The Ice-Queen Actress Used Her Acting Skills to Reel Me In! - Chapter 25

Relieving of the long-standing burdens she’d been carrying, Shen Niannian slept soundly that night without her usual midnight awakenings.

 

Her phone vibrated by the pillow. Rarely indulging in sleeping in, Shen Niannian reached out from under the covers toward the nightstand. Her fingertips brushed the phone’s edge like a curious cat’s paw, gradually maneuvering until she could grasp it properly and unlock it with her fingerprint.

 

Both Secretary Li and Qin Zhaoman sent messages.

 

Shen Niannian opened Secretary Li’s message first. It mentioned encountering Qin Zhaoman that morning and receiving the drafted documents, followed by some unimportant excited chatter.

 

Had Qin Zhaoman prepared the contract so quickly?

 

She then opened Qin Zhaoman’s chat window – just one line: “Come straight to my place when you wake up.”

 

Sent at 6 AM. Shen Niannian checked the current time: 9 AM.

 

Qin Zhaoman was always scrupulously polite about details—never messaging during rest hours, never initiating casual conversations. This was a first.

 

Like the opening signal of their mutually agreed performance of affection.

 

Shen Niannian smoothed her hair and threw off the covers, ignoring the slipped spaghetti strap as she typed: “Overslept. Coming soon.”

 

Sitting up, she opened her camera and took a photo of the messy bed. The opposite wall was entirely mirrored with metal, faintly reflecting her figure without clear details—most noticeable being her wine-red nightgown and tousled black hair.

 

After glancing at the image, she sent it directly: “Proof (image) Didn’t mean to ignore you (kitty cuddle.jpg)”

 

She set the phone aside to wash up. While brushing her teeth, she heard the front door open downstairs.

 

Qin Zhaoman entered carrying congee, spotting Shen Niannian leaning against the second-floor railing. “Slept well last night?”

 

Mouth full of toothpaste, Shen Niannian hummed in affirmation, then asked: “Why are you here so early?” Weren’t you having me come over?

 

Qin Zhaoman set the congee on the coffee table. Her unlocked phone screen still showed the newly saved photo. She shouldn’t have come.

 

First day of cooperation should involve keeping distance to emphasize professional boundaries.

 

Sitting with a newspaper, her gaze flickered to Shen Niannian’s right shoulder—the strap was back in place now.

 

Without explanation, she said: “Come eat. We’re visiting Yahe later.”

 

Shen Niannian assumed impatience—after all, Qin Zhaoman had waited three hours. “Alright,” she agreed, returning to rinsing and styling her hair. Out of sight, she maintained her leisurely pace, carefully blow-drying natural-looking waves no iron could replicate.

 

By the time she descended, Qin Zhaoman was already sipping coffee while reading the financial daily.

 

The white thermal food container held brown sugar millet congee and glutinous rice balls, still steaming when opened.

 

Seeing Qin Zhaoman still reading, Shen Niannian ate first, setting her spoon down precisely when the newspaper lowered.

 

Noticing this, Qin Zhaoman said: “No rush. Eat more if you want.”

 

Ever considerate, Shen Niannian replied: “I’m finished. You’ve waited long enough already.”Qin Zhaoman felt her emotions fluttering wildly under the gaze of those beautiful cat-like eyes. She said, “It’s good that you slept in. Don’t worry about it.”

 

Shen Niannian picked up the bowl and walked toward the kitchen, asking, “Secretary Li didn’t come to wake me today—did you stop her?”

 

Qin Zhaoman gave a light hum and said, “Only you would insist on getting up so early every day to work.”

 

Shen Niannian knew exactly how to placate her on this matter: “With CEO Qin’s help, I can sleep in every day from now on.”

 

“You’d better mean that.”

 

Qin Zhaoman closed her phone and picked up the coffee from the table. “I’d hate for my new girlfriend to drop dead so soon.”

 

Unfazed by the jab, Shen Niannian tidied the coffee table before heading upstairs to change into an elegant long dress—a stark contrast to her sleepwear—that covered everything from her neckline down to her calves.

 

Coming back downstairs, she asked, “Are we leaving for Yahe now?”

 

Qin Zhaoman glanced at her outfit, feeling an odd sense of being appeased.

 

The sight of Shen Niannian in sexy pajamas was a privilege reserved solely for her as the girlfriend.

 

“Sign the contract first.”

 

Qin Zhaoman retrieved a folder from nearby and placed it on the cleared table.

 

Shen Niannian picked it up to skim through. “We’re signing it here?”

 

“The digital version was already sent to your secretary today. Has your legal team not finished reviewing it yet?”

 

Qin Zhaoman handed her a pen, the sharp end pointing toward herself, the cap brushing against Shen Niannian’s cheek. She used the pen to playfully flick Shen Niannian’s long earring.

