C16 Chapter 16

On the day she’d set with Director Loong, she wrapped up work early. On her way to that suite, she couldn’t help thinking back to what had happened before she left.

Her sweet-looking agent, Yang Jiao, teased her with a grin. “Well, well—Su, our big-time host. Getting off early today? Where are you headed now? Don’t tell me you’re going to some suite again. Hey, when you strike it rich, don’t forget to bring the rest of us along, okay? Ha!”

As if Su Mengxin couldn’t hear the jab buried in that. And with Yang Jiao saying it loud enough for everyone to hear, if she didn’t fire back, she’d feel ridiculous.

Su Mengxin turned, flicked her hair back, and answered just as loudly, “Wow. Didn’t know our oh-so-important agent, Yang Jiao, knew all about that. Sounds like you’ve been there plenty yourself.”

Yang Jiao glared at her. What she hated most was how Su Mengxin could say the most infuriating things without so much as a change in expression.

Then Yang Jiao smiled again. “Ms. Su, come on—why would you say that? I’m just worried about you. I’d hate for you to do something that hurts your reputation. So where are you going? Want me to give you a ride?”

Su Mengxin smiled to herself. What an act. But what came out of her mouth wiped the smile right off Yang Jiao’s face. “Oh—now that you mention it, I almost forgot. I still haven’t asked you about last time. Why’d you shove me into that private room? You said we were going in together.”

“And no, I don’t need a ride,” she added, stopping at the office door and turning back. “This time, I’d rather not trip the second I walk in. Even if I am heading home.”

She went home, changed into something simple, and headed out. In the car, she snapped back to the present. Once she reached the building, she called Loong Yufan and told him she’d arrived—he needed to stay hidden in the suite across the hall, and if anything happened, he had to come fast.

After he told her he was in position, Su Mengxin took a few deep breaths outside the suite door, then pushed it open and walked in.

She stepped over the threshold and shut it behind her. But she stayed with her back against the door, not moving any closer.

“I’m sorry, Director Loong,” she said. “What happened last time was my fault. I offended you, and I’m here to apologize. I’m sorry.”

The person on the sofa didn’t move or speak. She swallowed and kept going. “I came today to ask if you’d be willing to do the interview. I promise my questions won’t touch on your private life, because this interview really matters to me.”

Su Mengxin clenched her teeth. “When my agent took this assignment, I was thrilled. But after what happened last time, I’ve been scared. I wanted to back out, but I can’t afford the penalty fee. So… could you please—”

At last, the shadow spoke. “You don’t need to explain. Loong Yufan already told me. I only have one question: what’s your relationship with Loong Yufan?”

Su Mengxin didn’t react right away. “My relationship? Is Director Loong some kind of relative of his—checking on who he’s spending time with or something?”

“Hm?” The shadow let out a quiet, warning sound.

She snapped back to herself and blurted, “Loong Yufan and I are just friends. Yeah—just regular friends.”

“Hm. That’s for the best. I’ll agree to the interview, but I expect something in return. You know how this works—nothing’s free.”

Her voice trembled. “What… what do you want as payment?”

“Relax. It’s nothing difficult. Don’t be afraid.” The shadow rose slowly. Backlit by the window, Su Mengxin still couldn’t see his face clearly, but she could tell his build was striking—definitely not some older guy. He started walking toward her, unhurried and steady.

Su Mengxin thought to herself, “Alright, fine. It’s just a kiss. What am I scared of? It’s not like I’m the one losing out.”

When the shadowy figure stopped in front of her, she leaned in and brushed a quick kiss against his cheek. Su Mengxin lingered on the sensation—his skin felt soft and smooth, the kind that made her think he had to be young. With that, she decided she definitely wasn’t getting the short end of the deal. She was even a little thrilled that she’d gotten to kiss Director Loong.

But Director Loong didn’t seem satisfied with a kiss that light. The tall figure—half a head taller than her—bent down slightly, and his commanding lips captured hers. His hot breath tangled with hers. Su Mengxin’s eyes flew wide, and she forgot to resist, letting the man in front of her take his time on her lips.

She looked into his eyes. In those bright pupils, it felt like there was only room for her—tenderness wrapping around her completely. Strong arms circled her waist. Her legs went a little weak, and she lifted her hands to hook around his neck. Right now, he wasn’t the mysterious Director Loong to her.

When the kiss finally ended and those forceful lips pulled away, Su Mengxin snapped back like she’d just woken from a dream. She gave the man in front of her a small push, cheeks burning, head lowered as she reminded him, “Director Loong, don’t forget the interview we agreed on.”

As soon as she said it, she shoved the door open and hurried out. The man behind her didn’t miss the way her ears had turned red.