Chapter 698: I've liked you for a long time

The phone at the foot of the bed...... kept ringing......

The ex-boyfriend's angry tirade...... still grating.

But Lin Yuan had long turned a deaf ear, his eyes

His eyes full of hesitation, his lips moved slightly, his tone carrying a hint of doubt, he said softly: "This...... is not okay...... we......"

Lin Yuan's words hadn't finished, his voice still lingered in the air......

Ning Xue had already turned and walked into the inner room......

After a moment, she came out holding a plain white ceramic foot-washing basin.

The basin held more than half a basin of warm water, steam curling up, blurring the stray hairs at her temples and warming the whole room's atmosphere. She didn't speak, merely bent slightly, gently placing the foot-washing basin on the floor beside Lin Yuan's feet, her movements so gentle as if fearing to disturb something.

She squatted down, her skirt hem falling lightly, covering most of her calf.

Ning Xue's fingertips first probed into the water, gently stirring it, confirming the temperature was neither hot nor cold, just right to dispel her fatigue, before she lifted her gaze to Lin Yuan.

A faint tenderness flickered in Ning Xue's eyes, she said softly:

"Put your feet in." Lin Yuan froze for a moment, still wanting to say something, but her resolute gaze blocked his words; he could only comply, lifting his foot and gently placing it into the warm water.

As the warm water enveloped his feet, warmth spread from the soles throughout his body, and Lin Yuan's tense nerves gradually relaxed.

Ning Xue's fingertips were slender and soft, without the slightest aversion, she gently grasped his ankle and began to knead.

Her pressure was just right, neither heavy nor light; she first carefully scrubbed the top of his foot, gradually removing the dust, then moved down from the ankle, gently massaging the muscles of his lower calf, her fingertips occasionally touching the sensitive spot on the sole.

Making Lin Yuan's soles itch, she would slow her movements, a faint smile curling at the corner of her mouth.

【PS: The following foot-washing content is not suitable for minors】

The steam grew denser, dampening her eyelashes and giving her cheeks a faint blush. She lowered her head, expression focused, as if what she held in her hands was not a trivial foot-washing chore but an extremely solemn affair. Occasionally a droplet splashed from the basin onto the back of her hand or her skirt, and she remained oblivious, wholly devoted to helping Lin Yuan wash his feet, her fingertips tracing the lines of his soles, tender as if guarding a priceless treasure.

After a while, she rose, fetched a clean towel, and gently lifted Lin Yuan's feet from the water, wiping them meticulously from toe to ankle until every part was completely dry, with not a trace of moisture left. Having finished, she lifted the foot-washing basin, turned and walked outside to pour out the water, her movements still gentle; her silhouette amid the misty steam appeared especially tender and moving.

Ning Xue: "She brought the foot-washing basin, filled it with hot water, and began washing Lin Yuan's feet......"

Ning Xue slightly lifted her head, forehead pressing against Lin Yuan's forehead......

Her eyes were complex, yet utterly earnest, her voice tinged with a faint sob and pleading:

"Director Lin, I, like you......"

Her words paused, Ning Xue, as if finally summoning all her courage, a mist rose in her eyes......

Ning Xue's voice was soft yet crystal clear, she said word by word:

"Director Lin, I, actually I……have liked you for a long time......"

Swish—upon hearing those words, Lin Yuan froze completely, his mind instantly went blank......

Lin Yuan widened his eyes, staring at Ning Xue in disbelief......

Lin Yuan murmured under his breath, full of doubt and shock: "Ning Xue, you……you like me for a long time?"

He had never imagined that the female secretary Ning Xue, who always worked diligently……the gentle and capable Ning Xue......

Would actually like him, Lin Yuan?

And……liked him for a long time?

This sudden confession, like a thunderbolt, completely scrambled Lin Yuan's thoughts.

This left him momentarily unsure how to respond.

Ning Xue looked at his stunned expression, without the slightest retreat......

Ning Xue, gently nodded, her eyes full of shyness and anticipation......

Ning Xue's hands...... still tightly clasped around his neck......

The next second, the voice on the other end of the phone...... once again erupted in a howl even more furious and piercing than before!

In the phone, the ex-boyfriend's voice, hoarse and broken from extreme fury, each word laced with malice: "You damn couple!!! Ning Xue, you bitch!!! Wait for me!!! I will never let you off!!!"

The curses...... wave after wave, growing increasingly unbearable to hear, filled with spite and threat!

But the two people in the room were still washing feet.

This scene, as if, like a poem.

At first sight, only felt the brows and eyes gentle,

Gradually joy welled around the heart.

Casual talk and idle chat know each other's hearts,

Every frown and smile is tender.

The evening breeze lightly pulls at the sleeve's edge,

Warmth quietly hides within the words.

Love like spring water slowly rises,

Year after year accompanying without cease.

Time trickled by bit by bit......

The night outside the window grew ever darker.

