Qin Yangyang turned and went back to her room. Lin Jiang, meanwhile, pulled all the curtains in the house shut, then went to Qin Yangyang’s room.

Although he’d been here many times, this was his first time inside Qin Yangyang’s actual room.

The room had a simple, minimalist design, with white as the dominant color.

By the head of the bed was a corner bookshelf filled with books. There was also a laptop on the nightstand; she must work from her bed sometimes.

On her bed lay three sets of lingerie: two black, one white.

The styles were nothing extraordinary, but they weren’t matronly, either.

"I’m giving you a chance. Pick one."

"The one in the middle."

"Hmph, I knew you’d pick this one."

The set Lin Jiang chose was black with a bit of lace trim. The biggest difference, however, was that this one had a push-up effect, unlike the other two, which were designed primarily for comfort.

"Go wait outside for me. Once I’m changed, I’ll make you some food."

"On second thought, you should probably just wear your nightgown."

Hm?

Qin Yangyang looked at Lin Jiang. "What do you mean? Are you saying my body isn’t good enough?"

"Where is your mind going?" Lin Jiang patted Qin Yangyang’s head. "I’m worried the splattering oil will burn your arms. You can show off your amazing body after you’re done cooking."

"Oh, so that’s why..."

A trace of emotion stirred in Qin Yangyang’s heart. She hadn’t expected Lin Jiang to be so considerate.

"Hmph, and here I thought all you cared about was looking, that you wouldn’t think about such things."

"Do you really think that’s the only thing on my mind?"

"Alright, alright, I misunderstood you," Qin Yangyang said. "I’ll go make you something to eat. If you get bored, feel free to use my computer."

"Okay."

Lin Jiang didn’t use the computer. They both walked out together. Qin Yangyang went to the kitchen to cook, while Lin Jiang lay on the sofa, playing on his phone.

The scene felt somewhat familiar; he’d seen it before with both Xu Lin and Chen Jingxian.

He had to admit, the same scene had a different charm with a different person.

’A woman at home really is the most captivating.’

Although Qin Yangyang was a novice in the kitchen, she was making Western food, so it was quick.

In less than twenty minutes, she placed the steak and sandwich in front of Lin Jiang. She then sat on the floor with her legs tucked to the side, looking at him expectantly.

"We’ve known each other for so long, but you’ve never tried my cooking. President Lin, give me your review."

"I don’t even need to taste it. It already looks delicious."

"Nope. That sounds like you’re just trying to flatter me. You have to taste it first."

Looking at Qin Yangyang, Lin Jiang pinched her cheek, then brought his fingers to his own lips.

"So milky and fragrant. Tastes good."

After a few seconds of confusion, Qin Yangyang finally understood what Lin Jiang meant.

"You perv! I told you to taste the steak and sandwich, not something else!"

"Actually, I’m already full."

"You haven’t even eaten yet. How could you be full?"

"A beauty is a feast for the eyes."

A blush the color of a sunset spread across Qin Yangyang’s cheeks.

"Stop it, you’re making me blush. Hurry up and try the food I made you before it gets cold."

Qin Yangyang was usually quite reserved. This womanly shyness was a rare sight on her, which made it all the more moving and captivating.

Taking the knife and fork, Lin Jiang cut a piece of steak and tasted it.

With something like steak, it’s more of a test of the ingredients’ freshness than actual Culinary Skill.

But for Qin Yangyang, being able to make a steak like this was already quite impressive.

"Your skill is excellent. I might have underestimated you."

At a time like this, words seemed pale and powerless. The best way to show his appreciation was to eat everything.

"Eat slower, or you’ll get indigestion."

"I want to, but it’s just too delicious. Qin Lu really is presentable in the hall, skilled in the kitchen, and great in the..."

Her almond-shaped eyes flickered as she looked at Lin Jiang.

"’Great in the big bed,’ right?"

"Don’t be so direct. Leave a little room for imagination."

"Tch."

Qin Yangyang got up and went to the kitchen to make Lin Jiang a cup of tea.

"Drink this later. It helps cut through the grease."

"Okay."

Returning to the room, Qin Yangyang took out a yoga mat.

