Chapter 6

With Mary's help, Liang Shi opened an Alipay account and bought several sets of Lululemon workout clothes during Singles' Day. The weather in Shanghai has been nice lately, and she's in a good mood, going for a run early in the morning at the Lujiazui Greenland Center.

There was a narrow path, and she was running quite fast wearing a baseball cap, not paying attention to the people in front of her. What happened was a complete 'car crash' scene.

Liang Shi was knocked to the ground by the impact, but thankfully her hand wasn't injured, otherwise she would definitely have confronted the culprit.

A fair, well-defined hand—or rather, a man's hand—was extended in front of her. Liang Shi thought to herself, "This man must be very handsome."

Her guess was confirmed when she put her hand on the man's hand and used it to stand up.

How could Li Junqian not be handsome?

Both of them were surprised, but Liang Shi felt a little uncomfortable, as her cold hand still retained his warmth.

Li Junqian was particularly surprised to run into Liang Shi here: "Suzie, good morning, do you live around here?"

Liang Shi casually pointed in a direction, not sure if it was the right one: "Frankl helped me rent a house in Binjiang Garden, saying it was a token of my sincerity in coming to Fanning Group. It's quite an expense, doesn't Vice President Li know that?"

Regarding finances, he and Gu Feng would hold monthly meetings with the finance team, and he would ask about every single expense in detail, but he was certain that he had not seen this particular expense.

The only explanation is that this was Gu Feng's private sponsorship.

He avoided the topic, saying, "I just saw a light-vented bulbul and stopped for a while. I'm sorry you bumped into me. It's still early, so I'll treat you to breakfast as an apology."

She was the one who wasn't looking where she was going while running, but he chivalrously took the blame, so she wasn't going to be polite with him.

In the Pudong CBD, where land is incredibly valuable, there really aren't any authentic scallion oil noodles or fresh meat wontons that she was looking for.

Looking at the croissants and hot cocoa in front of her, to be honest, she had no appetite.

Although Li Junqian was a charming man, he could be quite chauvinistic at times. She said she wanted an iced latte, but he ended up ordering her a hot cocoa instead, saying that women shouldn't drink cold things when it's cold, and that it's best not to drink coffee on an empty stomach.

Tsk, he seems to be enjoying his iced Americano quite a bit.

"I heard it's been raining heavily in Paris lately?"

Li Junqian returned to Shanghai yesterday; the rain in Paris had indeed not stopped before he left.

"I was planning to go for a walk, but the rain was too heavy, so I came back after the meeting and event. Why aren't you eating? Is it not to your liking?"

Liang Shi couldn't refuse Li Junqian's kind offer, so she quickly took a bite of the crispy croissant.

She ate half a croissant and drank half a cup of hot cocoa under his gaze, and the man opposite her couldn't stop smiling. Was the way she ate funny?

Liang Shi suddenly realized that she was wearing no makeup! She had completely forgotten that she wasn't wearing any makeup today! And she was even wearing sportswear, so wouldn't she have no dignity at all today?

Why does this man look so energetic even without makeup?

She remained calm and was about to take out her phone to make an excuse that it was getting late and run away when the man on the other end spoke again.

"I'm flying to Beijing at noon today, and I wasn't planning to go to the office this morning. I was going to call you to let you know, but it's quite a coincidence that I ran into you."

Liang Shi raised an eyebrow as usual: "Mr. Li, is there anything you need?"

Li Junqian placed his fingers interlaced on his thighs, exuding the air of a boss. Liang Shi thought to himself, "This man really knows how to switch between life and work perfectly."

"The French headquarters is extremely satisfied with the sales figures for Double Eleven in Greater China and has allocated funds to reward the employees. In addition to some benefits, I'd like to organize a team-building trip for everyone. A short trip near Shanghai, I think your creative department has a lot of ideas, so you're in charge of the plan?"

The boss himself gave the order, so even if Liang Shi didn't want to take on this extra work, what could he do? He was beholden to the boss's generosity! This man is truly cunning!

"No problem. When do you expect the proposal?"

"I'll be back on Friday. Just send it to my email when it's done."

The entire creative department suddenly became excited about planning a team-building activity. Liang Shi couldn't understand what was so exciting about it; it was just going out to play, right?

During lunch, Marry told her that people from various offices were begging their creative department to put them in General Manager Li's group, which she found quite amusing.

That's right. Because of the large number of employees and work commitments, she planned to have them participate in team building activities in two groups. Who knew the female employees at this company were so infatuated with Li Junqian?

The temperature is going to drop next week, and the best time to go is this weekend. Liang Shi didn't want to be in the same batch as Li Junqian, so he chose Friday and Saturday as the first batch, and Sunday and Monday as the second batch. Anyway, he'll be back on Friday, so he was put in the second batch.

The plan was finalized on Wednesday night. After receiving Li Junqian's email, Liang Shi slept well; she hadn't expected it to go so smoothly.

On Friday morning, Liang Shi saw the black Cullinan at the entrance of the residential area and ran over excitedly. Gu Feng, who was in the passenger seat, gestured for her to go directly to the driver's seat.

