C7 Yichen Is in Trouble

After Xing Mo returned, Lin Yichen was still out.

The house, modest in size, felt eerily empty and quiet.

Xing Mo retrieved the jade he had purchased and began his cultivation practice.

Once he had absorbed the spiritual energy from the stones, he selected a superior piece of jade.

With time to spare, he etched the character "Chen" into the pendant.

After finishing the carving, Xing Mo infused the jade with a strand of spiritual energy.

As evening approached, Lin Yichen made her way home.

Xing Mo presented the jade pendant to her.

"What's this?" Lin Yichen's brow furrowed slightly.

Being the CEO of a jewelry company, she was not easily impressed by such items.

Xing Mo, undeterred and earnest, explained, "I crafted this jade pendant for you! Don't underestimate it. It has a unique ability. If you find yourself in a bind, just call out 'Chen,' and the pendant will unleash an attack!"

Despite his explanation, Lin Yichen shook her head.

The boy had a good heart but was ultimately unaccomplished.

Skipping university to waste time on such trivial pursuits—did he think life was like a fantasy TV drama?

Yet, the "Chen" inscription on the jade moved her slightly.

It was, after all, a gesture of thoughtfulness from Xing Mo.

After a brief pause, Lin Yichen decided to wear the pendant.

The moment it rested against her skin, she felt an inexplicable warmth and comfort.

As a jewelry magnate, she had adorned herself with countless precious pieces, but none had ever brought her such genuine comfort.

"Oh, by the way! Jiang Xiaomei invited me to dinner tonight, so I'll be home late," Lin Yichen mentioned before stepping out the door.

Xing Mo, accustomed to her schedule, had a simple meal and then retreated to his room to continue his cultivation.

Meanwhile, Lin Yichen and her close friend Jiang Xiaomei were settling into a Western restaurant.

"Do you see? That's the Lin family's daughter. She's quite the looker."

"Hehe, beauty can be a curse sometimes! It's a shame when fine vegetables end up with the pigs."

"Yeah, I've heard her fiancé is a total loser! And a drug addict to boot!"

In the Western restaurant, someone recognized Lin Yichen and couldn't resist sneering at her.

Lin Yichen's face remained impassive, but inside, she felt a pang of sadness.

After all, everyone needs their dignity, just as a tree needs its bark.

"Yichen, does this really not bother you?" Jiang Xiaomei asked, her lips curling into a subtle smile after overhearing the restaurant patrons' snide remarks about Lin Yichen.

"People will say what they want; it's their mouth, not mine," Lin Yichen replied, lifting a glass of red wine to her lips and downing it in one gulp.

But as the wine settled, her eyelids began to feel incredibly heavy.

"Yichen, you're drunk! Let me help you find a place to rest," Jiang Xiaomei said, her sneer hidden as she noticed Lin Yichen's inebriated state.

Conveniently, there was a hotel right next to the restaurant.

Supporting the now groggy Lin Yichen, Jiang Xiaomei made her way directly to Room 208.

Upon opening the door, Qin Tianci emerged from the bathroom, his leer unmistakable.

His upper body was bare, water still trickling down from his wet hair.

"Young Master Qin, I've brought the beauty to you. How will you thank me?" Jiang Xiaomei cooed, her eyes alight with seduction.

"There's a million in this card! And if last night wasn't enough for you, after I'm done with this wretch, I'll come back to you," Qin Tianci said, his gaze ravenous as he looked at Lin Yichen, her cheeks flushed.

Blushing, Jiang Xiaomei replied, "I won't get in the way of your fun! Enjoy yourself, Young Master Qin. I'll come find you tomorrow."

Qin Tianci gave Jiang Xiaomei's chest a squeeze before reaching out to pull Lin Yichen into his arms.

"Xiaomei! To think you were my best friend... and you betray me like this!" In her dazed state, Lin Yichen heard the exchange between Qin Tianci and Jiang Xiaomei and couldn't hold back her accusation.

"Best friend? How ironic! You're the Lin family's precious daughter, and my parents are mere workers! What nonsense about best friends—I'm just a prop you use to make yourself look good!" Jiang Xiaomei screamed, her voice laced with hysteria at the mention of 'best friend.'

Lin Yichen managed a bitter smile, though tears traced lines down her cheeks. She had never once looked down upon Jiang Xiaomei's humble origins throughout the years. In fact, she had secretly lent a helping hand to Jiang Xiaomei's parents on several occasions. Yet, she hadn't imagined that she would be held in such low regard in Jiang Xiaomei's eyes.

"Yichen! I'm only thinking of what's best for you! What's so great about that worthless fiancé of yours? Being with Young Master Qin is infinitely better than staying with that loser!" Jiang Xiaomei, recalling Lin Yichen's past kindness, felt a twinge of guilt.

Lin Yichen opened her mouth to respond, but was overcome by a burning sensation. It felt as though ants were swarming over her skin, causing unbearable discomfort.

"Young Master Qin, the drug is taking effect! What are you waiting for?" Jiang Xiaomei's face flushed as she called out to Qin Tianci.

"Hahaha! Lin Yichen, let's see you put on airs now! Soon you'll be on your knees, begging me for affection!" Qin Tianci, inflamed by Lin Yichen's distress, was eager to take advantage.

He lunged at Lin Yichen, who felt a figure rushing toward her. In that moment, she knew escape was impossible. The thought of her best friend's betrayal filled her with a cold despair.

Amidst the feverish heat of her body, a chill emanated from her chest. "The jade pendant?" Lin Yichen thought of the pendant Xing Mo had given her. Instinctively, she cried out, "Chen!"

A burst of white light flared from her chest. Then, her strength failed her, and she collapsed into unconsciousness.

Qin Tianci was taken aback by the sudden flash. But his reflexes were quick; he grabbed Jiang Xiaomei, who was nearby. A tremendous force then slammed both him and Jiang Xiaomei against the wall, rendering them senseless.

​