Chapter 18: Theft

When it came to money, he was always generous—something Su Yi particularly admired about him. Back when they were together, she would drag Xu Yancheng out shopping, often spending hundreds of thousands in a single evening, and he never batted an eye. At those times, Su Yi felt that the way he paid was incredibly attractive.

Wen Caiqing used to scold her for being extravagant, saying that only Xu Yancheng would indulge her like this. But Su Yi never listened; she firmly believed that a man willing to spend money on her was a man who truly loved her.

Her vanity thus satisfied, Su Yi felt her mood improve considerably. As she carried the jewelry she’d selected to the cashier, she happened to see Lin Lu browsing anklets.

“See something you like? This chain, perhaps?” Su Yi asked offhandedly.

Lin Lu turned and caught sight of Xu Yancheng behind her. “This one’s not bad,” she replied, setting the anklet back in its box.

Su Yi glanced over—the chain was thin and unremarkable, nothing compared to the ones in her own hand.

“As it happens, Xu Yancheng is buying me a gift today. Since we’re all friends, let him cover this one for you too,” she said to Lin Lu with a hint of pride.

“No need, I can buy it myself,” Lin Lu refused. She would never accept anything that Su Yi deigned to give her.

But Su Yi smiled airily. “Don’t be so polite. This is nothing to Xu Yancheng.” With that, she turned to the man. “Isn’t that right, Xu Yancheng?”

“Makes no difference,” he replied, hands in his pockets, indifferent.

Su Yi took the anklet from Lin Lu and carried it to the register.

Just then, Xu Mingchuan pushed through the crowd, holding two necklaces, and hurried over to Lin Lu. “These are both bestsellers from the Xu collection—take a look, if you like one, I’ll get it for you.”

By this time, Xu Yancheng had just finished paying. Su Yi handed the anklet to Lin Lu. “For you.”

“I don’t want it,” Lin Lu replied, not taking it. She turned to Xu Mingchuan. “I don’t like either of these—please put them back for someone who does.”

She wasn’t lying; she truly disliked the two necklaces in his hands, especially the one named ‘Promise’—it was an eyesore.

“I need to use the restroom,” Lin Lu said, lifting her dress as she left.

Su Yi shrugged and looked at Xu Yancheng. “What now? I don’t like this kind of chain either—too thin, no presence.”

Xu Yancheng took the anklet from her and slipped it casually into his pocket.

When Lin Lu came out of the restroom, she had barely taken a few steps before someone seized her and dragged her into a nearby lounge.

She saw who it was and wrenched her arm free. “Young Master Xu, please show some respect.”

Xu Yancheng leaned against the door with a languid air. “What’s with the act? Playing the virtuous maiden now?”

Lin Lu shot him a glare. “Move aside. I want to leave.”

Without warning, Xu Yancheng hefted her onto his shoulder and tossed her onto the bed.

Lin Lu fixed him with a cold stare. “Xu Yancheng, does this amuse you? Or do you get a thrill out of cheating behind your girlfriend’s back?”

He looked down at her from above. “Don’t flatter yourself, Lin Lu. Did you really think I came here for you?”

She let out a mocking laugh. “I can’t imagine any other reason.”

What else could possibly exist between them?

Xu Yancheng tugged at his tie, his restraint wavering. He hadn’t intended to do anything, but seeing Lin Lu lying on the bed—so innocent, yet so tempting—made his throat dry.

He leaned closer, grasping her ankle. Her skirt fluttered in the struggle, revealing everything.

Her legs were straight, pale, and long—dazzling to the eye.

He wanted nothing more than to have her.