She got her international driver's license, and Gu Feng asked to borrow her car. She didn't hesitate to say she wanted to drive his Cullinan. Unexpectedly, Mr. Zhou was very generous and wasn't afraid that she, a road hazard, would damage the car.

Liang Shi got into the car, his hands on the steering wheel, and exclaimed, "Boss Gu has good taste! This car is really nice, but the journey is a bit long. Are you really willing to entrust this treasure to me?"

Gu Feng winked at her, and Liang Shi followed his gaze to look back, only to find that Li Junqian was sitting in the back seat? Although he was supposed to be back on Friday, it was only seven o'clock in the morning! A big boss wouldn't take a red-eye flight back, would he? And he certainly wouldn't go out for activities without even resting after returning?

“Suzie, this car actually belongs to Karsten. I just borrowed it to pick up girls. Don’t worry, he’s rich. You can do whatever you want with this car.”

Damn it! If you knew this car belonged to Li Junqian, Liang Shi wouldn't have dared to covet it even if she had a hundred lives!

"Never mind, I was just saying. With my current salary, I probably couldn't even afford the repair costs if I crashed it. Frankl, why don't you drive?"

Li Junqian seemed very sleepy; his eyes were red when he looked at her. The man didn't say anything, only telling her "good morning."

Gu Feng, feigning nonchalance, said, "Suzie, you should drive. I arrived at the airport at 5 a.m. to pick up this guy, and I'm exhausted. I need to catch up on some sleep. You girls drive very steadily, we trust you completely. Good luck!"

On the way to Qiandeng Ancient Town in Kunshan, Liang Shi didn't know how many times he had secretly glanced at the rearview mirror. Every time he looked, he couldn't help but sigh that Li Junqian's sleeping posture was really amazing. He was much smarter than the Zhou surnamed person next to her. At least he didn't snore.

Liang Shi was prone to daydreaming. For example, as she held the steering wheel, she imagined how Li Junqian would hold it when he drove this car. Also, given that he clearly owned such a nice car, why was he driving a Mercedes that seemed so understated compared to his status at the subway station that day?

She glanced at the rearview mirror again, only to find that the man in the back seat had already opened his eyes! Although she knew he didn't know she was spying on him, she still felt guilty, and the car swayed, scaring her so much that she dared not look around anymore.

Apart from those three, the rest of the people came by bus, so they arrived much later than them.

After everyone settled in, they went out to explore the ancient town. Liang Shi didn't want to be with the girls, so she made an excuse to leave late. Unexpectedly, Gu Feng came over to join in the fun just before they left and insisted on going with her.

"Karsten is catching up on sleep. You can't just let me explore this beautiful old town by myself, can you? Besides, my two shoulders are always ready to carry your bag!"

She finally understood why more of the female employees in the company liked Li Junqian. Gu Feng really was a smooth talker!

But more than visiting the ancient town, she wanted to know why Li Junqian had gone through all this trouble, taking an early morning flight back.

Of course, she asked Gu Feng the same question, and the shameless man started to show off: "When he heard that I was on the first team building list, he changed his plane ticket. That's what a good friend is. He actually took a red-eye flight for me, a pampered young master. I was so touched that I drove to pick him up early this morning."

Liang Shi was skeptical, but she didn't dwell on it too much; after all, she couldn't have come to this ancient town for nothing. There weren't many tourists in Qiandeng this season; it was desolate and tranquil, possessing a unique beauty.

She bought some trinkets and tried the local delicacies, like the crabapple cake, which was sweet and chewy—quite a novelty! She spent a full afternoon shopping. She was exhausted, but Gu Feng still hadn't arrived. She teased him, asking if he often went on dates with girls, developing this amazing ability to shop without getting tired.

That evening, the guesthouse prepared a large hot pot and barbecue feast, but Liang Shi couldn't eat anything by then. She leaned on the women's table, feeling sleepy, when suddenly, all the girls at the table erupted in cheers and screams, clearly indicating that some important person had arrived.

After sleeping all day, I know it's time to get up and have dinner.

Someone started to cheer: "Wow, did CEO Li just appear out of nowhere? Hurry up and take the center position!"

Gu Feng seated his good friend at the front and warmly prepared a bowl and chopsticks for him. A girl from the HR department jokingly said that the boss had stolen the opportunity for the girls to fawn over him. Frankl, easily swayed, immediately downed two drinks as punishment. The atmosphere instantly became lively.

After they had eaten enough, Marry, who was full of creative ideas from the creative department, started to warm things up: "It's not too late, so I suggest we play a game? This game is very simple. Each person will say a dream that they have achieved. If you have ever done it, raise your hand. If only two people raise their hands, then those two will be punished. Now, please have a few of you write down some punishment behaviors for me, and I will draw lots later."

It took Liang Shi a while to understand the game. She shook her head and laughed, thinking, "Young people really know how to play."

The first speaker was Marry, the stage manager, who spoke about her dream of entering the beauty industry. Naturally, more than two people raised their hands to express this wish.

