Chapter 2

The Siren's Stratagem

After the signing, Gong You Qi, burdened with other matters, bade her wait outside, promising a ride home once the gathering concluded. Yu Xi, of course, entertained no illusions of his sudden benevolence; she merely assumed he wished to gauge her temperament on their first official 'assignment.'

She set up her ambush by the entrance, patiently awaiting the arrival of the woman who was truly meant to sign the contract. Declaring herself Gong You Qi's fiancée – a bold stroke, she thought – she first startled the unfortunate soul, then employed a blend of sweet persuasion and veiled threats, offering a generous sum for the woman's inconvenience. The woman, content with her compensation and eager to avoid trouble, was more than happy to seek a new employer. Yu Xi winced internally as she parted with a substantial chunk of her savings, but shrewdly calculated that she'd reclaim it all, and then some, from him in due course.

The remaining time was spent in a quiet corner, sipping a few sips of wine and admiring several handsome gentlemen. Then, Gong You Qi's call came; he was waiting at the entrance.

The car stopped precisely before the gates of Xin Yue. He cast a glance at the old-established dance hall. "Do you live here?" he inquired, a hint of something unreadable in his tone.

Yu Xi nodded pitifully. "I don't have a proper education, you see. I only found work here a few days ago, and after much pleading, the boss finally let me live in the collective dormitory with my sisters." If you're so rich, why don't you buy me a house? she silently challenged him.

Indeed, the birthday girl was invincible. "Move out tomorrow. I'll send someone to pick you up and take you to your new residence."

"Oh, really?" She clutched his arm in her excitement, then, seeing his faint frown of displeasure, sheepishly released him. She pouted, complaining, "Young Master Gong, are you looking for a mistress or a maid? Can't I even touch you?" Could he really be... BL? Then what's the point of playing? she thought, a fleeting concern crossing her mind.

He remained silent for a few seconds, evading the question. He pulled out an exquisitely crafted business card and handed it to her. "Report to the company tomorrow."

She took the seemingly gilded card; it bore his distinguished title: Vice Director. MJ Company? She vaguely recalled it was a large manufacturer of mechanical parts. Chief Gong dealt in the underworld, Young Master Gong in business. The Gong family truly had their fingers in both black and white pies.

"I can't do anything," she stated, believing it best to clarify beforehand.

He looked knowing. "You'll be in the Public Relations Department. There won't be much to do, just ensure you're available whenever I call."

Oh, so he wanted her to be a brainless vase. Her eyes gleamed with delight. "So, the company will pay me a salary too?" Double pay! Why ever not?

"Mm," he grunted, a flicker of disdain for her avarice flashing in his eyes.

She pretended not to notice, cheerfully promising, "I'll definitely be there on time tomorrow!" She cast one last, lingering glance at the handsome man before stepping out of the car. Watching him drive away without a second's delay, a smile still bloomed on her lips. No hurry, the game has only just begun.

The next day, she slept until the sun was high in the sky, then groggily stumbled next door, shaking the still-sleeping Yu Chen, who was deep in a drunken slumber from the night before. She yelled "Happy Birthday!" into his ear before slowly heading to wash up.

She and Yu Chen were twins. Her mother had given birth to her in the early evening, then labored for another five-plus hours before her brother emerged, just after midnight, technically the next day. Yu Chen, in protest of being younger than her, had disliked celebrating his birthday since childhood. So, later on, only she had a birthday celebration, but Yu Chen was always there, as if they had been born on the same day.

Last night, she'd pumped Auntie Xin for information about Gong You Kai. Auntie Xin had been quite surprised to hear Chief Gong had taken an interest in Chu Chu, remarking that while Chief Gong frequently changed women, he had never made such a public declaration of claiming someone as he did last night. Moreover, in terms of character, the somewhat violent yet fundamentally upright Chief Gong was definitely preferable to that lecherous Young Master Zhao.

