Chapter 156: Xia Hanyan Could Not Help Confessing Her Love to Wen Shuang

Wen Shuang instinctively took two steps back. "Mr. Lin, thank you!"

She had no intention of accepting the flowers he held out.

Mr. Lin, however, pressed closer. "Miss Wen—oh, let me call you Shuangshuang now! I know about your breakup with Officer Ji. They say the next man is always the better one. Shuangshuang, come be with me. I guarantee you’ll be the happiest woman in the entire dance troupe, perhaps even in all of Jinghai District! Whatever you want, as long as I have it!"

He had fooled around with He Luo before. But that woman had been playing behind his back with someone else, so he had kicked her to the curb. Besides, He Luo’s face and figure weren’t nearly as interesting as Wen Shuang’s. She was just a bit more provocative in bed.

As for Wen Shuang’s type... he scanned her body with a lecherous gaze, imagining she would be even more exciting.

Wen Shuang discreetly covered her chest. She had performed the "Green Snake" dance today; her costume was elegant and flowing, but the fabric was somewhat sheer.

"Mr. Lin, I’m sorry, but I have no interest in being your woman. You’d better go find someone else."

If she had the strength, she would have kicked this pig-headed man away.

Mr. Lin wouldn't give up; he grabbed Wen Shuang’s hand. "Beauty, stop playing hard to get! You don't have Ji Shen backing you up anymore; this act is useless! You’re better off yielding to me. I have plenty of money. Whether you want a house, a car, or designer bags, I can satisfy you!"

Seeing his persistence, Wen Shuang’s voice hardened. "Let go, Mr. Lin. If you don't, I’m going to call security!"

Hearing this, Mr. Lin stopped pretending. "Wen Shuang, don't toast to your own loss by refusing to drink! I don't even mind that you’ve been played with by Ji Shen, so stop acting so coy. You dancers twist and turn so provocatively on stage—in the end, aren't you just meant for us men to sleep with?"

Wen Shuang was furious. "Stop talking nonsense! Get out!"

Mr. Lin grew even more aggressive.

The next second, a figure strode over and slammed a fist hard into Mr. Lin’s face!

Mr. Lin let out a startled cry. As he winced and opened his eyes, he realized the man was Xia Hanyan!

"You brat! How dare you hit me!"

"Mr. Lin, show some self-respect!"

Xia Hanyan had been delayed by work today and arrived late. He had originally intended to surprise her with flowers, but never expected to see this greasy piece of trash harassing Wen Shuang. He hadn't hesitated to strike.

Had it been anyone else, Mr. Lin would have started a brawl on the spot. But this was Xia Hanyan. The Xia family was a prominent, well-established clan in the capital's Jinghai District. While they might not be as powerful as the Ji family, they had deep roots and were entirely different from a nouveau riche real estate developer like himself. Moreover, putting the family aside, Xia Hanyan’s own capabilities were outstanding; since his return from abroad, the Xia family’s profits had climbed significantly.

Mr. Lin spat out blood from his lip and glared. "You wait and see, kid!" He left in a fit of rage.

***

Wen Shuang kicked the flowers far away, not wanting to touch them at all.

Xia Hanyan asked with concern, "Are you alright?"

"I’m fine. I’m just glad you arrived in time." Wen Shuang let out a sigh of relief upon seeing him. "It’s strange, though. The show just ended, yet there wasn't a single performer backstage. I was terrified when he cornered me alone."

"I was held up by something today, so I was late. I’ll make sure to come earlier next time!"

Wen Shuang smiled. "You aren't my private bodyguard. It would be too tiring for you to come to every show. You don't have to!"

Xia Hanyan had become a regular at every one of Wen Shuang’s dance performances, a true VIP client. He curled his lips slightly. "Watching your performance is a visual treat. I never find it tiring."

With Xia Hanyan keeping watch, Wen Shuang felt much more at ease changing her clothes and removing her makeup. Xia Hanyan was a perfect gentleman. In the time they had spent together, Wen Shuang had never felt uncomfortable. He was as refreshing as a spring breeze and incredibly thoughtful. At first, she had been wary because he was Xia Anran’s brother, but after spending time together, she realized he was truly a good person, and her initial guard had melted away.

Wen Shuang went out for a late-night snack with him after work. Afterward, Xia Hanyan drove her home and didn't forget to offer her the sunflowers from his car.

"Congratulations on a successful performance!"

Every time he came, he prepared a large bouquet for her, and it was never the same kind twice.

Wen Shuang smiled and took them. "Thank you!"

As Xia Hanyan watched her about to leave, he couldn't help but say, "Wen Shuang, won't you invite me up for a seat?"

Wen Shuang was slightly stunned. She realized it had been over a month, and she hadn't invited him over for tea yet. If any other man had asked that late at night, she would have found it offensive, but Xia Hanyan had always been strictly polite. She slapped her forehead. "Oh! Look at my memory. Young Master Xia, as long as you don't mind my humble home being simple!"

Xia Hanyan smiled. "Of course I wouldn't mind!" He thought to himself that after so many days, it was time to take things a step further.

Wen Shuang was currently renting a small apartment. The location was somewhat remote, but it was much better than the first place she had rented. It was about 100 square meters, with two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen, all decorated very cozily. It was perfect for a single woman living alone.

"It’s so cozy here," Xia Hanyan remarked as he stepped inside.

"Hehe, the sparrow may be small, but it has all the vital organs." When she first moved in, it hadn't looked this nice; Wen Shuang had put a lot of heart into decorating and arranging it. Before, Ji Shen’s black-and-white-and-gray decor had felt oppressive, and even after she changed the soft furnishings, it had still felt off. Now, everything looked perfectly comfortable.

Wen Shuang planned to buy a small place of her own after the Lunar New Year. Since the Xia family had compensated her seventy million for the dress that Xia Anran had intentionally ruined, she was still holding that money. She felt like a secret little wealthy woman now; buying a place in full would be more than enough.

Wen Shuang served Xia Hanyan some passion fruit sparkling water she had made herself. He took a sip and sat down on the sofa. They chatted for a while longer.

Xia Hanyan, realizing it was getting late, glanced at his watch and looked up. "Wen Shuang."

Wen Shuang was in the kitchen washing a glass. "Yes?" She had her hair tied in a low bun, making her look softer and less guarded.

Xia Hanyan walked toward her. "I like you. I want to be with you!"

The glass almost slipped from Wen Shuang’s hand. "Wh-what?"

Xia Hanyan had already moved to catch the glass before it hit the water. He said earnestly, "I said I like you, Wen Shuang. From the very first moment I saw you, I liked you. When can we take the next step?"

Wen Shuang blinked in astonishment. The confession had come so suddenly, right in her own home!

"I couldn't help but confess tonight. I won't do anything inappropriate. Don't worry." Fearing he had scared her, Xia Hanyan stepped back. "I just... I couldn't help myself."