Chapter 127: The Little Woman

I could not withstand Hua Jingjing’s relentless coaxing and pestering. I figured that, after all, there was nothing improper between me and these women; a clear conscience needs no defense. If she wanted to come, so be it. As long as she didn’t cause a scene, what was there to fear? So, I said, "Fine, fine, fine! Come if you must. Everyone here is an acquaintance of yours; if you aren’t afraid of making things awkward, do as you please!"

With that, I gave her the address and hung up. Cheng Jia looked at me with an enigmatic smile and remarked, "Your girlfriend, I presume? She keeps a very close watch on you!"

I offered a bitter smile, not knowing how to explain it, and replied, "That’s just how she is, please don't mind her. She’ll be here in a moment; you’ll see for yourself once you meet her."

Cheng Jia’s expression remained neutral as she said coolly, "Is that so? That’s fine, too."

Shortly after, Fan Yunting arrived first. She froze when she saw Cheng Jia and asked, "Cheng Jia? Why are you here?"

Cheng Jia stood up with a smile and said, "Hello, Manager Fan! I was actually just about to ask for your help with something!"

I chimed in, "Manager Fan, have you eaten yet? If not, why don't you join us? I have something to discuss with you as well."

Fan Yunting immediately sat down next to Cheng Jia and said, "That works! I haven't eaten yet. Tang Qian, give me that bank card first. I’ve set my sights on an abandoned factory in the suburbs that I want to lease for future use. The landlord says I need to pay a ten-thousand-yuan deposit, or he’ll rent it to someone else. But I don't have that kind of cash on me, so I had to rush back to get it. I need to go find him later."

I thought to myself that while she was rarely seen at the office, Fan Yunting was actually working herself to the bone for the company. After all, it was her own business.

I took out the bank card and handed it to her, then called the waiter to bring her chopsticks and a glass of tea. I asked, "Manager Fan, the bank ATM has a withdrawal limit of five thousand per day. Will that be enough?"

Fan Yunting replied, "It's fine, I have another card I can use, and I have about three thousand in cash on me. By the way, you said you had something to discuss—what is it?"

I smiled and explained the matter regarding Cheng Jia’s younger brother. As Fan Yunting took the chopsticks and cup from the waiter, she said, "Cheng Jia’s brother? No problem. Besides, I’ve already handed the company’s personnel matters over to you; you can make those decisions yourself from now on without needing to consult me."

Seeing that Fan Yunting had approved, Cheng Jia said happily, "Thank you, Manager Fan! You’ve really done me a huge favor!"

Fan Yunting laughed. "Still calling me Manager Fan? I haven't been with the Green Lady Company for a long time now; just call me Sister Fan! By the way, Cheng Jia, are you interested in our company? Would you like to jump ship and come help me?"

"Me? Hehe! I’ll consider it!"

Just as we were enjoying the conversation, a cold snort came from behind me. "Manager Fan is quite impressive! Poaching talent right from our own company—not bad at all!"

I turned around to see that Hua Jingjing had arrived.

Cheng Jia was startled. Upon seeing her superior, she stood up reflexively and said respectfully, "Manager Hua!"

Hua Jingjing put on her full authoritative air, waved her hand, and said, "Sit down and eat. You all sound like you’re having such a fun conversation, mind if I join in?" Without waiting for an answer, she plopped down right next to me.

Fan Yunting didn't look flustered at all. She smiled and sipped her tea, saying, "You're welcome to join! I always seem to run into you when I’m eating. How come I don't see that famous painter of yours by your side today?"

Hua Jingjing blushed slightly and said, "Manager Fan, please don't spread rumors!" As she spoke, she affectionately linked her arm through mine and rested her head on my shoulder, adding with a grin, "My husband wouldn't be happy if he heard that!"

"Pfft!" Fan Yunting spat a mouthful of tea onto the table. At the same time, Cheng Jia’s chopsticks clattered to the floor. Both women stared with their mouths agape, completely stunned.

I could only offer a bitter smile. I pulled my arm away from Hua Jingjing and whispered, "Hua Jingjing! Can you stop making a scene?"

Hua Jingjing replied indignantly, "I'm not making a scene! You are my future husband, after all!"

