**Chapter 37: Pity the Jade**

When He Lingji arrived at the hotel, Qin Mang had just finished her shower.

The sheer nightgown accentuated her delicate and graceful figure, her snow-white skin shimmering as if reflecting light. A faint and captivating rose scent radiated from her body. She seemed surprised that He Lingji came over in the middle of the night.

Qin Mang stood at the door, gazing at the imposing figure outside the hallway. With her slender arm braced against the doorframe, she seemed unbothered, speaking coolly, “Who is this grand Buddha?”

“To visit my humble place in the middle of the night…”
“Your Majesty, what a trouble.”
She had just found her confidence.

The next second.

He Lingji, carrying a silver carry-on suitcase in one hand, wrapped his other arm around her slender waist, and without hesitation, he picked her up and carried her into the room. With a swift stretch of his long legs, he used his knee to close the door, making a loud ‘bang.’

Qin Mang was caught off guard, not even having time to resist. She was gently placed down.
“…”
The large room was brightly lit, still glowing as brightly as daylight in the middle of the night. He Lingji wasn’t fond of such glaring lights. He casually turned off a few of them.

“No, don’t turn them off!”
Qin Mang grabbed his wrist.

In the next moment, she was unprepared as he pushed her against the wall. The room, originally filled with the scent of roses, now felt cold due to the sudden intrusion of the man. Her snow-white shoulder pressed against his cold coat, making her involuntarily shiver.

“You…”
He Lingji lowered his gaze and saw the small red mole on the tip of her delicate nose, which he had noticed during the banquet. Following the rich scent on her body, his gaze first lingered on the alluring little red mole on her nose, before his lips moved down. He kissed her deeply. This mouth, so beautifully shaped, was made for kissing. He Lingji didn’t want to hear her speak for now.

He rarely kissed her, especially not with such a suffocating and reckless kiss. It felt as if he wanted to drain all the air from her lungs.

Qin Mang’s eyes quickly flushed with a thin layer of red. She was struggling to breathe. He Lingji’s fingers gently pressed against the delicate back of her neck, firmly controlling her, almost as if holding a kitten.

“Are you trying to kiss me to death?”
Qin Mang barely managed to pull away from his lips, barely squeezing out six words.

After a long silence. She then heard the man chuckle lowly from his chest, his finger gently brushing over the corner of her lips before kissing her again, mumbling,
“Don’t worry, no one has ever died from kissing too much.”

Qin Mang: “…”
What does he mean by that? Does she have to die to prove this theory?

“Don’t think that using your charm will fool me.”
“Let go of me.”
Qin Mang quickly regained her composure, resisting by pushing against him.

He Lingji effortlessly loosened his grip, casually pulling off his tie as he looked at her watery, shimmering eyes. He wanted to be angry. But those eyes, filled with affection, seemed more like a spoiled child than the cold and mocking gaze he had first encountered. He felt a sense of satisfaction.

“Alright.”
“Then Madam He, shall we sit down and talk properly?”

“Talk about what?”
“Of course, why you’re suddenly…” angry.

Before he finished his sentence, the brightly lit room suddenly plunged into darkness. The sudden darkness caused Qin Mang to panic. Everything around her was pitch black, not a single light visible. She froze, unable to move. All she could hear was the rapid thumping of her own heartbeat. Faster and faster.

He Lingji, noticing her unusual breathing, rarely showed patience and calmly reassured her, “It’s just a power outage.”

When he reached out to grab her hand.

“Slap—”
Qin Mang slapped his hand away. “Don’t touch me.”

In the next moment, she crouched on the floor, covering her ears and mumbling, “Don’t touch me, don’t look at me…”

He Lingji’s brows furrowed. He didn’t mind the slight numbness in his hand. Instead, he tried to lift her off the ground.

At that moment.

The door made a ‘ding’ sound. A-Tong, holding the flashlight from her phone, hurriedly entered.
“Sis, are you alright?!”

Not hearing Qin Mang’s voice, but instead hearing a cold and chilling man’s voice, “What’s wrong with her?”

A-Tong was startled. She shined her flashlight around and quickly realized that He Lingji was also there. Qin Mang was curled up in his arms. It seemed like she was having an episode again.

A-Tong anxiously said, “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid, it’s just a five-minute power outage. The electricity will come back on soon.”

Then, taking advantage of the darkness, she couldn’t see He Lingji clearly. Especially remembering that Qin Mang had been waking up scared every night recently, unable to sleep, and He Lingji, knowing this, didn’t even bother to ask, let alone accompany her. Her courage grew a little:

“Mr. He, you’ve gone too far this time.”
“Sis is filming a suspense movie and developed claustrophobia, now she’s still dealing with the aftermath. She can’t sleep at night, and you didn’t even care!”

“Claustrophobia? Can’t sleep at night?”
He Lingji, holding her in his arms, normally a walking furnace, was now as cold as ice. His low, clear voice carried a trace of hoarseness—not a question, but with an indescribable emotion.

Qin Mang breathed in the familiar icy scent, which strangely gave her a sense of safety. Her slender fingers tightened around the collar of his shirt. For these past few days, this was what she had been longing for.

