Chapter 83 "They all have to get past me first."...

For Xu Shaoting, announcing his engagement is never as simple as issuing a notice.

If the announcement is just an appetizer to whet the appetite of the outside world, then holding a formal press conference is the real main course.

But this was not out of any selfish desire to announce it to the world.

As the chairman of Tianxu Group, he is constantly under scrutiny, and his every move is interpreted as a sign of the group's future direction. Therefore, it is essential to provide a clear explanation to the outside world as soon as possible.

The press conference was held in the large banquet hall of the Manjia Hotel.

That day, starting at eight o'clock in the morning, the main road outside the hotel was completely blocked. A fleet of media vans drove in, and reporters in business attire filed in one after another.

Inside the hall, cameras had already been set up on both sides and in the center, and the VIP seats were packed. Each guest had a laptop in front of them, and the sound of keyboards clicking filled the air as they rushed to produce the most eye-catching articles before the press conference ended.

To be honest, they were also nervous. After all, the person in front of them was someone they had been eyeing and coveting for more than ten years. The last time they saw Xu Shaoting appear in such a setting was many years ago when Xu Bozheng handed over real power to him.

At 8:30 a.m. sharp, the side door of the banquet hall opened on time.

Wearing a well-tailored dark suit, Xu Shaoting walked steadily toward the podium with a tall and upright posture.

In the eyes of these familiar faces in the audience, his appearance hadn't changed much; he was still strikingly handsome, but his demeanor had clearly matured considerably.

His gaze swept across the audience, and in an instant, the whispers ceased abruptly, leaving only the frantic clicking of camera shutters.

"Thank you to all our media friends and partners for coming." He skipped all pleasantries and got straight to the point, "The purpose of today's press conference is to give you a formal and clear explanation regarding my engagement as the chairman of Tianxu Group."

He paused slightly, and the audience fell silent, everyone holding their breath.

"First of all, it is true that I am engaged to Ms. Wen Jia. This is not a business operation or a public relations strategy, but a joint decision made by us after careful consideration based on our feelings for each other."

As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of keyboards being typed down in the audience erupted like a sudden downpour.

"Secondly, regarding the market concerns that this matter may cause, I would like to clarify the following: First, my personal marital status will not affect the normal operation and management structure of Tianxu Group. Second, this engagement does not involve any immediate changes in the Group's equity. All equity arrangements will strictly follow legal procedures and will be disclosed in compliance with regulations when necessary. Tianxu Group has a solid foundation and a bright future, and I am full of confidence in the Group's future."

"Finally," Xu Shaoting's gaze swept across the room again, this time with a hint of gentleness amidst the sharpness, "Wen Jia is my cherished fiancée. We both hope to receive basic respect and blessings from the outside world, while also hoping to retain the necessary private space."

As soon as he finished speaking, reporters in the audience raised their hands. At Lin Youzhe's signal, the Q&A session officially began.

The first few questions all revolved around the group's operations, which Xu Shaoting handled with ease, providing flawless answers.

Until an entertainment reporter seized the opportunity.

"Mr. Xu, congratulations! We saw how attentive you were to Ms. Wen at the airport; it was very sweet. First, I'd like to ask if the wedding is already being planned? Second, and this is a question from many fans, will Ms. Wen's future work arrangements be affected by this? For example, will she reduce her filming and participate more in Tianxu's family affairs?"

"The wedding is being planned in a way she would like. Details cannot be disclosed at this time, but we will inform everyone through appropriate channels if necessary. As for her work," Xu Shaoting's tone became more serious:

"Wen Jia is an excellent and dedicated actress. I respect and support her career. Marriage will not be the end of her career, much less a constraint. She will continue to develop in the field she loves, and that will not change. Tian Xu's affairs are my responsibility, not her obligation."

"Thank you, Chairman Xu."

Immediately afterwards, the microphone was handed to a second reporter: "Chairman Xu, hello! I'm a reporter from *Financial Insight*. We noticed a significant change in Tianxu's stock price after the engagement announcement. Was this within your expectations? Or was this high-profile announcement itself a public relations effort to stabilize market confidence and counteract certain unfavorable rumors?"

