After Transmigrating as a Scumbag Alpha, I Marked the Crazy Hotshot – Chapter 39
by Little PandaThe Gifted Roses
Ultimately, the only point of this meeting was to get Cheng Corp to sign the contract and finalize the project. In reality, Bai Xin couldn’t find any issues with this project.
It was just that Cheng Corp wasn’t proactive enough.
Before coming, Bai Xin had thought that if it didn’t work out today, then forget it; she didn’t have the time to waste on a small amusement park. She had enough on her plate recently.
But then she received a message from Cheng Jiqing—【Is your recent trouble because of the Cheng Corp project? I have to go over in a bit, is there anything I can help with?】
And so, she felt that if Cheng Jiqing got involved, this time would be worth spending.
The projector in the main conference room malfunctioned unexpectedly, so they switched to a small conference room with a long table that could seat about a dozen people, nearly filling it.
Cheng Jiqing sat directly opposite Bai Xin.
Company members were giving their reports, but Bai Xin’s gaze rested on Cheng Jiqing.
Only when Bai Xin spoke would Cheng Jiqing, along with the ‘crowd,’ turn to look at her.
She was practically being more cautious than Bai Xin herself.
And so, a strange little thought arose in Bai Xin’s mind.
Cheng Jiqing looked over. Bai Xin was currently responding to a question raised by Cheng Corp. Cheng Jiqing actually managed to absorb a little of it, because the following PowerPoint slides featured AI-generated realistic scenery, which was quite impressive.
Coupled with the steady timbre of Bai Xin’s voice as she spoke, Cheng Jiqing didn’t feel the time dragging at all.
Just as she was listening intently, her knee suddenly seemed to be touched by something warm and slightly hard, like toes. She froze, subconsciously looking up, just in time to meet Bai Xin’s eyes.
Even when just looking quietly, those eyes held a trace of allure.
Then, her knee was touched again.
Cheng Jiqing: “…”
Cheng Jiqing’s breath caught, her mind went blank for a second, and her ears felt ridiculously hot.
She felt that her composed and calm image would be ruined by Bai Xin sooner or later.
“Hot?” Cheng Jing suddenly turned her head and asked her in a low voice.
At the same time, Cheng Jiqing felt Bai Xin’s toes on her knee move an inch up her leg, just an inch…
Cheng Jiqing’s fingers clenched on the table, and she suddenly coughed loudly, before she even had a chance to answer Cheng Jing’s question.
Her cough made Bai Xin’s voice pause slightly: “Is Little CEO Cheng alright?”
“…”
Don’t you have any damn clue if I’m alright?!
Cheng Jiqing replied: “…Yes, my throat is just a bit uncomfortable. CEO Bai… please continue.”
“Alright, then I’ll continue.”
Bai Xin’s expression was composed as she leaned back against her chair, as if nothing had happened.
*Not *that* kind of continue!*
Afraid Bai Xin would misunderstand and continue teasing her, Cheng Jiqing thought about pulling her leg back, and the toes on her knee immediately moved away.
Only then did Cheng Jiqing remember to shake her head at Cheng Jing beside her, before twisting open the mineral water bottle in front of her and taking two large gulps.
She now understood that Bai Xin truly did possess some villainous traits.
Just based on audacity alone, everyone else present was a mere novice.
Bai-jie was truly wild.
At times like these, Cheng Jiqing felt like a fish in the water, liable to be hooked at any moment.
In this aspect.
Bai Xin held absolute initiative.
Cheng Jiqing barely registered anything during the latter half of the meeting, constantly feeling the lingering warmth from Bai Xin on her leg.
Bai Xin wasn’t wearing the light blue dress from that morning, but a commuter-style blouse with a grey A-line skirt, her silk scarf tied around her neck…
Cheng Jiqing’s thoughts paused, her mind buzzing—she suddenly remembered that when Bai Xin entered earlier, she was wearing nude-colored stockings.
That stocking-clad leg, right here in the conference room, under the table where a dozen people were present…
She found it both incredible and, at the same time, fresh, thrilling, stimulating.
Damn human nature.
Bai Xin’s expression was indifferent, the dimple on her left cheek only showing faintly when no one was looking.
Especially when she saw the pink tips of Cheng Jiqing’s ears.
