The Marriage Partner Is The Villain Boss Chapter 12

Are you Professor Xu?

Xu Zhiyi was abruptly pulled from her memories. She habitually took a sip of hot tea to dispel the chill rising up her back. Ever since returning last night, she had felt somewhat out of sorts.

After composing herself, she looked up at the slightly nervous girl standing before her desk.

Yes, you must be Yin Rui. Professor Zhang already told me about your situation.

Before the girl could respond, Zhou Bo at the neighboring desk spoke up, his voice raised mockingly.

My, Professor Xu is certainly proactive when it comes to tasks assigned by the professor—

There is no need for you to worry, Professor Zhou.

Xu Zhiyi stood up, her tone gentle. Let us go to the meeting room. I will give you a brief overview of your situation.

On the desk, her phone buzzed twice. Xu Zhiyi ignored it, missing the message from her research group leader inviting her to lunch with a major client.

…

Before leaving work, Xu Zhiyi happened to glance out the window and noticed a car parked at the entrance of the Research Institute. The license plate looked familiar.

She quickly grabbed her bag, gave her student a few instructions, and hurried out.

Why are you here?

The first words she spoke to Pei Qingyan were said with a tense expression.

I was passing by, so I came to pick you up.

The woman took off her sunglasses and, seemingly oblivious to Xu Zhiyi’s slight irritation, led her to the back seat. I also wanted to see your work environment.

Oh? And what do you think?

Xu Zhiyi tried to pull her hand away, but the other woman only gripped it tighter. Helpless, she let her hold it.

It is not bad. It would be even better if annoying people like Zhou Bo were not around.

…How did you know?

As soon as she asked, the answer surfaced in Xu Zhiyi’s mind—given the woman’s social network, how could it be difficult to investigate her?

She gave a self-deprecating smile.

However, Pei Qingyan’s reaction was beyond her expectations.

You should have told me sooner, the woman said seriously. I will help with anything I can.

Before she finished speaking, the phone vibrated twice.

Xu Zhiyi swiped the screen. It was a notice regarding Zhou Bo’s transfer back to the university, citing reasonable personnel turnover as the reason.

She bit her lip, momentarily speechless.

If this person continues to— Pei Qingyan’s words stopped halfway.

During the pause, Xu Zhiyi leaned in slightly toward the stern-faced woman, stopping just before her lips touched the corner of the other’s mouth.

You have been drinking.

It was not a question, but a statement of fact.

Do not attend these kinds of social functions anymore.

She did not mention anything else, her tone as soft as ever.

…Alright.

Pei Qingyan had to clench her palm to restrain the urge to kiss her.

Then, she watched as those tempting lips pulled away, leaving an invisible safety distance between them once more.

Stay over tonight.

Xu Zhiyi turned her head to look out the window, her voice almost a whisper.

Wh-what?

The CEO, who was always decisive and formidable in the business world, actually stuttered, unable to believe her ears.

I said, you can stay tonight.

Xu Zhiyi repeated herself with great patience. I will fulfill my obligations as your wife.

Her words were blunt, without a hint of concealment, as natural as eating or drinking.

Of course, you can come to me whenever you have needs in the future.

Suddenly, she felt her wrist being seized. The grip was stronger than ever before, yet still careful to avoid hurting her.

I truly want to marry you and take care of you for the rest of my life…

The woman’s voice choked up slightly at the end, carrying a trace of hidden disappointment.

I know. Xu Zhiyi hesitated for a moment before leaning into the woman’s embrace, just as they had when they were still friends.

I might not be able to be a good wife, A-Yan, nor can I give you the same emotional return.

She used the intimate name that had once belonged only to them, feeling the woman’s body stiffen.

I just hope you will reconsider.

—Don’t let us both live with regrets for the rest of our lives.