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The contract for Xi Tian Tower’s collaboration with Chen Family, a leading fashion giant in Gangcheng, was successfully signed. Yang Qiuhui personally saw off the esteemed guests, and after tidying up in her office, she delivered the contract to Lin Keying’s office.
“President Lin, the contract for the four clothing brands under the Chen Family has been signed. Please review it,” Yang Qiuhui reported.
She quite liked her current boss — a young, capable woman who didn’t waste words. She assigned tasks clearly and concisely and gave straightforward, transparent feedback on subordinates’ work.
Unlike her previous boss at the securities firm, who, aside from being lecherous, loved nothing more than holding pointless meetings. Half of the meeting time was spent bragging about his glorious past and flaunting his supposed worldly experiences, fishing for flattery from subordinates. If no one buttered him up, he would throw a fit.
His task assignments were vague, his feedback even vaguer — always expecting subordinates to guess and interpret hidden meanings.
Yang Qiuhui had been utterly exhausted by that.
Lin Keying skimmed through the contract. All terms had been agreed on in advance. At the signature section, the name of the Chen Family’s representative was boldly scrawled: Song Xiujuan.
The handwriting was a bit fierce but stylistic — likely someone who had practiced calligraphy but didn’t stick with it for long. Not particularly elegant.
“It was a Mr. Chen, entrusted by Mrs. Chen, who signed on their behalf,” Yang Qiuhui added.
That Mr. Chen was humorous and easygoing but wore oversized sunglasses that covered half his face, making his features hard to see.
“Alright, no issues.” Lin Keying was increasingly optimistic about Xi Tian Tower’s opening as their tenant recruitment momentum soared, with the three major fashion giants now secured. “You’ve all worked hard lately — this afternoon, everyone gets a dessert and a roast rice box on me.”
“Thank you, President Lin!”
Lin Keying occasionally visited Xi Tian Tower but typically only stayed for half a day. As a boss, she believed in empowering her team to handle things independently.
Yang Minghui, per Young Master Cheng’s instructions, had arranged for Huanyu Group’s legal advisory team to help navigate potential contract pitfalls and disputes, and to prepare formal security services for the grand opening.
When she heard about security, Lin Keying became wary:
“You’re not going to fill the entire team with Cheng’s men again, are you?”
Last time, Cheng Wanting had even arranged for her to be tailed — like a true pervert!
Yang Minghui awkwardly smiled, “Madam, they’re highly trained personnel from the Cheng family…”
“There must be proper security companies in Gangcheng. I’ll hire my own.” Lin Keying firmly insisted on choosing her own people to avoid being monitored by the obsessive Young Master Cheng.
When Yang Minghui reported this back to Huanyu, Cheng Wanting was unsurprised.
“Let her handle it as she wishes.”
“Yes, sir.”
When the list of legitimate security companies for Xi Tian Tower landed in Lin Keying’s hands… she found that every single one had murky underworld ties.
Lin Keying: “…I’m numb.”
Some had even recently “washed clean” — yesterday’s tattooed gangsters had transformed into today’s security guards.
Eventually, Lin Keying called Cheng Wanting from Xi Tian Tower’s office:
“President Cheng, let’s go with the original plan after all.”
Hearing her familiar voice over the phone, albeit distant and formal in tone, Cheng Wanting smiled faintly.
“However, President Cheng, this is business. I’ll select the personnel myself. Don’t interfere.”
Cheng Wanting curved his lips.
“Business is business? Then I’ll need to meet you in person to discuss it.”
Lin Keying was momentarily stunned and silently cursed the cunning man.
“President Cheng, you’re a busy man. I won’t disturb you unnecessarily.”
Cheng Wanting chuckled, “Then I’ll see you at home tonight.”
Lin Keying was determined to select the team herself.
The line of trained bodyguards was tall and burly — the kind of group she’d assume was about to start a street brawl if she saw them outside.
Under Yang Minghui’s arrangement, the bodyguards demonstrated various combat techniques for her to assess.
With bulging muscles, powerhouse punches, and lightning-fast speed, Lin Keying marveled — those old Hong Kong action movies really weren’t exaggerating.
Real weapons, real skills!
Trusting her instincts, she selected a group of bodyguards and left with Yang Minghui, remarking:
“Secretary Yang, they could honestly be movie stars! Tall, handsome, fit, skilled — those muscles… did you see? Amazing!”
From an entirely objective viewpoint, she had to admit such a strong, attractive group of men was indeed a delight to the eye — like watching a live-action Hong Kong action film.
Seeing Lin Keying so excited, Yang Minghui hurriedly composed himself:
“Madam, in fact, Young Master Cheng is taller, more handsome, and more impressive.”
Lin Keying glanced at the poor, overworked man and, after confirming there were no street cameras around, encouraged him to relax:
“Secretary Yang, Cheng isn’t here right now. No need, no need.”
Yang Minghui: “…”
Later, when Yang Minghui returned to report, Cheng Wanting asked for all the details. Yang tactfully left out Lin Keying’s enthusiastic praises of the bodyguards.
But having worked under Cheng Wanting for over a decade, one glance from him was enough to see through any omission.
“What are you hiding? Spit it out.”
Yang Minghui sighed, “Madam was very pleased. She said the bodyguards were tall, strong, handsome, skilled, and clearly capable.”
Seeing his boss’s face darken, Yang Minghui fell silent.
Hey, you’re the one who asked.
Lately, Cheng Wanting had been preoccupied with negotiations involving HSBC and Jardine Matheson over Kowloon Wharf’s development.
Huanyu was the largest shareholder of Kowloon Wharf, steadily increasing its stake, while Jardine, the second-largest shareholder, was mostly trying to trip him up at board meetings — though the tide had turned against them.
