Chapter 31 The Double-Faced Man

Chen Aijia’s explanation put Yang Changfeng at ease.

She told him it wasn’t a matter of mistrusting Anya, but rather that Anya was an exceptionally timid girl. She cherished the unique blend of professional and personal friendship she shared with Anya. If Anya discovered that her boss and close friend had a habit of sleepwalking, she might adapt at first, but over time, the mounting pressure could overwhelm her—either leading to a breakdown or prompting her to leave. “She always faces everything alone. If she knew about my sleepwalking, she’d surely hide her fear, but eventually, I worry it would be too much for her and she’d collapse or have to go. I have very few friends; Anya is the most important one. In work and in life, I can’t imagine being without her.” Aijia bowed her head, silent for a long moment before voicing her concern.

Yang Changfeng understood then—her sleepwalking wasn’t only a symptom of work stress, but also of loneliness in life.

It wasn’t a trivial matter, though not terribly severe either.

Her problem was this: at work, she bore the burden of running a large company, employing so many people. Every difficulty fell to her alone to solve. She seemed radiant to outsiders, but only she knew how lonely she was in private.

In life, she truly might not have any real friends; the handful she did have kept in touch mainly because of her status, and such friendships rarely carried much weight. The only person she could confide in was Anya, but due to Anya’s personality and family background, it was impossible for them to fully open their hearts to each other.

Loneliness, pressure, and perhaps her environment and past experiences all contributed to Aijia’s sleepwalking. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing Anya—possibly her only real friend—because of this frightening “habit.” That would be too tragic; she couldn’t handle such a blow.

So, even the wealthy have their own troubles.

Not everyone is a young master.

Yang Changfeng found himself feeling pity for this woman who, though cold and unapproachable, was actually quite vulnerable. Sighing, he patted Aijia’s hand and smiled, “You’ve got it pretty tough. But you have admirers, don’t you? That Sun fellow said you seem to like someone. Why not confide in him?”

Aijia’s face flushed faintly.

Yang Changfeng had to admit he felt a pang of jealousy.

Damn it, let me find out who that guy is!

Aijia scolded him, “What nonsense are you spouting? There’s nothing like that! Can’t you hear Sun trying to stir up trouble… Oh, you’re just incorrigible!”

Yang Changfeng was dumbfounded—how had this become about him?

Aijia snorted, “Now I see it—you’re bad and domineering. Fine, I’ll tell you. The guy is indeed decent and capable, but it was nothing more than a fleeting feeling back in school. I never said anything, but at graduation, to avoid regrets, I mentioned it to him face-to-face. Some classmates overheard and started spreading rumors.”

She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her urgency to clear up the misunderstanding. Then, with a sour expression, she muttered, “Why am I telling you all this? Anyway, you know so many of my secrets now—if you don’t want me to silence you for good, hurry up and go downstairs to fetch your things. The room next door is open; move in! There’s a bathroom, and don’t come out without a reason, understood?”

That was more like it!

Yang Changfeng blinked and grinned, “If you sleepwalk again, should I pretend not to notice?”

He pulled out a black stick from beneath the bed. Upon closer inspection, he recoiled in terror.

It was a high-voltage stun baton—press the switch, and it could kill an adult in three seconds!

This woman never really trusted him!

Aijia threatened, “See this? If you dare try anything, even if you do something to me, I’ll kill you!”

Yang Changfeng retorted, “A shrew like you—even naked, I wouldn’t touch you. Rest assured!”

Aijia suddenly gave a seductive smile, stretching her jade-like legs from beneath the blanket, her tongue teasing her lips. She cooed, “Really? So you mean you never…”

“Don’t finish that sentence!” Changfeng sneered. “If you undress yourself, I won’t touch you. But if I undress you, I’ll sleep with you—and by this time next year, you’ll be having my child!”

Aijia flew into a rage, pressing the switch so the baton sparked with electricity.

Yang Changfeng fled, shouting, “You, Chen—just wait! Sooner or later, I’ll strip you bare, front and back, three hours each time, and wear you out!”

The door slammed shut. Aijia swung the baton a few times, then suddenly laughed to herself, muttering, “Lustful but cowardly idiot!”

He went downstairs for his pillow and blanket, and just as he reached the second floor, Aijia emerged wearing her robe and bare feet.

Seeing her with her hands behind her back, Yang Changfeng was instantly wary. “What are you up to now?”

Aijia giggled, “Nothing at all! But you never keep your word. I don’t trust you, so I’m supervising your move upstairs. All right, rest well. Good night!”

Changfeng realized he’d been tricked—she wasn’t carrying anything, just bluffing to scare him.

“Then you’d better dress warmly—I can see through things. Be careful I don’t catch you naked!” he threatened.

Aijia glanced back with a mocking smile, “So what if you see everything? Would you dare do anything?”

Unbearable!

He tossed his bedding aside and lunged at her, only to be thwarted by a door slammed in his face.

From within, her laughter rang out, light and triumphant, “You’re still too inexperienced to challenge me!”

The room adjacent to Aijia’s bedroom was much larger than the guest room downstairs, though smaller than the master bedroom. Yang Changfeng was content—not about to complain.

Free lodging—how could he possibly find fault?

He collapsed into bed, his mind clear of stray thoughts, and soon fell asleep. He didn’t wake until daylight, roused by the alarm.

Tidying up, he stepped out to find Aijia looking exhausted, having just finished washing up. She carried a file case and her purse, dressed in a smart skirt suit, just emerging from the master bedroom.

Noticing Changfeng, she covered her mouth with a yawn, groggy as she said, “Go start the car, quickly, or we’ll be late.”