Chapter 811 - Jin Chonglin's Two Requests Part II
"Liwei created a film production company called LX Productions which he used to help fund the indie movie 'Strong Yet Broken'," Iris said. "You might have heard of that film. It won two awards at the Sommet International Film Festival in France."
Jin Chonglin rolled his eyes. Of course, he knew that film! "Strong Yet Broken" brought pride and honour to their country when it won two awards at the highly prestigious Sommet International Film Festival.
First was for Best Soundtrack which Iris won. The second was for Best Actress which the talented Yin Meixing won. The two women's status in the showbiz industry ascended many levels in an instant after their wins. But more than winning the awards, the film itself was an unexpected masterpiece in its own right.
All these thoughts played in Jin Chonglin's mind but he didn't say them out loud and waited for Iris to finish speaking first.
"Although I'm still far from reaching Brother Chonglin's level, I also have the exact same thought as you," she said. "I plan on being my own boss in showbiz after I reach a certain level. Since Liwei already created LX Productions, I plan on converting it into my very own entertainment management company in the future. I estimate that it will take me a few years to accomplish this because I don't have enough experience and connections in the showbiz industry yet."
Jin Chonglin was now in full business mode. He turned pensive while listening to her explanation.
Iris continued, "But if Brother Chonglin is onboard, we can fast forward my plan and work on it as soon as possible. As a superstar, you have vast experience and connections in the industry that I don't have yet. You'll be in charge of that aspect of the company while I'll be in charge of the business side. I'm confident in my business skills at least even though I don't have your showbiz experience and connections. With the two of us partnering together, I'm sure that we can cover all corners with our own specialties. We aren't lacking in funding either. And most importantly, we'll always have Liwei's backing since he'll be my husband soon and he's your brother as well. In short, we can consider this company a family company. What do you think about my idea, Brother Chonglin?"
Jin Chonglin thought about it for a few moments. "I want to know what Big Bro thinks about this idea first, especially since you mentioned that LX Productions is his company."
"I created LX Productions for the sole purpose of supporting Xiulan's showbiz projects in whatever capacity that she needs," Jin Liwei replied. "If she wants to convert it into something else, I'm fine with it."
"What about the ownership?" Jin Chonglin asked next. "If I decide to jump onboard, will we split the ownership between the three of us? So will it be one-third each?"
"No, it'll be a 50/50 split," Jin Liwei said.
Jin Chonglin frowned. "What do you mean? You'll give your full share of ownership to Sister Xiulan?"
"No, I'll still be part owner because your sister-in-law wants my name on the company to add more weight to it. Just consider Xiulan and I as one entity because our respective wealth will be combined together when we officially marry. My wife and I will own 50% of the company while you'll own the other half. It's as simple as that."
"What?!" Jin Chonglin was shocked.
Lin Dong and the assistants also had their jaws falling down in shock. By this time, Jin Chonglin had already set the call on speakerphone because he also wanted his manager and assistants to hear this important conversation. He trusted his loyal team to support him in any career decisions he planned to make.
"Don't tell me that the two of you didn't sign a prenup," Jin Chonglin said in disbelief.
"Of course, we signed a prenup." It was Iris who replied this time.
"You did? And yet you're still combining your wealth together? Are you two insane?" Jin Chonglin was aghast at their decision.
He couldn't imagine himself marrying without signing a clear-cut prenup, even if he loved the woman. As someone who was born into wealth and worked in showbiz at the same time, it was already ingrained into him that prenup was a must before marriage.
For him, a prenuptial agreement was something he needed to protect his own wealth and properties against a vengeful ex-wife if his future marriage deteriorated in some way.
But what kind of prenup still combined all the wife and husband's wealth together? A useless and stupid one! This was what Jin Chonglin thought.
Iris harrumphed. "Why are you acting like that, Brother Chonglin? Are you looking down on me?! Do you think that I'm only marrying your brother because of his money?! Listen to me, Mr. Jin Chonglin! I have my own money and I don't need your brother's wealth! How dare you look down on me like this?!"
"Calm down, love," Jin Liwei was heard murmuring in a soothing tone.
Iris, however, had become too agitated and continued her tirade against Jin Chonglin. "Are you also one of those people who think that Liwei and I will separate?! Well, here's my word to judgmental people like you! You can shove your ignorant opinion up yourâumph!
Jin Chonglin was already regretting his instinctive reaction upon hearing about the couple's unusual prenup agreement. He didn't want Iris to become angry at him and accuse him of looking down on her. He wanted to apologize to her but she wouldn't give him a chance to interrupt her angry speech. Then she suddenly stopped speaking mid-sentence.
"Hm?"
Jin Chonglin looked at the phone screen to make sure that the call was still active. It was. Why did the line go silent then?
Before he could say hello, he heard a soft moan followed by some other lewd sounds. He stiffened and looked at the phone in disbelief. What the hell were they doing? Seriously?
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Chapter 812 - Jin Chonglin's Two Requests Part III
Jin Chonglin glanced at his manager beside him. Lin Dong had already turned his head away and kept his gaze on the night view outside the windows, pretending not to hear the scandalous sounds coming from the phone call. His assistants were also the same way. All of them were speechless at what they were hearing.
Should Jin Chonglin interrupt the shameless lovers?
Finally, Jin Liwei's husky voice murmured, "Are you calmer now, love?"
"Mmmn," Iris sounded breathless...and sated.
"Chonglin, are you still there?" Jin Liwei asked.
Jin Chonglin cleared his throat. "Y-yes."
"Don't take offence that your sister-in-law lost her temper on you. You already know why she's like this."
Lin Dong tore his gaze away from the window and looked at Jin Chonglin with a raised eyebrow. Jin Chonglin ignored his manager. He promised to keep Iris' pregnancy a secret so he wouldn't breathe a word about it to anyone.
"No problem at all, Big Bro. I'm also sorry for my reaction earlier. It was insensitive of me."
"En."
"It's okay, Brother Chonglin," Iris said. Her lovely voice indicated that she was now in a good mood.
Jin Chonglin pursed his lips, knowing that his older brother must have kissed her brains out in order to calm her bad temper. He sighed and pitied himself for being the recipient of such unwelcome dog food from the couple.
He cleared his throat again and asked, "Can we return to our previous topic? I would like to know more about your plan to partner in creating our own entertainment company."
