Fake dating my enemy, The playboy billionaire-Chapter 82: RED

YIREN’S POV

MeiMei greets me with a warm hug, her usual warmth breaking through her formidable exterior. She may be a powerful woman, but she and Suyin have always made me feel welcome.

"How’s the baby?" I ask, lowering my voice.

"Shh... sleeping. Let’s hope he’ll let us chat." She smiles, gesturing toward the sofa instead of her desk. "Tea or coffee?"

"Tea, please."

While she brews the tea, I place the box with my brand-new laptop on the table—a necessary investment despite the pinch it left in my wallet, especially with all that’s on the line with Jun’s work.

"I need your help to install whatever anti-hacking software you have," I explain, hoping I don’t sound as paranoid as I feel. "Please make it impossible for anyone to hack into my laptop."

Handing me a cup, she raises an eyebrow. "That’s it? What brings you on this decision?"

"Yeah, well... I’ve had files stolen before, and I don’t want that happening again." Not when the stakes are this high. I care less about my own files, but with Jun’s designs... I won’t be able to sleep unless I’m certain they are safe.

"Hmm... makes sense," she says, studying me over the rim of her cup. "But Yiren, I have to be honest. Even with top anti-hacking software, some of the tech experts out there can break through."

"But Jun said nothing could—"

She shakes her head. "It’s different for him. Every device my family uses is under my direct supervision. I get an instant alert if someone so much as tries to input the wrong password three times, and if anyone attempts a hack, he is dead. I tackle it manually."

I bite my lip, suddenly feeling small. Of course, her family has that protection. I’m not part of it; why would I expect the same?

"I understand. Exclusive for family it is. Then give me the next best thing—"

"What rubbish is your brain cooking now?" She set the tea cup by force, "Yiren, of course you’re family. I didn’t mean it that way. Adding your devices to my list means—I’ll have full access to everything. Everyone else has totally surrendered their digital privacy and accepted their fate in my hands. If you’re comfortable with that, I’ll set it up for you without a second thought."

I lean closer, dropping my voice to a playful whisper, "Do you pry?"

Meimei matches my tone, leaning in as if sharing a secret. "Why? Are you stashing Jun’s dick pics on there?"

Cough cough cough.....

"Meimei!"

Not an ounce of shame. But I love it!

"Hey, just saying, with these hormone-charged brothers, I’ve learned to keep my distance from their files. You never know what... pops out."

We dissolve into laughter, the kind that’s so freeing it wipes away the earlier tension. I shake my head, still grinning, grateful for her humour and the sense of family she brings.

While Mei works on my new laptop, I pass time turning pages of sports magazine. Jianyu has thoughtfully ordered dinner and taken the baby under his wing, letting her work in peace. Flipping the pages, an article catches my eye—the 2024 F1 Racing Championship is set to wrap up in December, with the 2025 season kicking off in March.

If Jun finishes his car by then, he could enter the 2025 championship! I read on, noting that the season will span 24 Grand Prix events, stretching from March to December. My heart skips a beat as I realize the first race is scheduled to take place in none other than Imperial City.

Looks like we have limited time and we better hurry.

By the time I leave Meimei’s office, the clock is close to midnight. Way too late. Jianyu offered to drive me home, but I couldn’t be selfish, not when their baby was cranky and refusing to settle down, leaving Meimei alone to handle two kids and an upset newborn. I stubbornly turned him down, insisting I’d be fine and would call him once I’m home.

The streets are eerily empty. The glow of streetlights stretches over vacant sidewalks, and every small sound seems amplified in the silence. I glance in my rearview mirror, checking once more to make sure the red car from earlier isn’t lurking behind me. Maybe it was just a random car. But just as I start to feel some relief, my car jerks forward with a shudder. The engine sputters, wheezes, and then, dies completely.

I turn the key, but the engine refuse to buzz.

Fuck.

"Of all times, really?"

I leave the headlights on, casting a soft glow that makes the situation feel a bit less ominous. But stepping out? Not happening. After getting kidnapped once, I learned never to get out of the car.

"Come on, baby," I mutter to the car, caressing the steering wheel. "Just a few more kilometers. Get me home, and I promise I’ll take you in for a full check-up tomorrow."

I turn the key again, hoping for some miracle. Silence.

With a sigh, I pull out my phone and dial his number. It rings only once before I hear his voice. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"Hey, Bunny."

"My car just died on me," I glance around at the empty road

"Share your location. His voice sharpens instantly, and I hear him asking Bear to follow. I shared the live location immediately.

"Just a few kilometres from Meimei’s office. I think it’s the battery or... I don’t know. The engine just... stopped."

"Don’t worry. I’m on my way. Stay in the car, keep your doors locked, and leave the headlights on. And keep talking to me. No hanging, okay?" he instructs, his tone both soothing and authoritative.

"Jun, please hurry. I have no shame in accepting I’m really a scared little bunny. I have heard there are ghosts on this road this time of the night."

"Even the ghosts are scared of you."

"Meanie!"

He is already in the car, I hear a roar of the engine.

"#Truth. Only I’m blessed with enough patience and courage to handle you."

"It will take you forty minutes at least."

Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid.

"Fifteen. Trust me."

I check my rearview mirror when a reflection of light catches my attention.

Car.

Red.

"Jun..."