Chapter Six: Endorsement

Clearing the table and putting the bowls into the dishwasher, she knew someone would take care of the rest in the morning. She and the man before her had no real connection; turning away, she prepared to go upstairs.

"Rong Qing." The deep, textured voice called her name, as though even her heartbeat quickened at the sound. The man, half-reclining on the sofa, eyes half-shut behind his glasses, had already undone two buttons of his shirt, revealing just enough to hint at the broad, enticing chest beneath.

Heaven help her, this man's allure was irresistible. She couldn't help but wonder: after three months with a man like this, would her standards become impossibly high?

"Mr. Huo..." she murmured.

"You can call me Lingtian," he interrupted coldly.

"Ling..." The name twisted on her tongue, but in the end, she swallowed it back. "Is there something else you need?"

"Sit down." A dull ache throbbed in Huo Lingtian's temples. From the very beginning, this woman had challenged his nerves with a prideful bearing—seemingly humble, yet never yielding. She obviously needed something from him, but her stubbornness made him grit his teeth in frustration. Other women had always clung to him, desperate for his attention. Why was it, with her, that he felt like a plague she couldn't escape from quickly enough?

Watching her perch at the farthest end of the couch, Huo Lingtian felt his refined upbringing slipping away.

"Sit here!"

This infuriating woman dawdled, impatience flickering in her eyes. Huo Lingtian stood, and with deliberate emphasis, pulled her—his woman—onto his lap, his hands naturally settling around her slender waist.

Instantly, his heated, masculine presence surrounded her. She could feel the strength of his body beneath her, her cheeks tinged with pink. She tried to move away from his tempting embrace, only to be held more tightly, his warm breath brushing her neck, sending a shiver through her.

"You can struggle a little more if you like, and then we can move on to the next step," he murmured, his voice low and intoxicating, setting her heart aflutter. Even more awkwardly, she realized she was seated directly atop a source of heat, as if she could recall the blazing intensity, the intimate sensation of the night before.

Seeing the little woman sprawled obediently across his lap, her expression a mix of surprise and shyness, Huo Lingtian felt a satisfaction that surpassed landing a billion-dollar contract. Only, it seemed his precious one would have to put up with a little discomfort for now.

"Rong Qing, if you truly despise me, you don't need to force yourself."

Her beautiful eyes glared fiercely at the sly fox before her—a shrewd businessman, profiting a thousandfold. She had already given herself to him; if she didn't feel wronged now, wouldn't that be a great loss? The little tigress glared with round, angry eyes, her ferocious expression utterly adorable in Huo Lingtian's eyes.

Unable to help himself, he pressed a kiss to her spirited eyes, her fluttering lashes tickling his heart.

"For the next three months, I'll be staying at the Fragrant Mountain Villa. I hope we can get along… harmoniously." The last words were murmured intimately against her pale earlobe, the suggestion thick with ambiguity.

Rong Qing forced down the heat rising within her, watching the man before her with determination. Three months. Just three months. She could bear it.

"I have my own career and schedule," she said, implying she would not play the housewife, revolving her world around this man.

"Of course. I never said I would interfere with your freedom. If you wish to succeed on your own, I will clear the obstacles from your path. You decide your own future, and my people will be at your service whenever you need." No one dared question the president of the Huo Group—his word was the very symbol of power and status. Yet Rong Qing was surprised at how far this man was willing to go for her.

"Any other questions?" he asked gently, his tone as if coaxing a beloved, indulged lover.

Was this his way of winning her over? Rong Qing was self-aware enough to know he was already making the greatest concession for her. Anyone else would not have been so fortunate.

"Thank you." Thank you for ensuring her sacrifice was not in vain. Thank you for your understanding. Thank you… for indulging her willfulness, even now.

"All right. You look tired. Go upstairs and rest." Huo Lingtian gave her a light pat, more affectionate than anything. In truth, she was often more fragile than she let on, and her gaze could stir a tenderness in his heart.

Tonight, Rong Qing was uncharacteristically obedient. As if granted a special pardon, she wasted no time, quickly slipping from his lap. Watching her hurried retreat, Huo Lingtian could only smile helplessly. Perhaps he was being too indulgent—this was not her usual self.

Returning from his study to their bedroom after midnight, Huo Lingtian found the woman sprawled across their enormous bed, selfishly occupying most of it, limbs splayed wide. The deep purple velvet blanket made her skin look even more luminous, black hair fanned out, her face peaceful in sleep. Climbing onto the bed with care, he drew her into his arms, and soon drifted off himself.

The night was unusually tranquil.

It was a comfort. Rong Qing stretched lazily, her tousled hair tied loosely behind her head. The bed beside her was empty, but still warm from its previous occupant.

Draped in a sheer silk nightgown, she drifted toward the bathroom, amused by the man's peculiar tastes—all her lingerie, robes, and nightwear had been meticulously prepared.

Once ready, she dressed in a deep blue suit that accentuated her graceful figure, slipped on a pair of black crystal heels, twisted her hair into a simple bun, and slung the latest LV handbag over her arm. She looked both capable and utterly feminine.

Yan Lin was already waiting downstairs. Grabbing a steaming dumpling from the table, Rong Qing joined her in the ready car.

"Miss Rong, these are the endorsement options we've selected for you. They include all luxury brands under the Huo Group, spanning design, fashion, architecture, and energy. If you have any special requests, we can accommodate them," Yan Lin recited, pitching his company's wares.

Rong Qing leafed through the brochure absently. The endorsements were not only top domestic brands but were also renowned worldwide. Landing even a half-year contract with any one of them could guarantee a life of comfort. Clearly, the Huo Group was a powerful backer, and Huo Lingtian was certainly being generous with her.

Turning to a page of vibrant images, she recognized the world's premier perfume brand—a contract that had, for years, belonged to Wen Rui, the country's hottest star. Wen Rui had monopolized luxury endorsements in the domestic market, leaving countless A-list actresses longing for a chance at this coveted brand. To her surprise, the major shareholder behind this internationally sought-after luxury brand was the Huo Group. Huo Lingtian was indeed a man of unfathomable depths… The thought of that domineering, enigmatic man made Rong Qing acutely aware of the challenges the next three months would bring.

"This one," she said.

Yan Lin's expression flickered, tinged with disbelief. He recalled that the Vina brand was aimed at mass-market tastes and wasn't particularly valuable, with only moderate sales performance. He was certain there were options a thousand times better.

"Very well. Tomorrow, we'll draft a proposal for your endorsement," Yan Lin replied, respecting her choice.

Rong Qing didn't dwell on it. The endorsement was merely a way to boost her visibility, but her triumphant return should not be built on such means.

—End of aside—

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