"Of course," she answered.
Then she shared more about her rough plans while he listened.
"I admit that your vision is very tempting," Jin Chonglin admitted afterwards. "But have you forgotten that you still have a few years before your contract with Bright Summit expires? Are you planning to prematurely terminate your contract? I'm sure that the expensive penalty fee is no problem for you, but terminating your contract this early might create bad blood between you and Bright Summit. They're already an institution in this country's showbiz industry. You can't just offend them or they might make it difficult for you behind the scenes."
"They can try," Jin Liwei's cold voice said.
Jin Chonglin exhaled a drawn-out breath. "Big Bro, I know that you won't let anyone bully your wife. Many are afraid of offending you, including those in showbiz, but there are many hidden deals happening in this industry all the time. Showbiz is its own creature. You might shut them down with your power and influence, but remember that these people are the media. They're experts in manipulating the general public's opinion. Showbiz is not your forte, it's mine. It might seem like it's all glitz and glamour but that's only on the surface. You don't know how dirty it is on the inside. Backstabbing and sabotaging careers are regular occurrences. Bright Summit isn't that clean either."
Lin Dong cleared his throat and squirmed in his seat but otherwise didn't defend his employer. Jin Chonglin also didn't pay him that much attention.
"If worse comes to worst, I'll just buy Bright Summit if they become foolish enough to sabotage my wife's career," Jin Liwei said in a domineering tone.
Jin Chonglin looked up at the vehicle's ceiling and sighed once again.
"Liwei, stop," Iris' cheerful voice interrupted. Her good mood was infectious. "The two of you are overthinking. Bright Summit has been taking great care of me ever since my major comeback. I'm very grateful to them. Leaving their management early doesn't need to result in bad blood between us. I have a few ideas on how to negotiate with them so that they'll support us in starting our own company instead of feeling like we're abandoning them out of disloyalty."
"Oh?" Her words caught Jin Chonglin's attention. Then his eyes lit up in realization. "Do you mean offering Bright Summit to become a shareholder in the new company? There have been similar cases like that before in the past where famous celebrities started their own studios with the full support of their previous management companies." Then he frowned. "But as much as possible, I don't want to give too much ownership to them that they'll be able to influence the company's decisions and directions."
"That's one of my ideas but not the only one," Iris said. "Don't worry, Brother Chonglin. I'm pretty good at negotiations. I'm sure that I can negotiate a great deal with Bright Summit so that it will be win-win to all parties. And just to let you know, the contract I signed with them isn't a typical one. I had my lawyer fight for a less restrictive and more advantageous contract for me back then because I already knew that time that I want to become my own boss someday."
"Hmmm." Jin Chonglin was deep in thought as he considered everything that she told him so far.
"What do you think, Brother Chonglin? Are you interested in partnering with me in this new, exciting venture?" Her tone was very enticing.
"Let me think first," he said.
"Okay."
Jin Chonglin muted the call and discussed Iris' offer with Lin Dong and his assistants. These people had been with him even before he became famous. He trusted them not only with his career but also with his private life. About five minutes later, he finally made a decision. He unmuted the call.
"I accept your offer," he said.
"Excellent!" Iris sounded excited. "We'll be great partners, Brother Chonglin."
"Send me your business plan as soon as possible. I know that time is tight but I want everything ironed out before my contract ends with Bright Summit at the end of this year."
"No problem! LX Productions is already a fully running company with employees. All we need to do is convert it into our own entertainment slash management company and make some changes. I'll inform the company president about our plan and you can start coordinating with him right away."
Jin Chonglin finally smiled as he began feeling excited as well. "Yes. I'm looking forward to it."
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Chapter 813 - Jin Chonglin's Two Requests Part IV
"The first request is resolved," Jin Liwei said. "Tell me about your second request."
Jin Chonglin's smiling expression turned serious once again. He even looked nervous. His knees started bouncing with jerky movements.
Then he blurted out, "I want Jin Corporation shares."
Silence.
Lin Dong's eyes widened and stared at Jin Chonglin in shock. Jin Chonglin rubbed his sweaty hands on his trousers while waiting for his older brother's response. He was tempted to retract his request but swallowed the urge. This was his decision.
"Alright," Jin Liwei's cold voice said.
Silence.
Jin Chonglin looked at his manager, silently asking him if he heard his brother correctly. Lin Dong nodded while covering his open mouth.
"R-really?"
"En."
Jin Chonglin took a sharp inhale and felt his heart racing inside his chest. "You're agreeing that easily to my request? Are you sure?"
"Of course, I'm sure," Jin Liwei said in a calm tone. "You're a Jin."
"But stillâ"
"Father left some shares for you when he passed away but one of the conditions was for you to be present during the reading of his will before it can be transferred," Jin Liwei explained. "But you refused to attend it and any of the official procedures regarding his death. If I hadn't ordered my subordinates to drag you by force, you wouldn't even attend Father's funeral."
Jin Chonglin bit his lower lip and his eyes reddened a little. He blinked rapidly to prevent himself from tearing up. His hands also clenched into fists. He took their father's death really hard back then. All of them did. The two brothers poured themselves into work. It was their way of dealing with the grief of losing their father.
It was just that Jin Liwei succeeded their father's duties and responsibilities as the next head of the Jin clan and of course Jin Corporation. He had no choice but to actively handle everything that needed to be done after their father's death.
On the other hand, Jin Chonglin refused to face the reality of their father's death. Instead, he ran away from it and filled his work schedule to the brim in order to numb the pain through exhaustion. He worked nonstop for about two years before he could finally manage to talk about their father's death. Although it was a dark time for him emotionally, that period contributed a tremendous deal to his career and helped him ascend to the level of superstar.
Similarly, Jin Liwei built a formidable reputation as the top businessman of his generation in the country. Everyone soon learned that he wasn't a person one could easily mess with. Those who tried suffered the consequences. He was especially protective of the Jin and Lu clans. They were his bottomlines back then.
Jin Chonglin remembered those dark times like they were only yesterday. His older brother was right. If Jin Liwei didn't order his subordinates to basically kidnap him, he would've skipped attending the funeral. He had been angry at his brother for doing that because he didn't want to see the urn containing his father's ashes. But looking back now, he was grateful that his brother did it because he had the chance to properly say goodbye to their father.