Ning Xue, still washing Lin Yuan's feet......

The angry tirade on the other end of the phone also continued intermittently, carrying endless anger and resentment, yet could never penetrate the room's full warmth.

After an unknown amount of time, the two finally came to their senses......

Lin Yuan gently stroked Ning Xue's long hair, his tone gentle yet complex, he asked softly: "May I wash your feet too?"

Ning Xue leaned against Lin Yuan's shoulder......

Her eyes full of shyness, hearing Lin Yuan's words, she gently nodded......

"Mm……" Ning Xue gave a faint reply, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum, she didn't dare lift her head.

But as she tried to prop herself up and sit up, she found it somewhat difficult.

Her drunkenness hadn't worn off yet…

Ning Xue bit her lower lip, her cheeks growing ever more crimson, filled with a deep sense of shyness.

Lin Yuan hesitated not at all, carefully scooping her up in a waist hold, his movements gentle and secure, afraid to hurt her.

Lin Yuan held Ning Xue, walking with calm steps into the bathroom…

He turned on the water heater, adjusted the temperature, then slowly lowered her into the bathtub already filled with warm water.

Ning Xue let out a soft sigh, the shyness in her eyes fading a little.

The two of them simply soaked together in the tub, enjoying this exclusive tranquility and warmth.

Time trickled by, the night outside the window gradually fading, a pale fish‑belly white appearing on the horizon…

The warm water in the tub remained hot, and the two still clung to each other.

They talked for a full three hours, from work to life, from past to future…

The distance between their hearts… grew ever closer.

Until five a. m., when a faint light appeared on the horizon, did they slowly rise from the tub.

Lin Yuan still held Ning Xue, wiping the water droplets from her body, then gently laying her on the soft big bed…

Then Lin Yuan lay down as well.

Lin Yuan held her tightly, the two snuggled together, gradually drifting into sleep.

……

Upon waking, it was already noon.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, falling warm and soft upon the bed.

Ning Xue woke first, while Lin Yuan beside her was still sound asleep…

Ning Xue's beautiful eyes were complex as she gazed at the sleeping Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan's handsome face… looked even softer in the sunlight.

Ning Xue rose carefully, fearful of waking him…

Ning Xue's pretty face… still bore a faint flush…

Recalling the events of last night, a hint of shyness welled up in her heart, along with a barely perceptible worry.

Ning Xue picked up her phone, plugged it in… and charged it for a while.

Then she opened the food‑delivery app, ordered the emergency contraceptive pill Yuting for delivery, confirmed the order, and only then sat lightly on the bedside, quietly waiting for the delivery to arrive.

Not long after, the delivery arrived; Ning Xue took it carefully, first pulled out Yuting, opened the package, and with warm water gently swallowed two pills.

Looking at the pill packet in her hand, she let out a gentle sigh, and the worry in her heart gradually faded.

Last night was full of charm, but it also left behind danger.

So she had to take the medicine.

Having finished the medicine, Ning Xue then sat reassured on the bedside, waiting for Lin Yuan to wake up, preparing to have lunch together.

Just then, Lin Yuan's phone placed on the bedside… gave a slight vibration and the screen lit up.

A WeChat message popped up, from Su Monong Fa: "How's it going, Xiao Xue? Did you get him?"

Lin Yuan happened to wake up, just about to pick up his phone to check it, when Ning Xue turned with a water cup and walked over, intending to hand him warm water, her gaze unintentionally sweeping toward the bedside…

It was clear that Ning Xue was about to see that WeChat message.

Lin Yuan's heart jolted; instinctively he reached out, swiftly snatched the phone, shoved it into his pocket, forced a calm expression, masking the panic in his eyes.

Ning Xue stared for a moment, glanced at him doubtfully, but didn't press further.

Ning Xue simply handed him the water cup and said softly:

"You're awake—drink some warm water quickly; the delivery's here. After you freshen up, we'll have lunch."

Lin Yuan took the cup, nodded, took a discreet sip, though his eyes were full of complexity.

He quickly got up, went into the bathroom to wash up and get dressed…

Only in the bathroom did Lin Yuan dare pick up his phone, seeing the WeChat from Su Monong Fa…

Lin Yuan felt helpless.

After washing up, when Lin Yuan came out, he saw Ning Xue seated at the vanity, fixing her makeup before the mirror…

Ning Xue changed into a clean OL outfit, her light makeup making her look even more charming and lovely.

Even her simple OL work skirt couldn't hide her gentle aura.

Looking at the beautiful Ning Xue before him, Lin Yuan's expression grew more complex, and he sighed inwardly—

He never imagined that he would ultimately… still fall into Su Monong's scheme.

But he never expected that after it was done, it wasn't him who took the initiative, but Ning Xue willingly and actively approached him…

This sudden affection left him both surprised and with an indescribable feeling.

