《The Domineering CEO Vs. The Arrogant CEO》 Chapter -2 - Story Characters (will be changed after I finish the drafts) MAIN CHARACTERS: 1. CHEN RUYI (WISHED UPON DAWN) 2. MO FUCHOU/MIYAMOTO AKIO (FREE FROM OVERFLOWING SADNESS) 3. MO SHIYUE (MOONSTONE) 4. MO ZHENJUE (AWARE OF THE TRUTH) ANTAGONISTS: 1. LIU NIANZHEN (CLEAR BELIEF OF TRUTH) 2. TIAN CHENGBAI (HEAVENLY JOURNEY OF A PURE PERSON) 3. AN FENG (TRANQUIL PEAK ) MINOR/SIDE CHARACTERS: CHEN FAMILY (RUYI, PATERNAL): 1. YIN HENGJIE/ JACKSON YIN (LASTING CLEAN SILVER) - UNCLE 2. CHEN PING (PEACEFUL DAWN) - GRANDPA 3. NUAN SHUREN (AFFECTIONATE, WARMHEARTED PERSON) - GRANDMA 4. CHEN RUSHEN (TO BE ENTRANCED ON DAWN) - BROTHER WEN FAMILY(RUYI, MATERNAL) 1. WEN XINGZHAO (SUCCESSFUL AND EXCELLENT) - GRANPA 2. WEN ZHUANGZHI (STRONG AND WISE PERSON) - UNCLE 3. AN TINGNIU (TRANQUIL AND ENDURING GIRL) - AUNTIE 4. WEN FUWEI - COUSIN 5. WEN FAWEI - COUSIN MO FAMILY (FUCHOU, PATERNAL) 1. MO TIANJING (PEACEFUL SADNESS) - GRANDPA 2. LAN WENQING (OVERFLOWING TENDERNESS) - GRANDMA 3. MO JIWEI (SOMBER ACCESSION) - FATHER 4. MIYAMOTO AKARI (PALACE OF BEGINNING AND LIGHT) - BIRTH MOTHER 5. HAN YIREN (A DAUNTLESS PERSON) - STEP MOTHER 6. MO QUHUAN/K-WON - STEP- BROTHER MIYAMOTO FAMILY (FUCHOU, MATERNAL) 1. MIYAMOTO GENKEI - UNCLE 2. MIYAMOTO YOUTA - COUSIN 3. MIYAMOTO AIKO - COUSIN OTHERS 1. GUI JIANGQI/SEBASTIAN GUI (NOBLE EMERGING RIVER) -SECRETARY 2. GUI MURONG/DIANNE GUI 3. RU ZHI - FAMILY BUTLER (RUYI) 4. HONG LIAN - HEAD MAID (RUYI) 5. LEI YONG - SECRETARY (FUCHOU) a/n: Gonna add if I added new characters Chapter 1 - How it all Began The splashing sounds of waves fill the ears of a lone woman staring at the horizon. She caresses her slightly swollen belly while humming a happy song. She smiled at the perfect day and her perfect place when suddenly arms sn.a.k.e.d around her waist and hugged her. "What is making my wife stare at the space? Are you thinking about the baby? Or could it possibly be me?" he playfully kissed her neck causing her to giggle at every touch it gave her. She turned around and smirked at him. "Could people be any more be a narcissistic as you? I was just thinking how lucky I am to finally have the thing I want the most.." she said while carressing the hands that is still holding her. "Of course we''ll always be with you, my family, wife and my queen" then he gave her a peck "My Ruyi..." _________________________________ "Haa...haa...haa...Please save... us" Ruyi was hazy as she crawled out of their overturned and burning car. She was bleeding profusely from head to toe. She remembered they were supposed to go to her engagement party when suddenly an explosion happened and their car flew to the middle of the street. She saw her father, mother and younger brother unmoving and at the brink of death. She also saw several people around them hurt. She immediately tried to pry open the doors to let them out while shouting for help. "PLEASE!!!! Help us!!!" Many people were busy calling help, the ambulance or even their unconcious companions. She was having a hard time breathing, she was getting more and morevtired every passing second. Her eyesight was almost black when she finally heard the sound of an ambulance. ___________________________________ At H Hospital... Her eyes fluttered and close shut at the sight of bright light. She wondered where she is or how she got there. "Oh my... Doctor! She''s awake!!!" a middle aged man around the age or her father yelled. "Are you okay, Ruyi?" He looked very scared and relieved. "A..*cough* ...ter....wa...ter...."She tried speaking but her throat was burning and dry. The doctor and several nurses arrived and looked at her, checking every part of her injuries. He sighed in relief knowing that the girl survived and is recovering well. "Good afternoon young miss Chen, how do you feel?" the doctor asked. "wa...ter..." Ruyi tried speaking but she was too tired to do so. "Please give her water and make her rest first" The doctor ordered and the nurses complied. Feeling quenched of her thirst and tired, Ruyi once again fell into slumber. "Thank the lord for not taking you away Ruyi..." the man held her hands in tears. "Forgive me...." Chapter 2 - The Beginning after the end Ruyu woke up in the middle of the night sweating bullets and in tears. She remembered how she ended up and was scared about her parents and brother. Then she saw a man sleeping next to her, clearly exhausted and sleep-deprived. This was their attorney. Her Uncle Jack, Jackson Yin. She saw him waking up and looking at her. She teared up seeing the sad face her uncle showed. She thought- no she knew that her family probably is... "Un...cle...*sniff* Mom? Dad? Little Shen?" she bravely asked thinking of the worst. "Shh... darling, just rest first and I''ll tell you lat-" Jack was sayjng when Ruyi cut him off. "Please tell me uncle... I want to know now..."Ruyi said as she was trying to sit up but failed. Jack sighed at the state of his niece. She was courageous but as fragile as her state was in, he knew she wouldn''t back down. She was as stubborn as her mother. "Mm... Your mom and dad.... they... they didn''t make it" Jack had to lower his head so that Ruyi wouldn''t see his expression. "How about Little Shen, uncle? How is he?" Ruyi teared up. Even when she was already in a battered state, she still wants to know more of the state the people she cares the most. "He... he''s in a coma..." Ruyi felt her world fall apart from all the news she heard.. "What happened uncle?" Ruyi clenched her fist to stop herself from crying. "You... were attacked... It was an intentional ambush on you..." Jack was hesistant but seeing her firm eyes, he continued. "By your maternal family... They wanted to engage your fiance and your adopted cousin..." Ruyi knew that the engagement would fall apart, but not that way. She thought it would be because of mutual concession, not murder. "Uncle... please help me..." Ruyi''s eyes were burning in anger as she swores to herself to avenge her parent''s death and their misfortune. "Ruyi... don''t try to take revenge... I know your-" "My parents wouldn''t want it but I do uncle... It''s the only way to stop my raging heart from all of this. We never took anything or done wrong to others.. so why..." Ruyi broke down in tears as she clenched her chest. She couldn''t forgive them... no she will never forgive them.. "And Ruyi... I have another news for you... The doctor said you were... pregnant and the baby didn''t make it... I''m sorry..." It was as if the world came crashing down on Ruyi... she was pregnant? "What do you mean uncle?" She couldn''t register anything else but the words her uncle just spoke. "Renember your ra- that incident... You actually got pregnant by the man who took your..." "No!!!!" Ruyi couldn''t believe it... as much as she loves children and hated they died, she couldn''t accept the fact that she got pregnant fron the beast who took her everything. Her innocence, her body and her fiance''s love. "I''m so sorry, Ruyi..." Her uncle hugged her tightly, consoling her, comforting her, assuring her that everything will be alright. "Why... why did I have to go through this..." Ruyi kept crying till she got tired and fell asleep. __________________________________ Meanwhile, on the roads of City B... "Master we got the news of the young miss''s accident and retrieved the fetus and sent it to the lab" "Hmm... make sure the fetus is okay...." "Yes, master" Chapter 3 - I will Return Ruyi spent months of rehabilitation while visiting her comatose brother... she refuses to remove his life support and even opted to put a medical ward in their house where he will be taken care of safely. She decided to go to her paternal grandparents abroad to continue her studies while learning the family business... She found out that her parents gave her all of their assets while making trustfunds for her sibling, including the company. _________________________________ 2 months ago... "Ruyi, your parents left a will in case something happens to them, stating all of their assets and shares, including Chen Enterprise, will be given to you while their trustfunds and charity will be with your younger brother when he reaches 18" Jack told Ruyi while she was taking a break from her exercise. "Hmm.. uncle, have you contacted Granny and Grandpa?" Ruyi asked her uncle. "Yes, I did, and they are more than happy to help you and they told me to take care if anything related here..." "Uncle, please help me find evidence to destroy that wretched family... I will bring them their end... They shouldn''t have tried hurting us... Now they will regret it..." "Please try to lessen your anger and not let yourself be swayed by revenge... We are here to help you, and if we must, we will stop you if we think it''s enough. You understand Ruyi?" "Yes uncle, I will promise not to focus too much on revenge, but I hope you''ll still supoort me whatever I become" Ruyi went back to continue her rehabilitation, but she looked back and smiled at her uncle. "Thank you for being here uncle" ________________________________________ "Uncle please prepare the house renovations so that you and Little Shen will stay there with all the medical equipments in his room... make sure the house is always sanitized and well ventilated. I don''t want any harm to happen to my brother while he is recovering" Ruyi started bringing her stuff in the hospital down to the entrance. "Mmn... I''ll be here for your brother so don''t worry too much and just focus on yourself for now... Dad and Auntie will be there with you..." Jack said while loading her stuff in the car. "Nn.. Please take care of the family uncle." She rode the car and went to the crematorium. "Hi mom and dad, I will be gone for a while. I''ll stay with Granny and Grandpa for now so I can help the company. But I promise to visit you as soon as I can... Please look after us from wherever you are and help Little Shen wake up... He is not sleeping beauty for heaven''s sake." Ruyi continued to look at her parents'' remains and then went back home. _________________________________ Present day, X International Airport... "Uncle, please make sure Little Shen is okay and update me from time to time.. I''m boarding now..." Ruyi ended the call. Ruyi boarded the plane and swore to herself that thos is not the end, but the beginning. She will come back and show them who''s who, who cannot be touched and who cannot be hurt. "I swear that I will comeback, I will return, you better prepare yourselves... Wen family..." Chapter 4 - Power and Responsibilities XX Year, W Country An old man''s yelling was heard by everyone in the mansion. "Ruyi! How many times do I have to tell you that is wrong! You are the heiress of the Chen Enterprise! We love you as our granddaughter but you must be strong enough to weild and take the power and responsibilities that comes with it- Great power-" "comes with great responsibilities, I know that Grandpa... And if you think I''m gonna use Chen Enterprise solely for my revenge, you''re wrong." Ruyi rebutted her grandfather. Irritation fills her up as she had stayed there for quite a while with no tangible results of her work. It''s been 3 years since Ruyi came in the mansion, she always pushed herself to do things as fast as possible while waiting for news of her brother''s awakening. From time to time, her uncle would video call her so that she can speak with her brother, even if he was unconscious. She had finally graduated and taken reins in the enterprise covertly, using her alias Jade Shen, formed from her favorite stone and her brother''s name. She doesn''t want anyone to know that she, Chen Ruyi, "Besides father always told me that people in the company is family and that we shouldn''t treat them bad. But I''m just swatting of pests that keeps on rotting the company from the inside." Ruyi''s Grandfather, Houyen, sighed at the way her granddaughter is now. He can''t help but reminisce the times when Ruyi was still the pure, kind girl that is blessing everyone with her adorable smiles. "It''s not that they should stay but people don''t know that they are pests and are shocked and afraid of you now." Houyen fesling distressed about what the company is facing now. "Grandfather, there is no such things as secrets kept out from the open... If promises can be broken, why can''t secrets be shared. It''s not me they''re attacking. It''s. the. pests." Ruyi casually said then went out to go shopping. She had been feeling stressed and tired of getting evidences and dirt against the Wen Family, adding the fact that they planted several moles in the company. She just wished everything would be over soon. After arriving at the mall, Ruyi unexpectedly saw a familiar face. "Sebby?" Ruyi said while approaching a guy in a white shirt, denim pants and suede loafers. The man turned around when he heard his name. He was surprised to see a familiar face. "Ruru?" "Sebby!" "Ruru!" They both hugged each other after confirming they are acquaintances. Sebastian Gui was Ruyi''s bestfriend since their university days at Z university. They were like siblings when they are together, sometimes bickering, sometimes playing. They were even pegged as a Campus Couple when Sebastian was shooong away notorius playboys hovering around Ruyi. "How have you been Sebby?" Ruyi was estatic to see her bestfriend that she hadn''t seen for the past years since graduating. "You horrible bitch, how could you not contact me for 3 years? I was worried about you. But answering you''re question, I''m fine besides the fact I resigned from my old company" Sebastian shrugged as if it wasn''t his business. "Eh? I thought you were doing fine? Let''s talk for a while" Ruyi said as they approach a coffes shop. Chapter 5 - Be Mine "Ehh? Your boss sucks~" Ruyi trying not to laugh at her best friend''s situation. Sebastian told her of his circ.u.mstances, how he was treated as a mere employee when he was a graduate and a master of Business