Chapter 151: Chapter 151

"Oh? It looks like you’ve already been to the Maldives, haven’t you?" Qi Longbing quickly picked up on the information.

It seems she’s already been there, so perhaps we should explore other places? Anyway, as long as she wants to go anywhere in the world, I’ll make it happen. But I genuinely don’t know what kind of places she likes. It’s a good idea to ask her this time. If I can take her traveling around the world, I’d be ecstatic. As long as she’s by my side, I’ll be incredibly happy. We’ll share even more, and our happiness will only grow.

"Yeah. There’s nothing much to do there," Hua Xiaomo responded indifferently, her mind conjuring the image of the man wearing the crown mask. It seemed like Xia Shuangming never took off his mask.

At that time, breaking his usual pattern and not because of a mission, he had taken her on a trip to that world-renowned travel destination—the Maldives, for an entire week.

Well, even though she had spent most of that week exploring by herself, it had been enough. Orıginal content can be found at 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡~𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢~𝙣𝙚𝙩

She was still grateful to Xia Shuangming. After all, the place was indeed an excellent spot for sketching, and the paintings she had created there were treasures she would cherish for a long time.

"Fine, then let me think about where else is fun to go. This time, you can’t say no again!" Qi Longbing said with a faintly sinister smile, quickly revving the engine and starting the car.

Hua Xiaomo cast a sidelong glance at him, a trace of coldness flitting through the depths of her eyes.

Qi Longbing, you despicable man! What happened last night... I absolutely won’t let you off the hook for that!

In the grand office hall of Qi Imperial Court, Qi Longbing walked in with his head held high and a smile, one hand in the pocket of his suit pants. He swiftly entered the office area with Hua Xiaomo, who was still carrying his briefcase.

What greeted them was a sea of admiring and surprised gazes.

"Wow, it’s President Qi!"

"That short-haired woman next to him must be his new secretary."

"I heard her name is Hua Xiaomo, and she’s still a university student who hasn’t even graduated!"

"Wow, our President’s taste has really changed, huh? He used to be surrounded by mature, sophisticated women, and now he’s with a loli type?"

"Yeah, that’s our President for you! The ultimate package: handsome, rich, and influential!"

Envious murmurs filled the air, making Hua Shuyue and Hua Shishan, who were standing nearby, seethe with jealousy.

Who would have thought this woman actually managed to ensnare President Qi Longbing of the Qi Family with her schemes?

"Big sister, don’t be mad. That Qi Longbing is said to be a playboy who uses and discards women. That girl definitely won’t last long," Hua Shishan said with a smirk.

"Hmph! I can’t be bothered with her. Let’s go!" Hua Shuyue snapped, deliberately grabbing Hua Shishan and strutting past Hua Xiaomo, pretending not to see her.

Hua Xiaomo merely smiled faintly and said nothing.

But all of this did not escape Qi Longbing’s watchful eyes. He slowed his steps slightly and, just before they reached the elevator, he took her small hand. His handsome profile was close to hers as he murmured, "What’s wrong?" Then, his hand moved to rest on her shoulder.

Qi Longbing’s gesture immediately caused quite a stir among the employees gathered at the elevator bank.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Hua Xiaomo, singled out by his sudden attention, felt an embarrassed blush immediately flood her cheeks.

"I’m fine." Hua Xiaomo slowly pushed his hand from her shoulder.

Qi Longbing smiled and loosened his hand. Hua Xiaomo thought he had truly let go, but he was still looking at her, smiling radiantly.

"Umm..." Hua Xiaomo was taken aback, her shoulder tensing. Her pretty face grew even redder. This bastard! Would it kill him not to take advantage of me?

At this moment, everyone’s gaze was fixed on them. So the rumors about this third secretary being President Qi’s personal pet, his little secret, were actually true?

Hua Xiaomo bit her inner lip lightly.

"What is it? Enjoying this, are we?" Qi Longbing murmured with a mischievous chuckle.

Sure enough, Hua Xiaomo didn’t dare to move, but a surge of anger burned deep within her.

"This is more like it," Qi Longbing smiled. When the elevator doors opened, he led her directly inside.

Just as Hua Xiaomo, boiling with indignation and shame, wanted to quickly step away from him, a soft yet sinister voice reached her, "Xiao Mo, you must be obedient. Otherwise, the matter with your SIM card won’t be settled so easily."

Qi Longbing smiled threateningly and even patted her head lightly, as if soothing a disobedient little pet.

Hua Xiaomo was so angry she wanted to slap him.

Finally, she forcefully stepped away from him and seethed, "President Qi, what do you mean? How can you go back on your word?"

"I haven’t gone back on my word, Hua Xiaomo. As long as you’re obedient, my word always stands," Qi Longbing said, his smile devilish.

Hua Xiaomo glared at him. "Are you blackmailing me?" Damn it, how could I have forgotten to get that SIM card back?

"No, no, no, don’t interpret it that way. That would be very hurtful to our relationship," Qi Longbing said with a sly, charming smile.

Just then, the elevator doors opened.

Qi Longbing gave her an elegant smile. "Let’s go. There’s quite a ’show’ waiting for us. I’m sure you’ll be very pleased to see it."

With that, Qi Longbing strode out of the elevator first. Fuming, Hua Xiaomo puffed her cheeks and followed him out.

"Ms. Zhang, have all the notified individuals arrived?" Qi Longbing asked the graceful secretary beside him.

"Yes, President Qi, they’re all in the conference room," Ms. Zhang promptly answered.

"Good. This time, you and Miss Hua will take the minutes together," Qi Longbing declared, hands in his pockets, before turning to Hua Xiaomo with a look of concern. "Taking meeting minutes, any problem with that?"

"No problem," Hua Xiaomo replied with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, suddenly feeling a tooth-aching hatred for the man.

"Great. I look forward to your minutes," Qi Longbing said with a handsome smile, then leisurely walked towards the conference room.

Hua Xiaomo watched his retreating back, too preoccupied to wonder about the meeting’s agenda. She quickly grabbed a notebook and hurried towards the conference room with Ms. Zhang.

The Qi Imperial Court’s conference room was spacious and bright, fully equipped with all manner of high-end meeting devices.

Their conference tables were all computerized and automated, featuring built-in touch screens. Even the information displayed on the four walls was entirely computer-controlled.

It was only upon entering that Hua Xiaomo truly grasped what first-class, cutting-edge technology looked like.

But far more stunning than all the high-tech gadgets... was the man sitting at the conference table opposite them. Dressed in a striking navy-blue suit, it was none other than Long Shangxuan!

For some reason, I just want to cry.

She quickly turned her face away, looking into the small mirror in her hand. As her gaze fell upon her reflection, she saw that her face was already streaked with tears. Whether from grievance or some other emotion, she didn’t know; the tears simply flowed uncontrollably.

What did I do wrong? At this moment, she found herself completely unable to control her emotions. Seeing Brother Long made her want to pour out all her grievances to him.