In the evening, Jin Qi, who had just returned to Jingshi from Haicheng, received a call from Ruan Jilao.
Inside the standalone villa, cold light fell on the man’s broad shoulders and narrow waist, resembling a shattered iceberg.
The girl’s voice was sweet and tender: “Don’t you really want to try venting on me once?”
Jin Qi was feeling down after his date ended, as his girlfriend had been distant and didn’t chat much with him. Now, receiving Ruan Jilao’s harassment only added to his displeasure: “Be serious. What do you want?”
On the other end, she spoke with interest: “In a few days, I’ll be attending a banquet with Zhi Shihan. Do you think if I wear a strapless miniskirt at the banquet, I could charm him, get him drunk, and then have my way with him? He’s always well-endowed in his pants, so he must be amazing in that department.”
Jin Qi’s fingers curled tightly, the cold light glinting off his luxury diamond-studded men’s watch: “I got you into a job, and all you think about is this?”
A soft laugh came from the other end of the phone: “Are you angry? Why do you care about me admiring someone else’s assets?”
Then, she continued nonchalantly: “I’ve felt it before—yours is big too.”
Jin Qi hung up on her.
Within three seconds, Ruan Jilao called again.
Jin Qi said coldly: “I’ll give you one last chance. What do you want?”
The beauty yawned, her voice lazy and seductive: “She’ll be there too. She likes Zhi Shihan. He’s her idol.”
“Jin Zong, if you help me win over Zhi Shihan, I’ll keep an eye on Qiu Chaoshi for you. How about that?”
“Qiu Chaoshi doesn’t need anyone keeping an eye on her. She has her own freedom.”
When Jin Qi said this, the other end fell silent.
He continued:
“Also, I’m warning you not to set your sights on Zhi Shihan. He’s not someone for you to play with. Someone like him absolutely cannot be ruined by you. Your games would stain his life.”
The woman chuckled softly, her voice tinged with sadness: “Hearing you say that breaks my heart.”
With that, she hung up.
This phone call left Jin Qi unsettled.
Jin Qi knew Ruan Jilao was acting again—a woman who loved to play games like her couldn’t possibly be genuinely hurt.
Still, he hadn’t expected Ruan Jilao to stay by Zhi Shihan’s side for so long.
Sitting on the sofa, he poured himself a small glass of whiskey and called Zhi Shihan: “I heard you’re taking Ruan Jilao to a banquet?”
“Did she tell you?”
Jin Qi tightened his grip on the glass: “Yes.”
“She’s an interesting girl. I’m just taking her out for fun.”
“With her personality, she’ll definitely dress provocatively. If she ever steps into the business world, her reputation in the circle might not be good.”
After saying this, Jin Qi took a sip of whiskey, the sharp burn stinging his throat.
Zhi Shihan laughed: “I’ll prepare her outfit. I didn’t expect you to care so much about her—first recommending her for a job, now worrying about her reputation in the industry.”
“Why are you so good to her? Do you like her?” Jin Qi asked, seemingly offhand.
Zhi Shihan didn’t answer directly: “I’ve always been good to my subordinates.”
Jin Qi’s expression softened slightly, and the atmosphere eased: “That’s true. Zhi Zong, you’ve done me a favor, so I’m speaking as a brother when I advise you not to get too close to her. She’s not the right woman for you. By the way, do you know Qiu Chaoshi?”
“No, I don’t.”
"Alright, get some rest early." Just as Jin Qi was about to end the conversation, he suddenly remembered Ruan Jilao mentioning wanting to get Zhi Shihan drunk. With a complicated expression, he added:
"By the way, don’t drink too much at the party. Don’t get drunk."
Although he knew it sounded odd to say this, he couldn’t help but remind her, if only to prevent that frivolous woman from causing trouble for a gentleman.
Zhi Shihan’s tone was somewhat peculiar: "Hmm? Okay."
Jin Qi asked Qiu Chaoshi if she was attending the party.
After receiving her cold yet affirmative reply, Jin Qi fell into deep thought.
