Reborn as the Harem King-Chapter 142 Heartbreak Awaits Her This Time

The next day was Saturday, and neither of them had to work.

When Jiang Ruolan woke up, Zhou Yi was still fast asleep. Lying in his arms, she felt an overwhelming sense of contentment.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting warm patches on the floor. She shifted closer to him and playfully tapped his well-defined nose.

Just looking at his face sent a wave of admiration coursling through her. Memories of the previous night flooded back, making her cheeks flush with color.

On Zhou Yi's lips lingered a faint mark where she had bitten him—not very noticeable, but close inspection revealed its presence. Smiling softly, she rose to prepare breakfast.

In the past, she rarely bothered cooking in the mornings, especially on weekends when rest was all she craved. But today, buoyed by happiness, she found joy in preparing a meal for someone she cared about.

Humming a cheerful tune, Jiang Ruolan dressed, freshened up, and headed to the kitchen. As she cooked noodles, the enticing aroma roused Zhou Yi from sleep. Rubbing his eyes, he noticed her absence and deduced that she must be in the kitchen.

Zhou Yi slipped into his pants, leaving his upper body bare, and walked over to her. Wrapping his arms around her from behind, he rested his chin on her shoulder. "You always smell incredible," he murmured.

"Are you complimenting me or the noodles?" she teased.

"Both, but you're far sweeter."

He leaned down, brushing a kiss against her neck. Her hair carried a delicate fragrance, and her skin seemed to radiate warmth. Jiang Ruolan's hand trembled slightly as she held the spoon. Biting her lip shyly, she whispered, "Stop... I don't think I could handle it again so soon."

Last night had left her utterly spent. She'd always assumed Zhou Yi was reserved and restrained, but reality proved otherwise. The memories brought another wave of heat to her cheeks.

Zhou Yi chuckled softly. "Do you remember how exhausted you were last night?"

Jiang Ruolan shot him a mock glare, though her expression betrayed no real anger—only embarrassment. "Zhou Yi, stop bringing it up! Next time... next time I won't let it happen!"

"Really?" he teased lightly.

"Yes, but..." Her voice softened, tinged with uncertainty. "Will there even be a next time?"

Testing the waters, she glanced at him cautiously. Zhou Yi ruffled her hair affectionately. "Whenever you miss me, I'll be here for you."

A tender smile spread across her face. She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek against his chest. "Promise me you won't lie. Ever since I met you, I've changed—I never thought I'd become such a clingy woman, yet now I find myself wanting to be with you every moment."

Holding her hand, Zhou Yi reassured her. "I won't lie to you. Whenever you need me, I'll come."

Jiang Ruolan's heart swelled with happiness. Whether or not Zhou Yi truly loved her, his companionship filled the void of her longing, ensuring she wouldn't pine in vain.

After finishing breakfast together, Zhou Yi remembered he needed to reply to Kong Huaijin's message. He declined the invitation outright. He couldn't afford to appear overly eager or submissive; otherwise, what would set him apart from the throngs of other suitors vying for her attention?

Kong Huaijin wasn't one to fall for such tactics—her enduring single status proved as much. To capture her interest, one had to play hard to get.

[Sorry, Miss Kong, I have classes this week and can't make it.]

Kong Huaijin was enjoying a massage at a spa when she received the message. She burst out laughing—not out of amusement, but frustration. Beside her sat her best friend Fang Yue, who asked curiously, "What's got you laughing?"

"Laughing? I'm furious!"

"Oh? Who dared upset our Miss Kong?"

Tearing off the facial mask, Kong Huaijin scowled. "I kindly invited a man to dinner, and he rejected me! Do you know how rare that is? The audacity!"

Fang Yue giggled. "So, rejection stings, does it? What kind of man dares refuse you? Does he even know who you are?"

Kong Huaijin leaned back, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers. "Of course he knows. He knows exactly who I am—and still refused me."

