Chapter 28.2

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The next morning, the weather was crisp and cool as Qiao Ziman strolled by the artificial lake, enjoying the gentle breeze. She had heard that exercise could help relieve stress and treat insomnia, so she decided to give it a try.

Qiao Ziman stretched her wrists and ankles, extending her long legs to warm up. Suddenly, a large figure barged into her line of sight.

“You see, the environment here is top-notch, right? This complex ranks in the top ten for green buildings and security among all high-end communities. The rent for 20,000 yuan is a steal—it really can’t go any lower for a 180-square-meter, fully-furnished apartment. Plus, I’ve heard a few celebrities live here too.”

Tsk, isn’t that Wang, the shady real estate agent?

Twenty thousand? Trying to scam people again?

Qiao Ziman threw him an exaggerated eye-roll.

Just then, Wang Hongwei noticed her and, with a sneer, headed in her direction. “Oh great, how do I run into you everywhere? Such bad luck.”

Qiao Ziman had no interest in dealing with him—she still had laps to run. “You’re in my way. You look like a walking mountain of meat.”

Before Wang could respond, his client approached. “Excuse me, who is this? If there’s nothing important, let’s not waste time.”

Wang quickly forced a smile, explaining, “Oh, just a previous customer who bailed on a deal. Not the best person—always pretending to be someone they’re not.”

Ha! Now he was twisting the truth. Qiao Ziman couldn’t take it anymore. She grabbed the customer’s arm and pulled her closer. “Miss, this agent is super shady. You know why I backed out of the deal? Because he overcharged me by almost 2,000 yuan.”

She pulled out her keycard and waved it around. “Miss, don’t let him fool you. I’m renting a 220-square-meter place for less than 10,000. It’s a direct deal with the landlord. He’s pocketing at least half the difference.” And that was the truth.

The customer turned to Wang Hongwei. “Is what she’s saying true?”

Wang started to panic. “Don’t listen to her nonsense! She holds a grudge because we were set up on a blind date before, and I wasn’t interested in her. She’s just bitter. Let’s ignore her and go see the apartment, okay?”

As they argued, a familiar voice came from behind them. “Qiao Ziman, what are you up to here?”

Qiao Ziman turned around and immediately introduced her to the customer. “See? Here’s my landlord!”

“Landlord, sis, are you heading to work?” she said, giving Chi Yin a playful wink as she spoke.

Chi Yin hesitated for a couple of seconds, catching on to the hint before nodding slightly. She waved the stem of the rose she was holding. “I’m just helping you throw out some trash.”

Qiao Ziman flashed a smile at the customer. “See? Isn’t my landlord great? That’s why it’s better to rent directly from the landlord.”

“You’re a real crook,” the customer snapped at Wang Hongwei, shaking her sleeves in frustration before storming off.

Wang Hongwei glanced between Chi Yin and Qiao Ziman, his eyes narrowing. “Ohhh, so you two really got together, huh?” He huffed in anger, throwing out a threat as he stomped away to chase after the customer. “You just wait, I’ll make sure you regret this!”

As Wang Hongwei disappeared into the distance, Chi Yin’s gaze lingered on Qiao Ziman, her expression serious as she voiced her doubt. “If I’m not mistaken, wasn’t that your old blind date?”

She paused, narrowing her eyes. “Did you just use me to embarrass him?”

The moment Qiao Ziman heard the word “use,” her heart sank, suddenly filled with anxiety.

“You know,” Chi Yin said, her voice steady but cold, “I hate it when people use me.”

“Do you know what happens to those who do?” She raised the stem of the rose in her hand, and with a quick squeeze, snapped the thick stems in half as easily as breaking chopsticks.

Qiao Ziman: “!!!”

It was as if she could already see her own fate unfolding before her eyes.

“But…” Chi Yin suddenly smiled, raising her hand to gently brush the side of Qiao Ziman’s face with her fingertips. “If that person is you, then it’s fine.”

Hearing this, Qiao Ziman felt even more terrified. The confession that had been on the tip of her tongue rolled right back down into her stomach.

*

Qiao Ziman spent the entire night thinking and decided to take a more subtle approach to resolve this situation. Something like… doing the exact opposite of what she usually did.

Didn’t Chi Yin like her simple, no-frills style? Didn’t she enjoy it when Qiao Ziman was argumentative? And didn’t she love her bad temper and sharp tongue?

Well, Qiao Ziman would turn all that on its head!

That day, she put on a bright, eye-catching dress, slipped into a pair of stilettos, and applied the most flawless makeup she could manage. Swaying confidently, she walked into the office.

Her coworkers nearly dropped their jaws at the sight of her transformation.

“Qiao-jie? Is that really you, our no-nonsense Qiao-jie?”

Qiao Ziman smiled sweetly, her voice soft and gentle. “Yes, it’s me.”

“Qiao-jie, are you sick or something?”

Behind her back, Qiao Ziman’s hands clenched into tight fists, but she kept her serene smile. “No, I’m fine.”

“Did the sun rise in the west today?”

“Or… maybe you’ve got someone special?”

Ugh.

Unable to take it any longer, Qiao Ziman quickly gathered the documents on her desk and made her way toward Chi Yin’s office. She paused at the door, mentally preparing herself for what felt like forever.

After a few deep breaths, she knocked lightly three times.

Qiao Ziman cleared her throat softly and said in a gentle voice, “President Chi, may I come in?”

“Come in.”

With graceful steps, Qiao Ziman walked into the office. Chi Yin was focused on reviewing documents, not even bothering to look up.

Qiao Ziman handed over a thermos. “President Chi, here’s the ice water you requested.”

Chi Yin replied indifferently, “Just leave it there.”

“President Chi, I’ve selected the location for the team-building retreat that you mentioned last time. Please take a look.”

Chi Yin casually flipped through the proposal and frowned. “Qiao Ziman, the retreat is only three days, and the location you picked would take a day and a half just to get there and back. Are we going there to relax or to rush around?”

Wasn’t it you who told me to pick whatever I wanted? Qiao Ziman thought to herself, while her waist was practically aching from holding up this forced elegance. Still, she maintained her gentle smile. “You’re absolutely right, President Chi. I didn’t think it through.”

Finally, Chi Yin sensed something off. She glanced up and asked, “What’s wrong with you? Are you sick?”

Qiao Ziman: “!!!” Hold it in, hold it in!

“I’ve been thinking… my temper was too bad before, and I always argued with you. That wasn’t right. From now on, I’m going to be gentle,” Qiao Ziman said, trying her best to sound soft and sweet.

Chi Yin replied with a casual “Oh,” then added, “That’s nice. You’re being very obedient.”

Qiao Ziman: “???”

Wait… this isn’t going as planned.

Not ready to give up, Qiao Ziman sauntered over to Chi Yin’s desk, casually playing with her hair, her eyes full of allure. “So, do you think I look good today?”

Chi Yin glanced up, giving her a slow once-over from head to toe. Then, without a word, she suddenly stood up and locked the office door.

Qiao Ziman: “???”

Chi Yin’s eyes darkened as she took a step closer.

“You look great,” she said, her voice low.

“And I want to kiss you.”