Are you going to fire me?

Every head turned toward the bedroom.

A woman stood in the doorway, wrapped in a silk robe, her hair tousled from sleep. Her wide, confused eyes met Lu Jinchen's before flicking to Si Han. When she spotted the blood on the corner of his lips, she gasped.

"Y-you… you…." she stammered, struggling to get the words out.

Lu Jinchen's brows knitted together. Even Gao Yiming was stunned. Who was this woman?!

Meanwhile, Si Han let out a low whistle, strolling toward the woman before slinging an arm around her shoulders. "Baby, you didn't tell me you belonged to Lu Jinchen. If I'd known, I would've loved you even harder."

The woman's cheeks tinged pink, but her gaze drifted back to Lu Jinchen. The longer she stared, the redder her face became. This man… who was he? He was too handsome—more handsome than…

Si Han clicked his tongue. "Tsk. It's always the same." He sighed dramatically. "No matter which woman it is, they can't seem to take their eyes off you."

Then, his smirk deepened as he glanced at Lu Jinchen. "But tell me, how did this one end up in my arms while cheating on you? Was it the alcohol… or did you do something to make her angry?"

Lu Jinchen didn't answer. Instead, he turned on his heel and walked out of the room, his mood inexplicably lighter than before. Gao Yiming hurried after him, heart pounding. How.... how could he have made such a mistake? He almost caused Miss Xia to be misunderstood!

Thankfully, the woman in that room wasn't her…

Back inside, Si Han stood frozen for a second, his sharp gaze following Lu Jinchen's retreating figure. Then, a slow, knowing smile spread across his face. His sharp instincts told him that the woman in his arms wasn't the one Lu Jinchen had been searching for.

Interesting.

"Who was that man?" the woman beside him asked.

Si Han turned his gaze on her, his smile teasing. "Why? Thinking of seducing him now? Was I not enough for you last night?"

The woman's blush deepened. "I was just curious..."

"Oh? Were you?" He raised an eyebrow before scooping her into his arms. She let out a startled yelp, gripping his neck as he carried her effortlessly to the bed. She gasped as he threw her down gently.

"What are you doing?" she whispered.

Si Han leaned over her, his smirk laced with wicked intent. "What do you think? I have to make you forget that handsome face. The only thing I allow you to remember is mine."

The woman gulped, her gaze flickering over his broad, bare chest before landing on the wound near his lips. "But… you're injured."

Si Han laughed, his voice low and dark. "That only makes it more fun." He gripped her chin, tilting her face up before claiming her lips in a heated kiss.

Xia Yuqing, huh?

He would have to meet the woman who could make Lu Jinchen so restless. Looks like this trip back home was going to be quite fun. 

Outside, Lu Jinchen stopped by his car and looked at Gao Yiming.

Gao Yiming's face paled. He knew that look. Before Lu Jinchen could speak, he blurted, "Jinchen, I swear I didn't know she wasn't Miss Xia! I am sorry. I should've double-checked the reports before—"

"It's fine," Lu Jinchen interrupted, a rare smile tugging at his lips.

"Re—really?" Gao Yiming blinked in disbelief.

He had made such a big mistake, yet Lu Jinchen was letting it go? This wasn't the cold and ruthless CEO he knew. Did he bring the wrong person out of that room? Where was the man who was ready to tear the whole world apart just minutes ago?

"Yes," Lu Jinchen said. "I'm just relieved that the woman in that room wasn't Xia Yuqing." And it was true. Earlier, he had been furious. But after seeing that woman, his anger had simply… vanished. In its place was something else.

Relief.

Happiness.

He wasn't sure why, but it was there.

He felt lighter. 

Gao Yiming exhaled in relief. "Thank you, Jinchen! I promise I won't make another mistake. I'll find Miss Xia this time for sure."

"Oh, I'm not worried at all." Lu Jinchen smiled. 

Gao Yiming frowned slightly. Something about that smile unsettled him. "Jinchen…?"

Lu Jinchen stepped closer, patting his shoulder. "Yiming, even if you wanted to, you wouldn't be able to make this mistake again. This is your last chance. If you don't find her within the next hour… heh."

Gao Yiming swallowed. "Are… are you going to fire me?"

Lu Jinchen chuckled. "Oh, how could I lose such a capable assistant?"

For some reason, that response made Gao Yiming even more nervous. "Then… what will you do?"

Lu Jinchen's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Something worse. Something you can't even imagine."

Gao Yiming stiffened. "W-worse? What's worse than getting fired?"

Lu Jinchen's smirk widened. "I'll call my mother. I'll tell her I lied. That I never got married. That I'm gay."

Gao Yiming: "....."

"And," Lu Jinchen continued, enjoying his friend's stunned expression, "I'll tell her that the reason I turned gay… is because of you."

Gao Yiming: "........."

"Wh-what?!" he stammered.

Lu Jinchen patted him on the back, feigning sympathy. "That's right. If you don't find my wife, you will turn me gay. So now, you will have to take responsibility and deal with my mother… and your girlfriend. Okay, Yiming?"

A cold shiver ran down Gao Yiming's spine. This… this was definitely worse than getting fired. And knowing Lu Jinchen, he wasn't bluffing.

Lu Jinchen let out a low chuckle. "All the best, Yiming."

Gao Yiming glared at him. "You're the worst best friend I've ever had."

Lu Jinchen grinned. "Too late. You're stuck with me. And for your information, I'm the only best friend you've ever had."

Gao Yiming pouted. Unfortunately, that was true.

Just as he was about to argue, his phone buzzed. His heart skipped a beat. He quickly checked the message, and the moment he saw the attached photo, his eyes lit up. "Haha! Jinchen, looks like luck is on my side today! Your wish won't come true."

He turned the screen toward him. "Look, I found your Miss Xia."

Lu Jinchen narrowed his eyes at the image before stepping into the car. "Let's go."

Gao Yiming followed with a smile.