{"id":3677,"date":"2026-05-28T04:18:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T04:18:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/public-entertainment-industry-38\/"},"modified":"2026-05-28T04:18:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T04:18:24","slug":"public-entertainment-industry-38-2","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/pt\/chapter\/public-entertainment-industry-38-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Public [Entertainment Industry] 38"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>**Chapter 38: A Virtuous Husband and a Good Father**<br><br>That night, Qin Mang slept soundly.<br><br>Every time she stirred awake, the familiar, faint scent of coolness that lingered in the air would lull her back to sleep.<br><br>After so many nights of insomnia, it seemed her body was making up for it\u2014she slept for over a dozen hours straight.<br><br>**10 AM.**<br><br>He Lingji was leaning lazily against the headboard, attending a meeting on his laptop.<br><br>The curtains were drawn tightly shut, and only a dim wall lamp cast a soft glow across the room. The man\u2019s features were as handsome as ever. Known for his self-discipline and strict professionalism, he always appeared in a suit and tie, never careless\u2014whether at the office or during a video meeting in his home study.<br><br>But today\u2014<br><br>He wore a black silk robe loosely draped over his well-defined shoulders. His damp, tousled hair clung slightly to his forehead, as if he had just come out of the shower. He looked relaxed and nonchalant. If not for the Bluetooth earpiece on his ear, no one would guess he was in an important meeting.<br><br>He Lingji listened quietly, occasionally typing brief responses on his keyboard.<br><br>He hadn\u2019t spoken a word.<br><br>All the attendees were seasoned veterans\u2014old foxes, really. They pretended not to notice the very clear red handprint on the back of President He\u2019s pale hand.<br><br>They didn\u2019t dare to guess who had hit him.<br><br>That is, until\u2014right as the meeting was wrapping up\u2014<br><br>Everyone saw it clearly on President He\u2019s screen.<br><br>A slender, fair female arm slowly crept into view, brushing against the back of his hand, fingers gliding over his knuckles and the dark silk of his robe.<br><br>Her soft fingertips overlapped perfectly with the red imprint.<br><br>Everyone: *Case closed.*<br><br>The \u201cculprit\u201d was right next to President He.<br><br>The next second\u2014<br><br>He Lingji gave a cold glance at the screen and finally spoke: \u201cEnjoying the view?\u201d<br><br>Everyone: *!!*<br><br>They all shut their eyes at once.<br><br>\u201cPresident He, I swear I didn\u2019t see anything!\u201d<br><br>\u201cMe neither!\u201d<br><br>\u201cI\u2014I\u2014\u201d<br><br>They scrambled to show their loyalty.<br><br>Inwardly: *Was President He embarrassed because we saw the \u2018domestic abuse\u2019? Or because we accidentally caught a glimpse of his wife\u2019s hand?*<br><br>Qin Mang had no idea He Lingji was in a meeting. She only vaguely heard his voice and, with a frown on her beautiful face, rubbed her flushed cheek against his cold fingers. Her soft, sleepy voice stretched out lazily: \u201cWhat are you doing? So noisy\u2026\u201d<br><br>\u201cIt\u2019s nothing.\u201d<br><br>He Lingji let her cuddle his hand like a cooling pad. With the other hand, he casually closed the laptop. \u201cGo back to sleep.\u201d<br><br>\u201cStay with me.\u201d<br><br>\u201cHe Lingji, could you please act more like a cuddle pet?\u201d<br><br>Qin Mang, still groggy, clearly saw him as a cuddly companion. Naturally, she voiced her distaste with a hint of complaint.<br><br>As He Lingji\u2019s screen went black, everyone sighed in relief\u2014only to tense again the next moment.<br><br>*Wait\u2026*<br><br>*Did she just call President He\u2026 a pet?*<br><br>*What the\u2014?!*<br><br>Everyone exchanged stunned glances through the video call.<br><br>Then one VP raised his hand weakly: \u201cDid President He just\u2026 *grunt*?\u201d<br><br>\u201cI didn\u2019t imagine that, right?\u201d<br><br>Everyone: \u201c\u2026\u201d<br><br>Secretary Cong typed slowly: \u201cPresident He\u2019s mic is still on.\u201d<br><br>VP Zhou: *!!*<br><br>\u201cVice President Zhou, do you have an issue with me?\u201d<br><br>The familiar cool voice cut in.<br><br>VP Zhou\u2019s mind screamed: *I\u2019m dead meat.*<br><br>And then\u2014<br><br>Qin Mang\u2019s drowsy, commanding voice came through again: \u201cLie down.