Chapter 25

Chapter 25

The course of events had completely blindsided Wen Yinong. Her body stiffened, her mind went blank, and she stood frozen in place.

It wasn't until her soft lips and tongue were completely devoured, invaded, and sucked, with slight pain registering in her brain, that Wen Yinong's eyes suddenly focused and she snapped back to reality.

Not an illusion. Not a dream.

The man's cool breath blew against her face, his lips pressed against hers, his tongue inside her mouth.

He was kissing her.

The realization jumped into her mind, and Wen Yinong's eyes widened in shock.

Wen Yinong had always been what adults called "the perfect child all parents compare theirs to"—an exemplary student, well-behaved and sensible, her life plan dictated entirely by her parents. Studying, graduating, starting work—every step had gone without a hitch.

She had never been in a relationship, and naturally had never had any intimate contact with the opposite sex.

And now, this man, typically distant, noble, and unapproachable, on this stormy night, was using a near-predatory manner to...

Countless chaotic thoughts surged together like crashing waves, pounding Wen Yinong's mind.

Almost reflexively, the next second she shoved him harder with both hands, her words muffled against his lips, broken, laced with an uncontrollable tremor: "Mo... Mr. Mo! Please let me go, let me go..."

Through the layer of shirt fabric, her hands pressed against his chest. His skin was taut and solid, the lines of muscle undulating like mountain ranges, full of explosive power, making her palms burn, yet unable to budge him an inch.

Her resistance, like an insect trying to shake a tree, didn't save her but instead became a spark falling into an oil depot.

"I'm sorry..." Mo Shaoshang pressed his lips against hers and spoke, his voice hoarse, mixed with a nearly pained low gasp, as if murmuring to himself, "I'm sorry."

Wen Yinong had no idea what he was talking about; she only felt crippling panic.

He was so tall, his towering figure casting a shadow like an apocalyptic tsunami, enveloping her slender frame, even swallowing the last sliver of light in the studio.

He pressed her firmly against the wall, flush against the wall, leaving no gap, her whole body pinned between him and the wall.

Her body was completely covered by his solid chest and broad shoulders, her legs pinned by his powerful ones, her toes barely touching the ground.

At this moment, Wen Yinong felt like a young beast caught in a trap, with no way out, only able to twist her body futilely.

In her panicked struggle, her nails clawed randomly, leaving several scratches on the arm that held her.

Bright red against her fair skin, glaring and eerie.

The slender girl's strength was adorably small, her scratching like kitten claws, scratching at Mo Shaoshang's heart. He felt no pain, only a kind of itch.

An itch that burrowed to the bone.

After a moment, Mo Shaoshang's lips briefly pulled away, his eyes lowered, looking down at the girl in his arms.

Her wavy hair was messy, her makeup smudged, her cheeks flushed a rosy red, her eyes brimming with tears, misty and dazed as she looked at him, a mixture of bewilderment and shame. Like a dream come to life.

Such fragility, such allure, such pitifulness.

It made one want to crush her entirely.

Then bit by bit, swallow her down.

The thought pierced his mind, Mo Shaoshang's eyes darkened slightly, then his hand tightened, and with one hand he lifted both her wrists and pinned them above her head.

In the blink of an eye, her body was forced to arch upward, meeting him. Almost without reservation, she was exposed to his view, handed over to his control.

This posture made Wen Yinong even more embarrassed and angry, her face reddening as if it would bleed.

She moved her lips, wanting to say something.

But before she could make a sound, Mo Shaoshang's lips had already swooped down again, swallowing her up.

This was not a gentle kiss.

More like a one-sided conquest and plunder, with brute force, domineering and overbearing.

His lips pressed against hers, his agile and powerful tongue pried her mouth open, plunging in, conquering territory. Sweeping every corner, frantically drinking in her breath, entangling her trapped tongue, filled with a suffocating possessiveness.

Wen Yinong felt she could hardly breathe, as if the air in her lungs was being drained by him.

"Mo... mmph..."

All protests were choked back in her throat, turning into broken whimpers. He restrained her, one hand clamping her wrists, the other arm tightly encircling her slender waist, with such force it seemed he would knead her into his body.

The sheer difference in size left Wen Yinong powerless to resist, forced to endure it passively.

Outside the window, the night sky poured with rain; inside the studio, it, too, was a raging storm.

After the initial panic, a strange, unsettling sensation awakening within her swept over her—an uncontrollable tremor, dizziness from lack of air, intertwining and spreading through her body.

