Chapter 14: Interrupted at a Time Like This!

Lin Mo had managed to resist at first, but he was no saint. As things continued, he went from passive to taking the initiative. Just before they went all the way, his phone rang in his pocket.

The ringtone startled them both out of the moment. Yanyan let go, her face red, and looked away.

“Your phone…”

Lin Mo had realized by now that she hadn’t actually been drunk; she’d been pretending. He was annoyed at the interruption. “Who would call at a time like this?”

“You should answer.” She pulled the blanket over herself and turned aside.

He wanted to get even with her for her performance, but the phone kept ringing. He looked at the screen and froze. “Ms. Shen!”

Had his boss chosen this moment to summon him?

“Who’s calling?” Yanyan asked.

“My boss.”

“Then answer it.”

“Wait a moment.” He gave an awkward smile and picked up.

“Ms. Shen.”

“Where are you?” Her voice was cold.

He glanced guiltily at Yanyan. “At home. What’s the matter?”

“Come to my place. Now.”

“Now?”

“Do I need to repeat myself?”

“No, no. I’ll be right there!” He’d promised to be available whenever she called. It was his first day, and he didn’t want to lose a job that paid a hundred thousand yuan a month.

“I expect you here within twenty minutes.” She hung up.

Lin Mo looked helpless. After how far things had gone, he had to leave in the middle of it.

“What is it?” Yanyan asked softly.

“My boss needs me.”

“Then go.” She sounded perfectly calm, but her next words stung. “I knew you couldn’t do it, so you’re making excuses. I’m sober now anyway, and I’m no longer interested. Go on. I want to sleep.”

“Su Yanyan!” He bristled. She had been eager only moments ago.

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone you can’t.” She turned over and waved him away.

He took a deep breath and gave her a pat. “Just wait. Next time I’ll show you whether I can!”

With only twenty minutes, he dressed and hurried out. Driving toward Zhihan’s home, he couldn’t stop thinking about Yanyan—or her barbed teasing. Next time, he vowed, he would make her take it back.

After he left, Yanyan sat up and picked up her white dress, disappointed. “Lin Mo, honestly… I prepared so much for nothing.” She pouted, a little resentful.

…

Twenty minutes later, Lin Mo arrived outside Zhihan’s building. She was already waiting, dressed casually in white trousers and a beige short-sleeved top, her hair in a ponytail.

He opened the door for her. “Sorry, Ms. Shen. Traffic was bad.”

She stared at him coldly. “You’re late.”

“I…”

She got in before he could finish. “Next time, I’ll deduct a thousand.”

“Understood.” Relieved she wasn’t deducting it this time, he got behind the wheel.

“Drive to the address I sent you.”

He set the navigation. The destination appeared to be an upscale villa neighborhood. Was she going there on business so late? He didn’t ask. She remained silent, her expression troubled, throughout the drive.

About fifteen minutes later, they arrived. “Is this the place, Ms. Shen?”

“Get out.”

She opened her own door before he could reach it. He hurried out and at least managed to close it behind her. Then she took his hand.

Startled, he instinctively tried to pull away.

“Don’t move,” she said quietly.

“Ms. Shen?” He was bewildered and nervous. Beicheng’s celebrated CEO, his own boss, was holding his hand. Even after their two unexpected encounters, it was sudden.

“From now on, you’re my boyfriend. Understand?”

“What? But I’m only your employee…” He knew the difference in their positions. He couldn’t imagine that two chance encounters meant she had fallen for a poor man like him.

“Quiet. This is the Shen family home. I’m taking you to meet my family. Your job is to play my boyfriend convincingly, so they don’t see through it.”

He understood. It was an act. To his surprise, he felt a little disappointed, though he hid it. “I see. But why ask me? I’m afraid I might offend you…”

“Haven’t you offended me enough already?” She gave him a cold look, referring to their two accidents. He had no answer.

“Come on.” She tightened her grip and led him toward the villa. “Play the part well and you’ll get a bonus. Ruin it and you’ll lose the bonus and some salary.”

At the mention of a bonus, he perked up. “Don’t worry. I’ll do it well! But let’s agree beforehand: if I do anything that offends you while we’re acting, you can’t blame me.”

She frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said.” He smiled.

…