Cheng Jiqing’s features weren’t delicate or soft; they even had a depth under certain lighting. Whenever she put on a cold expression, she gave off an unapproachable air.
But paradoxically, she blushed more often than she looked cold. This contrast, a contrast only Bai Xin knew—Bai Xin’s eyes darkened slightly.
As she watched, Bai Xin’s gaze suddenly shifted to Cheng Jing’s face. Her eyes paused slightly.
Cheng Jing sat to Cheng Jiqing’s right. Bai Xin noticed that Cheng Jing would occasionally glance at Cheng Jiqing’s reactions, and that kind of gaze made her feel… a bit uncomfortable.
The meeting lasted over an hour.
It was supposed to be just a formality. No matter what Cheng Jing asked, Cheng Jiqing would have sided with Bai Xin.
Because she trusted Bai Xin’s judgment.
As expected, there were no surprises.
The project between Cheng Corp and Bai Corp was successfully finalized. Cheng Jiqing, a layperson, took on a nominal director title.
It was past four in the afternoon when they finished. Cheng Jing suggested having dinner together. Normally, Cheng Jiqing would agree, but she remembered she had promised to cook pork rib congee for Bai Xin tonight.
She told Cheng Jing maybe next time.
Cheng Jing observed Cheng Jiqing’s attitude today and found nothing unusual. Most importantly, Cheng Jiqing had said she wanted to try taking on the project.
That night when she had gone to find Cheng Jiqing, questioning why she transferred her shares, Cheng Jiqing had said it wasn’t about leaving, just something she wanted to do.
She hadn’t believed it then, but now she did.
Cheng Jiqing prepared to go downstairs and sent Bai Xin a message: 【Should I head back first, or wait for you?】
Cheng Jiqing’s car was parked in the underground garage. After getting in, she received Bai Xin’s reply: 【Wait.】
After reading the message, Cheng Jiqing turned the air conditioning down a bit and switched on the stereo, which happened to be tuned to a music channel.
23rd Floor.
In the imposing and spacious CEO’s office, Bai Xin sat on the guest sofa.
Cheng Jing: “I greatly admire Miss Bai’s work capability. I feel relatively at ease entrusting the amusement park project to you and Chengcheng. I hope Miss Bai won’t disappoint me in the future either.”
This statement was clearly pointed at Bai Xin.
If the work succeeds, it’s because you and my sister did it together. If it fails, it’s you who disappointed me.
Bai Xin sneered inwardly. If Cheng Jiqing hadn’t been mentioned, she would have cursed Cheng Jing out along with her sister.
“Director Cheng, rest assured.”
She slowed her speech, her voice low and haunting.
Cheng Jing didn’t detect anything amiss, saying: “I heard several core personnel from Bai Corp’s Y2 project left. So, Miss Bai, you should know, I didn’t choose you based on Bai Corp’s capabilities, but because my sister is interested.”
Bai Xin gazed at the steaming water on the table and said: “I understand. However, Director Cheng seems to have never thought highly of our Bai family, right? Yet you’ve still managed to cooperate with us all this time…”
Cheng Jing met Bai Xin’s eyes—one pair cold and sharp, the other cold and desolate.
Bai Xin: “My meaning is, Director Cheng’s family is truly kind-hearted. We are very grateful.”
After a moment, Cheng Jing stood up: “If there’s nothing else, I won’t see you out.”
As Bai Xin was leaving, Cheng Jing added from behind her: “One more thing, I hope you remember. Although the past matter concerning you and Chengcheng was just a rumor, I still don’t wish for you two to meet privately.”
With her back to Cheng Jing, Bai Xin’s lips curled into a cold, disdainful smile: “As Director Cheng wishes.”
Bai Xin emerged from the elevator on basement level one and immediately spotted Cheng Jiqing’s car.
Her phone vibrated. She glanced at the caller ID—Shu.
She walked towards her own car first.
The inside of the car was stiflingly hot, making her frown. The smell emitted by a car under high temperatures was very unpleasant.
“Hello.”
“Meeting over?”
“Yeah, what’s up?”
“Nothing much, just asking if you want to come over for dinner tonight. Tang Jia is coming too.”
“No.” Bai Xin refused without hesitation, then asked: “Why did you go see Cheng Jing today?”
