For the rest of the evening Jiang Cheng kept ignoring Qiao Yinyin, acting as though she didn't exist.
It left her sitting on pins and needles the whole night.
At first Jiang Cheng's attitude toward Xiao Qing had been lukewarm.
He'd even had his arm around her, yet because of a single careless remark she'd made, Jiang Cheng allowed Xiao Qing and another girl to overtake her.
All the spotlight that should have been hers was snatched away—how could Qiao Yinyin feel balanced about that?
The longer Jiang Cheng's cold shoulder lasted, the more uneasy, anxious, and conflicted she felt.
It wasn't just Qiao Yinyin; Xiao Qing had felt the same way at the start.
She knew her looks weren't as striking as Qiao Yinyin's, but after putting on makeup she wasn't much inferior.
Especially her proudest, most formidable weapon—the several pounds of fair flesh on her chest.
Her weapon was far more impressive than Qiao Yinyin's.
Yet no matter how eagerly she tried to please Jiang Cheng, he remained indifferent.
To Xiao Qing, who had never faced rejection, it was a real blow.
Although she usually disdained taking the initiative,
Jiang Cheng was no ordinary man.
Setting aside how much money he had, that handsome face alone was enough to fascinate her.
That such a top-tier man had ignored her stung badly at first.
Who could have guessed that now, suddenly, Jiang Cheng was interested in her?
He even pulled her into his arms and fondled her like a ripe persimmon, reversing the situation and giving Xiao Qing a sweet sense of triumph.
The more jealous Qiao Yinyin became, the more delighted Xiao Qing felt.
Such is the peculiar rivalry between women.
Jealousy in love has been the same since ancient times.
Time finally crept to one past midnight.
As the party broke up, Xiao Qing and Xu Nian bade Jiang Cheng reluctant farewells.
They had thought tonight they'd enjoy a passionate tryst—or even a threesome.
In the end they merely added each other on WeChat, promising "next time".
Xu Nian was unwilling but dared say nothing more.
Xiao Qing, however, was livid; once Jiang Cheng left she stormed off with a dark face.
Qiao Yinyin, meanwhile, carefully followed behind Jiang Cheng.
Actually Jiang Cheng was very reluctant to part with Xiao Qing, but he had no choice.
He had a hunch that Qiao Yinyin, whose favorability had hit 90, would let him "squeeze the soft persimmon" tonight.
Forced to choose, he picked Qiao Yinyin.
Overall she was the true prize.
Crucially, her "first blood" was still intact—an urgent matter.
All the way back Jiang Cheng stayed aloof, sitting in the passenger seat and fiddling with his phone.
His behavior left Qiao Yinyin unsure how to react.
She admitted she wanted to climb the towering tree that was Jiang Cheng, yet reason whispered it might still be too soon.
Not a word was spoken until they reached the underground garage of Luxury Hotel, where Qiao Yinyin handed the car keys to Jiang Cheng.
Without a backward glance he took them and walked off.
Watching him go, Qiao Yinyin stamped her foot in frustration and hurried after him.
Jiang Cheng's attitude tonight left her feeling completely at sea.
From the corner of his eye Jiang Cheng noticed her delicate, high-heeled feet following him—fair and alluring.
The corner of his mouth curled slightly.
Seeing him about to enter the house, Qiao Yinyin lost her patience, caught up, gently took his hand and, mustering her courage, whispered, "I… it's so late, taking a cab isn't safe—could I stay here tonight?"
Looking at her flushed face, Jiang Cheng chuckled. "Didn't you say you weren't the casual type?"
"I… I was only joking."
"Call a cab and go home."
At his indifference her large, beautiful eyes widened slightly.
For some reason she felt a surge of pique; though she had her motives, Jiang Cheng had frustrated her the entire evening.
Puffing her cheeks, Qiao Yinyin declared, "I'm not leaving."
Meeting his inquisitive gaze, she took a deep breath and marched straight into the courtyard villa.
She didn't know whether Jiang Cheng would order someone to throw her out,
but she didn't care; instinct told her she couldn't go back—going back would mean defeat.
