When Zhao Ling turned and walked inside, Yu Xiaoxiao hurried toward the elevator.
Like Yu Xiaoxiao, Jiang Cheng was visiting his top-floor private office for the first time.
The entire floor belonged to him; it held not only his personal workspace but also a meticulously designed retreat.
A glance at the lounge showed décor suited to his age—simple, modern, and understated.
Though the style looked clean-cut, every stick of furniture and daily necessity was a piece by a celebrated master from one country or another.
Soft furnishings, displays, even the spatial layout had been crafted by professionals.
After no more than a sweeping look, Jiang Cheng lost interest and strode straight to his office.
The moment he stepped in, his eyes brightened.
The office's design was worlds away from the lounge.
If the lounge breathed minimal grandeur, the chairman's office exuded luxury, authority, and unmistakable character.
Deep, steady tones spoke of dignity; every detail declared the owner's eminent status.
The palette greeted him first—rich walnut and creamy white woven into refined elegance.
A glittering crystal chandelier hung high, scattering soft, brilliant light like stars in a night sky.
Center stage stood an enormous executive desk.
Carved from a single rare hardwood plank, its surface was hard and veined; the corners bore intricate engravings.
Behind the desk, a custom bookcase stretched floor to ceiling across the entire wall.
It was crowded with leather-bound volumes—classics, modern science, everything.
Interspersed were delicate art pieces, each unique and exquisite, showcasing the owner's wide learning and taste.
In the adjacent reception area, comfortable leather sofas formed a cozy ring.
Their color was warm as jade, giving off a gentle sheen.
The matching coffee table combined clear glass with a metal frame—simple yet fashionably sharp.
Several priceless canvases hung on the walls; their abstract strokes and vivid hues lent the room a lively artistic spirit.
After circling once, Jiang Cheng brushed a hand across the desktop.
Not a speck of dust: clearly cleaned every day.
Heavy velvet curtains framed the window; beyond the spotless glass, the city's prosperity lay spread out below.
The door remained open. Hearing high heels behind him, Jiang Cheng didn't turn, still gazing at the flow of people downstairs.
In a blink, a fragrant breeze arrived; Yu Xiaoxiao fluttered in like a light butterfly.
She flung her arms wide and hugged his broad back from behind.
At the same time, a bewitching, delicate voice drifted into his ears.
"Chairman Jiang, those Girls just now—weren't they pretty?"
Unhurriedly he stretched out his right hand and caught her slender wrists where they circled his waist.
His fingertips grazed her smooth palms, feeling their warmth.
After a pause he gave a slight tug and easily pulled Yu Xiaoxiao from behind to stand in front of him.
Her lips curved in a charming arc; smiling eyes met his.
Jiang Cheng feigned a frown. "Didn't I say so? Their dancing was tacky."
Yu Xiaoxiao teased, "Leaving the dance aside—how were they?"
Jiang Cheng nodded. "Long legs, decent faces, nice hip swings."
Hearing this, Yu Xiaoxiao pouted, but remembering the Girls' faces, she had to admit he wasn't wrong.
Golden sunlight poured through the huge window like a waterfall, cloaking the two of them.
On the floor their overlapping shadows wove a lovely picture.
Yu Xiaoxiao stared at those fused silhouettes; a strange, gentle contentment welled up inside.
She couldn't help smiling, eyes soft.
Gazing at Jiang Cheng, she cooed, "You bad man…"
He leaned closer, lifted a finger, and lightly tapped the tip of her straight little nose. With fond amusement he replied,
"If I'm bad, then I'll show you exactly what 'bad' means."
The words had barely left his mouth when he spun her around and gently pressed her against the broad desk.
The surface was almost empty—just a few ordinary pens, nothing else.
Now his hands gripped the desk edge like iron clamps, trapping Yu Xiaoxiao between him and the wood.
His tall, powerful frame inclined slightly, exuding forceful male magnetism.
The sudden, domineering move made her heart race.
It pounded wildly, each beat loud in her ears.
Though he didn't kiss her as she half-expected, his fingertips resting on the desk brushed the back of her hand.
In that instant a tiny current flashed between them, sending a shiver of tingles.
Usually Jiang Cheng was direct with her; he seldom pinned her down with such patience.
The charged atmosphere now made Yu Xiaoxiao nervous.