The lozenge^[1]Throat lozenges are small, medicated tablets that dissolve in the mouth to temporarily relieve sore throats, coughs, and throat irritation was cool and soothing as it melted in his mouth, easing the fiery pain in his throat. The refreshing coolness seemed to make the heat inside Chu Shangluo dissipate slightly.

He hung up the phone and glanced at Ren Jiaoming. “How do you still have this?”

Ren Jiaoming had already parked the car downstairs at Chu Corporation, replying nonchalantly, “Isn’t this exactly what you want from your secretary?”

“Okay, stop reminding me. You only feel comfortable if you remind me that you’re pretending, right?” Chu Shangluo held his forehead, getting a bit irritated by Ren Jiaoming’s behavior.

Ren Jiaoming glanced at him, stopped the car, and walked to the other side to unbuckle Chu Shangluo’s seatbelt, supporting him as he got out.

Chu Shangluo’s legs were still weak, but for the sake of his pride, he pushed Ren Jiaoming away. “I can walk on my own, I’m not fragile.”

Ren Jiaoming withdrew his hand, silently following behind Chu Shangluo as he walked, noticing the slight awkwardness in his steps. Chu Shangluo, seeing that Ren Jiaoming had obeyed and stopped helping, felt a bit annoyed. But more than that, he was frustrated with himself. On one hand, he wanted Ren Jiaoming to be more persistent, to ignore his refusal and hold onto him, telling him not to be stubborn. On the other hand, Chu Shangluo truly didn’t want to be overly pampered by a man. What he wanted in a partner was someone who could support and stand by him through everything.

He had fallen for Ren Jiaoming at first sight and admired his way of doing things. No matter whether he could melt Ren Jiaoming’s cold demeanor, as long as Ren Jiaoming didn’t deceive or betray him, he was willing to give everything he had to him. Chu Shangluo knew that his feelings had twisted the moment he saw Ren Jiaoming, and he understood that true love should be mutual, a shared journey, not like his own, which was forced and threatening.

With that thought, Chu Shangluo grabbed Ren Jiaoming’s hand, which still held the coolness from earlier, and said, “Ren Jiaoming, I don’t care if you resent me. From the beginning, you knew I was interested in you, yet you still chose to jump in. I will never let go of anyone who actively walks into my trap. Besides, you’re not so innocent either, all for the jade pendant. You and I are in the same boat, so don’t think you can escape.” He lightly played with Ren Jiaoming’s prominent knuckles. “If one day I stop liking you, I might let you go, but that won’t be easy…”

Ren Jiaoming turned to look at him. Chu Shangluo’s eyes were full of pride. “We, the Chu family, are very loyal. I might not ever let go of your hand.”

Such a sincere and passionate declaration left Ren Jiaoming’s gaze darkened for a moment, but he said nothing in response.

Chu Shangluo was almost moved by his own words, thinking that Ren Jiaoming would at least respond, but he didn’t. Feeling a brief discomfort, he quickly reacted and nudged Ren Jiaoming with his elbow. “My good secretary, shouldn’t you say something I want to hear at a time like this?”

Ren Jiaoming spoke in a low voice, “When that day really comes, Mr. Chu, you will definitely let go.”

Chu Shangluo smiled. “Are you provoking me? How about a bet? If I ever let go of you, I…” He paused, thinking for a moment. “You don’t lack money, you have houses and cars, so I don’t really have anything to bet. But I…” Ren Jiaoming spoke up, “I would advise Mr. Chu not to bet something too valuable.”

Ren Jiaoming’s clear disbelief immediately made Chu Shangluo angry. His temper flared, and he said sharply, “What, you think I can’t afford to lose? If I really let go of you, I’ll give you my life! But if I don’t, you’d better stay by my side. You won’t lose out—my family and business are big.”

The bet of giving his life sounded dramatic, but it was nearly costless. There’s no such thing as unconditional, eternal love that would truly end in death. Ren Jiaoming was not a naïve teenager who could be fooled by sweet words, so he didn’t take Chu Shangluo’s bet seriously.

The elevator doors opened, and as Chu Shangluo walked out, he asked Ren Jiaoming, “Are you betting or not?”

Ren Jiaoming didn’t take it to heart, responding carelessly, “Alright.”

Once they arrived at the office, as soon as Chu Shangluo sat down, Lin Zhi came over, showing concern. “Boss, Secretary Ren said you’re not feeling well. Why don’t you rest for another day?”

Chu Shangluo replied, “I can rest, but can Chu Corporation rest?”

Lin Zhi could tell that Chu Shangluo wasn’t feeling well, but he didn’t dare to advise him. If he did, he knew it would be useless. If Chu Shangluo would listen, would he still be Chu Shangluo?

Chu Shangluo adjusted his posture and asked, “Where’s Lu Wen?”

Lin Zhi shook his head. “He’s on leave, said there was an urgent family matter.”

Chu Shangluo nodded and took a sip of the warm water Ren Jiaoming handed him. “Secretary Ren isn’t leaving.”

Lin Zhi was taken aback. “What about Lu Wen?”

“He’s staying. Give Lu Wen the secretarial work. He’s more meticulous and better suited for it. Secretary Ren won’t be doing secretarial work anymore. From now on, he will always be by my side.”

Chu Shangluo made things clear, showing that he had truly taken Ren Jiaoming as his own.

Lin Zhi had no objections to Chu Shangluo’s arrangement for Lu Wen. If it were another boss, they would have likely sent Lu Wen away, but Chu Shangluo, being kind-hearted, gave Lu Wen a role more suited to him. Lu Wen should be secretly happy about it.

What confused Lin Zhi was how, in just one night and one morning, the two people who were about to part ways had become so close again. Looking at Ren Jiaoming, who remained indifferent, Lin Zhi couldn’t help but worry that Ren Jiaoming might hurt the boss.

The rest of the time, Lin Zhi went back to his office to get busy, and Chu Shangluo’s office returned to its usual quiet atmosphere.

Although the two had mismatched personalities, they worked exceptionally well together. Since Ren Jiaoming joined, Chu Shangluo’s work efficiency had significantly improved, which was one of the reasons he didn’t want to let Ren Jiaoming go. This afternoon was particularly torturous for Chu Shangluo. He felt unwell but couldn’t show it in front of Lin Zhi. On one hand, he was afraid that Lin Zhi would notice and become anxious, and on the other hand, how could he, the great President of Chu Corporation, let a secretary take advantage of him? That would be too embarrassing to admit.

After enduring the whole day, Chu Shangluo finally managed to get through the workday. While on the phone, he followed Ren Jiaoming out. “Yes, the project in the western suburbs is definitely the best fit for Chu Corporation. Old Chen appreciates me; don’t mention three points, I can give him five. Haha, yes, yes, Old Chen, I’ll definitely attend your birthday celebration this time.”

He hung up the phone and got into the car. Ren Jiaoming asked, “The project in the western suburbs, isn’t it also contested by the Wen family and the Su family?”

Chu Shangluo was in a good mood after securing the project and replied, “Yes, the seafood business in the western suburbs was originally set for the Su and Wen families, but that was before I, Chu Shangluo, stepped in. Don’t forget, my Chu family built its fortune on maritime trade. The Chu family’s seafood market and sales channels are far stronger than their Su and Wen families’ jewelry ventures. I’m determined to make sure they don’t get what they want. They’ve been scheming against me for so many years, and I’m done putting up with it.”

Ren Jiaoming didn’t say anything else and drove the car out of Chu Corporation’s premises. Chu Shangluo added, “Let’s go to your place and get some things. Starting tonight, you’ll be living with me.”