I was truly defeated by her. I could only laugh awkwardly and say to Fan and Cheng, "Don't mind her, she’s just a bit possessive. Let's continue eating."

My words made it clear to everyone that my relationship with Hua Jingjing was anything but ordinary. Fan Yunting was one thing; at least she knew a bit of our history, so she recovered quickly after her initial shock. But Cheng Jia found it completely inconceivable. As far as she knew, Hua Jingjing was my arch-enemy, and I had even resigned to avoid her. How could we have reached such a level of intimacy in such a short time?

The two women awkwardly cleaned up the mess they had made in their surprise, while Hua Jingjing looked as triumphant as if she had just won a major battle.

I knew the petty thoughts in Hua Jingjing’s mind; she was simply declaring that I belonged to her and that no one should try to compete. I couldn't bring myself to scold her, so I just tried to keep the atmosphere at the table from being too awkward.

Ultimately, the meal ended on a sour note. Fan Yunting finished quickly and left under the pretext of needing to withdraw money. Cheng Jia, seeing her company boss there, couldn't relax and didn't say another word.

I sighed and signaled the waiter to settle the bill. Cheng Jia had intended to pay, but seeing that I had already done so, she didn't dare argue and kept quiet.

After saying goodbye to Cheng Jia, I turned to Hua Jingjing in annoyance. "Are you satisfied now? You ruined a perfectly good meal. Happy?"

Knowing she was in the wrong, Hua Jingjing acted spoiled, clinging to me and cooing, "Husband, I was wrong. I was just afraid you’d be snatched away by other women! Please forgive me this once."

I was both angry and amused. "Go, go, go! Who is your husband? That’s still a long way off! If you do this again, don't blame me for changing my mind!"

Hua Jingjing nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes! I’ll be good from now on. As long as you don't associate with other women, I promise to listen to everything you say, okay?"

I playfully flicked her forehead and laughed, "Enough with your petty jealousy! Where is your car? Let's get in and go home!"

Seeing that I had forgiven her so easily, Hua Jingjing happily ran to open the door of her Ferrari. After I got in, I said to her sternly, "Jingjing, I can understand your feelings, but you have to consider mine. After you made such a scene, how am I supposed to hold my head up as a man? How can I work with them in the future?"

Hua Jingjing hadn't expected me to turn serious again. Her little mouth pouted, looking full of grievance, and she whispered, "Oh! I’ll just turn a blind eye when you go on dates with other women from now on!"

At this moment, the Hua Jingjing who once possessed the aura and poise of a major corporate vice president was completely gone, replaced by the image of a bullied little woman. Seeing this, my heart skipped a beat. A wave of tenderness washed over me, and I couldn't help but feel that this woman was indescribably adorable. I reached out a hand and said softly, "Jingjing, come here."

I’m sure she understood the look in my eyes. Hua Jingjing happily crawled over from her seat, looking at me with misty eyes as she whispered, "Tang Qian, I’m here."

I pulled her into my arms and gently caressed her cheek. Hua Jingjing was intoxicated, her lips slightly parted as she gazed at me longingly. I did not hesitate; I lowered my head and kissed her red lips deeply.

In that moment, I had truly forgotten about Xu Shu.

After a long while, I released the woman who had gone soft in my arms and said passionately, "Jingjing! Shall we find a place to make love?"

She blushed deeply and buried her head in my chest, whispering, "Okay... but not right now. I promised a classmate that I’d bring you to a party at her house tonight! After we get back, we... we can do that."

I was suddenly jolted back to reality and blurted out, "What? Your classmate? You mean that big star, Xu Shu?"

She didn't notice my distress and continued coyly in my arms, "Yes! I can't help it. Xu Shu’s boyfriend, Zhang Yalun, came over tonight. He brought the new film he just finished to show her, and she called asking me to bring you along to watch it. I promised her, and it wouldn't be right to flake out. I know you’re eager, but I can't go back on my word. Just bear with it for a little while, and when we get back, I’ll let you do whatever you want, okay?"

My entire body went cold, and my desire vanished. I sighed internally. I had just managed to develop feelings for Hua Jingjing and forget about Xu Shu, but the moment her name was mentioned, everything reverted to the way it was.

I sighed and said, "Then you go ahead. I'm a bit tired and don't want to go."