The venue, which can accommodate 100 people, became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Xu Shaoting chuckled softly and spoke slowly, "First of all, I need to correct something. Being high-profile was not my intention; it was our media friends who made this matter so. As for boosting market confidence? Tianxu Group's confidence stems from our solid business foundation, not from the chairman's private life."

After he finished speaking, a few reporters looked up at this bold and audacious colleague with complicated expressions.

"I chose Wen Jia simply because she is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. And I chose to go public simply because I want to give her a sense of security that is aboveboard."

"Thank you, Chairman Xu."

"Next," Lin Youzhe announced, taking control of the situation.

The next speaker was still a financial reporter, who posed a more direct question: "Chairman Xu, your actions have deeply tied your personal feelings to the group's image. Have you considered the potential risks in the future? For example…" The reporter seemed hesitant, "If Ms. Wen Jia were to have any negative news in the future, it might affect Tianxu's stock price?"

This question descended from the sky like an invisible net, quietly enveloping the entire venue.

“Sir,” Xu Shaoting said with a half-smile, his eyes gradually growing deeper, “I think you’ve got a few things wrong.”

"First, my choice itself is part of Tianxu's credibility. I chose Wen Jia as my partner because of my absolute trust in her character, talent, and resilience. This trust can withstand any test."

“Second,” he said, his gaze heavy, each word carrying an invisible pressure, “watch your words. I don’t want to hear any more words with a preconceived negative connotation associated with my fiancée.”

All eyes in the audience were immediately focused on the reporter, then quickly turned to the man on the stage.

They thought he would, as he had done years ago, deftly gloss over the issues with impeccable business jargon, remaining detached from subjectivity and emotion, skillfully separating personal feelings from company interests.

But at this moment, this undisguised and protective answer caught them somewhat off guard.

The reporter opened his mouth again, but didn't say a word. In the end, under Xu Shaoting's calm but imposing gaze, he sat down and handed the microphone to someone else.

Then another question arose: "Mr. Xu, what were your considerations in choosing to announce your engagement publicly at the airport? Was it to respond to rumors, or to convey some kind of message?"

This question seems straightforward at first glance, but upon closer examination, it contains a subtle provocation.

In an instant, a sense of stagnation, a mixture of shock and anticipation, filled the air, and even the ants in the corner dared not crawl any further.

Xu Shaoting looked at the reporter who asked the question, his eyes calm and unwavering. "The consideration is very simple. I'm just using my own way to tell everyone that from now on, anyone or anything that tries to harass Ms. Wen Jia, question her, or even harm her in an inappropriate manner will be punished," Xu Shaoting said, word by word, under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

"They all have to get past me first."

He didn't raise his voice, but his words struck the hearts of everyone in the audience like a heavy hammer.

Everyone knows that he rarely makes such subjective remarks in public.

The keyboard clicks stopped, the shutter sounds ceased, the flashbulbs stopped flashing, and the hall fell silent. The VIPs sat there, but seemed somewhat at a loss.

Xu Shaoting calmly scanned the various expressions on the faces of the people below the stage; he knew all too well what they were thinking.

"Any more questions?"

No one dared to raise their hand anymore. Even the media outlets that had previously made things difficult for Wen Jia didn't dare to lift their heads, let alone ask any questions.

It's good enough if they aren't held accountable on the spot.

The press conference lasted about an hour, during which Xu Shaoting calmly answered all the questions, providing a cool analysis of the business aspects and skillfully handling matters related to the marriage.

Finally, he delivered his concluding remarks.

"Thank you all again for coming. I only want to say two things today: First, the operation of Tianxu Group will not change because of my personal situation. Second, my engagement to Ms. Wen Jia is based on our feelings for each other, which is the most precious part of my personal life."

He stood up, nodded slightly, and said, "That's enough about my private life. I hope everyone can focus more on Tianxu's future business development. Thank you."

