Chapter 29

Shang Zhitao felt she was completely done for. How could she have blurted out such insolent words? She had never been that kind of person, so why did she turn into one whenever she was in front of Luan Nian?

She spent the entire weekend kicking herself in regret, but Luan Nian refused to let her off the hook. In the middle of the night, he sent her a message: Coming over? My place.

I’ll report you, Shang Zhitao shot back. Her counterattack lacked all bite, completely undermined by her guilty conscience.

Voice recording? Luan Nian implied: Forgot I have you on tape? You’re going to report me? He didn't actually want Shang Zhitao to come over; he simply found her amusing and had gotten hooked on teasing her. His scandalous rumors and ruined reputation hadn't dampened his mood in the slightest. Tossing his phone aside, he chuckled out loud.

From then on, Shang Zhitao avoided Luan Nian every day, like a mouse dodging a cat. On the rare occasions they crossed paths, Luan Nian would wear a completely straight face, only to send her a message right after: Had a drink? Drinking meant losing control; Luan Nian had a firm grip on Shang Zhitao’s Achilles' heel. Shang Zhitao would glance at her phone, and the moment she looked up, her face would turn scarlet. Lumi thought she was acting bizarre and couldn't help asking, "You got dirty pictures saved on your phone or something?"

……

There are no dirty pictures on my phone. There’s just a bastard, Shang Zhitao thought to herself.

Yet sometimes encounters were unavoidable—such as during rehearsals.

There were three rehearsals scheduled, and the executives had to participate to go through the motions. Shang Zhitao was responsible for coordinating the rehearsals, communicating the floor director's arrangements to the bosses. The other executives were easy enough to talk to, but when speaking with Luan Nian, Shang Zhitao didn't dare meet his eyes. When she did catch a glimpse, her face would instantly flare red. To Luan Nian, her blushing looked unmistakably like affection. Spoiled by this realization, Luan Nian took advantage of her feelings, growing even more brazen. Desires stirred within him one after another, blinded to the fact that he was deliberately seeking excuses to draw close to Shang Zhitao.

Finally, the day of the company anniversary arrived.

Luan Nian’s performance, which had been kept secret all along, was about to be unveiled. His was the opening act. Standing on the periphery to maintain order, Shang Zhitao saw musical instruments being carried onto the stage. Tracy went backstage specifically to ask for Luan Nian’s permission: "How about I take some photos of you to share with our alumni?"

"Pay up first." Luan Nian was unbuttoning his satin shirt. A pair of casual jeans made his legs look exceptionally long. Seeing him like this, Tracy clicked her tongue. "The heavens really blessed you with a fine skin."

"How’s the internal audit going?"

"Underway. Worried?"

"Not at all."

Luan Nian’s friends walked in. Each possessed a distinct style, yet all carried an air of effortless cool. Who knows how many female colleagues are going to lose their minds today, Tracy thought.

The colleagues were seated around the round banquet tables. Through the daze, Shang Zhitao saw figures leap onto the stage. After a few beats on the drums, the music surged, and the stage lights blazed to life.

The man holding the electric guitar wore a satin shirt with a few top buttons undone, half-revealing a stunning chest. Shang Zhitao had never seen Luan Nian smile like this—the corners of his lips curled up, flashing snow-white teeth, radiating a trace of wickedness yet utterly dazzling. Something struck her heart, sending a faint twinge of pain rippling through her chest.

They were playing a cover of I Hate Myself for Loving You . Luan Nian’s fingers flew across the fretboard. He turned to smile at his bandmates; their chemistry was forged over years, vibrant, confident, and delightfully arrogant. The audience went wild, rising to their feet to sway with the music. Shang Zhitao had never heard this song before, nor had she ever seen this side of Luan Nian. He was radiant, obliterating all defenses with a charm that seemed utterly out of reach.

"Damn, this guy is unreal!" Lumi cheered in awe. Glancing sideways, she caught the look in Shang Zhitao’s eyes as she watched Luan Nian. Suddenly, Lumi shouted into her ear, "Shang Zhitao! A man like that—you can sleep with him, but never fall in love with him."

Shang Zhitao understood Lumi's words. She was saying: You two are from different worlds. Luan Nian is a top creative master in the industry—sharp, wealthy, handsome, and immensely talented—while you are just a hardworking nobody. If you fall in love with him, you’ll only end up hurt. Of course Shang Zhitao understood. She harbored no such extravagant hopes, yet she was irresistibly drawn to Luan Nian’s brilliance.

She wished she could become someone like Luan Nian, too. She had sung on stage during her school days; she had almost forgotten that back then, she, too, had had a shining moment or two.

"Sleep with him. Tonight," Lumi joked, even giving Shang Zhitao a nudge.

"No, no, way too many people want to sleep with him tonight." Shang Zhitao chuckled, just as a voice crackled through the walkie-talkie: "One minute until the opening act ends. Prepare to serve dinner. Clear the aisles."

Clearing the aisles fell to the order-maintenance team Shang Zhitao was leading. Luan Nian’s performance came to an end, and the crowd chanted in unison, "Encore!" Seemingly in a great mood, Luan Nian sang another song.