Zhou Yushu lit a cigarette on the other end. “Ran into her outside. She invited me up to take a look.”
Bai Xin responded with a faint sound of acknowledgment.
“Bai Zhaoliang must be having a tough time lately, right? If Bai Corp’s core Y2 personnel continue to leave, Bai Corp’s influence over the entire project will be greatly diminished in the future. Bai Zhaoliang was counting on this project to pull Bai Corp back up. Now, the slightest misstep, and who knows, they might end up being treated like dogs by the Cheng family… Oh, wait, there’s one more family now, our XM.”
Cheng Jing’s words from just moments ago were still ringing in her ears. Bai Xin’s face was impassive. “Even if Bai Corp is in such a dilapidated state, Bai Zhaoliang was already trash in Cheng Jing’s eyes long ago, yet Cheng Corp still hasn’t kicked Bai Corp out. Do you think the Cheng family is doing this just because I helped Cheng Jiqing that one time?”
“You still suspect Bai Zhaoliang might also have leverage on someone in the Cheng family?”
“Yes.”
More accurately, she suspected that the Cheng family and Bai Zhaoliang had leverage on each other.
Bai Xin turned her head to look out the car window. She couldn’t actually see Cheng Jiqing’s car, just simply looked in that direction. She said: “And all of this happened after that big fire.”
“Is it possible to get anything out of Bai Zhaoliang?”
“You don’t understand him,” Bai Xin said. “He won’t tell the truth unless he’s cornered.”
Silence fell for a moment.
The sound of a lighter flicking came from Zhou Yushu’s end. “Right, it’s Auntie’s death anniversary in a couple of days. Should I accompany you up the mountain then?”
“No need. You know I’m used to going alone.”
Hearing this, Zhou Yushu didn’t press further. Bai Xin heard the sound of smoking from the other end.
Zhou Yushu said: “Seeing Cheng Jiqing today, she really wasn’t quite what I expected.”
Bai Xin said: “Everyone says that.”
“Who else?”
“Tang Jia.”
Zhou Yushu: “Hmm. But speaking of which, seeing is believing. Cheng Jing really is good to this sister.”
Bai Xin’s fingers tapping on the steering wheel paused. For some reason, she recalled the look Cheng Jing gave Cheng Jiqing in the conference room.
Inside a luxurious high-rise apartment in the North City District.
The call ended. Zhou Yushu flicked her finger, pushing the lighter towards Tang Jia opposite her.
Tang Jia placed the decanted wine on the table, poured half a glass for each of them, then took out a cigarette and lit it. “Even I’m curious now. What exactly happened during that fire at the Cheng house that night?”
Zhou Yushu spoke slowly after half a minute.
“That day, Bai Zhaoliang and Auntie Man1 went to the Cheng house together. But after the accidental fire, the Cheng family members and Bai Zhaoliang all came out unharmed. Only Auntie Man… passed away shortly after reaching the hospital.”
“I remember you saying the Cheng family had their eyes on the land under Auntie Man’s name back then.”
“The Cheng family wasn’t the only one eyeing that piece of land. Even earlier, Bai Zhaoliang had already set his sights on it. If it weren’t for that land, why would he have shamelessly pestered Auntie Man into marrying him?”
“During the fire, Bai Xin was already thirteen, right? So, for these past ten-plus years, Bai Zhaoliang still hasn’t gotten his hands on that land…” Tang Jia sounded impressed. “For a moment, I don’t know who showed more restraint.”
“Auntie Lu2 wasn’t stupid either. She made Bai Zhaoliang sign a prenuptial agreement, so even if she died, Bai Zhaoliang wouldn’t get a cent. But if she hadn’t discovered Bai Zhaoliang’s affair with Zhou Ping, perhaps she really would have softened and given the land to Bai Zhaoliang.”
The period before the fire was precisely when Bai Corp was on the verge of bankruptcy.
And before that, she and Bai Zhaoliang had already been separated for two years.
Later, Cheng Corp somehow heard that Lu Man owned such a prime piece of land and approached Bai Zhaoliang, saying they were willing to acquire it at a price higher than the market value.
That’s why Bai Zhaoliang had the audacity to shamelessly approach Lu Man.
Lu Man probably softened and actually went with Bai Zhaoliang to the Cheng house. It’s just that she never came back from that visit.
