Chapter 57: Isn’t That What Men Like?

The first time in her life that she had ever been so physically honest with a man, every detail of that experience remained etched in Wang Wenyu’s mind. When Jiang Fan brought it up, she blushed and threatened him shyly, “It all happened so suddenly, I was flustered—I couldn’t think that much at the time. Isn’t that just the way you men like it? You took advantage, and you still have the nerve to mention it? If you ever bring it up again, I won’t let you off, understand?”

Jiang Fan grinned mischievously, “That’s how men like it, huh? Then say it clearly. Or maybe we should just revisit the lesson right now.”

Wang Wenyu wriggled a little, pouting and acting coy. “Dream on, you rascal. I said not to bring it up again. If you do, I’ll get mad.”

“Fine, I won’t mention it, but tonight you can’t set a time limit, and you’re not allowed to make me stop—otherwise, I’ll bring it up all the time,” Jiang Fan demanded, his hand growing bolder as it drifted lower.

He unfastened the button of Wang Wenyu’s trousers single-handedly, intending to pull down the zipper.

Her breathing quickened with excitement, but as she sensed Jiang Fan about to cross that final threshold, she suddenly remembered the promise she’d made to Hao Meng. The thought that things were progressing so quickly made her feel guilty toward Hao Meng, so she quickly grabbed Jiang Fan’s hand to stop him. “Not now. Only when I’m ready.”

Feeling the firmness of her refusal, Jiang Fan pursed his lips in frustration. “When will you be ready?”

Wang Wenyu pondered for a while, then sat up to face him directly. In the moonlight, she looked at him seriously. “Don’t think I don’t know about the things you’ve done. In the next couple of days, let’s find time to have dinner with Mengmeng. She has feelings for you, and I promised her that if I ever fell for you, I’d compete fairly and openly, without playing dirty. When the time comes, the choice will be yours. If you truly want to be with me, I hope to have Mengmeng’s blessing—she’s a good woman. And if you choose her, I’ll sincerely wish you happiness.”

Jiang Fan’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’ve met her?”

Wang Wenyu nodded. “Last night, I went to her workplace to see her. She told me about so many of your righteous and moving deeds—it made me like you even more. Not only did I meet her, I also went to Chang’an today and saw Zhu Maoju and Jin Lan. The more I learned, the harder it was to let go. I missed you so much I came here right away.”

Jiang Fan fully understood Hao Meng’s feelings—he cared about her too. When they were together, it felt like they had moved beyond friendship, and there was a spark, but that spark was mostly gratitude and physical attraction, lacking the deeper thrill he felt with Wang Wenyu.

Hearing how Wang Wenyu had learned about him from others, Jiang Fan flopped down in the reeds, gazing at the stars for a long time before speaking. “I admit I took advantage of her—and I do like her—but it’s just a fondness, not love. If you hadn’t appeared, we might have become a couple over time. But your arrival made it clear to me what kind of relationship I truly want. So, there’s no real choice to be made. Now that we’re together, I agree we should see her. It’s not just out of respect, but also because I owe her an apology. After all, we did share a bed, and I did some things I’m not proud of.”

Moved by Jiang Fan’s honesty, Wang Wenyu nestled back into his arms. “Mengmeng admitted she seduced you first. I get it—men can’t always control themselves in those moments. But if you choose me, you’ll have to keep yourself in check from now on, or you’ll be in trouble, understand?”

“I understand, madam. Where does she work? I’ve got time these next couple days—let’s go see her soon. Otherwise, it’ll feel like we’re sneaking around, and I’ll never feel at ease.”

“What does ‘madam’ mean?” Wang Wenyu asked.

Jiang Fan made something up. “It’s just an affectionate nickname between couples.”

She believed him, knowing Jiang Fan didn’t actually know what Hao Meng did for a living. Wanting to protect Hao Meng’s dignity, she replied, “Just be prepared. I’ll let you know when we’re meeting her, but until then, don’t reach out to her yourself. Some things are easier for women to talk about with each other, okay?”

Jiang Fan pouted. “Alright.”

Noticing the topic had dampened Jiang Fan’s mood, Wang Wenyu wrapped her arms around his neck, pulled him down, and kissed him.

The kiss quickly brightened Jiang Fan’s mood, and his hand wandered again, though this time it merely held her soft curves and refrained from further exploration.

Seeing he didn’t push his luck, Wang Wenyu allowed his boldness.

Lost in their passionate embrace and deep kisses, they failed to notice the sounds around them. Suddenly, two flashlight beams shone in their faces from behind, and a rough voice barked, “Get up! Hands on your head and squat down! Residency permit check!”

Caught in the act, Jiang Fan stood up awkwardly, pulling Wang Wenyu behind him protectively. He fixed his gaze on the two security patrolmen, one fat and one thin, thinking, What rotten luck—these bastards are just out to extort some money. I’ve only been in Dongguan a few days, and this is the second time I’ve run into this. My luck couldn’t be worse.

Shielded by Jiang Fan, Wang Wenyu hurriedly buttoned her flared trousers, stuffed her blouse into her waistband without bothering to fasten the buttons, and attempted to brush the grass off her coat. But lying in the reeds had left her clothes covered in grass, and after a few tries, she gave up on cleaning it off.

Jiang Fan knew Wang Wenyu came from a well-connected family, but her background was in Beijing, not Dongguan. If he were alone, he wouldn’t have been worried, but with Wang Wenyu present—and caught in the act—he had more to consider.

There were quite a few patrolmen out tonight; others were still searching the reeds. Jiang Fan whispered to Wang Wenyu, “These bastards only care about fines—they won’t listen to reason. If there’s a chance to run, you go first. I’ll cover our retreat.”

Wang Wenyu, still a little nervous after being caught kissing by two strangers, relaxed as she tidied her clothes. Driven by a sense of justice, she replied, “Why should I run? We’ll see who backs down first!”

Hearing her calm tone and seeing her composed expression, Jiang Fan remembered she’d once driven a police car, and his own nerves eased.

As they stepped out of the reeds, both patrolmen shone their flashlights directly into their faces.

Wang Wenyu glared at the one shining the light on her and said coldly, “Show some respect. Don’t shine that in my face.”

The chubby patrolman had seen them in the reeds—just kissing, though with a bit too much intimacy, but nothing more. Yet, noticing Wang Wenyu’s extraordinary beauty, the grass in her hair, her lustrous waist-length locks slightly disheveled, and her alluring, stylish outfit—not to mention the expensive woven bag slung over her shoulder—he assumed she was a professional escort.

Seeing her glare, he deliberately waved the flashlight in her face and sneered harshly, “What are you going to do if I don’t? You just had illicit relations in the reeds and still act tough. Are you illegal cohabitants or is this prostitution? When we get to the station, someone will question you thoroughly. I’m not wasting words here—hands on your head and squat down, now.”

Though it was humiliating to be caught being intimate outdoors, Wang Wenyu was, in a way, interested to see firsthand the notorious document checks that made all migrant workers tremble. The patrolman’s accusation of prostitution, however, infuriated her.

Just as she was about to signal Jiang Fan to teach the mouthy patrolman a lesson, there were two splashes.

Having just confirmed his relationship with the woman of his dreams, Jiang Fan couldn’t bear to see her wronged for even a moment. Enraged by the fat patrolman’s slander, he kicked him straight into the pond, then, with another swift kick, sent the other patrolman who had been shining the flashlight at him tumbling in after.