Chapter 127: Xu Wan and I Have Called Off the Engagement

Jiang Yunzhou withdrew her gaze, her expression cold. "My artists address me respectfully. Is that not allowed?"

"Of course it is," Shen Tingxiao murmured, his warm breath brushing her ear, causing her earlobe to flush slightly. "It's quite endearing."

Jiang Yunzhou nodded faintly. "What a coincidence, Mr. Shen, to find you here."

"Yes," Shen Tingxiao said, extinguishing his cigarette butt softly. "I wasn’t at ease, so I came to check."

Jiang Yunzhou assumed he was merely concerned about the artists’ performances and patiently explained, "In these elimination-style reality shows, it’s normal for someone to be voted off on the first day."

"I understand that."

"Then, Mr. Shen..."

"What worries me," Shen Tingxiao lowered his voice, "is the new faces around Yunzhou, and how unusually kind she is to them. I fear this old hand might be forgotten by her."

Jiang Yunzhou: ...

His ambiguous yet suggestive remark invited all sorts of interpretations.

Feeling her ears warm, she pretended not to understand. "What, Mr. Shen, are you planning to join the show? Too bad the registration has already closed."

"Yunzhou, don’t twist my words," Shen Tingxiao pressed.

She wanted to smooth things over, but he wouldn’t relent.

After finally settling everything, making her wait so long, knowing she’d be upset—that was why he rushed over.

Just to calm her down.

But she, on the other hand, acted as if he had nothing to do with her.

Shen Tingxiao, having put in so much effort with no progress, couldn’t help but grow anxious.

"Mr. Shen, I don’t understand this remark of yours," Jiang Yunzhou said stubbornly. "How exactly did I misconstrue your meaning?"

"I came looking for you, Yunzhou. Surely you understand my intentions."

A flicker of anger ignited in Jiang Yunzhou’s heart. "Understand what? You already have a fiancée, yet you keep saying strange things to me repeatedly. I’m the one who’s truly troubled here! If you cross the line again, I’ll be reporting to Miss Xu."

"I’m done with her," Shen Tingxiao said, reaching out to gently hold the back of her head. "Yunzhou, I belong only to you now. Do you still want me?"

Jiang Yunzhou’s eyes stung with tears threatening to fall. She pushed him away. "Why would I want something others have discarded? I’m not some scavenger. Please show some respect, Mr. Shen!"

Without waiting for his reaction, she stood and walked away.

Shen Tingxiao chased after her, gripping her wrist firmly. "Yunzhou, don’t say things in anger. I know I was wrong back then. I made you worry. Next time something like this happens, I’ll tell you in advance."

"Let go!" Jiang Yunzhou’s tone was cold; she didn’t want to argue further.

How could Shen Tingxiao dare release her?

If he did, she might disappear.

He held tight to her wrist. "Yunzhou, you don’t have to forgive me now, but please don’t avoid me. When I message you, don’t ignore me."

Indeed, Shen Tingxiao’s countless messages cluttered her phone.

At first, she didn’t want to reply, but the messages were so awkward she didn’t know how to respond, so she kept silent.

"Let go!" Jiang Yunzhou’s voice softened with a hint of teasing, her eyes reddening slightly. "Shen Tingxiao, if you don’t, I’ll..."

"What will you do?" Shen Tingxiao asked, seeing her almost on the verge of tears. His heart softened, and his voice turned gentle. "Hit me? If hitting me makes you feel better... ouch!"

Suddenly, she bit the back of his hand sharply. He gasped in pain.

Jiang Yunzhou didn’t let him off so easily. After leaving a deep mark, she released him, glaring fiercely. "If you don’t let go, I’ll bite harder!"

Shen Tingxiao frowned slightly. "If biting me means you won’t be angry, then keep biting."

Jiang Yunzhou was surprised—after some time apart, this man had grown so shameless.

Her chest rose and fell with anger, yet she was helpless against him, glaring fiercely. "You!"

"If you don’t bite, I’ll take that as forgiveness," Shen Tingxiao said, lowering his gaze and stepping closer.

He cornered her inch by inch, pressing her against the wall.

The cold surface behind her, and Shen Tingxiao’s unyielding presence ahead.

Jiang Yunzhou swallowed nervously, sensing the danger. Her voice trembled as she asked, "What... what are you going to do?!"

"Yunzhou, I’ve missed you," Shen Tingxiao whispered, lightly tapping her lips with his finger. "Is that okay?"

He had her trapped with nowhere to go, yet still played the gentleman, asking for permission.

As if if she said no, he wouldn’t take another step.

But he might not let her go either.

Jiang Yunzhou bit her lip softly. "If I say no, will you let me leave?"

"Then I’ll beg you to say yes," Shen Tingxiao replied, clearly prepared.

Her eyes reddened at the corners as she glared at him. "You’ve already said that much—what else can I say?"

"Then is it yes... or no?" Shen Tingxiao asked again.

The rosy glow of the sunset seemed to spill onto her face. She mumbled, barely able to speak, "You know the answer—don’t push me."

"People are hard to read. I’m not a mind reader inside your heart, Yunzhou. I really don’t know what you’re thinking." At this moment, he suddenly started reasoning.

Forcing Jiang Yunzhou to admit the feelings she barely acknowledged.

She was cornered, so suddenly she ducked under his arm and slipped away. "No!" she declared irritably.

Then she returned to her room.

Shen Tingxiao smiled helplessly.

He had overplayed his hand.

But he didn’t mind much. Today, Jiang Yunzhou’s attitude said it all.

Since she had already begun to waver, there was no need to push too hard.

Jiang Yunzhou stayed to observe for two or three days. After the initial anxiety, Shi Zhen relaxed considerably, likely due to a better mindset, allowing him to immerse himself more fully in the performances.

In just a few days, his progress was evident.

Other artists managed to stay on the show temporarily. After some training, they would enter the first round of eliminations.

Whether they remained would depend on their abilities.

These matters were no longer Jiang Yunzhou’s concern.

She had plenty on her plate, with many artists under her company. She had no time to oversee everyone.

Once back, Jiang Yunzhou threw herself into work again.

The difference was, Shen Tingxiao now came by three times a day, under the pretense of conducting assessments.

Jiang Yunzhou’s eyes nearly rolled back into her head.

When Shen Ruizhang returned from a business trip and found the house seemingly about to be invaded, his expression darkened as he blocked Jiang Yunzhou’s office door. "I heard that Miss Xu almost had an accident while swimming recently. If Tingxiao isn’t guarding his fiancée, what is he doing here?"

"Xu Wan and I have ended our engagement," Shen Tingxiao said softly.