Back then, Zhou Yushu was about the same age as Bai Xin. Her family owned a small business and had also considered that piece of land, but they dropped the idea after learning their competitor was the Cheng family.
However, Lu Man greatly admired her mother, and the two were good friends privately.
“Bai Xin and I were in the same school. That day, because Auntie Man suddenly had something come up, my mother brought Bai Xin back to our house. She said she’d pick her up at nine, but she never waited for her.”
Zhou Yushu recalled the situation back then and lit another cigarette.
The smoke obscured her vision, but the memory remained exceptionally clear.
By dawn, the news was already everywhere. She went with her mother to take Bai Xin to the hospital.
That was the first, and only, time she ever saw Bai Xin cry.
From that day on, Bai Xin slowly began to change.
“No wonder she can’t let it go.”
“The fire was an accident, but couldn’t something else have happened amidst the accident? It’s no wonder she’s suspicious; Bai Zhaoliang was just too eager. Auntie Man was still in the hospital, and Bai Zhaoliang was already asking about the land.”
“Unfortunately, despite all his scheming, he still couldn’t outsmart Auntie Lu.”
“Yeah, who would have thought that Auntie Lu, upon discovering Bai Zhaoliang’s affair, had already arranged a confidentiality agreement ensuring that no matter how the land changed hands in the future, the sole beneficiary would be Bai Xin. Bai Xin would have full authority to handle it upon reaching adulthood.”
However, Bai Zhaoliang still doesn’t know about this, because the agreement was entrusted to a specialized agency. So, on the surface, Lu Man had supposedly already sold the land behind his back to a nominee merchant.
Bai Zhaoliang only knows that the money might be with Bai Xin.
“Therefore, even though Bai Zhaoliang clearly has no affection for this daughter, he still took her back, actually for the sake of that money.” Tang Jia shook her head, finding these affairs of the wealthy truly comparable to a novel for a moment. “This isn’t just being petty; this is simply scum.”
While still putting on the facade of a gentleman.
“Bastard3,” Zhou Yushu cursed.
“But the Cheng family wouldn’t go so far as to do something just for a piece of land, right?”
“They shouldn’t have to, but who knows if there’s a connection? Back then, the Cheng family used Bai Corp’s bankruptcy as leverage; they weren’t exactly clean either. Besides, only the Cheng family members and Bai Zhaoliang know what happened that night.”
Zhou Yushu paused. “But Bai Xin is certain that Auntie Man’s death is related to Bai Zhaoliang.”
“How can she be certain?”
“She saw Auntie Man’s final moments.”
So.
How could Bai Xin possibly let it go?
How could she possibly not hate?
However, Bai Xin presented late, and worse, after presenting, her body was special, becoming a rare 3S Omega. She could barely protect herself, potentially dying by the roadside at any moment.
What could an underage girl do?
She could only be taken back to the Bai household by Bai Zhaoliang. Then she discovered that life’s hardships had only just begun.
It turned out that besides Zhou Ping, Bai Zhaoliang had another daughter, a few years younger than her.
“That’s not even the most hateful part. The most hateful part is that Bai Zhaoliang had married Zhou Ping before marrying Auntie Man. He divorced solely for the land and remarried, yet during his marriage to Auntie Man, he was still secretly involved with Zhou Ping and had a child with her.”
“And then he turned around, accusing others of what he was guilty of, claiming Auntie Man was the third party, even spreading rumors everywhere that Bai Xin was illegitimate…”
It was too vile; Tang Jia couldn’t continue. She had never known these details. No wonder Bai Xin turned out the way she did.
She had only heard that Bai Xin had a difficult youth, that Zhou Ping sometimes gave her cold leftovers and even hit her.
But she never imagined this family could be so malicious.
Bai Xin faced too many threats. She lived day and night in nightmares, in constant anxiety. No peace by day, no sleep by night.
She endured like this for several years.
Finally, she approached their Zhou family business.
Bai Xin was 18 when she came to them, intelligent and decisive, showing no fear during negotiations with the Zhou family.
She proposed giving one-third of the land to the Zhou family.
All she asked was to remain behind the scenes; aside from major decisions, everything else could be managed by the Zhou family.
Keep in mind, the market value of that land was already close to six hundred million back then, let alone now, ten years later.
And so, the current XM came into existence.
