The Ice-Queen Actress Used Her Acting Skills to Reel Me In! - Chapter 21

Qin Zhaoman was about to lower her hand when Shen Niannian grasped it with both of hers.

 

Their eyes met—Qin Zhaoman’s gaze was cold, yet Shen Niannian still didn’t let go.

 

Noticing the bandages wrapped around Shen Niannian’s hand, Qin Zhaoman didn’t pull away. Instead, she asked, “What do you want?”

 

Shen Niannian held onto her wrist and pulled her inside. “I was afraid you’d change your mind and leave. You looked really angry.”

 

Qin Zhaoman scoffed. “So you could tell I was angry?”

 

Judging by the messages she had sent, she had genuinely thought Shen Niannian believed her to be forgiving.

 

Shen Niannian released her hand and took two steps back, blocking the closed door. “So why are you so upset?”

 

Qin Zhaoman, seeing how Shen Niannian seemed afraid she might run away, turned and walked further into the room. “You don’t know?”

 

Shen Niannian followed her. “Because I said your emotional value outweighs your business value?”

 

Qin Zhaoman went straight to the coffee table, pulled out the first-aid kit from the drawer, and slammed the metal box onto the glass surface with a heavy thud.

 

Shen Niannian, standing across from her, frowned slightly at the noise.

 

Qin Zhaoman leaned over, one hand pressing down on the kit as she lifted her eyes, sharp with warning. “Because you think I’m stupid enough to believe that.”

 

Without waiting for a response, she turned and headed to the bathroom to wash her hands. The moment she stepped inside, she couldn’t help but notice the three large laundry baskets filled with roses.

 

Given what she had seen at the entrance, it was obvious who had sent them.

 

Perfect. While she had been agonizing over why she was rejected, Shen Niannian had a whole lineup of suitors vying for her attention.

 

Shen Niannian followed her in and, noticing the roses, said, “Someone will come to clean them up and throw them away tonight.”

 

She met Qin Zhaoman’s eyes in the mirror. “I didn’t ask for them.”

 

The irritation in Qin Zhaoman’s chest eased slightly at those words—but only by a negligible amount.

 

The dispenser for disposable hand towels held only one last brown paper roll. Qin Zhaoman let the water drip from her fingertips before shaking them dry over the sink.

 

“Use this.”

 

Shen Niannian took the white towel hanging on the nearby hook and walked over, wrapping it around Qin Zhaoman’s hands to carefully dry them. “We ran out of paper towels this morning. The housekeeper will bring more this afternoon.”

 

Qin Zhaoman didn’t resist. Once her hands were dried, she calmly lowered them, suppressing the tingling sensation in her fingertips, and went to open the first-aid kit.

 

Shen Niannian sat on the adjacent armchair, watching as Qin Zhaoman deftly opened the kit and unscrewed the medicine bottle.

 

She extended her hand. “Since you came all this way to treat my wound, let me treat you to dinner tonight.”

 

The gesture was undeniably disarming. Qin Zhaoman had come here specifically to tend to her injury, and now, taking Shen Niannian’s hand felt almost like accepting the invitation.

 

Qin Zhaoman glanced up at her but didn’t respond.

 

As she unwrapped the bandage, she saw that Shen Niannian’s wound had already begun to scab over. It wouldn’t take much longer to heal.

 

Shen Niannian watched her quietly, thinking Qin Zhaoman was like a fierce black cat—all sharp edges and glares, yet the touch of her hands was as gentle as soft paw pads.

 

Her movements were even lighter than the nurse at the rehabilitation center last time.

 

Shen Niannian slowly curled her fingers around Qin Zhaoman’s thumb.

 

Giving it a slight shake, she said, “I’ve prepared a gift for you. After this, let’s go pick it up together, then have dinner.”Qin Zhaoman took out a gauze bandage from the medicine box and said, “You’re so thoughtful, making me personally retrieve my own welcome gift.”

 

She didn’t refuse.

 

Shen Niannian understood the implication, her cat-like eyes curving slightly as she spoke in an extremely gentle tone, negotiating: “It was originally at home, but yesterday morning I mailed it to Junyu’s place.”

 

With soft-spoken cunning, she revealed her scheme: “Junyu said both your dress and mine are ready. I sent your welcome gift there too, so now both your things are waiting there.”

 

The unspoken implication was clear—wouldn’t you have to go there in person? And since you’re going anyway, wouldn’t it be natural for us to go out together?