\u201d<br><br>He Lingji responded mildly: \u201cMeeting\u2019s over.\u201d<br><br>Then the screen went dark for real.<br><br>VP Zhou finally let out a huge sigh: *Madam is truly a lifesaver!*<br><br>*Beautiful, kind, a living Bodhisattva who rescues the suffering.*<br><br>\u2026<br><br>Qin Mang dragged He Lingji to stay in bed with her for another two hours.<br><br>When she finally fluttered her eyelashes open\u2014<br><br>The first thing she saw was a pair of calm, ocean-deep eyes.<br><br>Clear and rational.<br><br>His voice was a little hoarse. \u201cAwake?\u201d<br><br>Qin Mang had completely forgotten what had just happened. Realizing she was practically draped over him like a snake, she quickly pretended nothing happened and dashed past him into the bathroom.<br><br>Ten minutes later\u2014<br><br>She came out with wet hair clinging to her cheeks, looking fresh and clean. Holding her stomach, her expression was a bit serious.<br><br>\u201cI\u2019m starving.\u201d<br><br>He Lingji got up and pulled the curtains open, his tall figure exuding an intimidating presence.<br><br>The corners of his thin lips curved into a faint smile. \u201cYou slept twelve hours straight.\u201d<br><br>\u201cMrs. He must\u2019ve been a koala in her past life.\u201d<br><br>A double entendre.<br><br>At that moment, the golden rays of sunset spilled into the room. Qin Mang squinted slightly from the brightness. The small red mole on the bridge of her pale nose looked even more vivid after being bathed in water.<br><br>The weariness from yesterday had completely vanished.<br><br>She looked like she\u2019d been thoroughly nourished.<br><br>Remembering her earlier position, Qin Mang caught his hidden meaning and gave a soft snort. \u201c\u2026\u201d<br><br>\u201cWhat koala?!\u201d<br><br>\u201cI was clearly a Sleeping Beauty waiting for her prince to save her. Too bad\u2014no prince came, so I had to wake up myself.\u201d<br><br>\u201cHow would a prince save you?\u201d<br><br>He Lingji stepped closer, brushing her lips with his fingers. First a light kiss, then a deep one. \u201cLike this?\u201d<br><br>\u201cOr this.\u201d<br><br>The cool taste of mint quickly took over.<br><br>That familiar flavor\u2026<br><br>Qin Mang was momentarily dazed, but soon regained clarity. She narrowed her eyes flirtatiously. \u201cPresident He, using my toothpaste, are we?\u201d<br><br>He Lingji chuckled softly:<br><br>\u201cWhose is whose?\u201d<br><br>Qin Mang\u2019s lashes trembled.<br><br>Wait a minute.<br><br>She recently switched to orange-flavored toothpaste\u2026 and the one in the bathroom was mint.<br><br>She\u2019d been in a daze lately and just assumed it was hers.<br><br>But she wasn\u2019t about to admit it now. She changed the topic. \u201cNo more kissing\u2014food!\u201d<br><br>He Lingji rarely kissed her.<br><br>What was with him these past couple days?<br><br>Qin Mang, hungry and sluggish, clung to him again. Koala or not, Sleeping Beauty or not, it didn\u2019t matter now. \u201cIf I don\u2019t eat soon, I might become the first celebrity to starve to death from oversleeping.\u201d<br><br>Imagine that trending on social media.<br><br>What a tragedy.<br><br>He Lingji effortlessly picked her up and walked out of the bedroom\u2014<br><br>There was already a meal cart waiting in the living room.<br><br>He seemed very busy.<br><br>As soon as Qin Mang started eating, he picked up another work call.<br><br>Qin Mang listened while chewing.<br><br>Auction.<br><br>Land.<br><br>She didn\u2019t understand much, but it sounded important.<br><br>Tilting her head, she said considerately after he hung up, \u201cIf you\u2019ve got work, you should go.\u201d<br><br>On the couch\u2014<br><br>Qin Mang wore only a silk camisole dress, the delicate straps highlighting her elegant collarbone and shoulders. The long hem almost touched the floor, the edge draping over her slender ankles.<br><br>Still beautiful, but thinner.<br><br>He Lingji didn\u2019t respond. After half an hour, he noticed she\u2019d only had a small bowl of porridge.<br><br>His eyes darkened as he looked at her increasingly thin back. \u201cThat\u2019s all?\u201d<br><br>Qin Mang lounged lazily on the couch, eyes half closed. \u201cI wasn\u2019t hungry anymore when I started eating.\u201d<br><br>That bowl of porridge had been forced down.<br><br>The hungrier she got, the less appetite she had.<br><br>Seeing her drifting off again, He Lingji gently draped a blanket over her.<br><br>The phone rang again.<br><br>He glanced briefly at the untouched food cart before stepping out to the balcony with his phone.