When she asked about Young Master Gong, Auntie Xin had actually praised him as a rare scandal-free golden bachelor in the business world. Which young master from a wealthy family didn't change mistresses like clothes? Yet this Young Master Gong had only had one or two women, and those were only brought out at business functions. There was rarely any gossip about him and other women in daily life. Yu Xi couldn't help but grow curious again. Although he truly didn't seem like the BL type last night, she still planned to use the opportunity to ask.

As she left, Yu Chen, still bleary-eyed like last night, stumbled out to ask where she was going. She ruffled her twin brother's messy hair. "As of today, I'm a working woman. I don't have time to see you off for your afternoon flight, so take care of yourself. Go get some action in Australia. Consider it your birthday gift to yourself today. After 24 years, you're probably still a virgin, aren't you?"

Yu Chen's face flushed crimson, and he glared at her. "Your mouth is always running wild. And why is your makeup so ghastly, like a monster? It's hideous!" Then, recalling what she had said last night as she left, he quickly asked, "Did you... lose your virginity last night?"

Yu Xi smiled radiantly, wiggled a graceful finger, and with her heavy makeup, chirped sweetly, "Your sister has been a woman for a long time." But, she thought, following Gong You Qi these days, she couldn't lose it even if she wanted to.

Yu Chen froze. "When? With whom?" It felt like he had been by her side since childhood, didn't it? Though she was the older sister, he always felt it was his duty as the brother to protect her.

"When you didn't know, with someone you don't know." She pulled open the back door and stepped out, then turned back to blow a flying kiss. "Little housekeeper, I'm all grown up now, you don't need to worry about me. Don't forget to take my temporary leave of absence application. Have a smooth flight this afternoon."

By the time she sauntered into MJ Company, she was nearly two hours late. Since it wasn't Young Master Gong himself who had called her, and she was already late, she might as well take her time.

The receptionist blocked her, asking whom she sought. Yu Xi pulled out the business card. Before she could speak, the receptionist, after a strange glance or two, told her she could go directly up to the twelfth floor, to the Human Resources Department, to report. So this business card doubles as a pass, she thought. She tucked it away, then gratuitously offered the receptionist a seductive smile, satisfied to see the girl shiver slightly, before turning and stepping into the elevator. Perhaps her makeup really was a bit exaggerated?

After completing the procedures and arriving at the PR Department, she had expected to see many foxy women similarly made up. However, after the supervisor introduced them, she discovered that PR ladies nowadays preferred to portray themselves as innocent little 'Dragon Girls.' Each was subtly made up, impeccably perfect. Alright, she admitted, this time, she'd miscalculated. Her bold red attire made her look like a gaudy turkey among a flock of elegant swans. After exchanging pleasantries, she couldn't be bothered to stir up trouble, idly flipping through company documents, content to be a quiet, harmless parasite.

The internal line beside her rang. It was Gong You Qi himself. He offered a perfunctory inquiry about her well-being, then cut straight to the chase. He had a business meeting in the afternoon that required a female companion and told her to prepare herself.

Sitting beside him again, Yu Xi turned her head to scrutinize him. In the daylight, it was even clearer: he truly was exceptionally handsome. Unlike the striking, rugged handsomeness of Chief Gong that had impressed her last night, his beauty was exquisitely refined – masculine without being bulky, handsome without appearing delicate.

"Drooling." He suddenly blurted out.

"Huh?" She instinctively wiped her mouth... Damn him!

Gong You Qi shot her a glance. "The client we're meeting later is a big one from Hong Kong. Don't lose your composure," he warned, fearing her constant infatuation would embarrass him in front of the client. He also disliked being stared at like a display animal. He couldn't help but wonder where his elder brother found this woman; being greedy was fine, but being too infatuated was unbearable.

"Well, whose fault is it that you're so handsome!" She straightened up, sitting properly now, clad in a navy-blue gown sent by his people. Young Master Gong had good taste; the dress fit her well and looked appropriate.