Wang Yuyan, waiting for Jiang Cheng's return, saw him bring yet another unfamiliar woman home.
She froze for a second, then stepped forward and bowed. "Mr. Jiang, welcome home. Would you like to bathe now?"
After glancing at Qiao Yinyin, Jiang Cheng nodded.
"I'll shower first. That's all, Manager Wang—get some rest."
Dismissed, Wang Yuyan couldn't help casting Qiao Yinyin an envious look.
Still ignoring Qiao Yinyin, Jiang Cheng strode toward the bathroom.
Much as he coveted her, after so long at Taxx his clothes reeked of smoke and perfume.
A quick rinse later he emerged stone-faced, lay on the bed and scrolled through his phone.
With a helpless glance at him, Qiao Yinyin slipped into the bathroom.
Completely naked, she stood before the mirror, cheeks scarlet, eyes slightly moist.
She kept psyching herself up.
She didn't linger; soon the door opened again.
Hair still damp, she cautiously gripped the frame, leaned out, and gazed innocently at Jiang Cheng on the bed.
From the corner of his eye he took in her alluring face and the snowy curve of her shoulder.
He sighed inwardly—what a fox spirit.
To grind down her pride he'd restrained himself for heaven knew how long.
He fought the urge to yank her over right then.
Coolly he said, "There are plenty of rooms—pick any you like."
When he tried to send her away, Qiao Yinyin pouted pitifully. "Your bed is huge—can't I share it?"
The words sent a thrill through him.
Yet his face stayed nonchalant.
"I'm not used to sleeping with anyone."
He thought: Just get over here—stop dithering, or I'll pounce.
As he gloated, Qiao Yinyin walked out dejected, squatted slowly, face buried against her knees, shoulders trembling as if sobbing.
"Why are you crying?" he asked, bewildered.
"Do you hate me now? Why? At first everything was fine—you held me—now I offer to sleep with you and you refuse… wuu…"
Fresh from her bath she'd looked like a blooming flower; now, tear-stained, her big eyes brimming, no man could resist her.
She wore his bathrobe, already oversized,
and as she squatted it gaped open; too distraught to notice, she poured out her grievances, everything on full display.
The sight made Jiang Cheng want to press her to the floor right there.
He exhaled. "Come here."
Stunned for a second, she drew a deep breath, rose and walked to the bed.
Clumsily she traced the sharp lines of his face, as if copying some scene, then softly kissed him.
Jiang Cheng smiled—now it was in the bag.
After kissing for a while, just as Qiao Yinyin grew anxious again, Jiang Cheng finally began to respond.
Their lips stayed locked, each tasting the other.
Jiang Cheng pried away her hands, took the lead, and cradled her beautiful face. Starting at her jaw, he kissed upward, slowly drying her tears.
A long moment later, Qiao Yinyin let out a soft moan.
She opened her tear-blurred eyes and stared at him. "Jiang Cheng, I… like you."
Though Qiao Yinyin loved money, she felt she loved Jiang Cheng as well.
After all, what girl doesn't want a boyfriend with status, who drives luxury cars, stays in five-star hotels, and rescues her from despair?
Right now, Jiang Cheng was the prince of her dreams.
She wrapped her arms tight around his waist, pressed her face to his solid chest, and listened to his steady heartbeat… Early the next morning, Yu Xiaoxiao arrived at the company on time.
She picked up her phone and texted Jiang Cheng: Good morning, Hubby~
With that sent, she set the phone aside and began drafting the day's work report.
Su Wan, one of the company's artists, also showed up at Xingchen Company today—a rare occurrence.
Her task was to shoot a few promotional photos.
Since Jiang Cheng hadn't contacted her since their last dinner, Su Wan now hesitated outside Yu Xiaoxiao's office.
After ten seconds of wavering, she knocked. "Manager Yu."
A quick reply came from inside: "Come in."
Seeing Su Wan, Yu Xiaoxiao looked surprised.
"Manager Yu, hello—sorry to disturb you." Su Wan greeted her with a bright smile.
"Su Wan? Have a seat." Yu Xiaoxiao rose from her chair and walked to the reception sofa.