 

Qin Zhaoman finished wrapping the bandage, deliberately thwarting her plans: “I’m busy.”

 

Shen Niannian lowered her head to look at her: “How can you make time?”

 

Seeing her leaning in with clear intentions—wanting to witness her frustration—Qin Zhaoman said, “No way I’m making time.”

 

Shen Niannian reached out and tugged at Qin Zhaoman’s sleeve: “Then I won’t let you leave.”

 

Qin Zhaoman glanced down—it was still that injured hand. She raised an eyebrow: “Shen Niannian, is this really who you are?” Emotional blackmail?

 

Shen Niannian avoided her gaze, focusing solely on gripping her sleeve before taking hold of her hand.

 

That hand had no strength; if Qin Zhaoman wanted to leave, a single step forward would break free.

 

Qin Zhaoman grew slightly intrigued and asked, “What will you do if I don’t go?”

 

Shen Niannian lifted her head just enough to reveal her cool, beautiful cat-like eyes and said, “I’ll call to ask if you’re going to pick up the dress today. If you don’t want to, I’ll deliver it to you myself.”

 

Qin Zhaoman asked, “So I’m definitely seeing you today, is that it?”

 

Shen Niannian didn’t answer directly but instead countered, “Only if you really don’t want to see me.”

 

Her voice was light and tender as she asked, “Zelmer, do you really not want to see me?”

 

Qin Zhaoman’s heart was still filled with irritation, but after seeing Shen Niannian, it transformed into a different kind of annoyance—damp, sticky, and clinging.

 

She thought of the cherry juice on her phone. If she truly didn’t want to see Shen Niannian, she wouldn’t be here now.

 

Staying to see what tricks Shen Niannian had up her sleeve wasn’t a bad idea.

 

She was also genuinely curious—what exactly was Shen Niannian trying to achieve by clinging to her like this?

 

Qin Zhaoman remained seated without leaving. Though she didn’t speak, it could be considered silent acquiescence.

 

After all, one couldn’t expect a proud black cat to behave like an ordinary housecat.

 

A faint smile lingered in Shen Niannian’s eyes as she poured Qin Zhaoman a cup of coffee and set it before her, saying, “I’ll go change and then we can leave. You can wait for me downstairs in the living room.”

 

Qin Zhaoman went downstairs and noticed the shortlisted candidates from last time were still on the coffee table in the living room.

 

This time, her name was placed right on top.

 

Qin Zhaoman averted her gaze. She truly couldn’t figure out what Shen Niannian was trying to do.

 

She didn’t believe for a second that Shen Niannian would genuinely give up her commercial value just to be friends—that was nonsense. Yet everything Shen Niannian was doing now made it impossible to discern her true motives.

 

On the deep brown leather sofa, a crimson folder stood out conspicuously.

 

Qin Zhaoman looked closer and realized it was a script titled “Romantic Affairs with the Female CEO.”

 

Judging by the creases, it wasn’t just casually placed there—it had been frequently read.

 

Qin Zhaoman’s expression turned complicated. Didn’t Shen Niannian only star in high-budget films? Since when was she interested in scripts like this?”What are you looking at?”

 

Shen Niannian’s voice came from the second floor.

 

Qin Zhaoman stiffened, uncharacteristically nervous at being caught red-handed. There was no way she could admit she’d been reading about the romantic escapades of a certain female CEO.

 

Her gaze darted left—thankfully, an empty vase sat nearby.

 

“I was looking at this vase,” Qin Zhaoman said.

 

The crystal vase shimmered like frozen pond water under sunlight, refracting delicate beams in a truly beautiful display.

 

Shen Niannian descended the stairs. “The property manager used to deliver fresh flowers daily, but they stopped these past two days.” She settled beside the sofa, examining the vase. “It does seem a shame to leave it empty.”

 

“You could always pluck a couple roses from your laundry hamper to fill it,” Qin Zhaoman suggested.

 

Shen Niannian shook her head. “Those are meant for disposal. I don’t want their roses.” A smile curved her lips as she added, “But if you brought me flowers next time, they’d look lovely in this vase.”

 

That familiar irritation bubbled up in Qin Zhaoman’s chest. “Why would mine be acceptable?” In Shen Niannian’s eyes, wasn’t she just like those discarded roses—someone not worth collaborating with?

 

“Because you’re my friend,” Shen Niannian replied with gentle exasperation. “You’re different from them.”