Administration, who helped and contributed 80% of the company''s profit and was actually attempted **** by his company''s director hence his resignation. "Just laugh you bitch!!! You cruel bitch who never contacted me for 3 years and is laughing at my demise~~ Huhuhu.." Sebastian smacked the back of Ruyi''s head while Ruyi still laughed at her wit''s end making Sebastian pop his vein in irritation. "Well, I can''t help it! Just with your beauty alone, many bees and flies fly around you, Mr. Ikemen~" Ruyi was overjoyed on the fact that her capable friend resigned and that she could help her and he could help him. "Shut it! My wife gets jealous because of that!" Sebastian stood up and went to the counter to take their coffees. Ruyi decided to send her friend a contract of employment in her company. She wanted to surprise him. "Who''s the lucky girl to marry this goddess... Hahahaha, gimme!!!" Ruyi acted cutely at her best friend''s reaction. "None that concerns you Milady, here''s your Triple Mocha Frappuccino, and my Chai Tea Latte. Thanks for the treat!" Sebastian saw a stack of paper in the table and recognized it as a contract. "R-ru-ruyi? Wh-what''s this?" Sebastian tremble at the contract. "How did you have this? Is this real?" he was uncertain whether to believe what he was seeing. "En." Ruyi nonchalantly nodded then sipped her coffee not seeing that dumbfounded face of her friend. "What? You don''t want to?" Ruyi raised her eyebrow. "How would I believe you girl! As far as I know you''re also the same employee like me! How could you be recruiting someone without your boss'' permission!" Sebastian slammed the contract at the table garnering everyone''s attention on them. "*Cough* We''re in a public place dearie, and besides why would I need the boss'' permission when I''m the boss in the first place. Won''t you be mine Sebby?" Ruyi gracefully placed her coffee while saying it in a low voice. She placed her pen in the contract looking seriously at her friend whose face looks like it''s about to explode from shock, anger and a bit of embarrassment. "Is this charity? If it is then-" Ruyi cut him off immediately. "Dude, chill. I know you''re capable besides, do you really think so low of the Salutatorian of our class? I''m confident in your abilities Sebby. Don''t ever think I did this out of pity, okay? Besides it''s a win-win for us. You got a job as my assistant and secretary, while I get myself a skillful personnel. You can bring your wife if you want as your assistant." Sebastian blushed awkwardly. He knows that his friends is a blunt and honest person. She would never use someone''s tragedy against them. She was the most wholesome person he knows. "So-sorry.. I was just... It was unexpected you see... The friend I knew for 3 years actually is a boss of a big enterprise... I kinda felt." He didn''t continue what he was saying. "I know. That''s why I want you. There''s a lot of pests in my company and I need help in exterminating them." Ruyi smiled while sliding both the contract and pen towards her friend. Even though he was uneasy with how he landed the job, he took it as an opportunity and signed the contract. "Welcome aboard, Sebastian." Chapter 6 - Witch CEO incoming... For the past six months, Ruyi and Sebastian had been busy removing all the moles and training and hiring potential employees, improving the workforce and the company''s assets, stocks and profits exponentially. When the profits tripled, Ruyi decided to give the US branch to her uncle and decided to return to China and take over the headquarters. It wasn''t an easy transition. She had to battle through discriminations, spies and thieves within the company, the directors and the staffs while she was still in US. She was ruthless, merciless to her enemies, gaining her a nickname "Witch CEO of the Chens" or "Demon Heiress" and such. She was indeed capable and well-prepared, but they will never think that their CEO is actually an angel in demon''s clothing because she needed to be strong. _________________________ 1 year later, B International Airport "Sebby, let''s go directly to Chen Enterprise. Let''s see how well it''s actually coming now" Ruyi said while reading reports. "Very well CEO" Sebastian drove to Chen Enterprise. Ruyi took out her phone and called someone. "How is our Media outlet coming along? Have we gotten enough recognition now?" Ruyi was calling her current CEO on C-ENT & Co, - her secret company she made from scratch and developed several known artists. Her hired public CEO is Dianne Gui, Sebastian''s wife. She was Sebastian''s assistant when she suddenly decided to make another company, not affiliated with Chen Enterprise, and asked Dianne to be the face of the company. She had the looks and the brains for it. "It''s good actually, and we have more auditionees trying out to get in, but sad to say some have terrible attitudes and some thinks they''re great when they''re not. I''ll just give you the complete report via email. Oh, and K-won wants to take a break for a while to attend Chuseok in his home country." "Okay, confirm his leave." Ruyi ended the call. "Sebby, can you schedule a board meeting and call all board members, none left out okay?" Sebastian nodded and continued driving. Upon reaching the office, many employees wonder who the woman was. They didn''t know it was their future CEO since she hadn''t shown her face even in US. Upon arriving, several workers bowed in respect and gave way to her as the guards were respectfully accompanying her and several directors were welcoming her. The moment she took her personal elevator, the tense atmosphere of the company instantly dispersed. Now all are heard whispering or talking. Ruyi ignored the gossips while Sebastian was currently shaking his head in frustration. Some jerks they call directors were giving excuses not to attend the board meeting, thus giving him already a bad mood, adding the the fact that he just saw several workers just gawking or talking without working definitely added to worsen his already terrible mood. Both went immediately to the CEO''s office, read some reports with some discussions and arguments but ended in a well organized finish. "Hmm... so the idiots #3, #4 and #5 are already teaming up to bully me huh... " Ruyi was amused at the information she heard. "Have all the Directors arrived then?" Ruyi asked. "Yes, CEO, well... except those three of course." Sebastian wanted to laugh at the misfortune coming on those idiots. "Don''t worry about it Sebby, tell them I''ll use my authority to kick them out, take their shares and bankrupt their companies if they dare to be absent today" Ruyi giggled imagining the pale faces of the three board members who dared to threaten her authority. "Yes President, I''ll immediately call them" Sebastian went on the veranda then made a call to the board members. Chapter 7 - I am the Witch CEO At the meeting, all board members are already seated waiting the arrival of the young CEO. "That brat is obviously thinking she can do whatever she want? Hmph... let''s see how she was deals with this" idiot #3 said. "Just because she has the CEO position, did she think it''s easy to throw us out? " idiot #5 said while idiot #4 nodded in agreement. The other board members obviously are ignoring them, some just looked at their reports, some was not listening some was talking on their own when suddenly the door opens and a smiling lady with her secretary and uncle in her back. "Oh I didn''t think you''d all be here... but well, I don''t expect you to be here anyways... Shall we start? " Ruyi said as she walked towards her seat and sat in it. The reports continuously flowed while Ruyi listened and questioned some until she heard the BS''s reports. She quickly frowned at the poorly made project as if it was making fun of her... "What do you mean by this Director Liu?" Ruyi obviously picking a fight with idiot #4. "How can a 10 million dollar project gain almost twice it''s expected cash flow? Are you gonna chip in the extra profits from your savings?" Director Liu was speechless. Of course he knew that it was nonsense, he wanted to take some of the investments for his own gain. "How about you Director Jang? This proposal is quite funny~ Hmph... what a joke" Ruyi said with arrogance. "W-what are you laughing at? " an Director Jang angrily said. He was already angered that the brat was mocking his proposal, now he is raging at the fact the girl was mocking him. "Ha... Nah, it''s nothing, I just can''t get why doing last year''s undeniably old trends would bring us this much profit... Haha... Hwi Chae Ryu? The Korean Dj with the marijuana scandal? Brod Pit?? The widely known actor who is newly divorced and is in the middle of child custody battle? Nice idea!!! Good luck making her or him the company mascot, not that I would allow it... " she continued reading the list as if it was trash. No, it was 100% trash, not only did they think of squandering company money, but also destroying the reputation of the company''s and her''s that she maintained the past year. "If I am right, this is the real proposal right? The one you were trying to leak to the rival company... Please let them enter. " Ruyi waved some doc.u.ments then ordered Sebastian, he stood up, opened the door and called the people to enter inside. The faces of the BS trio became pale as white as snow as soon as they saw the people come in. It was the staffs who made their current and previous proposals, the ones they stole using their position. "Good Morning CEO, you called for us?" The Head of the Finance with other departments bowed to the bosses inside. "Is this yours? Mr.?" Ruyi said as she gave the doc.u.ments to the man beside the Finance Dept. Head.. He took one look and immediately answered "Xia, Miss President. I am Xia Hou of the Planning Department. Yes this was the proposal I passed to Director Jang. " he returned the doc.u.ment back to Ruyi and stood behind her besides the other threatened staffs. Several staffs are already dissatisfied because of their hard work being taken by the directors with their threats, and for taking credit in something they never did... Chapter 8 - I am the Witch CEO (cont.) "Oh ho? So all the salaries and rewards I gave them was actually not for them... Threat? My staffs? Then I''ll give you another chance to present a proposal right now... If you can''t present a suitable or decent proposal, better pack your bags and resign from this company... Everyone sorry for wasting your time" Ruyi bowed to all the present attendees. The room was silent. No one dared acknowledge the apology since they themselves know they weren''t worthy of it and was unsuspecting of the happenings in the company. They had to be slapped with reality in the cruelest way. "N-no need to apologize CEO, we are the ones at fault. " Every board member and staffs except the trio bowed in shame for making things this worse before addressing the problem. Ruyi didn''t mind their apologies and kept waiting at the trio to talk, however she wasn''t disappointed that the three had gone mute, either from anger or embarrassment. "So? None? " Ruyi glared at the trio "Should I do it instead? Should I present then?" her gaze darkened with a threatening look. Everybody shuddered at the scary moment they were currently witnessing. Every director now thought highly of the young CEO while the staffs present had praises for their CEO and thought ''She''s not a witch''. While others had varying reactions, the trio was downcast... They knew they lost the gamble they took. They were preparing to leave when Ruyi called out to them. "Oh, before you leave, sign these doc.u.ments leaving your shares to the company or else we''ll see each other at court for breach of contract and leaking confidential information of the company... Trust me when I say you do not want to see me in court... I am, after all, what you all call the WItch CEO" she smiled which was not actually a smile. Everyone trembled at the sight of the fierce lady... ''She''s a witch alright '' Everyone had the same thoughts besides her secretary. _______________________________________________________________________________ "Heh, how weak... " Ruyi was still smiling looking at the papers in her hand. It was the signed transfer of shares by the three idiots. "You really didn''t give them a chance after all, not even a hole to escape to." Sebastian was blushing from having to keep his laughter down. Suddenly his phone rings. "CEO, here''s a call from Sir Wen" Sebastian said while giving the phone. "Yes, Elder Wen? " Ruyi answered nonchalantly. It was her maternal grandfather. The one from the prestigious family, Wen Clan. "You bastard!!! How could you do that to Director Jang, Smith and Liu? Didn''t your parents teach you anything? Do you think your company will grow without them? How useless!" the old man was yapping in the other line. Ruyi was going to ignore his sermons until she heard the insult towards her late parents. No one ever talks about her parents, be it good or bad, it''s a taboo. It was her landmine never to be stepped on. The Pandora box of the girl left with emptiness, resentment and revenge. "Excuse me old fart, I may be a bitch but my parents aren''t!!! They taught me to respect people deserving of respect and those three aren''t included in it... Most especially you!!! They deserve it anyway!!! I don''t care how much you hate me but don''t ever talk about my parents like that or I''ll definitely make you regret it!!!" before her grandfather was able to reply, she ended the call, removed the batteries and threw the phone from her 40th floor veranda. Ruyi never thought her grandfather would stoop that low to insulting his own daughter and son-in-law as if he had ever done something to help. In the first place, she wasn''t close to any of her elders besides her uncle and maternal grandparents. So she wouldn''t forgive anyone badmouthing her family. The only family she