Chapter 114: Barely Passing!

Upon hearing Wang Zheng’s command, Lin Xuan’s expression immediately darkened, as if the once slightly clear sky suddenly became overcast, threatening rain. Her eyes, filled with complexity, fixed on the man beside her. No matter how she looked at him now, he resembled nothing more than a lecherous demon freshly crawled out of hell—utterly repulsive.

Lin Xuan clenched her fists tightly. Despite having once been Zhao Yi’s mistress, despite having lain with him and done everything expected of her, she found herself inexplicably unwilling to commit such a shameful act upon hearing the man’s words now. Her heart recoiled as if she were a pure maiden.

Wang Zheng, seated in his chair, observed Lin Xuan’s conflicted face and suddenly felt a deep pleasure in tormenting a beauty—especially when the torment struck at her very soul. It was truly gratifying.

“Do you still think you’re a pure maiden?” Wang Zheng sneered coldly, his indifferent expression betraying his inner displeasure. “Being a prostitute is one thing, but playing the virtuous woman? Isn’t that just disgusting?” His provocative words did not cease there. After a flicker of pain flashed in Lin Xuan’s eyes, he continued, “Or do you think I’m no match for some old codger in his sixties? You couldn’t even complete your first assignment, yet you say, ‘I want to be yours.’ Are you joking? If I recall correctly, I told you last night that if you do anything I don’t want to see, you might just become tomorrow’s headline on TV!”

Lin Xuan’s body shuddered. Wang Zheng’s low, heavy voice, laden with invisible pressure, made it hard for her to breathe. His words echoed incessantly in her ears, and like a startled bird, her eyes brimmed with fear.

“Did you know? Women from all over the world, from here all the way to the princess of Rabat, Morocco, are all vying to be my mistress. And here you are, still putting on airs of modesty before me?” Wang Zheng’s gaze turned icy as he barked sharply, “Take it off.”

Lin Xuan was indeed a woman of ambition, willing to do whatever it took to achieve her goals. But fate had dealt her a cruel hand by crossing her path with Wang Zheng. No matter how strong a woman she was, when facing him, she could not gain any advantage in spirit. Lin Xuan had a relatively strong mind; otherwise, she might have fainted under his fierce glare. She did not want to reveal any weakness, but this was beyond her control.

She turned her head slightly, looking at the man beside her—rebellious, unruly, handsome yet fierce; proud yet rugged. His towering presence and indifferent gaze sent involuntary shivers down her spine.

What was happening to her? Lin Xuan thought, Haven’t I always wanted a powerful protector to bring me wealth and everything I desire, no matter the cost? And now, that person is right before me—why should I tremble or feel timid? I’m not afraid of some old codger, let alone a virile man like him. Why should I refuse him? Why not become his?

With that thought, Lin Xuan composed herself, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath to calm her nerves. When she opened them again, she was a completely different person. Though she still fought feelings of fear, she understood her current situation and her future goals. Without hesitation, she rose from her chair, standing before Wang Zheng. With both hands, she grasped the hem of her clothing and slowly pulled off the low-cut, tight T-shirt, followed by her bra and denim shorts... Within less than a minute, Lin Xuan stood naked before Wang Zheng, chest out, head held high. Although a hint of shyness lingered in her eyes, she did not hesitate to display her curvaceous S-shaped figure.

A faint smile curved Wang Zheng’s lips as he admired the beauty before him—a woman with the face of the East and the figure of the West. As the saying goes, “Without skill, how dare one challenge the mountain?” The leading lady of the entertainment world was truly stunning. Wang Zheng rose from his chair, reaching out to gently stroke her beautiful face.

“All right, you can put your clothes back on now,” Wang Zheng said with a smile.

“Huh?” Lin Xuan paused, puzzled by the command. Why ask her to dress again right after undressing? Wasn’t something else supposed to follow?

“Put your clothes back on; be careful not to catch a chill,” Wang Zheng said indifferently, then turned to leave the room, calling back as he walked away, “I’ll be waiting downstairs—hurry up!”

---

Seeing Lin Xuan’s expression, Wang Zheng’s provocative task was deemed a success. He had managed to restore some of the usual spark to her previously sullen face. Though still somewhat disappointed, as Lin Xuan had yet to fully reach his expectations, the disappointment was now minimal—within an acceptable range. This had been a test for Lin Xuan, and in the presence of Wang Zheng’s imposing aura, she had barely passed.