Its public-facing second identity is called Zhou Corp.
Silence fell in the living room.
Zhou Yushu and Tang Jia hadn’t just met Bai Xin yesterday; they knew she was the type who didn’t care about anything. Now, even if her bones were snapped, she probably wouldn’t cry.
Indifferent, even cold-blooded.
Trusting only herself, paranoid and forbearing, yet simultaneously ruthless and merciless. Whoever provoked her would meet misfortune sooner or later.
But thinking about such a person made both of them fall silent.
“I saw Cheng Jiqing today.” Zhou Yushu stubbed out her cigarette and smiled faintly. “I know about using Cheng Jiqing for the pharmaceutical matter, but I don’t understand why Bai Xin gave Lan Qi to Cheng Jiqing. She’s never been that kind of person.”
“What are you trying to ask?”
“Has something happened recently that I don’t know about?”
“Has there? I’m not sure either.” Tang Jia adjusted her glasses, taking the last drag from her cigarette. “Ask her directly.”
“Forget it, she wouldn’t say anyway.”
“However, Bai Xin getting close to Cheng Jiqing probably also has something to do with Cheng Corp.”
Cheng Jiqing was Cheng Corp’s treasure, so doted on by Cheng Jing. And knowing Cheng Jiqing was easy to manipulate, did Bai Xin truly have no ulterior motives?
Actually, Tang Jia knew what Zhou Yushu was worried about.
Ultimately, it all started as exploitation. Since it was exploitation, it should remain purely transactional.
Bai Xin wasn’t the type to impulsively gamble with company projects. Giving away Lan Qi, worth over a billion, just like that, and even investing afterwards to have the shareholder embedded within Cheng Corp acquire that 5% stake.
Perhaps Bai Xin had a plan.
But was there really not a shred of emotion involved? Probably not.
Especially after seeing Bai Xin this morning; since interacting with Cheng Jiqing, something about Bai Xin was slowly changing.
Zhou Yushu was worried Bai Xin had developed feelings.
Tang Jia didn’t know what Zhou Yushu’s feelings for Bai Xin were, but they were definitely deeper than her own friendship with Bai Xin.
Tang Jia took a tactical sip of water, not pointing it out, just saying calmly and tactfully: “Perhaps there was a little bit at the beginning.”
As for now.
Whatever the exploitation was, it was hard to say.
Rationally, she, like Zhou Yushu, hoped Bai Xin wouldn’t develop feelings. Once the balloon popped, both sides would suffer.
Emotionally, she hoped Bai Xin could experience the feeling of love.
Whether loving or being loved.
Cheng Jiqing was a good person.
Of course, she didn’t discuss these latter thoughts further with Zhou Yushu.
Cheng Jiqing waited for over ten minutes, her gaze shifting from her phone to the shopping bag on the passenger seat. Inside was a small bouquet of roses from SA.
After sitting in the stuffy garage for two hours, they still looked surprisingly vibrant.
She reached out and touched one. The air conditioning had been blowing for a while, and the petals felt cool, almost chilly.
Suddenly, the passenger door opened from the outside, and a light, fresh fragrance entered.
“If you hadn’t come soon, I would have left first.”
Bai Xin looked over: “Why?”
“If I waited any longer, it would be quitting time. Someone might see.”
After she spoke, she heard Bai Xin’s indifferent voice: “You seem more concerned about being seen than I am.”
Cheng Jiqing felt indignant and blurted out: “…Who am I being concerned for? Miss Bai, where did your conscience go again?”
Bai Xin chuckled softly at the resentful tone. Cheng Jiqing always seemed to easily dispel her displeasure, even with just a word, just a tone.
Bai Xin said: “Mm, after all, Little CEO Cheng came specially to help me today.”
Cheng Jiqing had already driven the car out. She retorted: “So watch your attitude.”
“Someone else gave them to you?”
Cheng Jiqing glanced over and saw Bai Xin picking up the bouquet of roses from the shopping bag. “Bought clothes, the shop gave them away.”
Bai Xin examined them for a moment, then put them back. “What clothes?”
Cheng Jiqing said: “A dress.”
Cheng Jiqing didn’t see the look that flickered in Bai Xin’s eyes after she said this. Bai Xin placed the roses on her lap and took the dress out of the bag.
