81 Xu Junheng's Nighttime Concern
As Wen Xueyan stood up, she picked up the shirt, her fingertips tracing the missing button, her tone slightly reproachful: "Your masterpiece last night. How am I supposed to go out today? The baby's fever has completely subsided, and I was planning to go to work. What am I going to do now? Besides, this shirt cost over five hundred yuan; you have to compensate me."
Cheng Boyan paused slightly, his hand fastening his cufflinks, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes. "I'd buy you ten more." He took two steps closer, his gaze landing on the shirt in her hand. "Xi Mingyuan never seems to buy you clothes?"
"Of course not," Wen Xueyan replied. "He's always been stingy."
"Then I should thank him for his stinginess." Cheng Boyan's lips curled into a slight smile as he took her hand and led her towards the dressing room. "This gives me a chance to make amends."
He pushed open the heavy wooden door, and a row of custom-made wardrobes slowly unfolded. Wen Xueyan was stunned. From business suits to everyday clothes, from silk dresses to cashmere coats, the colors were elegantly matched and the tailoring was exquisite—all were her style.
These are...
"I prepared this a month ago, after checking you for any injuries," Cheng Boyan said in a low, calm voice. "That day, I only caught a fleeting glance and noticed a change in your figure, but I didn't have time to confirm it." His fingertips lightly traced a row of underwear compartments. "So I prepared your previous measurements, as well as the sizes I felt were possible later."
Wen Xueyan then noticed that the lingerie section was neatly arranged with three sizes, from her previous A to her current C. The lace and silk shimmered with a delicate luster in the morning light, and even the matching scarves and shirts were all available.
*
At noon, Wen Xueyan sat in the conference room of Shiming Group.
At today's negotiating table, she worked with Project Director Li Ziyang, using precise technical analysis and meticulous business logic to successfully secure the exclusive domestic agency rights for valves from the American company MAE for the group.
At this moment, Xi Mingyuan sent her a WeChat message: "I've seen someone post about it on WeChat Moments. You did a great job. I'm returning to China today and will be at the company in ten minutes. We've been fighting for the MAE distribution rights for two years."
After putting down her phone and greeting the MAE executives, Wen Xueyan walked out of the conference room and saw a group of people surrounding Cheng Boyan as they passed by in the corridor.
He was dressed in a dark gray bespoke suit, his steps steady, and he was whispering something to his secretary, Qiao Lanyue. The vice president of MAE Company saw him and immediately greeted him warmly: "President Cheng! What a coincidence to meet you here."
Cheng Boyan stopped, shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with the other party, but his gaze seemed to casually sweep over the agreement folder in Wen Xueyan's hand. The senior executives behind him looked grave, one of them reporting in a low voice, "President Cheng, Shiming Group just signed an exclusive agency agreement for MAE valves today. Although we've been trying to secure it for over a year, but..."
Cheng Boyan turned to look at the executive, a hint of displeasure flashing across his face.
Wen Xueyan's heart tightened suddenly. She had never heard Cheng Boyan mention that his company was also vying for this project. At this moment, he was completely different from the man who had whispered in her ear last night. There was no warmth in his deep eyes, his cold profile was taut, and he exuded a low-pressure aura.
"Congratulations." A few seconds later, Cheng Boyan quickly adjusted his expression and nodded slightly to the MAE Vice President. "I hope there will be opportunities for cooperation in the future."
His gaze swept over Wen Xueyan again, fleeting as if it were an illusion; he didn't speak to her. In the business world, he remained the awe-inspiring CEO Cheng.
"President Cheng, President Xi said we should go directly to the VIP reception room and wait a moment. He will be there soon. He is looking forward to discussing the LDPE low-density polyethylene project with you in person," said the vice president of Shiming Group to Cheng Boyan.
"Okay." Cheng Boyan maintained a completely businesslike attitude, not even slowing down as he passed Wen Xueyan.
Wen Xueyan felt that he was a stranger again, and even a little afraid of him.
Two hours later, Wen Xueyan was processing technical documents in her office when her subordinate technician Zhang Jiahu came to report on his work. She casually brought up the valve project.