 

Qin Zhaoman studied those clear, guileless cat-like eyes and for a fleeting moment, doubted herself. Maybe Shen Niannian truly was the type who defied conventional judgment. Maybe she genuinely wanted friendship?

 

But the instant this thought surfaced, both her rational mind and traitorous heart rejected it vehemently. Qin Zhaoman blinked—apparently she neither believed Shen Niannian capable of such sincerity, nor desired her friendship at all.

 

Shen Niannian leaned down and snapped her fingers before Qin Zhaoman’s face. “Daydreaming? Help me put on an earring.”

 

Realizing what was being asked, Qin Zhaoman scoffed at her audacity. “You could go without.”

 

Having tested boundaries enough times, Shen Niannian simply grasped her hand and pulled her along. Qin Zhaoman rose carefully, not wanting to hurt her, and hissed, “Do you think you’ve got leverage over me now?”

 

“Didn’t you promise to repay me for saving you? Just help with this earring.” Shen Niannian sat in front of the mirror. “Pick any one you like.”

 

Qin Zhaoman surveyed the dazzling jewelry box and selected a delicate fringe earring with intricately coiled metal threads.

 

Shen Niannian caught the choice in the mirror’s reflection and smiled. “I love that one too.”

 

“You’d say that no matter which I chose,” Qin Zhaoman remarked, bending beside her.

 

“Exactly,” Shen Niannian admitted, feeling warm breath graze her cheek. The honesty made Qin Zhaoman want to pinch those plump earlobes.

 

Mindful of their last encounter, Qin Zhaoman worked carefully to avoid skin contact. But Shen Niannian’s earlobes proved impossibly soft—the silver post hadn’t even found the piercing before the supple flesh yielded beneath it. After several attempts, the earring remained unsecured while Shen Niannian’s ears flushed crimson, the blush spreading down to her neck in delicate pink waves.Shen Niannian’s earlobes were quite sensitive, her fingertips tinged red. She could probably guess what Qin Zhaoman was thinking and said, “You can touch them.”

 

Her voice was slightly hoarse, soft beyond measure.

 

Qin Zhaoman’s fingers gently brushed against her soft earlobe from behind: “Last time you looked like you absolutely couldn’t be touched.”

 

Seeing that one side was already adorned, Shen Niannian reached up to touch her ear, cooling it with her slightly chilly fingers.

 

She watched Qin Zhaoman in the mirror as she fastened the other earring and said, “I’m afraid when people touch me suddenly, but it’s fine if I allow it.”

 

After securing the other earring, Qin Zhaoman said, “You don’t need to explain deliberately.”

 

The second unspoken half of that sentence was: I don’t care.

 

Shen Niannian turned to look at her and said, “But I really want to explain it to you.”

 

Qin Zhaoman met her gaze in the mirror. Shen Niannian’s eyes were beautiful, making it impossible to stay angry with her.

 

All she could say was, “Let’s go.”

 

He Junyu’s studio was empty, the lights even turned off from the outside.

 

Shen Niannian unlocked the door and switched on the lights, explaining, “Junyu is at home now, fetching the gift I prepared for you. She should be here soon.”

 

The second floor had been cleared out, leaving only two clothing racks—one holding a single dark green modified cheongsam-style gown, the other with seven or eight dresses of varying styles.

 

Shen Niannian reached for the rack with the cheongsam gown and asked, “This one’s yours. Would you like to try it first?”

 

Qin Zhaoman pulled the rack aside before she could touch it: “Doesn’t your hand hurt?”

 

Shen Niannian obediently withdrew her hand and said softly, “Thank you.”

 

Qin Zhaoman stood by the rack with multiple evening gowns and asked, “Are all of these yours?”

 

Shen Niannian glanced over and replied, “Yes, prepared for the St. Petersburg gala.”

 

That was a lie.

 

Her gown for the St. Petersburg gala had long been decided. Most of the dresses on this rack suited her perfectly but weren’t appropriate for a charity gala.

 

They were displayed here solely to emphasize her regard for the gala’s guests and to create a sense of disparity in Qin Zhaoman’s treatment.

 

Shen Niannian looked at Qin Zhaoman and asked gently, “Could you help me decide which dress to wear later? Just sit there.”

 

She pointed to the sofa on the right, opposite a large display platform like those in bridal shops, complete with automatic curtains.

 

Qin Zhaoman, noticing nothing amiss, walked over and sat down on the sofa, saying, “Go ahead and try them.”

 

Shen Niannian demurred politely, “You first? You only have one.”

