I, the Ruthless Villain, Strangled My Fiancée at the Beginning and Left the Protagonists Terrified Chapter 101

As Shen Wuxiao stepped out of the teahouse, an autumn breeze blew across his face, carrying a trace of chill. He looked at the busy, lively streets and felt a sudden urge to write poetry. But no matter how hard he tried, no verses came to mind—so he gave up.

He got into the car and drove straight to Liu Ruyan’s residence.

Ever since Lin Fan’s death, Liu Ruyan had fallen into silence again. Shen Wuxiao knew she often visited the Kangjian Psychological Counseling Center. Right now, she was in the gym at her villa, working out intensely. Her body was drenched in sweat, but she refused to stop. Her eyes were filled with determination and persistence.

She finally finished and took a long shower before sitting on the sofa in the living room, lost in thought as she stared at the portrait hanging on the wall.

After Lin Fan’s death, her trusted partner, Liu Ruyan had retreated into herself. She hadn’t made any moves since. She did go to therapy regularly—after all, Stockholm syndrome wasn’t something that could be cured easily. Fortunately, the psychologist treating her, Dr. Biao Bilian, was not only skilled but also capable of hypnosis.

Under her treatment and medication, Liu Ruyan had shown obvious psychological improvement. The doctor told her that once she reached full mental stability, she’d be ready to make plans again. With enough persistence, even ants could shake a tree, and rocks could hold back the sea. As long as Shen Wuxiao didn’t suddenly kill her, she believed she could find a way to succeed.

The doctor had also warned her—if someone disturbed her mental state again, she mustn’t fight them head-on. To treat this illness effectively, one had to act like Yu the Great when he controlled the floods: unblock instead of block. Blocking creates overflow; unblocking allows smooth flow. Suppressing emotions is not as effective as guiding them. Liu Ruyan remembered these words clearly.

She was quick-witted and drew her own conclusions: just go with the flow.

She swirled a glass of red wine and downed it in one gulp. Her heart was more resolute than ever. Once she fully recovered, she was certain she’d find a loophole in Shen Wuxiao’s actions.

“What price?” Shen Wuxiao’s voice suddenly came from nearby.

“Ah!” Liu Ruyan screamed in shock and jumped up. The wine glass fell to the ground and shattered into pieces.

Turning around, she saw Shen Wuxiao leaning casually against a pillar in the villa, looking at her with a teasing smile.

Her face went pale. It’s over, she thought. This time, I’m really going to die.

How did he get in?

He always drove—usually, she only knew he was here when she heard the car outside.

Shen Wuxiao walked toward her with a smile, and Liu Ruyan trembled uncontrollably. All the psychological progress she had made instantly collapsed. It was all for nothing.

She even had the impulse to run up to him, hug him, and beg him to spare her life.

“What price were you talking about just now? Be specific.” Shen Wuxiao stepped closer.

Liu Ruyan’s lips trembled. Her beautiful face was filled with helplessness. “I… I was talking about hiring a designated driver.”

“Really?” Shen Wuxiao reached out and gently brushed her smooth neck.

“Yes…” Liu Ruyan was terrified, her entire body shaking. She was afraid he would suddenly apply pressure and snap her neck.

“But… I don’t believe you,” Shen Wuxiao said, then suddenly tightened his grip and slammed her against the wall.

“Uh… uh…” Liu Ruyan felt her breath being choked out of her as she was lifted off the ground.

But even in that moment, she didn’t resist. She didn’t kick or struggle. She simply closed her eyes and waited quietly for death. Her long lashes fluttered, her red lips parted slightly, and a hoarse sound escaped. Two clear tears rolled down her cheeks and dripped onto Shen Wuxiao’s arm.

Just as she thought everything would go dark, Shen Wuxiao released her.

She collapsed onto the sofa.

“Cough, cough… Huff… huff…” Liu Ruyan clutched her throat, gasping for air.

She looked at Shen Wuxiao instinctively, her heart filled with fear—and a strange, inexplicable flutter.

Then Shen Wuxiao suddenly burst out laughing. “I was just messing with you. You’re not going to die.”

He sat next to her, pulled her into his arms, and gently stroked her face.

“Ruyan, tell me, am I a warm-hearted man?”

Liu Ruyan was on the verge of breaking down.

Warm-hearted?

Even if every warm-hearted man on earth dropped dead, Shen Wuxiao still wouldn’t earn that title. But she didn’t dare say that aloud, nor did she dare to agree just to please him. She looked aggrieved and said nothing.

After spending enough time with Shen Wuxiao, she had figured him out. He was moody and unpredictable. Sometimes, agreeing with him could lead to more trouble.

This was one of those absurd questions. The best answer was silence.

Sure enough, Shen Wuxiao nodded. “So you agree. You’re not lying to me!”

After a moment, he suddenly asked, “How are your skills?”

Liu Ruyan paused and looked at her hands.

She had done things for him before. Didn’t he remember? Also, she wasn’t on her period today… Was he asking about that?

“Whatever you want… I can do it…” she answered softly.

“Good. Then go make me a bowl of noodles.”

Liu Ruyan froze. Then, realizing her mistake, she quickly lifted her skirt slightly.

“?”

Shen Wuxiao stopped and pushed her away. “What the hell? I said I wanted noodles. A midnight snack!”

“Huh? Oh…” Flustered, Liu Ruyan rushed to the kitchen. “Okay!”

Watching her hurry away, Shen Wuxiao chuckled. “Tsk, what are you thinking? I’m a decent young man!”

He leaned back on the sofa and heard the clatter of cooking from the kitchen. Then, he pulled out his phone and made a call.

“Master,” a voice answered on the other end.

“Old Cat, send someone to the Kangjian Psychological Counseling Center. Invite the female doctor treating Liu Ruyan for a chat over tea.”

“Tell her she’s a brilliant doctor. If she can cure Liu Ruyan, I’ll chop her into pieces.”

“But if Liu Ruyan improves, I’ll give her wealth and glory beyond imagination.”

Old Cat didn’t question orders. As a subordinate, all he had to do was carry them out.

“Yes, Master.”

After hanging up, Shen Wuxiao walked to the center of the living room. He lit a stick of incense and waved it around, then placed it into the burner.

“One stick of incense, shared by the three of you. Don’t fight over it,” he said casually.

Soon, the noise in the kitchen stopped. Liu Ruyan emerged carrying a bowl of steaming shredded pork and egg noodles. Though simple, it smelled delicious.

She wasn’t great at cooking, but this was the only dish she had learned to make while living abroad.

Fortunately, Shen Wuxiao wanted noodles. If he had asked for anything else, she would’ve been at a loss.

She handed him the bowl and quickly said, “If you’re worried, I can taste it first!”

She was scared he’d think she poisoned it. But she truly didn’t have the guts to do such a thing.

“No need.” Shen Wuxiao took the bowl and had a bite. It wasn’t bad, but it still didn’t compare to Jiang Huaiyue’s cooking.

Then he picked up some noodles with his chopsticks and offered them to Liu Ruyan.

Liu Ruyan hesitated. “Won’t you be disgusted if I eat from your chopsticks?”

“Don’t talk nonsense. We’ve kissed so many times. Was I ever grossed out by your saliva? Can’t you tell I’m a warm-hearted man? Stop overthinking.”

Liu Ruyan didn’t say another word. She obediently opened her mouth and ate the noodles he fed her.