Chapter 62: Not Here, Please

The clear stream flowed gently over the rocks, with the sound of rustling bamboo leaves accompanying the breeze.

Shang Huaizheng warned Shang Jie that the Lu Group was in chaos due to brothers fighting over inheritance. It wasn’t just Shang Jie eyeing the prize.

“My brother also has plans,” Shang Huaizheng reminded him. “You’d better act first.”

Shang Huaizheng’s biological elder brother, Shang Qi, was Shang Jie’s cousin—a part of the extended family. The Shang Group was vast, with many branches and numerous heirs, all coveting the lucrative empire.

Shang Jie had emerged victorious in this competitive battlefield, not merely relying on his status as an heir. With meticulous thinking and ruthless strategies, he had paved his way to becoming the major shareholder of over 70% of the Shang Group.

Among his many cousins, Shang Huaizheng was closest to him in age, and more importantly, they shared common interests. Unlike other cousins, they got along the best.

Shang Huaizheng admired Shang Jie’s capabilities. Though he wasn’t involved in business management and had started his own venture, he believed Shang Jie could develop the Shang Group quickly, ensuring everyone had their fair share of benefits.

However, some family members harbored great ambitions, aiming to replace Shang Jie. For example, his brother Shang Qi planned to challenge Shang Jie over matters related to the Lu family.

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Shang Huaizheng agreed. His brother Shang Qi was useless aside from playing power games and putting on airs. That was the main reason he supported Shang Jie.

“If you get the company back, I hope you’ll take care of it,” Shang Jie said, looking at Shang Huaizheng.

“Spare me,” Shang Huaizheng said quickly. “I can barely manage my own restaurant. How can I take on your company?”

Shang Jie respected his wishes and didn’t press further. People who truly pursued their passions were rare these days. Shang Huaizheng was one of them, and Jiang Xingxing was another.

Such people surely lived a joyful and interesting life.

For Shang Jie, it didn’t matter much. However, he would do everything in his power to protect their happiness.

Suddenly, Shang Huaizheng shifted the topic. “So, how’s married life?”

The corners of Shang Jie’s lips curved upward involuntarily. “It’s great.”

With a woman in the house, it no longer felt cold and lifeless. There was warmth now. His bedroom was adorned with her perfumes and skincare products. Her shampoo was in the bathroom, sanitary pads were in the cabinets, and strands of her hair carried her faint scent on his pillow.

Everything was becoming soft and fragrant.

Life felt more vibrant. He no longer buried himself in work; he looked forward to going home after hours. He even began yearning for vacations.

“In short, I’m living like an ordinary person now.”

Shang Huaizheng paused while tidying up the teaware and commented, “That’s quite a meaningful statement.”

Shang Jie looked at him. “Why the sudden interest in my married life? Didn’t someone once hate the idea of marriage?”

Shang Huaizheng countered, “Didn’t someone also once swear never to get married? Look at you now.”

Shang Jie replied, “It’s thanks to Madam Mei forcing me to tear up the divorce agreement.”

Shang Huaizheng smirked. “If it wasn’t your choice, who in this world could force you to do anything?”

Shang Jie had no retort, so he owned up to it. “Jiang Xingxing is special.”

“What kind of special? Is it her looks or her acting?”

Talking about her, Shang Jie’s eyes softened with warmth. “Everything. Even in bed.”

Shang Huaizheng: …

Could you not tell dirty jokes to a single guy?!

By evening, as they exited the equestrian club, Shang Jie parked his car by the roadside and waited for Ming Jue.

“They’re over ten years apart. One’s a middle-aged bureaucrat, the other a teenage girl. What could they possibly talk about with so many generational gaps?”

Jiang Xingxing laughed, watching Ming Jue and Shang Huaizheng at the entrance. “Why are you so against cross-generational communication?”

“Is she even an adult?”

“She just turned nineteen this year.”

Shang Jie frowned. “Your sister looks so young, like a kid. It feels like my brother’s luring underage girls.”

“I feel the same,” Jiang Xingxing replied. “Ming Jue was bullied in school as a child, leaving her introverted. It’s good she’s found someone she can talk to. Don’t meddle.”

In the Rolls-Royce, Shang Jie and Jiang Xingxing secretly observed while Ming Jue and Shang Huaizheng exchanged WeChat contacts at the entrance.

“Did you charge your phone?”

“It’s fully charged,” Ming Jue said, opening her WeChat. “Mr. Shang, let me scan you.”

Shang Huaizheng pulled up his QR code for her to scan.

“Done,” she said cheerfully. “I’ve added you.”

“I’ll send you the photos right away.”

“Um, that…”

Forget it.

Shang Huaizheng noticed her flushed cheeks and hesitant expression, so he patiently asked, “What is it?”