"Father's lawyers voided your claim to the shares because you didn't attend the reading," Jin Liwei continued explaining, interrupting Jin Chonglin's depressing thoughts. "But Grandpa Lu is Grandfather and Father's successor trustee so he was able to persuade the lawyers to have your shares temporarily transferred to me until you're ready to receive them. I've been keeping them safe for you all this time."
Jin Chonglin's eyes widened and filled with emotions. The hand holding the phone started trembling. He whispered, "I didn't know any of this."
"I tried telling you so many times," Jin Liwei also said in a whisper. "But you always brushed me off or diverted the conversation to another topic whenever I tried to talk about it."
In. Out. In. Out.
Jin Chonglin focused on breathing in order to control his emotions. If he didn't, he might start bawling and that would be embarrassing. He didn't want to cry like a baby in front of his team and also didn't want Iris to witness it. If he had to cry, he would cry in his bedroom alone where nobody could see him.
"I thought that the reason why you tried talking about that topic was because you wanted me to leave my career in showbiz and start working for Jin Corporation," he said in a shaky voice.
"It's true that I did want you to do just that," Jin Liwei admitted, sighing. "Jin Corporation is our grandfather and our father's legacy with Grandpa Lu. I wanted us brothers to continue their legacy until the next generation takes over. But I know that I can't force you to leave showbiz because you love your career."
"Yes, I love my work."
"En, I know." Jin Liwei sighed again. This time, however, it was from relief. "I'm glad that you asked for Jin Corporation shares tonight. Now I can finally transfer what's rightfully yours."
Jin Chonglin almost choked from his overwhelming emotions. "Thanks, Big Bro."
"Don't thank me. It's what Father gave you. It's yours. I just took it for safekeeping."
"You could've kept it for yourself. After all, I didn't attend the reading of the will so it voided my eligibility to inherit the shares."
"I'll never do that to my own brother." In a brighter tone, Jin Liwei said next, "I'll still be a billionaire without those paltry shares. Besides, even in the low chance that I lose my wealth, I still have my beautiful and talented wife. She promised to support me if that really happens. Right, love?"
At first, Jin Chonglin felt extremely touched by his older brother's words that he almost sobbed. Then the shameless man decided to show off his woman once again and began throwing dog food at such an inappropriate moment.
Jin Chonglin's tears evaporated in an instant before they could even fall. He rolled his eyes and snorted but already felt so much better and lighter.
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Chapter 814 - Bossy Woman
"I'll start the transfer procedure of the shares tomorrow," Jin Liwei said. "My lawyer will contact you."
"Okay," Jin Chonglin replied. "Thanks, Big Bro."
"En."
"Speaking of lawyers..." Jin Chonglin told his older brother about what happened with the reporters outside the club earlier, how one of the reporters insinuated that he and Iris were having an affair and cheating on Jin Liwei, how he threatened to sue the malicious reporter, and also how he implied that Jin Liwei would sue as well.
The following silence was cold and frightening. Jin Chonglin knew that his older brother was furious.
"Of course, I'll sue for slander as well." Jin Liwei may sound calm but he was colder and more ominous than usual. "My lawyer will coordinate with yours."
"I'll sue, too!" Iris interjected in an indignant tone. "How dare those people say that I'm cheating on Liwei?! And they say that I'm cheating on my man with Brother Chonglin? That's immoral! Brother Chonglin is my brother-in-law! He's family!"
Jin Chonglin couldn't help but wince at her words.
"I love Liwei the most! I'll never cheat on my man! Darling, don't believe those liars. If you do...if you do...." Her voice became shaky and she sounded like she was going to cry.
"Sssh. Calm down, love. Of course, I won't believe those liars. I believe you." Jin Liwei started soothing his easily agitated woman again. "And I love you the most, too. I'll also never cheat on you. So don't worry anymore. Let our lawyers deal with those ants. There's no need to feel distressed because of those unimportant people. Okay?"
"Okay." She sniffed. "Give me a kiss, darling."
Shortly after, Jin Chonglin and the others began hearing soft, lewd sounds from the phone once again. Jin Chonglin's expression turned black. What the hell was with this shameless couple?
"That's enough, baby," Jin Liwei said in a tight voice. "We're still on the phone with my brother."
"Oh, right. I forgot."
Jin Chonglin's expression turned even blacker. It was already common knowledge that pregnant women's emotions fluctuated a lot, so he wasn't too surprised that Iris was so easily agitated during this phone conversation even though it was so unlike her to be so emotionally unstable like this.
He also heard before that pregnant women had this so-called pregnancy brain where they would often forget things or become muddle-headed. Was that what was happening to her now? Was his existence so unimportant to her that she would even forget that they were currently in a phone call with him?
Sighing, he massaged his knuckles over his chest because his heart started aching for his pitiful self. The woman could be so savage without even meaning to.
He cleared his throat to get the shameless couple's attention. "Since you have no problems granting my two requests, I'll agree to Sister Xiulan's request to finalize my men's line of products with Orchidia Beauty so that we can release it before the year ends."
"Yes! Thank you!" Iris' tone was filled with relief. "And Brother Chonglin?"
"What?"
"Can you also be a little nicer to Chen Fei? She's working really hard on your men's line, you know."
Jin Chonglin snorted. "Tell that bossy woman to be nice to me first, then I'll also be nice to her."
"Her tone and words might be grating on the nerves, but she's actually a good person deep inside once you get to know her more. And she's excellent at her job as the COO of my company."
"Fine. Since Sister Xiulan is asking so nicely, then I'll do my best to cooperate with COO Chen."
After saying good night, they ended the call. Then Jin Chonglin pulled out his tablet and began reviewing the plans for his men's line. He jotted down his own notes as well.
"Why don't you rest for tonight?" Lin Dong suggested. "You've had a long day. You can do that tomorrow."
Jin Chonglin shook his head. "My mind is brimming with lots of ideas for my men's line right now. I'm also feeling good because my two requests to secure my future have both been granted. I'm so pumped up. I need to use this burst of energy and creativity productively. Who knows if I'll feel the same way tomorrow?"