The scent of cedar and wine, once cool and elegant, now aggressive, utterly dangerous and alluring.

Wen Yinong's whole body went weak, her legs barely able to stand.

After a while, perhaps sensing that her physical resistance was weakening, or for some other reason, Mo Shaoshang's kiss on her lips gradually shifted from violent to tender.

Wen Yinong's head was spinning, and she blinked dazedly.

She felt the man's tongue finally retreated from her mouth, his teeth slightly parting, gently biting her lower lip. Then came a fine, soft grinding, back and forth, tirelessly, bringing an indescribable itch.

Wen Yinong's body was soft and tender, most sensitive to tickling.

His nibble sent a tingle to her heart, she instinctively shrank her neck, trying to dodge.

Sensing her adorable little movement, a hint of amusement flickered in Mo Shaoshang's eyes, and then his thin lips covered hers.

He kissed her deeper.

Wen Yinong trembled uncontrollably, flustered, ashamed, and confused, feeling as if her very soul was being sucked away by him, devoured whole.

The surroundings were too dark; the loss of vision sharpened her other senses.

She clearly heard the wet, intimate sounds of their kiss, the rain outside drowning out everything; she clearly smelled his cool, pleasant scent, like snow-covered mountain pines; she clearly felt the touch of his palm and fingers caressing her neck, the palms and fingertips calloused, thin and hard, not smooth at all, making her tingle and go numb...

After what felt like an eternity, Mo Shaoshang was no longer satisfied with the entanglement of lips and tongues, and began to trace along her delicate jawline, downward, leaving hot, moist marks one after another.

Finally, his lips landed on her pulsing carotid artery, nuzzling and licking possessively.

Like a beast confirming its prey's ownership.

Wen Yinong's limbs were trapped, unable to move a single inch, feeling as if she were being roasted by fire, her whole skin burning and itching.

"Wen Yinong." He buried his face in her neck, softly calling her name, his voice low and husky, his burning lips pressed against her sensitive neck, each word carrying scorching heat, "Do you know?"

"You're really not being obedient."

"..."

Wen Yinong opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but no words came out.

She had never seen Mo Shaoshang like this—wild, obsessive, full of an intense possessiveness. Nor had she ever heard his voice this way—taut, husky, impossibly sexy.

The scent of wine in the air seemed to grow stronger, and the dizziness intensified.

Wen Yinong couldn't breathe properly, her consciousness blurring.

She felt like she might faint.

Just then, the man's grip on her hands finally loosened.

Wen Yinong quickly withdrew her hands.

Instinctively, she wanted to flee.

But Mo Shaoshang's tall, imposing figure stood before her like a bronze-and-iron wall, cutting off every escape route.

She couldn't leave, couldn't escape. All she could do was stand against the wall, turning her face to the side, lowering her gaze, afraid to look at him.

Her face was burning, and so was her body.

Her fingers unconsciously stroked her left wrist, her heart racing, her chest heaving as she struggled to calm her chaotic breathing.

As she tried to steady herself, she couldn't help replaying what had just happened.

How did all this happen?

So sudden, so chaotic, without any warning at all.

Everything she knew was overturned in that moment.

This man, always calm and composed, gentlemanly and elegant, occasionally showing rare tenderness to Ari, overlapped with the image of that obsessive, violent predator from seconds ago—so contradictory that Wen Yinong couldn't think straight.

Shame, regret, fear, and that hint of trembling fascination she refused to admit to herself, all tangled together, crashing over her like a wave.

The blush on Wen Yinong's cheeks deepened, and she gently bit her lip.

What now?

What should she do next?

Quit and leave? But Ari's rehabilitation was just showing signs of improvement. Changing therapists now would only harm the child.

Stay here and continue living day to day with this two-faced employer?

But after what just happened, she had no idea how to face him...

Wen Yinong felt lost and helpless. As she thought, her left hand unconsciously stroked her right wristbone.

Suddenly, a cool touch on her wrist—five long fingers closed around it.

Wen Yinong snapped back to reality and looked up.

She saw the man across from her, his eyes lowered, carefully examining her wrist, his expression focused.

"..." Embarrassed and uncomfortable, Wen Yinong pursed her lips and tried to pull her hand back.

But he tightened his grip, refusing to let go. His blue-black eyes lifted, staring straight at her. His gaze was deep, heavy, tenacious, with remnants of desire and madness swirling in its depths.