Some people never improve unless provoked, Wang Zheng mused. It seemed such provocations should happen more often. Not only was this a stimulation for Lin Xuan, but also for himself. After all, Wang Zheng was a normal man; even he would have a physiological response to such a beautiful woman.

Lin Xuan stood quietly in place. Wang Zheng had left for some time before she finally picked up her clothes. She felt puzzled by his earlier command to undress and then dress again. Was it merely a test of obedience? Probably not that simple. When she was naked earlier, she had looked into Wang Zheng’s eyes, expecting to see even a hint of desire, but saw none. His calm and playful gaze unsettled her. She had hoped to conquer him with her body, but it seemed he held no interest in her physique.

Disappointment and frustration weighed heavily on Lin Xuan. Wang Zheng’s reaction had dealt a blow to her pride, shattering her usual confidence.

Wang Zheng sat in his car and spotted Lin Xuan approaching from afar. She must have showered and changed clothes in those ten minutes, given her sudden radiant appearance.

“You’re quite the diva, making me wait so long!” Wang Zheng said as Lin Xuan climbed into the car. The vehicle then departed.

Lin Xuan smiled slightly, suddenly leaning forward to kiss Wang Zheng on the cheek.

“Sorry to keep you waiting!”

“Hmm?” Wang Zheng cast a sideways glance at her. Confidence and charm reappeared on her face, her brow imbued with a hint of spring’s allure, her eyes coquettish and beguiling. Not bad at all—she was beginning to resemble the venomous beauty Wang Zheng desired.

“Heh heh heh!” Wang Zheng chuckled with satisfaction, then asked, “May I be so bold as to ask a question? What color are your underwear?”

“White.”

Wang Zheng parked the car at the entrance of the Huamei residential district, eyes fixed on the unwavering hands of his vintage watch—a timepiece he had trusted for eight years, never gaining or losing a second. Eleven thirty, fifty-eight seconds... fifty-nine... sixty!

“Ringing.”

As the second hand struck twelve, a cellphone rang.

---

Really that precise? Apparently, Beijing time and Dubai time have a time difference. Yet he had calculated it exactly?

Wang Zheng was surprised, then answered the call. On the other end was a man named Song Lian, speaking respectfully. He claimed to be sent by the foreigners and said the house was ready—just one street over from Huamei, in the Jingyuan neighborhood. Through the car window, Wang Zheng spotted a well-dressed, refined middle-aged man standing outside Jingyuan. That must be him.

Wang Zheng drove over, identified himself, and Song Lian bowed deeply again, immediately leading the way to the house that had been secured in just two hours and thirty-one minutes. Wang Zheng silently admired the foreigners’ efficiency and abilities, though taking advantage of them was exceptionally difficult.

The nearly two hundred square meter house was even larger and brighter than Wang Zheng’s own home. The decoration was impeccable; the designer hired by the foreigners was clearly top-notch. Despite Wang Zheng’s efforts to find flaws, none emerged.

If the house’s size was a fault, it would be a major one.

After handing over the keys and documents, Song Lian tactfully left, bowing deeply once more as he departed, leaving Wang Zheng and Lin Xuan alone.

Wang Zheng sat on the sofa and tossed the keys to Lin Xuan.

“This will be your temporary residence. As for your future, that depends on your performance,” Wang Zheng said, looking at her.

If you want someone’s unwavering loyalty, you must first offer some sweetness. People are not fools; no one serves another for free. Such foolishness only exists in low-tier soap operas. Real life contains no such naive souls. A Lei Feng appears only once a century, and Wang Zheng was no fool hoping for a female Lei Feng every day. Of course, Lei Feng was a great man!

The property deed bore Wang Zheng’s name. For Lin Xuan, this house was merely temporary; for Wang Zheng, it was hardly a concession.

He then pulled a credit card from his pocket and handed it to Lin Xuan.

“I’m not stingy. This card holds one million yuan as compensation for leaving the TV station. Spend it as you wish; I neither care nor bother. As for your future tasks, I’ll arrange them on Monday. Just remember to obey me alone from now on.”

“I understand!” Lin Xuan nodded firmly. One million was no small sum for her. Moreover, it was rare to see a tycoon like Wang Zheng casually toss a million without batting an eye.

“I believe in you!” Wang Zheng smiled. “Here, as long as you give your all, there will be rewards. I hope the next time you take from me, it won’t be a pitiful million but ten million, a hundred million...”