Qin Mang felt like a traveler in the desert, thirsting for something. Her mind was filled with He Lingji’s scent, and she didn’t even hear what he said.

“You didn’t know or have you forgotten?”
A-Tong, speaking more boldly as she went, said, “I had Secretary Tao relay this to you a few days ago.”
“You didn’t know how much Sis has been hoping you would come and stay with her?”
“Every day she’s been disappointed, can’t eat, can’t drink, can’t sleep, she’s lost five pounds in just three or four days!”

She had tried hard to lose weight for over a month, but hadn’t lost as much as she had in the past few days. He Lingji had no idea.

The girl in his arms felt light, almost weightless. And her current state didn’t seem fake.

The man, usually emotionless, had his gaze stirred in the dark, as though turbulent waves had suddenly appeared in his eyes.

“Ding.”
A soft sound.
The lights suddenly turned back on.

Qin Mang slowly regained her composure. Her body, which had been freshly showered, began to sweat again. She sat up from He Lingji’s embrace, her beautiful eyes calmly looking at A-Tong.
“I’m fine, you can go back and rest.”

A-Tong looked at Qin Mang, then at He Lingji. When their gazes met, she quickly recoiled. When she left the room, her heart was still pounding. Holy crap, she had just done something big.

She had offended Mr. He with her words, yet he hadn’t gotten angry! Could it be that he would punish her later? The more she thought about it, the more scared she became. She had really gotten bold! She could brag about this for a lifetime!

The spacious room was now left with just the two of them.

Qin Mang, as if nothing happened, passed by him and walked toward the bathroom. Her slender figure swayed gracefully, as though the pitiful girl curled up in his arms just moments ago was not the same person.

Qin Mang, being proud, didn’t want to continue this topic, especially now that she realized she might have misunderstood He Lingji. But the small bit of happiness deep inside her heart couldn’t help but spread. It wasn’t that he didn’t care for her. It was that someone had been secretly causing trouble.

“Where are you going?”
Qin Mang, standing tall, responded confidently, “I’m going to take a shower.”
“Why are you still standing there?”
“Don’t you need to handle the incompetent secretary?”
“Your wife is sick, and you dared to ignore it and hide it from me.”

He Lingji looked at her, her once bright and charming gaze returning. Then, suddenly—he smiled very lightly. It was as though the ancient ice in a glacier was slowly melting. He said, “Alright.”

Before Qin Mang entered the bathroom, she heard He Lingji’s calm voice:
“So, Madam He is… feeling wronged?”

Qin Mang almost fell on the spot. But she didn’t deny
it, turning around, “Yes, I’m wronged!”

“You must give me a reasonable explanation.”

“Or else, we’re not done!”

…

He Lingji was efficient. He directly called Secretary Tao to rush over. Secretary Tao felt wronged:

“I remember I was on a business trip, and I asked Lou Tingdai to tell you.”

“Didn’t she say anything?”

If she hadn’t run into President He, why didn’t Lou Tingdai say anything to her?

Even sending President He a message on her phone would’ve prevented such a long delay. It nearly caused a rift between him and his wife.

Lou Tingdai?

Qin Mang had just come out of the bathroom when a figure appeared in her mind.

She raised an eyebrow and glanced at him. “That pretty new secretary you brought to the charity dinner last night as your date?”

“She’s the Director of the Technical Department,” He Lingji said flatly, his tone no different than when he’d mentioned Secretary Cong earlier. He emphasized, “I didn’t bring a date. I brought Secretary Cong.”

Secretary Cong was also present and quickly raised her hand to swear, “I just went to the car to grab something and asked Director Lou to help follow President He and make small talk.”

“It was less than ten minutes!”

“I came right back!”

“Alright then.”

Qin Mang recalled the scene from the previous night. Lou Tingdai had indeed been one step behind He Lingji the entire time, but she still wasn’t satisfied.

Just one step?

She suddenly thought of something.

Qin Mang spoke as if idly chatting, but her tone was quite domineering: “That outfit you wore yesterday—from head to toe—throw it all out.”

He Lingji casually agreed.

These trivial matters—if Qin Mang cared about them—he would never go against her wishes.

After all, between employees and his wife…

He Lingji knew clearly who mattered more.

As for Lou Tingdai, He Lingji would not rely solely on Tao Qin’s one-sided story.

“Have Director Lou come over. You two can confront each other face to face.”

Tao Qin was more than happy to oblige.

She knew she couldn’t escape her own negligence.

But Lou Tingdai shouldn’t think she could get away with this either—especially since Tao Qin really wanted to know the truth.

Secretary Cong checked the time.

4 a.m.

“Director Lou is probably already asleep.”

“Wake her,” He Lingji said curtly.

Qin Mang sat at her dressing table, calmly applying a facial mask and smoothing the lifted edges.

The thin, translucent sheet looked like a veil of mist, softening the sharp beauty of her face. Under the warm yellow light, her lips were slightly pursed—stunningly beautiful.

But her words were sharp: “President He, why so heartless this time?”

Secretary Cong heard everything clearly.

Not daring to eavesdrop further on her boss’s private conversation, she quickly responded, “Yes, I’ll go notify her now.”