<br><br>After Secretary Cong finished reporting, He Lingji gave a few personal instructions.<br><br>The more Secretary Cong listened, the more shocked he became.<br><br>Was President He planning to\u2014<br><br>When Qin Mang woke up again\u2014<br><br>She smelled a faint fragrance in the air.<br><br>Squinting, she sat up.<br><br>The suite had a semi-open design\u2014living room, dining room, and kitchen connected. She looked toward the dining table and saw elegant dishes already arranged.<br><br>She thought nothing of it.<br><br>Assumed He Lingji had ordered some private catering.<br><br>Outside, it was already dark again.<br><br>She rubbed her aching temples and reached under a pillow for her phone\u2014<br><br>**8:30 PM.**<br><br>She had slept that long again!<br><br>The screen lit up with dozens of WeChat messages from Ah Tong sent two hours ago.<br><br>Qin Mang raised her brows slightly.<br><br>*Did I make the trending list again?*<br><br>She opened the messages while thinking about the possibilities.<br><br>They couldn\u2019t let a photo taken outside the charity gala be used by Wu Yuan as a scapegoat.<br>That guy absolutely would\u2019ve done it before, but \u2014 now she had a super powerful backer. Even if he had ten times the courage, he wouldn\u2019t dare.<br>Qin Mang\u2019s eyes curved into a smile.<br>When she saw the photo and message sent by A-Tong, her smile deepened.<br>Even brighter than the crescent moon outside the window.<br><br>**My OTP is real:** \\[Ahhh sis, wake up! You\u2019ll regret it if you miss this!]<br><br>\\[19 photos]<br><br>\\[I saw Secretary Cong and the others deliver a bunch of brand-new kitchenware and ingredients!]<br><br>\\[Wake up!]<br><br>\\[Wake up, sis\\~]<br><br>\\[President He even personally checked your schedule and had Sister Fu cancel a lot of items]<br><br>\\[I\u2019m dying from shipping this couple!]<br><br>Qin Mang finally understood where the enticing aroma lingering around her came from.<br>Her lashes lifted as she stealthily leaned over to peek into the kitchen \u2014 but saw nothing.<br><br>**Little Lion Roar Meow:** \\[Is he cooking Tang Monk meat or something?]<br><br>Then, still holding her phone, She tiptoed her way toward the kitchen, following the scent.<br><br>The man who always seemed like a god on a pedestal, aloof and unapproachable,<br>Was now in a refined and cool shirt, sleeves rolled up to his wrists, revealing well-shaped, muscular arms. He stood calmly and elegantly, like a proud mythical beast in slumber.<br>He stood in the kitchen, head slightly bowed, quietly watching the milky-white broth bubbling in the pot.<br>The steam blurred his features.<br><br>Qin Mang froze for a second.<br>Even though she had mentally prepared, seeing this scene still felt surreal.<br><br>\u201cOur dear President He\\~ what delicious thing are you cooking?\u201d she leaned on the glass door, her tone playful and lilting.<br><br>The kitchen was a bit noisy.<br>He Lingji turned his head at her voice.<br>His gaze calm, \u201cGo wait.\u201d<br><br>Qin Mang wasn\u2019t the least bit intimidated by his cold face. She beamed and snapped a picture of him.<br>\u201cFirst time cooking, gotta commemorate it.\u201d<br><br>He Lingji, seeing her bright and bold expression, turned his attention back to the soup.<br><br>A few minutes later\u2014<br>All the dishes were served.<br>Aside from a few light but colorful and aromatic side dishes,<br>He had also made a nourishing chicken soup with yam, red dates, and chestnuts.<br>The surface was skimmed clean of oil, the soup looked creamy white and smelled faintly fragrant \u2014 very appetizing.<br><br>Qin Mang quickly took her phone, snapped a photo of He Lingji in the kitchen, then another of the table.<br>She sipped the chicken soup\u2014<br>Her eyes lit up.<br><br>It was *delicious*!<br>She drank the soup while drafting a social post:<br><br>**Little Lion Roar Meow:** \\[What kind of perfect man is this who can handle the boardroom and the kitchen? Photos x2]<br><br>The always cold and elegant man stood in a hotel kitchen.<br>Even through the mist, his features were still distinct \u2014 it was clearly He Lingji.<br><br>She rarely posted to her feed.<br>After setting it to \u201cfriends and family only,\u201d she posted.<br><br>Unexpectedly, the first comment came from her father-in-law\u2014<br>**\u201cStill room for improvement. Tell him not to get arrogant. Humble.jpg\u201d**<br><br>Qin Mang almost laughed herself to death.<br><br>**He Xucheng:** \\[Oh my god? Did I open the app wrong? Is this really my brother?]