Technician Zhang lowered his voice: "The Cheng Group has been preparing for a long time to secure the MAE agency rights. During your maternity leave, they even sent a special representative to the US to negotiate. Now that we've won the agency rights, and given that their CEO Cheng is known for his strictness, those responsible will likely face accountability."
"I understand, you can go ahead and get busy," Wen Xueyan said.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, Wen Xueyan received a call from Qiao Lanyue, Cheng Boyan's secretary, inviting her to the VIP reception room. She pushed open the door, anticipating the questions she might face, and even prepared her defense in her mind. She really didn't know that the Cheng Group was also competing for this project, after all, she was only responsible for the technical aspects.
However, the moment the door closed behind her, Cheng Boyan stepped forward and gently grasped her wrist.
"Are you afraid of me?" he suddenly asked, his voice much softer than at noon.
Wen Xueyan stood there, stunned: "MAE's project, I didn't know you were involved too..."
Cheng Boyan reached out and gently brushed a stray hair from her forehead, his movement natural. "You won the MAE project fair and square." His fingertips lightly traced her cheek. "It was my people who weren't prepared enough. Our Cheng Group and Shiming Group are mainly here today to discuss other projects. In the business world, success depends on ability. Your victory proves my judgment in choosing people."
His words were unexpectedly gentle. She looked up and met his smiling eyes, where the coldness of midday was gone, replaced by the tenderness she knew.
"I just... didn't expect you to be vying for this project as well," Wen Xueyan said.
Cheng Boyan leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, like a butterfly's wing brushing against her: "I was originally scheduled to leave on a business trip yesterday, but you and the baby finally came home, and I couldn't bear to leave, so I postponed it. President Xi is back in the country today, so I should get going too." His tone grew more serious, "If Xu Junheng dares to cause you trouble while I'm away, you must inform me immediately. However, we shouldn't interfere in his relationship with your cousin; things might not turn out the way you expect..."
Wen Xueyan nodded, and he gently pulled her closer by the waist.
"I'm always clear-cut in official matters," Cheng Boyan said in a low voice, "but there's one thing in particular where I'm very petty and calculating."
"What?"
His kiss landed on Wen Xueyan's neck. "From now on, I won't allow any other man to touch you. Your body, your heart, can only belong to me."
As she left work, Wen Xueyan stood by the office window, her phone spinning in her palm. The image of her cousin, Wen Haijing, lingered in her mind, but Cheng Boyan's words from lunchtime still echoed in her ears: "She's already eighteen. Don't interfere until she contacts you directly."
Finally, she put away her phone and went back with Xi Mingyuan to pick up the child and head to the Xi family's old house.
The Xi family's dinner appeared harmonious; under the crystal chandelier, the clinking of cutlery created a pleasant sound. Grandma Xi kept serving Wen Xueyan food, her words filled with affection. However, Wen Xueyan keenly noticed a hidden gaze across the table—Grandpa Xi's illegitimate son, who had grown up away from home, was silently observing their every interaction.
She and Xi Mingyuan played the role of a loving couple with perfect harmony. He peeled shrimp for her, and she served him soup. Every detail was impeccable.
However, Wen Xueyan always felt that there was a hint of tension in the air.
On the return trip, Xi Mingyuan leaned back in his car seat, relaxed. "Our agreement expires in nine months. Thank you for your cooperation during this time. And your work ability has been outstanding. I hope you'll continue working at the company after our divorce. Of course, if your husband, Mr. Cheng, wants you to work for his company, I won't stop him. My parents don't like doing business; they're away doing geological research year-round. You've almost become part of my family. Things have been relatively peaceful lately, but we need to be careful. There might be some trouble before my grandfather finally relinquishes control."
"Okay." Wen Xueyan looked out the window at the rapidly receding neon lights.
After returning home and settling the child to sleep, Wen Xueyan saw several missed calls, all from her cousin. She hadn't heard them because she was on silent mode at the banquet that evening.
Wen Xueyan called back, but no one answered.
*
Wen Haijing was at a loss tonight, hesitating whether to tell her cousin about it.
Wen Haijing was unsure whether to keep the child.
She didn't dare tell her parents. She sensed that her parents only favored her brother, and she had a premonition that her parents wouldn't consider her feelings much. Instead, they might try to extort money from Xu Junheng because of it.
She made three phone calls, but her cousin Wen Xueyan did not answer.
