Dangerous Liaisons - Chapter 16

Chuyu’s heart raced, suddenly frantic and erratic. She struggled to break free from Lu Zimo’s grip, but he only tightened his hold. His body pressed against hers, leaving her feeling suffocated.

The low hum of the transformer filled the space. With his strength overpowering hers, there was no chance of escape. Chuyu finally spoke, her voice muffled, “Lu Zimo, what do you want?!”

Yes, what did he want? In the darkness, Lu Zimo stiffened slightly but didn’t answer her question directly. Instead, he said, “Don’t go back to Thailand. Even if it’s dangerous here, there are people from Brunei and the Chinese police who can protect you discreetly. They’re constrained and won’t act openly. Your family is already under police surveillance. No matter what, Brunei will ensure your safety.”

“So, to him, I’m just bait, huh? A way to lure you, the big fish?” Chuyu sneered, trying to distance herself from the influence he had over her. “Lu Zimo, are you happy now? You’ve shown everyone that I’m your weakness, sacrificing my peace and safety for your own. Are you proud of yourself? Successfully diverting everyone’s attention…”

Chuyu’s words were cut off as he suddenly kissed her. Anger surged within her, and she resisted his touch, but he persisted, firmly silencing her protests and complaints.

In the darkness, they couldn’t see each other’s expressions, but their breathing grew increasingly ragged. His lips moved over hers, gradually softening her resistance. Every time he appeared, got close, and then pulled away, his unpredictable moods left her with a deep sense of pain. It etched itself into her memory, growing deeper and more painful with each encounter.

She couldn’t refuse him. Whenever he wanted her, she was powerless to resist. This realization only fueled her anger and shame. Did he see through this and exploit it so shamelessly?!

Lu Zimo’s hand, which had been resting on her waist, moved up to grip her chin. His fingers tightened slightly, and Chuyu winced, finally opening her mouth as he deepened the kiss. Her scent intoxicated him, and he tangled his tongue with hers, savoring her unique flavor—a sweet, torturous reminder of how much he had missed her.

Chuyu, furious, bit down hard. The metallic taste of blood filled their mouths, but Lu Zimo only groaned and kissed her more fiercely, forcing her to swallow the coppery tang. He left no part of her untouched, claiming every inch of her.

Chuyu’s strength ebbed away, and she slumped against him, relying on his support to stay upright. Her body slid down onto his lap, the intimate contact sending waves of unfamiliar sensations through her. Lu Zimo’s hands moved to her waist, lifting her slightly. Chuyu gasped as he took one of her sensitive peaks into his mouth, his tongue teasing and tormenting.

Blood rushed to her head and then receded just as quickly, leaving her unable to think. With no support, she could only cling to his shoulders. She felt the tension in his muscles, the restrained power beneath her fingers.

Her shirt had come undone in their struggle, revealing the smooth skin of her chest. It felt like the finest silk, cool and soft under his lips. The lace of her bra scraped against his cheek, the contrast heightening his desire.

He left a wet mark on her chest, his intensity bordering on pain, but she couldn’t bring herself to push him away. Her body screamed for him, but this wasn’t the time or place.

This realization slowly brought Lu Zimo back to his senses. Feeling his passion wane, Chuyu also began to regain her composure. He still held her tightly, his breathing heavy as he struggled to control himself. “Chuyu…”

His voice was hoarse, thick with suppressed desire. Chuyu’s face burned, unable to respond. Lu Zimo’s fingers lingered on her skin, tracing the curve of her waist. When they brushed the edge of her breast, he paused, clenched his hand into a fist, and slowly withdrew. “Don’t go back to Thailand.”

What did he mean by this? Emerging from the whirlpool of confusion he had created, Chuyu bit her lip to suppress the trembling in her heart and spoke coldly, “What, don’t want me to be your shield anymore? I’m really curious how they came to believe that you, Lu Zimo, would let a woman become your weakness. That they could find you through me?!”

Lu Zimo’s hand left her shoulder and braced against the cold wall. He didn’t touch her again, but the sense of confinement grew stronger. She felt him lean down, his breath brushing her ear as he whispered, “How do you know they can’t find me through you?”

Chuyu froze. In the darkness, his presence suddenly withdrew. There was a soft click as the door to the electrical room opened. Lu Zimo paused at the threshold, not looking back. “Remember this, Little Raindrop. Stay in China, and I can guarantee the safety of you and your family. If you insist on returning to Thailand,” he paused, “if I find out you’ve gone back, I’ll never let you leave again.”

Chuyu numbly left the restroom and walked to the boarding gate, where Officer Wen was unexpectedly waiting. She stopped abruptly. Officer Wen slowly stood up, his expression unreadable. He smiled faintly, “Miss Deng, you took quite a while. Are you feeling unwell? Such a long flight might not be advisable if you’re not feeling well. Perhaps you should reschedule.”

Chuyu glanced at Officer Wen. Behind him, a blond man with a casual bag was preparing to board at another gate. He turned and looked at her briefly before walking away. Chuyu’s gaze swept past Officer Wen, and she forced a smile. “Thank you, Officer Wen. I’ve suddenly realized that my time back home was too short, and I haven’t spent enough time with my parents. So, I’ve decided not to leave after all.”

Officer Wen’s expression shifted subtly, and he glanced around. Chuyu took her ticket and approached the airport staff. After a few steps, she turned back and smiled at Officer Wen. “I’ll be going now, Officer Wen. Take care.”

Chuyu left the airport, her heart still pounding. Lu Zimo’s final words had hinted at something that left her uneasy. She didn’t dare dwell on it and quickly hailed a taxi. A black car pulled up in front of her. Chuyu hesitated as the window rolled down, revealing Ba Yu. The large man removed his sunglasses and spoke emotionlessly, “Miss Deng, please get in.”

