The Subtle Seduction of My Ex-Girlfriend’s Aunt - Chapter 35.2

Chapter 35.2: Song Zhixu’s Gaze Toward Her Was Definitely Not Pure…

Reprimanding Song Wuqi, giving Tang Ran flowers, and even letting Tang Ran into her home to look at course materials—no matter how Murong Yi thought about it, she felt Song Zhixu wasn’t just “looking out” for her because their mothers were best friends, as she claimed.

Song Zhixu looked up, her expression indifferent. “Are you very bored?”

As a friend of many years, Murong Yi could easily tell; whenever Song Zhixu didn’t want to answer a question, she would intentionally change the subject.

“At a time like this, you still have time to care if I’m bored?” Murong Yi swiped back two photos on her phone, pointing at the coffee table crowded with colorful cocktail glasses. “Look at all these bright colors. Mixed drinks get you drunk easily. I guarantee that by the time these glasses are empty tonight, someone is definitely ending up in the same bed!”

After speaking, Murong Yi couldn’t help but tsk twice. “Young people nowadays really know how to play.” Her words were light, but her tone sounded a bit like she was grinding her teeth.

Song Zhixu’s gaze fell back on the phone screen. This shot was even clearer than the one Murong Yi had shown her earlier; the person right in the foreground was Tang Ran. She was holding a deck of cards, her eyes curved in a smile as she looked at the woman playing against her.

It was Luo Qing, a partner at Maiyue Medical—one of this year’s award-winning outstanding young entrepreneurs. She was young, accomplished, modest, and gentle.

“Tang Ran is interesting, and that face of hers is truly endearing. The way Luo Qing is looking at her is exactly the same way that girl Qiu Yuan looks at her,” Murong Yi continued to fan the flames. Having navigated the dating scene for years, she could tell at a glance that Luo Qing was interested in Tang Ran.

“If you have nothing to do, look at the materials I sent you. The research report for Qihai Intelligence is out. See if there are any issues,” Song Zhixu remained unresponsive to the bait, pivoting to company business.

“Making people work overtime on a weekend… Song the Skinner, you have no humanity!” Murong Yi wailed a few times before backing out of the office door. Just as she was about to leave, she leaned half her body back in to give one last reminder: “I heard that little girl Tang Ran doesn’t have a very high alcohol tolerance.”

Inside the Private Room.

After getting married in her previous life, Tang Ran hadn’t gone out much. Playing games tonight, she was rusty; she lost more than she won and unknowingly drank quite a bit. Miao Tiantian had ordered cocktails—the alcohol content wasn’t high, but drinking too many still made her dizzy.

Sensing she had overdone it, Tang Ran gave Miao Tiantian a look, preparing to slip away. As she pushed the door open, she bumped into Luo Qing, who was just about to enter. Tang Ran stepped aside to let her through.

Luo Qing didn’t go inside immediately. She looked at the bag in Tang Ran’s hand. “Is Miss Tang leaving?”

“Mhm,” Tang Ran made a gesture across her throat and smiled. “I really can’t drink any more.”

Luo Qing was polite and well-mannered; she had even helped Tang Ran a couple of times during the games, so Tang Ran had a decent impression of her. Suddenly, Tang Ran’s phone chimed with a message from Miao Tiantian.

Sweetness isn’t Sweet: Your sister created the opportunity for you. Seize it well! [Go for it.jpg]

Tang Ran didn’t understand what this cryptic message meant. Just then, Luo Qing’s phone rang. She answered with a “Tiantian,” then looked at Tang Ran.

Tang Ran froze. Her dizzy brain finally processed the meaning of Miao Tiantian’s text. She looked back at the room; Miao Tiantian was holding her phone, winking at her.

“Okay, I understand.” Luo Qing hung up and explained to Tang Ran with a smile, “Tiantian insisted that I must see you home safely.”

Tang Ran finally understood: Miao Tiantian was playing matchmaker. She wanted to refuse Luo Qing, but she couldn’t think of a suitable excuse on the spot. If she spoke too bluntly, it might seem narcissistic—what if Luo Qing was only doing it as a favor to Miao Tiantian and had no other intentions?

