VIP Volume Chapter 117: Out of Control

It took over an hour to cover the twenty-some kilometers, and after several back-and-forth trips, the car was so caked in dirt that its original color was unrecognizable.

Upon arriving at the village head’s house, Yuan Caiyi stepped out of the vehicle and said to Ye Xiaoxuan, "I’ll talk to my father about this. It’s not as difficult as you might imagine; the government provides subsidies for every kilometer, though it still requires some fundraising, and the burden on each household won't be insignificant. Give me some time to consult with the authorities, and I’ll get back to you."

Ye Xiaoxuan nodded and replied, "I’ve already given you my phone number, so let me know as soon as there’s any progress. Also, one more favor: if you hear any news about Chen Tianlei in the city, please notify me."

Yuan Caiyi kept her hand on the car door, lingering instead of leaving. She stared intently at Ye Xiaoxuan and asked with keen interest, "Why? From what I understand, you and Chen Tianlei aren't friends. Why would you help him? I suspect you’ve hidden him away and he’s safe now, isn't he?"

Ye Xiaoxuan gave her a faint smile, crossed his legs, and said, "If I told you I was just using him, would you believe me?"

Yuan Caiyi frowned, then smiled playfully. "Perhaps you could rephrase that as 'heroes recognize heroes.' That sounds much better!"

Ye Xiaoxuan laughed heartily, nodded at her, and drove off.

After this morning, Yuan Caiyi’s impression of Ye Xiaoxuan had shifted significantly, and Ye Xiaoxuan had gained a deeper understanding of her as well. This beautiful young woman possessed more than just good looks; she had a sharp mind. Talking to her was effortless—many things didn't need to be spelled out; she understood them intuitively. A woman of such high intelligence was truly a great asset for a man building a career. He wondered who would be lucky enough to have her.

After dinner, Ye Xiaoxuan originally intended to head to the orchard, but decided against it. Jiaran had been avoiding him for the past two days, and he decided it was time to put an end to this behavior and clear the air once and for all.

As he walked out, he ran into Ye Dajun, who was clutching half a steamed bun and hurrying toward the orchard. Ye Xiaoxuan grabbed him and asked, "Where’s Jiaran?"

Ye Dajun replied, "Probably preparing lessons at school? You know she’s been coming home late these past two days!" Ye Xiaoxuan glared at him and let him go, thinking to himself, *Of course I know she’s avoiding coming home early, but today is Saturday! Why would she be preparing lessons?*

Ye Xiaoxuan returned to the courtyard, hopped on his motorcycle, and rode toward the village primary school.

It was late summer, and fireflies were dancing in the fields on both sides of the road. Jiaran loved these little glowing insects, so Ye Xiaoxuan stopped the bike, caught a few, wrapped them in a large leaf, and tucked them into his pocket.

When he reached the school gate, he saw that the entire complex was dark, save for the light in Jiaran’s office. Ye Xiaoxuan parked his motorcycle and crept toward the building. He had intended to play a prank and give her a scare, but just as he reached the door, he heard Jiaran’s voice.

She was on the phone. Her voice, much like her temperament, was never harsh or sharp; it was always gentle and soft. This was no exception; she responded to the voice on the other end like a well-behaved kitten. Just hearing her tone made one’s heart melt.

But to Ye Xiaoxuan, it left a bitter taste in his mouth. To be speaking so tenderly, it had to be a man. Jiaran had never used such a tone with him—a voice so soft it felt as if it could melt into water. And the call was taking forever; Ye Xiaoxuan felt his legs going numb from standing outside, yet she was still going!

*Who is this bastard,* he wondered, *keeping her at school so late and not letting her come home?* Ye Xiaoxuan clenched his fists, wishing he could drag the guy through the phone and beat him half to death. *I haven't even had the heart to keep Jiaran on the phone this long, and you’ve been chatting with her for ages!*

"...Don't worry, such an important matter, I will consider it carefully. Take care of yourself. When you arrive, I’ll come to the village entrance to pick you up!" With that, the voice inside stopped; she must have hung up.

Ye Xiaoxuan’s face darkened. Hearing those words, he felt a heart-wrenching pain, and his mind went blank. *So, Jiaran already has a sweetheart! They’ve already set a time to meet! And here I was, foolishly thinking that since we aren't blood-related, we could be together! I was wishing on a star, believing our eighteen years of childhood friendship had built a bond that was unbreakable!*

*No wonder she hasn't been coming home lately and has been avoiding me! No wonder she used to go anywhere with me, but now, even a two-minute private conversation is something she tries to escape! She already has someone in her heart!*

Ye Xiaoxuan felt as though his soul had left his body. He turned to leave, dejected and hollow, when the office door suddenly opened. Jiaran stepped out and, seeing someone standing there, let out a startled "Ah!"

"Xiao San, when did you get here? Why are you just standing there?" Seeing it was Ye Xiaoxuan, she relaxed and chided him while turning to lock the door.

Ye Xiaoxuan didn't answer. He stood woodenly at the door, watching her back, his heart aching so much he wanted to cry.

Not hearing a response, Jiaran turned around, puzzled. "I’m talking to you! Did you come to pick me up after work? ...Xiao San, what’s wrong?"

Ye Xiaoxuan remained silent, but his eyes were filled with sorrow. His spirit was crushed; he didn't know what to say. Jiaran was taken aback by his expression—she had never seen him like this before. His furrowed brows and tear-filled eyes made her heart tighten. Vaguely sensing something, she asked cautiously, "When did you get here? Did you hear everything?"

Ye Xiaoxuan took a deep breath and nodded forcefully. Jiaran hurriedly said, "Xiao San, listen to me, I didn't mean to keep it from you, it's just that he wouldn't let me..."

"Jiaran!" Ye Xiaoxuan inhaled sharply again. Under the moonlight, his expression looked fierce and twisted. He stared intensely at her. "You are not my sister! I have never thought of you as a sister—not in the past, and not in the future!"

Jiaran had never seen him like this and felt a twinge of fear. "Xiao San, listen to me..."

Ye Xiaoxuan grabbed her shoulders. "I’ve heard enough tonight, and I don't want to hear another word! Now you listen and remember: from the time we were children until now, you have always been my woman—my woman alone! No one can take you away!"

As he finished speaking, Ye Xiaoxuan kicked the office door open, pulled Jiaran tightly into his arms, lowered his head, and kissed her cherry lips.