Chapter Forty-Two: "Her Birthday"

"Cheng Yunting!" Leng Zheng woke from a nightmare, sitting upright in bed.

"What's wrong?" Cheng Yunting heard her and hurried from his study to the bedroom, gazing at Leng Zheng. "What's wrong, Zheng?"

Leng Zheng shook her head and wrapped her arms around him. "It's nothing, just a bad dream."

Cheng Yunting patted her back gently. "There, there, it's alright. I'm right here. Try to sleep a little longer."

She nodded, holding him close as she drifted back into sleep...

Cheng Yunting looked at the delicate woman before him and tightened his embrace. The promise he'd made to Du Ruoyan weighed on his heart, and he felt a pang of regret...

With Zheng's temperament... Ah, Zheng, what am I supposed to do with you?

He stroked Leng Zheng's cheek, gazing at her rosy face with a smile. "Zheng, remember this: I will always love you."

But the little woman was already fast asleep, unable to hear his words.

Suddenly, Cheng Yunting's phone rang.

"Yes? What is it?" he asked quietly, lowering his voice.

"I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend right now," Du Ruoyan said, looking at the man before her.

"No," Cheng Yunting replied without hesitation.

"Why not? If you—" Du Ruoyan's tone was perfectly controlled, but if Leng Zheng were to hear, she would certainly realize there was someone else on the line.

"Alright. But I have something to do right now. I'll come find you in a moment," Cheng Yunting answered after taking a deep breath.

"Alright," Du Ruoyan nodded and ended the call.

"So, what do we do next?" Du Ruoyan looked warily at the man before her and asked.

"In a little while, bring Cheng Yunting to the bar, then lure Leng Zheng there as well," the man said, spinning a pen and glancing at the photos on his wall.

"Alright. I'll go now," Du Ruoyan nodded.

"Mm."

...

"Zheng..." Cheng Yunting held Leng Zheng tightly, drawing warmth from her presence.

He knew that once Du Ruoyan called him over, she would certainly find a way to bring Leng Zheng as well. If Leng Zheng showed up and found out about this...

With her nature, she would never let it go... What a pity...

"Zheng..." Cheng Yunting called to her softly, reluctant to let go. Just as he wanted to go further, his phone rang again.

"Well? Are you ready now?" Du Ruoyan asked.

"I'm ready. Send me the address, I'll come find you," Cheng Yunting said, taking a deep breath while holding Leng Zheng.

"XX Bar."

"Alright."

...

"Zheng, wait for me to come back." Cheng Yunting kissed her on the forehead, though he knew deep down this might be the last time...

Leng Zheng slept soundly, unaware of the fate that might await her...

...

In the private room at the bar, Cheng Yunting wore a cold expression for Du Ruoyan, sat down, and ordered a drink.

"Give me your phone," Du Ruoyan suddenly demanded.

Cheng Yunting knew he couldn't escape and placed his phone on the table, sipping his drink.

Du Ruoyan picked it up and noticed it was locked. She looked at Cheng Yunting. "What's the password?"

He remained silent, his expression daring anyone to approach.

But unfortunately, Du Ruoyan held leverage over him.

She leaned in, slipped her arm through his, and whispered in his ear, "What's the password?"

"020418," Cheng Yunting replied, pushing her away.

"See? That wasn't so hard," Du Ruoyan said with a smile.