"Fine. It's not like I can do anything to stop you once you've set your mind on something." Lin Dong sighed before amusement made his mouth curve up. "Also, your men's line would have been completed and in production already if you didn't keep on changing something about it. I'm already used to your perfectionism but COO Chen and the others at Orchidia Beauty aren't. I'm sure that you're driving her crazy. I pity the woman sometimes."
"Do you know what that bossy woman called my perfectionism? She called it indecisiveness!" Jin Chonglin gritted his teeth in annoyance.
"I think I remember COO Chen once calling you an indecisive diva!" Lin Dong said before roaring in laughter. The assistants joined him.
Jin Chonglin waved his fist at them. "Shut up, you bastards! Now be quiet and let me work in peace."
The others fortunately stopped making fun of him. He continued jotting down notes about his men's line on his tablet all the way until he was home alone in his bedroom. He should be sleeping now after such a busy day but the ideas kept flowing in his mind. There was no way he could sleep when his brain was being so overactive and creative.
Excitement filled him when he finished. Without even thinking about the time, he dialed Chen Fei's number.
"You! Do you know what time is it?!" Chen Fei was pissed off at being awakened in the middle of the night. "Call me tomorrow when it's office hours!"
He ignored her grumpiness and began talking about his men's line. His excitement was obvious. Then he promised, "This is the last time that I'll make changes."
"Fine," she grumbled. "Don't go back on your promise. I won't accept any changes after this. Tell me more about your ideas."
The two discussed on the phone until sunrise.
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Chapter 815 - Pathetic Monk
Platinum Sky Condominium.
The punching bag snapped off its chains and went tumbling and rolling on the floor. A flood of sand, grains and small pieces of cloth burst out of it and made a big mess on the gym floor.
Lu Zihao straightened from his fighting position. He already decimated his third punching bag since he started working out this afternoon. The gym was littered with debris.
Volatile energy filled him and made him feel restless again. It was a combination of sexual frustration because of damn Miss Prim and Proper Long Jinjing for occupying his mind so much that he couldn't properly fuck other women anymore, and also irritation at his younger sister after talking to her on the phone earlier today.
His sister wasn't happy about Jin Liwei giving Bacon permission to work for him. He was able to glean from his subordinates stationed at Dragon Palace Home #10 that the couple fought again the next day after Bacon introduced himself to him. His subordinates didn't know what the couple was fighting about but he could figure it out. His sister didn't want to expose her second AI child to his work in Shadow Winds.
Lu Zihao already expected that she would retract Bacon's offer to work for him but surprisingly, she didn't. Instead, she used it as leverage to blackmail him to talk to them in person.
"Big Brother, if you agree to talk to Liwei and I in person, I'll allow Bacon to assist you in your work," she told him during the phone call. "And by talk, I mean that you also have to talk. I don't want you refusing to say a word or storming out. If you agree to my request, then I'll even optimize Bacon's system to become more effective when he helps you and Shadow Winds."
He hadn't given her an answer yet and only told her that he would think about it first. She knew that he didn't want to see Jin Liwei in person yet because of the remnant inside him. And most importantly, he didn't want to reveal their past identities as members of the Vetrovs to others, even to Jin Liwei. He didn't trust anyone except her.
Now, however, he was seriously doubting if he should continue trusting his own sister. It seemed that her full loyalty was now solely for her man.
Lu Zihao was pissed off during the entire phone call with his sister. He almost raged at her but remembered that she was pregnant. His subordinates at Dragon Palace Home #10 informed him that her emotional fluctuations recently had become quite extreme. Literally anything might set her off.
Thus, even if he wanted to give her a piece of his mind, he restrained himself. Her current body was weak and fragile. In addition to her pregnancy, she wasn't in the healthiest state right now. He was livid when he learned that she fainted at the TV awards ceremony.
He almost called Jin Liwei to tell him to lock her up in their home so that she would be safe and sound until she gave birth. If he did that, however, the remnant might act up again upon speaking with Jin Liwei. Not to mention that his sister would most likely declare war against him and Jin Liwei for being such "overprotective cavemen" as she had called them before.
She might even run away and give birth to her twin babies in a secret location just to make her point. He wouldn't put it past her to do that. She had always been stubborn and strong-headed. Even their mother, the formidable Madam Vetrova, was unable to change her mind. Their mother's constant threats certainly didn't work on his sister into making her join the family business.
Although he was pissed off at her for blackmailing him using her AI child which she knew that he desperately wanted, he controlled his temper.
First, he didn't want to endanger her health by agitating her. There was no way that he would be able to forgive himself if he somehow caused her to miscarry or something dangerous like that.
Second, she might completely refuse to allow Bacon to assist him in his work if he fought with her. He really needed an advanced AI like Bacon. It would take his group, Shadow Winds, to new heights and also increase the speed and efficiency of his investigations on the Vetrov annihilation.
Lu Zihao kicked the destroyed punching bag on the floor. He already ran out of spares in this penthouse. None of his subordinates were also in sight to spar with him. They already ran away to their group's hide-out in the lower level of this condo building.
The restlessness didn't decrease at all during his workout. It felt like something was itching all over inside his body and he had no idea how to make himself feel better.
Usually, he would relieve this kind of restlessness through training, fighting and fucking. Yet training and fighting were proving to be no longer sufficient. That left the last optionâfucking.
The problem was that his dick only wanted one woman right now and wouldn't get hard for other women anymore. This was completely unacceptable to him!
Long Jinjing was only a one-night stand. Propositioning to her was a big mistake, especially since she was a close friend of his sister and the blood sibling of Evelinka's current body. Getting involved with someone so close to home would be pure folly on his part. He shouldn't touch her again. Ever.
However, his dick's needs were a completely different matter and didn't care about his opinions at all. If this continued and he was unable to have sex with other women, then he might as well declare himself a monk.
Nikolai Vetrov, a monk?
How laughable!
If his enemies were to learn about this, they wouldn't need to kill him off anymore. He would die from pure embarrassment alone.
Disgusted at his current pathetic state, he took a quick shower before driving off to a certain direction. He would resolve this pathetic issue once and for all.
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Chapter 816 - Tempted
A business news program was playing on TV while Long Jinjing did some stretching exercises on the floor of her living room. She was already in her pyjamas and planned on sleeping early tonight.