"That won't do! Xu Shu specifically asked for you on the phone. She said she needed a man to keep Zhang Yalun company while they talk, and since you’re my only boyfriend, who else can I bring?"

I replied irritably, "Why does her boyfriend need me to keep him company? What am I supposed to be?"

Hua Jingjing laughed. "Zhang the Heavenly King’s arrival is bound to attract journalists looking for a scoop. She asked us over to act as a cover, so it doesn't look like she’s alone with him!"

"Fat lot of good that does! If the Heavenly King travels thousands of miles to see her, who wouldn't know there’s something going on? And you know how those tabloid reporters are—they’ll weave a story out of thin air even if nothing happened. Why should we get dragged into this mess? I'm not going!"

Hua Jingjing giggled. "You’re swearing! Don't be so impatient, give me a kiss!" She kissed my lips again and added, "Who cares if it works or not? Xu Shu is my best friend, I have to help her. At most, I’ll treat you like an emperor when we get back, okay? Please?"

Looking at her spoiled behavior, I felt a mix of love and hate. Why did it have to be Xu Shu’s place? Were you trying to make me miserable?

But I couldn't tell her the truth, so I remained silent and indecisive.

In truth, I really didn't want to go. Firstly, I feared that seeing Xu Shu’s peerless beauty would cause me to fall back into the abyss of obsession. Secondly, I couldn't bear to see her being intimate with Zhang the Heavenly King. I just couldn't take it!

For a moment, my heart was a chaotic mess of conflicting emotions. But I couldn't find a valid reason to ditch Hua Jingjing, and it was giving me a splitting headache.

Unable to resist her coaxing, I eventually thought that what must come will come, and what must be faced cannot be avoided. No matter what, I had to let go of my feelings for Xu Shu eventually. Watching her with someone else, though painful, would be a test—a way to force myself into complete disappointment so I could finally move on. In that sense, it might not be a bad thing.

After much deliberation, I decided I should be brave and face my pain; only then would the wound heal faster.

Hua Jingjing started acting spoiled again. I helplessly flicked her nose and laughed bitterly, "Fine, fine! You win! Let's go then!"

Hua Jingjing laughed with joy. "Then I’ll kiss you again, just a little bit!" She lunged at me, sticking out her little tongue...

When we arrived at the entrance of Xu Shu’s villa, a number of reporters were indeed lying in wait. As soon as we arrived, they swarmed us, cameras flashing wildly. Some knocked on the car window, shouting, "Excuse me! Could you give us an interview? I'm from [XX] News."

I instinctively lowered my head and covered my face to avoid being photographed, while Hua Jingjing shook her head, signaling that she wouldn't be giving an interview.

The iron gates opened, and four or five burly bodyguards emerged to block the reporters and let us in. Hua Jingjing drove through, leaving them behind, and stuck out her tongue with a cute smile. "These reporters are so persistent! Luckily I’m not a big star; if I were surrounded by them all day, I’d be driven mad."

I looked up to see the grand building looming in the distance. I was going to see Xu Shu again.

After parking the car, Hua Jingjing took my arm and we walked toward the front door, looking happy. The previous two times I had pretended to be her boyfriend, but this time, it was for real.

As we neared the entrance, Xu Shu and Zhang Yalun came out to greet us. She was as breathtakingly beautiful as ever, and Zhang the Heavenly King, dressed in high-end casual wear, looked even more dashing and handsome than the formal attire he wore last time. They looked at us with smiles. Hua Jingjing let go of my arm and ran up to them, calling out, "Xiao Shu! I’m here again!"

Xu Shu beamed. "I see, I see. Look at you, why are you so excited?"

I walked up to them, and the Heavenly King reached out his hand first, smiling. "I've seen you before! You’re Mr. Tang, right?"

I shook his hand and nodded. "We have met. I hope you've been well, Zhang."

Hua Jingjing was particularly excited today. She jumped in front of Zhang Yalun and said, "Zhang Yalun! You still owe me an autograph!"

"Is that so? Oh, right! Don't worry, I’ll definitely sign it for you in a moment!"

Standing to the side, I couldn't help but glance at Xu Shu. She happened to be looking at me too, her eyes filled with a complex expression.

It was just that I couldn't understand it.