Ming Jue hesitated for a while before quietly saying, “Could you send me the original photo? You know, tap the ‘original photo’ button in the bottom left corner.”

Shang Huaizheng smiled faintly. Such a small thing, and yet she was too shy to bring it up.

“I understand. I’ll send you the original.”

“Thank you.”

Ming Jue glanced back at the Rolls-Royce, and Jiang Xingxing immediately ducked down, dragging Shang Jie’s head down with her as well.

“I’m leaving now, Mr. Shang.”

“Mm.” He raised his phone and said, “If anything comes up, message me on WeChat.”

Ming Jue walked a couple of steps before Shang Huaizheng called out, “Wait a moment.”

She stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him. Shang Huaizheng approached her in large strides and took out a rose-shaped brooch from his bag, designed for equestrian attire. “Here, take this.”

“Uh…”

Ming Jue’s face flushed. Did he notice she had been eyeing this brooch all along?

“It’s not appropriate, Mr. Shang,” Ming Jue declined. “My sister says a gentleman doesn’t take what another loves.”

“It’s just a small trinket,” he replied. “I bought it at a craft exhibition during a trip to Japan. It looked nice, but I don’t have much use for it. It works for equestrian outfits, but not formal attire. I heard you enjoy cosplay—it suits you better.”

Heard? Where did you hear that from?!

Ming Jue lowered her head, face glowing red, unsure how to respond. If only Jiang Xingxing or her sister were here, they could’ve helped her out of this awkward moment.

Seeing her looking so flustered, Shang Huaizheng sighed softly and pinned the brooch onto the lace edge of her collar. “No need to be afraid of me. Just treat me as a friend.”

Ming Jue lowered her gaze to the delicate brooch. “Thank you. I’ll cherish it.”

Shang Huaizheng waved goodbye. “See you.”

“…I still owe you a meal.”

Shang Huaizheng smiled faintly. “Are you really planning to treat me?”

He found it hard to imagine such a shy girl daring to invite him to dinner.

She looked up into his eyes, mustered all her courage, and asked, “If I invite you, would you come?”

Actually, Shang Huaizheng intended to refuse. He could see the mixture of nervousness and budding affection in Ming Jue’s eyes.

She was still too young. He could treat her as a younger sister, but if it were to develop into a romantic relationship… he felt he was too traditional for that.

She was better suited to someone her age—someone who shared her interests and experiences. Young love between peers was light and beautiful, unburdened by the weight of adult relationships.

His own emotional world, shaped by years of experience, carried a heavier undertone that might be too much for her to bear.

Yet, just as he was about to reject her, Shang Huaizheng swallowed the words. Instead, he said, “Let’s coordinate through WeChat, alright?”

Ming Jue ran back to the car, her cheeks red and her face full of a smile she couldn’t hide.

She covered her face with her hands and let out several muffled squeals of excitement.

Jiang Xingxing noticed the intricate brooch on her chest and teased, “Not bad, sis. A few words, and you’ve already gotten someone’s prized possession. I’ll never call you bad at talking again.”

Ming Jue hurried to explain, “No, it’s not like that! I just found it beautiful and looked at it a bit longer, then Mr. Shang insisted on giving it to me.”

Shang Jie chuckled lightly. “Shang Huaizheng rarely buys anything. If he does, it’s something he truly cherishes. But since he’s so stingy, being able to take something he treasures means you’ve got skill.”

Ming Jue removed the brooch and held it tightly in her hand.
………

When Jiang Xingxing visited the Shang Group headquarters again, the receptionist recognized her immediately. With politeness and respect, she addressed her as “Madam” and invited her to sit down for tea while she called someone to escort her upstairs.
Jiang Xingxing, however, wasn’t one for formalities and said, “No need, I can find my way myself.”

After all, it wasn’t her first time visiting his office.

“Madam, President Shang is currently in a meeting. Shall I let him know that you’re here?”

“No, no need to disturb him.”

With that, Jiang Xingxing made her way toward the elevator on her own.

Nearby, a few young women were waiting for the elevator. When they saw her approaching, they politely stepped aside to let her take the first elevator, intending to wait for the next one.

She gave them a bright smile and held the elevator door open. “No need, come on in.”

The girls exchanged glances before happily stepping inside. They were all fans of Jiang Xingxing, thrilled at the chance to get up close to her.

“Madam, could you give me your autograph?” one girl timidly asked.

Jiang Xingxing agreed with a smile. “Of course.”

Seeing this, the other girls quickly rummaged through their bags, pulling out notebooks and pens.

“Madam, I’d like one too!”

“Please, sign one for me as well!”
…

When the elevator doors opened, the small crowd of girls gathered around Jiang Xingxing, asking for autographs. Soon, more employees noticed the commotion and joined in.