Orchidia Beauty would be even busier now that they were in the process of finalizing Jin Chonglin's men's line. It seemed that her younger sister Xiulan was able to persuade the fickle man to stop changing his mind all the time. Everyone at the company was in a great mood, especially Chen Fei, who was in charge of the project.
Time was very tight but they would do everything in their power to meet their plan of launching Orchidia Beauty's first men's line before the end of the year.
Long Jinjing needed to make sure that their funds were enough to make all of this happen. She was very busy. This was why she planned on waking up earlier than usual starting tomorrow in order to get more work done at the company.
Finally, the business program ended. She turned off the TV and folded her yoga mat. She was about to head to the bedroom when the door intercom buzzed.
"I wonder who it is. Maybe one of my online orders came earlier than the expected delivery date?"
She looked at the intercom monitor and was shocked silly upon seeing the familiar huge figure. In her shock, she didn't realize that her finger had already pressed the answer button.
"Let me in," Lu Zihao's sinful voice said.
Her IQ once again plummeted to amoeba level. How pitiful!
"I...y-yes...I mean, o-okay!"
The panic descended as she waited for him to reach her unit from the front lobby. She freaked out and paced like a headless chicken in her living room.
"Oh no. How stupid am I? I didn't ask him why he came tonight and immediately let him inside. Did I seem too eager? I did, didn't I? Oh no. How embarrassing! Wait, why did he come here tonight in the first place?"
A small hope ignited within her but she doused it with cold reality as soon as she sensed it. She shook her head to deny her own foolish thoughts. Then she took a few deep breaths to calm herself.
'The one-night stand is only just that. Nothing more. Maybe he came tonight to talk about something else. There's no way that he'll pursue something more with you, Jinjing. He already made it clear right from the beginning that all he wanted was to fuck you. And you can't afford to invest yourself in that kind of shady relationship. Never. You've had your fun for one night. That's enough.'
She felt calmer after lecturing herself. Indeed, that one-night stand was enough for her. She enjoyed it immensely and wanted to tuck it away as one of the wildest and most thrilling experiences she had in her life. She didn't want to taint the memory with any foolish hopes on her part.
There was a knock on the door. Her heart jumped but it was only for a moment. She was proud of herself when she quickly regained her composure before opening the door.
Lu Zihao's huge figure took up almost the entire doorway. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
She smiled. "Hi, Mr. Lu. Let me take your coat."
He didn't reply or move. He just stood there and stared at her with those unreadable, deep, dark and certainly mesmerizing eyes. If she hadn't prepared herself mentally during the brief period of waiting until he arrived at her door, she might have embarrassed herself again by gawking at him like an idiot.
Well, it was a close call. She felt like gawking but she did her best to keep a clear head.
Finally, he spoke. "Jinjing."
A delightful shiver went up her spine. She cleared her throat and also her head. "Yes, Mr. Luâ"
He grabbed her all of a sudden and pushed her against the wall with his body. Then he lifted her up and kissed her brains out. His hands were everywhere before pulling her legs to wrap them around his waist.
She moaned and melted when his tongue entered her mouth like a returning conqueror. It swept everywhere and filled her with his strong, intoxicating taste and scent.
His hand managed to snake under her pyjama top and grabbed one of her breasts. Since she was about to head to bed before he came, she wasn't wearing a bra. He squeezed her soft mound, making her gasp and moan while he continued to kiss her senseless.
Hot desire flooded her veins like angry lava. Her hips instinctively ground in order to press her already wet core against his hard abs. Delight filled her when she heard him groan because of her actions.
Then all of a sudden, his hand tugged hard and ripped her pyjama top off her body. She gasped as soon as the cool air touched her bare skin but it was soon heated by his hot mouth kissing a wet trail down her neck to her chest.
That brief moment allowed her to realize what was happening. Good sense returned to her amoeba-level brain.
"M-mr. Lu, please stop," she said and tried pushing him off.
When he didn't respond and still continued his sinful actions by sucking her nipple, her determination wavered but only for a few moments. She began to push him off harder.
"Stop! I said stop it!"
Lu Zihao stopped, thank goodness. He rested his head on the crook of her neck and shoulder while panting.
Long Jinjing took this chance to slip away from his hold and put a distance between them. She picked her pyjama top from the floor but it was already ruined. Despite this, she still wore it. Better to have something on than nothing.
He might be tempted again by her nudity.
She might be tempted again by her own nudity.
"Why stop me?" he hissed through gritted teeth.
"We shouldn't be doing this. Our deal was only for a one-night stand."
"I want to fuck you again, Jinjing" he said. "Let me fuck you again."
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Chapter 817 - State Your Terms
Long Jinjing swallowed hard while her heart galloped inside her chest after hearing what Mr. Yummylicious Lu Zihao said. His words shocked her to the core.
Heat pooled and coiled in a tight ball in her lower abdomen. She wanted to say yes and surrender herself to the man but her good sense was desperately shouting no inside her head.
"No," she eventually managed to say while shaking her head harder than usual to persuade not only him but also herself. "Mr. Lu, we agreed that what happened between us would only be a one-night stand. Nothing more."
His heavy gaze bore down on her and made her shiver with both nervousness and desire. However, her mind was already made up.
Unlike him, she wasn't looking for a quick and convenient fuck buddyâah, how embarrassing to even just think of the term! She had her one night of wild pleasure with him and that was enough. From now on, she no longer wanted any one-night stands. Instead, she wanted a boyfriend who would both be her lover and partner and eventually...hopefully become a good and loyal husband in the future.
Sleeping with Lu Zihao again would only be pure stupidity on her part, especially since it was clear that he only wanted to have sex with her. In addition, the two of them were incompatible. Well, not completely incompatible, she admitted. They were very compatible in bed, alright. But based on her impression of him, their life values were completely incompatible with each other. And to Long Jinjing, compatibility in life values was more important for a happier life than being sexually compatible.
In short, the two of them had no future together. Due to all of these, she didn't want to waste her time in a hopeless and vague relationship with a man no matter how attracted she was of him.
Long Jinjing couldn't take Lu Zihao's intense gaze on her so she turned her eyes away from him and looked at the wall instead. She cleared her throat and took a deep breath to regain her composure. "Please leave, Mr. Lu. I'm not interested in having sex with you again."
"Liar," he said.
