Chapter Forty-Eight: Exercising in Bed Aids Digestion

He responded with a faint acknowledgement, not even bothering to look up at her, simply stuffing the stack of bills into the inner pocket of his suit jacket. Then he turned his chair to face the computer, picked up a pile of documents, and, pen in hand, began to sign.

Mai Xijun felt a surge of disdain, but at most she could only purse her lips; she dared not utter a word. The frustration was suffocating! To be entangled with him was no blessing; it was clearly a curse, shortening her life!

Fine, she would go about her work, remaining calm and indifferent as if nothing had happened. Then she would find out more about the situation—see what was really going on with the matter of going to France.

However, she had barely taken two steps when Yu Wensi called out to her, “Hey, Miss Mai! Since you’re willing to pay two thousand three hundred yuan, why not just treat me to a meal while you’re at it? I’m not picky—even a two-hundred-yuan dinner is fine with me!”

Yu Wensi was all smiles. It’s said that one doesn’t hit a smiling face, so Mai Xijun forced a smile in return. “Sorry, sir, but if I don’t get back to work now, I’m afraid I won’t even be able to feed myself this month!”

He had just pretended to “help” her, only to stab her in the back in the end. What was this, a rat paying New Year’s respects to a cat? Could she truly believe that he was a good person every time? People flock together—if someone like Shen Yanlie was involved, Yu Wensi was certainly no better!

Moreover, rumor had it that Yu Wensi was always a “smiling assassin,” fond of scheming in the shadows. Shen Yanlie was different, though his methods were ruthless, he was always straightforward—if you didn’t cross him, he wouldn’t cross you; if you did, you were digging your own grave. While both were deft and cunning, Yu Wensi’s methods were never as direct or open as Shen Yanlie’s.

“Ahem.” Shen Yanlie covered his mouth and coughed lightly. Mai Xijun assumed she had overstayed her welcome, shot Yu Wensi a glare, and resumed her steps. What had she done to deserve this? Hounded endlessly, bitten by dogs at every turn—how bizarre...

Shen Yanlie lifted his eyes and watched her figure. Her graceful form was unmistakable; no matter what she wore, her youthfulness could not be concealed.

“In fact, you might want to reconsider. The organization’s final allocation for the Paris trip hasn’t been completely settled yet,” he said slowly, as though discussing something of little consequence.

Mai Xijun’s lips twitched as she froze in her tracks and turned around slowly.

“Do I still have a chance?”

Her clear eyes fixed earnestly on him. She had almost believed her life was about to fall into utter darkness. This opportunity to study in France was crucial for her. If she achieved something there, gained recognition, her path would change—her prospects bright.

No designer would want to miss such a chance. Yet, just as she was about to grasp it, the acquisition of LOV by Shen Yanlie had nearly cut her off from her goal.

But now, if the opportunity was laid before her again, she would seize it without hesitation. She would not allow it to slip away once more.

“The departure is still set for the sixteenth of this month, but there have been some changes in the list,” he replied in an even, unruffled tone, so unlike the aura of hostility she’d seen from him before.

Yu Wensi, sensing drama, snapped his fingers together. “Come on, miss, treat us to a meal! Opportunities like this don’t come twice~”

Yu Wensi had read Mai Xijun’s profile before; her dream was to become an international jewelry designer. This chance to study abroad would be the greatest boost toward that goal.

Mai Xijun bit her lip in distress. Never mind, she’d treat them—so long as she could go to Paris, it was worth it. She hadn’t used backdoor means to get ahead; she had rightfully earned her spot. It was only this scoundrel’s sudden interference that had changed everything. She’d just consider the meal money as feeding the dogs.

﹡　﹡　﹡　﹡　﹡

The car drove along familiar streets, but not to a place she knew intimately. What if these two decided on the most expensive restaurant? Heaven help her—she’d be penniless!

Jinsha Bay International Hotel.

Mai Xijun looked up, shielding her eyes from the sunlight with her hand as she read the sign. Good heavens! These two hadn’t uttered a word. If she’d known they were coming here, she wouldn’t have come at all! The prices and luxury here would bleed her dry.

“Forget it. If you two want to eat here, go ahead. I won’t join you—I’m not hungry. I’ll come back later to pay your bill.”

She turned to leave, but Shen Yanlie caught her by the elbow before she could escape. “Since you’re already here, let’s eat together.”

“Eating with you would give me indigestion!” she snapped, instinctively trying to shake off his grip. They were clearly out to trap her!

But Shen Yanlie tightened his hold, and Mai Xijun suddenly recalled what she’d just said…

Yu Wensi couldn’t hold back a laugh, doubling over. “Hahaha… Did I hear that right? But miss, do you know what aids digestion?”

Mai Xijun frowned, her cheeks flushed crimson. Watching Yu Wensi laugh until his eyes teared up, she deliberately avoided looking at Shen Yanlie, truthfully a little afraid—afraid of his silence, but even more so of his predatory stare. Like that night when he’d gripped her throat, his eyes cold and sharp—the memory made her chest ache as if pierced by a knife.

Seeing her discomfort, Yu Wensi reined himself in a little. In fact, he didn’t dare look at Shen Yanlie right now either. Usually, teasing Shen Yanlie earned him a beating, but with Mai Xijun present today, he could take the opportunity to observe how things stood between them.

“Anyway, that can be arranged. If you really get indigestion, you can have Lie help you—after dinner, some exercise in bed is great for digestion, truly!”

Shen Yanlie’s face darkened, while Mai Xijun’s brows knitted in anger. “What?”

Yu Wensi, struck by her reaction, wondered if his joke had been too much. “That’s right, that thing in bed helps with… digestion…”

His voice trailed off awkwardly; he just meant to give them a little push…

Mai Xijun struggled to keep her composure, suppressing the volcano of fury in her chest. “You know, for someone who looks so proper, your mind is truly filthy.”