At first glance, she saw the V-neck.
It was a black halter-neck long dress with ties. Tiny black diamonds adorned the chest area, sparkling like a black galaxy under the sunlight filtering in from outside.
High slit…
“An evening gown?”
“No, a tango dress.”
Bai Xin’s eyes shifted. “You’re going to wear it?”
“Yeah.” Cheng Jiqing thought for a moment. “There’s a situation where I need to wear it. I’ll tell you in a couple of days.”
Bai Xin’s fingertips traced the black diamonds on the dress’s neckline. She hummed in acknowledgment, not pressing further.
The black diamonds felt a bit scratchy, but the fabric draped smoothly.
During a red light, Cheng Jiqing noticed Bai Xin staring at the dress, lost in thought.
She asked.
“Do you like it?”
“I like it.”
The words ‘Then I’ll order one for you tomorrow too’ were still on the tip of Cheng Jiqing’s tongue when she saw Bai Xin put the dress back.
Then Bai Xin picked up the roses. A small thorn on the stem snagged her stocking, pulling a thread.
For some reason, that snagged thread felt entangling.
She was instantly reminded of what happened in the conference room and averted her gaze. “Teacher Bai, don’t pull that kind of stunt again next time.”
“Pull what kind of stunt?”
“…”
Me! Pulling a stunt on me, alright?
Cheng Jiqing complained internally, but maintained a calm facade. “With so many people around, could you possibly be any bolder? Aren’t you afraid of being discovered?”
Bai Xin said: “Didn’t you act your part very well?”
Just coughed a bit louder, ears turned a bit redder.
“That’s because I have ample on-the-spot experience, thank you very much.”
“On-the-spot? Have you done this with others too?”
“…”
How did you reach that conclusion?
Cheng Jiqing smiled faintly, politely saying: “There’s no one wilder than you.”
Cheng Jiqing and Bai Xin returned to Nanjing.
The air conditioning at home was set on timers, so the apartment was cool upon their return.
Even though it wasn’t long from getting out of the car to going upstairs, the weather could still make one break out in a sweat.
Cheng Jiqing placed the bag with the dress by the entryway, then went to pour two glasses of water, handing one to Bai Xin. “Do you want to shower first, or should I?”
Bai Xin took a sip. “Wear it for me to see.”
She nodded her chin towards the entryway. “The dress.”
Cheng Jiqing: “Now?”
Bai Xin: “Can’t I?”
“I’m all sweaty.”
“Then you go wash first. I’ll wait for you.”
“…” Trying on clothes in the store didn’t feel like anything, but when Bai Xin asked her to wear it, she started wondering if the V-neck was too revealing.
Cheng Jiqing only thought for a moment, then nodded. “Alright, I’ll go first then.”
…
When Cheng Jiqing came out of the shower, Bai Xin was slightly sunk into the sofa, holding a rose stem in one hand and a pair of non-pruning scissors in the other.
She glanced at Cheng Jiqing briefly, then lowered her head again to continue trimming.
She didn’t seem particularly eager to see her wear the dress after all.
Cheng Jiqing returned to her room and put her hair up, but soon realized she had forgotten something.
Because she rarely wore dresses, and when she did, they were long ones, she hadn’t prepared any safety shorts here at Nanjing.
Well, it’s just a quick look for Bai Xin, it shouldn’t matter.
Cheng Jiqing changed into the dress. There was a movable full-length mirror in the room. She looked at herself in it for a few seconds. Compared to the gowns she used to wear on the red carpet, this level of exposure was actually fine.
The master bedroom door opened.
Bai Xin had just finished trimming the rose in her hand. She picked up a previous one, holding both to compare.
Hearing the door open, she lifted her gaze, and then froze.
Cheng Jiqing’s hair was up. The V-neck wasn’t excessively deep, but the contrast between the black fabric and white skin was striking. Cheng Jiqing was definitely not small.
And quite firm…
Cheng Jiqing’s proportions were Bai Xin’s favorite among everyone she’d seen. The black fabric cinched her waist, making it look astonishingly slender and toned.
Below that were her superior legs, hidden by the long dance skirt.
But it didn’t matter, because Bai Xin could see the edge of the high slit, revealing the jade-like skin from her thigh down to her ankle.
Unlike the constrained height of formal gowns, the slit on a dance skirt went higher.