After speaking, ignoring the questions from the audience, he turned and left the stage with a straight and composed back view, while buttoning his suit jacket, protected by Lin Youzhe and others.

Almost at the same moment his figure disappeared behind the door, the sound of keyboards clattering in the banquet hall erupted again, more intense than ever before.

The editors' fingers flew across the keyboards, their faces beaming with excitement as the titles on their computer screens were constantly being revised and finalized.

Tianxu Group has businesses spanning the globe, and Hong Kong, as a core and important market for its Asia-Pacific operations, naturally attracted media attention. However, this time, they clearly toned down their efforts:

Within ten minutes of the press conference ending, news from major media outlets flooded the internet.

...

When we returned to the manor, it was just past ten in the morning.

The breakfast on the table was untouched and had long since gone cold. He glanced at it and asked the maid, "She didn't touch it?"

"The young mistress is still not awake."

Xu Shaoting smiled knowingly, took off his suit jacket, and walked towards the spiral staircase.

Wen Jia was originally going to go to the press conference with him, but Xu Shaoting did not agree.

He knew all too well the nature of those media outlets; even if they didn't dare to be outspoken, they couldn't help but make veiled accusations and speak with hidden barbs.

He couldn't bear to let her hear a single word, nor did he want her to face him for even a moment.

He can shield her from it.

In the master bedroom, the pure white thin blanket was slightly raised, and she was still sleeping in the same position he had when he left.

Wen Jia was awakened by a kiss.

Xu Shaoting changed into his bathrobe, his warm chest pressing against her back. He gently turned her over, pulling her into his arms, and lowered his head to kiss her lips, inhaling her sweet scent. Half-asleep, she was exceptionally docile, closing her eyes and letting him take what he wanted.

He kissed her for a long time before finally letting go, and then let out a deep sigh—

I should have known better than to hold a press conference; meeting those media people is worse than staying home and sleeping with her.

"You're back... How did the press conference go? Did it go smoothly?" She snuggled into his arms, still not fully awake, her first thought was of him, "Did they give you any trouble?"

He chuckled softly, "They wouldn't dare."

She gave a soft "Mmm," and asked, "What did you say to them?"

"I'm telling everyone, you're my wife." He hugged her tightly and let out a long sigh of relief. "No one will dare to make things difficult for you anymore."

Sleepiness vanished without a trace, her heart filled with warmth. She looked up and kissed him, saying, "Thank you."

Xu Shaoting took a deep sniff until the sweet floral and fruity scent emanating from her filled his lungs before asking with satisfaction, "Do you know what day it is today?"

She shook her head, bewildered and confused.

"Today is my birthday, baby."

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with confusion, then lowered her head apologetically, "I haven't even had time to prepare a gift yet... I'm sorry... I'll be there every year from now on."

Xu Shaoting chuckled and hugged her even tighter. "You've already given me the best gift." He gently pecked her lips. "Our marriage is the best gift."

She deliberately shook her head, "Not enough."

"What's not enough?"

Make a wish.

To be fair, he shouldn't have any desires.

A wish is a luxury that cannot be obtained, but he has everything and asks for nothing.

After much thought, I finally came up with something that suited my taste: "It's enough that you're by my side."

"That's easy." Wen Jia looked up at him, her eyes glistening with tears. "Why don't you go home early today and celebrate your birthday?"

I promise you.

He lay with her for a while, coaxing her back to sleep. Then Lin Youzhe called. He got up, changed into a shirt, and while tying his tie, leaned down to kiss her. "Sleep a little longer, I'm going to the company now."

She slept until eleven o'clock.

She had a short event this afternoon: the new VELRA store was opening at Linzhou Building, and as the spokesperson, she was to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event ended at 4:30 pm.

Xu Shaoting usually leaves the company around 7 or 8 pm. She originally planned to go back to the manor to wait for him, but halfway there, she changed her mind and instructed Lin Youzhe to drive to Yunxi.

The Maybach was already parked in the Yunxi garage when she hesitantly asked, "Would it be inappropriate for me to go to the company like this?"

Lin Youzhe smiled, "It's very suitable."