For several days, Cheng Wanting had left early and returned late, barely seeing Lin Keying. Finally, on Thursday night at 9 PM, he returned to their Mid-Levels villa.
Uncle Zhong and Aunt Hua served up a pot of ginseng soup, and Aunt Hua reminded him:
“Madam personally brewed this. You should drink more.”
Lin Keying felt guilty — she had only casually tossed some ginseng and goji berries into the pot and sprinkled a bit of salt. The rest of her time had been spent gossiping with Aunt Hua.
Yet the sharp Cheng Wanting seemed to believe it, even thanking her.
“Mrs. Cheng, you’re very thoughtful.”
Lin Keying: “…”
Guilt intensifies.
After drinking the soup, Cheng Wanting mentioned that his schedule would remain packed and his plans to spend more time with his new wife would have to wait.
“Kowloon Wharf’s development is crucial, so I…”
Lin Keying swiftly cut him off:
“I understand, darling. Focus on your work, don’t worry about me. No need to keep me company — work comes first!”
Truthfully, she had been having a blast lately — no desire to be dragged into the study for lessons again!
Cheng Wanting had become increasingly intense — brushing up on Cantonese, improving her English, and devouring financial and economics books.
Being a tycoon’s wife wasn’t easy!
But seriously, studying was nowhere near as fun as sailing!
Having learned to swim in her past life, she’d always envied people surfing and diving on TV, but had postponed trying due to work and cost.
Now, with both time and money — and a workaholic husband rarely home — she chartered a yacht and hired two instructors to teach her surfing.
The white yacht sped like lightning across the blue sea, churning up waves.
Yachting was a common pastime for wealthy businessmen in Gangcheng — older ones fished, younger ones surfed and dived.
After some practice, Lin Keying could now ride waves with a surfboard under her instructors’ guidance.
The sensation of surfing was exhilarating, offering a thrill and freedom few other activities could match.
Standing atop the sea, embraced by the ocean, she could momentarily forget all worries and clear her mind.
After a day of wild fun, she’d return home at night and pretend to have studied all day if her husband was around.
Cheng Wanting, feeling a bit guilty, said:
“I’ve been too busy lately. Once Kowloon Wharf is settled, I’ll spend more time with you. You must be bored, right?”
Lin Keying played the role of the understanding newlywed wife perfectly:
“Not… really. Without you, my life isn’t as complete, but your work is most important — I understand.”
Cheng Wanting tapped the table lightly:
“Is that so? The other day when you were picking bodyguards, you sure enjoyed watching them spar.”
Uh… how did admiring some eye candy come back to bite her?
Lin Keying quickly distanced herself:
“I wasn’t looking at the bodyguards — I was watching the fighting techniques. Gangcheng can be dangerous in places. I need to learn self-defense too!”
“Oh?” Cheng Wanting straightened his cufflinks.
“Then I’ve been negligent — I should teach you myself.”
That night, instead of reading in her husband’s study, Lin Keying “trained” instead.
A drawer full of intimidating equipment left her stunned.
Pistols, handcuffs, rifles, combat knives, switchblades, karambits…
Lin Keying glanced at the calm man and thought, Brother, you’re looking less and less like a good guy!
Cheng Wanting seemed to read her mind:
“One should always know how to protect and save oneself.”
His long fingers deftly played with a karambit, its sleek, claw-like blade spinning smoothly.
A dangerous weapon, but in his hands, it danced like a toy — sharp, fierce, unstoppable.
Lin Keying found it fascinating.
Watching real-life fights was impressive, but Cheng Wanting in a suit, casually playing with deadly weapons, exuded a ghostly charm and rare sensuality.
Still, the arsenal was too risky. She didn’t want any accidents, so after browsing, she settled on playing with the handcuffs instead.
The cold metal brought a slight chill — in her mind, handcuffs were always linked with crime and punishment.
She had never seen or used them before.
“Hold the handcuff, press the cuff around the wrist…” Cheng Wanting instructed.
Eager to experiment (and no one cuffs themselves), she set her sights on him.
The handcuffs jingled as she lifted them and looked at him sweetly:
“Can I try?”
“Sure,” he generously agreed.
When the cold cuffs locked around his strong wrist, she remembered the feeling of the anklet he had fastened on her before.
Following instructions, she quickly clicked one cuff on his right wrist and the other to the chair’s armrest — instantly restricting half his movement.
Thrilled at the rare chance for “revenge,” she picked up the other cuff.
“Can I cuff both?”
Cheng Wanting appeared utterly unconcerned:
“You can.”
“Really?!”
She had never done this before but felt a secret satisfaction seeing this usually all-powerful man restrained and helpless.
After getting his permission, she cuffed his left hand to the other armrest.
Now, completely immobilized, both hands locked to the chair, Cheng Wanting couldn’t move.
Lin Keying prepared to stash the keys in her pocket but, wearing a long dress with no pockets, instead threaded them onto her necklace chain and wore it around her neck.
The sparkling sapphire necklace now dangled beside the small metal key — the only way to unlock his restraints.
“President Cheng, do you want to beg me?” Lin Keying gazed down at the restrained man, her eyes twinkling.
Despite his confinement, Cheng Wanting remained composed.
“Hmm?”
“You even chained my foot. This handcuff is my gift to you~”
Her smile was sweet, her words soft yet merciless — payback for chaining her before!
“Alright, I’m at your mercy.” Cheng Wanting leaned back, relaxed.
Looking at the man obediently cuffed before her, with his broad back still like a towering mountain, calm and unyielding — she suddenly didn’t know what to do next.
After all, she wasn’t the pervert!
“Don’t know what to do?” Cheng Wanting, bound but composed, his deep eyes gleaming mischievously, smiled devilishly.
“Come here — I’ll teach you.”