Chapter 2: Your Room Is Always Reserved

"Zhou Ming, I'm sorry for being a bit late. There was a problem with the car on the road," Lin Muqing apologized to Zhou Ming, feeling a bit nervous and uneasy as she sat next to him in the Lincoln. Her demeanor was quite different from the confidence and pride she had shown when she got out of the car earlier; now, she appeared more like a timid woman worried about the one she admired.

The two young people from the South Lake Port were Zhou Ming and **. Former soldier **, now assigned to a special department through Yang Lao and Du Zhongyuan's arrangements, had become Zhou Ming's personal bodyguard. Naturally, ** accompanied Zhou Ming to the port city.

"It's fine, Muqing. Car troubles are unpredictable, and I didn't wait too long at the port," Zhou Ming said.

Lin Muqing shook her head and said, "If I hadn't been in such a hurry to leave and had checked the car thoroughly before heading out today, perhaps we could have avoided this issue. It was my oversight."

Zhou Ming wanted to say that even with a thorough check, if a problem arose, it would still cause delays. However, he decided against it and instead pointed to the drink cabinet in front of them, saying, "Muqing, could you please get me a bottle of soda?"

Lin Muqing immediately pulled out a bottle of soda from the cabinet, opened it, and handed it to Zhou Ming. Zhou Ming took the soda and gave her a slight smile. "Thank you, Muqing. I forgive you."

Lin Muqing was initially taken aback by Zhou Ming's words and then responded with a bit of a wry smile, "You really are treating me like a little girl."

With that, Lin Muqing gave Zhou Ming a half-hearted glare. Zhou Ming chuckled, understanding that while his little tactic of forgiveness might not fool Lin Muqing entirely, it was more effective than a direct apology. Instead, he used it to direct her to do something, which made the apology seem more genuine and less dismissive.

Lin Muqing's secretary, Amin, was stunned by the scene. Amin had always known her boss liked Zhou Ming, but due to the geographical distance and Lin Muqing's busy schedule, Amin had gradually forgotten about it. With Lin Muqing's rise in status and the success of her investment company, she had become a prominent figure in the port city, and Amin had stopped thinking about Zhou Ming until Lin Muqing started preparing for his return, including arranging today's outfit and the Lincoln car.

Amin was baffled as to what made Zhou Ming so special that Lin Muqing was so devoted to him. Furthermore, Amin recalled the heartbroken sounds she had heard earlier at the port. If Lin Muqing's admirers knew how she treated another man, their anger would likely be intense.

But unfortunately, they would never know.

"Zhou Ming, your suggestion to have Yang Lao travel south was very successful. During the days it was reported, our port city's stock index rose significantly. This was the largest increase since the financial crisis," Lin Muqing said.

"Of course, Muqing, you must have made a considerable profit," Zhou Ming asked.

"Naturally. If you provide me with such valuable information, and I don't maximize the benefits, I would be letting you down and betraying the trust you placed in me to handle things in the port city," Lin Muqing replied with a smile.

Zhou Ming shook his head gently, "Muqing, you are the leader of the company here in the port city."

Lin Muqing stubbornly replied, "No, I've always said that since you left, I'm just managing your business here. Once you return, it's all yours."

"What if I don't want it or I don't have time to manage it?" Zhou Ming asked deliberately.

"Then I'll just keep working for you, as long as you don't cut my salary," Lin Muqing said with a hint of resignation.

Amin, listening to their conversation, was bewildered by the claim that Lin Muqing was still working for Zhou Ming. She knew the significance of the investment company in the port city, but Lin Muqing insisted on saying she was merely assisting Zhou Ming. The situation seemed absurd.

As Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing's conversation continued, Amin was at a loss. The Lincoln arrived at the Victoria Hotel, where Lin Muqing had already arranged a prime sea-view room for Zhou Ming.

After moving the luggage into the room, ** volunteered to take a walk, a common practice for bodyguards. Amin followed suit, and Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing watched them leave with a sense of resignation.

Despite the awkwardness caused by Lin Muqing's strange comment in the car, both Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing were mature enough to handle it. Zhou Ming, being reborn, was used to handling such situations, and Lin Muqing, having experienced much, was no longer fazed by it. They were now at ease with each other.

Zhou Ming glanced out the window and asked Lin Muqing, "Is this the same room we stayed in before in the port city?"

Lin Muqing nodded, "I've kept your room here all this time."

Though it was a simple statement, the sentiment and longing behind Lin Muqing's words were clear. Zhou Ming extended his arms and embraced Lin Muqing gently, saying softly, "I'm sorry, Muqing, for not coming for so long."

Lin Muqing shook her head lightly, "I'm not upset. I know it's tough for you in the mainland, much harder than here. I was just worried you wouldn't have a place to stay when you arrived."

The sentiment, though simple, was heartwarming to Zhou Ming.

By six in the evening, Lin Muqing helped Zhou Ming with his clothes. Watching Lin Muqing kneel to adjust his pants, Zhou Ming remarked, "Muqing, you used to help me with my pants like this."

Lin Muqing looked up with a smile, "I remember. It was when you first visited the fund company. You were not only disobedient but also always causing trouble."

"But it was uncomfortable," Zhou Ming protested.

Lin Muqing ignored his complaint and continued, "But now it's different. You are a significant figure, valued by the highest leaders of the country."

"So what? You're still the one who knows best how to help me with my pants," Zhou Ming said.

Lin Muqing gave him a half-hearted look. Zhou Ming added, "Muqing, enough about my attire. What about you? You, as a beautiful chairwoman, must also attend the banquet, right?"

"I've already prepared. This evening dress is for the banquet, and there's a shawl in the car. I'll just put it on," Lin Muqing replied.

Zhou Ming realized Lin Muqing had been planning to spend more time with him, even if it was just during the outfit change. He sincerely thanked her.