By the time he finished, the strange flutter in Shang Zhitao's heart had subsided. Standing at the edge of the hall, she watched her colleagues enjoy the banquet and took in the performances on stage. Worried people might bump into each other or trip, she constantly reminded them, "Watch your step!" "Take it slow!" She also guided the waitstaff: "Careful with the hot dishes!" She carried out her duties with utmost diligence.

While talking to Tan Mian, Luan Nian caught sight of the hardworking Shang Zhitao out of the corner of his eye. The uniform she wore gave her a crisp, spirited look—a white shirt tucked into black trousers, hair pulled high into a ponytail, holding a walkie-talkie with professional poise. She looked a bit like a triad female bodyguard. Luan Nian snorted with laughter. The earnest, self-important way she carried herself was actually quite endearing.

"What is it?" asked Tan Mian, who had been in the middle of speaking.

Luan Nian shook his head. "Nothing."

A customary part of the banquet was the rounds of toasting. No matter how little Luan Nian drank, sipping just a tiny drop with each person would still add up to several ounces. Soon, the various department heads began leading their subordinates around the room to propose toasts. They would introduce their team members first, followed by polite pleasantries: "Looking forward to working together!" "Thank you for taking care of us!" Even while chatting, their eyes were fixed on Luan Nian’s table. The moment the circle around him dispersed, the next group would rush forward.

Alex shoved a wine decanter and a small shot glass into Shang Zhitao’s hands.

Shang Zhitao said hurriedly, "I can’t drink today! I have to work until the venue is cleared."

"It’s plain water." Alex winked at her. "There’s a crowd; he won’t sniff every single glass. Just make up the numbers. Let’s go."

The men and women from the marketing department followed Alex and clustered around Luan Nian. Alex rested a hand on Luan Nian’s shoulder. "Luke, that performance earlier was incredible! Absolutely dazzling!"

"Yes! So sexy!" Lumi chimed in, making everyone laugh.

Shang Zhitao shrank behind the group, not making a sound, terrified Luan Nian would sniff her glass. Alex began introducing the employees one by one. With each introduction, the others tactfully made way for that person to step forward. When it came to Shang Zhitao, Luan Nian’s gaze dropped straight to her decanter.

"The girls in marketing sure can hold their liquor," he remarked out of nowhere, his hand coming to rest on her decanter. Just like how teachers back in school would randomly inspect homework and always happen to pick Shang Zhitao, Luan Nian had singled her out.

We’re screwed. Alex grew nervous as well. Shang Zhitao was truly a magnet for bad luck; she couldn't get away with any mischief without getting caught on the spot.

Luan Nian sniffed Shang Zhitao’s decanter. "My rhinitis is acting up today." With that, he handed it back to her, knowing full well she wouldn't have the guts to drink alcohol again anyway.

Everyone chuckled, relieved that Shang Zhitao had dodged a bullet.

Glasses clinked together as Luan Nian said with a smile, "Thank you for your hard work, everyone. Let’s keep pushing forward together."

The banquet didn't wind down until ten o'clock. Tan Mian had drunk too much, so Luan Nian arranged for Liu Wu to drive him back early. Once everything wrapped up, Luan Nian planned to call a designated driver for himself. Reading the room, Alex said to Luan Nian, "It’s hard to hail a car at this hour. Let the marketing department send someone to drive Luke home."

"That works. Thanks for the trouble." Luan Nian tucked his phone away.

Alex went looking for someone and spotted Shang Zhitao, who had just changed out of her uniform and was eating fruit. Having worked flat out until this hour, she had only managed a small piece of pastry all evening. She had scavenged a fruit platter from the kitchen to fill her stomach before heading home.

"Flora."

"Alex."

"Can you drive?"

"Yes, of course." Shang Zhitao had only picked up her driver’s license the previous weekend and was still riding an inexplicable wave of confidence. "What’s up?"

"Go drive the boss home."

"No problem! Which boss?"

"Luke."

……"Fine!"

Having found his driver, Alex brought Shang Zhitao over to Luan Nian. "Flora will drive you."

"You know how to drive?" Luan Nian’s eyes widened with skepticism.

"Yes. Of course I do." Refusing to back down, Shang Zhitao lifted her chin.

Luan Nian didn't want to embarrass Alex, so he could only say, "Then thank you for the trouble, Flora."

"A pleasure to be of service, Boss!" Shang Zhitao chanted the slogan brightly and followed Luan Nian down to the underground parking garage.

Most people had already left, leaving the hotel’s underground garage virtually empty. Shang Zhitao thought to herself that pulling out of the parking space should be fairly easy. When she reached Luan Nian’s car, she realized he had switched to a new one—her absolute dream car. Before getting in, she strictly adhered to her driving instructor’s teachings, walking a full circle around the vehicle to inspect the surroundings, looking as if she were performing an exorcism ritual. Then, she held out her hand toward Luan Nian. "Luke, your car keys, please."