Meeting that gaze, Wen Yinong's heart tightened, as if an invisible hand had squeezed it. Flustered, she almost fled, lowering her head again, refusing to meet his eyes.

But the next second, two long fingers took hold of her chin, lifting it with a gentle but irresistible force.

"Wen Yinong." Mo Shaoshang's low, magnetic voice was soft and slow, as he spoke tenderly. "Look at me."

As if bewitched, Wen Yinong's eyelashes trembled, and somehow, she raised her eyes to look at him.

Mo Shaoshang looked down at the girl in his arms, and after just one glance, he couldn't look away.

This fair, pure little face was now covered in an enticing blush. The flush spread from her cheeks to her ears, then down her slender neck, like white porcelain splashed with the brightest rouge.

Her bright eyes were watery and dazed, the corners of her eyes flushed a passionate red. Her originally soft lips had been bitten, kissed, and ravaged by him until they were swollen and red, glistening with a translucent sheen, slightly parted as she breathed softly.

Especially a few strands of hair, damp with sweat, clinging to her flushed cheeks, adding to her disheveled beauty.

She looked like a flower drenched by a heavy rain—pure and enchanting, so delicate it seemed she would shatter with a touch.

Mo Shaoshang looked at her, his gaze dark and murky.

A contradictory thought suddenly rose from the depths of his heart.

She was so beautiful, so enchanting, meant to be held in someone's palm, cherished and adored. But this look of hers—both flustered and angry, yet full of seduction—completely ignited the most hidden and darkest corner of his heart.

He wanted to possess her.

He even wanted to devour her, to make her flesh and blood and soul merge with his.

As his thoughts shifted, Mo Shaoshang's cravings surged. He bent down, reached out, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, and scooped her up into his arms.

"..."

Wen Yinong's eyes widened, and she let out a soft cry: "What are you doing?!"

Mo Shaoshang's face remained calm. Without a word, he carried her, his long legs striding across to the single sofa next to the easel. He sat down and placed her on his lap.

Wen Yinong parted her lips to say something, but he curled his finger under her chin, closed his eyes, and kissed her again.

Unlike the violent, wild kiss earlier, this time, Mo Shaoshang showed great patience.

Soft as a spring breeze, gentle as a drizzle. His tongue licked her lips, her teeth, and after gently caressing each small, white tooth, he wrapped around that panicked little tongue, drew it into his mouth, and caressed it tenderly and delicately.

Wen Yinong hadn't even recovered from the previous kiss, and being kissed like this left her completely defenseless.

Her body grew even softer, and she let out a muffled sob.

Unable to break free or run, she could only cling to him, her ten pale, slender fingers unconsciously clenching and wrinkling the fabric of his shirt.

Outside the window, the storm, which had seemed intent on destroying everything, gradually weakened.

The clamor subsided, the heavy curtain of rain grew thinner, and the lightning and thunder faded into silence.

Only fine, lingering rain threads drifted in the night, like soothing whispers.

After what felt like an eternity. Just as Wen Yinong was about to lose consciousness from a lack of oxygen, Mo Shaoshang's tongue finally withdrew from her mouth. He closed his eyes, his forehead resting against hers, his thin lips brushing against hers—once, twice, as if reluctant to stop.

Wen Yinong's face was flushed, her breathing unsteady. After a long moment to compose herself, she lifted her gaze, her teary eyes mustering the courage to glare at him.

"Mr. Mo, do you know what you're doing?" Wen Yinong asked, her eyes wide.

Her voice, naturally sweet and soft, was now husky, adding an extra layer of allure. As a result, the question lost much of its accusatory edge.

It only made her seem adorable.

"Mmm." Mo Shaoshang, eyes half-closed, tightened his arms around her and answered softly, "I know."

He paused, then lifted his eyelids to look at her: "I'm kissing you."

Wen Yinong's face grew even hotter. The next moment, she used both hands and all her strength to push against him again.

This time, Mo Shaoshang didn't restrain her.

He loosened his arms, and she immediately fled as if granted a reprieve, backing away several meters.

Wen Yinong tried to steady herself.

Earlier, trapped in his personal space, her mind had been hazy and chaotic, unable to think. Now, away from him, her thoughts were clear again.

She thought: The worlds of fame and romance have always been intertwined. For someone with Mo Shaoshang's family background, status, and position, this sort of thing was probably routine for him.

At this thought, she felt even more ashamed and indignant—she was just the live-in rehab therapist he had hired. Her only job here was to help Ari with his ASD rehabilitation training.