acknowledges. Chapter 9 - An Emotionless Doll (First Part) Several thoughts lingered in Ruyi''s mind. The people who she thought was her family, was never a family to her. The reality that was slapped to her face at such a delicate age. ----------------------------------------------------------- 3 years ago... The day after the Chen Couple''s funeral, several relatives were present bickering and arguing on who will take the left behind Ruyi. "I''ll take in Yi''er, I''ll adopt her if needed. Oh, Yi''er such a poor child don''t worry aunt is gonna take you in okay? " Beneath those words were greed and scorn, for her ultimate goal was to get the inheritance of the only heiress of her cousin''s company. "No, I''ll take in the brat!!! She will be trained under me, whoever tries to take in Yi''er will be just wolves devouring what is left of Yi''er" "Ha, the pot calling the kettle black!!!! You just want Yi''er''s assets right? Because you were just kicked out of the board directors right? Acting all high and mighty when you''re just a beggar!!! " The chaos continued to intensify ranging from taking in the child to eventually just blatantly saying to take the inheritance in front of the said child. However, if you look at the child, the center of the passing mayhem, was just in a cold corner, unmoving, emotionless as if the topic was just nothing. "Enough!!!! Let the brat choose who she wants!!!! " Wen Verdan, the child''s maternal grandfather suddenly yelled. He took a look at the child and commanded"Ruyi come this instant!!! " The child was unresponsive to the elder''s call, it took a slap from her grandfather to wake her in her empty trance. "Stupid brat, when I tell you to come, come immediately!!!! Making this old bones work for you? Ha! Pick who''ll you go with, don''t even bother choosing me I won''t take you in" Ruyi felt hurt, not only from the physical pain she felt from the slap, but from the words of the man who even though was cold to her, would never hurt her when her parents were alive. She was about to pick when the door suddenly opened. It was the lawyer her father was always with when he goes to work. Without stopping she went to the lawyer and held him, that simple movement that say ''I''ll be with him'' caused rage among her elders. "Ruyi!!! What are you doing?? Come to uncle, not to a stranger... We''ll take care of you!! " "Ruyi don''t listen to this bastard, come to aunt quickly. You''ll be living with your cousins as your sisters, okay" Several more appealed to Ruyi, but she just went behind to hide the lawyer''s back, having enough of the charade, one of the uncles tried to pull Rui away, causing the child to cry... The tears which was never seen during when her parent''s were being buried. "Enough of you shenanigans !!!! I told you whoever that brat pick will be her guardian. Mr. Yin please take the child now" the old man immediately shut down any refusals. The man confused took a look a the lady behind him and asked, "Do you really want to be with this uncle? " he said with such sincerity that Ruyi quickly nodded her head and the rest is history... She was taken in, or rather she took in her uncle trained and took over the company. Chapter 10 - An Emotionless Doll (Second Part) Ruyi was heartbroken from how she was treated in that house. No on would ever imagine what a young teen like her had to experience, the loss of her parents, her uncertain unconscious brother, her faraway paternal grandparents who couldn''t come, and especially how greed and ingenuity was shown by her maternal relatives. She was relieved and happy to know that their lawyer was actually their father''s brother from another woman, though he feels bad for the children, he had his head together and showed that he was strong to rely on. Ruyi never stepped into that place ever again. During those days, Ruyi stayed beside her brother all the time. To comfort herself, she reads stories to her brother, sing to him or even just talking with him in his dormant state. Seeing as she, they still have together and their uncle. One day, there were two elders who were visiting Chen Rushen by the time Ruyi arrived. Alarmed at the strangers inside the room she quickly ran to her brother''s side in a protective stance. She saw a familiar face on the old man. He was kind of similar to someone. "Who are you?" Ruyi blocked the two from her brother. "Child, don''t be afraid" said the elder woman. she tried to take a step forward when Ruyi took a step back and shouted. The ruckus of course alarmed the hospital, she was getting more berserk that the old couple had to back off and ask for help. Jackson entered, while the two were waiting outside. They were heartbroken to see the state of their granddaughter. "Shh, Ruyi, uncle is here... Nobody is going to hurt you or little Shen, okay?" Jackson was rubbing the back of Ruyi while making sure she feels less vigilant. "U-uncle... wh-who are t-they?" Ruyi was sniffling after calming down. "Why would they come to little Shen? What do they want?" Ruyi was in distraught as she remembered how her maternal relatives was trying to take her as if she was commodity. "Ruyi... they are my father and auntie, your father''s parents and your grandparents." Jackson calmly explained who the couple was and why they were there, nor why they weren''t present on her parents'' funeral. After hearing her Uncle''s explanation, she was embarrassed and afraid of the reactions of the couple from her behavior towards them.She knew that she had somehow formed a defensive wall against people who aren''t close to her, may it be relatives or friends. "Do you want them to come inside and talk?" Jackson inquired Ruyi. "Sure, uncle...Let.. let me do it" Ruyi shyly said, the walked towards the door and opened it. "Granny? Grandpa?" shes said softly. Although it was soft, both elders heard what she called them. Stelly Chen immediately hugged her granddaughter in tears. "Ohhh, dearie... I''m so sorry for scaring you! It must have been scary being alone?" Stelly was in tears thinking of the events that happened to her granddaughter. Then big arms surrounded them and engulfed them in a hug. "I''m so sorry we are late dear child, let grandpa and grandma help you and Shen''er okay?" The old man said while smiling and keeping his tears from falling. Chapter 11 - An Emotionless Doll (Final Part) At first, Ruyi was still awkward towards her grandparents until they managed to ease her to feel closer to them after a couple of months. Ruyi gradually became expressive the longer they stayed with her, unlike her robot like routine of just eating, washing, visiting her brother, going to sleep as if that was her only purpose in life. "Granny, where did you meet Grandpa?" Ruyi was excited at their stories ranging from her father''s childhood, their parents'' romance and even to their work. The elders felt how curious this child was and was happy to see positive changes in her. "Well, your grandfather was quite a playboy... He had many woman around him... Well, he is dashing, I agree, but that doesn''t make sense for him to make girls cry" Stelly told her granddaughter, earning a sound of disagreement fron her husband. "Hmph! If I didn''t make them cry, would I have you, these brats and these cute angels. You should be glad this Playboy tamed his wild side for you~~"Yitian said then kissed his wife in her cheeks making Ruyi squeal in haloiness, his wife glare at him with shame and his son to make retching sound in playful disgust. "Father, please stop tainting our poor Ruyi''s eyes with your indecentness. Even Auntie and I can''t stand it" Jackson chided his father. "You brat!! Come here and I''ll show you disgusting !!!" Yitian was in rage fron hearing his son degrading him like he was a bad influence. "Hahaha!!! Stop bullying grandpa uncle!!!" Ruyi was dying in laughter seeing how two grown up men could be so childish. "Well, setting aside those two" Stelly completely ignored her husband and son. "Are you really sure of your decision to come with us in US?" Stelly was worried about Ruyi having a hard time there knowing they''ll be busy wven when they are there and that she will be leaving her brother behind while she is in US. "Yes, granny..." Ruyi gave a slight sigh before continuing. "I am sure my brother wouldn''t want me to stay here and not live my life, and I want to do it for the both of us and our dreams. I don''t want him to wake up that I didn''t do anything and make him feel guilty for being the reason I stayed." she smiled sheepishly. Stelly was happy with her decision and made sure that everything is alright before they leave China and live their lives there for the time being. __________________________________ Several weeks passed and their house''s renovations were almost ready to be stayed in by a private doctor and nurses to live and take care of her brother who will be transferred there from Ruyi''s endless bugging caused by paranoia and fear, which alarmed the elders and her uncle to make sure she is also examined by the time they arrived in US. She went to her parents'' crematorium saying her goodbyes for her long journey with her grandparents and prayed for their safety as well as the safety of those she will leave behind atthis moment. After relentless inquiry of her uncle to make sure they are well-placed in the house did she managed to finally be at ease and board the plane to a new chapter or her life, swearing to herself she will come back, powerful and strong. Chapter 12 - Mommy? (Present Time) Sebastian was worried that Ruyi will have another attack from anger, so he knew to call someone to help him calm her down. Suddenly the door opened and a boisterous voice resounded. Of course, from the voice she knew it was her uncle, but surprise is still evident that the shock made her grab her chest from the said surprise. "Hello Yiyi!!! Why is your secretary asking me to calm you down?" Jack immediately went to her side calming her down. "Uncle... If you suddenly came line that with all the slamming the door open with your big mouth.. anyone will be scared." Ruyi and the two men remembers her having episodes of attack when she becomes overly emotional. Jack remembered once when the child had a nightmare and was crying her eyes out until she suddenly felt pain in her chest, when he arrived he saw her lying motionlessly on the floor out of breathe and pulse that he had to perform CPR and yelled to the butler to call an ambulance. "Okay... Uncle is sorry... but I thought you''d have some serious attacks according to the tone Sebastian had when he called me up." Jackson looked like a lost puppy that was scolded. "Hoo... I''m alright uncle, I won''t do it again... I''ll make sure to keep my emotions in check" Ruyi said reassuringly. She then proceeded back to her table and worked non-stop that even the staffs were scared at her robotlike actions. Fast, efficient and accurate, that is how she works. She spent three days in her office making and finalizing the proposal that was supposed to be handled by one of the idiots kicked out, when suddenly a little kid appears in her office. "Uwaahhh!!!! Mommy~~~" the child ran to her and hugged her waist with tears and snot in his face . "Mommy?" Ruyi raised her eyebrow. The witch that she is, pulled the child away from her and said " I''m not your mother" in a cold way, frightening the child even more so. She immediately went to comfort the child as his wails irritated her. She then called in her secretary to take the child. When Sebastian entered he was flabbergasted at the sight of the CEO holding a child with such comforting words . The sight of Ruyi singing a lullaby to a sleeping boy in her lap. made him thought twice if this was the person he was working for. Ruyi noticing a stare at her, immediately glared at her secretary and asked "Whose child is this? How did it get to my office? Didn''t you see it coming? " Seeing that his boss was infuriated, he quickly took the child and apologized, but due to his sudden and clumsy movements it woke up the child and he started crying. Annoyed at her secretary, she took the child back and lull it back to sleep, when the child finally relaxed on her, she quickly stared back at Sebastian and said, " Next time be gentle to kids, how would you feel if you were suddenly ripped off? Find the parents first and have them come to my office " "Yes, Ms. President" Sebastian quickly took off and went to the head of security to look at CCTVs to help him find the parents of the child... Chapter 13 - I want Mommy (First Part) After Sebastian left, Ruyi gently put down the kid in her office''s sofa and getting her blazer to cover him up. She was confused as to how this kid was able to enter her office bypassing everyone and to why this kid called a v.i.r.g.i.n, romance-less, domineering woman like herself a "mother". While the child was sleeping, she went back to her desk to continue her work. Some hours passed and the kid finally woke up. He saw her looking at her laptop. Feeling the child''s stare, she became quite embarrassed and awkward, so she decided to get some juice and lunch. Both Ruyi and the child bonded after lunch. It was until two hours after when Sebastian finally knocked and entered her office with an elderly couple and another kid with them. "Jue''er!!! This is where you are!!! We''ve been looking for you since this morning!!!!" the old woman immediately hugged the boy. After checking he was safe, she immediately bowed towards Ruyi. "I''m so sorry for the inconvenience my grandson did..." The old woman bowed while her husband came and bowed with her. Ruyi felt bad for making the old couple bow and apologize to her. "No need for this sir and ma''am" Ruyi politely eased the couple. Seeing Sebastian gawking like a fish, she asked him to bring refreshments while they talk. "Umm, so Madame...?" Ruyi asked the old woman. "Oh, that''s rude of me, I am Kou Miya, that''s my husband Kwon Huansong, with him is my granddaughter, Yue