Duan Yiheng stood there, his heart pounding with excitement, even wanting Lin Xi to yell at him a few more times. Lin Xi, startled by his gaze, fearing he might pounce on her again, said, "I'm leaving now."
Duan Yiheng suddenly laughed, turned, and chased after her. He followed at a distance, not too close, until they reached the north gate. Lin Xi nearly dropped her seatbelt in her panic. She didn't dare look at Duan Yiheng, and drove towards Tiandu Yuxi.
One kiss, two people, almost tossing and turning all night. The next day, they saw each other in the office, one with a meaningful look, the other with evasive eyes. But there was no escaping it. Lin Xi cleared her throat, controlling her slightly trembling voice: "Editor-in-Chief Lin needs your reply."
Duan Yiheng said, "I'm going on a business trip to S City next Wednesday, scheduled for this week. Ask her about the shooting location; is the manor in North District No. 1 suitable?" Generally speaking, the shooting location is determined by the magazine based on the theme. Duan Yiheng's estate, however, encompassed various venues, basically satisfying any theme. Lin Xiaoying was naturally very satisfied and readily agreed, setting the date for Saturday.
Lin Xi, unaware that Duan Yiheng was going on a business trip next Wednesday, asked expectantly during lunch, "How come I didn't know about the business trip to S City? Should I arrange an itinerary for you?" Duan Yiheng nodded: "Yes." Lin Xi then asked:
"So, who are you taking with you on this business trip?" Duan Yiheng seemed not to understand her question and answered irrelevantly: "The branch office has an important financial technology cooperation project, which is crucial for the company's market expansion in S City." Lin Xi: "...Am I included?"
"Do you want to go?" Duan Yiheng teased her, "Business trips are tiring, you should stay home." Lin Xi: "I'll bring you tea and water." "Can I give you a massage or a shoulder rub?" Duan Yiheng asked with a smile. Lin Xi gave a forced smile: "Sure." Duan Yiheng generously:
"Alright, I'll take you." Lin Xi smiled reservedly. The phone rang, and Duan Yiheng received a call from Meng Huaishan. His expression visibly darkened. After hanging up, Lin Xi asked, "What's wrong?" Duan Yiheng:
"Meng Huaishan said the person he sent to contact Ke Yu was discovered and taken to the police station." Lin Xi was startled: "What should we do?" "There's no substantial evidence, it's fine," Duan Yiheng said. "Ke Yu probably wants to use this to expose me behind the scenes and confront me directly."
Lin Xi thought for a moment and said, "Let me give you an idea." Duan Yiheng looked at her: "Tell me." "Haven't you considered Chen Baiwei?" Lin Xi said to him, "Let her deal with Ke Yu, she'll definitely be in trouble." Duan Yiheng's eyes lit up:
"Great idea! I really forgot about Chen Baiwei. With her keeping her occupied, I'll have more time. Maybe she can stir things up and even get some unexpected gains." Lin Xi nodded; that was exactly what she meant. "Saturday morning, I'll pick you up and we'll go to North District No. 1 together."
Duan Yiheng looked at her, his eyes full of tenderness. Lin Xi was slightly taken aback. Even without a romantic entanglement, she and Duan Yiheng shared a familial bond. If it were only the latter, she could treat him with complete professionalism at work.
But once emotions are involved, some clear boundaries become blurred. She never wanted to be someone with blurred boundaries, but now, with Duan Yiheng looking at her with such tender eyes, she honestly couldn't help but feel a stirring in her heart.
Coming to her senses, Lin Xi replied, "Okay." She would naturally accompany Duan Yiheng for his magazine shoot. Starting tonight, she would likely need to communicate the specific details of the shoot with the magazine. There would also be interviews on set, and she needed to prepare the relevant interview documents for Duan Yiheng.
The next day, during a break from work, Lin Xi checked Duan Yiheng's photoshoot items with the housekeeper of North District No. 1, ensuring everything was impeccable, from clothing to accessories. The butler was highly efficient; even with the tight filming schedule, he carried out Lin Xi's instructions meticulously. On Saturday morning, Duan Yiheng and Lin Xi arrived at the manor first. Returning again, Lin Xi's feelings were complex.
The snow had melted, but the words and scenes of their parting that day were still vivid in her mind. Lin Xiaoying and her team underwent a rigorous check before being allowed entry. After driving around half the lake without even seeing the main buildings, they were already stunned. It was utterly extravagant.
The main hall was resplendent in gold, and the butler, dressed in a crisp black uniform, greeted Lin Xiaoying's filming team. Lin Xi greeted Lin Xiaoying, saying,
"Apart from the villa on the south side of Hunan and the top floor, the rest of the area is available for you to use as filming locations. Filming must be tiring; the butler has prepared tea and drinks for everyone, please don't be shy." Lin Xiaoying nodded, "Is Mr. Duan ready?" Lin Xi:
"Ready. Just call me if you're ready too." Lin Xiaoying nodded slightly. Filming was almost here, and she hadn't even seen Duan Yiheng yet—truly a "big shot." The butler brought over a map and a tablet, saying,
"You can see the layout of the manor through the tablet. What I'm showing you are the locations that can be used for filming." Lin Xiaoying thanked him; this clearly saved a lot of time.
The first filming location was in the study. Duan Yiheng, dressed in a black suit, sat calmly and elegantly in a chair. His tie, perhaps tied by him, was slightly crooked as he sat down. The photographer called over his assistant:
"Xiao Zhu, could you adjust Mr. Duan's tie? It's crooked." Xiao Zhu was a recent college graduate. She had arrived in a car, first stunned by Duan Yiheng's wealth, then by his good looks.
The photographer's call made her instantly nervous. She walked shakily towards Duan Yiheng, her face flushed. Lin Xi frowned almost imperceptibly. "Mr. Duan," Duan Yiheng said, looking past her at Lin Xi, "Secretary Lin, come help me."
Xiao Zhu smiled wryly and silently stepped aside. Lin Xi walked up to him, bent slightly, and naturally and familiarly adjusted his tie. This scene left everyone somewhat stunned.
Lin Xi's movements seemed habitual, while Duan Yiheng's eyes were like gentle spring water. Lin Xiaoying narrowed her eyes. The photographer couldn't help but sigh, "If I were shooting for a couples' magazine, this scene would be so cheesy it would make everyone swoon."
Lin Xi glanced away, subtly creating distance between herself and Duan Yiheng. The rest of the shoot went smoothly, with Lin Xi diligently staying by his side.
Up to the interview segment, Lin Xiaoying initially asked the agreed-upon questions. However, near the end, she suddenly asked Duan Yiheng about his love life—"Mr. Duan, are you currently single?
If so, could you tell us about your ideal partner?" Lin Xi was about to stop her when Duan Yiheng raised his hand to stop her.