Chapter 9: The Fake Heiress of the Wealthy Family (Part 9)

Shen Ke did not go back immediately. Instead, she went to the mall by herself and splurged wildly to vent her emotions.

Afterward, she grabbed a bite to eat and did not head back until around six o’clock.

She should have called the family driver to pick her up, but it was rush hour, and the roads were definitely jammed solid.

Who knew how long it would take for the driver to arrive?

After thinking it over, Shen Ke walked to the subway station. She was seriously planning to take the subway home.

Scattered memories surfaced of doing this a few times before, always with Shi Xu during their outings and dates. It had been a novel experience.

She used her phone to check the navigation, then stood on the platform to wait.

The subway station was pretty crowded at that moment.

It felt a bit like being packed like sardines. Shen Ke noticed someone next to her inching closer, and her brows furrowed instinctively. She turned her head slightly and locked eyes with a pair of murky ones.

Shen Ke pressed her lips together. She turned around and moved a bit further back along the platform.

Once she stood still, she glanced around and saw that the person had not followed. She let out a sigh of relief.

That man had been weird, staring at her blankly with dark, sunken eyes. It was downright creepy.

Before long, the subway arrived. The doors opened, and after boarding, Shen Ke meant to check her phone. But through the reflection in the dark glass of the doors behind her, she spotted someone standing right behind her.

Having someone behind you in a subway car was normal enough, but this was the same man who had been staring at her so intently.

In that instant, Shen Ke’s heart jolted.

Something was wrong—

The subway reached the next station, and another wave of people boarded.

Now the car was completely packed.

Whether due to the crowd or the man on purpose, he drew even closer to her.

From the window reflection, Shen Ke could see the man clearly. He wore a tattered school jacket with his hands tucked into the long sleeves, his short hair a messy tangle, stubble on his face, and heavy dark circles under his eyes. He was a weary, weathered middle-aged man.

They were very close now.

She heard his raspy voice right by her ear: “I know you. Shen Family’s Third Miss.”

Shen Ke gripped the handrail tightly as alarms blared wildly in her mind.

Run—

She shoved past the people in front of her, ignoring the passengers’ angry shouts, and bolted forward.

She felt like that man wanted to kill her.

Shen Ke did not dare look back. She had to get off the train fast!

The subway pulled into another station. Shen Ke tried to squeeze out, but too many people were boarding. She pushed hard against the crowd but got swept back inside, trapped at the doors and unable to move.

Her face flushed red. She gripped the handrail deathly tight and scanned her surroundings, only to meet those murky eyes again.

A chill ran through her heart. Shen Ke averted her gaze.

Just then, she spotted someone across from her, turned slightly away. In an instant, Shen Ke’s eyes widened.

She started shoving frantically toward that person.

At that moment, Yue Lingqing leaned in the corner, reviewing her study materials.

She took the subway home every day. Though her dad had struck it rich thanks to his new woman, that family did not like her—the de facto illegitimate child—and her father had no real feelings for her either.

He just wired her some money each month and left her to fend for herself.

Yue Lingqing saved every penny, planning to start her own business someday.

Sure, that family did not like her, but she had no pride to get in the way. Free room and board, plus over a hundred thousand a month—who wouldn’t envy that life?

Yue Lingqing had delicate, refined features. Her jet-black hair was tied in a low ponytail, and she wore a simple school uniform—not flashy at all. But her looks and figure made even the plainest outfit look stunning on her.

The problem was tricky. Yue Lingqing pondered it for a while until her thoughts started to clarify. Then a delicate gasp sounded nearby, interrupting her.

The voice was familiar, but that person absolutely could not be on the subway.

Thinking that, Yue Lingqing set down her materials. She frowned and looked up to see who it was. But the moment she raised her head, a body flung itself into her arms.

A fragrant scent filled her nose. Yue Lingqing looked down and met Shen Ke’s dark cat-like eyes.

Shen Ke hugged Yue Lingqing’s waist, tilting her face up with a aggrieved expression. “Yue Lingqing, I’m so scared.” Her eyes reddened at the corners like rouged blush, her furrowed brows utterly pitiable.

This was a side of Shen Ke Yue Lingqing had never seen. Her heart stirred with an inexplicable flutter, followed by her pulse racing faster and faster.

She should have pushed Shen Ke away. She and Shen Ke had always clashed; Shen Ke was always haughty around her, spoiled and foolish.

She had never seen Shen Ke like this—clinging to her, speaking in that soft, coquettish whisper, gazing at her all pitifully.

Shen Ke’s body was slender yet soft. Where they pressed together, Yue Lingqing could feel the rise and fall of her chest.

It made it—impossible to refuse.

Shen Ke stared at Yue Lingqing, her eyes a bit red. She did not know why Yue Lingqing just kept looking at her without speaking.

Her arms around Yue Lingqing’s waist tightened, and she rested her face on Yue Lingqing’s shoulder. Her voice was tiny: “Yue Lingqing, someone’s stalking me.”

“What?” Yue Lingqing asked.

Shen Ke pressed her lips together. She tiptoed and brought her lips to Yue Lingqing’s ear, repeating, “Yue Lingqing, someone’s stalking me.”

