At her penthouse, Elena stepped out of the bathroom with damp hair draped over one shoulder, the faint scent of soap following her into the living area.
Simon was sprawled on the floor with his back against the couch, eyes glued to the television where a documentary about exotic cuisines played in soft, colorful flashes.
He glanced up when he sensed her presence and grinned, scooting aside so she could sit comfortably on the couch. Elena lowered herself beside him, reaching for a teacup that had already been prepared.
"Boss," Simon Lau said casually, though his tone carried obvious excitement, "a Mr.Jin called while you were in the shower. Do you know him? He sounded pretty unhappy. Said he's been trying to contact you for weeks and that you should either reply to his emails or call him back.
Quite super bossy, I must say. He left his number. Want it?"
Elena froze for half a second, then frowned. "No. I don't want his number. Why does that Jin Di keep bothering me?"
Simon blinked, the full name clicking in his head. His eyes widened so much that Elena thought they might pop out. "Wait. Jin Di? As in Jin Corporation's Jin Di?"
"Yes," she replied flatly.
Simon sucked in a dramatic breath and clutched his chest. "Oh my God. Boss, That Jin Di is chasing after you? Wow. Even the people pestering you are top-tier. Maybe he likes you. Ehehe."
"Don't be ridiculous," Elena said sharply, shooting him a warning look. "We don't like each other. I want nothing to do with that arrogant man."
Simon only chuckled, clearly unconvinced, earning himself another glare. Before Elena could say more, Xie Mei appeared from the hallway, her expression careful and polite.
"Young Miss," the housekeeper said, "the receptionist downstairs called. Mr.Jin is here and wishes to see you."
Simon let out a muffled squeal, covering his mouth with both hands. "I knew it!"
Elena's heart thumped despite herself. Of all people, why did he have to come now?
Xie Mei hesitated. "Should I invite him up, or… turn him away?"
Elena opened her mouth to refuse, then paused. Her fingers tightened slightly around her teacup before she exhaled. "Invite him up," she said at last, resignation creeping into her voice.
Simon sprang to his feet, practically vibrating. "Oh my God, oh my God— Jin Di is coming up!"
"Calm down," Elena muttered. "Let's at least hear what he wants. Simon, tell the maids to prepare refreshments."
"Yes, boss!"
A few minutes later, Jin Di stepped into the penthouse, his presence immediately commanding the room.
He looked immaculate in a tailored suit, every line sharp and deliberate.
His expression, however, was far from pleasant.
The moment his eyes landed on Elena sitting calmly with her tea, irritation flashed across his face.
He didn't bother with pleasantries as he strode toward her. "Why aren't you replying to my emails?"
"And hello to you, too, Mr. Jin," Elena replied coolly, setting her teacup down with deliberate care. "Please, have a seat."
"No," he snapped. "Answer me first. Why are you ignoring me?"
Her patience frayed. They weren't close. He had no right to interrogate her like this. Elena lifted her gaze, eyes sharp. "I see you're still very rude, Mr. Jin."
Simon hovered nearby, eyes gleaming as if watching a live drama unfold.
"Zhang Xiulan," Jin Di said lowly, "don't test my patience."
"I have no intention of testing anyone," Elena shot back, her voice finally rising. "I told you before that I don't want to see you again in person. You need information, and as a freelancer, I helped you. That's over. So tell me—why are you here? What do you want from me?"
The flush of anger on her face only made her more striking.
Jin Di's jaw tightened as something snapped inside him.
In a sudden movement, he pulled her into his arms, one hand gripping the back of her head, the other wrapping around her waist. Before she could react, his lips crashed against hers.
Elena gasped and struggled, pushing against his shoulders, fists pounding uselessly against his chest.
She bit down hard, tasting the blood of his lips, but he only growled and deepened the kiss, his grip unyielding.
Simon paced frantically, whispering to himself in panic and excitement. "Oh no, oh no… my boss is being kissed! Should I stop him? But it's Jin Di! This is crazy… this is insane…"
Xie Mei stood rooted to the spot, one hand pressed to her chest, staring in shock at the scene unfolding before her, as if afraid that moving would make it all too real.
Elena's heart pounded so violently that she could hear it roaring in her ears. Fury burned through her veins, sharp and scorching.
How dare this man?
How dare Jin Di do something like this inside her own home?
For a split second, she truly wanted to bite his head off and see if that cold composure of his would finally crack.
And yet… something was wrong.
Her anger suddenly wavered, disrupted by an unfamiliar wave of sensations.
Her breath grew uneven, her limbs oddly weak.
A faint dizziness crept in, forcing her to pause even as her instincts screamed at her to lash out.
Elena stiffened in confusion, trying to identify what exactly was happening to her body.
This was new.
In both of her lives, she had never felt anything like this.
Jin Di noticed the change immediately.
Her resistance faltered, just for a heartbeat, and that was enough. Desire surged through him, raw and uncontrollable, drowning out what little restraint he had left. His grip tightened as if afraid she would vanish if he let go.
His tongue slid past her lips, invading her mouth with a confidence that made her head spin.
He tasted her and sucked on her tongue until a small, helpless sound escaped her throat.
Mmm~
Elena moaned softly, her thoughts dissolving into white noise.
Without realizing it, her eyes fluttered shut and her arms lifted, wrapping around his neck as she pulled him closer instead of pushing him away.
Jin Di groaned lowly, the sound vibrating against her. His hand slid down from her hair, fingers digging into her flesh as he squeezed her hard.
"Ay kabayo!" Simon's horrified yell rang out, followed by a loud crash that shattered the moment like glass.
The interruption snapped through the haze.
Jin Di was visibly irritated, already leaning in to reclaim her lips, but Elena turned her head instead, blinking dazedly at the sight of Simon sprawled on the floor along with a toppled chair.
"Ehe… don't mind me," Simon said, scrambling up and fixing the chair with shaking hands. "Please continue. Really. Go on."
His words pierced through Elena's fog completely.
She shoved her palms against Jin Di's chest. "Mr. Jin, put me down."
"No." His arms tightened instinctively.