<br>**Wu Yuxi:** \\[My ideal man \u2014 who can stir the winds outside and dominate a yacht inside!]<br><br>\u201cPfft.\u201d<br>Qin Mang nearly spit out her soup at Wu Yuxi\u2019s comment.<br>The next second,<br>Her phone was taken from her.<br><br>The man\u2019s tone brooked no argument: \u201cFocus on eating.\u201d<br><br>If this were before, Qin Mang would\u2019ve thrown a fit.<br>But seeing that He Lingji didn\u2019t seem interested in actually checking her phone, she breathed a sigh of relief.<br>If he saw that \u201cdominate a yacht\u201d comment, she\u2019d die of embarrassment.<br>A fairy still has some shame, after all.<br><br>She glanced at the table full of dishes and the chicken soup in front of her, took a big sip, licked her lips, and changed the topic: \u201cHubby\\~<br>Your cooking is amazing!\u201d<br><br>It wasn\u2019t even flattery.<br>The meals delivered by the hotel were fancy but never sparked her appetite.<br>But now, after a bowl of this soup,<br>She wasn\u2019t full \u2014 she was *hungrier*!<br>She had several more bites.<br>Once her hunger subsided, she continued chatting:<br>\u201cWith skills like this, it\u2019s a waste not to stay home and be a perfect househusband\\~\u201d<br><br>He Lingji, calm as ever, served her another bowl.<br>Unhurried: \u201cSure.\u201d<br><br>\u201cReally?\u201d<br>Qin Mang was suspicious.<br><br>He gently pushed the small porcelain bowl toward her, speaking slowly: \u201cThen you support me.\u201d<br>\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with that?\u201d<br><br>Qin Mang froze, spoon in hand.<br>Wait, *she* supports *him*?<br>She thought of her pathetic five-digit bank balance.<br>She couldn\u2019t even afford one of his cars.<br>Let alone support him.<br><br>More importantly\u2026<br>She glanced at the pile of jewelry boxes stacked like a small mountain on the floor between the dining and living rooms.<br>Her brain quickly calculated: would she rather have him cook or earn money?<br>The answer came fast \u2014 earn money, of course.<br><br>Under the sparkling chandelier, her expression was tangled and cautious \u2014 emotions clearly written on her face.<br>He Lingji waited serenely, as if he would really let her decide.<br><br>A few seconds later,<br>Qin Mang picked up her chopsticks, gave him some greens, and smiled sweetly: \u201cCooking is a romantic gesture \u2014 I\u2019d never make my hubby do it every day\\~<br>Never!\u201d<br><br>\u201cReally?\u201d<br>He Lingji didn\u2019t eat. He leaned back, smiling faintly: \u201cSo Madam He is sure she doesn\u2019t want me to quit?\u201d<br>\u201cNo way!\u201d<br>Someone in the family had to make money!<br><br>Her little uncle had cut off her allowance long ago.<br>Qin Mang ladled another bowl of soup for him: \u201cHubby, you need to keep your strength up!\u201d<br>Stay healthy and make money for a few more years \u2014 fill up her jewelry room and piggy bank!<br><br>He Lingji\u2019s normally cold voice was now a bit warmer: \u201cYou need to nourish yourself too.\u201d<br><br>A harmonious scene of a loving couple \u2014 they could be the poster pair for \u201cmodel marriage.\u201d<br><br>Qin Mang didn\u2019t stay in North City long.<br>She flew overseas for an important ad shoot.<br><br>Strangely enough\u2014<br>Ever since He Lingji had stayed with her for two nights,<br>The lingering trauma from that movie shoot miraculously disappeared.<br><br>To this, A-Tong said: That\u2019s probably the power of love!<br><br>Love?<br>Between her and He Lingji?<br>Qin Mang\u2019s beautiful eyes sparkled for a moment.<br><br>Then she recalled his eternally indifferent expression \u2014 and chuckled softly:<br>\u201cWhat kind of love looks like that?\u201d<br><br>Her voice was quiet, like a murmur.<br>But A-Tong had already started listing all the ways He Lingji treated her differently.<br><br>Yet Qin Mang knew better than anyone\u2014<br>That was only because she was *Madam He*.<br>If she didn\u2019t have that title\u2026<br><br>She realized she was getting a little resentful?<br>Because of He Lingji?<br>Her dark, clear eyes turned annoyed.<br><br>She leaned back into her seat, chuckled coldly:<br>\u201cLove? As if. It\u2019s just a game. I\u2019m not falling for him.\u201d<br>\u201cAnd he\u2019d better not fall for me either. There\u2019s no future.\u201d<br><br>A-Tong, looking at her delicate and proud profile, covered her mouth and whispered: \u201cJust wait, karma\u2019s coming.\u201d<br><br>Qin Mang stared out the window at the passing street scenes.