Coveting the Splendor of the Capital

Ji Shiqing fell for Zhou Youzi at first sight, captivated by his looks. He wore a bodhi bracelet and carried the scent of sandalwood, his distant features seeming worlds away. Among the powerful, he was the one least inclined to play by the rules. Ji Shiqing pursued him for three years, going from reeking of alcohol to being surrounded by his quiet, refined air. She failed to melt the heart of this cold, aloof heir, but she did manage to win over the elders of the Zhou family. When news of their engagement broke, it sent shock waves through Beijing's elite circles. * Then, of all times, her old nemesis Jing Ye returned to the country and made a grand declaration of love: “You stole my homework back then. Now I’m stealing you. That’s fair, isn’t it?” Ji Shiqing said, “I’m engaged.” “That old fossil is so dull. Marry me instead. The house will be in your name, you’ll manage the money, my dad will be your chauffeur, my mom your cook, and I’ll be your servant. You won’t find a better deal anywhere in Beijing’s elite circles.” And so her old nemesis transformed into the clingiest man alive, with only three things on his agenda every day: pursue her, protect her, and spoil her. * Zhou Youzi watched it all, his expression calm and indifferent. Everyone laughed. “So what if Ji Shiqing pursued him for three years? Third Master Zhou doesn’t even get jealous.” They all said Zhou Youzi would never fall in love, never lower his head, and would remain forever above everyone else. Until the day of the engagement banquet, when Jing Ye roared up to the stage on his motorcycle and tried to steal the bride: “Miss, stop chasing someone you couldn’t win over in three years. Let me chase you instead. Now come home with me.” * Later, word spread through Beijing’s elite circles that Zhou Youzi had finally fallen for Ji Shiqing and descended from his lofty pedestal for her. That night, the bodhi beads scattered, the sandalwood scent faded, and the alcohol burned hot. He trapped her in a confined space, his knees parting her trembling legs as a storm raged in his eyes. “Why are you trembling? Where’s the courage you had when you were teasing me?” “Tonight, say my name until I’m satisfied.”