Chuyu stared at Ba Yu, then glanced back. Officer Wen had followed her out of the airport and stopped abruptly upon seeing Ba Yu. Ba Yu met his gaze head-on, his expression calm but challenging. His composure surprised Chuyu. She glanced at Officer Wen, whose face was a mix of emotions, then got into the car.

As they drove away from the airport, Ba Yu didn’t ask where they were going but headed in the direction of her home. Chuyu sat in the back seat, the silence becoming unbearable. Finally, she spoke, “Thank you.”

Ba Yu’s expression didn’t change. “Mr. Lu’s orders. I will carry them out. Please don’t try to shake me off again. It’s dangerous.”

“You…” Chuyu hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “Can you act so openly? Why didn’t Officer Wen give you trouble?”

“I’m a retired soldier,” Ba Yu explained simply. “Not one of Mr. Lu’s men from the mountains. My background is clean.”

Chuyu fell silent. Ba Yu glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “Miss Deng, for the time being, I’ll need to stay at your house. Since things have reached this point, Mr. Lu has authorized me to protect you openly.”

Open protection? Staying at her house? Chuyu was stunned. She looked at the burly man. How was she supposed to explain this to her family?!

But Ba Yu seemed determined not to let her out of his sight. He drove straight to her family’s courtyard and parked. Hearing the commotion, her family rushed out. Her mother burst into tears upon seeing her, hugging her tightly. The whole family crowded around, asking questions. It was her father who noticed the large man standing nearby. “Xiao Yu, who is this…?”

“Ah, this is my friend, Ba Yu. He’s from Thailand,” Chuyu explained, adding, “He’s here to travel in China. I thought I’d have him stay with us for a while.”

“Of course, of course.”

Her mother patted Chuyu’s hand, then turned to Ba Yu. “Mr. Ba Yu, please come in.”

“No need for formalities.”

Ba Yu spoke in stiff but understandable Chinese. He went to the back of the car to get Chuyu’s luggage, then switched back to Thai. “Which room is yours? I’ll take your things up.”

Chuyu thanked him and led him upstairs. Her grandparents were also delighted to see her, though others in the family were less enthusiastic. As they reached the stairs, her aunt came in. She glanced at Chuyu and pulled her cousin, Deng Xin, aside, speaking softly but clearly, “Stay away from your sister. Who knows what kind of trouble she’s brought back this time. Come on, let’s go inside.”

Chuyu stiffened but said nothing, lowering her head and continuing upstairs. Her parents exchanged awkward glances but could do little. Ba Yu, however, seemed unfazed. He placed Chuyu’s luggage in her room and turned to her. “Is there an empty room nearby?”

“Yes,” Chuyu replied. There was an empty room on the same floor, though it was on the other side of the courtyard. Her mother quickly went to prepare it for their guest. She wanted to talk to Chuyu but hesitated with Ba Yu present. After a moment, she left to prepare food for their guest.

“How long do you plan to stay here?” Chuyu asked Ba Yu.

His luggage was simple—just one suitcase, which he placed under the bed. He tested the mattress and sat down. “Until Mr. Lu decides it’s no longer necessary.”

Chuyu felt awkward standing there. “Tomorrow, I’ll take you around Hangzhou. Consider it a tour.”

“Miss Deng, I know Hangzhou better than you do,” Ba Yu said calmly. “Since I’m here to protect you and you’ve already slipped away from me once in the mall, I’ve familiarized myself with the city—streets, terrain, exits, and escape routes.” He paused. “I hope you understand Mr. Lu’s intentions and don’t put yourself in danger again. Those after you may not kill you, but they won’t hesitate to harm you. I’ve already failed Mr. Lu once with the Renault incident. I don’t want there to be a next time.”

Ba Yu’s tone wasn’t friendly. Chuyu didn’t know how to respond and simply nodded before leaving the room. Wherever she went, he followed. Chuyu had no choice but to accept it, knowing he was only following Lu Zimo’s orders to protect her openly.

Chuyu began looking for a job. Though she had savings from her ten years in Thailand, it wasn’t much. She hoped to find stable work soon and move out. Since her return, the atmosphere at home had become tense. In a large family, conflicts were inevitable. On the surface, everyone got along, but beneath it, tensions simmered. Even her parents, who were kind-hearted, felt out of place.

Moreover, she had brought Ba Yu with her. While it was manageable in the short term, staying long-term would raise questions. Moving out would give her freedom and spare her parents the awkwardness.

In her spare time, Chuyu often thought about what had happened at the airport with Lu Zimo and his words. His final statement had convinced her to stay in China. She didn’t want to delve too deeply into what it implied, as it made her heart race with fear.

If she truly was his weakness, would he no longer be the Lu Zimo she knew, but just an ordinary man? And would that expose both of them to even greater danger?

Chuyu went to interviews, with Ba Yu always in tow. At first, she found it uncomfortable, but over time, she began to see him as a constant presence, like a living landmark. He followed her silently, his presence as unobtrusive as air.
This interview went well. The hospital director shook her hand warmly, welcoming her to start the following Monday. Chuyu felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The hospital was far from home, giving her a legitimate reason to move out. Now, she just needed to find an apartment nearby.

Chuyu said goodbye to the director and left the office, her mood lifted. She walked toward Ba Yu, about to share the good news, when someone suddenly blocked her path. Startled, she stepped back and looked up to see Yu Feng. He looked down at her, a hint of surprise in his voice. “Deng Chuyu, I didn’t expect to run into you here.”

He paused, then added, “I’ve been meaning to ask—what did I do to deserve being dumped so abruptly, and with the whole ‘bathroom escape’ act?”

Chuyu’s heart sank. She had completely forgotten about that. Talk about bad luck running into him here!