Warm, moist breath tickled her ear. Yue Lingqing felt her ear go numb, her heart pounding wildly as strange emotions surged through her mind.

She lowered her gaze, her long black lashes veiling her pupils. “Who was it?” Her voice was calm and even.

Hearing Yue Lingqing’s question, Shen Ke twisted her head to look around. This time, she no longer saw the man.

So Shen Ke whispered, “He seems to be gone.”

Yue Lingqing fell silent for a moment, then let out a scoff. “Then let go of me already. You’re obviously taking advantage.”

At those words, Shen Ke’s mouth twitched downward. Normally, she would have snapped back, but not today. She was afraid the man had not really left.

She needed to stick to Yue Lingqing until she got home.

Pretending not to hear, Shen Ke nestled her face against Yue Lingqing’s shoulder again. “No, I don’t want to let go.”

Coquettish and clingy, utterly disruptive.

Yue Lingqing’s face darkened. “Shen Ke, we’re not close enough for this.” Her words were harsh, but she made no move to push Shen Ke away.

Instead, she gripped the handrail tighter to steady herself and scanned the surroundings.

Shen Ke would not approach her like this for no reason. Someone was probably stalking her for real.

“Last time you called me dirty, but now you’re hugging me this long. Not afraid I’ll dirty you up?” Yue Lingqing kept talking, not a kind word among them.

Shen Ke shook her head vigorously. “You’re not dirty, Yue Lingqing. You’re not.” Her voice was syrupy sweet.

Shen Ke probably did not even realize it herself, but when she wanted to coax someone, her voice turned all soft and lilting.

Yue Lingqing’s brow arched slightly. She had not known Shen Ke could act spoiled like this.

“Five hundred per minute. Time’s ticking. I’m not generous enough to let someone who called me shameless and disgusting hug me that long for free.” Yue Lingqing said slowly.

Shen Ke jerked her head up, eyes wide as saucers. But facing Yue Lingqing’s half-smirking expression, she took a deep breath and grumbled, “Fine, five hundred it is.” Inwardly, she cursed Yue Lingqing as a jerk.

Five hundred, five thousand, fifty thousand—it was all pocket change to her. But money was not spent like that. Only a jerk like Yue Lingqing would think of charging for a hug.

Shen Ke quieted down. Her hands never left Yue Lingqing’s waist the whole time. She nuzzled a bit, adjusting her position to press her whole face against Yue Lingqing’s shoulder.

Yue Lingqing’s clear, magnetic voice came from above: “Stop squirming. Squirm again and it’s another hundred.”

Shen Ke huffed but stilled and fell silent.

The subway was not too noisy, save for the occasional clamor of boarding and alighting passengers.

Leaning into Yue Lingqing’s embrace, breathing in her faint, unnamed scent, drowsiness gradually crept over Shen Ke. Maybe it was the shock from earlier making her tired.

She let out a tiny yawn, her lashes fluttering.

Yue Lingqing actually made her feel safe.

With that thought, Shen Ke slowly closed her eyes.

Waves of passengers came and went on the subway, countless turnovers later. As they neared the end station, the car emptied out, seats opening up.

But Yue Lingqing did not move. She could hear Shen Ke’s soft snores. Internally, she mocked Shen Ke for dozing off like this, yet a strange emotion filled her heart, making it itch and restless.

The ride was forty minutes. Yue Lingqing stood the whole time.

The announcement signaled the final stop. Yue Lingqing reached out and gently patted Shen Ke’s back. “Shen Ke, wake up. We’re here.”

Shen Ke blinked awake groggily. Sleeping while standing was no good; her legs were numb, and waking up left her even sleepier.

She felt a bit upset. Plenty of seats were available, yet Yue Lingqing had not guided her to one. Definitely revenge.

Yue Lingqing felt the arms around her waist loosen. Looking down, she saw Shen Ke frowning slightly, looking displeased.

Yue Lingqing raised a brow, ignoring the odd emptiness surging inside her. In an irritated tone, she said, “Well, my little miss, who’s gotten under your skin now?”

Shen Ke’s tension had mostly eased. Hearing Yue Lingqing’s sarcasm, she shot her a glare without a word. Just then, the subway arrived, doors sliding open.

Shen Ke huffed coldly and grabbed Yue Lingqing’s wrist, pulling her off the train together.

Caught by Shen Ke, Yue Lingqing instinctively frowned. The soft palm wrapped around her wrist felt strangely nice.

She did not understand it, but it made her heart race.

Yue Lingqing stared for a moment, then shook free of Shen Ke’s grasp. Their interactions today had already crossed lines. Their relationship was not good—mutual disdain, even.

But Shen Ke persisted. When Yue Lingqing would not let her hold the wrist, she simply wrapped around her entire arm, refusing to let go.

Yue Lingqing went quiet. Her arm sank into soft breasts—the girl’s were still a touch immature but undeniably real.

Quietly, she felt heat rising to her ears.

Somewhat unhappily, Shen Ke said, “There were so many seats on the subway. Why didn’t you take me to sit? My legs are killing me now.” The accusation made her sound like a hit-it-and-quit-it cad.