Then she dragged Tao Qin toward the living room.

Not forgetting to scold her along the way.

Such a basic mistake—how could she make it?

He Lingji stood behind Qin Mang, gazing at her beautiful face reflected in the mirror.

He slowly leaned down and placed a kiss on the pronounced butterfly-shaped bones of her back. “I only care about you.”

“Still not enough.”

Qin Mang: “…”

This scoundrel was getting better at coaxing her.

Her previously pressed red lips curled up slightly without her realizing.

She gave a small hum, a little haughty. “I’m not going to praise you.”

“That’s just the basic standard for a married man.”

“Yes, Mrs. He.”

Though Lou Tingdai was still in Beicheng, she had long gone to bed.

Suddenly summoned by He Lingji in the middle of the night, she didn’t seem to have had time to tidy up. Her usually neat long hair now fell loosely over her shoulders, giving her less of an intellectual vibe and more of a mature charm.

But her calm and elegant smile remained the same—gentle, poised, and quiet.

She was the kind of person who made others feel comfortable.

Otherwise, Tao Qin wouldn’t have trusted her as a friend back then.

When Tao Qin confronted her about not passing on the message…

Lou Tingdai looked surprised, as if she hadn’t expected such an accusation.

After hesitating for a few seconds, she appeared confused. “Tao-jie, have you been under a lot of pressure lately? Maybe your memory’s a little fuzzy?”

“You did mention Madam’s insomnia to me, but you never asked me to tell President He.”

“Besides, passing on messages is a secretary’s job—it’s not within my duties.”

“You said you were heading to the meeting room…”

Tao Qin exploded, trying to recall the conversation.

Suddenly, she realized—

Lou Tingdai had never actually agreed to pass on the message. Every word had been a trap!

But Tao Qin wasn’t a fool. After working with He Lingji for so many years, she quickly realized she’d been used as a pawn.

After all, as a secretary, she had no rivalry with Lou Tingdai. There was no reason for her to be dragged down.

So—

She suddenly understood.

Tao Qin said mockingly, “You’ve been snatching work from us secretaries more than once, just to show your face in front of President He. Do you think we’re blind to your little schemes?”

Little schemes?

As a fellow woman, Qin Mang understood.

Her gaze landed on Lou Tingdai’s loose black hair, and her red lips curved into a teasing smile.

Compared to Tao Qin’s agitation, Lou Tingdai remained calm. Even when being insulted to her face, she kept her composure. “I have a clear conscience. Everything I’ve done has been part of my duties.”

“Tao-jie, I understand how you feel, but you shouldn’t throw accusations without proof.”

The entire time, she didn’t look at He Lingji even once.

As if none of what Tao Qin said had any hidden meaning. She radiated an air of righteousness, making others think Tao Qin was just desperate and lashing out unfairly.

No evidence.

Tao Qin glared at her, fuming.

Lou Tingdai’s face stayed serene.

The contrast only made Tao Qin look even more unstable.

The room was tense for a moment.

Leaning back on the sofa, Qin Mang yawned after watching the whole scene. Her beautiful eyes grew misty with drowsiness. She slowly clapped her hands. “Thank you both for putting on a great show before bedtime. This is the first time I’ve felt sleepy in days.”

Who was acting?

It was obvious.

He Lingji rested his long fingers casually behind her, his gaze on the faint blush at the corners of her eyes.

Seeing she was truly tired—

He ended the farce. “Tao Qin was grossly negligent. She is demoted to assistant secretary, relieved of her current position, and will forfeit one year’s bonus. Let this be a warning.”

As for Lou Tingdai—

He Lingji didn’t even glance at her. While toying with Qin Mang’s delicate fingers, he said calmly, “If Director Lou has work matters, do not bypass the proper channels to the CEO’s office.”

He paused. “Coordinate with Assistant Tao first, and then report accordingly.”

Lou Tingdai’s previously calm expression finally cracked.

…

“He Lingji, you’re so bad.”

You knew those two had just torn into each other, and now you’re making them work together?

He Lingji’s cool voice was like frost. “Standard punishment.”

After the chaos of the night—

Qin Mang was indeed exhausted, but her mind had finally relaxed. She placed her hand on He Lingji’s arm for support and stood up, walking back to the room. Her newly changed blue nightgown trailed along the floor, adding to her lazy elegance.

She looked even more languid.

“Sleep, sleep.”

“So sleepy.”

Tonight’s drama—

It was a good show.

But if it had taken place during the day, she would’ve enjoyed it even more.

Qin Mang lay in the warm, cozy bed.

Her fingers gripped the corner of the man’s robe beside her. Her eyelids felt heavy, sleep coming fast.

It was the only time in days that she closed her eyes and wasn’t swallowed by that dark swamp—wasn’t haunted by those strange, dangerous eyes or voices.

A few minutes later—

In a soft, hazy voice, she asked, “If Secretary Tao had told you, would you have left work and come to me?”

He Lingji’s cold, deep eyes rippled slightly.

Would he?

Qin Mang, half-asleep, heard a single word whispered beside her ear.

The answer was—

Yes.