"I mean... wouldn't that be too high-profile?"

"Ms. Wen, rest assured, Chairman Xu will only be happy to see you."

Although everyone in Yunxi knew about the boss's relationship with the female celebrity, if you were to ask who had actually witnessed it, probably only the two young girls at the front desk would have the right to speak.

No one in the company knew she was coming. When she walked into the company gate with Lin Youzhe, the receptionist was talking to her colleague about it. As soon as she saw her, she immediately fell silent.

Despite having seen her several times, the young girl still couldn't bear to blink. It was unclear whether this was because it was the first time they had seen Miss Lü without her full protective gear, or because it was the first time they had seen Wen Jia in person.

As soon as the elevator doors closed, the young girl hurriedly sent a message to a large group chat with hundreds of people:

"Guess who I saw!!!"

"Who is it? Why are they so agitated? It can't be his wife, can it?"

"!!! That's right, going up with Secretary Lin, those on the top floor are lucky!"

Xu Shaoting had been frequently on leave recently. After his official return, he was inundated with clients and held a series of meetings. When Wen Jia arrived at the top floor, he was completely unaware of this and was sitting in the conference room listening to his subordinates speak.

Until Lin Youzhe came in and whispered something in his ear.

He solemnly glanced at his watch and interrupted, "That's all for now. Further reports will be arranged later."

His tone was unhurried, but the slight smile at the corner of his mouth and the casual gesture of glancing at his watch revealed a hint of his good mood.

Yuan Qihua subtly reminded him from the side, "Chairman Xu, it's only been half an hour..."

"That's enough for now." The tone left no room for negotiation.

Yuan Qihua wasn't in the small group, so naturally he was unaware of the lively scene inside:

"Haha, off to see my wife!"

"Mr. Yuan, you're incredibly audacious! Aren't you afraid of losing your head?"

"Chairman Xu is just putting on a brave face."

"Could the chairman's wife come more often? I really don't want to go to meetings."

The employees were very good at pretending, their fingers flying across the keyboard, but the huge conference room was completely silent.

Xu Shaoting stood up from his seat, leaving a group of employees behind, and strode out, where he saw the woman in the corridor.

She walked slowly and lightly, as if feeling guilty, until she saw his figure, and then it felt like she was stepping onto solid ground.

Xu Shaoting walked towards her step by step, took her hand, their fingers intertwined, and led her to his office as if no one else was around.

The employees dared not look directly at him; their eyelids fluttered, and they glanced sideways, unwilling to look away.

They are such a perfect match.

The two were wearing the same brand and style of trench coat, but his coat was open, making him appear tall and straight, while her trench coat was belted, and her slender waist was held in his arms, barely a handful.

Even their leather shoes and high heels had the same red soles, appearing and disappearing intermittently as they walked.

The subordinate, carrying documents, walked towards him without daring to look up. He respectfully greeted, "Hello, Chairman Xu," and quickly added, "Hello, Madam Chairman."

He spoke those few words as if they were hot as a candle.

"Good afternoon," she replied.

Xu Shaoting noticed her fingers tightening and glanced at her sideways. "Nervous?"

"No, it's just that this is the first time I've appeared at the company so openly... I'm a little unaccustomed to it."

"Then you'll have to get used to it; you might have to come here often in the future."

After he finished speaking, the door to the Dong office closed.

His office uses frosted glass; with the press of a button, the view inside is completely obscured from view.

Seeing that they were now separated, Wen Jia suddenly threw herself into his arms, wrapped her arms tightly around him, and looked up to kiss him.

He loosened the belt of her trench coat and grasped her slender waist in her evening gown with his large hand. The unexpected feel of the material made him glance down at her.

"You came to see me without even changing your clothes?"

Wen Jia didn't answer, and neither of them spoke, only kissing quietly for a while.

After what seemed like an eternity, he finally released her, picked her up, and placed her on his desk. "Why did you suddenly come over?"

"I miss you... but you won't be off work for a long time..." She buried her head in his neck, trying to distract him, while reaching into his trench coat pocket and clutching a small velvet box.