His accusation made her glare at him even as she flushed because it was true. In a more forceful tone, she repeated, "Please leave now, Mr. Lu. There's the door. Please show yourself out."
"You responded to my kiss," he said in his wicked voice. "I can tell that you want me again as much as I want you. Don't lie to me, Jinjing."
"T-that...s-stop it," she stammered. Her arms crossed over her chest in an effort to protect herself from him exposing her desire. "Mr. Lu, please leave now."
He inhaled and exhaled several drawn-out breaths. His entire body was tight, looking as if he was controlling himself from turning into a wild beast.
"State your terms," he hissed.
She blinked, feeling confused. "Terms?"
"State whatever terms you want that will make you agree to sleep with me again," he said in a clearer voice.
His words shocked her once again. "Y-you...are you...negotiating with me?"
He also crossed his muscled arms over his wide chest and continued staring at her with his deep, dark and intense eyes. "Yes."
She fell silent. Her feet unconsciously started pacing in the living room as she thought about his offer.
Wait.
Was she considering another offer from him?
'Long Jinjing, you're crazy!'
She stopped pacing and asked him, "My terms. I can say anything?"
"Depends on what you want," he said in an even tone. "That's why we're negotiating. I'm hoping that we'll reach an acceptable arrangement that will satisfy both of us."
Her brows furrowed. "You want to have sex with me that much?"
He didn't answer but his silence and the narrowing of his eyes were enough to answer her question. Delight surged through her but also confusion. She couldn't understand why he would want to have sex with her again. He could have so many more beautiful and experienced women than her. She wasn't deluded enough to believe that she had been so amazing in bed that he couldn't wait to have more of her. That was ridiculous!
Despite the absurdity of their topic of negotiation, she still forced herself to ask serious questions. "How many more times do you want to sleep with me in order for you to feel satisfied?"
He leaned his body against the wall as he answered, "I don't know."
"Based on your experience, how many times?"
"I've never fucked the same woman for more than three meetings," he said, shrugging. "I tend to lose interest if it's more than that."
She felt a twinge in her chest at his casual answer. However, she still forced herself to appear calm on the outsideâhopefully. "So you plan on f-fucking me for two more meetings?"
His gaze became even more intense and heavier. "I don't know. We'll see."
Her lips pressed together in a thin line at his vague answer. For her, it was the height of irresponsibility. She straightened her spine and lifted her chin higher. "Well, Mr. Lu. I'm unavailable to satisfy your...your, uh, needs. Feel free to find other...women who I'm sure would be more than willing to have sex with you for three meetings or less. Good bye, Mr. Lu. Please leave."
He looked at her with an expression filled with frustration but she didn't care. His libido wasn't her responsibility.
Feeling braver, she added, "You can always, uh, m-masturbate, you know."
A feral growl escaped from his throat which made her look at him again. What she saw almost made her waver from her decision so she avoided his gaze again. Ah, how dangerous! She must not allow her IQ to plummet to amoeba level because of him again.
"I already masturbated many times thinking about you," he said through gritted teeth. "And it's not enough. I want to fuck you again. State your terms, Jinjing!"
Her heart started racing again and she felt breathless. Then she covered her face with her hands from shame because she was once again considering his offer. How embarrassing!
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Chapter 818 - Long Jinjing's Terms
Silence descended between the two people in the small condo unit. Lu Zihao didn't speak as he waited for Long Jinjing to make up her mind. His posture against the wall appeared casual but his clenched muscles revealed that he was anything but casual at the moment.
Finally, Long Jinjing spoke again. "What happened between us...the one-night stand...it was wonderful, Mr. Lu. It was still acceptable for someone like me. But if we're going to keep on having sex with each other, I don't think I'll be able to handle it."
Lu Zihao straightened and walked towards her.
She raised a hand to stop him from coming near her. "Please stay back. I...I can't think c-clearly if you're too close to me."
His jaw tensed but he nodded before returning to his original position near the door. "Why do you think you won't be able to handle having sex with me again? There's nothing complicated about it."
Her lips curved in a forced smile that had no humour. "I'm sure it's nothing complicated to you. But to me, it is."
"It doesn't have to be for you, too."
She shook her head. "I'm sorry. I can't be casual about this like you."
He sighed. "That's why you need to state your terms, so that I know how to accommodate you."
"Why are you doing this, Mr. Lu?" she asked in confusion. "Why are you so bent on having sex with me again?"
His expression turned completely unreadable when she asked these questions. "Because I want to."
"That's it?"
"Yes, that's it."
Biting her lower lip, she sat down on the couch. There was a deep frown on her face.
"Your terms, Jinjing," he reminded her again.
She glared at him. "I can't do casual sex anymore. I just can't! Once was enough for me."
"Then tell me what you want to make you agree again," he said.
Turning her head away to avoid looking at him, she rubbed her cold, sweaty hands on the throw pillows of her couch. She swallowed and tried to moisturize her dry mouth before speaking in a cautious, measured tone. "If...if I'm going to sleep with the same man r-repeatedly...then I"âcoughâ"I need to have some sort of security or I won't do itâI mean, I can't do it."
He frowned. "What security?"
"A title."
His frown deepened. "Title? I don't understand. Explain."
Frustration and embarrassment filled her. Did he need her to explain everything word by word? That would be too embarrassing! She must be as red as a ripe tomato right now.
"Just say it, whatever it is," he said.
She rubbed her hands over her arms while taking a few deep breaths. "I told you that I can't do c-casual sex anymore...so what I mean is...I, uh." Her complexion turned even redder as helplessness overwhelmed her.
"Spit it out."
"What I mean is that I need to be in a relationship if I'm going to sleep with the same man repeatedly!" she blurted out before covering her face with a throw pillow.
Silence.
A few seconds later, a force took away the pillow she was pressing on her face. She tried to grab it but Lu Zihao had already tossed it away at a random corner of the living room. Then he sat down beside her. She tried to run away but he grabbed her arms and prevented her from escaping.
"Look at me," he told her.
She shook her head, too embarrassed to meet his gaze.
"I said look at me," he repeated in a commanding tone.
Her eyes instinctively turned to him and saw his serious expression. She bit her lower lip and kept swallowing hard.
"What do you mean by that, Jinjing?" he asked. "You want a relationship with me?"