 

Shen Niannian steadied her earring and took the pen in one smooth motion. “They’ve finished. It just feels a bit informal to do this at home.”

 

Even though she said this, she uncapped the pen and signed her name where required.

 

Handing the documents back to Qin Zhaoman, Shen Niannian recalled their previous encounter on the plane and asked, “Now that we have paper, would you like me to sign another autograph for you?”

 

Qin Zhaoman took the file and gave it a cursory glance. “Sure.”

 

As Shen Niannian reached for a blank sheet, Qin Zhaoman tossed her discarded suit jacket onto the table beside her hand.

 

Qin Zhaoman often wore suits of various colors for work—today was a light camel shade, paired with a chiffon blouse featuring a tied neckline.

 

She tugged the collar downward, exposing her collarbone, and pointed to the skin just below it. “Not on the arm this time. Sign here—it won’t be visible.”

 

Shen Niannian heard Qin Zhaoman’s previous words echo in her mind… perverted.

 

The hidden nature of it made it even more so.

 

Shen Niannian blinked. She should have realized sooner—from Qin Zhaoman’s enjoyment of that perverted remark on the plane—that this woman wasn’t exactly prim and proper.

 

Qin Zhaoman watched her expression, savoring the satisfaction of having turned the tables.

 

The feeling of being led around by Shen Niannian since receiving that photo this morning finally began to dissipate.

 

She drawled out a teasing prompt: “What’s wrong? Weren’t you the one who offered? Girlfriend.”

 

That look was nothing short of blatant provocation—was the international film queen incapable of staying in character?

 

Shen Niannian’s gaze lingered on her collarbone before meeting her eyes. “This pen might hurt a little.”

 

Even in disheveled clothing, Qin Zhaoman’s innate arrogance and composure remained unshaken, sitting as if presiding over a corporate briefing. “Mm.” Shen Niannian perched lightly on Qin Zhaoman’s lap, one hand resting on her shoulder. Her cool fingertips brushed against Qin Zhaoman’s skin, causing a slight shiver.

 

Qin Zhaoman’s hands on her thighs tensed slightly. Shen Niannian’s warm breath against her neck contrasted with her cold fingers, while the nib’s movement brought a faint sting.

 

“Don’t move,” Shen Niannian said, pressing down on her trembling shoulder. “Hold my waist.”

 

Qin Zhaoman encircled her waist, steadying her on her lap. The unfamiliar yet undeniable sensation of their bodies pressing together was like water splashing into hot oil—crackling and explosive.

 

Controlling the pressure of the pen, Shen Niannian smoothly signed her name once more on the pristine skin. The elegant cursive script stood out against the snow-white canvas, its edges tinged faintly red.

 

Shen Niannian lightly pressed a fingertip to the reddened area. “Did I press too hard?”

 

As if snapping out of a daze, Qin Zhaoman removed her hand from Shen Niannian’s waist, her tone casual and languid. “Didn’t feel a thing.”

 

Shen Niannian slid off her lap but didn’t leave immediately. Instead, she fastened Qin Zhaoman’s collar for her, mimicking her tone. “Looks pretty indecent.”

 

Qin Zhaoman burst into laughter. After a moment, she asked, “Are you really this petty?”

 

Shen Niannian capped the pen and nodded with a smile. “Yep~”

 

Qin Zhaoman let it slide, shrugging on her suit jacket. “Remember to inform your secretary about our new relationship.”

 

“Got it.”

 

Shen Niannian nodded. The driver took them to Yahe, where both secretaries were already waiting at the entrance.

 

The moment Qin Zhaoman stepped out of the car, Secretary Li approached her, quietly briefing her on the upcoming agenda and guiding her inside. Shen Niannian and Secretary Li trailed behind like guests.

 

Secretary Li was still reeling from shock. Half an hour ago, she’d received Shen Niannian’s message announcing her relationship with Qin Zhaoman—complete with reassurances that it was consensual and mutual.

 

As if anyone with half a brain would believe it’s mutual!

 

They’d guarded against men but never saw this coming. Who knew Qin Zhaoman was that kind of person?

 

Noticing her secretary’s dazed expression, Shen Niannian said, “If you’re not feeling well, you can take the day off.”

 

Secretary Li shook her head. If Shen Niannian wasn’t leaving, how could she possibly rest? “I’m fine.”

 

Shen Niannian turned her attention forward. Qin Zhaoman walked ahead with unwavering focus, her commanding presence undeniable. The sharp click of her black heels sent an involuntary shiver down spines.

 

As they passed, employees greeted Shen Niannian first with a respectful “President Shen,” then, upon spotting Qin Zhaoman, added a hushed “President Qin.”

 

Logically, employees wouldn’t address a guest like that—yet everyone here seemed to recognize Qin Zhaoman.

 

Shen Niannian asked Secretary Li, “Do they all know Qin Zhaoman?”

