Chapter 131: Concern

"Beep, beep, beep, beep."

I opened my eyes, bleary with sleep, and fumbled around for my phone. The little beauty in my arms frowned in annoyance, let out a soft, dainty grunt, turned over to face away from me, and drifted back into her dreams.

I finally found the phone under the bed and, still dazed, held it to my ear. "Hello? Who is this?"

"Deputy Manager Tang! Why aren't you at work yet? The office renovations are finished, and the contractors are demanding we inspect the work and settle the payment! Also, a young man named Cheng Gong is here; he says you invited him for an interview, and he’s waiting in your office right now! Where are you?"

I shook off the fog and said, "Oh! I understand. I'll be there right away!"

I hung up and turned around, catching sight of the sleeping beauty beside me—her bare back, smooth as satin. A smile broke across my face, and a sense of sweet contentment and happiness flooded through me. I reached out, pulled her into my arms, and leaned down to kiss her sweet lips.

The little woman let out a soft gasp, still half-asleep, and was left breathless by my kiss. She had no choice but to wake up, grumbling and squirming in protest.

My hands didn't stay idle; one moved up, the other down, kneading the softest parts of her, making her tremble uncontrollably.

Her eyes were misty with desire, and she bit her lip, as if unable to bear my teasing, shifting her body constantly to escape my advances.

Seeing her fully awake, I whispered in my gentlest voice, "Wife, are you awake?"

A blush immediately spread across her cheeks as she shyly chided, "You jerk! You blockhead! Doing this first thing in the morning... how could I not wake up?"

My heart stirred. I pressed her down beneath me, kissing her passionately, and whispered, "Wife, let's... let's do it one more time!"

The little woman beneath me was terrified. She struggled and cried out, "No... it hurts so much... I can't take it..."

I didn't listen. Leaning down, I took one of her cute, pink nipples into my mouth. Unable to handle the stimulation, she gripped the sheets, her body trembling incessantly.

Before long, she turned to mush, her breathing ragged. She murmured in a daze, "Tang Qian... husband... it's too much..."

I smiled and parted her legs, ready to go again. Seeing that her defenses were about to fall, she panicked, reaching out to stop me and blurting out, "Wait! Wait a second!"

I paused, amused. "Wait for what?"

Her eyes darted around as she asked urgently, "Um... well... what time is it?"

"I don't know! Who cares what time it is? Wife, look..."

The little woman ignored my impulse, grabbed the phone I’d left on the pillow, and gasped. "Ah! Almost ten o'clock? Oh no, oh no! I have an important meeting this morning! I'm going to be late!"

Before I could respond, she pulled her legs back, jumped out of bed—bare-bottomed—and ran toward the bathroom with a clumsy, awkward gait. I groaned in agony and flopped back onto the bed.

The sound of water soon filled the bathroom. I felt both frustrated and sweet. I pulled back the covers and gazed with joy at the small spot of blood left behind when the little woman became a woman last night.

Women... truly as soft as water. I suddenly felt as though my first twenty-eight years had been a waste. Only now did I realize how wonderful it was to have a woman.

The water was still running; she must be showering. Wait, she rushed in so quickly—did she forget to lock the door?

Unlocked?

My heart skipped a beat, and my blood began to boil again. The image of her under the shower, water cascading over her body—what a beautiful sight that must be.

I didn't hesitate. I jumped out of bed and, with "unwavering resolve," charged into the bathroom.

"Oh! You! What are you doing in here?"

"Alright, alright! I'll give in to you..."

***

"You... ah... just take your bath, why are you touching me like that..."

"Husband... husband... ah... mmm... don't... it hurts so much, I really can't take it anymore... ah! ...You... you're so annoying..."

***

By nearly noon, I walked into the company, feeling refreshed. Qian Xiaolei greeted me with a complaint: "Deputy Manager Tang! You finally showed up! Come take a look—the renovation company says they went over budget and want to charge us an extra fourteen thousand!"

I smiled good-naturedly. "Don't worry! Let me see. Hmm... we have a contract, we don't have to fear them!"

After handling that, I met Cheng Jia’s younger brother in my office. He was short, and by his attire, he looked like the guy on the motorcycle who had picked up Cheng Jia in front of the Green Lady company the other day.

I smiled at him. "You must be Cheng Gong, right? I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. Your sister probably told me about your situation. Did you bring your resume and diploma? Let me take a look."

Cheng Gong’s face held a hint of displeasure. He stood up from his chair and grumbled, "You're Manager Tang? I've been waiting for you for over two hours!"

I watched him with interest. This kid was quite arrogant, and a bit socially inept, much like I was at his age. I smiled, took the documents he handed over, and sat behind my desk to look them over.

Cheng Gong’s arrogant expression was filled with such extreme confidence that it felt as if we were the ones begging him to work, rather than the other way around.

I read through his records and asked a few professional questions. He might be arrogant, but his knowledge was solid; he answered with some insightful points.

I closed his resume with satisfaction and said, "How about this? The New Year is almost here, and the company will be on holiday for a few days. Start on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year. I intend to put you in product research and development. What do you think?"

Cheng Gong replied, "The role doesn't matter. What matters is the compensation. What kind of annual salary are you offering?"

Seeing his cockiness, I chuckled. "Our company has set regulations for compensation. You'll see them when you sign the contract. Any other questions?"