As he spoke, his lips covered mine again.

She was forced to lean back, panicked and without any support, she reached back with her hands and, in her daze, touched a cold remote control.

I pressed the largest button.

Suddenly, the frosted glass in the office returned to its transparent state, without a sound.

He was so engrossed in the kiss that he didn't notice, while she, with her back to the glass, was completely unaware.

All the employees at their workstations turned to look.

In an instant, everyone—whether drinking water, talking, or working—froze in their tracks, and countless documents slipped from their hands.

They saw the chairman's wife sitting on the desk, the man with one arm propped up beside her and the other around her waist, caressing her tenderly. Their kiss could only be described as lingering and inseparable.

What was once a solemn and dignified desk has now become a warm cradle of their tender love...

This scene was undoubtedly a second blow to the employees who had witnessed the online meeting controversy.

The entire floor became eerily quiet; even the sound of papers hitting the ground could be clearly heard.

Xu Shaoting was so engrossed in the kiss that he couldn't see her subtle movements.

But the employees could see it all clearly—

Wen Jia slowly opened her eyes, reached her hand out of her trench coat pocket, opened the velvet box, and a men's ring lay quietly inside.

She took it out and, quietly and slowly, slipped the ring onto the ring finger of the hand that was resting on the edge of the table.

And so, unwittingly, under the gaze of countless eyes, she put the ring on his finger.

He only opened his eyes when he felt the cool touch, meeting her clear, smiling gaze.

Xu Shaoting was stunned for once, and looked down at his ring finger.

The platinum ring had a simple design, yet it shimmered with a warm luster under the light, fitting perfectly on his finger.

The setting sun outside the window was intense, and its orange-red afterglow shone through the clear glass, giving the ring a glossy edge.

It also illuminated countless stunned faces outside.

He glanced sideways, instantly understanding what had happened, but paid no attention to those gazes, only looking deeply into her eyes: "When did you prepare this?"

“I picked it up on the way to the ribbon-cutting ceremony today. I ordered it a long time ago, originally planning to surprise you tonight. But making it a birthday gift like this seems even more surprising?” She wrapped her arms around him, her smile deepening. “How could I forget your birthday? I always remember…”

As soon as she finished speaking, she heard a sudden soft sound. Just as she was about to turn her head to look outside, Xu Shaoting stopped her without saying a word.

He kissed her again. This time it wasn't a tender kiss like before, but a deep and lingering one, carrying a forceful declaration.

He just kept kissing them while giving the group outside a warning look.

Finally, someone outside the door came to their senses, hurriedly lowering their head and pretending to work. The sounds of picking up paper, coughing, and chairs being dragged could be heard, but they couldn't hide their flushed faces.

Even after the kiss ended, she was still reluctant to leave and chased after him, captivated by his presence.

He pressed his forehead against hers and said deliberately, "You're trying to trap me in front of the whole company."

Wen Jia caught the deeper meaning in his words and suddenly looked back. Unfortunately, the moment she turned her head, Xu Shaoting pressed a button on the remote control, and the frosted glass turned back to frosted.

"Why are you so nervous?" he asked calmly.

Wen Jia's lips were still glistening with tears, and she was still in shock. "...I'm afraid your subordinates will see."

"What if they actually saw it?"

His voice held a hint of amusement as he gently stroked her flushed cheeks with his fingers. Far from being flustered, he appeared remarkably composed.

Wen Jia blinked, her long eyelashes trembling slightly: "Then...then won't your image be ruined?"

He smiled slowly and deliberately, "Is it my image that's ruined, or yours?"

The usually aloof and reserved female celebrity was being held in a man's arms and kissed! Wen Jia couldn't even imagine it, her voice muffled, "It's okay, we'll lose face together anyway..."

"Is it shameful for you to wear a ring on my finger?"

"You're the one who's more embarrassing. The dignified Chairman Xu is trapped by a woman, and the whole company has to watch."

He leaned close to her ear and whispered slowly, "I couldn't ask for more."