 

She knew Qin Zhaoman was formidable, but as the CEO of another company, her influence shouldn’t extend this far, right?

 

Secretary Li replied, “Every single one.”

 

The only female capitalist in their tier, a living legend in F-country’s financial history—who in the industry wouldn’t know Qin Zhaoman?

 

Secretary Li understood but struggled to explain. The reverence for Qin Zhaoman was something accumulated day by day in this field, impossible to summarize in just a few words.Upon arriving at the office, Qin Zhaoman naturally took Shen Niannian’s seat, while Secretary Li placed the stack of documents she was carrying on the desk.

 

Qin Zhaoman picked up one of the files and, glancing at Shen Niannian beside her, said, “I’ll review these documents first.”

 

Shen Niannian found her effortless demeanor amusing and asked, “Then what should I do?”

 

Qin Zhaoman flipped a page of the file in her hand. “Take a rest for a while.”

 

Shen Niannian agreed, feeling as though she were touring Qin Zhaoman’s company. Remembering that Qin Zhaoman disliked high temperatures, she picked up the remote and adjusted the thermostat slightly lower.

 

Secretary Li escorted Shen Niannian out. She had already learned about Qin Zhaoman and Shen Niannian’s new relationship. When Qin Zhaoman casually mentioned it that morning, Secretary Li had internally screamed for at least five minutes. But by now, she had processed it and found it unsurprising.

 

Just observing Qin Zhaoman’s attitude toward Neve made it clear this wasn’t how she treated ordinary people.

 

She completely understood President Qin!! Who wouldn’t fall for Shen Niannian?!

 

Secretary Li stole another glance at Shen Niannian’s profile and was once again struck by her beauty, silently marveling for a moment.

 

At the door, considering Shen Niannian’s new status, Secretary Li decided to explain on behalf of her boss: “President Qin dislikes interruptions while working. The current situation is quite urgent, and since she was delayed this morning, she must finish reviewing everything within this hour.”

 

Shen Niannian replied gently, “I understand.”

 

Secretary Li internally cheered, Niannian is so kind! while maintaining a polite nod before turning to leave.

 

After finishing the documents, Qin Zhaoman immediately convened a meeting, which Shen Niannian also attended to express her stance.

 

She sat quietly beside Qin Zhaoman, watching her dominate the room.

 

Qin Zhaoman barely needed Shen Niannian to speak, handling everything with such efficiency that it seemed she was the true master of Yahe.

 

Shen Niannian observed the grim expressions of the familiar faces around the table, took a sip of water, and felt a deep satisfaction—like the fox reveling in the tiger’s borrowed might.

 

Ah, no, I can’t get carried away. Enjoying it for a while is enough—I still need to stand on my own.

 

For the latter half of the meeting, her only task was to applaud Qin Zhaoman at the right moments.

 

Qin Zhaoman’s charisma shone brilliantly in her effortless negotiations.

 

Shen Niannian had always known Qin Zhaoman was formidable, but only by witnessing it firsthand did she grasp just how formidable. Her attitude was utterly arrogant.

 

In any field, arrogance is usually a fatal flaw, something people despise. Yet Qin Zhaoman’s background and power made her arrogance seem entirely justified.

 

A queen who surveys the world should not lower her gaze in humility—she ought to be ambitious.

 

Shen Niannian sat before Qin Zhaoman but felt as though she were looking up at her, seated high upon her throne.

 

Yet beneath the queen’s elegant attire, on her skin, was written Shen Niannian’s name.

 

This thought sent a thrill through her. Shen Niannian pressed her cool fingers to her cheeks, warning herself to stay composed.

 

After the meeting, Qin Zhaoman prepared to return to her own company. Shen Niannian saw her off at the door, where Qin Zhaoman asked the driver to wait and said, “Go home and rest. Take care of your throat.”

 

Glancing past Shen Niannian’s shoulder at Secretary Li nearby, she added, “I’ll handle her matters. Make sure she rests properly.”

 

Secretary Li stood motionless, pretending to be a wooden statue.Qin Zhaoman left, and Shen Niannian turned to get into Secretary Li’s car, saying, “Send me any documents as well. Don’t leave everything to Zelmer.”

 

Secretary Li, who was driving herself, replied, “That was my intention too. I’ve reviewed the contract—it doesn’t impose many restrictions on Qin Zhaoman, but if the terms were too stringent, she definitely wouldn’t have signed it. It’s good that she agreed now, but Niannian, you must remain vigilant at all times and not rely too much on Qin Zhaoman.”

 

She hesitated but continued, “If you two break up, Qin Zhaoman could walk away without much cost. What will you do then?”

 

Shen Niannian noticed her unease and gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. “I’m aware of everything you’ve said.”

 

She wouldn’t become overly dependent on Qin Zhaoman, nor would she let Qin Zhaoman break up with her before the contract ended.