If he thought she was the type to sell herself for money and status, then he seriously underestimated her.

The angrier she got, the more her lips moved, ready to speak. But before she could, the refined man sitting on the sofa spoke first.

Mo Shaoshang: "I'm sorry."

"..." Wen Yinong was stunned. She hadn't expected him to apologize suddenly. All her fury was choked in her throat, neither up nor down.

"I was too impulsive tonight," Mo Shaoshang said calmly. "I sincerely apologize."

Wen Yinong: "..."

Wen Yinong had always been known for her good temper. If this were any other matter, and the employer apologized sincerely, she would have chosen to let it slide and not make a big deal.

But...

He had kissed her.

And for so long, so fiercely, biting, gnawing, sucking, and nibbling until her lips were swollen!

If she could easily forgive something like this, where were her principles? Where was her bottom line?

Thinking this, Wen Yinong blushed and blurted out, ashamed and furious: "Just because you apologize doesn't mean I have to accept it. If apologies always worked and earned forgiveness, we wouldn't need police."

Mo Shaoshang: "I'm not asking for forgiveness. I just hope you're not angry."

Wen Yinong said nothing, then mumbled, "It's not that easy."

Hearing this, Mo Shaoshang's dark blue eyes fixed on her, and he asked, "Tell me, what can I do to make you feel less angry?"

Wen Yinong thought about it but didn't know the answer herself. She frowned in frustration and fell silent.

He was quiet for a moment, then said, "I have a few options for you."

Wen Yinong: "What options?"

"Option one: I'll help you call the police."

Mo Shaoshang looked at her, his expression and tone as calm as still water. "After reporting it, I will assign the best legal team to file a lawsuit on your behalf, to sue me for sexual harassment. According to Chinese law, sexual harassment can result in up to five years in prison or detention."

"You can send me to prison and make me pay for my mistake."

"..." Wen Yinong was taken aback.

To be honest, although this man's kiss earlier was sudden, sending him to prison... wasn't exactly necessary. Besides, he was currently Ari's only guardian. If he went to prison, what would happen to the child?

For Ari's sake, Wen Yinong couldn't let the police arrest him.

"Forget it," she said, clearing her throat and turning away from him. "Sending you to jail would make Ari miserable."

So Mo Shaoshang thought for a few seconds, then opened his thin lips and spoke again.

He said casually, "There's another option."

Wen Yinong: "What is it?"

Mo Shaoshang: "Please go out with me."

"..." Wen Yinong almost thought her ears were playing tricks on her. She was stunned. "What?"

"I'm asking you to be my girlfriend," Mo Shaoshang repeated. "Give me a chance to take responsibility for what happened tonight."

"Bang." Wen Yinong felt as if something had struck her brain, leaving her mind blank.

Go out?

Just because he lost control and kissed her, he wanted to start a relationship? This was even more absurd than the police option.

"This makes no sense..." Wen Yinong stammered, her voice trembling slightly from shock and nervousness, her blush deepening. "Mr. Mo, some things shouldn't be taken lightly. Aren't you being too hasty by making a suggestion like that?"

"It's not hasty," Mo Shaoshang interrupted softly.

Wen Yinong looked up abruptly and met his deep, focused dark blue eyes. Her heart raced, as if it would leap out of her chest.

"Asking you out is something I thought through carefully," Mo Shaoshang paused, then added, "Not just for myself, but also for Ari."

Wen Yinong's gaze sharpened: "Ari?"

"After Ari's diagnosis, I consulted top child development experts worldwide and read many research reports. All studies show that for kids on the autism spectrum, a stable, predictable, and safe environment is the foundation of recovery. You know this."

Mo Shaoshang's voice was calm and restrained, like he was presenting a carefully argued business plan, every word carrying seriousness and gravity.

After a moment, Wen Yinong nodded thoughtfully: "Yes, that's right."

"The trust and emotional bond you've built with Ari during this time is irreplaceable. Any change in environment or primary caregiver could impact him severely, even cause regression in his rehabilitation progress." Mo Shaoshang looked at her and continued, "I believe that becoming partners would be the most responsible and beneficial choice for Ari."

Wen Yinong stood frozen in place.

His reasoning sounded plausible, logically tight, almost flawless.

"I think I get what you're saying..." Her voice trembled, her thoughts a tangled mess. "But my head is a mess right now."