and this is her younger twin brother, Jue" the old smiled while introducing themselves. "Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Kwon, please have a seat" Ruyi said while pointing to the sofa near the old woman. Both elderly and the young girl took the seat at the lounge sofa Ruyi pointed at, while Jue sat with her, confusing the elders. "May I ask what was your business in the building?" Ruyi inquired as politely as she could. "Ah! The kids'' uncle is one of your talents, he asked for us to come here so he can have his break with us, though it was postponed due to Jue''er missing earlier." Mr. Kwon replied. "Would that be K-won?" Ruyi asked and the couple nodded. "Alright, I''ll extend K-won''s break 2 days after Chuseok ends" Ruyi said as she saw Sebastian enter with refreshments. "Ahh, that would be great. I was worried he might get too fatigued and asked him to ask for break." the kind old woman replied. They spent some time talking more before a ring was heard. Mr. Kwon picked up his phone. "Hello? Oh, Jaebum-a... Hmm, we found Jue''er...we''re at the president''s office right now... okay we''ll see you" the old man ended the call. Short time passed and a panting K-won was seen. He immediately apologized to his boss (which she just nodded to) and thanked her for the extension she gave to him. They said their farewells and regards and were about to leave when the little boy escaped from his grandma''s hands and run to cling to Ruyi''s leg. Everyone was stunned at the child, Ruyi was flabbergasted, Sebastian with wide eyes, a shocked Kwon couple, a pale K-won while the little girl (with envy) ran to the other leg of Ruyi and cling to her. K-won immediately tried to call his godchildren but to no avail, they clung more to Ruyi refusing to budge. The people are of course confused why that happened when the boy suddenly said. "I want Mommy" and buried his face to her thigh not letting go of her leg. Chapter 14 - I want Mommy (Second Part) Ruyi decided to sleep in her study, when she saw the cowering maids outside her bedroom who just left her to her own devices and wouldn''t even help her with the children.... She sighed with exhaustion on her way to her study... ''How''d I end up in this situation again? -------------------------------------------------------------- *Flashback* "Um... Jue''er, Yue''er, come with grandpa and grandma... Uhh.. That''s not your... mommy.... uhh...." K-won was sweating profusely while trying to win over the kids who is still currently clinging to his boss who''s currently in a state of shock while his head travel from his boss to his parents to the kids... ''Oh no... I''m so dead'' "NO!!!!!!" Instead of listening to their uncle, they clung to Ruyi and started their tantrums... "Umm, kids let''s listen to your uncle okay, I''m not your mommy okay? Just come visit me next time with your uncle okay?" Ruyi tried her best to show a ve~ry kind face to the kid even if she can hear her annoying secretary secretly snickering behind her back. ''I''ll definitely deduct this from his pay... grrr!!!'' But the kids were relentless. In unison, they went and hug Ruyi and buried their faces in her neck while saying ''No'' and ''I want to be with mommy'' Of course it scared the hell out of Ruyi, it was dangerous... they tried making several attempts in convincing the children but they won''t just listen... Not to Ruyi, her secretary, their uncle nor their grandparents.... Totally cannot handle the situation anymore Ruyi faced the children. "Why don''t you kids come with me? We''ll bring grandma and grandpa with us" Ruyi said to the kids as she raises the white flag in defeat within their grasp... Everyone, as in every a.d.u.l.t in that room, except the kids, went silent with Ruyi''s suggestion. "Uhh, Ru-" Ruyi glared at Sebastian so he immediately corrected himself, "CEO, are you... sure?" he said while giving the ''I-don''t-trust-you'' look, which Ruyi replied with a ''Who-told-you-to-talk-you-wanna-die'' look'' "We don''t want to inconvenience you Miss... Let us try to-" the old lady was talking when the impatient Ruyi cut in. "With all due respect Ma''am, we have tried every single possible way to convince the kids but they won''t so please just accept this junior''s request so we can all have no difficulties with them" Ruyi grumpily said which made the elders silent and just agree by nodding, not actually feeling offended by her tone, but amazed how strangers actually are alike Ruyi immediately packed her left out work and came to the parking lot. Sebastian was waiting for her and let her enter the car. When they arrived at her house, she was greeted with wide open eyes of her servants.''Thank God Uncle isn''t here at the moment...'' Ruyi sighed when none of the servants actually greeted her nor welcomed their guest besides the old butler. Ignoring them, she asked the head butler, Yin, for dinner. They ate dinner and spent some time playing until they felt exhausted. They washed up and went to bed. Ruyi thought she could finally do her work when the two critters joined her in her bedroom (of course with Mrs. Kwon apologizing for her grandchildren). She just asked the Head Butler Yin to guide Mrs. Kwon in the guest room while she and the critters went to her bedroom, she had to lull them to sleep, which was very effective and she could finally get to continue her work. Chapter 15 - Uncle and Niece Talk Ruyi was on her study about to do her work when a boisterous old man came in "Yi''er what''s this about the kids that you brought here? Are they you--" Jack couldn''t continue as he was hit, face flat, with a book Ruyi threw. "You think?" Ruyi said taking another book already in position with her death glare towards her uncle... "O-of c-course Uncle is kidding" Ruyi put away the book. "But how come you got two kids to bother you, that''s very... not you... The only one you actually allow to bother you is you brother Shen" Jack paused then continued "Are you really Yi''er?????!" with a face that says ''Did a ghost possess my niece?'' "If I''m not your niece, then who am I supposed to be?" Ruyi sarcastically replied. "Uhh... the kids'' mo-- umph!!!" Jack couldn''t continue his words when another flying book decided to land on his face.. "That hurts okay!!!!" "Stop talking nonsense" Ruyi was getting more stressed out with her uncle''s antics... ''Me, a mother... Is this guy nuts? Really uncle?'' Ruyi sighed. "Well, I''m just curious... How come a cold devil like you, was able to bring two angels here in this hellhole..." Jack keeps on teasing his niece. "Well this demon didn''t bring them to a hellhole... It''s paradise... I don''t even understand why they call me moth-" she stopped when she realized she was about to say ''mother'' "Mother? You... Hahahahahahaha... ugghhh!!!! Stop throwing!!!! That hurts damnit... Are you really my niece?" Jack was cursing injustice towards his niece''s actions. "You, how do you dare call yourself an uncle huh? You''re even laughing at my situation..." Ruyi is already pinching the space between her eybrows. "Uncle, can you do me a favor... like... just this once" Ruyi faced her uncle with seriousness "Can you please help me investigate the history of those kids... I, I don''t know why... but I can''t seem to hate them nor distrust them.... I feel.... light with them... I think... Not like my brother who I feel I really love but I just feel comfortable with them..." "..." Jack was already surprised when she asked for a favor, and almost got a heart attack after knowing what the favor is... ''Am I seeing things? Hearing delusions maybe? R-ruyi said please? To me? Me?'' "Uncle? Earth to uncle please~" Ruyi tilted her head in wonder.. ''The hell''s he thinking?'' "Okay, I''ll give it to you as soon as possible." Jack then went out and drive back to his house. He had a thought that would make him scared of Ruyi more. ''Did she possibly remem- Nah... It''s been 3 years already...'' "I should probably finish these now..." Ruyi picked up a doc.u.ment and started working. Several hours passed, she finally finished it. "Oh, it''s already five... better prepare for the kids'' breakfast" Ruyi promised the kids breakfast so they will go and rest last night, hence, arriving at the kitchen, the maids were beyond terrified of seeing their miss'' cooking. "Hmm... perfect!!!" Ruyi turned around and saw the maids looking at her. She coughed a little, bringing them back to their senses and said, "Please wake up my guests and invite them for breakfast". Chapter 16 - Bonds and Past "Mommy!!!!!" Both the children ran to Ruyi and went to hug and kiss her. "I''m sorry for the bother miss..." Mrs. Kwon shyly took a seat while the kids went to the side of Ruyi and tried to take a seat. However, the seat was higher than they thought. Sensing the kids'' dilemma, Ruyi took them to their seat one by one and started serving breakfast. "Mommy, mommy!!! What are we gonna do today?" Jue keeps on clinging to Ruyi with an expectant smile. "Jue, no fair~ I wanna be with mommy too!!!" Yue pouted and clung to Ruyi too... She was getting more moody when she''s with them but she can''t bear to hate them. "Jue''er, Yue''er... I''m not your mommy and you need to go back with your grandma... And I have to go to work now so I can''t accompany you this time" Ruyi was feeling forlorn after seeing such disappointed faces on the children. Ruyi and her guest took their time to prep up and get ready to leave. "Thank you so much for the hospitality, and sorry for inconveniencing you..." Mrs. Kwon immediately took the hands of her grandchild and went to the door. "Oh, don''t say that please, it was fun being with you here... Let my driver take you home so I can be assured of your safety...." Ruti smiled to Mrs. Kwon while walking with them to the front yard. "Bye bye mommy!!!" the kids waved at Ruyi. Then they went inside the car and opened the window. "Bye bye!!!" Ruyi waved back at them. She wondered what else they would say. "Um... is it alright for us to come back... mommy?" Yue shyly asked. "Umm... Can we still call you... mommy?" Jue blushed... Caught up in surprise, Ruyi answered, "Of course!!! I should be asking if you like to call me mommy more... Here''s my phone number, ''kay?" Ruyi handed her business card to Mrs. Kwon. "Just call me when you miss me okay?" Ruyi patted both the children''s heads. "Um!!!" The siblings blushed and nodded. "Please drive them safely to their homes, then immediately come back to take me to work" Ruyi told her driver. Soon, they were gone from the mansion. Ruyi felt empty after they left... she was sad but she must do her day, so she immediately went back in and readied herself. ____________________________________ In P city in A country, there is a man who is currently smoking in his office while listening to his secretary''s reports. "Master, there is a Ms. Ruyi Chen who is currently investigating the children''s background" A man in black nervously reported. "Hmm..." The man put out his cigarette and turned to his secretary. "Ruyi Chen..." He picked up files about Ruyi while showing a ''Devil''s incarnate'' smile according to his subordinates. The secretary sweated seeing his boss smile... Everyone knows what that smile means. He started praying for the poor woman who just caught the interest of this arrogant devil.... "J, book me a flight back to China, let''s surprise the kids and my parents" He said to his secretary and stood near the glass wall of his office overlooking the city center. *End of Volume 1* Chapter 17 - I am Back!!! Early morning in B City... "Mommy!!!" two kids were running towards a woman in her mid-twenties. They were on their way to her office to visit. "Yue''er! Jue''er!" Ruyi was shocked but happy to see the children, she didn''t think they would return this day from their vacation. Accompanying them is their uncle and grandmother, K-won and Miya. "Good morning boss!" K-won greeted his CEO. "Good Morning, Ms. Chen" Miya said while smiling. Seeing her grandchildren cheerful makes her happy as well. "Good morning to the both of you too!" Ruyi politely answered. Every single employee was confused on why their talent''s niece and nephew called their boss ''mommy'', but they value their job more than the truth, so they shut their mouths, went on their ways and did their job. "Good Morning CEO, Mr. Kwon and Mrs. Kwon" Sebastian said while greeting them at the elevator. All of them went inside the lift, while K-won left at the 5th floor to discuss with his manager his schedule, Ruyi asked Sebastian to escort the three to another room so that they wouldn''t be bored, then entered her office. While Ruyi and Sebastian were busy working, the children and their grandmother was watching the television. [At 6:50 am, President Renji Yamato, the multi-millionaire successful business man and CEO of JY Enterprise, arrived in B International Airport. His business in arriving at China remains a mystery as he refuses to make a comment and with indifference, far from how he usually answers reporters. Will we see a new possible trade between corporations or a new product perhaps?] "..." Miya was speechless looking at the screen. She was in relief to see the children still busy playing in their own world. [According to sources, President Yamato actually has hidden children. But is it true or just simply a rumor?] the newscaster said. "..." Miya was even more dumbfounded at the news. She was appalled at the reports. She immediately dialed a number she haven''t contacted since a week before chuseok. "Hello, mother?" a man answered. "Did you really arrive at China you rude idiot?" Miya cursed her stepson. She had repeatedly asked him to come to Korea for chuseok but he never came, and now she sees him just comes out of nowhere, who wouldn''t be angry? "Mother, I am here to see someone." the man answered. "Who is that then you idiot!" Miya was still sulking when she hears her granddaughter''s voice. "Daddy!!! Granma!! It''s