Chapter 17: Return After Departure

When Shen Cenzhi looked at someone, his expression was serious and focused, as if you were the only person in his eyes. It could even give you the illusion that he was deeply enamored with you.

But it was all a lie—he despised her more than anything.

For a moment, Wei Yang’s eyes flashed with surprise, but it quickly vanished, replaced by a deathly stillness as calm as a still lake.

A subtle trace of mockery crept into her gaze.

“Mr. Shen, I’m your private secretary. It’s my duty to shield you from drinks.”

If it weren’t for shielding him from drinks, why would he have called her over? Surely not to parade her around as a mere ornament!

Shen Cenzhi suddenly chuckled softly, his gaze dark and profound as he looked at her, a hint of scrutiny in his eyes.

But it lasted only a moment before he withdrew his gaze and stepped away.

Wei Yang’s heart skipped a beat. Her fingers clenched involuntarily. Seeing Shen Cenzhi leave, she hurried to follow, her steps slightly unsteady.

Inside the car, the atmosphere was heavy, as if frozen.

The dim streetlight cast a yellowish glow, shading the man beside her in shadows, his face blurred and obscure.

Only his black eyes shone brightly, impossible to ignore.

The man suddenly turned his head to look at her.

Wei Yang felt an inexplicable guilt, quickly averted her gaze, lowering her head to stare intently at her delicate fingers, pale as scallions.

“Are you afraid of me?”

The man’s voice was low and husky, like the deep resonance of a cello’s string.

Wei Yang’s brow twitched. Her fingers clenched tightly, and she heard a sharp snap—pain surged through her hand.

Her nail had broken!

Before she could speak, the man raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips.

“What are you afraid I’ll do? I’m not going to eat you.”

Wei Yang lowered her eyes, her dark lashes trembling lightly.

He was nothing like before.

A completely different person.

The Shen Cenzhi she once knew would never say such words.

The old Shen Cenzhi was honest, upright, gentle, humble, and a little insecure.

A wave of nausea suddenly rose in her stomach. She felt like vomiting.

But she knew clearly that if she asked Li Cheng to stop the car, Shen Cenzhi would surely mock her. So she clenched her teeth and endured.

Seeing that Wei Yang remained silent, the man probably lost interest and said no more.

The car fell silent once again.

Half an hour later.

As soon as Li Cheng parked the car by the roadside, Wei Yang eagerly pushed open the door and staggered toward home.

Seeing her hurry to leave, Shen Cenzhi’s expression changed instantly, assuming she despised him as usual.

Then, as if recalling something, he lowered his gaze, and a faint smile curled his thin lips.

Back at home, Wei Yang, dizzy and dazed, kicked off her high heels, too hurried to even slip into slippers, and rushed straight into the bathroom.

She clutched the toilet and vomited violently.

Her stomach churned like a raging sea, nearly expelling even her bile.

Wei Yang collapsed weakly onto the cold, hard tile floor.

“Ding dong! Ding dong...”

Was someone ringing the doorbell? Wei Yang frowned tightly and struggled to stand, intending to see who it was.

“Who is it?” she asked impatiently, leaning against the doorframe.

Outside, Shen Cenzhi heard the girl’s soft, weary voice and couldn’t help but snort coldly in his heart. She really liked putting on a brave front!

“It’s me!”

Shen Cenzhi? Wei Yang’s mind briefly went blank. Her delicate brows furrowed deeper. Hadn’t he already left? Why was he back again?

Hesitating, she cautiously asked, “Do you need something?”

Staring at the tightly shut door before him, Shen Cenzhi felt a sudden surge of anger. A cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

“I bought you some sobering medicine. It’s by the door. Come get it yourself.”