<br>She pulled a little blanket over herself and quietly unlocked her phone.<br>Her wallpaper was a blurry photo taken through the kitchen glass \u2014 the tall man with aloof features looked like a divine statue on a distant altar.<br><br>While Qin Mang was busy with work, the He Group was also quite lively.<br><br>Someone anonymously posted on the He Group\u2019s employee gossip forum about Lou Tingdai.<br>Lou Tingdai, who had returned from overseas with prestige, had always maintained an elegant, competent image \u2014 with good family background too.<br><br>There were rumors that she had a close relationship with the Chairman\u2019s wife.<br>Whenever the wife visited the company, she would sometimes send things specifically for Lou Tingdai.<br>So even in a company full of elites and rich second gens, Lou still had many admirers.<br><br><br>However, this post directly exposed Lou Tingdai\u2019s background.<br><br>Previously, everyone had assumed that her family had some kind of relationship with the He family\u2014at the very least, an old family friendship\u2014which was why the chairman\u2019s wife treated her specially. That\u2019s how she managed to enter the core of the company, and after a period of training, was promoted to Director of the Technical Department, becoming one of the most central figures.<br><br>But according to the revelations in the post, she came from poverty, lost her parents early, and was only able to climb out of a remote mountain village thanks to the chairman\u2019s wife&#8217;s support. It was also because of the madam\u2019s kindness that she could stand out in He Group\u2014a company filled with elites\u2014and become a goddess-level figure within the organization.<br><br>An inspirational girl who rose from poverty could be worthy of praise, too. But the problem was, this truth completely shattered Lou Tingdai\u2019s long-standing image as a privileged, noble goddess.<br><br>It was practically fraud!<br><br>Occasionally, a few male employees who had once liked her tried to defend her.<br><br>Saying things like: it\u2019s not easy for a girl, maybe she was just protecting herself.<br><br>Until the original poster dropped another bomb.<br><br>Lou Tingdai had never cared about their affections\u2014what she coveted was the position of Madam He.<br><br>She would always find excuses to visit the CEO\u2019s office frequently, hoping to \u201cbump into\u201d President He, and often liked to skip ranks to report directly to him\u2014<br><br>Previously, no one thought much of it. They just assumed Lou Tingdai had some family connection with President He and didn\u2019t dig deeper. But now that it was pointed out, people finally understood.<br><br>No wonder.<br><br>Those rich second-generation heirs and elite executives who used to treat her like a goddess\u2014and were even rejected by her\u2014finally broke down.<br><br>So it turns out her ambitions were that lofty!<br><br>She was trying to steal the Madam He\u2019s position!<br><br>The post quickly went viral.<br><br>&amp;gt; \u201cWhat is she even? Does she deserve it?\u201d<br><br>&amp;gt; \u201cEveryone in the core management team grew up with elite education. Even the worst among them are Ivy League graduates. With her background and education, if not for the chairman\u2019s wife\u2019s kindness, she wouldn\u2019t even get past the front gate of He Group! And now she dares to covet the divine!\u201d<br><br>&amp;gt; \u201cGod, how fake can one be? A little sparrow pretending to be a noble phoenix, afraid to even acknowledge her real family.\u201d<br><br>&amp;gt; \u201cWho knows what kind of blood runs in her veins\u2014choosing to be a mistress instead of living like a decent person.\u201d<br><br>&amp;gt; \u201c\u2026\u201d<br><br>The post continued to gain traction.<br><br>Everyone in He Group started looking at Lou Tingdai differently.<br><br>Lou Tingdai only found out several days later.<br><br>She rarely visited forums like that.<br><br>Most of her free time was spent studying. Her position as Director of the Technical Department placed her on a high pedestal\u2014so high that she feared the fall would be fatal.<br><br>She always had to appear calm and capable in front of others.<br><br>Just as the post said, the core departments of He Group were never short of geniuses.<br><br>Lou Tingdai, who was usually emotionally steady, found her breathing ragged after reading the post.<br><br>Who?<br><br>Who did this?<br><br>Through the glass wall, she could almost hear the whispers of her subordinates outside.<br><br>They were gossiping about her background, about her shame.