Seeing him begin to look displeased again, she chuckled softly. "Young Master Gong, don't worry. I am very dedicated to my work; I won't disappoint you."

He cast another glance at her, his cold eyes holding unconcealed mockery. On her very first day of work this morning, she had been 'dedicated' enough to be over two hours late. Her standards were truly questionable.

Gong You Qi hadn't expected today's business negotiations to proceed so smoothly. Most of the credit, he had to admit, belonged to the woman's charming tactics. He knew the client had requested a female companion, and the choice of a hot spring resort for the meeting location clearly implied an informal negotiation. The moment the client saw Yu Xi's seductive charm, his eyes held a three-point smile. And the woman's ability to read people was truly impressive; she immediately sat by the client's side, engaging in the usual frivolous banter of courtesans, but the client was clearly enchanted. He offered little opposition to the terms Gong You Qi proposed, discussed only a few minor issues, and then, swayed by the 'enchantress's' whispers, was completely mesmerized, signing the contract in a daze.

The moment Yu Xi saw the client sign, she played hard to get for a few moments before escaping the harassment and returning to Gong You Qi's side. Fortunately, he had also called in a few other excellent PR ladies, so the client didn't pursue Yu Xi any further. Still, he found himself looking at her with slightly new eyes.

Yu Xi was quite pleased with her performance as well. Although it seemed the bald old man had taken liberties with her, she had subtly evaded his 'wolf's claws' every time. Most of this skill she had learned from Auntie Xin; it truly proved useful.

She draped an arm over Gong You Qi's shoulder, asking softly, "How was it? Did I disappoint you?"

He looked at her with approval, replying in a low voice, "Indeed, a professional socialite."

"Then do you think I'm clever? How will you reward me?"

Gong You Qi quickly caught her hand just as it was about to slip into his collar, pulling sharply, causing her to fall onto him. To onlookers, it appeared infinitely intimate, but she felt a sharp pain in her wrist. She lay in his arms, her eyes locked with his cold ones.

"You merely need to play your role as a vase. I can reward you with money, but don't be so foolish as to try and seduce me. Otherwise, you'll gain nothing." He leaned down, seemingly to kiss her face, but instead whispered a cold warning.

For a moment, Yu Xi found his gaze almost terrifying. Then, she slowly smiled again, looking at him with eyes as soft as silk. "Young Master Gong," she cooed, "I'm scared now. I'll definitely stick to my duties from now on and won't dare to take liberties with you."

His expression softened too. He helped her sit upright, then, feigning intimacy, twirled a strand of her hair, praising her. "Where did you learn those tactics just now?"

"Are you talking about my vase skills?" She leaned in cooperatively. "I can't do anything else, so I'm only suited to be a brainless vase with a big chest. This skill is innate."

"It seems I'll have to make the most of your assets from now on," he said, a shrewd, profit-minded smile playing in his eyes.

"You're so mean! I thought I was coming to be your mistress, but now you've used me as a business tool."

He raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it all the same? Your wallet will grow fatter and fatter."

Yu Xi smiled charmingly. "It's a win-win for us, isn't it?"

But in her heart, she was already secretly planning how to make the game even more enjoyable. Did he only want her to be a vase? Fine. She, this utterly useless vase, would have to become even more diligent from now on.

After the business deal was sealed, Gong You Qi immediately dispatched a driver to take her back for her move. She thanked him cheerfully. "Won't you come over tonight?" A rhetorical question, of course; she knew perfectly well he wouldn't.

He considered her words briefly, then said with a poker face, "You'll receive your deserved reward tomorrow." He assumed she was merely reminding him not to forget her hard work today and that a gift was due.

Yu Xi knew he'd misunderstood, but offered no explanation. She got into the car and blew another seductive kiss. "Then I'll look forward to it immensely." No reason to refuse something free.