Luan Nian suddenly felt a pang of regret. What did Alex’s face matter anyway? Shang Zhitao preparing to drive looked like a shaman casting a spell—it was downright alarming. But not wanting to appear petty, he placed the key in her palm.

Shang Zhitao was brimming with confidence. What was the big deal? Her instructor had said she had natural talent! She got into the car, adjusted the seat, adjusted the rearview mirrors, and fastened her seatbelt. The routine drilled into her at driving school was still fresh in her mind; she hadn't forgotten a thing. She then inserted the key, shifted gears, released the handbrake, and even cheered silently: And off we go!

BANG.

Pulling out of a space was indeed easy—provided one drove in the right direction.

Luan Nian sobered up instantly. He sat there, frozen. Shang Zhitao was equally frozen, not daring to utter a peep.

After a long silence, Luan Nian finally spoke: "How long have you had your license?"

Shang Zhitao held up one pale, slender finger and muttered guiltily, "One week."

Luan Nian felt as though his skull was about to burst from rage. One damn week, and you have the nerve to say you know how to drive?! He suppressed the urge to strangle Shang Zhitao.

Yet Shang Zhitao dared to ask, "Luke... should we... call the insurance company..."

Luan Nian had spent nearly two million on this car, picking it up just last weekend. Today was the first time he had driven it out. What a coincidence—the car was practically the same age as Shang Zhitao’s driving experience.

Shang Zhitao maintained an excellent attitude of contrition and offered proactively, "How about this? I’ll wait for the insurance company with you. After all, you’re the owner."

Luan Nian glared at her, leaning back against the seat to sober up. The agonizing silence was hair-raising. Then, Shang Zhitao’s stomach gave a loud rumble, breaking the awkwardness only to replace it with a different kind of humiliation.

"Didn't eat?" Luan Nian asked her.

"No..."

Luan Nian let out a sigh and called Liu Wu. "Head back to the venue later to handle an accident for me. I’m heading out first."

Liu Wu didn't ask questions and agreed readily: "Understood, Mr. Luan, you go ahead. I’ll take care of it."

The two walked out of the garage. The streets were deserted. After great difficulty, they managed to hail a taxi.

Shang Zhitao hurriedly said, "Drop this gentleman off first." She was trying to butter up Luan Nian, terrified that once he processed what happened, he would demand compensation. A crash like that in a car like his would cost her half a year's salary.

Luan Nian remained silent, watching Shang Zhitao fawn over him. A man’s feelings toward his car were like his feelings toward a woman; with his brand-new car crashed by Shang Zhitao, no matter how magnanimous he was, he still wanted to scold her. But it wasn't appropriate to chew her out in the cab—how would that look? The driver would probably laugh at him for being petty. Enduring it until they reached his destination, he dropped two words: "Get out!"

Standing in the freezing wind, Luan Nian gathered his breath, ready to give Shang Zhitao a proper lecture. She seemed to know she was in the wrong, looking everywhere except at him.

"Can you actually drive or not?" Luan Nian glared at her.

"I can... I have a license..." Shang Zhitao mumbled, feeling wronged.

"Having a license doesn't mean you can drive." Seeing that she looked on the verge of tears, Luan Nian talked himself down. Forget it, forget it. There’s no need. That’s what insurance is for.

Shang Zhitao’s stomach growled again. She was starving. She had arrived at the venue early that morning, eaten only a few bites of a boxed meal at noon, and had just started on a fruit platter when Alex dragged her over to drive Luan Nian home. She was so hungry she felt nauseous.

Luan Nian shot her another look and muttered, "I’m hungry too. Let’s go."

"Where?"

"To my place to eat, obviously. Where else?"

"Isn't that... inconvenient?" Your scandalous rumors haven't even been resolved yet, and you’re acting so carefree? Next thing you know, I’ll be reporting you for seducing a female subordinate.

"Are you out of your mind?"

……

On second thought, Shang Zhitao realized he had a point. If rumors spread about Luan Nian and her, most people would probably say: "How much effort did Shang Zhitao have to put in to land Luke? Did she drug him?" His scandalous rumors could never fall on her head; between the two of them, things looked as innocent and spotless as could be.

Shang Zhitao followed Luan Nian up to his apartment, lingering awkwardly at the entrance. Luan Nian pointed at the shoe cabinet. "Change your shoes."

"Oh." Shang Zhitao switched her shoes. As she stood up, she saw Luan Nian taking off his coat. His shoulders were broad and square, tapering down into a well-defined waist. He really was handsome.

Luan Nian headed into the kitchen. He had drunk a lot of alcohol today without eating much, and his stomach felt hollow. Shang Zhitao followed behind him, watching as he took pasta and steak out of the refrigerator. He actually knew how to cook. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she asked softly, "Do you need me to do anything?"

"No."

Shang Zhitao couldn't be as at ease as Luan Nian. To him, being alone in an apartment with a woman seemed perfectly routine. Shang Zhitao had only ever been alone like this with Xin Zhaozhou, but back then, they had known each other so well that there was never any awkwardness.

She sat primly on the sofa waiting until she saw Luan Nian emerge with the pasta and steak. "Come eat."