.

“A friend was in a car accident. I went to visit her.” Her eyes darted nervously. She turned her head away, refusing to meet his gaze.

He leaned in, his face inches from hers, breath warm against her cheek. “A friend? Who?”

Tang Yan felt humiliated beyond words. Her mind raced—how could she get out of this? After a few seconds, she realized: this position was hopeless. There was no clean kick, no sudden escape. Then, without warning, he grabbed her shoulders and spun her around—face-to-face.

“Tang Yan,” he whispered, voice dangerously low. “Don’t lie. And make sure that person is *just* a friend. Just that.”

The last two words dripped with venom—like a promise to swallow her whole.

She didn’t respond. If the organization found out about this, she’d be finished. As she stood frozen in thought, Li Chuzhe suddenly clamped his hand under her chin, lifting her face up. Then—soft, insistent—his lips pressed against hers.

Tang Yan froze. *Again?* He was kissing her—again—without permission. She tried to bite down, but he was faster. His tongue slipped past her lips before she could react.

Her pupils dilated. Her breath hitched. Tears welled in the corners of her eyes. She was trembling—shaking, almost sobbing.

Li Chuzhe felt it instantly. He pulled back, eyes dropping to hers. For the first time, regret flickered across his face.

“Tang Yan… I’m sorry.”

“Get away from me!” she screamed, shoving him hard and bolting out of the dressing room.

Leaning against the wall, knees bent, Li Chuzhe closed his eyes, heart heavy. “Why?”

Tang Yan ran blindly, unsure where to go. After minutes of frantic pacing, she finally slowed, panting. “Damn it. I must’ve lost my mind. Stupid, stupid…”

She forced herself to calm down—people were watching. She wiped her tears with a shaky hand, trying to look composed. But she hadn’t even noticed—she was still barefoot.

“Ow! Shit…” Her feet burned. She hadn’t realized she’d cut them during the run—blood smeared on the sidewalk.

She stumbled into a pharmacy, bandaged her wounds, then rushed into a shoe store. By the time she was done, the afternoon had passed.

Li Chuzhe paid for everything, mood sour. On his way back, he passed Hao Li’s bar. Without hesitation, he got out of the car and walked in alone.

【Yangchao—go to the private booth on the third floor, deepest corner. Enter when you arrive.】

Tang Yan slid into the booth smoothly. The room was dim, shadows dancing across the walls. In the far corner sat a man in black, head lowered, two large suitcases beside him.

“Yangchao?”

“Yeah. That’s me.” She settled onto the couch, keeping a safe distance between herself and the stranger.