Shrugging off my rejection, Jiang Lun's demeanor shifted; a confident chuckle escaped him as he arrogantly wrapped an arm around my shoulders, his chest puffing with pride.

My petite frame was engulfed by his presence, rendering me a picture of delicate dependency against his imposing stature.

The constant pressure of his chest against mine seemed to excite him, his restraint waning as he boldly proclaimed his intentions.

"I knew you couldn't resist me. Despite your orphan status, rest assured, marrying into my family would never see you shortchanged."

I nodded along, my inner mockery shielded by a veneer of acquiescence. The audacity of men's promises knew no bounds.

Was it not his family's misfortunes that drove him to embrace the life of a kept man?

Xie Weihuan's revelations about his family's woes rang true, painting a portrait of a household teetering on the brink, reliant on the meager sums Jiang Lun brought home.

Ensnaring me in their quagmire was his latest gambit, his words painting fanciful futures as I sought an escape.

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"I must attend to my duties. It's your first day; acquaint yourself with the surroundings."

I immersed myself and Gong Jue in educational pursuits, distancing myself from Jiang Lun's advances, using Gong Jue as a barrier when needed.

By afternoon, bored by my rejections, Jiang Lun vanished, only reappearing upon Xie Weihuan's return.

It seemed his objective was not Gong Jue, but me.

"The day draws to a close; you may leave. Continue your tutoring for now, but residence here is unnecessary," Xie Weihuan's impatience to dismiss me was palpable, her time with Jiang Lun paramount.

Yet, Jiang Lun's reluctance was evident, his opportunity for closeness unseized.

"Shuang Shuang, I'm unclear on some work aspects and would value your guidance. Might you linger a while longer?"

Xie Weihuan's discontent was evident, her usually compliant companion defying her wishes with a well-crafted excuse, prompting her retreat.

Jiang Lun's gaze remained fixed on me, his previous rejections fueling a desire to conquer.

"Another day perhaps; urgent matters call me away."

I declined Jiang Lun's proposition, wary of the peril his intense gaze suggested.

Caught off guard by my refusal, he stood, offering an escort, "Then allow me to accompany you."

I accepted, and upon reaching a secluded turn, I initiated contact, my face flushed with feigned shyness.

"Senior, seeing you again brings me joy."

Jiang Lun's response was emboldened, his hand guiding me closer.

"The longing I've felt for you, you've haunted my dreams."

His words drew his lips ever closer to mine, my resistance waning under his insistent advance.