Now she really panicked, clutching his trench coat tightly, as if trying to escape from his embrace, "...They really saw it?"

But it was too late to escape. Xu Shaoting held her captive and patiently coaxed, "No, baby, they didn't see anything."

He had complete confidence in his subordinates and immediately pressed the button.

Wen Jia looked outside and, sure enough, the employees were all sitting upright in their seats, each doing their job, everything was normal, as if the terrifying scene just now had never happened.

She just didn't see the amused and satisfied smile on the man's face behind her.

"Are you relieved?"

Of course, she had no idea that she was being kept in the dark like Truman, and she naively nodded.

"Okay, you said you'd leave work early and go home today, you can't go back on your word."

"I won't break my promise. I'll take you home now." Xu Shaoting leaned on her, rummaged through the pile of documents on the table, and led her out of the office.

Outside the door, the employees' hearts were still pounding when they saw the boss come out again.

No one dared to speak out of turn, no one dared to believe what had just happened in the office, and no one would have imagined that the usually stern and composed Chairman Xu would lose control in the office and pull someone into his arms for a kiss!

The employees were in turmoil, but Xu Shaoting ignored their unusual behavior today.

He seemed to be in a great mood, walking briskly with a smile on his face, as if holding her in his arms was more important than anything else.

Xu Shaoting glanced casually at his workstation and then said, "Everyone can leave work early."

As he spoke, he waved his hand, and without a doubt, he was raising the hand that had just put on the ring.

-

By the time they returned to the manor, dusk had already fallen.

The living room lights were off, but the maid had already prepared the cake, with a few candles flickering on it, casting a dim, hazy glow.

Xu Shaoting sat down on the sofa with the person in his arms.

"Let's not eat the cake yet," he said softly, his voice carrying a hint of something she couldn't decipher.

She was confused. "Why?"

He merely curled the corners of his lips into a smile without answering.

“You’re the boss today,” she snuggled against him obediently, “Make a wish?”

"We already made the promise this morning, didn't we?"

“Wishes won’t come true if you say them out loud,” Wen Jia said regretfully. “It seems you really don’t celebrate your birthday much…”

Xu Shaoting smiled knowingly, finding her expression quite amusing. He tapped her nose and said, "Hmm, the last time you celebrated your birthday was on your coming-of-age day."

"Eighteen years old?"

"Um."

She suddenly remembered that in the photo album Daniel had given her, there was a picture of him sitting in front of a cake.

The man in the photo is wearing a neatly ironed shirt, and his eyes still show a hint of youthful innocence, but you can already see his current features.

Golden candles adorned the cake, their wax dripping almost solid. His hand rested casually on the long table covered with a white tablecloth, his wrist bones prominent and his fingers long and slender.

This is the hand that is now wearing the wedding ring.

“I’ve seen it.” Her tone carried a hint of pride.

Xu Shaoting was slightly taken aback and looked at her questioningly.

"In that photo album," Wen Jia couldn't contain her curiosity, "did you make a wish on your eighteenth birthday?"

"It's granted."

"What did you wish for? At eighteen, do you want to be in a relationship?" she asked deliberately.

By the dim candlelight, he took her hand in his, cupped it in his palm, and kissed it gently again and again.

"You're only twelve or thirteen years old, how can I talk to you about this?"

Wen Jia had never heard such sweet words before. She pursed her lips, but couldn't suppress the upward curve of her mouth. Her cheeks also flushed, probably from the candlelight.

"So my wish at the time was that you would grow up quickly so that we could date."

“You’re lying,” she said, her expression almost overflowing with sweetness. “You didn’t even know me back then.”

Hsu Shao-ting smiled frankly and readily admitted, "My real wish is to meet someone I love in return."

"Couldn't you be more specific? Beautiful? Considerate? Sensible? Smart?"

Xu Shaoting gazed deeply at her, "No, there is only love. There is no need for specifics. No matter what you are like, I will love you."

She originally wanted to ask if he was afraid of wishing for someone else, but he broke the rules by saying "you" instead of "her." Every word he said struck a chord with her heart.