So Wen Haijing put down her phone, went to the dormitory bathroom to take a shower, and fell into memories.
During the second week of tutoring, Xu Junheng maintained a proper distance. He would quietly sit in his study handling official business while she explained homework to the child, and he would politely nod at the end of the lesson before having the nanny see her out; he didn't drive her. It wasn't raining that day, and she took the bus back to school by herself.
On Tuesday evening, Wen Haijing's mother called. A sobbing voice came from the other end of the line: "Jingjing, we borrowed money for your brother's dowry, and now the debt collectors are here again. You've already given the family over a thousand this month. Mom knows it's not easy for you, but..."
After hanging up the phone, Wen Haijing stood on the dormitory balcony for a long time. The night breeze was cool, but it couldn't dispel the heaviness in her heart. Her roommate, Su Su, noticed her distress and tentatively asked, "Want to come work part-time at a bar with me? You can earn five hundred yuan a night, or even more."
Wen Haijing hesitated. But thinking of her mother's phone call, she finally nodded.
Inside the private room of the "Purple" bar, the lighting was dim and the music was deafening. Wen Hai awkwardly carried a tray, feeling uncomfortable with the murky air and the unabashed gazes of the other guests.
She discovered that Xu Junheng was also in the private room.
Xu Junheng was sitting in the center of the sofa, a cigarette between his fingers. His profile looked particularly cold and stern in the swirling smoke. There were several other men beside him.
"Go have a drink with Mr. Qian over there." The supervisor gave her a push from behind.
Wen Haijing staggered forward and sat down timidly.
Xu Junheng watched coldly without saying anything.
A few minutes later, Mr. Qian's greasy hand immediately wrapped around her waist. She instinctively tried to dodge, but was pulled back even more forcefully.
"New here? Don't be afraid, little sister..." Boss Qian's laughter made her dizzy.
Just then, Xu Junheng suddenly stubbed out his cigarette, stood up, and grabbed Wen Haijing's wrist. "Come with me."
Mr. Qian was stunned: "Mr. Xu, what's going on?"
"My friend." Xu Junheng said casually, then pulled Wen Haijing and walked straight out of the private room.
It wasn't until she was shoved into that familiar black sedan that Wen Haijing came to her senses. The car was quiet. Xu Junheng didn't start the engine, but turned to look at her: "Short on cash?"
Wen Haijing lowered her head. This silence was the best answer.
"Add me on WeChat." Xu Junheng took out his phone. "I'll transfer 20,000 yuan to you now."
Seeing that she remained silent, he added, "Don't worry, I won't rush you to pay it back, but there's only one condition."
"What are the conditions?"
"Don't work part-time at bars anymore. You're not suited for that kind of work," Xu Junheng replied.
"Are there any other conditions?" Wen Haijing found it hard to believe.
"No." Xu Junheng shook his head directly.
Although she wasn't entirely sure what the man was thinking, she thought of her mother being pressured by debt collectors back home, and finally took out her phone and scanned his QR code. The transfer notification sounded quickly, and the amount made her heart race.
"I've been drinking, so I'm calling a designated driver." Xu Junheng's tone remained calm and gentle, as if he wasn't the one who had forcefully taken her away in the private room just now.
The designated driver dropped them off at the school gate. As before, Xu Junheng told the driver to drive away after she got out of the car, without saying anything more.
That night, Wen Haijing transferred 20,000 yuan to her mother. Hearing her mother's relieved sigh on the other end of the phone, her feelings were complicated and hard to describe.
She thought Xu Junheng would use this as an excuse to ask for something, and even worried that he would ask to book a hotel room. But for a whole week, his WeChat was as quiet as if it didn't exist.
The following weekend, during her tutoring session, Wen Haijing felt groggy due to insomnia and a chill from the previous night. Her voice was hoarse as she explained the problems.
"Are you feeling unwell?" Xu Junheng suddenly asked as she was about to leave, his gaze falling on her flushed face.
"fine..."
"You might have a fever." He frowned, immediately stood up, and said, "I'll take you to the hospital."
Night had fallen, and only a few patients remained in the hospital's infusion room. Wen Haijing leaned against the cold plastic chair back, watching the medicine drip into her veins, one drop at a time, through the transparent tube.