 

Qin Zhaoman crossed her legs and said, “You try first.”

 

Meeting her gaze and seeing she had no intention of moving, Shen Niannian said, “Alright.”

 

She picked up a dress and returned to the changing room, using the remote to close the curtains.

 

Qin Zhaoman’s phone vibrated—a message from Secretary Li: “There’s an issue with Rudolf’s representative. They might arrive early today. When can you return?”

 

Qin Zhaoman typed back: “If they can’t even be punctual, then there’s no need for cooperation.”

 

Secretary Li: “Understood.”

 

Qin Zhaoman exited the chat and opened financial news. She hadn’t been reading long when the electronic curtains in front of her parted.

 

Shen Niannian emerged wearing a deep green strapless gown, the skirt swaying like spring water as she walked, revealing her fair calves and slender ankles. Qin Zhaoman propped her chin on one hand, studying Shen Niannian intently. She was beautiful, like an ethereal forest spirit.

 

But… was she seriously planning to wear that to the banquet? It was a formal dinner, not a red carpet event.

 

Did Shen Niannian actually intend to negotiate contracts with those men dressed like that?

 

Shen Niannian, keenly sensing the shift in Qin Zhaoman’s gaze, gracefully twirled and asked, “How do I look?”

 

Qin Zhaoman replied flatly, “Not good.”

 

As if she’d tell the truth.

 

Did Shen Niannian think she was some kind of saint? After being rejected, was she supposed to help her find the next candidate?

 

She didn’t know if others would do such a thing, but Qin Zhaoman certainly had no such kindness in her.

 

Shen Niannian didn’t seem bothered at all, smiling faintly as she said, “Then I’ll change into the next one.”

 

The curtains closed again, and Qin Zhaoman turned her attention back to her phone. But before long, the curtains parted once more.

 

This time, Shen Niannian wore a deep V-neck, smoky-gray sequined fringe dress—even more alluring than the last. Her collarbones, slender waist, and long, shapely legs were nearly all on display, drawing the eye irresistibly.

 

The most captivating part was the contrast between the dress and her demeanor—a cool, almost untouchable elegance paired with such a figure.

 

Qin Zhaoman studied her for a moment before declaring, “Mediocre.”

 

Again, Shen Niannian didn’t press further. If it wasn’t good, she simply changed into another.

 

Then came the third, the fourth—none received Qin Zhaoman’s approval. Each was deemed “not good,” and Shen Niannian never questioned it, moving straight to the next.

 

Qin Zhaoman’s eyes remained on her phone, but she could no longer focus on the news. She exited the app and leaned back onto the sofa, waiting.

 

Her memory was sharp—once she saw something, she rarely forgot. Now, with just a brief recollection, she could vividly recall each of Shen Niannian’s gowns.

 

Putting in so much effort—for whom at the St. Petersburg banquet?

 

Was Shen Niannian buttering her up like this because she feared Qin Zhaoman wouldn’t take her?

 

The curtains slowly parted once more.

 

Shen Niannian stood in a pure white strapless mermaid gown, with delicate satin ribbons tied in bows at the back of her exposed waist. This was the dress that best suited her—cool yet undeniably sensual.

 

The rack was now empty. This was the last one.

 

Shen Niannian turned slightly, showcasing the dress’s silhouette, and asked, “What do you think?”

 

Qin Zhaoman said, “The ugliest one yet.”

 

Shen Niannian feigned hesitation. “Really?”

 

Qin Zhaoman lied without expression. “Yes.”

 

Shen Niannian wished she could hold up a mirror to Qin Zhaoman—then she’d see how her eyes betrayed the praise her lips refused to give.

 

She descended the steps and asked again, “Are you sure?”

 

This time, Qin Zhaoman didn’t answer directly. Instead, she countered, “Why would I lie to you?”

 

Shen Niannian lowered her lashes to hide her amusement, pretending to be disappointed. “You’re right.”

 

Straightening, she turned to walk back up the platform. “Even if it’s not the best, I’ll wear this one. No more changes.”

 

Qin Zhaoman deliberately provoked her. “If you’ve already decided, why bother asking me?”

 

The curtains had already begun to close, but Shen Niannian reached out, pulling them slightly apart. “Because this dress matches the gift you gave me when we first met. So even if it’s not the most beautiful, I want to wear it to accompany you tonight.” Qin Zhaoman maintained eye contact for a few more seconds before finally looking away.