Cheng Gong’s lips twitched, but he held back his words. After a moment, he said, "Then... I'll be going."

I handed his resume back. "Good! Remember to report on time on the seventh day. If you have any questions, ask Ms. Qian in the office."

Cheng Gong took his papers and walked out without another word. I stretched, checked the time, and realized it was lunch.

I pulled out my phone and happily called Hua Jingjing. It rang for a long time before she answered. She lowered her voice and said, "What? I'm in a meeting! I don't have time for you!"

I smiled. "Wife! I miss you! Let's have lunch together!"

"...We'll see! I'll call you later, I'm busy, hanging up!"

I smiled and put the phone down, feeling sweet. My mind kept drifting back to this "flower fairy." Recalling the power struggles of our past, it felt like a lifetime ago. Back then, I never would have believed we’d be so intimate as to call each other husband and wife. Life is truly unpredictable!

While waiting for her call, I worked on the files on my desk. With the company short-staffed, Qian Xiaolei handled both the finances and my secretarial duties. She was a meticulous woman; she organized the documents in order of priority, making it easy for me to finish them. I looked at the time—it was 12:30. Why hadn't Hua Jingjing called?

Tomorrow was New Year's Eve. After the holiday, I would dive into the R&D for the Leaf Tip Fragrant tea beverage. According to my research, the Grain Rain period was the time for harvesting that tea, so I had to prepare for procurement at the source as soon as possible.

I opened my computer and started drafting a detailed plan. Soon, it was afternoon. Qian Xiaolei walked in, surprised. "Deputy Manager Tang! Why are you still working? Didn't you eat lunch?"

I checked my watch and realized I’d missed the lunch hour. To be honest, I hadn't even had breakfast. No wonder I was starving.

I gave a bitter smile. "Xiaolei, do me a favor and buy me a burger downstairs? I haven't finished this yet."

Qian Xiaolei said, "Sure!" and left. I quickly called Hua Jingjing again. After a long wait, she answered. I said, slightly annoyed, "Does your meeting really last that long? I've been waiting for your call!"

Hua Jingjing’s voice was still low: "My father is here, I can't talk. How about tonight? I'll call you tonight!"

I felt relieved and smiled. "Alright! Shall we go to the Prince Hotel again tonight?"

"...You jerk! In your dreams!" She hung up.

***

After work that evening, Hua Jingjing still hadn't called. Manager Fan had come by in the afternoon, held a short meeting to review our progress, and announced the start of the Spring Festival holiday. She even handed out red envelopes—a nice gesture for our hard work.

Mine contained 1,800 yuan. Since the company wasn't profitable yet, this was clearly out of Fan's own pocket—a very kind gesture.

Before leaving, Fan Yunting looked at my procurement plan and offered no objections. "I'm not an expert in R&D, so you make the calls. Do what you have to do; we won't be stingy with the budget. I trust you!"

With my boss placing such faith in me, I couldn't help but give it my all! I vowed that if I didn't successfully develop the product, I’d jump off the fourteenth floor!

It was dark, and I was wandering the streets. Hua Jingjing still hadn't called. I grew anxious but didn't dare call her, fearing her father might be nearby.

Was she still at work? Maybe she was stuck? I waited a long time, but finally, I couldn't help but call. Strangely, her phone was turned off.

My heart sank with suspicion. Unable to reach her, I let my imagination run wild.

Hungry, I found myself in front of the Green Lady company building. In the garage, I didn't see Hua Jingjing's Ferrari.

My heart plummeted. A dark premonition washed over me. Only now did I realize how vital Hua Jingjing had become to me; my fear and worry made me tremble.

A car drove past and suddenly pulled over. Someone called out, "Tang Qian? What are you doing here?"

I turned to see Gu Ruoyan rolling down her window, looking at me with delight.

I forced a smile. "Manager Gu, just got off work?"

"Yeah! What are you doing here? You're not... looking for me, are you?"

I couldn't worry about that. "Manager Gu, have you seen Hua Jingjing? Is she... still in the office?"

Gu Ruoyan’s smile stiffened. "Manager Hua? You're looking for her?"

I asked anxiously, "Yes! We had plans for tonight, but I called her, and her phone is off. I'm very worried!"

Gu Ruoyan said, "Manager Hua... left with her father this afternoon. After the annual meeting, I saw the President call her into the General Manager's office. They were in there for a long time. Later, Manager Qi said the President was furious and took her away. She hasn't been back!"

My head buzzed. I cursed under my breath. Could it be that coincidental? I’d just gotten together with Jingjing, and her father already knew?

Gu Ruoyan asked softly, "You and Manager Hua... what's going on?"

Knowing that Hua Jingjing wasn't in physical danger calmed me down. No matter how hard the problem, there was a way to solve it. Hua Jingjing was mine now; did I really think I couldn't convince her old man?

I smiled at Gu Ruoyan. "Manager! Thank you! I know now!"

Gu Ruoyan asked, "You... really... with her?"

I nodded with a smile, saying nothing. Gu Ruoyan sighed. "Really? Well... congratulations to you both. I'm leaving, goodbye!"

"Goodbye!"

I returned home, and just as I was about to open the door, my phone rang. It was Hua Jingjing. I was overjoyed and quickly answered. "Wife..."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Tang! This is Jingjing's father. Do you have a moment? I would like to have a word with you."