Xu Junheng sat next to her, the cold light from his phone screen illuminating his sharply defined profile.
"You...you don't need to stay with me." Wen Haijing's voice was very soft. "Where is the child's mother? I didn't see her on my two subsequent trips to class."
Xu Junheng looked up from his phone screen, his tone frank and undisguised: "I don't know where she is tonight. Our marriage is a business arrangement, an open relationship; we each do our own thing and don't interfere with each other, but we won't get a divorce."
This answer stunned Wen Haijing.
Wen Haijing sneezed.
"Are you cold?" Xu Junheng suddenly asked, taking off his suit jacket before she could answer and gently draping it over her shoulders. The jacket still retained the warmth of his body and the faint scent of cigars.
Wen Haijing pulled her coat tighter around herself and whispered a thank you. Xu Junheng simply nodded slightly, but every now and then he would look up to check the remaining amount in the IV bag.
At 2 a.m., the IV drip finally finished. Xu Junheng rang the bell to call the nurse and carefully inquired about the precautions.
"The dorms should be closed by now." As he walked out of the hospital, Xu Junheng glanced at his watch. "I'll get you a room at a nearby hotel."
Wen Haijing wanted to refuse, but a wave of dizziness almost made her lose her balance, and besides, the dormitory building must have been closed by now. Xu Junheng caught her arm just in time, supporting her with just the right amount of strength without being overly intimate.
Upon arriving at the hotel, Wen Haijing didn't bring her ID card and simply stood in the lobby waiting for him. Xu Junheng could only book a suite.
"It's too late, and I don't want to go home. You sleep in the bedroom, and I'll sleep in the living room. Remember to lock your bedroom door from the inside, or you'll think I'm a nice guy." Xu Junheng handed her her schoolbag and walked towards the sofa in the living room without looking back.
Wen Haijing went into the bedroom, locked the door, and lay down on the soft bed.
Xu Junheng really didn't come to bother them.
In fact, Xu Junheng tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep immediately. He had dated many girlfriends, but he felt that Wen Haijing was too innocent, and he didn't want to, or rather, couldn't bring himself to, make a move on her, so he specifically told her to lock the door.
The next morning, Wen Haijing woke up to find her fever completely gone. She gently pushed open the bedroom door and saw Xu Junheng lying fully clothed on the sofa. Morning light streamed through the gaps in the curtains, illuminating his sleeping face.
At that moment, an indescribable emotion surged within her!
Growing up in a family that favored sons over daughters, she had never been cared for so meticulously by a man.
In her memory, her father was almost always cursing at her. When she was young and sick, her parents would only complain that she was a burden and even tell her to get through it on her own instead of taking her to the hospital.
She tiptoed over to him, wanting to cover him with the blanket that had slipped off.
Xu Junheng suddenly opened his eyes, and the moment their eyes met, Wen Haijing hurriedly sat up.
"I...I just wanted to cover you with a blanket," she stammered as she explained.
Xu Junheng sat up and rubbed his temples. "Has your fever gone down?" After receiving an affirmative answer, he glanced at the time. "I'll drive you back to school."
On the way back, both of them remained silent. It wasn't until the car stopped at the school gate that Xu Junheng spoke: "In the future, if you're not feeling well, tell me immediately. Don't push yourself. You can ask for leave from your tutoring classes."
Wen Haijing nodded, and before getting out of the car, she couldn't help but turn back: "Mr. Xu, thank you."
Xu Junheng didn't say anything and drove away directly.
Welcome all readers and fans to leave comments and vote! Thank you for your support.
I want to see autumn!
Okay, received. Thank you for your message.
I think Mr. Cheng is right. Don't interfere before the other party asks for help.
But what if Mr. Xu can't get a divorce? What will happen to the child if she stays? She's still in university.
Thank you for your comment, it's very heartwarming.
Yes, that's precisely the difference between her and Xueyan. After all, Xueyan is already working and financially independent, and President Cheng will marry her sooner or later. Thank you for your comment.
I feel it's better not to keep them. Their relationship won't last. The man isn't good enough, and the child will become an unbreakable bond between them.
Thank you for your comment. Your consideration is very thorough. This relationship is different from the female lead's; Jingjing's situation is actually influenced by her family of origin.
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