Ten minutes later.
Screech~~
With the sharp sound of brakes, Yang Haoran looked up to see a luxurious mall looming before him. The plaza in front of the mall teemed with people. Food carts lined the area, hawking snacks, while large entertainment setups entertained the children amid bursts of laughter all around.
After parking the car, the two of them got out and headed toward the mall.
They hadn’t gone far when Yang Haoran noticed it. Amid the bustling crowd, men and women alike cast admiring glances at his mother—though he could overlook the women’s stares. But those from the men? As a guy himself, he knew exactly what they meant, and it instantly soured his mood.
Only then did Yang Haoran truly take in how captivating his mother’s outfit was that day.
Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a graceful silhouette. Tall and poised, she stood with effortless elegance.
His mother’s exquisitely beautiful face bore only light makeup, her expression calm and indifferent, as if oblivious to—or long accustomed to—the stares around her.
She wore a form-fitting purple dress that hugged her alluring figure, tracing dramatic S-curve contours on either side. From afar, she resembled a human hourglass—full-breasted and generously hipped, radiating mature sensuality.
Her slender waist was so narrow it seemed a single hand could encircle it, swaying like a willow in the breeze, soft and boneless. Her plump rear curved out round and firm, stretching the fabric of her skirt into the perfect shape of a ripe peach.
From that pert, rounded backside, the tight skirt hem fell to mid-thigh, sheer flesh-toned stockings sheathing her long, shapely legs. Their subtle sheen gleamed flawlessly, rendering her legs utterly perfect.
Her sexy figure curved with exquisite lines, those long stockinged legs crossing in black high heels with each mesmerizing step, sending ripples through the silken flesh. Her full peach-like hips protruded like water-filled balloons, high and proud behind her.
A slim waist, voluptuous hips, stunning legs, ample bosom, and peerless beauty—she was the pinnacle of perfection.
Fortunately, his mother held a high position year-round, exuding an innate aura that deterred ordinary men from even meeting her gaze, let alone approaching. So they made it into the mall without incident.
Liu Ruoxi led Yang Haoran straight to the elevators with familiar ease, clearly no stranger to the place.
The two arrived at a Western restaurant on the fifth floor.
Liu Ruoxi guided her son to a table by the window, smoothed her skirt, and sat down gracefully.
Yang Haoran sat right beside his mother instead of across from her.
Soon, the waitress brought the menu. She flashed a brief look of surprise at his mother’s beauty but maintained her professional smile, waiting patiently for their order.
His mother flipped open the menu, glanced over it, and ordered two steaks, salmon sashimi, pan-seared foie gras, chilled grilled tenderloin, a fruit platter, and two glasses of juice.
The restaurant’s ambiance was refined and elegant. Diners ate quietly, keeping any conversation hushed. The only prominent sound was the crisp clink of knives and forks against porcelain plates.
Before long, the food arrived. Yang Haoran’s steak came presliced on the plate. He speared a piece with his fork, tasted it—delicious—then moved on to the foie gras, tenderloin, and more. He ate heartily, washing it down with sips of juice now and then.
In contrast to Yang Haoran’s carefree devouring, Liu Ruoxi sat with perfect poise. She gripped her knife and fork delicately with slender fingers, slicing her steak with unhurried precision—an image of pure elegance. After cutting off a piece, she speared it and brought it to her lips. Her fair cheeks flushed a delicate pink from the steak’s juices, making her all the more lovely.
Even watching her eat was a pleasure. She chewed slowly and thoroughly, working each small bite for dozens of chews before swallowing down her snowy throat. She took a tiny sip of juice, then resumed cutting.
She had just sliced off a small piece when Yang Haoran leaned in, cheekily whispering, “Mom, feed me.” He opened his mouth wide, like a baby bird awaiting its parent’s care.
Liu Ruoxi shot her son a glance, a mix of exasperation and resignation in her eyes. With a sigh, she obliged, placing the morsel into his mouth.
Yang Haoran chewed happily, his face beaming with joy. That bright smile gave Liu Ruoxi pause, then softened her gaze with indulgence. Motherly tenderness stirred within her, a rare gentle expression blooming on her face.
……
It was already one in the afternoon when they got home. With school just starting and this fight already happening, his mother had made him come home to reflect.
No choice—he had the afternoon off anyway, left idling at home alone.
As for Liu Ruoxi, after dropping him off, she drove away.
Yang Haoran stood by his bedroom window, watching her car fade into the distance. He frowned in puzzlement. This outfit didn’t look like something she’d wear to the office.
His mother was always meticulous about her professional image—it upheld her authority at work. She usually wore formal business attire.
Could his mother be having an affair?
The thought popped into Yang Haoran’s head unbidden, but he immediately shook it off.
Impossible. No way. That wasn’t her. Though his parents’ marriage had long been strained, he knew his mother well enough—she wasn’t the type to step out like that.
His mind lingered on the word “slut,” and boom—like a thunderclap, his head buzzed.
Suddenly, he recalled his mother’s odd behavior a few days back: jerking him off while dressed in skimpy lingerie. The fairy-like image of her in his mind had shattered then. That version of his mother was just like… just like…
“A slut!”
Yang Haoran murmured to the horizon, the notion taking hold.
Absurd as it was, it left him restless and agitated.
When you care too deeply about someone, every little thing they do invites overanalysis and wild speculation. Right now, Yang Haoran was verging on obsession.
……
In the steel jungle of the city, a black BMW cruised along the road. Skyscrapers, crowds, and traffic blurred past the window like phantoms. Behind the wheel sat a stunning beauty of unparalleled grace and allure.
“Is it settled?”
“It’s settled. No issue—he got into another fight at school. I sent him home to reflect.”
“Was he hurt?”
“Nope. He was the one doing the hurting.”
A silvery, bell-like laugh rang from the phone, laced with seduction.
“Where are you now?”
“On the road. I’ll send the photos to your phone soon.”
“No rush. Take more—these might not be bold enough to meet the requirements.” The voice on the other end was lazy and alluring.
Liu Ruoxi frowned slightly. “That should be enough, right?”
“It’s plenty for me, but not for you. Ruoxi, you’re too conservative.”
The words brought back the shameless scene from that morning’s shoot, flushing Liu Ruoxi’s cheeks. After all these years together, it was the first time she’d seen that side of her friend.
It was utterly mortifying.
Sensing the silence, the other woman pressed on, as if anticipating her reaction. “It’s inevitable for the tasks anyway—the later ones will demand even more. And don’t forget what’s coming up.”
She struck while the iron was hot. “I picked up some toys. We can use those for the next shoot. It’s settled then, Ruoxi. Talk later.”
Before Liu Ruoxi could protest, the line went dead with a beep.
