After Zhao Linger finished her explanation, Chen Xueer suddenly understood; the scene of the three of them getting their ears pierced not long ago flashed through her mind.
Secretly relieved, she tapped Zhao Linger's forehead with a finger. "Silly girl, it's just an ear piercing—why make it sound so risqué? You scared me to death."
Zhao Linger pouted, rubbing the reddened spot on her head. "You're the ones overthinking. Chairman Jiang and I are totally normal—none of that stuff you're imagining. And Sister Xueer, you looked positively jealous~~~"
Hearing this, Chen Xueer shot Jiang Cheng a glance.
She could believe Zhao Linger had no such thoughts.
But a seasoned flirt like Jiang Cheng was clearly teasing Zhao Linger on purpose.
"Linger, don't talk nonsense—I'm not jealous…"
Exposed, Jiang Cheng's eyes lit up; a sly smile curled at his lips. "Manager Chen, come here. Hold Linger from behind while I do the piercing."
Chen Xueer glared at him. "Dream on. Absolutely not."
Unlike Chen Xueer, Zhao Linger didn't resist at all.
With firm resolve she said, "Sister Xueer, you know how hard it was for me to decide on this piercing. Since I'm going through with it, a little pain is nothing. Just hold me, okay? When Chairman Jiang does it, I promise I won't move or resist!"
"Enough with the 'doing it' talk, young lady. I'll help you put the earring in later. Chairman Jiang, didn't you have lunch scheduled with Manager Yu? Hurry up and go." Chen Xueer eyed Jiang Cheng warily.
Seeing Chen Xueer so guarded, Jiang Cheng realized today's three-player plan was doomed.
Yet failure now didn't mean no chance later.
After all, he'd already hinted to Chen Xueer that he wanted to hold Zhao Linger down.
At least she now knew the desire existed.
When the time came, it would probably be much easier…
After eating with Yu Xiaoxiao, Jiang Cheng helped her with some errands, then the two left the office and headed home.
Right now they were in Yu Xiaoxiao's cozy bedroom.
Jiang Cheng lay half-reclined on the bed, eyes closed, while Yu Xiaoxiao spoke in hesitant bursts.
After a while her movements slowed; she asked softly, "Honey, do you love me?"
As the words left her lips, moisture glimmered in the corners of her eyes.
Still, she didn't stop what she was doing.
The question softened Jiang Cheng's heart; he stroked her silky hair, remembering that Qiao Yinyin had once asked the same thing.
Back then his answer had been: "What do you think?"
Neither denying nor admitting, he'd left Qiao Yinyin to find the answer herself.
But looking at Yu Xiaoxiao now, he couldn't bear to reply that way.
"Xiaoxiao, do you think I love you?"
She nodded with certainty, switching to her hands.
Lifting her head, she gazed steadily at him. "I think you do. You've given me so much—the condo, the car, my job, everything I have."
No sooner had she spoken than Jiang Cheng asked, "And if I do the same for someone else?"
Though his words stung, her eyes didn't waver.
She smiled calmly. "Maybe it sounds strange, but I've figured it out. I don't care what others think or what society expects. My view is simple: the greatest love is someone who broadens my horizons, leads me to a bigger world, helps me grow into a better self, urges me toward higher goals, and ultimately lets my own worth soar. To me, that is deep, magnificent love."
Her words made Jiang Cheng's eyes widen.
A true master of self-persuasion.
He hadn't seen that answer coming.
With that, Yu Xiaoxiao climbed over and settled onto him.
"Instead of keeping me like a caged canary, you trust me, train me, give me chances to grow, more room to develop, more social opportunities and connections. That, to me, is real love."
Her forward-thinking delighted Jiang Cheng.
A woman with such self-awareness was rare.
Adjusting his position, he cradled her head in one hand, flipped gently, and laid it softly on the pillow.