“I…”

Before Tang Ran could finish, a familiar voice rang out.

“Tang Ran.”

Tang Ran had been avoiding Song Zhixu for several days; she hadn’t expected to run into her here. The last time they met at ‘He’, Song Zhixu had taken off her mask and Tang Ran recognized her; this time, she had already “recognized” Song Zhixu’s true colors.

Song Zhixu walked toward them with measured steps. Luo Qing recognized her—Song Zhixu had been the guest who presented her with an award at the youth exchange.

“President Song,” she took the initiative to greet her.

“Director Luo.” Song Zhixu responded politely, then turned to Tang Ran and asked softly, “Going home?”

The bar hallway had no main lights, relying only on irregular pattern lamps on the walls. The flickering shadows of red, purple, blue, pink, and yellow light intertwined, creating a secretive and suggestive atmosphere. Even though it was a simple question, in this setting, it carried an indescribable weight.

Tang Ran couldn’t help but recall Murong Yi’s message claiming Song Zhixu was interested in her. However, Tang Ran didn’t take it to heart—Song Zhixu was approaching her with an agenda; how much “sincerity” could there be in her feelings?

After a few days of cooling off, she could now control her emotions when facing Song Zhixu. Before she finished off Song Wuqi, she couldn’t afford to make an enemy of Song Zhixu. Since Song Zhixu was using her, why couldn’t she just turn the tables and use Song Zhixu back without any guilt?

“Yes,” Tang Ran gave Song Zhixu a sweet smile, then bid farewell to Luo Qing. “I’m going back with my sister. I won’t trouble Miss Luo.”

Luo Qing nodded and didn’t insist. She liked Tang Ran, but she had sensed Tang Ran’s reluctance even before Song Zhixu arrived. Relationships were about mutual consent; since Tang Ran wasn’t willing, there was no reason to push.

Following Song Zhixu out of the bar and into the car, the two didn’t speak. Song Zhixu was busy taking several calls, and Tang Ran simply didn’t want to talk. She closed her eyes as soon as she got in, and Song Zhixu didn’t force a conversation after hanging up.

Although she had decided to play along with Song Zhixu, Tang Ran still felt a stifled frustration in her chest that made her irritable. They remained silent for the whole ride. Whether it was the alcohol hitting her or Song Zhixu’s driving being too steady, Tang Ran felt dizzy, drunk, and sleepy. By the time they reached the building, she was swaying on her feet.

In the elevator, she tripped over her own feet. Song Zhixu reached out to steady her, but Tang Ran flinched violently and slapped her hand away. Song Zhixu’s movement paused, and she silently withdrew her hand.

Leaning against the elevator wall to steady herself, Tang Ran realized what she had done. She forced a thin smile. “I drank a bit too much. Please forgive me, Sister.”

“It’s fine,” Song Zhixu’s expression was calm; she wasn’t upset by the reaction. “A gathering with friends?”

“Mhm,” Tang Ran nodded and closed her eyes again. She knew she had overreacted, but the more Song Zhixu didn’t get angry with her, the angrier she became. The fire in her heart kept screaming; Tang Ran felt that if she spoke any more, she wouldn’t be able to hold it in.

Tang Ran thought she was controlling it well, but her impatience was written all over her face. Song Zhixu watched her, a trace of scrutiny in her gentle gaze, until the elevator reached the 19th floor.

Exiting the elevator, Tang Ran gave a casual wave and walked away. Song Zhixu watched her enter her apartment before turning to go to her own.

Inside, the foyer lights turned on automatically. Tang Ran kicked off her shoes and collapsed barefoot onto the sofa. Even though she was so dizzy she could barely open her eyes, she couldn’t sleep. Her mind was filled with the flicker of disappointment she had seen on Song Zhixu’s face after being pushed away.

And she knew Song Zhixu had been watching her while she pretended to sleep in the car. She hadn’t noticed it before, but after seeing Murong Yi’s words, Tang Ran was certain: Song Zhixu’s gaze toward her was definitely not pure.