daddy!!!!" Yue''er pointed at the screen. While Jue''er just ignored it and just patiently played while waiting for the time to meet Ruyi. ___________________________________________________________ Meanwhile in Ruyi''s office, she had just heard a horrible news. "What.Did.You.Just.Say?" Ruyi was fuming mad. "Just now in the news, it said that Mr. Yamato had arrived in China. His purpose is still unknown but I''ll try to get his schedule as soon as possible. Sebastian then went to get information. "It isn''t true, is it?" Ruyi clutched her hair in despair. She had no clue what to do after she hears the news. One, he is her rival company. Two, she never wants to meet him. Three, she is scared that their paths will cross. Lastly, she is frightened at the possibility a rumor will escalate. She is, after all, the mysterious ex-girlfriend of that certain man. "Lord God, if you are here, even when I have lots of issues in this company, please do not, IN ANY EVENT, let me meet that bastard!" Ruyi was getting more stressed as time comes. Chapter 18 - Bound to Meet Each Other While Ruyi was stressing about that man''s arrival, she heard knocks on her door, to see the children looking at her. "Come in Jue''er, Yue''er" Ruyi waved at them. The children straight off ran towards her, she felt healed with their presence. But she saw that their guardian isn''t with them. "Where is grandma?" Ruyi asked the children. Jue''er answered her. "Nana, is still at the phone with daddy!" Ruyi was curious at the identity of the children''s father, but sensing why they are here, she called Sebastian to get the car as they will be eating outside, so that she can get a breath of fresh air, erasing the disturbing news she just heard. Luckily, B City is large and her office is quite far from the airport. She heard a knock once more and thought it was the children''s grandmother so she went and get the kids and get ready to go eat out with her. "Mrs. Kwon, would it be alright if we have lunch at Paradis d''Eden? I highly recommend their food!" Ruyi kindly said. She knew that the food there is the best since it is owned by one of her uncle''s close friends, and she had been dining or having business meetings there. "OH! That would be perfect, my son just arrived in China and said that we would out with the children and said the same place. May I invite him then? It''s been quite a while since the children saw their father" Miya consulted. "If it''s okay with him for me to be barging in, then I would" As much as Ruyi couldn''t help but feel quite queasy with her decision, her curiosity about the children''s father was more overwhelming than her mind telling her not to. Sebastian called Ruyi that the car is ready, so she and her guest went to go out. Of course not without the curious eyes of her employees when she saw that their CEO was having fun with her guests and was smiling. "Goddess..." One of the male staff exclaimed. "OMG! Our boss smiled... I feel so blessed" A female clerk whispered. "B-boss... so beautiful.." It couldn''t be helped that Sebastian''s mouth twitched from all the noise he heard from the employees. Their boss never smiled and always kept her resting bitch face, so seeing it suddenly makes not only male but also female fall. Sebastian remembers how both male and female were wooing her and was heartbroken when she became that man''s GIRLFRIEND. ____________________________________________________ Arriving at the restaurant, Miya called his son to tell which room they were occupying. While waiting for him to arrive, Ruyi went ahead and ordered food not forgetting to consult the elder whether they had certain allergies or food that cannot be eaten due to health issues. Miya shook her head answering Ruyi, so Ruyi went ahead and asked what the children liked before finalizing her order. Food arrived so they started eating, as the man hadn''t arrived yet. Soon after, they hear a staff opening the door to welcome their guest. *clang* Ruyi was shocked. No, terrified at the man who arrived. Sebastian''s face couldn''t be painted too. His face went from white to green and ended in black while glaring. The children were as happy as their grandmother seeing the man had finally arrived. "Ms. Ruyi, meet my son, Yamato Renji" Miya was happy that her stepson had arrived in time just as they started their meal. "..." Ruyi was still shocked so she didn''t reply, rather she couldn''t reply. "Daddy!" The children went towards the man. ''Daddy?'' Ruyi snapped from her thoughts and looked at the kids'' father. "Hello, Ruyi" Renji smirked seeing Ruyi and her reaction. Chapter 19 - Once is Luck, Twice is Coincidence, Thrice is Bad Luck? "Renji, you know Ruyi?" Miya was confused, looking back and forth and the two, she had an inkling they were more than simple acquaintances. Ruyi couldn''t speak, and felt weak and dizzy she had to sit down while side-eyeing Sebastian. "Daddy!!!" Yue''er was sulking seeing her father didn''t even notice their presence. "Daddy! Look Mommy ate out with us!" The innocent Jue was glowing in happiness telling his father what they had been doing for the past week. "Mommy...?" Renji sarcastically said while eyeing Ruyi. Both Ruyi and Sebastian mentally agreed never to talk to him or look at him and just eat peacefully. Jue was confused why his mommy didn''t look at his father and decided to run to her. "Mommy?" Ruyi was conflicted to ignore the child. She knows that Jue knows she isn''t their mother, after countlessly saying she wasn''t. And she remembered she agreed to let them call her ''mommy'' in the first place. "Baby..." Ruyi was showing such a pitiful face that Renji was struggling not to laugh. He already knew what she was thinking and just sat directly across her seat and fed his daughter. Ruyi decided to feed Jue rather than look and talk to him. "Ms. Ruyi, thank you for accommodating and playing with my children for the past week. I didn''t know how to repay you, so let me pay for this meal." Renji nonchalantly said. "Hmm.." Ruyi hummed in agreement since she doesn''t want to talk to him anyway. "How have you been anyway?'' Renji keeps talking to her and she just keep ignoring him and was just giving attention to his mother, children and her secretary. He was feeling annoyed from being ignored when Ruyi''s phone rang. "Yes... okay... I''m coming now" Ruyi had a serious face while talking in her phone. Her uncle had call her. "Umm, I need to go home Mrs. Kwon. There had been an emergency back home. Ruyi said her goodbyes to the clingy children and just gave her word to visit them when she''s free. "It''s alright. See you dear~" Miya was worried about Ruyi''s brother that she met not too long ago, since she knew his condition. Ruyi quickly went out after being able to get the children to behave. She and Sebastian immediately went back home. "Hahahaha!" Miya was laughing so hard, while the children were pouting. "You''ve met your match son!" "Not really, and let''s go home mother... I ignored father before and he must be itching to smack me when we get home." Renji just disregard his stepmother''s teasing and called to pay the bill so they can go home. ________________________________________________________ Ruyi arrived home and asked her uncle what happened to her brother. He just summarized it that Shen had a moment of slight movement, so they had call the doctor and said that his vitals and reflexes are still normal and he is still in coma. Ruyi collapsed from tension fading away from her body and just went to see her brother in his room. ________________________________________________________ Meanwhile in Pheonix Eden Residence, at the most expensive and highly guarded palace, a young man was looking at the picture of a woman. "Hello, Darling Yiyi" the man forebodingly grinned then kissed the face of the woman in the picture. Ruyi suddenly felt shivers and looked around to see the cause... She immediately remembered and shrugged the feeling of that man probably talking about her... "That bastard must be thinking dirty about me.." She decided to forget it and continue working. "I probably won''t meet him again anyway. Once is Luck, Twice is Coincidence, Thrice... God must hate me!" Chapter 20 - Who really are you? Ruyi was still immersed in her paperworks when she recalled her conversation with the private investigator she hired. She couldn''t help but ask for him since the day the twins entered her life, calling her mommy and more. __________________________________________________________ Last week.... "Miss, I''ve failed you.... " the man said to Ruyi. "Hmm... was it confidential? Encrypted file?" Ruyi was wondering what secrets are held on the children''s background and why it was safely stored and unprocessed. She hired her best dark hacker and he was unable to get the files she needed. ''It seems the ''kids'' are more than what I thought for'' Ruyi was in thinking when her phone rang. "Hello" Ruyi picked up the phone without looking at the caller. She immediately dismissed her subordinate. -beep- The phone immediately cut off. When Ruyi saw the caller''s number it was an unknown one. Ruyi tried to call back the number but wasn''t able to reach her call. She thought it might be a disposable phone that someone used to track her, when the same number called back again. "Hello" Ruyi became serious are she answered the unknown caller. "Hello Ms. Chen" the caller replied. It was a deep voice, although she was skeptical, she continued the call. "Who are you?" as a woman with a few words besides to those who are close to her, she replied in an alarmed tone. "Who I am is none of your concern darling, do not search for trouble is what I''ll advice you to do" After saying these words, the man ended the call. "Hmm... " Ruyi pondered what the man had warned her. She began looking through her memories as to why was she warned like that. One thought came to her mind. "The twins, huh?" Ruyi continued to think of her next step, when she took the files left by her subordinate and looked through it. "Kwon Jue and Kwon Yue, who really are you?" Ruyi placed the files back and went back home. _________________________________________________________ Ruyi decided to contact her P.I. once more, and instead of looking into the twins, she decided to find the man who threatened her. Scared that her brother''s life will be harmed, she dialed the number in her phone. "Can you look into the number I gave you, who owns it or what his relation to the children?" Ruyi asked the man. "Yes ma''am. Give me a few weeks to find it." the man replied. Ruyi was feeling exhausted when a maid knocked on her door. "Ma''am, the children have come" the maid respectfully said. "Please tell the guards to let them in." Ruyi was used to the surprise visits of the children. She didn''t expect them to do it tonight, knowing they will be with their father, but she still let them be. She needed her energy charger, and those kids are good at that job. Ruyi went down to the entrance of the door when she stiffened at what she saw. Her uncle who just arrived is in conversation with the man accompanying the kids. "Mommy!!" The children ran to her the moment they saw her. Ruyi welcomed them with open arms, while awkwardly avoiding the man next to her uncle. "Uncle, you''ve come!" Ruyi simply ignored that there is another person with them and brought the kids and her uncle inside, while leaving the man alone. "Aren''t you gonna let him in?" Jackson was confused at his niece''s attitude. He knew she was a bit cold, but after the kids came, she mellowed down and was quite pleasing to others. He went and brought the kids inside the living room while leaving Ruyi and the man. "What are you doing here?" Ruyi raised her eyebrow. "Renji?" Chapter 21 - Mommy vs. Daddy "Hmm... of course to join my kids to go to ''mommy''" Renji smirked in amus.e.m.e.nt seeing Ruyi''s blackening face. He was just going to send off his eager children, who he might say "left him" for their "mother, but after seeing his kids throwing themselves on Ruyi, he had an idea to piss off Ruyi. They had history after all. And it was effective seeing Ruyi''s anger rapidly rising. She immediately left him there to his own devices and went to her uncle and the children playing. Don''t ask her how the children opened up with no caution to her uncle. He is a very extreme child-lover. "Uncle, when did you arrive?" Ruyi asked while sitting next to the children. Jackson was pretty shocked to how accustomed Ruyi was with the kids after only a couple of days of knowing each other. He was shocked but kept a poker face seeing how Renji, the children''s guardian had just arrived in the living room. "Well, I just arrived after finishing business with father." Jackson swore to his heart to keep watever happened there to his grave. "Oh, okay..." Ruyi didn''t probe his uncle. She''ll just ask grandfather about it. Being ignored is one of Renji''s pet peeves. Seeing how Ruyi was blatantly ignoring him, Jackson being dragged by the kids to play, he had enough and started talking. "So Ruyi, when did you meet my children?" Renji was crossing his arms looking at Ruyi. "Your children didn''t tell you? Then it''s none of your business." Ruyi focused on looking after the children than looking at the man in front of her. "Why do they call you mommy?" Renji smirked saying this. At first when the children asked to go to mommy, he was confused to who their mommy is, but when Miya retold the story, he was on the verge of laughing knowing who the woman was and decided to send off the children. "Why do they call you daddy then?" Ruyi had enough so she went to the kitchen to cook for the children. Jue and Yue had weird quirks where they wouldn''t eat anything her maids cook, but is feasting on her mediocre cooking. Ruyi decided to cook seafood so that the kids will taste new flavors, not always meat and desserts. She went to get a paella pan, and ingredients in the firdge. "You cook? Won''t you kill