Chapter Seventy-Eight: Midnight Disturbance

In just a few days, City X was swept up in tumult; the Wu and Li families had joined forces, and their war with the Huo Corporation had reached a fever pitch. Thanks to the support of superstar celebrities, Huo Real Estate managed to recover from considerable losses and turned the tide. Meanwhile, the Wu and Li families spared no expense, preparing to invite the national broadcasting station to endorse and publicize their new development, Prosperity Gardens.

The night was deep, and spring flourished endlessly within the villas of Fragrant Mountain. Ever since Rong Qing had committed an absurd act months ago—one that backfired spectacularly upon herself—Huo Lingtian, that notorious rake, or more accurately, that incorrigible libertine, had become obsessed with the allure of uniforms. When Rong Qing opened the wardrobe tucked away in the corner of the cloakroom, she was utterly dumbfounded! For three whole minutes, she stared blankly, trying to process what she saw. With a loud bang, the wardrobe door slammed shut, echoing like an earthquake and drawing the attention of Huo Lingtian, whose mind was always scheming.

“Sweetheart?” Huo Lingtian approached as if activated by a sensor, wrapping his arms around his agitated darling. Seeing the commotion and sensing the reason behind it, he deduced that his secret collection had finally been discovered. It was just as well; he had been wondering how to entice her into wearing those outfits.

He kept his composure, gently kissing the side of Rong Qing’s face, his touch soothing and tender. “Sweetheart, it’s getting late. Go take a bath, hmm?”

Rong Qing, seeing the man's serious demeanor, swallowed her questions and obediently followed his instructions, allowing him to lead her into the bathroom.

Every time she bathed, Huo Lingtian would prepare clothes for her to change into. It was a routine forced upon her, and after several attempts at resistance, she had resigned herself to his wishes, content to enjoy the service of the Huo family’s master. But tonight promised to be anything but ordinary. After drying her body with a towel, she found a bizarre set of clothes at the bottom of the pile. Her face instantly darkened. Realizing something was amiss, she searched the bathroom thoroughly. Apart from the towel, there wasn’t so much as a scrap of fabric left. Her mind churned, but it was clear she’d fallen victim to his cunning plan. If she didn’t wear the odd outfit he’d prepared, she would have to go out naked.

A sly, fox-like smile flickered in her eyes. Since President Huo was waiting outside, she couldn’t let his 'thoughtfulness' go to waste. When she put on the black, provocative lingerie, Rong Qing nearly exploded in curses. What on earth was this thing, anyway? A few straps and a patch of fabric barely made up a garment. She took a deep breath, suppressing her anger. Not yet, not yet—he’d have his reckoning soon enough.

She flung open the door, letting the warm air wash over her. Her chilled skin relaxed, every pore opening in relief.

As expected, that old wolf was sprawled grandly on the bed, his gaze fixed intently on her. The black straps barely concealed her, but the interplay of black and white made her exquisite figure even more alluring, the glimpses of bare skin tempting exploration. Even the closest intimacy couldn’t prevent her ears from reddening, her whole body flushed and acutely sensitive.

Huo Lingtian fiercely suppressed his desire, but still, the fire surged through him. He drew in a breath, his voice low and sensual. “Sweetheart, come here.”

Caught in the spell of his allure, Rong Qing found herself irresistibly drawn to the bed. The next moment, Huo Lingtian pressed her beneath him, his ardent gaze locked onto hers. During their passionate struggle, a strap came loose—exposing her more fully. Beneath him, she seemed a delectable feast, her shy, tear-bright eyes captivating his heart. This treasure, he thought, deserved to bear the mark of his possession.

“You’re beautiful.” Then came a whirlwind of kisses, almost suffocating Rong Qing. Huo Lingtian’s dominant, unyielding style matched his character, leaving her utterly swept away. His broad, warm hands caressed her body, filling her with a rare sense of security. For someone lonely, if there was a sun blazing so fiercely, even flying into the fire would be worth it.

Rong Qing’s mind was dizzy from his kisses, her initial urge for revenge forgotten entirely. The scanty covering on her body had already been torn apart, the bronze of his skin and her pale allure entwined in a most seductive tableau.

The two became increasingly enraptured, entangled in passion. The light in the room gradually dimmed, low moans spilled from their lips, and the temperature soared.

“Brr-brr... brr-brr...” The phone vibrated violently, halting their motions. They waited for the ringing to cease, but Huo Lingtian quickly returned to her lips. Yet the phone rang again, relentless. In an instant, their passion was doused like a bucket of cold water. The little rascal beneath him was now fiercely dissatisfied, clearly wanting to call a strike.

“Damn it!” Huo Lingtian’s broad frame descended from the bed to answer the persistently ringing phone, wishing he could smash the troublesome device.

