Chapter 151 Secret, Harm

Li Yan knew that Yue Yao had genuine feelings for him, understanding that she was even willing to sacrifice herself to fulfill his wishes. Even if it was just like this, as long as she could be by his side, she would feel happy and satisfied, which is why he said he wanted to give her a little reward. Actually, he just wanted to show a bit more love to her, rather than being flippant after gaining an advantage.

And now, he just wanted to kiss her gently, letting Yue Yao feel his affection. After all, the two understood each other’s feelings, and they had been closer in the past, so for a man, this was a natural phenomenon. Just like how a girl might reject or push away her boyfriend during their first kiss, but after having experience, she would naturally hold him tight and caress his back.

As he felt Yue Yao’s breathing becoming more rapid and her heartbeat quickening, a moment of uncertainty struck him; would Yue Yao misunderstand?

...

In fact, Yue Yao did have such thoughts!

Yue Yao even thought that the reward he mentioned must be something special, not just money or a kiss, but something more...

However, reason returned to her mind when they parted their lips to catch their breath. At that moment, Yue Yao thought of Zhang Yurong!

Today was Yurong’s birthday, and it wasn’t past midnight yet. Today, Yurong was very happy and joyful; what they were doing could already be considered a betrayal to her. Was it really necessary to disappoint her even more on such a day?

Yue Yao then thought of Yu Xiaodi, whom Yurong considered a friend in fair competition, but she had slept with Li Yan. That incident was the greatest blow to Yurong, to her, and Li Yan’s relationship!

What if it were me?

Yu Xiaodi was only her rival in love, and even that caused such issues. Now, I’m the person Yurong trusts the most, her best friend akin to a sister. If I took advantage of her absence to have an affair with her husband, what would Yurong’s reaction be if she found out?

Do not impose on others what you do not desire yourself.

Yue Yao thought about it from her own perspective and realized that it would be a devastating blow to Yurong and their relationship! Since she had already decided to fulfill their wishes, she certainly didn’t want to harm Zhang Yurong or destroy Li Yan’s happiness because of a momentary pleasure, or just because her wishes were fulfilled!

"We... shouldn’t do this," Yue Yao whispered, and she removed Li Yan’s hand. "This isn’t fair to Yurong..."

"Hmm." Li Yan also sighed deeply with relief; he feared losing control later, or even if he controlled himself and stopped, it would still hurt Yue Yao. Her ability to calm down was something he welcomed as well.

Seeing his expression, Yue Yao worried he might feel unhappy, so she explained apologetically: "I’m sorry, it’s not that I’m unwilling to... it’s just that now..."

Li Yan shook his head with a smile, looking into her eyes to show his understanding. He kissed her lips lightly again and whispered, "The reward is already enough; this is my reward for you, and yours for me."

Yue Yao immediately understood his true thoughts, realizing that he may have lost himself a little earlier, but had no intention of doing that with her at all; she had misunderstood. This made her feel somewhat relaxed, not having to worry about his depression or feel apologetic to him, though she felt a bit disappointed.

Their minds were so in tune that how could Li Yan not guess what Yue Yao was thinking?

He reached out to hug her, whispering, "You are my woman! Always will be! It’s not that I don’t want you, just that it’s not the right time. I also don’t want you to mistakenly think I’m just trying to seize the opportunity with you. We don’t need those things to maintain our relationship."

This explanation made Yue Yao’s disappointment disappear completely, replaced by satisfaction and hope. To hear him say such words personally was something she had never imagined before.

You are my woman! Always will be!

Just for these words, she felt that all her sacrifices for him were worthwhile!

And in her heart, Yue Yao silently made a decision; she hoped one day, when Yurong knew about their relationship, she could accept her staying by his side without any title, in the shadows, and then she would have no burden. But she also knew this hope was slim; from the case with Yu Xiaodi, it was impossible for Yurong to accept that. Therefore, she simultaneously decided that one day, when she needed to leave, even if she would still be nearby, she wouldn’t be able to be by his side anymore, she would definitely give herself to him!

...

A gentle embrace, for two people who had numerous opportunities before but never realized or understood and cherished them, now meeting daily but unable even to hold hands, meant immense contentment. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

After a while, Yue Yao regained her composure and adjusted her posture, taking out her computer to start reporting some matters to him, essentially a ’meeting’.

Though Li Yan used to not live here, the two remained in contact, so there wasn’t much to discuss. After finishing the meeting, Yue Yao took out another item.

"What’s so special about it? Why did you go to great lengths to obtain it? Today I searched about it and only found that it’s an ancient stone from Lai Shiqin, said to have calming, soothing, and comforting effects." These effects aren’t especially unique; drugs, music, fragrance, meditation, and so forth can also achieve that.