my kids with your poison cooking?" Renji followed Ruyi only to see her preparing to cook. He remembers the unknown matter she cooked when they were dating. ________________________________________________ 6 YEARS AGO, H University... Ruyi was bringing a lunchbox to her boyfriend who is currently playing basketball with his friends. He was the varsity captain. "Ren! Let''s have lunch!" Ruyi was smiling at him, as she approached with a bag with her. "Kay''!! Let me freshen up first!" Renji immediately went to the shower room to freshen up. He knows Ruyi hates dirty and smelly things, so he obliges to her comfort. After washing up, he and Ruyi went to the field and set up a blanket like they''re having a picnic. "Let''s eat? I cooked the food. Hope you like it" Ruyi was smiling anticipating his reactions to her cooking. __________________________________________________ Renji shivered at the thought of eating her food again. "Stop it woman! You wanna kill us with your cooking?" Renji screamed. Chapter 22 - Then Dont Eat Ruyi understood what he was coming from, but she wouldn''t allow him to demean her, as she was quite proficient in cooking now and learn after that dark incident. "So what if I cook? They will eat anyways. If you don''t want to then don''t eat!" Ruyi replied and continued preparing food. Renji was about to stop her, but seeing her skilled knife-work and cooking, he stopped and continued watching. He was entranced at the serious and ''wifely'' look of Ruyi cooking. He couldn''t imagine what she was cooking. The kids heard yelling so they went to the kitchen with their Uncle Grandpa, Jackson, to see what was happening. They saw a frozen Renji and a skilled Ruyi. The kids immediately went to Ruyi leaving two grown men just looking. "Mommy, what are wou cooking?" Yue asked while trying to get up on the chair. "Mommy is making a very special food. It is mommy''s favorite after all." Ruyi explained what the food was while stll focusing on her work. By the time she finished, a savory smell wafted in their air, making all of her audience gulp in anticipation. "Dinner''s ready!" Ruyi set up the table to prepare for dinner. Jackson was quite tensed seeing there are only four plates on the table. "Ruyi? The plates are.." "He doesn''t want to eat he says, so he won''t eat. Besides I only made enough for the four of us." Ruyi said while helping the children on their chairs and placing food on their plates. "Who says I''m not eating!" Renji shot up and walked fast towards the table where one plate was placed. "That''s Uncle Grandpa''s seat though" Jue said while sitting down. Renji was embarrassed from his son''s words, Ruyi was snickering while Jackson face palmed while proceeding to get another plate. He always loved Ruyi''s food so he won''t miss it whenever she cooks. Ruyi began serving the food, and obviously very impartial to Renji by giving him the leftovers, which is almost half of hers. "..." Renji was angry but he didn''t show it, he thinks she''s just petty for his remarks towards her. He took a bite of the food and was surprised it didn''t kill him but tasted heavenly. The rice was soft and flavorful, the seafood and vegetables were cooked to perfection and overall the food was both visually appealing and tasty. He wants more but seeing there''s nothing left, he slowly ate, savoring the food. "So. did it kill you yet?" Ruyi said. She was helping deshell some mussels on Yue and Jue''s plates so she hadn''t had any bite. But seeing how the was relishing her food and was even eating slowly so that the food won''t be finished fast. "Mommy! So yummy!" Jue and Yue said and began taking the spoon and feeding themselves. "Glad you like it!" Ruyi was smiling seeing everyone, including Renji, enjoyed her food wholeheartedly. She missed her mom cooking, her dad singing praises when she "cooks" food and how her baby brother will always help her clean up after meal. "Oh, Ruyi... I wish you were always here to cook~~~" Jackson broke the solemn atmosphere by making such a funny face while eating her food. It broke her nostalgia, making her enjoy dinner happily while laughing at her uncle''s antics. Renji smiled when he saw her happy. He knows that she must had thought of something sad and her uncle helped her throughout the journey. Chapter 23 - Get Out!!! (Semi R18 Content) *Warning: Contains soft description of S.e.xual Content (Or **** if you all like to call it)* ________________________________ After dinner, the children were getting tired so Ruyi helped them washup and lull to bed. Renji went to the room after he washed up and saw a touching scene. "Sweetest dear, you are my light, You are my sparkle in the night, Those dreams will brightly come And wake you up when sun is up" Ruyi sang the lullaby her mother always sang to her and her brother when they were little. She felt safe and relaxed whenever she sang the song. She wants nothing more than happiness in life, but God is absolutely silent treatment. "When the night is near, I will hold you dear, my love, I will stay, no fear... And you''ll be safe right.... here..." Ruyi whispered the last words and slowly getting up, tucking the children in the blanket and dimming the lights. She then went out to go to wash up when she saw Renji by the door, staring at her. "Thank you for helping the kids sleep. They... haven''t had anyone lull them to sleep besides Mother." Renji softly said while both are going out to the living room. At this time, they were alone as Jackson went to visit Shen and is probably sleeping in his bed now. Ruyi, who was feeling awkward, wanted to go to wash up so she went to room. The moment she was about to close the door, it was stopped by Renji. "What are you doing?" Ruyi glared at him. Alarmed that she shouldn''t let this man do whatever he wants. Renji at this moment was feeling parched and seeing such face in Ruyi made his sanity break. His body was warming up as he kept pushing towards her room. He had always loved her but he made a mistake. And he knew was gonna make that same mistake. Renji pulled Ruyi close to him, entering her room then closing the door afterwards. Ruyi was aghast in the man''s behavior. She could see bits of longing and apology in his eyes, but most especially the l.u.s.t within. Ruyi knew she had to get him off or it will be bad. "Let go of me!! Get out" Ruyi was struggling whike whispering. She didn''t want to alarm anyone of what was happening or be found out by her uncle or the kids. Renji held her tightly as he kissed her lips. Sucking, and biting aggressively, while Ruyi was trying to get away and was having a hard time breathing. Slowly, they were approaching near the bed when their kissed stopped and the separated as they were falling to her bed. Feeling the soft mattress, Ruyi was more scared. She remembered the trauma she had when she was in the university. She started to punch, kick and slap Renji from his trance as she struggles to get away, screaming and yelling in fear. She never want to go through that again. The door opened wide with Jackson and Butler Yin upfront. Seeing how Ruyi was handled, Jackson immediately pulled Renji away and punched him in the face, while Butler Yin was calling for the head maid to come help Ruyi. They were thankful that the kids weren''t awake at this moment and that their room was well isolated from the noise. Jackson dragged the right-minded Renji out of Ruyi''s room and outside the house. "Get out of the house!! You bastard!!!" Jackson was beyond angry that night, he slammed the door and told everyone to blacklist that man from entering the house and went to Ruyi. Chapter 24 - Absolute Trash Jackson was huffing in anger just remembering what happened to Ruyi before. Of course, the whole world knows that she had a miscarriage on their accident three years ago. There were three lives lost, not two. He immediately went to Ruyi''s room, and saw that they were still calming her down so he waited patiently. He knew that no man can get near Ruyi when she''s having her attack. Soon, th head maid finally calmed down Ruyi. "U-u-uncle~" Ruyi ran to his uncles arms wanting to be comforted, to feel safe. She hated the fact that ''that'' incident still haunts her. She wanted to get over the past but she hadn''t made improvements. Jackson felt his anger rise just sesing how fragile his niece became. He will always guard her from now on. Even coming to the company with her if he needed to. "Hush, cupcake, hush now... It''s alright" Jackson soothed her when he heard tiny footsteps coming towards them. "Mommy?" A half-awake Jue wobbled towards Ruyi. Seeing as he was about to fall, Ruyi let go of her uncle and caught the unstable, sleepy kid. "Mommy?" Jue placed his tiny hand on Ruyi''s cheeks. "Are you crying? Why?" He wiped away the tears in Ruyi''s face. Ruyi feeling light and relaxed went to the bed and rocked Jue to sleep. "It''s nothing baby, mommy just had a bad nightmare" Ruyi said. "Mommy, did daddy go home?" Jue innocently said. He was yawning and falling even deeper into sleep as Ruyi was rocking him comfortably. "Yeah, since granma is alone at the house so he went to accompany granma" Ruyi said a lie to Jue. As much as she hated him to the core, she doesn''t want to disillusion the child against his father. "Hmm..." Jue hummed before completely falling asleep and nuzzling in ruyi''s neck. Seeing as everything was alright, Butler Yin, the head maid and several staffs went back to do their own business or just simply went back to rest for the day. Jackson and Ruyi with a sleeping child are left in the room. "That man is trash!!! Absolutely trash!!! Thank God these children are angels. Hope they don''t end up like their bastard father!" Jackson was raging inside but managed to cool it down to avoid scaring the child. "Ruyi, I should go with you to the company tomorrow, help you if you need, and I won''t take no for an answer. Who knows what devil will come tomorrow?" Jackson was firm in his decision to shield Ruyi. Although Ruyi didn''t want to burden his uncle. She knows that with him present there, she won''t be scared when he tries to come. So she nodded and then send off her uncle to his room and finally taking a rest in the children''s room so that Yue won''t be upset when she wakes up and see she was alone. _______________________________ Meanwhile in a car outside the residence of the Chens, a man was punching the steering wheel in anger. "Why did I do that..." Renji was wallowing in regrets and anger at himself for loosing himself like that. He remembered that incident that scarred Ruyi for life. Chapter 25 - Mistrust and Disgust (First Part) 3 years ago in W City Ruyi and Renji were preparing to go out and have fun. It was their third year anniversary and they couldn''t help but be excited on what they will do that day. On their first year, they went to a romantic dinner in a mountainview side villa and resort, enjoying their private hot spring session and semi make outs. Then on their second year, they went for extreme sports, mountain climbing, cliff diving, skydiving and even racing. They were pretty much athletic and sporty for their own good. They were bad and wild during those days. This time they decided to go partying and costume party. Inviting their friends to celebrate with them. They wanted them to be part of the celebration. They rented a private hall and they were partying when the dj announced the arrival of the couple. "Hey fella''s look to the top and scream out loud. Here comes his and her majesties!!!" Loud booming sounds covered the screams as the two arrived in their glorious attire. Both donned with gokden crowns and sash, while Ruyi was wearing a greek dress and was holding a scepter, Renji strut his way with his s.e.xy arabian king attire. Both of them invited their most closest friend who had been a part of their journey as a couple. At the side, they can see Sebastian next to a girl named Dianne, a VS model, flirting. Ruyi was happy that his friend is not gonna br a lightbulb to her and Renji any more. Louie who was their fairygodfather as he says, who was their cupid and love consultant. Becca and Stan on the corner probably making out. The couple decided to ignore them. But the most intriguing guests were Liu Jenny (Jiaorou) and Christian Tian (Tian Fenwang). Everybody knew that the were the closests to the couple but no one saw the glint in their eyes, with a tinge of hate and anger. Jenny had been in love with Renji since the first party she attended when she was young. She hated the fact that she wasn''t Renji''s boyfriend and what sucks more is that her father is just a mere shareholder in Chen''s company with no absolute position in the company. Christian on the other hand, fell in love with Ruyi during their High Schooler days. She was a genius in Class A while he was the pretty boy in Class B. Both were student councils in their batch, Ruyi as president and Christian as Vice. The couple was still partying not knowing that they will soon have their first fallout in their entire relationship. It''s been a few hours since the party started and everyone was feeling a bit tired and tipsy from all the dancing, playing and drinking. They were not only celebrating the idiot couple''s 3rd anniversary, but also their pre-graduation party. The couple wanted to hangout with all of them before they go separate ways. Jenny served drinks to the couple (which are drugged) and both Ruyi and Renji drank it. Both soon fell unconscious as Jenny asked Christian to take care of Ruyi while she does her business with Renji. ''This is gonna be the best night'' Jenny thought. Chapter 26 - Mistrust and Disgust (Second Part) WARNING: R18 SCENES INCOMING!!! (DON''T SAY I DIDN''T WARN YOU!) ________________________________________________ It was a long night for the couple. They were pretty much aching from all the hangover they had. Renji woke up from a terrible scream he heard. "Ahh!!!" Ruyi screamed. She woke up in the