“What is it?” Huo Lingtian’s face was dark, his mood soured by the interruption, and his tone was anything but pleasant. He glanced at the little rascal rolling under the covers.

“Lingtian, it’s me.” A gentle female voice came through the receiver, tinged with ambiguous affection.

Huo Lingtian’s expression darkened further, his eyes cold and sharp. Rong Qing sensed something amiss, wrapped herself up like a silkworm, and crouched beside him, eavesdropping.

“Sorry to bother you so late?” The woman’s question was cautious, but she showed no remorse for disturbing them. “Lingtian, I have something urgent to discuss with you. Can we meet?”

Huo Lingtian said nothing, his hand idly stroking Rong Qing’s back, his gaze half-immersed in teasing her. Sure enough, Rong Qing smacked his hand away, rolling her eyes fiercely. Perhaps spurred by the interruption, she bit him hard on the firm flesh at his waist.

“Mmm~” The man’s soft groan silenced the caller. Huo Lingtian watched his mischievous little rascal, and his earlier annoyance evaporated.

But the restless little rascal flipped over, straddling him, her voluptuous form filling his vision. Huo Lingtian’s eyes grew even deeper. “Lingtian, who could be so blind as to disturb us at this hour?” Rong Qing crooned, wickedly licking his sensitive neck. The man was completely subdued by her, and Rong Qing snatched the phone, her fair fingers pressing the disconnect button. After finishing, she breathed a sigh of relief, oblivious to the hungry wolf she had just provoked.

The world spun—he would not allow any more interruptions. Removing the battery, he plunged into another round of ardent passion.

Zhu Xi’s face was grim as she stared at the disconnected call. Her once-beautiful eyes now brimmed with gloom. She had called Huo Lingtian deliberately in the middle of the night, hoping for a certain answer, but what she got left her bitterly disappointed. The words she had prepared and her careful plans were swallowed, and the resentment refused to dissipate. She swore she’d find out who that woman was.

The next day, at the Huo Corporation’s headquarters, a self-styled host from the national broadcasting station came to visit the president. Zhu Xi carried the latest LV handbag, her face adorned with exquisite makeup, her tight dress accentuating her proud figure. Her high heels clicked elegantly on the polished floor, drawing the attention of the lobby staff.

Lu Mengyi, accustomed to such women and their airs, knew only one woman had ever caught the boss's eye—Rong Qing. She followed protocol, inviting Zhu Xi upstairs, observing all proper etiquette.

“Mr. Huo is still in a meeting. Please wait a moment, Miss Zhu,” Lu Mengyi instructed an assistant and departed. As the chief assistant, she was responsible for entertaining the women who visited, but she had little time for them.

Zhu Xi waited in the opulent lounge for two hours. Her initial enthusiasm faded into fatigue and irritation. Whenever she tried to tour the building, the assistant would stop her, confining her to a room like a prisoner. As a famous host, she had never suffered such treatment; her temper was about to flare when Huo Lingtian entered.

“Lingtian...” Zhu Xi began, but the man’s frown showed his displeasure at her familiarity. Zhu Xi suppressed her frustration, forcing a gentle smile. She understood Huo Lingtian’s nature well—decisive, iron-willed, and cold. If she could win him over, perhaps... She hid her thoughts and addressed him properly, “Mr. Huo.”

He responded.

“I’ve heard about your feud with the Wu and Li families. I’m here to help Huo Real Estate,” Zhu Xi said, full of confidence and pride. “I want to be the spokesperson for Huo Real Estate. With national broadcasting backing you, you’ll surely triumph.” Her gaze flirted with the man before her, but his cold face remained unmoved.

“No need. You can go,” Huo Lingtian replied immediately, a hint of impatience in his eyes.

“Why? This is the best solution.” Zhu Xi never imagined Huo Lingtian would refuse. She knew all too well his pursuit of power and wealth, and believed she was the only one who could help him. Never had she felt so certain.

“Huo Real Estate has already signed someone. No need for your concern,” he said.

Zhu Xi recalled recent news, her face twisting, jealousy sharpening her features. She could barely control her question: “Is it Rong Qing?”

Huo Lingtian’s brief silence was tinged with tenderness, and in a flash, Zhu Xi understood. The thorn in her heart pricked painfully, and she almost collapsed, pleading, “Lingtian, have you found someone? Is it really over for us...?”

Her pride and confidence masked her inner turmoil, but the pain and insecurity inside grew, fueling her urge to destroy that woman.

“We were never together,” Huo Lingtian replied, his cold eyes tearing through everything. His sneering smile and contemptuous expression revealed just how foolish her mistakes had been.

－－－－－－Side note－－－－－－
It’s so fraught and tangled…