Chapter 117: Marrying him was her lifelong dream.

“No matter what, being infuriating is still quite a talent,” Yuwen Si thought, wanting to curse but only staring fixedly at Mai Xijun’s retreating figure. He muttered to himself, completely losing his usual vigor.

Mai Xijun walked straight past Yuwen Si without a glance. Standing behind her, Yuwen Si felt desolate. Seeing that she was about to leave the office, he finally sighed helplessly and took long strides to follow her.

Mo Shaoxing watched the entire scene clearly from his office. After the two had left, he walked steadily to the window, overlooking the bustling city below. Resting his chin on his hand, he pondered deeply for a long moment before rising to retrieve the suit jacket draped over his chair. He strode out briskly, impatiently pressing the elevator button with a rapid “piapia” sound.

Mai Xijun carried some documents she had just organized. She had no real need to deliver them personally to the front desk; a simple phone call could have summoned someone to collect them. But she didn’t want to argue endlessly with Yuwen Si. What troubled her even more was that Yuwen Si didn’t leave. He not only followed her into the elevator but also came down with her. After she finished handling the matter, Yuwen Si still stood there, seemingly waiting for her.

It seemed that as long as Mai Xijun didn’t agree, Yuwen Si would shadow her all day.

“I’m telling you, can you stop being so stubborn?” Yuwen Si’s hoarse voice yelled at Mai Xijun as she passed him without acknowledgment.

Why must she be so cold-hearted toward him? Had he done anything to deserve this? Was it just because he had been a little unkind once? Just a little?

Or was it really only a little?

What exactly had gone wrong with him back then to have entangled himself with her? Now look at him—his mind in turmoil...

Damn it. It’s an internal wound.

Frustrated, Yuwen Si didn’t chase after her. He watched helplessly as the elevator doors closed in front of him. The last image burned into his mind was her indifferent expression, as if nothing had ever happened—just like the first time he saw her in a photo. Proud and aloof.

But why did such a complex illusion take root within him? Why did he feel she was someone who loved deeply? Perhaps it was because of her name—Xi Jun, cherishing and loving.

After Mai Xijun left the elevator, she returned directly to her office.

Meanwhile, Mo Shaoxing thought a great deal during the few seconds the elevator took. The certainty in his eyes revealed his determination and unwavering resolve.

Yuwen Si felt disheartened, though he didn’t know why. It was as if something vital was missing from his heart. It felt heavy and bitter. He analyzed many things but never stopped to consider what exactly was causing his emotional chaos. Who was responsible for his turmoil? He had never felt this way before.

As Yuwen Si stepped out of the Eurasia Hall, he looked up to see a figure standing about twenty centimeters away, backlit by the sun. She wore a playful smile, tilting her head slightly, brazenly as if wanting to scrutinize him from the inside out.

“Let me buy you a coffee,” Xie Yunting said softly.

“No thanks,” Yuwen Si’s eyes held a trace of sarcasm, regaining his sharp demeanor.

“Then how about a glass of red wine?” Yunting was unbothered by his attitude; she was used to his singular expression whenever they met.

“No interest,” he replied. Though he had many urges to drink, red wine had always been his elegant indulgence. But now, he was devoid of mood and spirit, as though he had lost all the refinement his life once had. It left him restless, yet certain feelings lingered—unshakable shadows that bound him.

* * * * *

At Island Café,

Yuwen Si flipped through a book on coffee, bored, seemingly oblivious to Xie Yunting sitting across from him.

Yunting stirred her coffee gently, then lifted the cup gracefully to take a sip. The flavor pleased her.

“How can I win his heart back?”

After a long pause, Yunting spoke again, her tone casual as if discussing an insignificant matter.

“Are you talking to me?” Yuwen Si didn’t look up, eyes still on the book. His voice was flat, like still water, making it hard to tell if he had spoken at all.

Yunting lightly frowned, then relaxed, glancing around with a smile. Her face remained beautiful and delicate, like a porcelain doll, her smile seeming divinely crafted. “It’s just the two of us here.”

“Oh... I don’t like coffee,” Yuwen Si said offhandedly, his handsome features carved like a masterpiece.

