In his entire life, he had never lowered his head to a woman. Yet at this moment, the voice trapped in his throat—

“Look at me.”

It was almost spoken aloud. Because of this, he had no choice but to grip Su Hao’s wrist tightly. Caught off guard, Su Hao nearly stumbled in her heels. Seeing Zhou Yang’s face clearly, she felt momentarily dazed.

It had probably been over a month since they last saw each other, after she had ended things with him.

“President Zhou, may I ask what the matter is?” Su Hao’s tone remained distant and composed, cool as the night.

Because her wrist was held, she instinctively brought her hands together in front of her chest. The curve of her collarbone followed the motion, creating a perfect arc. Zhou Yang’s eyes swept over it.

In that instant, Su Hao caught the look, and a mocking smile suddenly appeared on her lips. She yanked her wrist free and turned toward the residential complex.

Zhou Yang instinctively followed.

He watched her slender figure, wanting to step forward, wrap her in his arms, and trap her close.

But the memory of her smile moments ago flashed through his mind. His steps halted. Hands in his pockets, he watched the silhouette disappear at the staircase entrance.

She didn’t look back once.

And here he was—what was he doing?

Had he just… lowered his head to her?

His tongue pressed against his teeth.

The scent of alcohol lingered. Her shy, hesitant tongue—every kiss, she was always like that, never initiating, always hiding the tip.

She was really so innocent.

Zhou Yang’s tongue felt bitter.

He still refused to bow his head, gritting his teeth.

A few seconds later, he turned toward the Hummer, his hand on the door. Suddenly, the tall man pivoted, striding toward the staircase, three steps at a time. His shirt collar shifted slightly as he reached the third floor. Zhou Yang knocked on the door, and before it opened, he instinctively adjusted his collar.

The door opened.

Light spilled out.

But it was Cheng Ling who appeared, surprised to see him. “Zhou Yang, so late… what brings you here?”

Seeing her, Zhou Yang regained some composure. His long eyes flickered with a trace of a smile, lips curling. “Just passing by in the car, wanted to check if you’re settling in well.”

His gaze, however, swept the room. Being taller than Cheng Ling by about a head, he could see clearly.

The master bedroom door was open.

A shadow moved inside. She glanced out briefly upon hearing the sound, then returned her gaze casually.

That one look—Zhou Yang’s Adam’s apple rolled.

“Settling in? Your mother even came by yesterday afternoon to have a meal with us. I heard you’re on a business trip?” Cheng Ling’s spirits had improved these days with her daughter around. She smiled warmly at Zhou Yang.

“Yes, busy with work.” Zhou Yang couldn’t control his eyes, constantly darting toward the master bedroom. But the door was gently pushed closed by a slender hand.

His eyes narrowed.

Cheng Ling then realized, “Do come in, won’t you?” She stepped back two paces and invited him.

The man outside carried the chill of early autumn. His collar slightly undone, casual yet commanding. Cheng Ling didn’t know what to say, but she couldn’t refuse him entry. When his eyes squinted, they were almost intimidating.

Zhou Yang regained composure, looked at Cheng Ling, and with a glance toward the closed bedroom, smiled. “No, too late. The car’s still outside. Good night, Aunt Cheng.”

Cheng Ling breathed a sigh of relief. “Ah… good night.”

Zhou Yang smiled, fingertips brushing his brow, and turned to descend the stairs.

Cheng Ling paused two seconds, then closed the door.

Bang.

The hallway fell into darkness.

Zhou Yang reached into his pocket for a cigarette and lighter. Leaning against the wall, he lit a cigarette but didn’t smoke it, merely playing with it. His long fingers flipped it back and forth, the firelight briefly revealing a woman’s face—her little dimples and utterly intoxicating figure.

He was a man who indulged in desire.

He was exceptional.

But his heart, beating like a drum, had never been like this.

And it was she who caused it.

After the door closed, Cheng Ling thought of Zhou Yang smiling with his fingers at his brow. A man like this was truly a hazard. Seven feet tall, strong yet charming, his smile always carrying warmth, utterly impossible to ignore. He resembled Zhou Qinkai, but Zhou Qinkai was steady and refined, never smiled like this.