She had seen tango dancing at balls, seen others wear such dresses, but she had never imagined someone could wear it so beautifully.
Cheng Jiqing’s posture was proud; she possessed the capital for absolute confidence.
Cheng Jiqing felt a bit hot under that burning gaze, yet a subconscious sense of pride and delight surged within her.
She had, after all, ranked in the top ten of the world’s most beautiful female stars list.
Cheng Jiqing lifted her chin slightly. “Had a good look?”
Bai Xin said: “No.”
Bai Xin slowly narrowed her eyes. She stood up, holding a satisfactory rose in her hand, and slowly walked towards Cheng Jiqing.
“Cheng Jiqing.”
“What is it?”
“Where are you going to wear this outfit?”
Bai Xin hadn’t pressed the issue in the car earlier, so Cheng Jiqing had assumed she genuinely wouldn’t ask again. Looking at Bai Xin who had now walked right up to her, Cheng Jiqing’s voice was gentle as usual: “Didn’t I say I’d tell you in a couple of days?”
She wanted things to be more certain before telling Bai Xin. Announcing now that she was going to audition for a role felt a bit sudden.
Bai Xin wasn’t satisfied with this answer.
She lowered her gaze, her eyes lingering on Cheng Jiqing’s chest. She raised her hand, holding the rose stem, and swept the rosebud down along Cheng Jiqing’s leg next to the high slit—from top to bottom.
The cool, soft touch of the rose petals made the muscles on Cheng Jiqing’s leg tense slightly.
“Wearing it just like this for others to see?”
“…”
Bai Xin tilted her head slightly, getting a clearer view of the extent of the high slit. She was referring to the fact that Cheng Jiqing wasn’t wearing safety shorts.
Simultaneously, the rose returned along the same path, only this time, its trajectory deviated slightly inward under the skirt.
Cheng Jiqing felt the hem of her skirt momentarily lifted by the rose. Her body flushed with heat. She grabbed the rosebud and twisted it off.
“I wasn’t fully prepared. Weren’t you the one who asked me to wear it for you to see?” Cheng Jiqing knew Bai Xin’s actions were deliberate, just like when she touched her bra clasp on the balcony during the rain, just like in the conference room…
Bai Xin released her grip, and the rose stem fell to the floor.
She didn’t know why Cheng Jiqing suddenly bought this. Tango, in her impression, was always danced in pairs. Thinking this, Bai Xin took a step forward. “So obedient?”
Hearing this, Cheng Jiqing felt like an adult praising a child, tinged with a hint of teasing.
She mentally clicked her tongue. So she wants to completely control me.
But just as she had thought during the day, Bai Xin always occupied the dominant position and genuinely believed she could completely influence her—even though Cheng Jiqing was indeed easily influenced by Bai Xin.
But she couldn’t just passively ‘be bullied’ all the time, right?
Cheng Jiqing’s eyes darkened slightly. She still held the rose that had innocently ‘sacrificed’ itself.
She stared at Bai Xin for a moment, then suddenly lowered her head, looking at Bai Xin’s collarbone.
Bai Xin’s blouse had the top two buttons undone, and her silk scarf had been removed, revealing the omega’s fair, deep collarbone.
Cheng Jiqing raised her hand and placed the rose on Bai Xin’s collarbone. “Quite beautiful.”
As her hand lowered, her fingertips unintentionally brushed against Bai Xin’s neck, just like how Bai Xin had touched her knee with her stocking-clad toes.
Is this tit for tat? Bai Xin thought.
Bai Xin drew in a breath but didn’t retreat or avoid it, unsure if it was encouragement or curiosity about what Cheng Jiqing would do next.
The next second, her breath hitched abruptly—Cheng Jiqing leaned closer to her neck, but her breath traveled downwards. As she inhaled, it was as if she were smelling the fragrance of the flower on Bai Xin’s collarbone.
Aside from the intense heat of her breath, not an inch of skin touched Bai Xin, yet Bai Xin’s chest heaved from Cheng Jiqing’s proximity.
Cheng Jiqing’s tone was soft and warm: “Don’t randomly tease people in the future, understand? See, you can’t handle just this.”
The author has something to say:
Chengcheng: The teaser eventually gets teased!
Bai-jie: Continue
0 Comments