Once seated, she lifted the teapot and poured Su Wan a cup.
She had a fair idea why Su Wan was here, but merely asked, "Wanwan, what can I do for you?"
Su Wan skipped the small talk. "Manager Yu, do you know Jiang Cheng?"
At his name, Yu Xiaoxiao's expression softened.
She nodded. "Yes, we met on a business trip."
"Did he mention he plans to sign me?"
"He did. I'm getting everything ready. Once I finish handing over my current duties, we'll proceed. Give me a few more days—don't worry, I'll handle it."
Relief washed over Su Wan.
She had feared Jiang Cheng had only been joking.
"So you'll resign?"
Yu Xiaoxiao nodded. "My resignation letter is already in. I'll help at Jiang Cheng's new company—it was registered yesterday. Once I terminate your contract, you'll be our first artist."
"But, Manager Yu, it's a brand-new firm. You've worked hard to reach your current position—do you trust Jiang Cheng that much?"
Understanding her concern, Yu Xiaoxiao took Su Wan's hand and patted it like a close sister.
"Wanwan, I trust him one-hundred percent. You'll see—he's someone worth relying on. We're sisters now; just call me Sister Yu."
As Su Wan was about to speak, an employee suddenly knocked and entered.
"Manager Yu, reception just called—someone downstairs has a surprise for you and needs you to sign for it."
Yu Xiaoxiao frowned; gifts were common, but usually just flowers or necklaces—never anything requiring her to go downstairs.
"What surprise? Who sent it? Tell them I'm refusing it."
"It seems to be a car. We can't refuse—payment's already settled."
Both women exclaimed in unison.
"A car?" Faces flashed through Yu Xiaoxiao's mind, finally settling on Jiang Cheng's handsome features.
"Sister Yu, someone's giving you a car? That's insane—let's go see!" Su Wan said excitedly.
Then she frowned, a sudden hunch that it might be Jiang Cheng.
Su Wan wasn't alone; Yu Xiaoxiao's heart was now racing.
"I'll go down and check."
Seeing her delighted expression, Su Wan said enviously, "I'm coming too!"
Together they took the Elevator to the ground-floor lobby.
As the doors opened, a young man in a suit and white gloves greeted Yu Xiaoxiao: "Miss Yu, a vehicle is here for your signature."
Still puzzled, she followed him to the entrance.
Outside, a car draped in red silk stood surrounded by curious onlookers.
When Yu Xiaoxiao appeared, six Lamborghini staff—three on each side—fired Confetti Cannons and Party Poppers.
Smiling, one of them said, "Miss Yu, please unveil it."
Confetti fluttered across the steps as Yu Xiaoxiao, momentarily stunned, reached for the cover.
She lifted the silk to reveal a pink body and the unmistakable Lamborghini badge.
The gorgeous color made her gasp and cover her mouth in delight.
"Oh my, a pink Lamborghini—so beautiful!!"
"I'm jealous—Manager Yu looks so happy!!!"
"I heard she broke up with her fiancé and has a new boyfriend."
"I wish I had a boyfriend like that—I'm green with envy!"
Seeing the pink Lamborghini, Su Wan thought of Jiang Cheng's ferrari laferrari.
Somehow she felt certain the car was from him.
Who else would spend so lavishly?
"Miss Yu, here are your keys."
She hesitated. "Who sent this?"
"Mr. Jiang Cheng. He arranged everything and hopes you like it."
Hearing his name, Yu Xiaoxiao excitedly accepted the keys.
The ever-stoic career woman was now overwhelmed, tears streaming down.
No man had ever treated her so well.
Yu Xiaoxiao: Favorability +5!
…Jiang Cheng woke at the system notification.
"Ding! Yu Xiaoxiao's favorability toward the Host has reached 99! Title [Inseparable] unlocked. Special gift pack available—open it?"
Jiang Cheng silently answered, "Open."
"Ding! Congratulations—[Consumption Cashback Card] obtained (max spend 5 million). Rebate multiplier 1–100×."
"Congratulations—[Card] Reward Card obtained."
When the Host's