Who knew what had shaped Zhou Yang into the man he was today?

“Why did you suddenly close the door?” Cheng Ling noticed the master bedroom door open again. Su Hao appeared in her sleepwear.

“Yes,” she replied, holding her sleepwear, and went into the bathroom.

The shower filled the room with a faint fragrance. Even unused, the shower gel smelled lightly sweet. Cheng Ling wasn’t used to it; she only used soap, so the gel was Su Hao’s alone. Standing under warm water, Su Hao tilted her head back, thinking—was Zhou Yang thinking of her because he hadn’t… had her?

She looked just like Tang Rui when he regretted things.

These men—truly laughable.

Closing her eyes, she applied shampoo and washed her hair. White foam ran down her cheeks and shoulders. No matter how strong or sensible a person is, the heart is still soft. When Tang Rui had mentioned divorce, she was initially shaken, but knowing he had ambitions, she let her sadness last only one night, forgetting it the next day.

When Shen He wanted to give up, she understood his meaning. The words “shall we date?” stuck in her throat, waiting for him to speak. But being a naive boy, he hesitated. Eventually, Su Hao decided it was better she initiate. His lack of pursuit made her slightly sad.

Zhou Yang, however, was the only one who made her feel exhilarated. That kiss at her collarbone—below that, it was forbidden territory. He was probably very startled.

The moment she walked away, she felt the pleasure of holding the initiative in her own hands.

Yet at home, this man only went downstairs. She had predicted it, but with such precision, she couldn’t help but smile wryly.

She was indeed useless.

No one could hold onto her.

The water splashed.

Su Hao finished washing, rinsed off all the shampoo and shower gel, grabbed a large towel to dry herself, turned on the ventilation, put on her sleepwear, and stepped out of the bathroom.

Forget it.

Relying on herself was what mattered most.

“How was dinner with your new colleagues tonight?” Cheng Ling, stifling sleepiness, asked as soon as Su Hao emerged. Su Hao paused, turned off the TV, and asked, “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

“Curious about your new job.”

Su Hao nodded. “It’s great. They’re all very passionate people.”

Truly passionate. Her new company, called Meitong, had independently developed a shopping website, similar to Amazon but targeting Southeast Asia. It was a small company with only six people including Su Hao. The finance was handled by the boss’s wife, the boss managed operations, and three others were developers.

Su Hao was the first full-time export employee. Other export staff were scattered nationwide, mostly working part-time.

She was the only full-time, salary-based employee—and a beautiful one at that. She received a warm welcome immediately. The boss’s wife arranged a dinner that night. The company had only two women; the rest were men. Male colleagues were generally more tolerant.

Su Hao could feel their sincerity.

“That’s good. I was worried,” Cheng Ling said, finally relieved.

“No need to worry.” Su Hao smiled and helped her up. “Go to sleep.”

“Mm.”

The next day was Tang Yu’s birthday. In the afternoon, Su Hao received her message:

Tang Yu: Dinner tonight. It’s my birthday, you must come.

Su Hao agreed. After finishing work, Tang Yu drove over. Looking at the complex, she frowned. “There are companies hidden here?”

Su Hao opened the car door, sitting in the passenger seat. “Yes, quite a few.”

“All small companies, I suppose?” Tang Yu knew many small companies used such complexes to save costs. Su Hao nodded.

Tang Yu clicked her tongue. “Small companies are perfect for ambition. One wrong move and you’re CEO.”

She glanced at Su Hao, thinking of yesterday’s company upheaval. Three people fired at once, all because of Su Hao. Early that morning, the finance department was leaderless. President Zhou, furious over a woman’s sake, ignored the company’s interests.

Assistant Lu and Qi Lin had pitifully handled the accounts.

Even President Zeng had to step in.

Tang Yu thought silently: Su Hao quietly scored herself a real powerhouse.

Before she could speak to probe further, her phone rang.

She jumped in surprise.

Zhou Yang: Su Hao with you?

Zhou Yang: It’s your birthday today? I’ll come celebrate.

💝 Support the Team

April0427

✍️ Translator

💙 PayPal