Ever since the amusement park, she seemed to have lost her usual enthusiasm toward him, as if she were angry.
He had indeed been too rough with her in the car, and apologizing online wasn’t the right way to handle it.
On top of that, Ruan Jilao mentioned that Qiu Chaoshi seemed to care about Zhi Shihan. With her extensive knowledge and stunning beauty, it was hard not to worry that Zhi Shihan might develop feelings for her.
As men, they understood each other. If Zhi Shihan treated Ruan Jilao well, it was likely he’d also show some interest in Ruan Jilao’s sister.
A possessive glint flashed in Jin Qi’s eyes. It seemed he had no choice but to attend the party in Haicheng.
Qiu Chaoshi stared at the castle necklace with deep discomfort, as if it were mocking everything she had done.
Perhaps it was time to clarify her identity to her online friend. She had to meet him next time.
Just then, Ruan Jilao’s cheerful voice came from outside her door: "Chaoshi, can I come in?"
Qiu Chaoshi tucked the necklace under her pillow: "Sure."
Ruan Jilao, holding her phone and wearing a light pink nightgown that accentuated her fiery figure and lingering kiss marks, said with a smile: "Zhi Shihan just called and said he’d prepare my outfit for the party. It’s probably a designer gown from some luxury brand."
Qiu Chaoshi looked puzzled: "What party?"
Ruan Jilao leaned in mysteriously, sharing insider information: "The business party you’re going to. Did you know? The mystery guest invited by the organizers is Zhi Shihan."
A surge of joy filled Qiu Chaoshi’s heart, but as she looked at Ruan Jilao, her excitement quickly faded: "So, are you his plus-one? Or what’s your role?"
"Probably as his personal assistant, since it’s work-related, not a private gathering. But with my face paired with the title of personal assistant, people will definitely assume I’m his date."
Ruan Jilao proudly flaunted her figure.
Qiu Chaoshi instinctively averted her gaze, gripping the blanket tightly as her heart grew unsettled. "Congratulations."
"Have you prepared your outfit for the party? I don’t need to, so I’m saving money. Who knew Zhi Shihan would be so thoughtful, worrying about what I’d wear in the middle of the night? I’m almost starting to like him."
Qiu Chaoshi forced a smile. "He’s always been a good person. It’s normal for you to like him."
After Ruan Jilao left, Qiu Chaoshi felt an empty, aching sadness.
She still remembered Zhi Shihan’s charisma during his speech at their alma mater, and how he hadn’t hesitated to pull her out of the water when she slipped on campus.
It was like an ugly duckling encountering a swan—Zhi Shihan had always seemed so unattainable.
Now, unexpectedly, Ruan Jilao was so close to him.
Qiu Chaoshi shook her head with a bitter smile. She already had someone she secretly admired, so why was she still so infatuated with her idol?
On the day of the party, Ruan Jilao received a luxury package. She excitedly told Qiu Chaoshi: "Just as I guessed—it’s a designer gown."
Qiu Chaoshi's eyes held a hint of envy. "Yes."
Ruan Jilao looked at Qiu Chaoshi, who was wearing white business suit pants, and said with difficulty, "You're meeting your idol dressed like this?"
Qiu Chaoshi nodded. "I don't care about what I wear. If I get to speak with him, I hope it's my abilities that earn his recognition."
After all, it was Zhi Shihan's opening ceremony speech that had inspired her to embark on this path in the first place. What she wanted most was to gain her idol's approval.
Ruan Jilao smiled. "Don't worry, with me here, I'll make sure you two get to talk."
Then, her eyes filled with curiosity, she unwrapped the package.
Upon seeing the light blue round-neck sweater paired with an academic-style long skirt inside,
her smile instantly froze.
The beauty couldn't believe it and dug deeper into the cardboard box.
Where was her strapless gown?
Where were her high-end luxury jewels?
Nothing, nothing—there was nothing at all.
These tacky clothes weren't even as good as what Qiu Chaoshi was wearing.