Ning Xue finished her makeup, turned to look at Lin Yuan…

Ning Xue's face… bore a faint smile.

Her pretty face still flushed, she said: "Let's go—first get lunch, then pack up and head back to Hangcheng."

Lin Yuan came back to himself, suppressed his tangled emotions, nodded, and said gently: "Alright, let's check out."

Together they packed their simple luggage and left the bedroom…

The two arrived at the hotel front desk to complete checkout.

Just as they finished checking out and were about to step out of the hotel lobby…

A black Porsche Cayenne SUV slammed on its brakes and came to a heavy stop at the hotel entrance…

The tires screeched against the ground, drawing the gaze of everyone nearby.

The car door was flung open violently, and a young man in a black short‑sleeve shirt, tall and muscular, stepped out of the car seething with anger.

The man gripped a baseball bat tightly in his hand, his face ashen, his eyes full of malice.

Without a word, the man charged into the hotel lobby, his gaze sweeping over every corner of the lobby.

Soon, the man's gaze locked onto Ning Xue, who had just walked out of the lobby…

At the moment they saw Ning Xue, the malice in the man's eyes intensified.

The man roared wildly at Ning Xue: "Ning Xue! You bitch! I've been looking for you like crazy!"

As he shouted, the man rushed over; upon seeing Lin Yuan standing beside Ning Xue, his fury ignited instantly, his eyes turning blood‑red.

Without hesitation, the man swung the baseball bat hard at Lin Yuan's head, cursing nonstop:

"You adulterous couple! I'll beat you to death!"

The baseball bat whistled through the air, slamming toward Lin Yuan's head at breakneck speed!

The bystanders gasped instinctively; Ning Xue turned deathly pale, instinctively covering her mouth…

But just as the bat was about to strike Lin Yuan's forehead, his eyes narrowed, his reaction lightning‑fast; he instinctively raised his hand and grabbed the bat's shaft barehanded.

The bat hung suspended in mid‑air, unable to move an inch.

Zhou Yuhao stared at his own full‑force swing of the baseball bat… being caught barehanded by Lin Yuan, his face turning even darker.

Zhou Yuhao's fury erupted like a volcano, and he howled wildly at Lin Yuan and Ning Xue:

"You adulterous pair! You really are together, cheating on me—fuck your mother!!"

His voice was hoarse and broken, full of spite and violent rage, his whole body trembling from extreme anger.

Ning Xue looked at Zhou Yuhao's hysterical state, and her inner grievance was instantly replaced by anger.

Ning Xue stepped forward, standing beside Lin Yuan, and coldly rebuked: "Zhou Yuhao, what the hell is wrong with you?! We've already broken up—who I'm with is none of your business!"

Ning Xue's voice trembled slightly, yet remained firm; her eyes brimmed with disgust and fury toward Zhou Yuhao.

Lin Yuan tightened his grip on the baseball bat slightly, looking at the enraged man before him and then at the furious Ning Xue beside him, and instantly understood—

This man was Ning Xue's ex‑boyfriend??

A flash of realization crossed Lin Yuan's eyes, then was replaced by a faint chill.

Zhou Yuhao was utterly enraged by Ning Xue's reprimand…

Zhou Yuhao's eyes turned terrifyingly scarlet as he glared at Lin Yuan, snarling through clenched teeth:

"You dog of a man! I'll fucking kill you! How dare you touch my woman?!"

As his words fell, Zhou Yuhao summoned all his strength, trying to swing the baseball bat again to break free of Lin Yuan's hold and smash it into him.

But the instant he exerted force, Lin Yuan's eyes turned cold and his wrist tightened slightly!

With a crisp "crack," the hard baseball bat was bent straight out of shape by Lin Yuan's bare hands!

The bat's bent arc was glaringly obvious, a clear testament to the magnitude of Lin Yuan's force.

Zhou Yuhao's pupils contracted sharply; the rage on his face was instantly replaced by disbelief!

Zhou Yuhao stared wide‑eyed at the bent bat, his mind going blank, momentarily forgetting how to react.

But this shock lasted only a second before Zhou Yuhao was overwhelmed by fury and lost his senses.

Zhou Yuhao suddenly lifted his foot and kicked hard at Lin Yuan's abdomen, hoping to catch him off guard and knock him down.

But Lin Yuan's speed far surpassed his.

Before Zhou Yuhao's foot could even touch Lin Yuan's body…

Lin Yuan instinctively sidestepped, simultaneously raising his foot and delivering a precise, powerful kick to Zhou Yuhao's knee.

"Crack!"

A soft sound accompanied Zhou Yuhao's heart‑rending wail!

"Ugh‑ah!!"

Intense pain… instantly swept through Zhou Yuhao's entire body!

His knee buckled, unable to support his weight, and with a "thud" he collapsed heavily onto the ground!

Zhou Yuhao's forehead instantly beaded with cold sweat, his face turning ashen as paper!