 

Leaning back on the sofa, her tone remained unimpressed. “The purpose of you attending the banquet isn’t me. Wearing the jewelry I gave you and dressing in a gown I find beautiful—isn’t that missing the point?”

 

“It doesn’t have to be contradictory.”

 

Shen Niannian coaxed her gently, “I also want you to like how I look.”

 

Provoking someone requires moderation. To make Qin Zhaoman feel the disparity in treatment, she first had to ensure Qin Zhaoman wouldn’t easily let go of the current privileges.

 

Qin Zhaoman took the bait. “Why?”

 

Shen Niannian replied, “Qiao Qiao said you really dislike attending these kinds of business banquets. I hope seeing me there will make you feel a little better.”

 

Qin Zhaoman asked, “You prepared so many gowns—all for me?”

 

Shen Niannian didn’t deny it. “More or less.”

 

Qin Zhaoman pressed, “‘More or less’?”

 

A smile played at Shen Niannian’s eyes. “Sixty-forty. You’re sixty.”

 

Qin Zhaoman scoffed lazily. “What an honor.” Then she added, “Are you ever going to finish changing?”

 

Shen Niannian had completely hidden herself behind the curtains. After a moment, she said, “Just a second. The zipper caught my hair and got stuck.”

 

At that moment, the sound of the door opening came from downstairs. He Junyu walked up carrying a wooden box.

 

Spotting Qin Zhaoman, she nodded politely. “President Qin, where’s Niannian?”

 

A voice came from behind the curtains. “Junyu, come help me with the zipper.”

 

“Coming.” He Junyu set the wooden box on the table and went straight in.

 

Qin Zhaoman glanced up, watching He Junyu enter with a slight frown.

 

Once Shen Niannian had changed, she emerged and immediately picked up the wooden box from the table, handing it to Qin Zhaoman. “A gift for you—a token of our meeting.”

 

He Junyu crossed her arms and coughed teasingly. Shen Niannian shot her a look, silently warning her to behave.

 

Qin Zhaoman observed their exchange before taking the box from Shen Niannian. Only when Shen Niannian looked back at her did she say, “I’m leaving.”

 

Shen Niannian was surprised and pointed at the green dress Qin Zhaoman had brought. “You haven’t tried on your gown yet.”

 

Qin Zhaoman replied, “No need.”

 

Hearing her tone, Shen Niannian didn’t press further. After saying goodbye to He Junyu, the two of them got into the car together.

 

Qin Zhaoman took a call during the ride.

 

Through the earpiece, Secretary Li informed her that their potential partner, Rudolf, had already arrived. Due to his father’s illness, he needed to return early and hoped to meet Qin Zhaoman sooner.

 

Under normal circumstances, Qin Zhaoman would have canceled the collaboration outright. But today, she was in a decent mood.

 

After estimating the time, it would take to drop Shen Niannian off, she said, “I’ll be back in about four hours.”

 

Secretary Li hesitated. “That might be cutting it too close.”

 

Qin Zhaoman replied, “Then cancel it.”

 

Shen Niannian, piecing together the conversation, tapped Qin Zhaoman’s hand. “You can drop me at a café first. I’ll arrange for someone to pick me up.”

 

Qin Zhaoman glanced at her. “You sure?”

 

Shen Niannian nodded. Qin Zhaoman adjusted her response. “I’ll be back in two hours.”

 

When the car arrived at the café, Secretary Li came out to greet them and mentioned that the café’s lock had broken earlier that morning.The lock was custom-made and could only be fixed by a professional, so the twins didn’t come either. Now the café couldn’t be opened, and there was no one inside.

 

Qin Zhaoman glanced at Shen Niannian. Given Shen Niannian’s level of fame, letting her go back alone or wait somewhere casually was definitely unrealistic.

 

Besides, since the other party had caused the issue during this collaboration, it was only natural not to meet them.

 

Qin Zhaoman said, “Then I’ll take you home first.”

 

Secretary Li’s expression changed slightly, but she didn’t dare to advise otherwise. In their company, Qin Zhaoman’s word was law. She quickly began formulating how to explain this to the waiting business partners.

 

Shen Niannian noticed Secretary Li’s expression and said, “I can wait at your company. It’s no problem.”

 

Secretary Li was touched but knew this wasn’t possible—Qin Zhaoman never changed her mind once decided.

 

Shen Niannian looked at Qin Zhaoman and said softly, “Don’t let me delay your work.”

 

Qin Zhaoman didn’t consider this a delay, but she didn’t want Shen Niannian to think she was putting work aside for her.

