After Cat A Saved the Wrong Female Lead - Chapter 32
Chapter 32: Tension Underneath
Even though Tang Li had asked to go with Qin Shiyang on her next business trip, when the actual departure day arrived, she almost chickened out.
She wasn’t used to traveling for work.
She wasn’t even used to traveling with Qin Shiyang.
Though they lived together, there was still a distance between them—an unspoken space that hadn’t fully closed.
But Qin Shiyang didn’t ask too many questions. She simply booked the ticket, packed a small suitcase for her, and told her what time to be ready.
Tang Li stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of her blouse for the third time. She wasn’t sure if she looked more like a secretary or a spoiled heiress tagging along.
“Are you ready?” Qin Shiyang called from the hallway.
“Coming!”
Tang Li grabbed her bag and followed her downstairs.
….
They boarded a high-speed train to Shanghai.
First-class seats. Privacy screen. Complimentary drinks.
Tang Li sank into the plush leather and glanced sideways at Qin Shiyang, who had already pulled out her tablet and started reviewing documents.
Tang Li resisted the urge to poke her.
“What exactly are you doing in Shanghai?” she asked casually.
“Board meeting,” Qin Shiyang replied without looking up. “Negotiating new terms with the Fang Group.”
“Oh.” Tang Li hesitated. “Should I… not be here?”
“You wanted to come,” Qin Shiyang said simply. “I want you here.”
That made Tang Li fall quiet.
….
They arrived in Shanghai in the early evening.
The hotel was five stars—discreet, elegant, and expensive. Their room was a luxury suite on the top floor with a panoramic view of the skyline.
Tang Li dropped her bag and kicked off her shoes. “Wow. You always stay in places like this?”
“Only when necessary,” Qin Shiyang said, taking off her jacket.
Tang Li collapsed onto the bed, arms spread. “So soft…”
Qin Shiyang walked over and gently tugged at her sleeve. “Don’t fall asleep yet. We have dinner with the Fang Group’s director at 7.”
Tang Li sat up. “You’re bringing me to a business dinner?”
“I told them I’d bring my spouse.”
“You didn’t tell them I’m still in school?”
“No.”
Tang Li blinked. “So… what am I supposed to be tonight?”
Qin Shiyang smiled slightly. “My wife.”
Tang Li flushed.
“You’ll be fine,” Qin Shiyang added. “Just follow my lead.”
….
Dinner was held at a high-end Cantonese restaurant on the Bund.
The private room overlooked the river. Crystal chandeliers glowed softly overhead.
When they entered, Director Fang—a man in his mid-forties, polished and full of smiles—stood up to greet them.
“President Qin! You’ve brought your partner—what a surprise!”
Tang Li shook his hand politely.
Fang gave her a once-over. “You’re much younger than I expected.”
“She’s mature where it matters,” Qin Shiyang said lightly.
Tang Li almost choked on her water.
Dinner proceeded smoothly. Qin Shiyang was calm, eloquent, and utterly in control. She navigated each topic effortlessly, steering conversations where she wanted them.
Tang Li sat quietly beside her, nodding and smiling at the right times.
When dessert was served, Fang leaned forward and said, “It must be difficult, maintaining a relationship while running such a big company.”
“Not really,” Qin Shiyang said without missing a beat. “She makes it easier.”
Tang Li turned to look at her.
Qin Shiyang didn’t look back—but she did reach under the table and gently took Tang Li’s hand.
….
Back at the hotel, Tang Li finally exploded.
“You said I wouldn’t have to talk much!”
“You didn’t.”
“You said I just had to follow your lead!”
“You did.”
Tang Li glared. “You flirted with me! Right in front of your business partner!”
Qin Shiyang raised an eyebrow. “I said you were mature. That’s a compliment.”
“And then you said I made your life easier.”
“I meant it.”
Tang Li was speechless.
Qin Shiyang stepped closer, her voice dropping a notch. “Was I wrong?”
Tang Li opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
Qin Shiyang reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You were perfect tonight.”
“…Don’t praise me like that,” Tang Li muttered. “It’s weird.”
“You’re blushing.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
“I’m taking a shower!”
Tang Li fled into the bathroom.
Qin Shiyang leaned against the wall, lips curved in amusement.
….
Later that night, as they lay in bed, Tang Li couldn’t sleep.
She rolled over and whispered, “Shiyang?”
“Mm?”
“What did you mean earlier? At dinner?”
Qin Shiyang turned to face her.
“I meant,” she said slowly, “that I never thought I’d want to share my world with anyone.”
“But now I do.”
Tang Li’s heart thudded.
She reached out and laced their fingers together.
Neither of them said another word.
But the silence was warm.
And full.