“Madam, can I get your autograph too?”

“Can I take a picture with you?”

“Madam, could you sign one for my friend as well? She’s your biggest fan!”

…

Worried that she might disrupt their work, Jiang Xingxing stopped and said, “That’s enough for today. Come back after work if you’d like.”

The girls who didn’t get their autographs looked disappointed. “Will you still be here after work, Madam?”

“If I’m not, you can ask Mr. Shang to bring them home to me. I’ll sign them and have him give them back to you. How does that sound?”

The employees exchanged uncertain glances, their eyes filled with hope. “Really? Would that be okay?”

“Won’t we get scolded?”

“We might even get fired.”

“President Shang is so strict.”

…

Jiang Xingxing had no choice but to gather their notebooks and take them to Shang Jie’s office. The employees, understanding the situation, didn’t bother her further.

Earlier, Shang Jie had sent her a text message, asking her to wait for him at the company as he wanted to take her to meet a business partner.

Since their relationship had been made public, Shang Jie seemed eager to show her off to the world. If Jiang Xingxing weren’t so busy with filming, he might have even brought her to work with him every day.

Whenever Shang Jie traveled abroad for business, he would always set aside some time to browse women’s clothing or perfume shops. If he saw something he liked, he would take a photo and send it to Jiang Xingxing. If she liked it, he’d buy it without hesitation. Even if she felt indifferent about something, he would still buy it if he thought it would look good on her.

Every time Linchuan returned, his hands would be filled with shopping bags from luxury brands.

Nowadays, whether it was a formal banquet or a serious business discussion in a tea lounge, Shang Jie would, without hesitation, instruct the staff in a low voice to pack up another portion of any delicious food or dessert he tasted. “My wife will like this,” he’d say, even in front of his business partners.

Before long, Shang Jie’s “wife-doting” reputation spread like wildfire among the upper-class circles.

Shang Jie didn’t care how others gossiped about him behind his back—this was his life. Having lived the first half of his life cautiously and by the rules, now in his thirties, he preferred to live more freely and unrestrained.

In his office, Jiang Xingxing was seated in his swivel chair, diligently signing autographs. On the desk, there was a thick stack of notebooks, all brought in by employees who had begged Linchuan to help deliver them.

The office door opened, and a man walked in.

He was dressed in a tailored light-colored suit that highlighted his tall, straight frame, rivaling that of a model. His face was impeccably handsome—his high nose bridge, tightly pressed thin lips, and those striking almond-shaped eyes that lit up the moment they saw her.

Jiang Xingxing looked up, and a warm, soft feeling enveloped her heart as she saw him.

He walked toward her, rounded the desk, and spun the chair slightly. Leaning down, he whispered in her ear, and Jiang Xingxing caught that familiar scent of his.

The desk, originally stacked with various files and documents, was now covered with her autographs.

Shang Jie raised an eyebrow slightly and teased, “My employees used to look up to me the most. Now, they’re all your fans.”

Jiang Xingxing smiled but thought to herself, You must have misunderstood your employees—they’re probably more afraid of you than anything.

Of course, she didn’t say it aloud. When Shang Jie picked up a pen, intending to help her sign, Jiang Xingxing quickly snatched the notebook away. “No need for Mr. Shang to trouble himself with this.”

Shang Jie lightly tapped her head with the pen. “So young, yet already carrying the burden of being a celebrity.”

With care and precision, Jiang Xingxing finished the last autograph and handed the notebook to Shang Jie. “All done. Go ahead and give them out for me.”

Shang Jie raised an eyebrow and, with visible enthusiasm, carried the hefty stack of notebooks out of the room. His demeanor was almost as if he were wagging his tail in delight, clearly pleased to serve his wife.

When the employees received their colorful notebooks directly from their boss, they felt both nervous and relieved. With Madam Jiang in the office, even if Shang Jie had a temper, he wouldn’t dare show it.

“Wouldn’t it be great if Madam came to the office more often? Life would be so much better for us,” some of them murmured.

Shang Jie returned to the office to find his petite wife curled up in his soft chair, playing on her phone. She looked small and fragile.

Moved by the sight, he walked over, slid his hands under her arms, and effortlessly lifted her onto the desk.

Before Jiang Xingxing could react, he stepped closer, his knee parting hers slightly. With his long fingers, he tugged at his tightly knotted tie—a sensual, devilish motion.

Jiang Xingxing sat on his desk, her guard up. “What are you doing?”

Leaning in close to her ear, Shang Jie whispered, “Can’t you tell?”

A shiver ran up her spine, her cheeks flushed red. She pushed him lightly. “This is your office! Be mindful.”

“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time,” he murmured. Without retreating, he pressed closer to her.

