Chapter 10: Work Is Just About Taking Care of Me Well

"One point two million a month?"

Jin Shixun’s lips curled slightly into a chilling sneer. His gaze seemed to pierce through the soul, enough to make one shudder.

"What, is that not okay?"

My eyes darted nimbly, and a crafty smile played on my lips, like a clever little fox.

"You certainly have some nerve asking for that much."

Jin Shixun narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone laced with a hint of surprise.

"Why wouldn't I? You invited me to work at your prestigious company; I’m merely stating my salary requirements." I straightened my back elegantly, lifting my chin slightly. A glow of immense confidence sparkled in my eyes, as if the entire world were within my grasp. "I am worth this price."

"..."

"If we can't agree on the salary, then let’s just call it off." I gave a light shrug, my face composed and calm.

"Fine, I agree. Come to work."

"What?"

Hearing Jin Shixun’s agreement, I was momentarily stunned, staring at him in disbelief. He actually agreed? What kind of game was he playing? One point two million a month—had he lost his mind?

"What? Are you not happy?" Jin Shixun looked at me, his tone flat.

"No, why wouldn't I be? I can start tomorrow."

Although I was extremely reluctant to come here and did not want to face him every day, I had to do it for my younger brother, and for Sasha’s brother! I thought to myself, a flash of determination crossing my eyes.

"Very well. Report to the company tomorrow morning at eight o’clock sharp."

"I have things to attend to. I'm leaving."

With that, I turned decisively and walked toward the door with firm steps.

As I reached the exit, Jin Shixun called out to me. I stopped but didn't look back, saying coldly, "Something else?"

"Do not go flirting with other men." Jin Shixun watched me, his expression stern, his eyes revealing a fierce sense of possessiveness.

Hearing this, I scoffed. "Oh, and who do you think you are?"

Jin Shixun looked ferocious, like a predator ready to pounce on its prey at any moment.

"Your lover, that’s who. If I catch you batting your eyes at any other man, I’ll kill you."

I let out a cold snort. Whatever Jin Shixun’s motives were, only a fool would turn down money! Besides, Jin Siqi had told me to stay away from Qi Yuzhou, so I would simply take the money and do the job.

After catching a taxi, I first headed to the Zeming Tea House. I was their head tea artist, so leaving wouldn't be easy, but asking for an extended leave was feasible. Everyone was stunned when they heard I was requesting leave, but seeing my grim expression, they didn't ask further questions. I didn't disclose my reasons; there was no need to report everything.

Sister Hong pulled me aside, her eyes filled with concern as she asked softly, "Qinxin, what’s wrong? Did something happen?"

I smiled slightly, forcing my expression to look relaxed. "It’s nothing, Sister Hong. I’m just a bit tired and want to rest for a while."

"Are you really okay?" Her eyes remained filled with worry.

I patted her shoulder, comforting her. "I’m fine. Thank you for always taking such good care of me."

"Sigh, as long as you're alright. If anything happens, tell your sister—don't try to bear it alone." Sister Hong sighed and approved my leave request without further comment.

"Goodbye, Sister Hong."

She watched me and nodded gently.

Back home, I collapsed onto my bed, my mind a chaotic mess, constantly replaying Jin Shixun’s words. Why did he suddenly want me to work at his company? What was his true intention? I tossed and turned, unable to sleep, filled with confusion and completely unable to fathom his thoughts. It wasn't until one or two in the morning that I finally drifted into a fitful sleep.

...

At seven the next morning, I opened my eyes, feeling as though my entire body had been run over by a truck; I felt miserable. As I looked at the sun outside the window and prepared to dress, my phone rang.

Jin Shixun’s number appeared on the screen. I hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Are you up?" Jin Shixun’s voice came through.

"Not yet. Is there something you need, Mr. Jin?" I furrowed my brow slightly, my tone laced with confusion.

"Get to the company immediately." He hung up before I could reply.

What was this? Was I his alarm clock now? I shook my head helplessly, quickly washed up, changed into a skirt suit, and put on a pair of low-key heels.

Walking into the office, I saw Jin Shixun already sitting at his desk, waiting for me.

"Good morning, Mr. Jin." I walked to his desk and said politely, wearing a professional smile.

Jin Shixun looked up at me, a flicker of stunned admiration in his eyes, as if he were captivated by something beautiful.

"Well? How does it look?" I asked with a smile, a hint of expectation in my eyes.

He raised an eyebrow, his lips curling slightly. "Hmm, it’s alright."

Then, Jin Shixun rose and walked toward me, his movements elegant and powerful. He pulled me into his arms and pressed me against the wall. The suddenness of the gesture made my heart race.

"What do you think you're doing?" My eyes widened in panic.

Jin Shixun didn't speak; instead, he bowed his head and kissed my lips. The soft yet domineering sensation left me stunned. I struggled to push him away, but he only held me tighter. His kiss was aggressive, his tongue skillfully prying open my teeth, wantonly plundering my sweetness. My body gradually went limp, leaving me at his mercy.

Before I knew it, his hand had slipped inside my collar, touching my smooth skin. Feeling the scorching heat of his palm, I snapped back to reality.

"Jin Shixun, I came here to work!" I pushed him away, looking at him with earnestness, my eyes filled with determination and anger.

"I know. You don't need to remind me." He said flatly, though his eyes held a hint of mockery.

No sooner had he finished speaking than he kissed me again. This kiss was more intense, deeper, and more domineering than the last. I was breathless, my body feeling like jelly. When I was on the verge of suffocating, he finally pulled away.

I gasped for air, glaring at him, and said indignantly, "Jin Shixun, you told me not to go to the tea house, and now what is this? I came here to work, not to play with you."

"Play with me?" Hearing my words, he sneered, looking at me coldly. "Do you think you have the qualifications for that?" His tone was incredibly arrogant, stinging like a knife to the heart.

"Aren't you after money? Just serve me well, and that will be enough." He said coldly, his eyes filled with contempt.

I was stunned by his words. What exactly did he mean? I pondered in silence...

Seeing me lost in thought, Jin Shixun added calmly, "What’s wrong? Too afraid to accept?"