Yue Lingqing gave Shen Ke a flat look but said nothing.

They still had a walk ahead to reach the villa district after exiting the station.

Standing at the roadside, Yue Lingqing said, “Shen Ke, call your family driver. I don’t want to hang around with you anymore. Being with you too long is nauseating.” Her face was calm; if not for her flushed ears, it might have been more convincing.

Shen Ke selectively ignored Yue Lingqing’s harsh words. She tightened her hold on the arm and shook her head. “No! I want to walk with you.” Today, she did not want anyone else picking her up. She wanted to go back with Yue Lingqing.

The posture, the tone—it made Shen Ke seem extra clingy.

In fact, Yue Lingqing thought today’s Shen Ke was really clingy.

They were not some lovey-dovey couple in heat, dragging out goodbyes.

Thinking that, Yue Lingqing coughed uncomfortably. “Fine, let’s walk then.”

An eighteen-year-old girl could not hide her feelings well. The flush on Yue Lingqing’s ears threatened to spread, her eyes gleaming with unmistakable pleasure.

The villa district was huge—at least a half-hour walk to her place. Normally, she jogged back alone for exercise.

But with Shen Ke today, running was out.

Shen Ke clung to Yue Lingqing’s arm, walking quietly along the road. It was rare for the air between them to feel this peaceful.

Shen Ke had thought walking back would be no big deal. But after just a few minutes, she was tired, drowsiness hitting hard.

She stopped in place, unwilling to move.

Her hold on Yue Lingqing loosened.

Yue Lingqing turned back. “What’s wrong?”

Shen Ke pouted, her voice whiny. “Yue Lingqing, I’m so sleepy. I don’t wanna walk.”

Yue Lingqing scoffed. “Then call your driver.”

Shen Ke pressed her lips together. “No.”

Yue Lingqing frowned. “Suit yourself. I’m going.” With that, she strode ahead. She was not indulging Shen Ke.

Seeing that Yue Lingqing really seemed unwilling to deal with her, Shen Ke lowered her head and bit her lower lip, inwardly cursing Yue Lingqing as utterly detestable.

Shen Ke stared at the tip of her shoe, hesitating over whether to call the driver. She mainly did not want to be left alone.

Waiting for the driver would mean being alone too.

Suddenly, a voice rang out. “Get on.”

Shen Ke looked up. Not far away, Yue Lingqing had turned her back and squatted down.

In an instant, Shen Ke’s eyes widened. She hurried over in a few steps and clambered onto Yue Lingqing’s back. In a small voice, she said, “Yue Lingqing, let’s make up.”

Yue Lingqing stood up with Shen Ke on her back. She gripped Shen Ke’s thighs and bounced her upward, her tone disdainful. “There’s no need for us to make up.”

The corners of Shen Ke’s lips curved up slightly. She gently looped her arms around Yue Lingqing’s neck and rested her head against the side of Yue Lingqing’s neck. In a breathy whisper, she said, “I’ve forgiven you for making me wear a green hat.”

Yue Lingqing only caught Shen Ke mumbling something on her back but could not make out the words clearly. She asked, “What did you just say?”

Shen Ke tugged at Yue Lingqing’s ear. “I said Yue Lingqing smells nice.”

Yue Lingqing did not know how to respond. After a long moment, she squeezed out a single word. “Oh.” Her heart pounded fiercely.

Shen Ke let out a cold huff. She lay on Yue Lingqing’s back and closed her eyes. She felt sleepy again—just a quick doze.

Even, steady breaths gradually sounded from behind her. Yue Lingqing knew Shen Ke had fallen asleep again.

Very softly, Yue Lingqing cursed, “Damn it, I’ve been hit with a head-lowering curse.”

Yue Lingqing carried Shen Ke all the way back to the Shen Family Villa. She chose not to wake Shen Ke. At the main gate, the guard recognized Yue Lingqing and Shen Ke’s faces and opened it without a word.

There was still a short distance to go inside.

Sweat beaded on Yue Lingqing’s forehead, but she did not set Shen Ke down. Instead, she exhaled and pressed on.

She had walked for what felt like a long time, yet the time seemed to fly by.

Yue Lingqing carried Shen Ke to the door and rang the doorbell.

The heavy door slowly swung open. The first to appear was not the butler, but Shen Yi—and Feng Jian.

Both of their gazes locked onto Shen Ke. Together, they reached out toward Yue Lingqing. “Give her to me.”

Yue Lingqing’s brows furrowed tightly. Her tone was far from pleasant. “That would wake her up. I can carry her to the bed to lie down.”

The noise woke Shen Ke. She groggily opened her eyes and lifted her head from Yue Lingqing’s back. Shen Yi’s dark eyes met hers.

Glancing to the side revealed Feng Jian, her face smeared with ointment. Without the black-framed glasses to hide behind, and with her bangs pushed aside by the ointment, those narrow eyes—so similar to Shen Yi’s—were pitch black as well. Shen Ke instinctively felt afraid.

She tightened her grip around Yue Lingqing’s neck.