Chapter 51 Joy: I actually quite like it when you slap me.

Ning Jiu knew that Qiao Bolin wasn't really asking her.

No matter which answer she gave, it wouldn't stop him from doing what he wanted to do next.

If he says no, then he has a reason to do it in the car; if he says yes, then he has a reason to do it in the car more times than Su Ming.

Whichever answer you give, it's the wrong option.

In that case, Ningjiu might as well find an option that would infuriate Qiao Bolin.

"Of course it has."

Ning Jiu raised her eyes, looked directly into Qiao Bolin's eyes, and gave him her most familiar and obedient smile.

“Joe Bolin, a lot can happen in five years. In these five years, my boyfriend has taken very good care of me.” She pretended to be familiar with him and began to explore his body, from his heaving chest to his bulging thighs. “We’ve been here not only here, but also in many other places. Mr. Joe, would you like me to list them all?”

Her slender fingertips meandered upwards, gently caressing his skin, arousing his desire.

"But five years have passed, haven't you had a woman yet?" Ning Jiu started to say, then immediately contradicted herself, "Impossible, someone like you—"

"I don't."

The man's resolute voice made Ning Jiu stop abruptly.

Qiao Bolin lowered his eyes slightly, his thick eyelashes concealing the emotions in them, and repeated himself.

"Ning Jiu, I haven't been with anyone else in the past five years."

"......"

Ning Jiu stood there stunned, subconsciously ignoring the burning pressure on her thighs, only feeling her waist being tightly locked. He held her even tighter, and his urgent kisses overwhelmed her lips and teeth.

Unable to dodge, she was forced to endure Qiao Bolin's passionate advances. The sound of their lips and tongues entwining was clear and jarring in the narrow carriage. Her eyes began to sting again, and a layer of shimmering moisture appeared between her brows.

Has he really not had a woman in five years? In her hazy state, Ning Jiu had a moment of doubt.

Then why did his kissing skills not decrease but increase, almost stealing her breath away?

After an unknown amount of time, Qiao Bolin's lips and teeth finally loosened slightly. Before Ning Jiu could catch her breath, the man's breath pressed against her again, gently nibbling at the most sensitive spot behind her ear.

"Since you and your boyfriend were in the car—"

Whether it was because they had just kissed or something else, his voice was much lower than usual. Ning Jiu could feel that when he said the last two words, the force of his teeth grinding suddenly increased. She hissed softly, and only then did he reluctantly release her skin, switching to licking with the tip of his tongue, arousing a tingling and itchy sensation.

"Then I'll have to work even harder than him to make you remember me, right?"

Sure enough, I knew he would say that.

Ning Jiu's lip gloss had been smudged by his kisses, and her lips were stained with crimson, making her look even more alluring than usual. Her breath was unsteady as she spoke, yet she still maintained the most basic rationality.

"I won't sleep with someone who isn't my boyfriend."

"We've already gone that far last time, Miss Ning, what are you still trying to deceive yourself about?"

Another car seemed to be approaching from around the corner. The moment its headlights swept past, the interior of the car was illuminated, even through the privacy film. Ning Jiu looked up and saw her own bewildered expression reflected in Qiao Bolin's dark pupils, and clearly caught the hint of mockery in his eyes.

The touch on the metacarpal bones of her spine still seemed to carry a burning heat, but Ning Jiu's body grew cold. She forced a smile and asked him a question.

"Did you install a surveillance camera in your car?"

"No."

"Then why are you doing this?" She cut to the chase, throwing the question directly at him. "To get revenge on me? To disgust Su Ming? Qiao Bolin, don't you think it's a waste of your time on me?"

“I don’t think so,” Joel Bolton’s voice, like a cool dewdrop, slid down her heart. “Since you were able to dump me so easily back then, betraying him now wouldn’t be a burden for you either—”

He lowered his head, took her collarbone into his mouth and sucked hard. Ning Jiu could almost predict that a mark would be left there that wouldn't disappear for days.

"Or is it that everyone else can do it, but I can't?"

"Is it that I can't satisfy you?" His voice was low, tinged with suppressed grit, as his lips and tongue roamed freely over her trembling skin. "Or do you just want to stay like this for him—"

With a snap.

The car headlights flashed by, and the interior returned to boundless darkness. Ning Jiu withdrew her hand, her body still trembling slightly. Her shirt had been pulled up to her ribs, revealing a large expanse of snow-white and delicate skin, creating an indescribable ambiguity.

This is the second time.

Ning Jiu never expected that he would slap Qiao Bolin twice.

But what surprised her even more than that was Qiao Bolin's reaction.

The expected anger did not materialize.

He simply turned his head calmly, his demeanor so composed as if they had just been discussing what to have for dinner, and he even had the leisure to let out a smile.

The slight smile, combined with her originally cool and dignified features, and the bright red handprint on her left cheek, created a strangely alluring beauty.