 

Qin Zhaoman said in advance, “I won’t have time to attend to you later.”

 

When Shen Niannian nodded, Qin Zhaoman said nothing more and strode toward the company.

 

Secretary Li watched this scene in astonishment. Though Qin Zhaoman made it seem effortless, this was the first time in her ten years as secretary that Qin Zhaoman had changed her mind because of someone else.

 

Following Qin Zhaoman back to the company, Shen Niannian noticed how everyone who saw Qin Zhaoman would bow their heads and greet her as “President Qin.”

 

At her own company, people also called her “President Shen,” but it felt different from Qin Zhaoman’s case. Qin Zhaoman’s employees seemed… genuinely awestruck and reverent.

 

It wasn’t like facing a CEO—it was like facing royalty.

 

Taking the executive elevator upstairs, Qin Zhaoman stopped at the conference room door and told Secretary Li, “Take Neve to my office. No one else is allowed in.”

 

Secretary Li was surprised. Normally only she, Qiao Qiao, and Phoebe could enter Qin Zhaoman’s office. And wasn’t she supposed to attend the meeting too?

 

Did she need to personally escort her?

 

When Qin Zhaoman glanced at her for not moving, Secretary Li immediately gestured for Shen Niannian to follow, escorted her to the office, asked if she needed anything else, then hurried back to the meeting.

 

Shen Niannian waved Secretary Li off and sat on the sofa in Qin Zhaoman’s office.

 

She surveyed the office decor, which resembled the design of Qin Zhaoman’s courtyard—black, gray, and gold metallic materials with no greenery.

 

Noticing the security camera, Shen Niannian went into the bathroom.

 

She called Secretary Li: “Email me the electronic copies of the documents first. Change the delivery time to after 9 pm tonight. Call me several times later, then send someone to my home looking for me.”

 

After a pause, Secretary Li asked, “Are you with Qin Zhaoman?”

 

When Shen Niannian confirmed, Secretary Li asked no further questions.

 

She no longer understood Shen Niannian’s methods for dealing with Qin Zhaoman, but no matter how strange, her job was simply to cooperate.

 

After hanging up, Shen Niannian opened the newly received files in the bathroom. Confirming nothing critically important, she powered off her phone completely.

 

Two hours later when the meeting ended, Qin Zhaoman shook hands briefly before heading straight for her office.

 

She asked the junior secretary outside, “When did the person inside leave?”

 

Burning with curiosity about the mystery guest but maintaining professional composure, the secretary replied, “They never left.”

 

“Never left?”

 

Qin Zhaoman strode to the door, then turned to the following secretaries: “You all may leave now.”Secretary Li knew who was inside and gave a meaningful glance to the curious secretaries, signaling them to leave together.

 

Qin Zhaoman turned around, pulled open the door, and stepped inside. The room was unlit, illuminated only by the faint glow of the night outside.

 

Shen Niannian was asleep on her desk, her head resting on the long wooden box containing the meeting gift. She looked peaceful, like an exhausted little rabbit.

 

Qin Zhaoman instinctively slowed her steps as she approached the desk.

 

Shen Niannian’s skin was so fair it seemed to glow, yet her lips were a deep red, as were the edges of her eyelids, her earlobes, and even the knuckles of her hands.

 

She looked like a painting mixed from rosewater and white pigment.

 

Qin Zhaoman watched her quietly for a while until Shen Niannian seemed to sense someone’s presence. Her lashes fluttered, and she lifted a hand to her face, taking a moment before slowly opening her eyes.

 

Recognizing Qin Zhaoman, she greeted her sleepily, “You’re back.”

 

Qin Zhaoman gently took her wrist, which had been dangling off the desk, and placed it back on the surface. “Why didn’t you go home?”

 

Shen Niannian picked up her phone from the side and showed it to her. “It died while I was changing earlier.”

 

Qin Zhaoman glanced at it. “So you just waited here the whole time?”

 

Shen Niannian smiled sheepishly, looking both obedient and a little embarrassed. “I didn’t want to cause you trouble. I heard you say not to let anyone else in.”

 

It sounded reasonable, but upon closer thought, it was just an excuse.

 

Would someone like Shen Niannian really have no way to go home if she wanted to? She wasn’t Qiao Qiao.

 

Qin Zhaoman wasn’t about to let the topic go. “That’s all?”

 

Shen Niannian hugged the wooden box and yawned, perhaps genuinely tired, making her much more susceptible to “interrogation.” “And… I wanted to wait for you so we could go back together.”