Of course, she didn’t think Song Zhixu liked her that much. They were adults; some feelings didn’t require a deep emotional bond to exist. Besides, Tang Ran was confident in her looks. She let out a mocking laugh. It turned out Song Zhixu was just another superficial person who liked a pretty face.

Ding-dong!

The doorbell rang. Tang Ran’s eyes moved, but she didn’t even lift her eyelids. She pulled a cushion over her head and stayed prone.

Ding-dong!

The second ring came. Tang Ran snatched the cushion away, frowning at the intercom screen. It was Song Zhixu.

Tang Ran closed her eyes again. She didn’t want to see her, and seeing her show up again made her anger flare up. The bell didn’t ring again, but on the screen, Song Zhixu was still standing there, with no intention of leaving.

Tang Ran rubbed her head, sat up irritably, slammed the cushion onto the floor, and strode to the door to yank it open. Song Zhixu was wearing the same clothes, but she held a cup in her hand. It was the Pikachu glass Tang Ran had brought over a week ago. Inside was the same light-yellow liquid with sliced green limes. The limes were fresh and bright—clearly not leftovers from a week ago, but freshly cut.

An inexplicable feeling flickered in her heart. Tang Ran dithered for a moment, then frowned again. No matter how much Song Zhixu did, it was all for the 5% stake. Why be moved?

“Drink some lime honey water,” Song Zhixu handed her the glass. Tang Ran looked at the cup, then at Song Zhixu. The other woman’s gaze was concerned and her smile was warm.

Tang Ran sneered inwardly. Look at this—a real boss is a real boss. Her acting is a hundred times better than Song Wuqi’s. You can’t find a single trace of hypocrisy. Unlike Song Wuqi, who only had expressions but no “soul” in her eyes.

Tang Ran’s eyes were misty; she looked quite drunk. And she was—she was only standing because she was leaning against the wall, barely clinging to a shred of logic.

Seeing her not move but instead stare at her face, Song Zhixu asked tentatively, “Drunk again?”

Tang Ran’s current state was very similar to the time Song Zhixu brought her back from ‘He’.

What do you mean ‘drunk again’? When did I ever get drunk in front of Song Zhixu? Tang Ran thought dizzily, but her brain was a mess; she couldn’t remember such an occasion at all.

“Can you recognize who I am?” Song Zhixu asked softly. Last time, Tang Ran had mistaken her for Song Wuqi.

Tang Ran’s frown deepened. Does Song Zhixu think I’m so drunk I don’t know her?

Suddenly, an idea popped into Tang Ran’s head. She stopped trying to figure out when she had been drunk before; she just thought this might be an opportunity.

Receiving no answer, Song Zhixu took a step forward, lowering her head to meet Tang Ran’s face. Tang Ran’s brain was slow; by the time she reacted, Song Zhixu’s face was suddenly magnified in front of her. She panicked and instinctively tried to dodge.

However, her body wasn’t following orders. Her upper body leaned back, but her feet didn’t move. She lost her balance and began to fall backward. Song Zhixu lunged to catch her. Since she was still holding the cup, she could only use her arm to scoop her up.

The catch was timely, but by the time they stabilized, they were face-to-face. They were so close they could clearly feel each other’s breath. Tang Ran’s already chaotic brain completely stalled. She blankly looked away.

Her peripheral vision caught Song Zhixu’s fair throat bobbing as she swallowed. Suddenly, that look from the elevator flashed back into her mind. Her heart was a mess—she was so annoyed! She wanted to push Song Zhixu away, but Song Zhixu was one step ahead and let her go first.

Failing to push her made Tang Ran even angrier. She unexpectedly reached out, grabbed Song Zhixu’s collar, and yanked the woman toward her. The sudden force made Song Zhixu stumble; she had to brace her left hand against the foyer cabinet to maintain her balance.

She looked down at Tang Ran in confusion, and unexpectedly met a pair of eyes filled with intense rage. Tang Ran’s fingers gripped the collar so tightly that her knuckles were white. Despite being close enough to feel each other’s breath, there wasn’t a hint of romance.