On the way, she tried Chu Chu's number again, but it was still unreachable. A hint of worry crept in. Back at Xin Yue, she casually packed a few clothes and explained the situation to Auntie Xin.

Xin Yue smiled faintly. "Chu Chu has already called. She said she's with the You Gang these past few days and told you not to worry, and definitely not to impulsively go looking for her." Seeing Yu Xi packing, she added, "You really picked a good choice. Little Chen also told me to supervise you, so you don't get too careless."

"I'm just curious why this Young Master Gong would propose such a contract," she said, holding Auntie Xin's hand. "I'll keep a good grasp on this game, Auntie Xin, and know when to stop."

"Still, be careful. There are always times when things are beyond your control. Playing games with emotions, you might accidentally hurt your own heart."

She nodded obediently, smiling. Hurt? Probably not, she thought; she seemed to be born immune to love. Heartbreak? If there was no heart to begin with, how could it be broken? She had long observed the mundane world with a cold eye, resolving that in this life, she would never change for anyone, but live freely and for herself.

"I'll still come for a cameo at next weekend's dance," she said, hugging Xin Yue, a hint of reluctance in her embrace. "Auntie Xin, when you're tired, retire. Uncle Liang has been waiting for you all this time."

Xin Yue smoothed her messy hair, her eyes placid. "This life, I fear, he'll have to wait in vain."

Yu Xi's bright eyes showed a flicker of sadness. "You both see things too clearly, that's why you miss out."

These past few days, she had uncharacteristically woken early, purely to express her gratitude for Young Master Gong's generous patronage by arriving at work on time.

Gong You Qi had arranged for her to move into a single-room apartment in a high-end residential area – a lavish one-bedroom, one-living-room unit. Yu Xi fiddled with the rhinestone necklace on her dressing table, a faint smile on her lips, though her eyes held a glint of mockery. That was her reward from their last business negotiation. At the time, her eyes had sparkled, and she had stroked it covetously, even pouting for him to personally put it on her. Gong You Qi, in a good mood then, had served her himself, even lifting her chin to offer a compliment.

Upon returning, she had hung the necklace on her dressing table as an ornament. To ensure Young Master Gong wasn't displeased should he ever visit on a whim, the interior décor maintained its flamboyant and theatrical style.

She was quite content with her current status and job. Even if Young Master Gong wasn't available to summon her frequently, the large company provided ample distraction. She had no immediate plans to cause trouble, content for now to be an idle, harmless vase.

The PR department boasted over ten beauties, each with her own unique charm. Yu Xi was only considered upper-mid tier in looks, but because of her striking attire on her first day, her reputation had already spread. Entering the elevator, she still drew many glances from colleagues. She offered them a friendly, humble smile. From the second day onwards, her attire normalized, though she maintained her slightly heavier makeup, retaining her seductive style.

Occasionally, she'd overhear staff discussing her in the restroom, saying she'd gotten in by relying on the Vice Director, speculating about her relationship with Young Master Gong. They'd also comment on her perpetual heavy makeup, surmising it was due to insecurity about her true face without it, unwilling to show it. She merely quirked her lips, too lazy to bother with such gossip.

Entering the PR department, she settled at her desk, elegantly filing her nails to pass the time. The PR department only had actual work during social engagements; otherwise, they were a group of idle loafers. But once a job came in, they had to work hard, basically ensuring the clients were satisfied. As for the specific methods, they varied by person, and everyone understood the unspoken rules.

The women seemed slightly envious that she, a newcomer, had been chosen by Young Master Gong to attend a contract signing. After a few days together, though no direct conflicts had arisen, they all remained cool and distant. She had no intention of deliberately trying to win anyone over, choosing instead to ignore them, and they mostly coexisted peacefully.

Yu Xi was idly flipping through a fashion magazine when a pair of exquisite three-inch heels stopped before her. "I hear you've been chosen to attend the Ge Group's banquet with the Vice Director tomorrow?"

