After their passionate encounter, he continued to hold her tightly, as if he were a child stubbornly protecting his only stuffed toy. Did he treat her as his exclusive toy? If there came a day when he could no longer hold her, would he feel even a little bit sad?

Jiang Yuyan lay in Jing Rui’s arms, her affectionate gaze lingering on his handsome face as he slept. Even with his eyelids swollen and bruises scattered across his face, he was still incredibly handsome and captivating in her eyes.

She picked up her phone and secretly took a picture of his sleeping face, then watched him for a while longer before drifting off to sleep.

When she woke up again, he was already out of bed, standing in front of the dressing mirror tying his tie.

“What time is it?” she asked, still a bit groggy.

“It’s a little past eleven,” he replied, glancing at her through the mirror.

She yawned softly and sat up. “Where are you going? It’s Saturday; you don’t have to work.”

“I have a task meeting in the afternoon,” he explained casually. “I plan to establish a project team to acquire Fenghua Technology, and I’ll be leading it myself.”

“Why the rush? Why hold a meeting on Saturday?” As soon as she said it, she realized how ridiculous the question was. After finally getting a chance to retaliate, he clearly couldn’t wait. “I’ll go with you.”

“You don’t need to.” He walked over and pushed her back onto the bed. “It’s a holiday today; you should sleep a bit longer.”

“But…”

“That’s a direct order from the general manager.” His tone was firm and not open to refusal.

Yet she could feel the tenderness hidden in his words; it was just that his cold demeanor wouldn’t allow anyone to call it out.

“Yes, general manager.” She smiled playfully, pulling on his tie to adjust it into a perfect bow.

“But you’d better be careful; you might scare the others at the office with your appearance.”

“Are you talking about the injuries on my face?” He dismissed her concern. “Who would dare laugh at me?”

Indeed, as long as he shot that icy glare, no one would dare to make fun of him.

Except for her…

Jiang Yuyan wrapped her arms around his neck and softly pressed a butterfly kiss on the bruised corner of his eye.

Jing Rui was taken aback, momentarily forgetting to breathe, and then almost awkwardly pulled back, glaring at her as if he were angry that she treated him like a child who needed comforting.

“I’m leaving.” He strode out of the room.

She didn’t stop him; if he wanted to come, he could, and if he wanted to leave, so be it—no one could keep him. It was surprising that he had actually stayed last night to wait for her; if it had been before, he would have turned and walked away without a second thought. He had once said he didn’t like waiting for anyone, especially for someone whose arrival was uncertain.

But he was willing to wait for her.

This was the first time since they had met.

Did this mean he cared about her? Perhaps more than he had imagined and more than she had initially hoped for; she just wondered if it could be a little more.

Could it be enough for him to be willing to give up his marriage for her sake?

Jiang Yuyan took a deep breath, afraid to think any further. She feared that too many unrealistic desires would destroy the strength and nonchalance she had worked so hard to maintain.

She stayed by his side not to become a clingy woman but to be his partner, someone he could trust completely and confide in.

Her existence couldn’t hinder his progress; he wouldn’t allow it…

The sound of her phone ringing jolted Jiang Yuyan from her hazy thoughts. She answered the call. “Hello?”

“Are you awake, little Swallow?” A cheerful male voice came through. “Deng Yuanhong?” She was slightly surprised. Considering how little they knew each other, his casual and affectionate tone felt a bit too familiar, yet strangely, it didn’t seem inappropriate. “Is there something you need?”

“I’m visiting an orphanage today to take some photos. Want to join me?”

Deng Yuanhong was pursuing her quite aggressively. Flowers, gifts, phone calls—his attentions had made it known throughout the entire company that she had such a diligent suitor, often becoming the subject of teasing. “Secretary Jiang, more flowers for you!” An administrative assistant brought in a stunning bouquet, attracting curious glances from everyone in the room.

She pretended to remain calm as she accepted the flowers, setting them aside to continue working.

“Is Secretary Jiang not going to see who sent them?” The assistant lingered. “There’s a little card here.”

“Yeah, I’ll check it later.” She replied absentmindedly, her focus on the screen.

“Actually, there’s no need to look. I believe this mysterious flower sender will call you soon.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Yuyan’s phone indeed rang with a delightful melody.

“He’s calling!” The assistant clapped her hands in delight. Jiang Yuyan shot her an annoyed glance as she picked up the phone. “Little Swallow, did you receive the flowers I sent?” Deng Yuanhong sounded so cheerful.

“Yes, thank you,” she murmured, feeling a bit shy as she noticed almost everyone in the office was looking at her with smiles, making her bite her lip in embarrassment.

“Do you have time for dinner with me tonight?”

“Not today,” she declined. “I have to work late.”

“Working late again?” He sighed dramatically. “Little Swallow, you’re really too obsessed with work, aren’t you? There are so many other things in life worth enjoying. If you spend every day in the office, be careful your youth will wither away.”

“My youth has long withered away, okay?” She said, both amused and exasperated. Honestly, it was hard for her to dislike this man, even though his relentless pursuit caught her off guard. “I’m really sorry; we have a big case at the company right now.”

“Well then, I won’t disturb you,” he said, graciously stepping back when he didn’t get his way.

“Is that it?” The assistant looked disappointed after the call ended abruptly.

“What else should it be?” Jiang Yuyan plucked a rose from the bouquet and tossed it lightly toward her. “Go back to work!”