He noticed his mother's attitude towards Su Ding but was helpless to change it for now, and there was no evidence to prove whether Shao Lin was behind those incidents.
He could understand Su Ding's exhaustion during this period, and he was equally tired.
He truly hoped these farces would end soon.
As night gradually fell, Jin Ye parked the car by the sea, and Su Ding also woke up.
She looked at the suit jacket draped over her, feeling a warmth in her heart. Turning her head, she softly asked, "Where are we?"
Jin Ye looked at her gentle profile, his voice incredibly tender, "The beach. Shall we take a walk?"
He had driven for nearly four hours, leaving Jiang City and arriving at a coastal town.
This was a tourist spot, with many tourists strolling and holding hands by the sea. The cool sea breeze blew, carrying a scent of freedom and tranquility.
Jin Ye opened the car door and voluntarily took Su Ding's hand. The two walked along the beach.
The wind stirred the sea's surface, creating ripples. The waves lapped at the shore, their soothing rhythm blending with the beauty of the descending night, gradually calming their restless hearts.
Su Ding spread her arms, embracing the sea breeze and freedom.
She smiled softly, closing her eyes, "It's been so long since I've been out. It feels so good."
Jin Ye took off his shoes and sat on the sand. "Yes, that's why we should come out and see the world more often."
Su Ding sat down with him. Seeing a couple cuddling in front of them, she turned and said with a smile, "Okay."
With that, she gently leaned her head on Jin Ye's shoulder.
Jin Ye's body stiffened slightly, but he quickly relaxed. He put his arm around Su Ding's shoulder, savoring the rare tranquility.
"What are your plans for the future? Handling company matters or acting?" Jin Ye asked in a low voice.
"Acting," Su Ding replied without much thought.
"Oh? Then the company..."
"I'll find someone to manage the company for me. Don't worry, consider these days as a rest," Su Ding said faintly, taking a deep breath.
She suddenly turned her face towards Jin Ye, their faces very close.
She smiled playfully, "Then boss, will you cover the liquidated damages for the work I missed earlier?"
Su Ding knew that while she had been acting capriciously these past few days, Xiao Yuan Zheng had been under immense pressure, negotiating and handling the mess on her behalf.
Jin Ye looked at her captivating smile and, as if possessed, leaned in to kiss her. To his surprise, Su Ding pulled back slightly.
His heart felt as if it had been tickled by a cat's paw, making him want her even more.
Su Ding's bright eyes curved into a smile, "You haven't answered me yet."
The end of her sentence had a slight upward inflection, with a touch of nasality, sounding very much like she was playfully coaxing him. Jin Ye was reflected in her eyes, full of tender affection.
Jin Ye could no longer restrain himself. He lunged forward, cupped the back of her head, and captured her lips. He bit her lip playfully before his tongue delved in, entwining with hers.
This time, Su Ding didn't feel as uncomfortable as before. She kissed him obediently.
She naturally wrapped her arms around him, immersing herself wholeheartedly in the passionate kiss, surrendering herself to him.
Jin Ye's kisses grew more urgent, gradually moving down, leaving traces on Su Ding's delicate collarbone.
"Mmm, it hurts," Su Ding said, gently patting his shoulder, a shy whimper escaping her.
But Jin Ye seemed not to hear, as if tasting a long-unseen delicacy. With animalistic fervor, he continued to kiss and nibble.
Since that night five years ago, he hadn't touched another woman.
He was a normal man with normal physiological needs, but whenever women offered themselves to him, he only felt disgust.
Those soft, fawning gazes held no love, only naked avarice.
He found it repulsive.
Even Shao Lin no longer held any interest for him.
But after such long repression, when his desires were ignited, it was hard to quell them again. The woman beneath him was the one he deeply loved, and he craved her. Moreover, they were already legally married.
Su Ding saw the desire in his eyes and stopped him in time.
"Um, I haven't eaten yet."
She blurted out, her face flushed. Seeing his reddened face and the unnatural bulge, she felt a little apologetic. She had intentionally provoked him just now.
After all, this was a beach, and there were many people around. They couldn't do anything reckless.
Jin Ye stood up in disappointment, his red face betraying a hint of petulance as he pursed his lips, remaining silent.
He reached out and pulled Su Ding up. "Let's go, let's eat."
Su Ding obediently followed him. "Okay."
At the restaurant, they sat facing each other for dinner. It was mealtime, and they had also arrived during the restaurant's tenth-anniversary celebration, making the atmosphere very lively.
"You don't need to worry about the liquidated damages. I'll handle it for you. You're welcome back anytime you want," Jin Ye said, picking up a piece of beef and giving it to Su Ding.
Su Ding ate the beef and smiled, nodding. "Thank you, boss. Are we going back today?"
It was a four-hour drive from Jiang City, and rushing back would be too exhausting.
Seeing her smile, Jin Ye recalled what had happened on the beach earlier. A suggestive thought crossed his mind. He silently took a sip of soup before stating calmly, "We'll go back tomorrow morning. Tonight... we'll settle accounts."
The meat Su Ding was about to swallow was nearly choked down by his suggestive words. Fortunately, Jin Ye handed her water.
She took a big gulp, finally managing to breathe easily.
Jin Ye looked at his woman helplessly and couldn't help but say, "Look at how startled you are, little pig."
As he spoke, he added another piece of meat to Su Ding's bowl.
Su Ding blushed at the slightly doting term "little pig." She pouted, "You're the little pig."
Jin Ye chuckled. "That means we're family."
Su Ding was dazzled by the man's handsome and radiant smile, momentarily forgetting to retort. She silently swallowed the meat he had given her and let out a soft hum.
"What accounts do you want to settle?" Su Ding quickly glanced at Jin Ye.
Jin Ye was charmed by her uneasy, little-girl look, his smile widening. "I'll tell you when we get back to the room."
Su Ding's imagination ran wild, and her face turned even redder.
She couldn't help but warn him, "You, don't mess around."
Jin Ye, however, raised an eyebrow. "Mess around? You mean...?"
"Anyway, you know what I mean. Don't play dumb," Su Ding said with feigned confidence but dared not meet Jin Ye's smiling eyes, feeling as though she was anticipating something.
"If you don't say, I won't know," Jin Ye teased her intentionally.
He rarely saw her in such a shy, girlish mood and enjoyed this feeling immensely. It felt as though their relationship had grown closer, less distant than before.
"Let's eat, let's eat," Su Ding tapped her bowl, trying to change the subject.
"Okay, whatever you say," Jin Ye smiled and didn't press further.