The voice was sweet and delicate, unfortunately, the tone was unfriendly. Yu Xi looked up at Tian Mi, the department's 'flower queen.' Such dazzling beauty before her, one couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.

She shrugged, answering good-naturedly, "I haven't heard anything about it myself."

"Did you not secretly charm and seduce the Vice Director to get this opportunity?"

Tian Mi's elegant brows furrowed, an accusatory expression on her face. She had already made arrangements with the Vice Director's assistant, Guo Qiang, to secure her place for tomorrow's event. Who knew she would just receive notification from Guo Qiang that the Vice Director had inexplicably chosen Yu Xi as his companion instead? This woman, in terms of looks and experience, wasn't even half of what she was. Why was she so lucky, chosen by the Vice Director twice within a week of joining? Naturally, Tian Mi felt a deep sense of injustice.

Yu Xi smiled innocently. "Is the Vice Director really so easily charmed?" Otherwise, why would I still not have even touched his handsome face?

"Someone clearly saw you leaving in the Vice Director's car after work yesterday!" the stunning beauty said, slightly angered, exposing her 'crime.'

"Ah, that was because the Vice Director said he was just passing by and couldn't bear to see my poor feet tired." To think, every little move of Gong You Qi's gets so much attention.

The other beauties also gathered around. Hearing about her attempts to seduce the Vice Director, they all looked displeased, like a flock of mother hens protecting their chicks.

"Do you dare say you didn't try to seduce the Vice Director?" Tian Mi, emboldened by the women on her side, questioned with righteous indignation.

She had tried to seduce him last night... unfortunately, she had failed again. Gong You Qi's self-control was truly extraordinary.

Yu Xi stood up, facing the crowd of ten, a faint, cold smile playing on her lips. "If you're so capable, then go seduce him yourselves. If you can't, don't come condemning others." A classic case of "if I can't have it, neither can you" mentality.

"Seductress!" a beauty beside Tian Mi snapped, immediately echoed by one or two others.

Hmph, being called a seductress means I have the charm. You want to be one, but you don't even have the chance, she thought disdainfully, coolly surveying the women surrounding her. She usually couldn't be bothered to provoke anyone. She was already so low-key, yet still found herself targeted. Continuing to be passive wasn't her style either.

Just as she was about to unleash her silver tongue to engage in a verbal duel, her eyes caught sight of Assistant Guo entering the doorway. Her eyes flashed; she changed tactics. Her body swayed back, and she collapsed into her chair, pitifully saying, "Sister Tian, why did you push me?"

Tian Mi froze for a moment. "When did I push you?!" Then, enraged, she put her hands on her hips. "What nonsense are you spouting!"

Yu Xi secretly pinched herself, allowing a slight mist to gather in her eyes, and continued her act. "Wuwu... I know everyone dislikes me, but you can't bully me like this..."

A beauty beside Tian Mi couldn't help herself. "We're bullying you? You seductress, make it clear, how exactly have we bullied you?" She pointed a delicate finger at Yu Xi, her face full of indignation.

The others chimed in. "Yeah, tell us clearly!"

"You... wuwu..." She shrank back fearfully, forcing out a tear.

The women looked at her in disgust, about to continue their argument, when a male voice from behind them stopped them. "What are you doing!"

The beauties startled, turning in unison to see Assistant Guo standing by the door, frowning disapprovingly at them. A wave of fear washed over them, and a sudden silence fell. Tian Mi bit her lip, glancing at Yu Xi, finally realizing that the 'enchantress' had already seen Assistant Guo and put on an act of being a weak, bullied victim. Just as she was about to explain, she heard Yu Xi's aggrieved sob. "Assistant Guo... I don't think I can stay here anymore, wuwu... I should just resign. Please tell the Vice Director..."