Mo Shaoshang added, "Teacher Wen, you don't need to worry about what comes next. If you agree to go out with me, on top

Wen Yinong was a bit puzzled: "Emotional investment compensation?" What was that?

"This compensation is meant to acknowledge the extra emotional labor you'll need to invest in this special relationship." Mo Shaoshang's eyes were as deep as dusk, and he continued, "I hope Teacher Wen can feel my sincerity."

*

That night, Wen Yinong tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Lying in bed, listening to the wind, her thoughts were like wild horses, completely out of control.

Over and over again, she recalled the intense, scorching kiss in the studio and the words Mo Shaoshang had said.

Wen Yinong turned over, facing the window.

Outside, the wind stirred the clouds, bending the branches, and the leaves rustled.

That evening in the studio, after Mo Shaoshang explained the specific meaning of "emotional investment compensation," she was flustered and her mind was a whirl, unable to sort out her thoughts for a moment.

She had only managed to hastily say, "I've remembered everything you said, give me some time to think" before turning and fleeing in panic...

Wen Yinong frowned and pulled the blanket over her head.

Her employer had promised her that during their romantic relationship, in addition to her regular salary, she could also receive an extra income called "emotional investment compensation."

It sounded like a win-win.

But somehow, it still felt off...

After a few minutes, she ran her fingers through her hair in frustration, finally reached for the phone on the pillow, and lit up the screen.

She opened WeChat, found Su Wanxin's profile picture, and tapped it.

Wen Yinong: "Sis, I need help ASAP!"

Her night owl friend replied instantly: "What???"

Wen Yinong thought carefully, weighing her words, and typed: "Let me ask you something. If a guy suddenly asked you to date him, what would you do?"

Su Wanxin: "? Someone confessed to you again? Spill it. Who?"

Wen Yinong: "...=="

Wen Yinong: "Answer my question first!!"

Su Wanxin: "Your question came out of nowhere"

Su Wanxin: "What you do depends on the situation."

Su Wanxin: "Let me ask you, what does the guy look like?"

Wen Yinong thought for half a second and honestly replied: "Very handsome."

Su Wanxin: "Is he rich?"

Wen Yinong: "Very rich"

Su Wanxin: "Is he in good shape?"

Wen Yinong blinked, recalling Mo Shaoshang's rugged and chiseled chest, abs, and Adonis belt, her cheeks warming as she typed: "Very good"

Su Wanxin: "Last question, do you like him?"

"..." Looking at her friend's new message, Wen Yinong's gaze wavered.

After a moment, Wen Yinong replied: "I don't know"

Su Wanxin: "?"

Su Wanxin: "Don't know? So you have a crush?"

Su Wanxin: "Then what are you stressed about? It's totally fine"

Wen Yinong touched her earlobe, thought for a while, and replied: "But the thing is, we don't know each other at all, and our family backgrounds are worlds apart. If we suddenly start dating, is that a bad idea?"

Su Wanxin: "Let me ask you just one thing. Would he scam you?"

Wen Yinong: ?

Wen Yinong didn't even hesitate: "No."

Su Wanxin: "Exactly"

Su Wanxin: "Come on, my Teacher Wen! Wake up! We're in the 21st century!"

Su Wanxin: "Remember, when you date a hot guy, don't sell yourself short, OK? As long as the hot guy doesn't scam us, we come out on top!"

Wen Yinong was taken aback by her friend's bold words, hesitated for a few seconds, still conflicted: "But what if this guy says he wants to date you and also says he'll give you money every month? Don't you think that's weird, like a sugar daddy situation?"

Su Wanxin: "?"

Su Wanxin: "Sign me up!"

Su Wanxin: "Go for it, lock him down!"

Wen Yinong: "..."

Wen Yinong: "Go to sleep, good night"

Ending the chat with her friend, Wen Yinong tossed her phone aside, lay on her back on the bed, and continued staring at the ceiling, zoning out.

Just then, her phone dinged.

Wen Yinong thought it was a reply from Su Wanxin and grabbed her phone casually.

She looked, and her gaze froze.

The new message was from a black night-sky avatar.

Her heart skipped a beat, she took a quiet deep breath, moved her finger, and tapped in.

M: "I have a question; I'm very curious"

Wen Yinong chewed her lip, hesitated for a moment, and answered curtly: "What"

M: "Did Teacher Wen have any sugar tonight?"

Wen Yinong was totally lost, paused for two seconds, then continued typing stiffly: "No"

M: "But your mouth tasted very sweet." "