Tang Ran stared into her eyes, her gaze sharp as a blade, her voice trembling with fury: “Why?”

Forced to hunch over, Song Zhixu looked into her eyes, facing her hostility directly for the first time. She frowned in confusion. “What?”

Anger had long since overridden logic; Tang Ran had tossed her plan of “playing along” out the window. She gritted her teeth and demanded: “Why did you lie to me?”

A flash of realization went through Song Zhixu’s eyes. It seemed she really had been mistaken for Song Wuqi again. She sighed softly and explained in a low voice, “Tang Ran, you have the wrong person.”

“Heh,” Tang Ran let out a cold, mocking scoff. “Brave enough to do it, but not brave enough to admit it?”

Song Zhixu followed her lead. “What did I do?” Last time, Tang Ran hadn’t said anything, and she didn’t want to force it. But Tang Ran was like a wounded small animal; she would bristle at the slightest scare and show her claws to keep people away. Song Zhixu wanted to know what happened, and she wanted to know how to soothe this sudden rage. Since she was being mistaken for ‘Song Wuqi’, she would let ‘Song Wuqi’ get to the bottom of it.

“What was your purpose for intentionally approaching me?” Tang Ran asked instead of answering. Did she think she could get away with it just because she was “drunk”? Since it was all out in the open, she might as well speak plainly. If they could keep collaborating, fine; if not, she’d find another ally.

“What do you mean?” Song Zhixu was genuinely puzzled. Was Song Wuqi’s relationship with Tang Ran motivated by something else? A thought flashed through her mind—the 5% stake.

Sure enough, the next second, she heard Tang Ran’s sneer: “Isn’t it because you want that 5% stake?”

Song Zhixu’s brows knit together. So Tang Ran was this angry not just because Song Wuqi cheated, but because she discovered she had been “loved” for her shares?

“What? You want it but don’t dare admit it?” Tang Ran tightened her grip, pulling the woman even closer. She arched an eyebrow, her voice dropping into a suggestive, breathy tone. “If it’s not for the shares, then… is it for me?”

Her movements were entirely without reservation. Their noses were separated by less than an inch. As she spoke, the hot scent of alcohol sprayed against Song Zhixu’s face, mixed with a rich, sweet fragrance that acted like vanguard soldiers, testing the enemy’s boundaries.

Song Zhixu’s eyelashes fluttered. A crimson flush rapidly spread across her snow-white neck. Tang Ran had intended to test her, and seeing the reaction, a triumphant smile played on her lips.

Song Zhixu turned her head, trying to create distance, but Tang Ran yanked her back. Helpless, she could only slow her breathing and look down at Tang Ran’s face. Tang Ran’s skin was very pale, but her cheeks were a translucent pink, like a ripening peach on a branch.

Song Zhixu’s throat bobbed again. She withdrew her gaze and looked back into Tang Ran’s eyes. Tang Ran’s smile was wild and charming, but her eyes were filled with nothing but mockery.

Song Zhixu exhaled silently and brought the topic back. “So… Wuqi is with you because of the 5% stake in the Song Group?”

Logically, it made sense, but the reason wasn’t sufficient. That alone shouldn’t have caused such a drastic change in Tang Ran. The Tang Ran she knew was open and bright. But the person in front of her was sensitive, irritable, and suspicious—more like someone who had survived a massive trauma.

Song Zhixu’s intuition told her that what Song Wuqi did wasn’t as simple as tricking her for shares. But she couldn’t think of any other reason. Had Song Wuqi done something to physically harm her?

Song Zhixu lowered her eyes, secretly scanning Tang Ran’s body. Her skin was smooth and fair; there were no obvious scars.

Upon hearing Song Zhixu’s words, the smile on Tang Ran’s face instantly froze. It took her brain a moment to connect everything Song Zhixu had said.

So… she had burned her bridges and even resorted to “using her beauty” to confront her, and the result? Song Zhixu still thought she was mistaking her for Song Wuqi?

They had been talking all this time, but they were in completely different worlds. And what was with the way Song Zhixu was looking at her just now?

Support The Subtle Seduction of My Ex-Girlfriend’s Aunt