She flushed even more deeply. "No! I mean, uh...I don't necessarily want a relationship with you..."
He frowned and his expression turned ferocious but it was gone in the next second. Long Jinjing thought that she must have imagined it.
Clearing her throat, she continued to stammer an explanation. "I m-mean...you said that you...want to f-fuckâI mean, have sex with me again. But I don't want to have casual sex anymore...so if I have to sleep with you again, we need to be in a r-relationship. And by relationship, I mean that you need to be my...be my b-boyfriend. These are my terms."
Silence.
He didn't reply but continued to look at her with those unreadable eyes. She squirmed under his gaze and tried to escape from her embarrassment but couldn't move because he wouldn't release her arms. She was locked in place by his firm hold.
"I don't do that kind of relationship."
His words sent a heavy blow to her. She smiled and chuckled, the sight bitter and the sound grating to her own ears.
"I figured as much," she said, chuckling even more as her eyes watered. "I'm attracted to you, Mr. Lu. T-that's a fact. If I wasn't, I wouldn't have agreed to have a one-night stand with you in the first place."
He remained silent and continued to listen to her.
Her voice became shakier. "But don't get me wrong. I'm not hoping for something more between us because I know that we're completely incompatible. T-there's no hope for s-something more between us, anyway. I already know that. It's just that...I can't sleep with the same man again and again but hold no title. To be just the woman that a man is...f-fucking on a regular basis is totally unacceptable to me. Not just you but any man! If I allow myself to be like that now...then what's next? Will I become a m-mistress in the future? Like my mother?"
His eyes narrowed when she said that last part. He tightened his hold on her and was about to speak but she cut him off.
She said, "I need...to at least be able to hold my head up high and tell people that...the man I'm sharing my bed with is...is my boyfriend and that I'm his girlfriend. That our relationship is...respectable and not something shameful!"
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Chapter 819 - Don't Expect Romance
"You may not think much of me except for a convenient woman to...to f-fuck when you get the urge, but I believe that I deserve to ask this much when you told me to state my terms," Long Jinjing said.
Lu Zihao frowned but still remained silent and let her continue talking.
With teary eyes, she forced herself to look straight at Lu Zihao's eyes for the first time tonight. "I don't need your love or anything hopeless like that, Mr. Lu. I know that it's impossible between us, anyway. I'm not that desperate for a man either. After all, I'm still young and I have time. Mr. Lu, all I want is respect! That's all I'm asking for. Respect."
She looked up at the ceiling and blinked rapidly to prevent herself from embarrassing herself any further by crying like a baby.
"All I want is respect," she repeated in a whisper. "Not only from you, Mr. Lu. But from other people as well who might discover that we're sleeping with each other. And most importantly, I want respect for myself. I don't think I'll be able to look at myself with respect if I allow myself to...to...to become your personal slut!"
A furious expression appeared on his face but he smoothed it out just as quickly. Once again, she thought that she must have imagined it.
"You are not a slut," he told her in a too calm, almost scary tone. "Far from it. And trust me, I know. I've fucked many other sluts and they're nothing like you. I also never fucked any of them in more than one meeting."
Despite her current emotional state, she couldn't help but chuckle at his words. "That makes me feel a little better, I guess. Thanks."
She smiled, although deep inside, she felt uncomfortable confirming that he had indeed slept with a lot of women before. And with sluts, too. At least, he didn't discriminate.
He grunted at her thanks. "This is the first time I'm talking this much to a woman I've bedded and planning to bed again. I don't usually like wasting my time with words and prefer to go straight to foreplay and fucking."
"You're the one who wanted to negotiate with me."
"That's because you won't let me fuck you again." He sighed and finally released her. Then he ran his fingers through his hair and sighed again.
Finally free, she attempted to put some distance between them but he caught her again before she could move. Not really wanting to struggle against his hold, she decided to sit there beside him on the couch and allow him to hold her arm.
"Jinjing, do you also want to fuck me again?" he asked, activating his wickedly seductive voice.
A delicious shiver went up her spine but she forced herself to remain clear-headed.
"Don't lie to me," he said.
"I..." She bit her lower lip and avoided looking at him again. "Yes."
"Say it."
Her face and neck were burning hot in embarrassment but she still replied, "Yes, I want to f-fuck you again."
He groaned and pulled her into his arms before attempting to kiss her but she covered his mouth with a hand before his lips could touch hers.
"My terms first, Mr. Lu," she reminded him. "I may want to...to have sex with you again but that doesn't mean that I have to."
He let her go and didn't reply.
A wry smile appeared on her face. She thought that his silence equalled refusal. Well, it wasn't really surprising that he would refuse her demanding terms. She never expected him to agree in the first place, anyway. However, she still had to lay down her terms clearly to him for the sake of her self-respect and the need to not make the same mistakes as her mother did.
Just having the courage to tell him her exact conditions was already enough to make her a little proud of herself. She swore never to regret her decision. This was for the sake of her dignity as a woman.
Whether Lu Zihao agreed to her terms or not wouldn't make her feel like a failure. Not at all. Why should she, anyway? She wasn't the one who started this negotiation of terms in the first place.
No matter what happened tonight, it would just be part of her unforgettable memories in the future. At least, she could say that she was brave enough to take a firm stand according to her personal values despite being attracted to Lu Zihao, the man she allowed to take her virginity.
When the silence stretched for too long, she didn't want to wait anymore. This was her home, her safe place. She should never feel awkward or uncomfortable in her own place. She stood up but he pulled her back down again.
"Mr. Lu, let me go," she said, glaring at him. "I know that my terms are impossible for you so please leaveâ"
"Don't expect regular dates," he said all of a sudden.
She stopped and blinked, her expression filling with confusion. "What?"
"Or for me to say mushy, sweet nothings. I don't do those."
Her heart beat a little faster and her stomach started fluttering. She stared at him with eyes and mouth wide open in disbelief but also...excitement.
Was he...?
No way!
She forced herself to remain silent and wait for him to finish speaking.
"I don't like drama or any of that nagging shit," he continued to say. "I especially don't like any passive-aggressive behaviour. If you have a problem with me, say it to my face. I can't read your mind so you better tell me what you want to say."
She swallowed. Her heart was now racing. She also found it a little hard to breathe.
"Another thing, my sister is very important and close to me. If you fight with her, I'll side with her. Always. So don't give me shit about it in the future."