"I actually quite like it when you slap me."

He said this to her.

Ning Jiu's eyes widened, her ears ringing, and she could hardly believe what he had said.

"Or rather, as long as it's physical contact, as long as it's you, it's the same whether it hurts me or violates me," Qiao Bolin said, "it can make me come."

The sight of a handsome, refined man speaking crudely with a straight face was too much for Ning Jiu. Her chest heaved again, and she tried to move her legs to escape, but he grabbed her with his strong and powerful palm.

“Even now, you’re still running away, Ning Jiu.” Qiao Bolin’s smile vanished, and he bluntly exposed her. “This isn’t like you.”

"Is it that you don't want this, or—"

He paused for a moment, his tone rising.

"You don't dare?"

-

Ningjiu admitted it.

Qiao Bolin's provocation tactic worked somewhat.

During her school years, there was almost nothing Ning Jiu dared not do. If she wanted to do something, she could do it, and there was no such thing as being afraid to do it.

But things are different now. She is burdened with the survival of a studio, Ning Xuan's bar in Jiangcheng is at a critical stage, and Yuan Liangjing is planning to get engaged at the end of the year. She has many things to consider and cannot only think about herself.

Previously, Li Linda's psychological planning project had submitted preliminary materials, and Dou Miao was filled with hope again by Kai Lin's big order. She was preparing to make great strides, but after several days there was still no progress. Finally, she couldn't help but send Ning Jiu an 800-word essay late at night.

Ning Jiu stared at the screen, swiping several times.

[Doumiao] Sweet Wine Sister, is the deal with Kailin still being negotiated recently? How is it going? Last night I dreamt that I was wearing a suit to give a presentation at the client's building, and before I could even open my mouth, the client nodded and signed it. When I woke up, my pillow was covered in tears. You know, I really love my work in psychology. While others are dating, I'm working on projects. While others are raising cats and dogs, I'm raising KPIs.

[Doumiao] Sweet Wine Sister, if you close this deal, I'll serve you tea and water from now on! I'll be the brightest cog in the machine!

Ning Jiu looked at the string of emojis and bold text and couldn't help but smile. Then, thinking of the contract that hadn't been signed yet, her smile gradually faded.

She knew that personal feelings and business matters should not be confused.

The studio's finances are currently barely breaking even. Dou Miao works purely out of love, living off her school stipend every day. Ning Jiu also tries to save money wherever possible. She had previously come into contact with a few clients through Shen Zhiying's connections, but they were all small, scattered orders with low frequency and little profit. This situation cannot continue indefinitely.

Sitting idly by and waiting for death is not in her nature; it's time to talk to Kailin's people again.

When Ning Jiu took a taxi to Kailin's headquarters, her phone vibrated several times. She scrolled through the messages and found they were all from Su Ming.

The two hadn't seen each other for almost a week since their farewell at the Japanese restaurant. They bumped into each other in the school's lab yesterday, and Su Ming, despite having tasks to complete, walked towards her anxiously.

"What happened before was my fault," he said, lowering his head. His apology was somewhat clumsy but sincere. "My mom even asked me yesterday why I hadn't seen you this time..."

“You can tell Auntie the truth.” Ning Jiu looked at him calmly. “It’s okay if you say I’m too busy with work or that I’m having an affair. I won’t argue with you.”

Su Ming just watched her quietly for a while.

"Is there anything you really think inside?"

Ning Jiu looked up at him with a calm expression, but the calmness in her light pupils seemed to sting Su Ming, and the latter's tone became sharp again.

Su Ming: "I was looking for you in the parking lot earlier, and I saw you and Qiao Bolin get into the same car. Ning Jiu, you've really fallen for someone else, haven't you?"

"Really? You've fallen for someone else?" Ning Jiu pondered these four words and laughed. "Su Ming, sometimes it's okay to lie to others, but it's not so good to lie to yourself."

"There's no question of infidelity between you and me."

In the end, relationships with men all seem to be the same.

Ning Jiu ignored the numerous explanatory text messages Su Ming sent, turned off the notifications to Do Not Disturb mode, and looked somewhat tired when she turned off her phone screen.

The Kailin Building gleamed in the afternoon sun, its entire glass curtain wall resembling a mirror. The lobby soared to the third floor, with crystal chandeliers hanging down. The people coming and going were not all dressed in the same unchanging professional attire. Men wore limited-edition sneakers or tailored shirts, while women wore high heels. Various high-end brand handbags were everywhere, as if they had stepped out of a magazine.

Ning Jiu walked to the front desk and asked about the previously scheduled meetings for the project, wanting to connect with General Manager Yu.

After confirming, the receptionist smiled apologetically at her.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Ning, Karin has been staying at Null-J these past few days and isn’t at headquarters, but—” she changed the subject, “we can arrange a private car for you.”

Before Ning Jiu could refuse, a long black minivan pulled up in front of the building. The doorman quickly stepped forward, deftly opened the car door for her, and gestured for her to enter.