 

Qin Zhaoman still didn’t believe her. “Anything else?”

 

Shen Niannian rested her chin on the box and murmured softly, “And… I was in a bad mood today and didn’t want to go back to work.”

 

Seeing Qin Zhaoman’s skeptical expression, she tilted her head up and confessed honestly, “That’s it. I can’t think of anything else.”

 

Her voice was gentle and soft. “Don’t ask me anymore. I’m so sleepy.”

 

Qin Zhaoman had just finished work discussions, her mind still in a rational state. Setting aside other emotions, she realized she genuinely enjoyed spending time with Shen Niannian.

 

Even though she had been irritated about the rejection earlier in the day, after an afternoon with her, she couldn’t stay angry.

 

With Shen Niannian’s personality and looks, it was hard not to succeed in pleasing anyone. It was only natural that Qin Zhaoman liked being around her.

 

If only Shen Niannian could be her personal secretary.

 

The thought surfaced in her mind yet again.

 

Qin Zhaoman drove Shen Niannian home. Halfway there, Shen Niannian insisted on treating her, so they stopped at a private kitchen to pick up two meals.

 

When they arrived at the gate, the security guard leaned out and said, “Miss Shen, your assistant came looking for you earlier. She seemed quite anxious.”

 

Shen Niannian acknowledged it with a nod, and Qin Zhaoman offered, “You can use my phone to call them.”

 

“No need. I don’t have their numbers memorized,” Shen Niannian replied. “Besides, we’re almost there.”

 

The car stopped in front of Shen Niannian’s house, and Qin Zhaoman helped carry the food bags, stepping out with her.

 

Shen Niannian, her hand wrapped in gauze, struggled to unlock the door with her fingerprint.

 

Turning to Qin Zhaoman, she suddenly said, “Let me register your fingerprint too.”Qin Zhaoman looked at her and asked, “Is your fingerprint system really that easy to register with?”

 

Shen Niannian, sensing her doubt, explained softly, “Only you and Junyu have access. Even my secretary doesn’t. Aren’t you coming tomorrow to apply my medicine? You can let yourself in then.”

 

She added, “Once you stop coming, I’ll delete your fingerprint. It won’t cause any issues.”

 

Qin Zhaoman said nothing more, allowing Shen Niannian to guide her hand to press against the door display.

 

Two beeps signaled the successful fingerprint registration.

 

Qin Zhaoman still felt this wasn’t quite right. To date, she only had keys to her own home and her uncle’s place. But Shen Niannian’s attitude was so natural that questioning it would make her seem unreasonable.

 

And she was never unreasonable.

 

Shen Niannian entered and turned on the lights, instantly illuminating the room.

 

Qin Zhaoman placed the food containers on the table, then turned to notice Shen Niannian’s unusual complexion. “Do you have a fever?”

 

Shen Niannian’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes rimmed with red. She touched her forehead. “I don’t think so. But your office was quite cold earlier. Weren’t you cold?”

 

Qin Zhaoman replied, “If it’s too warm, I start coughing.”

 

Sudden temperature changes triggered severe coughing fits, so she never set the air conditioning too high in her spaces.

 

Sitting on the sofa, Shen Niannian remarked, “You haven’t been coughing much lately.”

 

“Your pear and rock sugar soup worked well,” Qin Zhaoman acknowledged.

 

Nodding, Shen Niannian said, “I’ll make more tomorrow.” She picked up the gift she’d been carrying and offered it to Qin Zhaoman. “Don’t you want to see what it is?”

 

Her voice carried a nasal tone, the cold symptoms more pronounced.

 

Growing increasingly convinced of the fever, Qin Zhaoman reached to feel her forehead. “You should take some medicine.”

 

Shen Niannian agreed, then fixed her with expectant cat-like eyes, unblinking, as if urging: I know, now look at my gift.

 

Qin Zhaoman humored the patient, her tone noticeably gentler. “What is it?”

 

Shen Niannian opened the box to reveal a mounted round fan.

 

The fan’s frame matched the box’s rosewood material, its handle intricately carved with plum blossoms. The embroidered fan depicted a snowy courtyard scene – plum trees dusted with snow, a tiny hanfu-clad figure admiring the view from a pavilion.

 

Qin Zhaoman examined it. “Is this little figure you?” The posture bore recognizable similarities.

 

“Yes,” Shen Niannian nodded. “I embroidered this winter scene myself. If you’re not angry with me, when spring comes, I’ll make you a spring version.”