That made her scowl. "Xiulan is MY sister! And you took the words out of my mouth, Mr. Lu. If you fight with MY sister, I'll side with her. Always."
He shrugged before becoming serious again. "I also don't like to be disturbed when I'm busy working. So no annoying and unnecessary calls or texts demanding where the hell I am. I hate those."
She became silent again, continuing to listen to his unbelievable words in this unbelievable discussion.
"Regarding my work, I don't like being questioned about it. Just know that I own a bunch of small businesses and leave it at that."
His expression hardened when he said this so she knew that he was serious. It was clear from his attitude that talking about his work was off-limits.
"In short, don't expect romance from me," he finally said.
She took a sharp inhale before stammering, "I...I'm n-not."
He leaned forward until their faces were only inches apart from each other. "I told you that I don't do relationships. I've never had a girlfriend before, only bedmates. I only fuck, Jinjing."
"Then...w-why...?"
"Why am saying all these?" He smirked, a mocking smile directed at himself, not at her. "Hell, if I know. You're so bad for me, Jinjing. So bad. But you know what they say? The more it's bad for you, the more you'll crave it."
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Chapter 820 30 - Day Deadline
Long Jinjing became dazed after hearing Lu Zihao's inconceivable words. She shook her head, not to deny what he said, but to clear her mind. She must be gawking at him like a red-faced idiot but her motor skills were unfortunately not working properly at the moment.
Moving his head closer to hers until their noses were almost touching but not quite, Lu Zihao pressed her chin up to close her gaping mouth. There was a slight seductive smile on his sinful lips.
"If this is what it takes for you to allow me to fuck you again, then so be it," he said in a low, mesmerizing voice. "I agree to your terms, Jinjing. But you also must agree to the terms that I said just now. What do you say?"
She almost nodded like a mindless, pecking chicken on instinct but fortunately there was still some good sense remaining inside her increasingly muddle-headed brain. Not much good sense left, to be honest, but enough to prevent herself from agreeing to everything he said without thinking.
"Thirty days," she whispered, looking away from his dangerously mesmerizing gaze.
"What?"
Swallowing hard, she forced herself to look at him straight in the eyes again to show that her words were serious and non-negotiable. "The duration of our girlfriend and boyfriend relationship if we're able to finalize our negotiation and agree to both our terms. For thirty days, I'll give you my body for pleasure, and in exchange, you'll give me the respect I think I deserve as an official girlfriend."
A furrow formed between his brows as he thought about her new suggestion.
"We both know that whatever is going on between the two of us won't last long," she continued saying. "It's just lust. Nothing more. I'm sure that you don't have any problem with it, but I'm not built the same way as you. Thirty days is the maximum length of time that I think I'll be able to accept...having s-sex with you without expecting...for something more."
"Heh~ Interesting," he murmured. "What happens after thirty days?"
"We automatically break up. No hard feelings...hopefully. And then we return to our regular lives. Also, after our break up, I don't want to have sexual relations with you any further in the future. Please stay as far away from me as possible because...because..." Her face turned crimson and she looked away again.
He used his fingers to pull her gaze back on him by her chin. "Because what?"
"Forget it."
"Tell me," he insisted.
She became even redder when she whispered her answer, "Because I might...I might f-fall in love with you. And both of us don't want that to happen."
His fingers tightened on her chin. "I like your honesty."
She tried covering her tomato-red face with her hands but he stopped her. All she could do was to deal with her own embarrassment right in front of him.
"But don't fall in love with me, Jinjing," he warned. "Falling in love with a man like me will be the worst decision that you'll ever make in your entire life."
"I-I...I won't!" she stammered. "And I already know that! You don't have to tell me. That's why we should s-stay away from each other after our...our...arrangement is over."
He made a sound in his throat but she wasn't sure what it meant. Did it mean that he was agreeing? Or did he mean something else?
"Fine, then," he finally said. "I have no problem with your 30-day deadline."
She blinked. "R-really?"
"Yeah."
"Oh."
He narrowed his eyes. "Are we done negotiating?"
She was about to nod before stopping herself after thinking of something else. "Should we...uh, sign a contract or something?"
He scowled. "What for?"
"For our agreement."
"No need," he said, snorting at the idea.
"B-butâ"
"No buts. I'm not signing any sex contract with you."
She glared at him. "It's not a sex contract!"
"Oh, my bad. A 30-day relationship contract with sex involved." His mouth curved in a sinful smile yet again. "Lots and lots of sex."
Although her IQ was severely affected by his devilish smile, she still showed him her displeasure at the vulgar words he used to describe their agreement. "Wait, I have additional terms."
He released her chin and sighed. "Fine. Say everything now," he muttered while removing his coat.
The sight of him removing his coat distracted her, causing her to become unable to speak right away. Beads of sweat glistened on his neck and muscled arms. He was wearing a simple, black T-shirt underneath and it showcased his incredible figure.
"Like what you see?" his teasing voice interrupted her wild thoughts.
"O-of course not!" she immediately denied in embarrassment.
A devilish chuckle was his response. "What are your additional terms?"
"I..." She wiped her sweaty hands on her pyjama pants while clearing her throat. "I don't want you to...have s-sex with other women while we're in a relationship. If you do...I'll break up with you even if the thirty days aren't over yet. This is respect for me as an official girlfriend."
He crossed his arms over his chest. "Of course. Even I know that much."
She sighed in relief.
"And I want the same courtesy as well," he said. "Just try and sleep with another man...no, even if you just flirt with other fuckers, watch me, Jinjing. You don't want to see me angry."
"I...I...of course, I won't do that!"
She shivered and instinctively scooted away on the couch as soon as she felt his bloodthirsty aura.
"Good."
The dangerous aura disappeared, making her wonder if she imagined it. However, her goosebumps were telling a different story. She rubbed her hands over her skin to warm herself up.
"While I'm fucking you in these 30 days, it means that you're my woman, Jinjing," he told her in a calm yet still threatening tone. "I'm territorial. I don't like sharing. I hate it."
Despite the menace in his voice, she still raised her chin. "I-I'm the same. I also don't want to share my...my m-man!"
"Heh~" His wicked, demonic smile was back as he teased her, "So does this mean that I'm your man now?"
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