The work environment at Lingxue Group was great—at least, that’s what Jiang Zhao thought. And the company’s sense of honor? Unquestionable.
Let’s be real—if a company paid 5x wages for overtime, wouldn’t you love it?
If they never delayed salary even a single day, wouldn’t you love it?
If you got to see a cold and aloof goddess CEO at work every day, wouldn’t you love it?
Even Jiang Zhao had to admit that when it came to winning people’s hearts, Qin Lingxue was far better than him.
Because Planning Team 3 didn’t have any tasks yet, Jiang Zhao spent the whole morning slacking off.
As long as the sound of typing filled the office, he kept his gaze fixed on the imaginary luxury watch on his wrist and silently counted down:
“3.”
“2.”
“1!”
As soon as the countdown ended, Jiang Zhao jumped up and dashed toward the cafeteria at lightning speed, leaving the rest of the staff stunned.
“Not being proactive about food? That’s a serious ideological problem!”
Behind him, three other figures followed, faces full of helplessness.
Gao Jianxiang said, “This is kinda embarrassing, honestly.”
Yang Wei replied, “Come on, be grateful. We’ve been slacking all morning—what’s a little shame? We’re on hourly pay after all.”
Cai Kun added, “Today’s lunch has my favorite chicken…”
The cafeteria at Lingxue Group was huge. Long tables and benches were neatly arranged, capable of seating hundreds of people at once.
The air was filled with the delicious aroma of food, instantly stirring the appetite.
Jiang Zhao, being the first to arrive, grabbed his tray, got his food, and found a corner seat where he immediately launched into full-on eating mode.
Gao Jianxiang and the others followed and sat beside him.
After Yang Wei sat down, he began scanning the crowd, eyes searching among the finance department staff like he was looking for someone.
Seeing this, Gao Jianxiang scooped a mouthful of rice and teased with a smile, “Old Yang, you’re really smitten with Accountant Xiao Hu, huh? You’ve had a crush on her since college and still haven’t confessed? You’re almost thirty and still this timid?”
Cai Kun chimed in, “Yeah, hurry up and pick a good day, get a bouquet, confess already. She might say yes, you never know.”
“You guys make it sound so easy,” Yang Wei rolled his eyes at the two and sighed, “I don’t even have a car or a house. What do I have to offer her?”
Hearing their conversation, Jiang Zhao tapped his chopsticks at Yang Wei and said, “Comrade Xiao Yang, if that’s your mindset, you’re dead wrong. You haven’t even tried—how do you know if she likes you or not?” Read the latest chapters at g.com.
Yang Wei looked at him suspiciously and asked carefully, “Brother Jiang, do you have a lot of relationship experience?”
At this, Jiang Zhao went quiet.
He’d spent years working in the business world, putting all his energy into his career. Where would he find the time to think about women?
As for relationship experience… does getting cheated on count?
“Ahem.” Jiang Zhao cleared his throat, then straightened up with a deep and mysterious look. “Girlfriends? I used to treat them like consumables.”
“Really? I don’t remember you ever being that impressive.”
Being doubted, Jiang Zhao wasn’t having it. He frowned at the three of them and said, “Are you questioning my ability?”
Gao Jianxiang quickly raised his hands in innocence, “We didn’t say anything.”
Hmm?
Jiang Zhao blinked, confused, then suddenly felt a hand land on his head, roughly ruffling his hair.
A playful voice came from behind.
“Then tell me—exactly how many girlfriends have you had?”
He turned to look.
Qin Lingxue had somehow appeared right behind him. Her beauty was breathtaking, but the slight curve of her lips carried a chill, and her eyes sparkled with a hint of scrutiny.
“Speak up. I’m really curious, how many women has the infamous Director Jiang played around with?”
As she spoke, the force of her hand on his head grew stronger.
Seeing this, the three guys quickly picked up their trays and moved far away to avoid being caught in the storm.
How does she walk without making a sound? That scared the hell out of me!
As Qin Lingxue’s expression grew colder, Jiang Zhao began to panic internally. But with his three subordinates watching, he gritted his teeth and stubbornly said, “Little Qin, if you’ve got something to say, let’s talk at home. You should maintain your image in the company—it wouldn’t be good if the employees saw.”
As he spoke, he even winked at her, eyes full of silent pleading.
Come on, sis… show me some mercy in public!
Qin Lingxue, seeing how desperate he was to save face, let go of his head, smiled faintly, and said, “You have a point. Then let’s go have a proper chat in my office. I’m really curious about what kind of man you used to be.”
It was lunchtime, but the entire cafeteria had gone quiet. Everyone stared wide-eyed at the scene in the corner… until Jiang Zhao was dragged away by the ear.
Just what exactly is the relationship between those two? Definitely not normal.
Very soon, once inside the elevator, Qin Lingxue pressed the button for the top floor and turned to look at Jiang Zhao, who was curled up in a corner.
“Tell me honestly—how many ex-girlfriends have you had!”
There was no hiding it—Qin Lingxue was truly angry this time. Even back when she found out about Jiang Zhao dating Wu Xue, she had spent sleepless nights.
Now this guy dared to say girlfriends were consumables?
“CEO Qin, let me expla—explain, I swear it’s not what you think. Do I look like the kind of guy who plays around? No way, absolutely not!”
As he spoke, Jiang Zhao stood up from the floor, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and walked to her side with a forced smile, speaking gently, “I was just bluffing to impress them. With someone as stunning as you by my side, how could I possibly look at anyone else? You’re like a fairy from the heavens—you’ve taken up the most important spot in my heart.”
Jiang Zhao wasn’t lying.
After that night, though he couldn’t say he was deeply in love yet—it was still too early—the importance of Qin Lingxue in his heart was beyond question.
In his darkest moments, she had taken care of him.
And later, she had even given him her most precious first night. That kind of devotion—if Jiang Zhao’s heart were made of concrete, even that would’ve cracked.
Just think about it—he dated Wu Xue for two and a half years, and all he ever got was hand-holding and hugs. Nothing more.
“You really mean that?”
Though Qin Lingxue remained expressionless on the surface, her heart had been stirred. The usual cold pride had disappeared.
“Mhm, of course!” Jiang Zhao nodded firmly.
“Hmph, I don’t believe you.”
Qin Lingxue turned away, but the corners of her mouth lifted without her realizing it. Inside, she was completely won over.
Seeing this, Jiang Zhao froze.
How the hell am I supposed to prove it?
He might be great at business, but when it came to romance, he was a complete rookie. He didn’t understand all these emotional twists.
Just as Qin Lingxue was thinking about how to tease him some more, she suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist—then her lips were sealed by his.
Her eyes widened in shock, full of disbelief.
Jiang Zhao, with his unrefined kissing technique, entwined his tongue with hers. A blush slowly crept over his face.
Caught off guard, Qin Lingxue froze in place, letting him do as he pleased. Her eyes, however, locked on to Jiang Zhao’s handsome features.
At this close distance, his face really was charming… and carried a gentleness that etched itself deep into her heart.
…