“Looking back now, I’m very lucky,” he added in a low voice. “You’re beautiful, thoughtful, and smart.”

"And there's another sensible one...why don't you mention him?"

She only realized she had spoken too quickly after the words were out.

Xu Shaoting gave her a meaningful look, "Because I don't want you to be sensible."

His voice was deep, tinged with a barely perceptible tenderness, blending into the dim candlelight. That light danced in his deep eyes, so focused that it seemed to illuminate only her.

Wen Jia felt a slight shiver run through her as if she had been gently burned by his gaze and words, a subtle tremor spreading from her hand that he held. She instinctively tried to pull her fingers away, but he held her even tighter.

"Why?" she asked softly, as if afraid of disturbing the moment.

“Being sensible means being patient, it means compromising yourself,” he said, his fingertips stroking the wedding ring on her ring finger. The metal was slightly cool, but it was quickly warmed by the heat of their bodies. “You don’t need it here, and you won’t need it in front of anyone else in the future.”

“You can be willful, you can act spoiled, you can cause trouble,” he said with endless indulgence, “I will support you.”

These words were not unfounded. From the moment she said at the airport that she felt "very unfamiliar," he wanted to tell her.

Her first reaction was that she was a stranger. He was quite surprised at that moment.

He didn't delve into how the media had treated her in the past, nor could he bear to. He only knew that she must have sensibly endured everything over the past few years.

Criticism, rumors, and even more malicious slander. She endured so much all by herself.

This has always been how things are in this circle; he knows it and has witnessed it firsthand.

But so what?

From now on, he would protect her. Protect her for the rest of his life. He swore he could do it.

Even this morning's press conference seemed to reflect this sentiment.

Whether they know what's good for them or not, gathering all the media together is much easier than issuing warnings to them one by one.

"Okay, this is my wish for this year. Can it come true?"

She suddenly realized, "So you're holding a press conference today..."

“Yes,” Xu Shaoting confirmed.

All the hard shell she had been maintaining silently crumbled under his words. She was actually a little aggrieved, but she suppressed it, revealing only a hint of coquettishness that she herself didn't realize, and said softly, "I was being immature, so you'll have to work hard."

"I couldn't ask for more." Xu Shaoting chuckled lightly, agreeing readily, and leaned closer. "My wish has been fulfilled so well, so I have to pay some price."

Wen Jia smiled slightly, then immediately became unruly and bossily ordered the birthday boy, "I want to eat cake, you go cut it."

Xu Shaoting smiled and shook his head, "Perfect timing, I want to eat it too."

She didn't catch the subtext of Xu Shaoting's words, nor did she notice his gradually deepening gaze, his increasingly hot body temperature, or his increasingly disordered breathing as he spoke.

He picked up a slice of cake, looked at her, and didn't put it in his mouth.

"Why aren't you eating?" she asked, still clueless, even after she was already in the hunter's hands.

He squinted at his "cake," his tone suddenly becoming dangerously suggestive, "How about we eat it another way?"

Before Wen Jia could react, a cool, creamy substance was smeared on her lips. Then, he leaned down and gently kissed her.

"..."

Like a rabbit that has stumbled into a wolf's den, she was at a loss and could only mechanically feed herself cake, trying to hide her panic.

With her mouth stuffed full, she spoke indistinctly, calling him a pervert, "We agreed to eat cake..."

She should have realized long ago that his suggestion of "alternative methods" was never a proper way at all!

Xu Shaoting deliberately paused for a few seconds, as if intentionally waiting for her to take a few more bites of cake, before saying meaningfully, "You eat the cake, and I eat you, isn't that the same?"

"..."

So later, the cream not only appeared on her lips, but also spread to her neck, collarbone, and chest... which he kissed away one by one and tasted.

Wen Jia finally understood why he had said he wouldn't eat cake in the first place...

She began to lose consciousness, but instead of being pitied, she was subjected to even more intense consumption.

...

Finally, she was covered in cream.

Of course, it's not just the cream on the cake.