Chapter 65: Do You Understand Now?

Lin Zhiwei steadied her emotions, ready to respond, when a new text message flashed on her phone—a number she didn’t recognize.

Her brow furrowed, a wave of unease rising in her chest as she glanced at the screen.

You stole someone from me and still hope to keep an eye on me. But I’ll let it slide this time—you owe me one.

A storm of darkness brewed in Lin Zhiwei’s eyes. There was no need to guess—this could only be Chu Chuo. As for how he’d obtained her number, it must have been child’s play for him. This message was nothing more than an assertion of dominance.

Ling Ziheng, noticing her change in expression, asked, “What’s wrong?”

Lin Zhiwei curled her lips, tossed her phone onto the table before him, and said irritably, “It’s Chu Chuo.”

Ling Ziheng showed no surprise. He glanced at the message, then looked at Lin Zhiwei with a meaningful gaze. He’d warned her before: once Chu Chuo set his sights on someone, he was not easily shaken off.

But Lin Zhiwei felt no fear. Let him come if he dared—she certainly wasn’t afraid. Besides, she understood Chu Chuo well: he was a man who lived recklessly, more interested in the thrill of the game than its outcome, regardless of who played the leading or supporting roles. Though he was under others’ control, he was unlikely to be obedient.

Assessing the current situation, she felt safer than ever.

Moreover, with Chu Chuo’s personality, he would use Ye Linyun as his pawn rather than foolishly expose himself.

“He’s here to warn us,” Lin Zhiwei said. “At the very least, he hasn’t reached an agreement with Ye Linyun. That means his goal lies elsewhere.”

Ling Ziheng frowned slightly. “He’ll try to set up a meeting with you.”

Lin Zhiwei rolled her eyes. “As if I care.”

“Zhiwei,” Ling Ziheng’s voice carried a barely suppressed anger.

“I know,” Lin Zhiwei immediately sensed her boss’s rising irritation and tried to appease him with a smile. “I won’t meet with him privately, and I won’t put myself in danger. I have enough sense for that.”

Ling Ziheng grunted in response, arms folded, his face as cold as ice, deep concern clouding his features. He trusted that Lin Zhiwei wouldn’t walk into a trap, but it was clear that Chu Chuo was not someone who gave up easily.

Suddenly, Pei Xi’s words echoed in his mind: “Young master, you’ve always known Miss Zhiwei could turn the tide. But… there may be danger.”

His dark eyes narrowed. The past was the past. Now, he would not allow her to face any danger. Even if it disrupted his careful plans, he would not let her become the first one to step into the fray.

Lin Zhiwei cast a nervous glance at Ling Ziheng beside her, feeling that his aura was almost suffocating. True, Chu Chuo was troublesome, but with Ling Ziheng’s cunning and ruthlessness, there was no reason to fear. So what was he hesitating for?

She decided to speak plainly. She had a vague sense that Ling Ziheng had a plan, and she was undoubtedly the best person to set it in motion.

She didn’t mind being used—after all, their arrangement was mutual benefit. She had come to China to complete the sadistic assessment set by Lin Qiongjiu. Since their goals didn’t conflict, it was a perfect opportunity to hone her skills.

“Ziheng, actually… I can do it,” she began.

“Don’t even think about it.” Ling Ziheng nearly ground out the words.

The chill in his gaze was enough to shatter her. Lin Zhiwei froze, stunned by his anger. She hadn’t expected such a fierce reaction. Even after racking her brain, she couldn’t fathom the reason for his outburst. She could only stare at him in confused silence.

Wasn’t she fit to be the vanguard? Was she really that incompetent…?

She cleared her throat, trying to ease the tension in the room. “Ahem, actually, I don’t mind. And I’m not that bad, am I?”

She scratched her head awkwardly, hoping her sincerity would have some effect.

It didn’t work at all.

A shadow fell over her as Ling Ziheng’s tall frame loomed, the faint scent of his recent shower mingling with the air. Lin Zhiwei instinctively edged backward, sensing trouble.

Ling Ziheng narrowed his eyes, steadied her head with his hand, and, without a moment’s hesitation, pressed his lips to the ones he’d longed for day and night.

The possessive, forceful kiss shattered Lin Zhiwei’s thoughts. As he tried to deepen it, she attempted to push him away, only to find her hands pinned.

“Ow—” The moment her hand touched her wound, she couldn’t help but cry out.

Ling Ziheng finally released her lips, reluctantly, and took her hand to inspect the injury—blood was seeping through. He must have pulled her too hard in the heat of the moment and aggravated the wound.

He immediately guided her back to the sofa, gently unwrapping the bandage.

For a few minutes, Lin Zhiwei felt like a marionette, every movement dictated by someone else. In her mind, a tiny flame flickered—igniting, dying, only to flare up again.

But she quickly persuaded herself it was just a moment of impulse. Being alone together, it was bound to happen.

Wait, wasn’t she dressed as a man right now?

Could it be that Ling Ziheng was actually attracted to men?

Her small head was filled with big question marks.

As Ling Ziheng tended her wound, he regretted his loss of control. Judging by her expression, she’d been frightened. His voice softened. “Do you understand now?”

Lin Zhiwei swallowed uneasily, her voice trembling, “Um… do you actually like men?”

Ling Ziheng’s hand froze mid-motion. He sighed. What on earth went on in that girl’s mind? Did she really not get it yet?

“No need to explain, I get it,” Lin Zhiwei interrupted solemnly, nodding as if to show her understanding and respect.

Ling Ziheng could hardly contain his frustration. “I want it to be real, not an act. Do you understand now?”

Lin Zhiwei’s eyes darted about. She shook her head. Boss, what are you getting at? Did he have some kind of scheme in mind?

In all his years, Ling Ziheng had never faced such a trial. How much clearer did he need to be…?

He was about to make himself perfectly clear—might as well say everything tonight. With this girl’s obtuseness, she’d never figure it out otherwise.

Lin Zhiwei’s phone vibrated—a new message.

Tomorrow night, 8 p.m. World Trade Center, 44th floor, MOB Lounge.

Lin Zhiwei shook her head in resignation. Predictably, Chu Chuo was not one to give up easily.

“See? He’s definitely up to something. What a shame—I’m not going,” she said, tossing her phone aside in annoyance.

What a day—her first kiss lost, followed by two harassing messages.

Still, judging by Ling Ziheng’s kissing technique, it wasn’t bad…

“What were you about to say?” Lin Zhiwei hesitated, recalling he’d seemed on the verge of something.

The courage Ling Ziheng had summoned to confess was instantly doused. So, in her mind, that kiss hadn’t sparked anything at all—a heartless little thing.

He could only resume wrapping her wound in silence, voice calm. “We’ll talk about it next time. For now, be careful and stay in touch.”

“Okay,” Lin Zhiwei replied, noticing his look of disappointment without suspecting a thing.

Steel-willed and hopelessly obtuse, Lin Zhiwei’s thoughts had already wandered far afield. Chu Chuo wouldn’t rest until he achieved his goal—but what was that goal? Lin Zhiwei’s mind raced, completely forgetting about the kiss that had just transpired.