“There were countless times I sat in this chair and imagined what it would be like to do this with you here,” he said softly, his hand gently brushing a strand of hair from her face, making her body tremble slightly.

His collarbones, barely visible under his shirt, added to his allure.

Jiang Xingxing wrapped her arms around his neck and asked, “I’ve always wanted to ask—making our relationship public, does it trouble you?”

Shang Jie replied tenderly, “If it doesn’t trouble you, it doesn’t trouble me.”

Her neck tickled from his movements, and she couldn’t help but laugh. “Aren’t you worried that announcing you’re married will scare off your admirers?”

Shang Jie nudged her forward, his voice deep and rich. “I think you’ve had more admirers than me.”

“Hey—don’t—this is the office!”

…

Mindful of the fact that they still had a client meeting later, Shang Jie didn’t prolong the moment. After helping her freshen up, he carried her to the bathroom and cleaned her up thoroughly. From the closet, he selected a beautiful and elegant dress for her.

While he showered, Jiang Xingxing tidied up his desk.

Over time, Shang Jie had changed so much. The once textbook-perfect businessman was now someone who would do that in his own office…

Jiang Xingxing noticed hints of a second personality in him.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom as the man showered.

She arranged the documents neatly in the upper left corner of the desk and noticed a framed photo of herself in a casual moment.

When Shang Jie emerged, a white towel draped over his shoulder, his muscular frame was perfectly defined.
Catching her staring, he asked gently, “What are you so absorbed in?”

She put the frame down. “I’m thinking about how much your business secrets would sell for.”

Shang Jie chuckled lightly and glanced at the stack of documents. “That’s a summary of the quarterly financial reports for all subsidiaries under Shang Group. If you stole and sold it, a lot of companies would fight over it, and you’d earn enough to live comfortably for this life and the next.”

“Wow, just sitting here on the desk like that? Aren’t you worried I’m a corporate spy?”

“I am,” he said, picking up a hair dryer and moving to the mirror. “I’m afraid you might settle for too little and run off before seeing the empire I’ll build for you.”
Jiang Xingxing walked over, took the hair dryer from him, and ruffled his hair. “I’ve noticed, Mr. Shang, your sweet-talking skills have really leveled up.”

“Have they?”

“You haven’t noticed, have you? You’re different from before.”

Shang Jie genuinely hadn’t noticed. Feeling her soft hands brushing through his hair, he said, “I just feel like I’m much happier now.”

Jiang Xingxing’s hand paused for a moment but quickly resumed, continuing to dry his hair. “This is good as it is.”

As long as you feel happy, that’s all that matters…

That day, Shang Jie took Jiang Xingxing to meet a guest from the UK.

After the previous public relations incident, Shang Jie had regretted losing a business deal with the British side. To his surprise, just a few days ago, Mr. Peter had taken the initiative to come to China.

This time, Shang Jie hosted him with the highest level of hospitality and offered significant incentives for their collaboration.

Mr. Peter said, “Louis, last time, we parted on bad terms. However, I later heard the full story. I understand there’s a saying in China: ‘Merchants value profit over relationships.’ But I believe that if a man can abandon his wife for immediate gains, working with such a person would be far too risky. That’s why I’ve returned with full sincerity to negotiate and open the British market for you.”

He stood up and extended his hand solemnly. “Louis, I look forward to a fruitful partnership.”

Shang Jie also stood up, shook his hand firmly, and replied, “Mr. Peter, I believe our future collaboration will be exceptionally rewarding.”

Dressed in an elegant evening gown, Jiang Xingxing sat quietly beside Shang Jie, listening to the men converse fluently in English.

She didn’t understand the specifics of their business discussion but adhered to her role as the graceful wife. She remained poised, sitting quietly by Shang Jie’s side, smiling elegantly like a beautiful ornament.

But no one at the table saw Jiang Xingxing as merely Shang Jie’s accessory.

Shang Jie’s love for his wife was well-known in their circles. Ever since the couple had made their marriage public, Shang Jie attended every event with her—not to leverage her star power as an accessory to his success but simply because he enjoyed her company.

At every important occasion, Shang Jie never overlooked his wife. When surrounded by crowds, he would instinctively reach out for her hand so she wouldn’t get lost. During meals, he would patiently peel shrimp for her. And when they entered elevators, he always held the door to let her go in first.

Shang Jie’s exemplary behavior as a devoted husband often brought him good fortune. Just as Mr. Peter had said: “Merchants value profit over relationships, but a man who values emotion and loyalty is always a trustworthy partner. The performance of Shang Group has nearly doubled recently.”

In the past, he worked hard to uphold the legacy of the previous generation.

Now, all his efforts had a single goal: to build a prosperous empire for her.

---

Sansukini: Awww… sweet.

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