Chapter 166: Chapter 166

"She came to me to tell me that she was forced by Qi Longbing to sign a one-month contract, which is why she couldn’t accept your affection, Director Mo," Long Shangxuan said, his mind whirring like a spinning shuttlecock, eyes brimming with cunning brilliance.

"Qi Longbing again! This guy, it seems he’s determined to be at odds with me to the very end!" Mo Rutian complained bitterly, his radiant handsome features shrouded in gloom.

"Failing to secure this advertising deal, Director Mo... it was a lapse in my judgment," Long Shangxuan timely brought up the matter.

Well, no matter what, he was the boss, and it was indeed necessary for him to explain himself.

"I don’t blame you for this; I’ve always trusted your capabilities," Mo Rutian said. "However, I can’t just watch Xiao Mo fall into the ’tiger’s den’ again. Shang Xuan, you must think of a way. Also, find out as soon as possible what the contents of their contract are. If it can be solved with money... then use money to break off their relationship!"

Mo Rutian’s final words were delivered with absolute certainty, reflecting the magnitude of his resolution.

"Understood. I will follow up on this matter closely. Director Mo, I’ll hang up now. You should rest early," Long Shangxuan replied and then heard the sound of the call being disconnected, a leisurely smile playing on his lips.

This was supposed to be a straightforward matter between Mo Rutian and Hua Xiaomo, yet unexpectedly, Qi Longbing emerged and complicated what should have been simple.

So how should he resolve the contract between them?

It’s just one month; it would soon come to an end. Waiting it out could be a viable option, couldn’t it?

Yet, typically, sitting back and doing nothing was not in Long Shangxuan’s nature.

Long Shangxuan sat on the wicker chair, gently swaying back and forth, a subtle, soft light glimmering in the depths of his long, narrow, phoenix eyes, its presence real and palpable.

A cold smile briefly flashed at the edge of his heart, stirring up his devious and ever-changing thoughts.

Gradually, he inhaled the fragrance of the tulips filling the garden, helplessly succumbing to a poignant melancholy.

She had arrived near Chaohu Alley.

After parting with Wen Yajun, Hua Xiaomo’s phone in her bag suddenly began to ring.

Hearing the phone, Hua Xiaomo’s eyes slightly furrowed. She fished out the ringing device from her bag, seeing the familiar number ending in a string of eights.

Hua Xiaomo hesitated for a moment, her beautiful face clouding over. Eventually, she slammed the phone down.

Suddenly, a voice, neither loud nor soft, drifted through the air, "...Returning so late, I presume this trip was quite successful for you?"

Startled, Hua Xiaomo reflexively turned toward the source of the sound.

She saw a dim gold silhouette leaning against a dark lamp post, unnoticed until now.

Slim wisps of smoke were slowly exhaled from his lips, curling upwards under the murky streetlight. His demeanor appeared both sinister and secretive. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕥⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥

He still wore that platinum crown mask over half of his face, concealing everything above the bridge of his nose while revealing the lower half of his cheek and the graceful curve of his jaw.

"Xia Shuangming, it’s you again? Why are you here once more?" Hua Xiaomo frowned as soon as she saw him. This guy really did have a knack for appearing out of nowhere.

"Come here, I have something to tell you." Xia Shuangming was still leaning against the utility pole, showing no intention of moving.

Hua Xiaomo muttered, "What’s this all about?" and, without overthinking, she sauntered over with her handbag swinging from her arm.

Stopping within three steps of him, Hua Xiaomo faced him and said, "Speak. But if you’re here to tell me again how Blue Moon is this and that, you can rest assured. I, Hua Xiaomo, always stand by my words—I’m set on getting Blue Moon!"

"But... what will you do if Blue Moon is no longer available for you to make good on your promise?" Xia Shuangming casually let out a smile.

"What do you mean?" Hua Xiaomo listened and was taken aback, her clever eyes squinting in confusion.

"Lean in closer, and I’ll tell you," Xia Shuangming gestured with his fingers, a totally relaxed and content look on his face.

Hua Xiaomo observed him. There wasn’t anyone else around, so why the need for such secrecy? Forget it, that’s just how this guy was; she could never figure out what he really had in mind.

Hua Xiaomo moved another step closer, leaned in towards him, and said with evident impatience, "Spit it out..."

But the next second, she found herself at a loss for words.

In the split second Hua Xiaomo lost her focus, he smirked, swiftly wrapped his arms around her, spun her around against the utility pole, and then pulled out a rope, beginning to tie her up.

Hua Xiaomo’s shoulders were bound; in that instant, a surge of rage boiled up in her mind, and she tried to furiously break free, but to no avail.

It seemed he had already anticipated her reaction and swiftly crossed her hands behind the pole. He then quickly pulled out a rope hidden up his sleeve, securing her hands tightly together.

Hua Xiaomo was utterly outraged. It never crossed her mind that Xia Shuangming would stoop to such lows. Had he gone mad?

Why? Why would he do this?

But soon, Hua Xiaomo turned her face away fiercely and cursed, "Xia Shuangming, you lunatic, what the hell are you trying to do?" How could he do this to her!

"What am I doing? Heh..." Xia Shuangming chuckled. His hand, which had been moving towards his waist, paused, and then he abruptly lifted her chin with a wicked smile. "Before I get Blue Moon, shouldn’t I take some advantage from you first?"

"You dare?" Hua Xiaomo snapped angrily. How could this guy change so drastically overnight? He was never before.

"What do you think I wouldn’t dare to do, Hua Xiaomo?" Xia Shuangming laughed. As he watched her, his gaze also flickered to a luxury car speeding towards them from a distance.

"You’ve followed me for nine years. To increase the understanding between us, and for the sake of completing the next mission, I think it’s necessary for you to understand a man’s thoughts..." Xia Shuangming said with a chuckle, flippantly stroking her cheek with his hand.

"So you telling me that if I stole Blue Moon, our slate would be wiped clean was just a lie? Xia Shuangming, you—hmph..." Hua Xiaomo widened her eyes. The gaze that met hers was suddenly filled with an unnerving intimidation.

He smiled passionately at her, the words entwining around her ear, "Whether we’re even or not isn’t up to your wishful thinking, but up to my decision! Remember, I... am your king!"

"Oh, and let me tell you, don’t ever fall for someone else, because everyone else has their motives, and you shouldn’t believe what they say. Men’s words are untrustworthy. I’m telling you, all men’s words are untrustworthy—except for mine, of course. Only I am truly good to you. Remember this well, and don’t ever be fooled by another man."