bedroom alone n.a.k.e.d, she thought, maybe they finally did the deed, but she wasn''t aching nor sore. But seeing as there were no signs of popping the cherry, she thought maybe someone cleaned her up after doing something disgusting last night. She was afraid that Renji would find her in this state and misunderstand, so wanted to come clean to him and she went to find him only to see he was with a woman both of them are familiar with, Jenny. Renji sobbered up and saw that Ruyi was a the door with only a blanket on her body looking at him shocked and miserable. He was confused to what had happened, but was laughing in his mind that they must have done the deed and she was shocked they did it. But his face darkened at the moment Christian went to her side while she was in tears. He didn''t understand why she was crying nor why was she with Christian, who probably only just got out of the shower and was comforting her, he immediately stood up with jealousy but was stopped by a hand. He was mortified at realizing what had happened. He was in his n.a.k.e.d glory, and so was Ruyi. But so were the people with them. Jenny and Christian. He was beyond angry, so he dragged the crying Ruyi while punching and cursing Christian. "Stay away from my girlfriend you bastard!" Renji was clenching the hand that were holding Ruyi so much the she yelped in pain. He dragged her to their room and started interrogating, more like suspecting Ruyi. He was still intoxicated and was out of control. Not noticing the grinning Jenny nor the accusing eyes of Christian. "Did you f.u.c.k with him? Huh, Ruyi? Was he that good? I''ll show you what''s good!" He was so enraged that he tore apart the blanket that was covering Ruyi and kissed her aggressively and with ire. He might not be her first but he''ll take everything from her. Ruyi was scared and refused Renji''s kisses. She hated him at this moment. He was the one who took another woman in his bed, not her. She doesn''t even realize that the frenzied Renji and her was laying in the bed and that he was already placing his rod on her entrance. "This is for being a s.l.u.t Ruyi!!" He inserted his d.i.c.k with force, not noticing the blood seeping out and f.u.c.k.i.e.d Ruyi forcefully and powerfully. He didn''t even bother with what Ruyi was feeling and her anguished screams for help. "No! Ahhh! Ahh! Ren--ji!! It... it hurts!!!" Ruyi was really afraid and hurt from all his accusations. She was being ravaged like an animal by her boyfriend who just took her and r.a.p.ed her. Feeling the ecstasy and pleasure from f.u.c.k.i.n.g Ruyi, Renji failed to see the blank, cold and dead look of his girlfriend, who gave up resisting and just laid down like a broken doll, with tears streaming down her cheeks and her voice becoming hoarser and hoarser as time passed by. He failed to see, that he was also at fault and that he never listened nor explained to her. That that was the start of them distancing with each other. Chapter 27 - NOT A CHAPTER So guys, I wouldn''t be able to update today since I have to travel for my friend''s child''s christening, tomorrow, plus I wouldn''t be able to touch any gadgets while helping them so.... I promise to give 3 days worth of mass release when I come back!!! SORRY!!!!!! I kinda forgot to tell u before... Chapter 28 - Mistrust and Disgust (Final Part) *Back to Present* It took a while for the staff to make Ruyi relax and sleep. Jackson couldn''t believe the nerve of that man. He swore to his brother''s and sister-in-law''s graves that he will protect their dearest children as his own. He loved Ruyi as his own ever since he took her in. He might or might not have a family of his own in the future, but Ruyi and his brother will always be his priority. Jackson left Ruyi''s room after making sure she''s in a deep sleep, he was thankful he didn''t have to call their doctor to stabilize her. He went inside his room and began calling his father and telling what happened. He knew that they will know about it, so he decided to say it through his mouth. "Father, Ruyi... Yi''er was... she had an attack.." Jackson didn''t even finish his sentence when her heard his mother yelling at him through the phone. His father must have put it on speaker for her. "You stupid son!!! How did you let that happen to Yiyi!!!!" Stelly was bellowing in anger just remembering her granddaughter''s tears whenever she had her PTSD. It was the most painful memory she''ll ever had. The tear-stained cheeks, her blushed face, her constant hard breathing, the daily nightmares and screams, she would never forget it. She always made sure her granddaughter is safe and happy, never to return to her old scared and depressed self. "How did this happen Jackson?" Yitian was brandishing clear anger. Jackson had to gulp and think twice before saying proceeding to tell his parents of the unfortunate event today. Both the elders was raging and spitting continuous curses both in english and mandarin. Jackson couldn''t help but sweat and put the phone a bit away from his ears to save his innocent ears from his parents'' merciless tongues. "Jackson prepare our rooms this instant!" Stelly ordered her son. She was unyielding on her decision. "We''''ll go there now!!! You better not ignore this order or else I''ll put you up in an auction!!" Stelly said then hanged up her phone. Jackson was scared shitless of his mom''s threat. The only thing he still wants to do is to be free and just let time give him his loved one not by blind dates and marriage meets. He was cursing a certain man for endangering his freedom but stopped and became more angrier at remembering the man''s actions that short while ago. He managed to calm himself down remembering there are the angels born from a devil sleeping in the room near Ruyi''s. He facepalmed himself for forgetting to include that the heinous attacker had children who was close to Ruyi. ______________________________________________________________________ The asleep Ruyi woke up in the middle of the night sweating and shivering. She didn''t know how to calm herself down remembering that incident that is haunting her in her sleep and the recent attack which triggered her right now. She dialed her phone and called someone. "Sebby..." Ruyi was sniffling and curled up in the corner of her room in the space between the bed and the wall. Chapter 29 - Broken Again... Or No More Sebastian was sleeping with his wife after their bout of happiness that can only be done in their bed, he was woken up by the sound of his phone ringing and was annoyed by his disturbed sleep. But upon seeing it was Ruyi, he was baffled why this person was calling him this late. He carefully peeled himself d=from his wife''s hold and went to the living room to answer the call. "Sebby..." he heard sniffles and wondered why his boss, friend was crying. "Ruyi? What''s wrong?" Sebastian was truly worried about his friend. On the moment he met and was hired by her up till now, his friend never showed her vulnerability and fragility to him and everyone else besides her family. He never asked about her past when he shut him off when he used to ask before. ______________________________________________________________ 6 months before... "So how have you been Ruyi?" Sebastian asked her while giving the contract back to Ruyi. "..." Ruyi was silent, more like avoided the topic. "Don''t worry about my life that''s much better than yours!" Ruyi was laughing, but Sebastian felt something was amiss and he knew from before to mind his own business once his friends starts to avoid the topic. "You''re just jealous, aren''t you! I''m a taken man while you''re a young spinster!!!" Sebastian joked. "Hahaha... funny very funny!" Ruyi said while slapping the arm of Sebastian in irritation. '' This bastard actually flaunted about his wife?'' *flashback ends* ________________________________________________________________ "S-seb.. *hic* seb-by....Ahhhh!!!!" Sebastian was startled and frantic once her heard her break down. He never heard her cry like tht ever since that incident. He wants to ask what happened but decided against it and waited for his friend to calm down while continuing to let her pour out her grievances. "Shh, shhh... hush Ruyi... I''m here. I''ll stay here listening to you or do you want me to come?" He was too worried about his friend. He is a curious man but he knows when this curiosity should be used. and he deemed that he must become a silent statue for her friend to vent on. "Ahhh!!! N-no don''t come!!" Ruyi was scared to see Sebastian in her state. She immediately turned the phone off while whispering to herself to help her clam down. If Sebastian knew what happened. He might go and run to a certain man''s home and bash him to pulp. He was there when Ruyi had that incident, and if he knew that incident happened again, he was ready to kill if necessary. The next day, it was just another morning. Ruyi was prepped up for work, bonded and ate breakfast with the children and her uncle, and went to work earlier than she really does, unless there''s a meeting. She managed to cover up the traces of her frail state yesterday. And went to work as if nothing happened last night. Everyone besides the children were worried for their miss. They were scared of how she bounced up quickly and was back to being their miss that they have been with for the past year, the kind and confident one. They hoped this day won''t turn out bad for the miss, but things are bound to happen whether they liked it or not. Chapter 30 - Soulless Doll The moment Ruyi arrived in the company, she was emitting chill and aura that will definitely kill her staff the moment they try to piss her off even more. The people remembered the moment the CEO came to take her place in the company. Everyone immediately had their telepathic thoughts. ''Don''t bother the CEO or we''re dead!!'' and were frantically rushing to their destination the moment Ruyi entered the elevator. ''We can''t screw up today'' A lot of employees were in tears as they gave in to their destiny this day. ________________________________________________ Ruyi was drowning herself in work that she forgot to eat and even go home that day. It was like she returned to her old character. A soulless doll, who did nothing but work and act like a programmed robot whose only job is to work, eat, rest, visit her brother and the cycle goes on. Sebastian was worried about Ruyi''s continuous working. And being the good friend Sebastian is, he decided to secretly call his wife to say he will be overtiming together with their boss, as he refuse to leave her alone after last night''s alarming call. "Ruyi, have some dinner first. You can''t work well if you don''t eat or do you want your uncle or my wife to skin me alive for letting you starve...." Sebastian brought some chinese takeout food and cleaned up Ruyi''s desk. Ruyi just stared at the food as if her mind was in somewhere faraway. Her face scrunched up and her whole body was brooding into her thoughts. Realizing that her friend was still watching her, she shook her head and began eating. They ate in silence which is killing the talkative Sebastian. _________________________________________________ It was already night when two elders were sitting in the living room, glaring at their kneeling child. Stelly and Yitian arrived around afternoon after making sure that everything on their side before going to tor- interrogate their child on what actually happened that night. "So? What actually happened to our Yiyi?" Stelly was blatantly showing displeasure at the incompetence of her son who she asked to protect their princess. "I thought you got things handled well? Should I find someone to help you?" Jackson saw his mother smile, but that smile didn''t reach her eyes... He was scared. ''Spare me Empress Dowager!!!'' he thought. "Uhhh... Even I didn''t expect that to happen you know? I was just helping making the kids sleep but-" Jackson was babbling not noticing what he was saying. "WHAT KIDS? JACKSON YIN!!!! Did you have a child from somewhere? You f.u.c.k.i.n.g bastard!!! Did we raise you to make a child elsewhere!!! It''s not like we''re not gonna let you, and even if you became gay we''re fine with it as long as you got someone with you!!!" Stelly started bashing her son for his wrongdoings. Yitian also added some kick from his shock. "They''re not mine!!!!" Jackson yelled. It was true as the children went outside Shen''s room seeing two elders bullying their mommy''s uncle. "Uncle grandpa!!!" Yue and Jue went to block the two elders who stopped he moment they saw the children. They were stunned to see similarities to the Chen sibling on these two children. It was like seeing their grandchildren when they were young. Chapter 31 - What did you say you B*******!!!! ''Uncle Grandpa??!!!'' The couple stopped their beating in case of hurting the two children. They both side-eyed each other while telepathically talking with their eyes. ''Am I hearing things right?'' Stelly looked confused. ''Did I have a hidden grandchild?'' Yitian was also flabbergasted while looking back at his son being comforted by two dumplings. "Uncle Grandpa, pain pain fly away" Yue was patting Jackson while Jue was copying his sister. ''Thank God for these angels!!!'' Jackson was rejoicing in his mind while snapping back to reality when he saw the two old haniwa statues in front of him. He was struggling to keep a straight face or just simply burst out, but he was wise to keep a straight face or else he will have another round of beating. He slowly stood up and assured the twins. "Jue, Yue, Uncle Grandpa is fine.. Don''t be angry at them" Jackson promised the two children who were now clutching his pants while glaring at his parents like dogs protecting their owner. "..." Both elders were speechless. They couldn''t be more sure that this is their great grandchildren... But who was the mother? or father? "Jackson. Explain" Stelly recovered first and softly