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Chapter 38 — Driving

Before dinner, Secretary Yang took his leave. His expression was so complex that Lin Keying couldn’t help but glance at him a few more times.

“Secretary Yang, why don’t you stay for dinner?” The table at home was already set abundantly; adding another pair of chopsticks wouldn’t be an issue.

“Miss Lin, you and the Young Master take your time. My wife is waiting for me, so I’ll head off.” Secretary Yang slipped away quickly, worried about upsetting the often moody Young Master.

According to the fortune-teller, Miss Lin and Chen Songxian were destined for lifelong happiness, but her compatibility with the Young Master was said to be poor.

Master, that was a bit harsh!

Cheng Wanting dined with quiet elegance. Lin Keying didn’t sense any negative mood from her fiancé. She even brought up her desire to learn how to drive. “Young Master, will you teach me, or should I find someone else?”

“Learning to drive is a good idea—it’ll be convenient for going out. I’ll teach you.”

After Lin Keying finished eating, Cheng Wanting, who happened to have a rare half-day off, took her to the garage. They headed out in a sleek Ferrari convertible.

The roads around the mountainside villa were clean and well-maintained. The deep green asphalt curved like a winding dragon, carving a bold path through the lush forest.

With the roof down, the stylish sports car roared along the mountain road, cutting sharp, lightning-like lines. The autumn wind rushed past them, tossing Lin Keying’s long curls into the air. Above was the clear sky within reach; below, the empty winding road.

The speeding car was exhilarating. With her handsome “driver” teaching by her side, Lin Keying was learning quickly and confidently.

Cheng Wanting taught her meticulously. After demonstrating a few times, he tested her grasp of the key points. “Mm, not bad memory. Once you’re more familiar, you can try driving yourself.”

“I…” Lin Keying was eager—she hadn’t driven in a long time and her hands itched to get back behind the wheel. “Let me try now! You sit beside me and point out anything I do wrong right away.”

Seeing how impatient she was, Cheng Wanting kept a stern face and cautioned her. “Driving isn’t a game. Build a solid foundation first, or it’ll affect your safety.”

Lin Keying was actually an experienced driver, but she couldn’t resist the urge. She tugged on Cheng Wanting’s sleeve, swaying slightly with a feigned timid look. “It’s just… once you’re back at work tomorrow, you won’t have time to teach me. I don’t feel safe learning from someone else. Since you’re here today, I want to drive.”

Cheng Wanting had no choice but to agree, closely watching her slightly clumsy movements as she sat in the driver’s seat, hands on the wheel and foot on the accelerator…

As it turned out, the woman beside him was remarkably gifted.

Though she was cautious and slightly shaky at first, she grasped the basics quickly.

Cheng Wanting remained on high alert, ready to intervene at any sign of danger, but his help was never needed.

After one lap, despite a few bumps and wobbles, the “pretending-to-be-a-beginner” Lin Keying was exhausted.

Faking inexperience was harder than expected—many actions were muscle memory by now, but fortunately, she was sharp enough to cover it.

“Young Master, I’m so nervous,” Lin Keying lied convincingly, her acting impeccable. “How’s my driving?”

“Not bad.” Cheng Wanting praised her. “With a bit more practice, you’ll be fine. I’ll arrange for someone to accompany you when you practice.”

The next day, Lin Keying met a female bodyguard, who also became her driving coach.

For an entire morning, she demonstrated just enough clumsy driving to make her progress seem believable.

In the afternoon, she resisted the itch to drive and took a taxi to meet Song Xiujuan at the local offices of several major foreign luxury brands.

Today, Song Xiujuan would introduce her to the Hong Kong representatives of these brands to discuss tenancy at the Xitian Building.

Lin Keying wore a white blouse and a black skirt, revealing a hint of her waist—a blend of professionalism and subtle sensuality.

Her white silk blouse shimmered softly, its wide neckline crossing elegantly to frame her collarbone, where a dazzling sapphire necklace sat delicately.

The long black skirt hugged her slender legs down to her ankles, giving her the grace of a mermaid.

Her slim waist peeked out between the silk blouse and skirt, smooth and fair as jade.

Her graceful figure disappeared into the office as a flashy red sports car screeched to a halt at the entrance.

“Auntie, I’m really not going in. Driving you here for free today is my honor.” Chen Songxian, clad in a floral shirt and black sunglasses, oozed his usual charm.

Song Xiujuan, frustrated with her nephew, had tried hard to convince him to meet Miss Lin, but he refused and insisted on just being her driver. “Songxian, don’t you trust your aunt’s judgment? You’re already here—come in with me.”

“Auntie, I promised some buddies to watch horse racing. I’m really running late. Bye~” Chen Songxian casually opened the door for her and sped off.

He felt relieved—his aunt was probably trying to set him up with some dull, unattractive heiress. Better to escape.

Left with no choice, Song Xiujuan introduced Miss Lin to several foreign representatives.

As she had suspected yesterday, her judgment was correct. Lin Keying’s figure was stunning, her face beautiful, and her English fluent enough to converse smoothly with foreigners.

Such a pity—if only Songxian would listen!

Lin Keying confidently introduced the Xitian Building’s concept and plans. The representatives showed great interest, nodding frequently and engaging with her. Eventually, all six luxury brands agreed to move into the building, with details of the fees and contracts to be negotiated later.

