Chapter 51: Counterintelligence? Seduction?

“Aren’t you afraid…” A flash of cold menace flickered in Chu Chuo’s gaze.

“You wouldn’t dare. There’s no challenge in that,” Lin Zhiwei shot him a sidelong glance, her tone utterly composed.

Leaning back against his chair, Chu Chuo’s playful façade faded, replaced by stern seriousness. Clearly, these two were not only prepared, but had also chosen to strike first.

He couldn’t help but glance at Ling Ziheng, already anticipating such a move. Ah, birds of a feather truly flock together. No wonder the one from afar had said they were difficult to handle.

If the one issuing orders was a tiger, then Ling Ziheng was a panther—every bit as formidable, both of the feline kind, fond of stalking quietly before seizing their prey with a fatal grip. Ling Ziheng’s choice of this girl as his counterpart impressed him; she appeared carefree, yet was shrewd—indeed, not easily dealt with.

He had always cared only for his own position, never eager to become entangled in others’ games. But this time was different; he was genuinely intrigued to see how this contest between tigers and panthers would play out—who would ultimately triumph?

“Indeed. I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, just like you two,” Chu Chuo remarked elegantly, slicing his steak tartare, his narrow, fox-like eyes glinting between them.

Ling Ziheng remained unmoved, eating as if Chu Chuo didn’t exist. Beside him, Lin Zhiwei maintained her composure, choosing not to respond.

Chu Chuo let out a low chuckle. In his eyes, these two were not entirely impregnable. Given Ling Ziheng’s frosty demeanor, there was no guarantee he would win the beauty in the end; perhaps there was another way in.

Lin Zhiwei was well aware of the current situation. Men like Chu Chuo were driven by pride and the thrill of competition. It was easy to pique his interest, but not so easy to discern his ultimate aim. That, she would leave to Ling Ziheng. For now, maintaining a stable peace was most advantageous.

“For me, the best seat is watching a fight from afar. However, someone is bound to make the first move,” Chu Chuo smiled lightly as he rose, raising an eyebrow. “I hope, when the time comes, this loving relationship will endure. Thank you for the dinner.”

With that, he turned and left with a flourish, not forgetting to toss a flirtatious wink to the young woman serving dessert, his ostentatious display drawing a collective gasp from those around.

“Troublemaker,” Lin Zhiwei muttered under her breath.

Once Chu Chuo was out of sight, Ling Ziheng shot her a glance, his face cold. She was supposed to play it safe, but she had only managed to catch Chu Chuo’s full attention—trouble, indeed.

“Ling Ziheng?” Lin Zhiwei waved a hand before his eyes.

Had she overdone her act? Was her boss angry? Oh well… she really couldn’t help herself.

“Ahem, perhaps I did go a little too far,” she admitted softly, somewhat sheepish.

Ling Ziheng sighed, meeting her eyes with a grave sincerity. “Don’t have private contact with him.”

“Alright,” she agreed obediently. “Was my attempt at sowing discord not convincing enough?”

Ling Ziheng snorted. Leave it to her to get confused between playing the beauty or the double agent. She had no idea what she was doing.

“Hey, don’t overthink it. I looked into it—Chu Chuo likes voluptuous women. From my analysis, his backer definitely wants him to stir up trouble. Still, he’s lazy; he’ll watch before getting involved.”

Lin Zhiwei put down her knife and fork, carefully assessing the situation. Her strategy seemed sound—by using Lin Yeling as a distraction for Chu Chuo, they could deal with Lin Yeling first, then target the one backing Chu Chuo.

“And you’re sure you’re not just provoking his interest to conquer you?” Ling Ziheng’s tone was icy, his gaze penetrating.

She drew a sharp breath. “Well, let him try—I’m not interested in him anyway.”

It wouldn’t hurt. If he wanted to play the conqueror, he’d have to show his hand. That would give her a chance to see what cards he held.

Ling Ziheng’s hand tightened slightly around his knife. This girl was bold—utterly indifferent to his feelings.

“Don’t worry. Someone like him…” Before she could finish, the air around Ling Ziheng grew frosty. She hastened to pledge her loyalty.

Was her boss really worried she would betray him at the drop of a hat?

“Then tell me, what kind of man do you like?” Ling Ziheng relaxed his brow, fixed his gaze on her, and asked directly.

“Uh…” Lin Zhiwei’s eyes darted. She decided to lay on the flattery thick. “Naturally, I like someone as unique and unparalleled as my boss.” She stole a glance at him; seeing the tension around him ease, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Really, what was it with men these days? Either they were heartbreakers or cold enough to kill with a glance.

She silently vowed not to seek romance in the future—far too much trouble.

Ling Ziheng, though knowing she was only jesting, still found the words pleasing. So be it; whether she played the beauty or the double agent, as long as she was by his side, he could protect her. Let her do as she pleased.

Chu Chuo exited the restaurant and mounted his motorcycle. As he snapped on his helmet, the girl’s words echoed in his mind: “You wouldn’t dare. There’s no challenge in that.”

For no reason, his heart jolted. Challenge—he hadn’t felt that in years. Lately, everything had come so easily to him.

Women? As long as he was interested, beauties threw themselves at him—provided he was in the mood.

Lin Zhiwei—he turned her name over in his mind. Let’s see how you handle that madwoman.

He revved the throttle, roaring down the silent streets. The city scenery blurred past, but he was accustomed to weaving through the urban maze, his thoughts racing.

Why choose to help Ling Ziheng? That girl clearly wasn’t truly interested in him—it was all just an act.

Well then, let’s see how this play unfolds. As both bystander and participant, he relished this point in the game—the true beginning of intrigue. With a wry smile, he twisted the throttle harder, weaving into the current of chaos.