Chapter 162: Chapter 162

As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately brought some pleasure to a certain someone. Was this her way of clarifying things because she was afraid I’d misunderstand? From this perspective, has she already acknowledged the nature of our relationship deep in her heart?

After saying this, Hua Xiaomo suddenly felt it was a bit strange for her to be in such a hurry to explain. It’s quite amusing, really—why do I need to explain so much to him? If I disagree, then so be it! Can’t I work on advertising anywhere else? Do I have to stay at his Qi Imperial Court? But that man is just so incredibly stubborn.

Thinking of this, Hua Xiaomo furrowed her brows. "Forget it. I knew it wouldn’t work out, so I won’t trouble you further, President Qi. I’m going back to my desk to work."

Qi Longbing didn’t say much, a faint smile playing on his lips. Watching her work, he became even more entranced.

When it was time to leave work, just as he was about to invite Hua Xiaomo for dinner, another phone call came.

After taking the call, Qi Longbing smiled apologetically at her. "I’m sorry. It seems it’s difficult for this CEO to even sneak a moment of leisure. Looks like I’ll have to give you the evening off again today."

Hua Xiaomo smiled understandingly. "President Qi, if you have something to do, please go ahead. You don’t need to stay with me."

As Qi Longbing was leaving, he deliberately touched her shoulder and whispered softly in her ear, "Are you very happy now... that you can be free tonight?"

Before she could respond, he smiled and a light kiss landed on her cheek. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹·𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒·𝗇𝗲𝘁

Hua Xiaomo’s eyes widened slightly, and an unexpected, becoming flush spread across her cheeks. But before she could fully process it, he had already quickly moved away and straightened up.

"I’m off, Xiao Mo," Qi Longbing said, gazing down at her. "Whatever you want to eat or buy, just have Yu Bao pay for it, understand? Don’t try to save my money." His hand reached out, gently taking her slender fingers that rested on the keyboard and giving them a light squeeze. His words and expression were filled with an incredible, doting fondness.

"You..." Can’t you tell Yu Bao not to follow me all the time?

The words Hua Xiaomo was about to say were swallowed back when she saw the inexplicably tender look on his face. She simply smiled silently, choosing not to say anything more.

When she tried to withdraw her hand, he caught it, pressed it to his chest, and kissed it before finally letting go. Then, he shook his head a little, as if reluctant, and finally left the office.

When the door to the CEO’s office closed, Hua Xiaomo finally let out a deep sigh.

She lifted her hand; the warmth of his lips seemed to linger there. Her mind involuntarily recalled his tender gaze and expression. But the next second, the image shifted to him smiling and patting his own head...

Her stomach churned again, and a wave of nausea washed over her, making her want to vomit.

Thinking about all this, Hua Xiaomo’s eyes filled with pain. She shook her head slightly, her own smile faltering, not knowing what expression she should wear.

Her eyes grew increasingly moist, and soon, she could no longer hold back the tears; they began to fall.

She rummaged through her bag for that familiar business card, one she had looked at countless times. The number on it was one she longed to dial but was too afraid to...

"Brother Long..." Hua Xiaomo murmured, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, her grip so tight on the card that it began to feel warm.

No, I can’t let you misunderstand me ...

After work, Hua Xiaomo quickly made up her mind. She had Yu Bao drive her straight home and then called Wen Yajun.

Not long after, Wen Yajun arrived at Hua’s Home on his motorcycle.

Hua Xiaomo looked at Wen Yajun and smiled apologetically. "Wen Yajun, I’m really sorry about that favor you asked me to do. I spoke to President Qi, but he didn’t agree."

"Oh, it’s okay." Wen Yajun’s expression was a little unnatural, but he quickly smiled again.

"However, rest assured, I can introduce you to another good job. You really don’t have to work at the Qi Family’s company. In our City A, there are many large companies similar to the Qi Imperial Court, like Mohai Company. You’ve probably heard of it, right?" Hua Xiaomo looked at him, her eyes bright.

"But I only want to follow President Qi. I won’t give up on joining the Qi Family," Wen Yajun declared, his expression earnest and serious.

Hua Xiaomo frowned at his words, observing the tall, lanky young man with refined features. Behind his black-framed glasses, he looked incredibly scholarly.

"Wen Yajun, can you tell me why you’re so insistent on joining the Qi Family?" Hua Xiaomo asked, looking at him. His gaze involuntarily reminded her of someone else.

That person also had such a fervent, intense look in their eyes—more accurately, after seeing Qi Longbing, their enthusiasm hadn’t dimmed for a single moment. That person was the McDonald’s manager, Zhou Xiyang.

"I..." Wen Yajun hesitated, not answering immediately.

"Don’t tell me... you’re gay too?" Hua Xiaomo stared at his face. If he says yes, I think I’ll actually break down.

"What?" Wen Yajun clearly hadn’t understood what Hua Xiaomo was saying, his expression puzzled.

"I mean, a homosexual. Are you gay? Do you like Qi Longbing?" Hua Xiaomo felt compelled to clarify.

"No, I’m not gay! But I do... like Qi Longbing. No, to be precise, I admire him immensely. He’s my idol! I just want to be by his side, to become a successful man like him!" Wen Yajun exclaimed, his face lit with a smile full of aspiration.

To me, he seems completely lost in his own world, almost intoxicated by it, Hua Xiaomo thought.

Hua Xiaomo’s frown deepened as she listened. "Now I get it. That’s why you didn’t leave the delivery with security but insisted on bringing it upstairs. You just wanted to catch a glimpse of him, didn’t you?"

Wen Yajun, his true intentions revealed, gave a shy smile. "Xiao Mo, President Qi is my idol. I see him as my role model. You have no idea—there’s no one in this world more successful than him!"

"I even know a lot about him. After his father, Qi Tianrun, died in a plane crash, his girlfriend, Su Yuner, also disappeared. That period was the lowest point of his life."

"Many people had their covetous eyes on the powerful Qi Family. But it was he who took over the Qi Family and transformed a complete wreck into the now unshakeable Qi Imperial Court. He’s truly a legendary figure!"

As Wen Yajun spoke, the adoration and aspiration in his eyes were unmistakable.

The more Hua Xiaomo listened, the stranger it seemed. She looked at him. "Wen Yajun, how do you know so much about President Qi? Did you... know him before?"

"No, no! How could I possibly know such an important figure?" Wen Yajun quickly denied, then added after a pause, "But I do desperately want to meet him."

Hua Xiaomo was silent for a moment. "I’m sorry, I really can’t help you with this..." Oh well, if it’s something I truly can’t do, then I just can’t do it.