Lin Jiang knew the show was about to begin.

Qin Yangyang turned her back to him and took off her nightgown.

The suggestive atmosphere heated up rapidly.

Neither dating nor marriage could compare to the heart-pounding tests and tensions of this ambiguous, flirtatious phase.

At this moment, all talk of losing weight was just an excuse; none of it mattered now.

"Why don’t you turn around to practice?"

"Hey, what’s the rush? Let me get used to it."

"Fine, fine, no rush. The night is long. We have plenty of time."

With her back to Lin Jiang, Qin Yangyang found a yoga video and, just like yesterday, began to practice, following it step-by-step.

When she turned to face him, following the rhythm of the video, Lin Jiang’s blood instantly boiled.

’This is not something just anyone can handle.’

He could barely handle the swimsuit, but today’s grand spectacle was too much.

’I’ll definitely need to find someone for some after-sales service tonight.’

Seeing the restrained expression on Lin Jiang’s face, a sense of accomplishment bloomed in Qin Yangyang’s heart.

’This is exactly the effect I wanted.’

Qin Yangyang practiced for a full hour. At first, she was a bit inhibited, but she gradually got used to it.

Even when performing some of the more open and expansive poses, she was no longer hesitant.

The more serious Lin Jiang’s expression became, the more uninhibited she grew.

The "enemy advances, I retreat" tactic also held true for Qin Yangyang.

"So? I did pretty well, right? Weren’t my movements precise?"

"Definitely. You’ll lose at least two pounds tomorrow."

Lin Jiang stood up. "It’s getting late. I should go."

"Go?"

Sitting on the floor, Qin Yangyang noticed the unusual state of Lin Jiang’s body.

"You’ve stayed here the past few days. Why are you leaving today?"

"I’m no Liu Xiahui. I can’t take this."

"You’re not going to go find that saleswoman to take care of it, are you?"

"How could you? What kind of person do you think I am?"

"Men are animals ruled by their lower bodies. It’s a real possibility." Qin Yangyang lifted her chin, her expression proud and coy. "No, you can’t leave today."

"If you don’t let me leave, you’ll be putting me in a difficult spot. The night is long. How am I supposed to get through it?"

A shy blush crept up her cheeks.

"Is... is it really uncomfortable?"

"What do you think?"

"Sh-should... should I help you?"

...[18,764 characters omitted]...

When Lin Jiang opened his eyes, it was already past ten in the morning.

[You fought valiantly into the night. Stamina +1]

[You pried open the enemy’s mouth. Comprehension +1]

[You have gained the favor of NPC Qin Yangyang. Affinity +40]

[Affinity: 70]

[Reward: 4,000,000 in NPC Special Training Funds. Has been deposited into your account.]

Thinking back to the scene of Qin Yangyang "smoking a cigar" last night, he really had Zhao Fangfei to thank.

If she hadn’t shown up, Qin Yangyang wouldn’t have felt a sense of crisis, and their progress wouldn’t have been so fast.

’But why is it so quiet in here?’

He also didn’t hear Qin Yangyang’s usual excited cries about her successful weight loss.

After getting dressed, Lin Jiang walked out of the room and found the apartment empty.

He knocked on Qin Yangyang’s door, but there was no answer. He pushed the door open and saw that no one was inside. The quilt was even folded neatly.

Breakfast was laid out in the dining room, with a note on top.

"You perv. I have a busy day at work, so I left early. Remember to eat breakfast."

Lin Jiang smiled. ’She must have been embarrassed, leaving without saying goodbye.’

After washing up and eating, Lin Jiang left as well.

RING RING RING...

Just as he walked out, his phone rang. It was a call from Liang Shuhuo.

"Little brother, the office is all set up. Want to come over and take a look?"

The two of them often chatted when they were free, and Liang Shuhuo had gotten used to this form of address, always calling him "little brother" when they talked.

’She really has a way with flirting.’

"So fast?"

"I hired sixteen skilled workers for you, so of course it was fast. If you have time, come on over and inspect it."

"Okay."

Lin Jiang drove to the office building and saw Liang Shuhuo’s car in the parking lot.