asked his son not to alarm the children more. Jackson sighed while he told his parents to sit and gave the kids to their caretaker that Ruyi hired when nobody came to fetch the children. He then sat and started explaining. "So who is their father then? Why are they calling Yiyi mommy?" Yitian asked. "Uhh... before we get to that, promise me you won''t beat me up?" Jackson knew the moment he tell his parents they will vent their frustrations on him. "FIne. Spill it out" Stelly was keeping Yitian down by holding him tightly. "Okay, as I said before, the two were just strangers who managed to get inside impenetrable office without anyone noticing, they are the niece and nephew of Ruyi''s talent, K-WON. I don''t know how those two were able to soften Ruyi, but she herself allowed them to call her mommy after even knowing from her that she wasn''t their mother." Jackson mentally breathed deeply as he was about to get to the bloody part. "So?" Both elders were now raising their eyebrows in probing manner. "Their father is someone you know all too well..." Jackson prayed internally for his safety. "It''s Renji. Renji Yamato" It took a while for both elders to respond as Jackson was now preparing his escape. "Renji Who?" "What did you say you Bastard!!!!" Both elders were in rage just from hearing the name. The abominable name of the bastard who hurt their darling Ruyi. "Uhh... and he''s back in China? and he... was here yesterday?" Jackson immediately took off to his shelter. The twins. ''Safe Haven protect me!!!'' Jackson was crying buckets of tears in his mind. He had also just arrived last night and wasn''t expecting that. ______________________________________________________________ Around the same time, a man was approaching his mother to ask for help. "Mother, please help me." Renji was solemn and gloomy, as if a knife was stabbed in his chest. "Why?" Miya had an inkling to what had happened. Seeing his face and that late night report that her grandkids told her last night. ----------------------------------------------------------------- "Grandma, mommy is crying!!" Yue was crying while holding her phone. Jue was still with their mommy and helping with easing their distraught mother. She was antsy and is keeping strong so that she won''t cry. "Ehh? What happened?" Yue just told her what she saw and said she doesn''t know. She advised her granddaughter to join his brother in calming their mommy and hanged up. "Oh my God!!! Renji what happened to you?" Miya suddenly hanged up after seeing her son''s battered state. Chapter 32 - Leave me Alone Another morning passed, Ruyi still did her routine. Everyone around her was worried, thankfully the twins weren''t fetched yet and that they were supporting Ruyi well. "Mommy!!! Can we go to play with you?" Jue asked Ruyi knowing his Uncle Grandpa forbid Ruyi to work today, not only giving Ruyi some rest but also the poor staffs who worked overnights with her. Especially the poor secretary who is now sleeping alone because he kept working overnight. _________________________________ 3 days ago... "Uncle Jackson!!! I can''t take it anymore~~" Sebastian was bawling at Jackson the moment he arrived at the company. He saw the company below was depressed and didn''t thunk it would be worse in the Heads''s floor. "Uhh... is Ruyi inside?" Jackson inquired "Yes" Sebastian was a sobbing mess. Jackson was getting embarrassed at the look he was given. He couldn''t connect the stern and cool secretary to this puppy-like mess of a man. He just pat him and told him to fix himself and woo his wife, because he was gonna have the whole staff have a 2 day vacation since the company can''t work with a long absence. Every staff was looking at Jackson as if he was Messiah. Everybody cheered and went out immediately as if they were granted parole. Jackson sighed at the sight of the cheerful employees and went inside to Ruyi''s office. He was dismayed at the sight of his working Ruyi. He wasn''t prepared to see her like this, clearly fatigued and sleep-deprived, thinner and paler than before, obviously neglecting her health and well-being. He was mad, no furious to see her this way. It was like deja vu when he first met Ruyi. he thought nothing could be more worse than before. Before she always starved and inflicted self-harm, but now she''s begging to die from overworking so that he won''t have a legitimate reason to guard her. But enough is enough. "Sebastian where are the reports? They''re late!" Ruyi didn''t notice her uncle and was still fixated at her doc.u.ments. She felt she had to do this to lessen the pain and fear. "Ruyi enough!" Jackson can''t believe what he had heard just now. "Stop this nonsense Ruyi! You''re clearly unhealthy now! Come back home with me!" Jackson tried to reason with Ruyi. But Ruyi was headstrong. "No" Jackson was dumbfounded at the coldness of his niece, He couldn''t understand how bad it was for Ruyi but he won''t let her ruin herself like this. "No! This is not a request but this is an order Ruyi. You need to stop this now!" Jackson tried to persuade his niece this way as it was how they managed to make her listen before. But past is different from present. Ruyi''s stubbornness is much more pronounced than before. "Leave me alone" Ruyi''s gaze was so chilling that Jackson felt stifled from it, but he chose to be brave for his niece''s well-being "I said enough is enough! You are coming home with me whether you like it or not, or do you want your grandparents to come here instead? Or the kids who kept crying from seeking you or that bastard? Don''t you know how many people are worried?" Jackson couldn''t help but yell from Ruyi''s egotistical behavior. "When will you let this pass? Do''t you want revenge for your parents? Didn''t you take this company to follow the promise you made to your parents? To help your brother? To seek justice for yourself and your family?" Jackson was already in tears, tired from all the troubles they had. "..." Ruyi was silenced by her uncle''s grieving voice. She thought only of herself. Not noticing the dreadful mood she had since that time. "What more do you want Ruyi?" Jackson was almost giving up when Ruyi stood up and cleaned her desk. "I... I''m sorry uncle" Ruyi broke down in tears after realizing her faults. Jackson saw how she was like a child who did mischievous things and was apologizing for it. He felt relief seeing her like this. It seems she had come back to their Ruyi. "Uncle..." Ruyi was still crying when Jackson soothe her and patting and hugging her. She felt comforted, she felt warm, and she fell down in her uncle''s arms as exhaustion wore her down. Jackson immediately caught her and brought her out of her office. Sebastian was still there as he was waiting for them. He smiled at seeing the sleeping Ruyi and sighed in happiness that she had calmed down now. Sebastian drove them to their mansion then went home. Upon seeing the unconscious Ruyi, the elders, as well as the children,were terrified but was consoled by Jackson by calling the family doctor to check her up. Upon hearing the diagnosis, they were appeased from their worries and hope that she will be better soon. _________________________________________________________________________ *Back to Present* "Of course! Mommy is better now!!!" Ruyi was brimming with happiness being with these two, it bothered her that they were that man''s children but she felt close and happy with them so she didn''t mind it. After playing and eating for a while, a black maybach was approaching the mansion, as two elders descended from it upon arriving. It was the Kwon couple, Miya and Huansong. Ruyi was baffled why they came here but hearing the protests of the children beside her, she knew why they came. It was to fetch the children to go home. She welcomed them as her grandparents and uncle wondered who the visitors were. "Uhh... Grandma, Grandpa this are the Kwon elders, Jue and Yue''s grandparents." Ruyi smoothly presented the guests. "Gran gran! Grandpa!" Jue and Yue ran to the elders ang hugged them. "I''m sorry for inconveniencing you" Miya said while giving her gifts to the Elders. "Oh it''s alright Mrs. Kwon, the two were such a good help for our Yiyi" Stelly was indirectly scolding them from their son''s crime. The mood became so awkward that Ruyi was the one who smoothed it out for them. " Grandma, it''s fine now, it''s not their fault. She asked the maids to help the children wash up and prepare for leaving. While the children were prepping up, the atmosphere in the entrance became heavier. "Ruyi... I''m so sorry for what... happened to you" Miya was troubled at the result of her son''s fault. "Don''t worry. I won''t let my son approach you anymore" Huansong added. But heard some snort from Yitian. "He''d better not or else he''ll face a demon" Yitian was still having grudge from his granddaughter''s abuse. The Kwon couple reassured the Chen Elders, finally ending the suffocating air by the time the children finished. "Mommy, always take care okay?" Yue said while her brother nodded. "Mm, mommy will take care!" Ruyi hugged the both of them before hugging the kwon elders and saying their farewells. Soon, the car was out of the premises. Chapter 33 - Why did you leave me all ALONE? As soon as the Kwons left, Ruyi visited her brother who she never visited after that incident. She hated her self whenever she lost control of herself whenever she had panic attacks. She''s disgusted at what horrible things she could do or become and whenever she struggles to come back and just returned to normal, she always go to her brother for security. She always feel as herself whenever she is with her brother. "Shen''er... I''m sorry for neglecting you these days. I wasn''t myself and I was someone you don''t want me to become. I''ve always wanted to be happy, you with mother and father with me... and my babies... but the past keeps haunting me." Ruyi was bawling and venting her emotions and wishes. But the worst had come. The heart-rate monitor started beeping fast. Ruyi knew it was cardiac arrest and called for help. The family called for the doctor and ambulance while Ruyi, who learned first-aid after her brother''s first arrest, started doing CPR. "NO!!! No!!! Shen''er don''t leave me!! Don''t leave me now!!!" Although Ruyi was shaking and tearing up, she still managed to focus at what is important, to keep Shen alive. The maids and her family brought inside their private doctor and nurses and they started their routine. Some of the nurses put oxygen mask on Rushen, other were pleading to switch with Ruyi who remain stubborn on doing CPR, others are already readying the defibrillator. "Nurse Xie, give me the vitals" The cardiologist they hired asked. "BP, 160/100, Respi 22, temp. 37.5, saturation,96%" NUrse Xie replied. "Inject Epinephrine and continue CPR, please switch with Miss Chen, and escort the family members outside." the doctor ordered. Ruyi didn''t object and immediately switched with the nearest nurse. She prayed he would survive. "Charge 200 joules" The doctor said. "Clear!" Everybody immediately stayed away from the body. "Shock" The doctor said. "No response doctor" The nurse said and continued CPR. "Charge 300 joules" The nurse immediately went to do the order. "Clear!" and again, Shen was unresponsive. "360 joules!" The doctor remained calm to not tense the nurses and the family. "Clear!" "No response doctor" "Again, 360 joules" "Clear!" Several attempts had been made and Shen never recovered. The doctor looked at the time, and went outside to inform the family of the devastating news. "Chen Rushen, time of death 10:45 a.m..." Everything went dark in Ruyi. Her grandmother fainted and was sent to another room for treatment. Her grandfather was shedding tears the same as her uncle, who supported the weak elder. She went outside the room, not believing what she had heard. "Shen, you...you''re alright? aren''t you? You won''t leave big sister alone, won''t you?" Ruyi was kneeling beside the bed where Shen''s dead body was. "S-sh-shen!!! You can''t leave me alone here!!! NOO!!!!!" Ruyi broke down upon touching her brother''s now cooling body. It was now a fact that her brother, her only family besides her extended family, was dead. Ruyi screamed at the pain of losing the one who was her pillar to live. The one who she always relies to. The only proof that she wasn''t alone in this world. He was gone. "Mommy, Daddy, Shen''er WHYY???!!! Why did you all leave me alone!!!" The nurses were alarmed when they heard a thudding sound inside the room. They saw an unconscious Ruyi and the ambulance finally came and escorted Ruyi as well as Madam Chen to the hospital. Yitian went with them while Jackson stayed to instruct the doctor, nurses and staffs to remove the equipments and everything needed to do for the funeral. Jackson called someone to prepare the body of Rushen for funeral. He knew he had to be stronger than all of them so he will be their support while embarking this sad journey of their lives. Chapter 34 - NOT A CHAPTER! IMPORTANT! Hello, this Momie''s sister. I have been told that she has a story pending here and she wants me (more like I forced her) to tell you not to worry for the lack of release. Well, first of all, my sister can''t update at the moment because she is currently at the hospital because of traffic accident. The motorcycle she was riding on the way home crashed with an incoming jeepney. Thankfully, it''s not a big injury (just few bruises and cuts, and an acute concussion) and that she had woken up just recently. {I pity the driver though} I''m here to tell you the news that this will be in hiatus so that she can recover, especially she had also been stressing herself too much and sleeping late too (probably from drafting your updates). So that she won''t worry about you worrying about the updates, I decided to borrow her phone and put this announcement up. Hope you wish her well!!! Momie''s sister signing off.