<br><br>Her knuckles clenched around her phone tighter and tighter. Suddenly, she stood up and threw open the office door.<br><br>Everyone in the open office turned to look.<br><br>The assistant closest to her nervously asked, \u201cDirector Lou, is there something you need?\u201d<br><br>Lou Tingdai\u2019s gaze swept across each face.<br><br>They were all calling her \u201cDirector Lou\u201d to her face, but who knew how they were mocking her behind her back?<br><br>She forced herself to stay calm. The rage that had reached a boiling point was forcibly suppressed, hidden beneath a mask of indifference. Her fingers slowly loosened their grip on the door handle.<br><br>Her voice, as always, was gentle and courteous: \u201cPlease get me a cup of coffee.\u201d<br><br>Then she retreated back into the office.<br><br>Closed the door again.<br><br>She no longer paid attention to the mocking stares outside.<br><br>The entire office fell silent.<br><br>Lou Tingdai sat back down, tilting her head to look at the dazzling sun outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. She narrowed her eyes\u2014it felt blinding.<br><br>At the same time, Qin Mang had just wrapped up all her schedules for the year. It was already the end of the lunar calendar.<br><br>The weather in Shen City this year had been unusually erratic.<br><br>It even started snowing.<br><br>A thick layer had settled outside.<br><br>\u201cWhere is he?\u201d<br><br>After finally shaking off the paparazzi, Qin Mang returned to the lakeside manor. Her voice, though pleasant, sounded lazy and tired.<br><br>With the Lunar New Year approaching, both the He and Qin families\u2014being long-established aristocratic clans\u2014were expected to host large gatherings. Relatives from both families could show up at any time.<br><br>Staying at the apartment stalked by paparazzi was no longer an option.<br><br>Even though she hadn\u2019t been back in half a year, it didn\u2019t feel unfamiliar at all.<br><br>Seeing only the servants in the house, she casually asked.<br><br>The butler took her suitcase respectfully and said, \u201cPresident He is at the indoor pool.\u201d<br><br>Qin Mang thought she\u2019d misheard.<br><br>Swimming? In this freezing weather?<br><br>She had planned to go upstairs, but suddenly changed direction and headed to the indoor pool on the lowest floor.<br><br>A few minutes later.<br><br>Qin Mang stood at the edge of the spacious pool, watching a perfectly sculpted, muscular figure swim toward her from the distance. His movements were smooth and effortless\u2014like a lazy predator of the deep sea.<br><br>Her eyes landed on the mysterious, intricate spider lily tattoo across his pale back. Then they followed the black pattern down to that lean, soul-stirring waist.<br><br>She couldn\u2019t look away.<br><br>She watched helplessly as He Lingji approached.<br><br>Since she was standing at the edge of the pool, it was a rare moment where she could look down on him.<br><br>Suddenly, a mischievous impulse struck.<br><br>Qin Mang kicked off her high heels.<br><br>Her snow-white toes dipped playfully into the water, splashing it casually onto He Lingji\u2019s sculpted shoulders. The girl, looking down from above, had a teasing smile in her eyes: \u201cOh dear, President He\u2019s swimming in my foot-washing water\\~\u201d<br><br>Like a little fox that had gotten away with something naughty.<br><br>But her smugness lasted only two seconds.<br><br>Her delicate ankle was suddenly grabbed by a cool hand.<br><br>*Splash\u2014*<br><br>She was pulled straight into the pool, sending up a huge splash.<br><br>Her tight-fitting knit dress instantly became soaked and heavy, clinging to her curves and outlining her seductive figure even more.<br><br>Qin Mang nearly choked on the water.<br><br>A moment later.<br><br>A strong, possessive male body pressed up against her back.<br><br>He Lingji\u2019s deep, magnetic voice was laced with laughter: \u201cDid it taste good?\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}}},"novel":[],"class_list":["post-3677","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/3677","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3677"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/3677\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3678,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/3677\/revisions\/3678"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"novel","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/novel?post=3677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}