When he got to the office, the door was open. He could smell a faint scent of paint upon entering; it was probably being aired out.

The overall style was white and gray, with large glass partitions. The carpet underfoot was soft, and the whole place had a very professional, corporate feel.

In order to spend all the money, office equipment like computers and printers had also been installed. The space could accommodate 16 to 20 people working at the same time.

Liang Shuhuo was dressed in a slightly more mature style: a beige hip-hugging skirt paired with a black blouse, black stockings, and black high heels. Standing by the window, she exuded a strong, queenly aura.

Hearing footsteps behind her, Liang Shuhuo turned to see Lin Jiang.

"President Lin, are you satisfied with the overall style? Is there anything that needs to be changed?"

"I always trust your work. It’s all great."

Liang Shuhuo gave a mysterious smile. "There’s also a thoughtful little design feature. I’ll take you to see it."

"How thoughtful?"

"You’ll know when you see it."

Liang Shuhuo led Lin Jiang to his office.

Lin Jiang looked around. The design was tasteful, he had to admit, but as for "thoughtful," he couldn’t see it.

"Where’s the thoughtful part?"

Patting the over two-meter-long desk, Liang Shuhuo said with a smile, "Right here."

"Isn’t it just a desk? I don’t see anything special about it."

"Sit in the chair and see how it feels."

The chair was a little old-fashioned, but Lin Jiang could understand. He was the boss now; going for something young and trendy would lack a certain sense of gravitas.

"I still don’t feel anything special."

"Look at the legroom under the desk. Isn’t it spacious?"

Liang Shuhuo looked at Lin Jiang with a sly grin. "More than enough for a person to squat down in, right?"

"Holy crap!"

Only then did Lin Jiang understand what Liang Shuhuo meant.

"You truly live up to your title as a designer. You’ve designed me until I’m wet."

Liang Shuhuo covered her mouth and laughed.

"That’s just a small thing. The main event is yet to come."

As she spoke, Liang Shuhuo walked to the wall and, under Lin Jiang’s watchful gaze, pushed open a hidden door!

"This room is about ten square meters. It’s not huge, but it’s big enough. And I also had it soundproofed."

Lin Jiang got up to take a look. He’d been in here all this time and hadn’t even noticed a hidden door in the wall!

’This money wasn’t spent for nothing.’

"Of course not. I’m a professional designer. I’d never let a client’s money go to waste," Liang Shuhuo said. "I also ordered a custom bookshelf that can cover this wall. Then we’ll put a secret door in the bookshelf, like one of those mechanisms from a costume drama. It’ll be even more hidden then."

"That’s very thoughtful. However, I don’t think this method of inspection is very effective."

"Oh? What does brother mean?"

Lin Jiang looked at the desk. "You get under there and try it out. See if there’s enough space."

She gently tapped Lin Jiang with her small fist.

"Brother, you’re the worst."

"You already said I’m bad, so that’s all the more reason to make you try it."

Lin Jiang looked at Liang Shuhuo playfully. "As Party B, you have to satisfy the needs of Party A, right?"

"Even if I were to satisfy you, it wouldn’t be here."

Liang Shuhuo went to the window, looked at the scenery outside, and changed the subject.

"By the way, do you remember that scammer?"

"Scammer?"

Lin Jiang muttered, "You’re talking about Liu Hongquan, right?"

"Yes, him. They settled it privately."

"Settled?" Lin Jiang said. "If he had admitted his mistake before the police arrived, a settlement might have been possible. But he only admitted it after they got there, so it should have been handled as fraud, right?"

Tongzi had already notified him that the [Vanguard Officer] had been revived, so Lin Jiang knew he would be fine.

He was just a little curious how he had been ’revived’.

"The other party gave Master Zhang a sum of money. On top of that, his sister and brother-in-law both have strong connections. In the end, he was only detained for a few days before being released."

"From the sound of it, their connections really are something else."

"Indeed."

RING RING RING—

Just then, Lin Jiang’s phone rang. It was a call from Li Yuanyuan.

"Brother Jiang, this is bad! Wang Chunmin is trying to shut down our shop!"

...