Lin Mei was ultimately too thin-skinned. Xing Zheng’s attitude made her face flush, but thinking of her objective, she could only shamelessly walk forward. She approached the desk and stopped, meeting Xing Zheng’s gaze.
A desk separated them, yet it felt like a vast expanse. Xing Zheng sat in his chair, his cold eyes sweeping over her face, devoid of warmth. Lin Mei met his gaze and asked, "Did you take my things?"
The man's already gloomy eyes became even more terrifying, as if he wanted to devour her alive. Being looked at like this, Lin Mei involuntarily felt goosebumps. From past experience, she could tell that Xing Zheng's demeanor was a precursor to an episode. When he had an episode...
"Can you return them to me?" Provoking him was not a wise move, so Lin Mei opted for a conciliatory approach. Her voice was always gentle, and it sounded particularly captivating when she spoke earnestly.
Xing Zheng rested his arms on the edge of the desk, and his chair slid back slightly. He stood up, walked around the desk, and came before Lin Mei. He was tall, and even with Lin Mei wearing high heels, she barely reached his chest. As he approached, Lin Mei was enveloped in his shadow.
The man lifted her chin. His fingers carried a faint scent of tobacco. Lin Mei was forced to look up at him. His gaze fixed on her lips with intense aggression. His rough fingertips brushed across her lips, smearing her lipstick. "You want them?"
With those two simple words, Lin Mei couldn't discern whether he was asking about the items or something else entirely. His fingers continued to rub her lips, with increasing force. "If you please me, perhaps I can consider it, hmm?"
Lin Mei knew what his mention of "pleasing" entailed. They had done it countless times before. Lin Mei didn't mind doing it again, but she needed clarity. "If I do it, will you give them back?"
Xing Zheng had gone back on his word more than once. Lin Mei knew she couldn't win a battle of shamelessness against him. The best approach was to secure a written promise beforehand. "Let's sign a contract."
As soon as she finished speaking, Xing Zheng turned and grabbed her by the neck. Lin Mei choked and coughed, her face turning even redder than before. Xing Zheng leaned down and stared at her. "What right do you have to negotiate terms with me?"
"If you're not willing, then get out." With that, he released her.
Lin Mei took several deep breaths of fresh air and looked at Xing Zheng again. She had never gained the upper hand with him. The current situation was that if she did as he said, there was a sliver of hope in getting her things back. If she didn't, those items would be lost forever. Those small trinkets were the only remaining memories she had of Xing Yan. Even if the hope was slim, she couldn't let them go.
Lin Mei placed her hand on Xing Zheng's waist. Her fair fingers touched his hip. She looked up at him. Xing Zheng remained impassive. His hands hung by his sides, his gaze cold, as if he wanted to see how far she would go. Lin Mei had completely thrown caution to the wind. Seeing Xing Zheng's lack of reaction, she squatted down.
The moment she lowered her head, a mocking laugh echoed from above. The laughter was laced with intense sarcasm, making her feel incredibly awkward. She pursed her lips, unsure how to respond. The next moment, she was suddenly grabbed by the arm and pulled up. He used considerable force, and Lin Mei stumbled as she was pulled along, all the way into the lounge.
Her small frame was roughly thrown onto the soft bedding by the man. Lin Mei’s vision went black for a moment. After a brief recovery, she sat up. By then, the man opposite her had already taken off his suit jacket. The expensive suit was tossed onto the floor. With hands where veins bulged, he unbuttoned his shirt and then got onto the bed.
Lin Mei had entered Xing Zheng's office before three o'clock. By the time he was finished, it was already dark outside.
The lounge was completely dark, with very dim light. Lin Mei’s body was tightly encircled by his arm, forcing her to lean into his embrace. The sound of his deep breaths filled her ears.
Lin Mei’s entire body ached, and her throat was sore, as if inflamed. It hurt so much that she could barely speak. She also felt nauseous, a persistent feeling that made her fear she would vomit if she opened her mouth. Her clothes were also a mess, wrinkled beyond recognition. She didn't even have the courage to look down...
Even so, she still didn't know if Xing Zheng was satisfied. Unable to make a sound, she couldn't ask. The man kissed the top of her head. This sudden gentleness made Lin Mei feel unaccustomed to it. Who could withstand such a dynamic of a few slaps and a sweet treat?
"Stay by my side obediently, and don't have any more thoughts of leaving me, understand?" The man kissed her hair, his voice hoarse but considerably gentler than before. At first listen, it sounded like he was coaxing a sulking girlfriend. But they were hardly in a relationship, and Lin Mei was acutely aware. "With so many women, can you handle them all?"
"So many? Tell me, who are they?" Xing Zheng cupped her chin. With his other arm, he reached for the bedside table, found a cigarette pack, and put one in his mouth. The actions were fluid and seamless.
Lin Mei could see the contours of his face. Even in the darkness, she could discern his unrestrained, sexy charm. Xing Zheng handed the lighter to her. "Light my cigarette."
Lin Mei struck the lighter and ignited the cigarette in Xing Zheng's mouth. The light from the lighter allowed her to see his face clearly. He smoked, exhaling plumes of smoke, sweat beading on his forehead.
After extinguishing the flame, Lin Mei tried to get up and leave, but she was pulled back by the man. Then, a scorching kiss descended upon her. The man’s hand, holding the cigarette, pressed against the back of her head. Lin Mei's mouth was invaded by the taste of tobacco. His kiss was as forceful as ever, and soon, she felt a sense of suffocation.
With her head swimming, the man released her. "Clarify what you said."
Lin Mei, dazed from his kiss, asked, "What did I say?"
"The women around me," Xing Zheng said, his hand holding the cigarette entwining with her hair. When he relaxed, the burning tip of the cigarette could have burned her hair. "Tell me, who are they."
"Miss Jiang, Miss Ruan, aren't they all?" Lin Mei said indifferently. "They must be very happy to serve you."
Xing Zheng let out a mocking laugh and asked her, "What, you still haven't figured out Miss Ruan Yufei's identity?"
Of course, she understood. She had figured it out on Xie Qin Jia's birthday. Yang Shuo was Xing Zheng's cousin's child, and Ruan Yufei was considered his nominal cousin-in-law. But what did that matter? It couldn't stop Ruan Yufei from liking Xing Zheng. This group of people didn't have much in the way of ethical boundaries.
"Her identity has nothing to do with me. I don't want to get involved in your affairs," Lin Mei said.
"What about Xing Yan's affairs?" Xing Zheng took a drag of his cigarette, slowly exhaling a ring of smoke. Throughout this, his gaze never left her. "If it were him, would you still say the same thing?"
"There's no 'if.' He wouldn't be juggling multiple women," Lin Mei replied without hesitation.
Xing Zheng laughed strangely and brought the burning tip of the cigarette in his hand towards Lin Mei's face.