“Mrs. Chen, thank you so much for your help,” Lin Keying said cheerfully, pleased to have resolved a major matter. Renovations and upgrades on the building were progressing steadily.

“Miss Lin, you’re the capable one. When Xitian Building opens, I’ll definitely come support it.”

After some small talk, Song Xiujuan couldn’t help but probe casually. “Miss Lin, you’re young, beautiful, and capable, turning around a failing building impressively. What kind of man is worthy of you?”

Normally Lin Keying wouldn’t mention Cheng Wanting, but since they were about to register their marriage, she gave him rightful recognition. “Mrs. Chen, I already have a fiancé.”

“Oh… congratulations.” Song Xiujuan smiled with regret. What a pity—this woman would’ve been perfect for our family!

—

After a few more driving sessions, the female coach reported her progress to Cheng Wanting. Once he personally confirmed her skills, he allowed her to drive solo. “You learn fast. Had I known, I would’ve had you learn sooner.”

In the villa’s garage, besides Cheng Wanting’s four usual cars, there was now an additional black Bentley Mulsanne worth HK$3 million.

Its elegant lines, rounded headlights flanking a wide grille, and flawless craftsmanship shimmered under the sun. Her slender white fingers brushed the metallic surface, the contrast of black and white complementing each other perfectly.

“This car is so cool and beautiful,” Lin Keying said, clearly pleased with her gift. The black body exuded a powerful, cold aura.

The new license plate, A6688, was chosen by her personally. Though not superstitious, an auspicious number never hurt.

On the test-drive day, Cheng Wanting wasn’t around—he had been busy with business, coming and going early and late. Lin Keying sped along the mountain road in her new car, the wind intoxicating. So this is what freedom feels like.

After finishing contract signings with the luxury brand reps, she stowed the documents in her car and detoured to buy a cup of iced milk tea from a famous old shop nearby.

The weather had been sunny, with late-summer heat returning. The chilled, silky milk tea was smooth and refreshing. Holding the cup and biting the straw, Lin Keying walked toward her parked Bentley.

Meanwhile, for two days straight, Chen Songxian had been watching horse races with his wealthy friends. His car was in for repairs, so he rode with a buddy today. Laughing as they entered the venue, he stopped at a nearby shop for cigarettes. Just as he pulled one out and lit it, he caught sight of a vaguely familiar figure.

A loose red chiffon top fluttered in the wind, loosely tied around the waist, revealing glimpses of fair skin above slim, white jeans.

Her voluminous, seaweed-like curls cascaded down her back, covering part of her graceful figure but not diminishing her allure.

Even from the back, Chen Songxian instantly recognized her—the woman from the auction!

“Miss!” He yanked the cigarette from his mouth and ran toward her, shouting, only to watch helplessly as she got into a black Bentley, one hand holding her milk tea, the other opening the door.

Her long hair hid half her face, but he caught a fleeting glimpse of her porcelain skin, delicate brows, high nose, and red lips…

No matter how fast his legs were, they couldn’t outrun a luxury car.

He chased for a bit, but could only inhale exhaust fumes in the end. Quickly, he ran into a nearby shop, borrowed a pen, and wrote the license plate—A6688—on his palm.

At the racecourse, he approached the son of the Deputy Minister of Transportation in Hong Kong. “Bro, help me check a license plate—find out who owns it!”

—

After downing the rich iced milk tea, Lin Keying felt refreshed. She had originally planned to drive back to the villa but, spotting a gilded building in the distance, she changed direction.

Swiftly turning the wheel, she pulled into Huanyu Building’s underground parking lot eight minutes later, parking beside Cheng Wanting’s car.

Getting out, she knocked on Cheng Wanting’s driver’s window and smiled. “Uncle Feng, you can get off work early today.”

—

Meanwhile, on the 32nd floor of Huanyu Building, Secretary Yang was reporting while holding a thermos.

“Young Master, Second Master sent over another tonic soup.” Recently, Cheng Zhihao had been sending his elder brother nourishing soups daily, and Yang Minghui was sick of drinking them.

Cheng Wanting frowned without looking up. “Handle it yourself.”

Yang Minghui nodded—guess he’d be drinking it again.

As the end of the workday approached, Cheng Wanting hadn’t planned to leave yet when the office door opened. Cheng Zhihao, just finished with a meeting, popped in. “Big brother, take care of your health, don’t overwork! I’m heading home—bye~”

Cheng Wanting frowned helplessly at his half-brother’s departing figure.

But today, he did plan to leave early—lately he had been too busy, with little time for his fiancée, and their marriage registration was only four days away.

He donned his suit and told Yang Minghui to clock out.

While Yang Minghui drove himself home, Cheng Wanting took the private elevator down to the underground parking lot, ready to leave.

Yet his Mercedes W140 sat empty—his driver, who never skipped work, was nowhere in sight.

Cheng Wanting narrowed his eyes, scanning his surroundings, when a loud honk pierced the quiet.

Beep—

From behind a visual obstruction, the Bentley emerged. The window rolled down, revealing a delicate, beautiful face.

Her almond-shaped eyes curved slightly, dimples flickering at her lips. Slender fingers extended from the window, beckoning him. Her red lips parted gently.

Each word sent an electric shiver through Cheng Wanting.

“Mr. Cheng, need a ride?”

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