Yunting couldn’t help but laugh. “I didn’t expect you to be exactly the same after all these years.”

Yuwen Si had never liked coffee since she knew him. And Shen Yanlie still kept her favorite begonia flowers in his office. She thought to herself: nothing had really changed.

Yuwen Si was indifferent, disdainful. He glanced at Yunting, then looked at her seriously and said, “If you can’t have it, just give up. Does thinking about it every day not hurt your heart?”

If Shen Yanlie still loved her, she wouldn’t need to do anything; he would return to her on his own. But that was impossible now. If Mai Xijun hadn’t appeared, if Yunting had returned to Shen Yanlie’s side before Mai Xijun, if no other woman had come between them, maybe Yunting still had a chance to stay by Shen Yanlie’s side.

But just one variable changed everything. Yunting’s deeds were unforgivable and disappointing, destroying all the purity and beauty that once existed between her and Shen Yanlie—leaving nothing behind.

“If I say it hurts, will you help me? Help me bring him back to me...”

Marrying him was her lifelong dream. Yet now it felt more distant than ever—so close in distance, but with a heart that had grown unfamiliar. In this moment, she finally understood how heartbreakingly beautiful and tragic life could be.

If only she had been firmer back then—not afraid that Shen Yanlie would dislike her for falling ill or having dull skin—perhaps the ending would have been different. If she hadn’t sought out Luo Youcong, maybe she would have returned to Shen Yanlie’s side, and he would have treated her as before.

But she was wrong—so wrong. She had made too many mistakes and missed too many precious moments with him. His tenderness, his love, would never belong to her again.

Just thinking of this made her sad. She didn’t want to lose him. So she spoke harsh words to prove her true love. But his ears no longer wished to hear, his heart no longer felt, and his eyes no longer saw.

“Will you help me?” Seeing Yuwen Si remain silent, Yunting pressed on.

“Don’t hold your breath,” Yuwen Si said coolly. He thought she might stop if he didn’t say anything, but she persisted. So he would be ruthless, caring nothing for anyone’s feelings or capacity to endure.

Yunting’s eyes reddened, but her fragility was never so exposed. She quickly lowered her eyelids, hiding the tears.

“Then why did you come?” Yunting composed herself, her smile gentle as spring breeze.

“Because I suddenly wanted coffee,” Yuwen Si said, meeting her gaze without avoidance.

He took several large sips, then lightly pressed his lips, savoring the taste. “Still don’t like coffee.”

With that, he stood abruptly.

Yunting looked surprised at the nearly empty cup, only a faint brown residue left at the bottom.

“No, Si... I didn’t mean anything else. It’s okay if you don’t want to talk. We haven’t seen each other for years. Catching up a bit is fine,” she hurried to stop him.

Now, apart from Yuwen Si, she could hardly find any key to reopen Shen Yanlie’s heart or any chance of turning things around. After all, she knew nothing of what had happened around Shen Yanlie these years. Undoubtedly, starting with Yuwen Si was the best option.

“We’re not that close. Don’t call it catching up,” Yuwen Si said, pursing his lips. The coffee was unbearably bitter. He wanted to spit out every drop he had just swallowed, acid rising in his throat.

Coffee was truly not meant for humans, he thought. Yet so many liked it. He didn’t understand, but after today, he swore never to touch it again. Worst of all, this cup had no sugar—pure, unadulterated.

Yunting smiled awkwardly, noticing Yuwen Si’s eyes on her hand, which had been holding his wrist. Embarrassed, she quickly let go and lowered her head.

Suddenly, for reasons unknown, Yuwen Si wanted to say something—not because he had a sudden pang of conscience; he never knew how to blame himself.

“Do you know why Yanlie likes Mai Xijun? Because she’s always genuine. Everyone has weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Her temperament may be difficult—sometimes reckless and sharp-tongued—but she shows her true self. She has character, boundaries. She can talk and laugh, be silent and cry. Sometimes overwhelming, but other times so young and vibrant that you can’t help but look at her, your gaze settling on her…”

Dangerous CEO: Woman, You’re Under Arrest 117_ Dangerous CEO: Woman, You’re Under Arrest full free reading_ Chapter 117: Marrying Him Was Her Lifelong Dream Updated!