His good mood didn’t last long before an unfamiliar call came through.
After answering,
"Husband~"
That soft, coquettish voice immediately revealed who it was.
Jin Qi’s tone turned cold: "How did you get my private number?"
"I asked my dear sister for it. I suggest you take me off your blacklist, husband.
Otherwise, I might just say something to Qiu Chaoshi, since I miss you so much every day.
Do you think she’d believe you, an online friend she’s never met, or me, her sister who’s been by her side for twenty years?"
"Are you threatening me? If this is your second request, then I’ll grant it."
Jin Qi was filled with suppressed rage, his fist clenched so tightly he nearly snapped the expensive pen in his hand.
"Then maybe you shouldn’t take me off after all. I heard from my sister that you know Zhi Shihan, so my second request is…"
After hanging up, Jin Qi’s face turned as dark as ink.
After a long while, the man let out a cold laugh. "Quite the appetite, daring to set your sights on Zhi Shihan."
The next day, at a business banquet
Two strikingly handsome men, one dressed in black and the other in white, both wearing top-tier luxury suits, stood side by side at the venue.
Jin Qi, in his black suit, exuded an aura of unapproachability, with sharp features and a sculpted physique reminiscent of Western statues.
He was widely known as a rising star in the business world, his ruthless methods of climbing the ladder having offended many stubborn old-timers who dared not speak out.
Beside him, chatting and laughing, was the head of the Zhi Family, Zhi Shihan, who maintained deep collaborations with official authorities.
The man wore a white suit paired with a light gray tie, his weary eyes adding to the old-money elegance he naturally possessed. There was no overbearing pressure in his demeanor, only an authority that made others think twice before speaking.
On his slender, pale fingers rested the Family Head Medal, symbolizing the boundless honor of the Zhi Family.
Both men were exceptionally good-looking and well-built, making them the center of attention in their circles. Their mere presence drew countless gazes.
As the saying goes, "the nail that sticks out gets hammered." In theory, a newcomer like Jin Qi should have been the target of collective criticism.
Yet the Zhi Family, under Zhi Shihan’s control, stood as an unshakable giant in the business world.
The two should have been rivals, but to everyone’s surprise, the distinguished Zhi Shihan proved to be broad-minded.
Not only did he refrain from suppressing Jin Qi, but he also lent a helping hand, publicly supporting friendly competition between the two factions on behalf of official interests.
Zhi Shihan and Jin Qi shared a mentor-like friendship, which caused many of Jin Qi’s would-be opponents to back down.
At that moment, Zhi Shihan inadvertently caught a glimpse of a beautiful woman’s Private Photos displayed on Jin Qi’s phone.
The woman’s snow-white, voluptuous skin and daring pose, suddenly appearing in such a formal setting, were hard to forget.
It took Zhi Shihan only half a second to realize this was likely Jin Qi’s girlfriend. He immediately averted his gaze, lowered his eyes, and took a sip of champagne after accepting a glass.
After replying to his girlfriend’s message, Jin Qi turned to Zhi Shihan hesitantly and asked, "As I mentioned before, I have an online friend I’ve known for a long time. Her twin sister now wants to work at your company. Could you give her an interview opportunity?"
Zhi Shihan smiled gently. "Oh? That shouldn’t be difficult. You once mentioned your online friend graduated from Qingteng University. What about her sister?"
Jin Qi fell silent for a moment. From birth until now, he had never encountered anyone with such a low level of education. The man spoke with difficulty, "Technical Secondary School."
The atmosphere froze for a second.
Jin Qi had never imagined he could humble himself to this extent, seeking a job for a woman.
Zhi Shihan gently clinked his glass against Jin Qi's, his voice warm, "Alright, have her come see me tomorrow."
Jin Qi looked at Zhi Shihan. As expected of the Family Head of the Zhi Family, he held no prejudice toward anyone or anything, his smile still gentle and refined.
Jin Qi was grateful to Zhi Shihan for giving him face. He downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, saying, "If there’s anything I can help with in the future, don’t hesitate to contact me."
…
After the banquet ended, Jin Qi, still emanating the scent of red wine, sat in the back seat of the Luxury Car and sent a message to Ruan Jilao, informing her of the interview opportunity the next day.
During his few days in Haicheng, Jin Qi had not only been busy with work but had also devoted so much energy to that Enchantress.
The next day
After much deliberation, Jin Qi parked his car in front of his girlfriend’s house.
Seeing the beauty emerge and step into his car without hesitation, showing no surprise at his presence there, Jin Qi instantly felt somewhat displeased.
"Get out."
"No, didn’t you park here to drive me to the company?" Ruan Jilao said with a smile.
Jin Qi looked at her face and suppressed all his anger once again.
Controlling his temper, he said:
"I’m afraid you’ll embarrass your sister, so I’m just giving you a few pointers on the way. Don’t flatter yourself."
Ruan Jilao rested her chin in her hand, gazing at the man’s handsome profile. With such a good-looking face, he was always acting proud and aloof. She obediently replied:
"Yes, yes, yes. You and my sister are deeply in love, so I’ve given up on you and set my sights on Zhi Zong instead."
Jin Qi scoffed. Did this little girl even know what kind of temperament Zhi Shihan had? He asserted confidently, "Zhi Shihan won’t take a liking to you, nor will he let you work under him for long."
Jin Qi only gave her a few reminders in the car before dropping her off and leaving.
Ruan Jilao wasn’t fooled by his feigned indifference.
After all, Jin Qi…
Was secretly watching her again.
What a proud and aloof jerk.
And just as she expected, Jin Qi, after speeding away in his sports car, stopped in the shade of a hidden tree and rubbed his temples helplessly.
Earlier in the car, Qiu Chaoshi’s sister had told him her name, "Ruan Jilao," explaining that she had taken her mother’s surname after her parents divorced.
The image of that woman began to resurface in his mind…
Enough.
He dared not think further…
Jin Qi didn’t know why, but his desires were stronger than others’…
And Ruan Jilao was especially provocative, the most open-minded woman he had ever met.
Fortunately, he would see Qiu Chaoshi on Sunday, which eased his mood somewhat.
He had deliberately extended his stay in this city until the following Monday.
Inside Zhi Corporation, Ruan Jilao was escorted by Zhi Zong’s secretary to Zhi Shihan’s office.
Without reservation, she examined the ethereal figure sitting solemnly behind the desk. Unlike Jin Qi’s imposing aura, Zhi Shihan exuded a presence that commanded respect.
A man of refined dignity, steeped in the world of power, was indeed different from nouveau riche like Jin Qi, who had fought his way up through sheer grit.
His chest filled out the entire suit, paired with strikingly pale, bony hands that contrasted with his muscular build. His eyelids carried a hint of cherry pink, and his mesmerizing eyes seemed capable of embracing all imperfections.
Zhi Shihan took her resume and gestured warmly, "Please, have a seat."
Ruan Jilao had different ways of dealing with different people. Faced with a man who clearly posed no threat, she toned down her usual arrogance and appeared much more docile.
After the secretary politely closed the door, only the two of them remained in the room.
The woman was as beautiful as a figurine, while the man seemed shrouded in a layer of white mist, unreal.
With just one glance, Ruan Jilao decided—she wanted Zhi Shihan and Jin Qi.
One ice, one fire. Tsk tsk. How wonderful it would be, almost unimaginable.
Pleased by the images in her mind, she smiled with crescent eyes and looked at Zhi Shihan.
"Zhi Zong, it's our first meeting. I'm Ruan Jilao."
"Hello, young lady."
Seeing her greet him, Zhi Shihan politely paused what he was doing, smiling gracefully as he met her gaze.