This was practically forcing her to go up there.

The car was very well soundproofed, and a faint woody scent filled the air. The driver drove very steadily. Ning Jiu glanced ahead and was slightly stunned. It was Uncle Tong.

The bustling traffic outside the window rushed past, and in less than twenty minutes, the van pulled up in front of the Null-J building.

Unlike the stylish exterior of the Kailin headquarters, the Null-J building features cool, silver-gray lines, giving it an immersive, high-tech feel.

Led by Lian Zhuoxun, Ning Jiu entered the lobby and took the elevator directly to the top floor. The elevator doors slowly opened, but the top floor was unexpectedly quiet.

There was no sign of Yu Kelin, not even a single employee. Lian Zhuoxun raised his hand to Ning Jiu, gesturing towards the spacious office door ahead, his tone gentle.

"The contract is ready. I heard from President Qiao and President Yu that we had a pretty good discussion last time. If Miss Ning is ready to make a decision, she can just go in and sign it."

Ning Jiu paused slightly, but still reached out and pushed open the heavy office door.

The spacious CEO office was unusually quiet, with a faint sandalwood scent in the air, mixed with a subtle sweetness that made it hard to tell whether it was from aromatherapy or alcohol.

A thin white curtain covers the floor-to-ceiling window directly opposite, swaying gently in the airflow from the air conditioner vents. It conceals but does not completely block the view outside. Through the gaps, one can vaguely see the city skyline outside the window. From the top floor, one can take in the entire city of Shanghai, with its towering buildings and bustling traffic.

After observing her surroundings, she turned her gaze to the contract that lay quietly on the desk.

She flipped through a few pages and found that the content was largely the same as what she had seen a week ago. If there were any differences, they were just some additional clauses that were more favorable to her, which were simply hard to refuse.

Ning Jiu was engrossed in watching and didn't notice the footsteps silently approaching from behind. When she realized what was happening, she turned around abruptly, but the movement was so large that her arm accidentally brushed against the man's chest. From the outside, it looked as if he had her trapped in his arms.

"Finished watching?"

Joe Bolin was wearing a custom-made dark gray suit and had a very faint scent of Jo Malone men's cologne on him. He must have just come from a conference room. The well-tailored suit made him look even more aloof and unapproachable.

His bulging forearm caught her just in time. Ning Jiu was about to break free, but he released her first, and the two resumed the most polite business distance.

"Karin just finished a meeting and was kept on board by the board for questions. If you've read it and have no problems, just sign it. I'll hand it over to him later."

His tone was distant and flawless, a stark contrast to his demeanor in the car a few days prior.

Even though Qiao Bolin seemed to be doing perfectly well, Ning Jiu still observed him with some skepticism and checked him one last time.

"After signing this contract, we won't see each other again, right?"

"Theoretically, yes."

Qiao Bolin seemed to be getting tired of the questions and took the initiative to look away.

He leaned his long legs against the desk, casually picked up a pair of glasses with a mild prescription and put them on. His lean, strong forearms rested casually on the table, and the lenses reflected a cold light under the chandelier.

“The person you’re going to be working with next is the organization you met at the restaurant last time. Kailin’s management comes to inspect occasionally, but that’s none of my business.” Qiao Bolin smiled politely at Ning Jiu. “So if you’re hesitant because you don’t want to see me, then this contract is a perfect fit for your needs.”

"......"

Ning Jiu suddenly felt there was nothing more to ask, so she readily signed her name at the end of the contract, took her share, and turned to leave when he suddenly called her back.

“I was impolite last time,” Qiao Bailin said with sincere apology. “I wish you and your boyfriend happiness and fulfillment.”

Screw your happiness and bliss.

Ning Jiu couldn't take it anymore. Why was he the one in control of everything since their reunion?

He was the one who kissed her in Potsdam, and he was the one who dragged her into the car a few days ago. Now that he's messed up her relationship with Su Ming, he's just sitting on the sidelines, detached from the situation.

The flame that had been dormant in her heart since high school was reignited by Qiao Bolin's words. She turned around, walked back to him in her high heels, slightly raised her chin, and looked directly into his eyes.

"Happy and fulfilled?"

She repeated his words slowly and deliberately, mimicking his official tone.

Suddenly, her slender, soft hand rose and slowly touched his chest, her fingertips sliding down his suit jacket as if they were not there, until they slipped through the gap in the buttons and touched the firm, hot lines of his abdominal muscles.

Suddenly, Ning Jiu's eyes took on a provocative look. Her delicate fingertips caressed the skin with varying pressure, feeling Qiao Bolin's body tense up, and then found the spot where it was moving and began to circle around.

"Then, Mr. Qiao, how should you, as my lover, try to win my favor?"

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Author's Note: In the next chapter, Sweet Wine will take the initiative, haha! I can't stand this kid going crazy! [doge]