Shi Xinxin jumped in fright and spun around, bumping into a strong body.
"Ah—" she instinctively cried out.
Sheng Chenjin, however, pulled her into his embrace and shut the bathroom door.
"Ah—" Shi Xinxin cried out in panic again.
Sheng Chenjin gently stroked her soft, smooth skin.
Shi Xinxin's body stiffened like a plank, unable to move an inch.
She could clearly feel her heart pounding faster, her entire being consumed by extreme fear, every nerve taut.
Sheng Chenjin watched her reaction, his gaze darkening.
His fingers grazed her delicate cheek, and he asked in a husky, deep voice, "Afraid of me?"
Shi Xinxin shook her head frantically, "I'm not afraid, I'm just… just nervous."
Sheng Chenjin's eyes were chillingly deep.
He gripped Shi Xinxin's chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, the curve of his lips transforming into a sinister one. "Shi Xinxin, I gave you a chance, but since you refused me, don't blame me for being impolite."
Shi Xinxin's heart hammered wildly, fear flickering in her eyes.
This man was even more dangerous than she had imagined.
"I don't know what you're talking about, please let me go immediately!" Shi Xinxin said through gritted teeth.
Sheng Chenjin's grip tightened abruptly, pinching her so hard she winced in pain. "I've given you three years to consider, three years, enough for you to get to know me."
"I don't understand, and I don't need to. Please let me go now!"
"Heh, you are truly stubborn!" He narrowed his eyes and suddenly let go.
Shi Xinxin quickly stumbled back a few steps, watching him warily.
Sheng Chenjin didn't approach her further, merely stating indifferently, "You can choose to call the police, or notify your parents. I'll be waiting."
Shi Xinxin froze for a moment.
Sheng Chenjin's meaning was clear: he intended to reveal what had happened between them.
Shi Xinxin clenched her fists, her nails digging into her flesh, drawing blood.
Her face turned pale. "Mr. Sheng, please respect my privacy!"
"You still know you have privacy?" Sheng Chenjin scoffed sarcastically.
He strode towards her, and Shi Xinxin immediately retreated.
Behind her was the washbasin, then the cold wall. There was no room to retreat further.
Shi Xinxin had nowhere left to go. A profound fear welled up inside her.
She dared not imagine what Sheng Chenjin would do next.
"Miss Shi, let's play a game," Sheng Chenjin suddenly said.
Shi Xinxin's heart skipped a beat.
Her gaze darted away; she couldn't bring herself to look at him.
She was afraid, terrified of seeing the bloodthirsty glint in his eyes.
"What? Are you scared?" Sheng Chenjin's voice was cold and cruel. "Don't worry, I won't touch you."
He paused, his tone shifting from icy to a low, captivating murmur. "It's just… if someone wants you… you must obey."
"No matter what I say, you won't give up, right?" Shi Xinxin's voice was hoarse. "Then keep pestering me."
"Shi Xinxin," Sheng Chenjin said, word by word. "You said it yourself."
"Yes," Shi Xinxin closed her eyes. "I will honor the agreement."
She knew she had no other choice.
Now, she had no other way to protect her innocence and escape the Sheng family.
If she truly angered Sheng Chenjin, he could make her disappear from the entertainment industry.
She couldn't take that risk, so she had to agree.
"Very good." A satisfied smile spread across Sheng Chenjin's lips.
"Miss Shi, you know what to do."
Cold sweat broke out on Shi Xinxin's palms.
She gritted her teeth. "I know."
She knew what to do; she didn't need him to tell her.
Sheng Chenjin reached out and patted her cheek. "I'll await your good news."
Shi Xinxin lowered her head, no longer looking at him, and quietly left.
At the end of the corridor, Sheng Chenjin's figure appeared solitary and forlorn.
Shi Xinxin returned to her room and saw that the sheets and bedding had been changed, seemingly prepared specifically for her. Even the curtains and the crystal vase on the cabinet had fresh roses.
Sheng Chenjin's words before he left echoed in Shi Xinxin's mind.
He had said, "If you want more, I can give it to you."
Sheng Corporation.
Sheng Chenjin's office.
When Shi Xinxin walked in, Sheng Chenjin looked up and gave her a cold glance. "Miss Shi, please hand me your phone."
Shi Xinxin handed him her phone.
Sheng Chenjin opened his contacts, found a number, and dialed. "Hello, it's me. I need a contract, yes, just like that. Alright, see you tomorrow morning at seven at Sheng Shi Hotel."
He hung up the phone.
Shi Xinxin stood in place, looking at him.
He didn't even glance at her, sitting at his desk and diligently reviewing documents.
She didn't know how long she had been standing there. Sheng Chenjin finally finished the last page, looked up at her, and closed the folder.
"You've been standing here for a long time?"
Shi Xinxin remained silent.
"What?" Sheng Chenjin stood up and walked in front of her, leaning an arm on the desk, looking down at her. "Do you want to tell me something?"
"No," Shi Xinxin shook her head. "I just… want to thank you."
"Thank me for what?" Sheng Chenjin's face showed a hint of mockery. "You still want to use me to achieve your goals?"
Shi Xinxin pursed her lips. "I just don't want to owe you too much. I want to get rid of you."
Sheng Chenjin frowned slightly, his expression shifting unpredictably, a flicker of an inscrutable look in his eyes.
He stared at her for a few seconds, then suddenly bent down, came close to her ear, and said in a low voice, "If you're willing to spend a night with me, I might consider it."
Shi Xinxin's eyes widened.
He actually… said something like that.
How could he be so… shameless?!
"You…" Shi Xinxin's face flushed crimson. "Don't talk nonsense!"
Sheng Chenjin curved his lips. "Do I look like I'm joking?"
"I…" Shi Xinxin stamped her foot in anger and turned, running out of the office.
Watching her hurried escape, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Sheng Chenjin's lips.
…
The next day.
Shi Xinxin woke up early.
Sheng Chenjin hadn't done anything to her last night; he hadn't even kissed her.
She didn't know if she should be happy or worried.
But Sheng Chenjin had said he would consider helping her.
Shi Xinxin waited with apprehension.
She knew Sheng Chenjin always did what he said he would.
However… she didn't want to owe Sheng Chenjin anything.
Sheng Chenjin's car was parked downstairs.
Shi Xinxin hesitated for a moment before getting into the car.
Sheng Chenjin glanced at her. "You still don't trust me?"
Shi Xinxin lowered her gaze, avoiding his sharp eyes. "I don't know."
She wasn't sure if she would fall in love with Sheng Chenjin again.
"Then you still choose to refuse?" Sheng Chenjin asked, raising an eyebrow.
"...Yes."