 

Qin Zhaoman fluttered the fan, catching its familiar delicate fragrance.

 

“I’m not angry.”

 

“But you seemed angry,” Shen Niannian persisted.

 

Fanning gently toward her, Qin Zhaoman said, “Should I be delighted about being rejected? No collaborator has ever turned me down before.”

 

Shen Niannian maintained her position: “I had to choose between friendship and business with you.”

 

Qin Zhaoman still didn’t buy this explanation, but it no longer mattered. Being around Shen Niannian wasn’t unpleasant. Whatever game she was playing, Qin Zhaoman would play along.

 

—

 

Leaving Shen Niannian’s residence, Qin Zhaoman first drove into her garage. Emerging, she noticed a young girl selling flowers nearby.The little girl was dressed in designer clothes, with just the small bracelet on her wrist being enough to buy several baskets of flowers. At this hour, selling flowers was either a whim or some kind of practical assignment.

 

What she could see, others in the neighborhood could see too. The little girl’s business was doing well—basically, anyone she stopped would give her the courtesy of buying a bouquet.

 

As the girl passed by Qin Zhaoman’s yard, she happened to see Qin Zhaoman standing at the door, watching her.

 

Qin Zhaoman exuded an intimidating aura, the kind of cold capitalist presence that made people hesitate to approach.

 

The little girl hesitated for a moment, then looked at the last bouquet in her basket and trotted over anyway. Standing outside the fence, she asked, “Sister, would you like to buy a bouquet?”

 

Qin Zhaoman looked into her round, eager eyes and bought her last bouquet.

 

It was a bunch of “crushed ice blue” roses, sprayed with a blue that had a hint of grayish-purple—dreamily beautiful.

 

Qin Zhaoman thought of the equally dreamily beautiful vase on Shen Niannian’s desk, and then of the three laundry baskets full of roses.

 

Though these roses would suit that vase perfectly, she had no interest in doing the same thing as those backup suitors.

 

If it weren’t for Shen Niannian, she might never have remembered those names in her lifetime.

 

Qin Zhaoman stepped out, intending to find a trash bin a little farther away where the girl wouldn’t see her throw the roses away.

 

Before she knew it, she had walked to the neighborhood concierge’s office.

 

The concierge was on the phone when he noticed someone approaching with roses. He poked his head out and said, “Roses for Miss Shen can be left on the platform outside. Just sign your name, and we’ll deliver them later.”

 

Qin Zhaoman looked up and saw the platform, complete with sticky notes and a pen for writing names.

 

There were no roses on it now—they must have already been delivered.

 

Qin Zhaoman glanced at the nearest trash bin, then casually placed the bouquet of crushed ice blue roses on the platform without writing her name and walked away.

 

The trash bin was too far. Leaving them here was fine.

 

Ten minutes later, the concierge finished his call with a resident and stepped outside. Spotting the bouquet of crushed ice blue roses, he was puzzled. Why hadn’t Ms. Qin written her name? Luckily, he recognized her.

 

He tore off a sticky note and wrote Qin Zhaoman’s name on it.

 

Back at the villa, Shen Niannian realized she was indeed running a fever. Without a thermometer at home, she didn’t know how high it was, but the discomfort in her body suggested it was fairly serious.

 

She boiled some water for herself and took two fever-reducing pills. At nine o’clock, Secretary Li arrived punctually to deliver some documents.

 

Secretary Li was startled by Shen Niannian’s pallor. “What’s wrong with you?” she asked.

 

Shen Niannian set down the script she was holding and took the documents. “Just a chill,” she replied.

 

Secretary Li caught a glimpse of the script’s title—My Romantic Affairs with the Female CEO—and asked, “Is this your new film?”

 

Shen Niannian glanced at it too. “No, just reading it for research. Learning how to handle Qin Zhaoman.”

 

Secretary Li’s heart skipped a beat. Hesitantly, she asked, “Are you planning to date Qin Zhaoman?”

 

“Of course not.”

 

Shen Niannian seemed surprised by the question. She set the documents aside and looked at Secretary Li, puzzled. “Why would you think that? Methods for coaxing people are all similar. This script distills some very effective ones.”Secretary Li wanted to say it seemed different but ultimately held back.

 

She had already noticed that Shen Niannian heavily relied on the script—everything had to go according to plan. Disrupting her plans might lead to unpredictable outcomes, so it was better to let things unfold naturally.