"To turn you down despite knowing your status? Such men are rare indeed."

"I wish he'd been swayed by my wealth and power—it would've saved me the trouble."

"That sort of man is hardly rare. Besides, you've never shown any interest in such types."

"You're right about that."

As soon as Kong Huaijin finished speaking, a strange feeling crept over her. Shaking her head slightly, she added:

"It's not like I fancy him or anything. I extended the invitation purely for business purposes."

"If it's purely professional, why are you so worked up? When Boss Fu turned down your proposal last year, you didn't seem nearly this agitated."

Kong Huaijin felt a peculiar unease. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't lump Zhou Yi together with those aging executives whose hair had long since turned gray. He was... different. She simply couldn't draw comparisons between them.

Her initial decision to invite him stemmed from a promise made to her close friend. Yet now, after his refusal, she found herself dwelling on it far more than expected—perhaps even a little wounded by it. Was it because she hadn't anticipated being rejected? That might explain her lingering frustration and embarrassment.

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But anger was one thing; capability quite another. This was Kong Huaijin, after all. A mere brush-off wouldn't deter her. If there was anyone she truly wished to see, nothing—and no one—could stand in her way.

"No need to worry. I have my methods. There's no man alive who can resist me if I put my mind to it."

"Fair enough. You managed to seal deals worth billion without breaking a sweat. What's one man compared to that?"

Little did Kong Huaijin realize that her second major setback would come courtesy of none other than Zhou Yi once again.

On the other end, shortly after replying to her message, Zhou Yi noticed three dots appear on his screen. Raising an eyebrow, he chuckled softly to himself. Clearly, she was upset.

Spoiled heiresses like her were accustomed to having everything go their way. Naturally, rejection would sting—and provoke resentment. Perhaps this was fate's ironic twist: "The woman who caught my attention despite herself."

Jiang Ruolan caught sight of his amused expression and tilted her head curiously. "What's amusing you?"

He showed her the phone screen. "Take a look. Miss Kong appears to be displeased with me."

Rather than sharing his amusement, Jiang Ruolan felt a flicker of satisfaction. Smiling faintly, she teased, "Are you afraid?"

Zhou Yi shook his head. "Afraid? Hardly. The Kongs' company has no dealings with mine. Even if she were furious, what harm could she possibly do?"

This response only served to deepen Jiang Ruolan's admiration for him. To remain so composed in the face of provocation spoke volumes about his character. Following last night's events and today's firm rejection of Kong Huaijin, her affection for Zhou Yi soared to 97 points—just shy of its peak.

Given time, their bond would undoubtedly grow stronger. It wouldn't be long before her feelings reached full intensity.

After enjoying breakfast at Jiang Ruolan's home, Zhou Yi returned to his apartment. Unlocking the door with his fingerprint, he was greeted by unfamiliar sounds emanating from within.

Taking advantage of the weekend, Jing Wen had visited a furniture store earlier that day, filling every corner of his home with new pieces. Upon entering, Zhou Yi immediately spotted a new coffee table in the living room. Fresh cushions adorned the sofa, while a plush, intricately woven rug sprawled across the floor, exuding warmth and comfort.

Glancing toward the balcony, he saw rows of potted plants bursting with life—flowers and succulents bathed in sunlight, creating an inviting, vibrant atmosphere.

Hearing the door open, Jing Wen emerged from another room, holding a remote control for a newly installed lamp. She'd spent ages trying to figure it out but finally gave up when she heard Zhou Yi return. With a bright smile, she rushed into his arms.

"Xiao Yi..."

Yet her joy froze mid-smile. A faint trace of perfume lingered in the air—a scent unmistakably feminine. Jing Wen's lashes fluttered nervously as her grip on the remote tightened involuntarily.

Looking up, her eyes landed on the faint mark near his lips. The remote slipped from her fingers, clattering loudly against the floor. Batteries rolled toward Zhou Yi's feet, and for the first time, he stood frozen, utterly speechless.