After several rounds, everyone's wishes were rather general, and many people raised their hands. Liang Shi felt a little bored. It wasn't until Li Junqian spoke that she became somewhat interested.

"I once dreamed of developing my own perfume, making it popular with consumers, and achieving great success. That dream came true on Singles' Day."

Liang Shi initially thought no one would raise their hand, but to his surprise, a slightly chubby girl raised her plump hand. Liang Shi had noticed this girl before; she had been eating the entire time without stopping.

"I'm just a junior employee in the R&D department. I... was fortunate enough to go to the French headquarters with General Manager Li and participate in the production of plaquemine. This was also my wish, so I guess it counts?"

Everyone wanted to see Li Junqian punished, so how could it not count? Marry drew a punishment slip and read it aloud.

This might be a punishment for Li Junqian, but opposing that slightly chubby girl is practically an epic bonus, isn't it?

It turned out to be two people dancing a close and intimate dance!

The entire table of people erupted in cheers; their commotion probably filled the entire Qiandeng district.

Li Junqian did not refuse the punishment, and amidst everyone's screams, he danced intimately with the slightly chubby girl for a minute.

Liang Shi didn't even glance at it, and finished off a whole bottle of passion fruit-flavored 1664.

She told herself it was just a game, and she had nothing to envy or be jealous of. Besides, she shouldn't be envious or jealous; she had nothing to do with him. The one who should be envious and jealous was his girlfriend, Cha Junjun!

Two more students skipped their turn and it was her turn. Liang Shi thought for a moment, and since she didn't have any particular dreams, she casually said, "My dream was to go to a university in France, and then it actually came true."

She knew that two of the people present were studying at universities in France, so she was sure she wouldn't be punished in this round.

Unexpectedly, when counting the people who raised their hands, besides her, only Li Junqian also raised his hand.

Where was Gu Feng at that crucial moment?

"Director Liang, President Li, are we going to be punished this time?"

Liang Shi objected: "President Zhou and I are alumni, so this round doesn't count."

Marry, never one to shy away from stirring things up, said, "President Zhou just went to the restroom and said he won't be participating in this round, so, Director Liang, you can't avoid it this time! I'm going to draw a note!"

When Mary read out the punishment, Liang Shi actually felt a little expectant.

She just didn't expect that Li Junqian would refuse so readily: "I'm afraid this punishment will have a bad impact on Director Liang, so I'll punish myself with three drinks."

Liang Shi sneered inwardly. Why didn't she complain about disturbing others by dancing so intimately with a beautiful woman? The atmosphere froze; she couldn't sit there any longer. She made an excuse to go to the restroom. Looking at herself in the mirror, she sneered. No matter how beautiful her makeup, that man surnamed Li just wasn't interested in her!

Are you angry with me?

Liang Shi looked at the man behind her in the mirror and smiled, "Which eye of yours saw that I was angry? I think you're absolutely right. After all, you have a girlfriend, which does affect me. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to my room."

Li Junqian stood in front of her: "Xiaoshi, I don't know about others, but I'm sure you're angry."

Liang Shi wasn't one to be dramatic, nor did he want to hide his anger: "Yes, I'm angry. I'm angry because I've lost face! Me, a director, losing to that little girl in the R&D department? Li Junqian, we're both adults, can't you even handle this? It's just a..."

Before she could finish speaking, Li Junqian led her into the men's restroom. As the door closed, she was firmly pressed against it. Her back ached, but her head was fine because one hand was behind her head, while Li Junqian's other hand was gently pinching her chin, forcing her to open her mouth.

Liang Shi's first kiss was taken away just like that. She had thought of countless possibilities, but she never thought that she would be kissed by Li Junqian in such a powerful way.

His kissing skills were impeccable, and Liang Shi even forgot to resist. But when she thought about how she had arrogantly said, like a man-eating tiger, that it was just a French kiss, she regretted it. She was as innocent as a blank sheet of paper, how could she have said such a thing! Would Li Junqian find out about her?

Absolutely not! She was a quick learner and used Li Junqian's kissing technique on him, just like she always had. Then she bit his lip hard and pushed him away forcefully.

"Mr. Li, may I classify your behavior as sexual harassment?"

Li Junqian wiped his lips with his thumb and chuckled softly, "I thought..."

“If I don’t perform it in public, I still won’t be able to save face. Mr. Li, I’m not a conservative person. This kind of kiss is as common as drinking water in France. Don’t worry, I won’t take your harassment to heart, and I certainly won’t tell your girlfriend. I hope we can both forget about it after a good night’s sleep.”

Li Junqian slept all day, so naturally he couldn't sleep at night. Some things can't be forgotten just like that. He clearly only felt brotherly affection for Liang Shi, so why did he do something so inappropriate in the bathroom? He himself didn't quite understand.

Liang Shi couldn't sleep either. She brushed her teeth three times, and whenever she calmed down, she could always feel the taste of Li Junqian in her mouth.

Insomnia, severe insomnia!