Guo Qiang coldly swept his gaze over the women, then let his eyes rest on Yu Xi. This woman is truly not simple, he thought. He was the only one in the company who knew Yu Xi had signed that 'mistress contract' with Gong You Qi, and he had been instructed by Gong You Qi to look after her. He had initially thought she was just another ornamental vase, like the other women in the PR department. But after watching this scene unfold, he realized that Young Master Gong's choice of person was indeed excellent.

"You are being very impolite. Have you forgotten the PR department's rules against internal strife?" he criticized, then turned to Yu Xi. "Miss Yu, the Vice Director wants you to come to his office."

As he led Yu Xi out, Tian Mi called out to Guo Qiang, wanting to explain the 'enchantress's' false accusations. Guo Qiang turned back, looked at the beautiful woman he admired, indicated that he understood, yet felt a bit helpless. Since she was someone Young Master Gong had chosen, he couldn't help Tian Mi anymore.

On the way, Yu Xi asked with a radiant smile, "Assistant Guo, what's tomorrow's banquet all about?"

Guo Qiang's face was stern. "The Vice Director will tell you personally later."

"Then do you think I should tell the Vice Director about being bullied just now?"

He glanced at her. "Whatever." After a few steps, he added, "If you're smart, don't gossip. The Vice Director doesn't like it."

Yu Xi kept pace with him, saying regretfully, "I think if I told him, Sister Tian might get into trouble." Did he think she hadn't noticed their special connection?

Guo Qiang indeed stopped, staring at her for a few seconds. "What do you want?" Though he could explain to Young Master Gong, this woman was no small player; who knew what trouble she might stir up next? Tian Mi was no match for her.

She smiled brilliantly. "I just have one tiny little request."

Gong You Qi sat on the sofa, legs crossed, exuding an aristocratic elegance. "What request?"

Yu Xi sidled over and sat beside him. This small privilege was one she had stubbornly fought for, and Gong You Qi raised an eyebrow, resisting the urge to push her away.

"I don't want to stay in the PR department anymore; it's a bit boring." Truthfully, boredom wasn't the main issue; it was mainly that she feared the department would never be peaceful again. Occasional scheming was a diversion, but daily squabbles with a group of shrews felt like a waste of breath.

"But aren't you useless at everything?"

"Since I can't do anything anyway, it's all the same wherever I am. Or perhaps I could just wait at home every day for your favor, how about that?" She casually surveyed the office, her gaze, of course, sweeping over Guo Qiang.

Assistant Guo indeed spoke up. "Vice Director, the secretary position has been vacant since Secretary Lin was dismissed. Perhaps Miss Yu could fill it? It would be convenient for you to give instructions later."

Gong You Qi leaned back against the sofa, gazing at Yu Xi's charming smile, the darkness in his eyes unfathomable. After a moment, he said, "Then are you interested in the position of Vice Director's Secretary?"

Yu Xi had been waiting for him to say just that. She immediately nodded. "I also think 'little secretary' suits me better."

He suddenly narrowed his eyes, the chill emanating from his gaze piercing her skin. "Do you know this position means more danger?"

She shivered involuntarily, half-confessing her true purpose. "I just want to get a little closer to Young Master Gong, that's all."

Gong You Qi gave a cold laugh. "Don't climb too fast; don't forget the terms of the contract."

"You're afraid I'll fall in love with you?" She thought for a moment, deducing he was referring to the "no falling in love with the benefactor" clause, and answered with a reassuring tone. "Don't worry, compared to feelings, I love real, solid money more."

Her move to his side was simply to add a catalyst to their game.

Gong You Qi listened to her assurance, noncommittal, and said blandly, "Move over this afternoon. As for tomorrow's banquet, Assistant Guo will give you the details."

Following Guo Qiang out, Yu Xi voiced her inner question. "What happened with that Secretary Lin?"

Guo Qiang tidied his documents, and after a moment, said, "She's your predecessor."

Predecessor... mistress? Yu Xi recalled Auntie Xin saying that Young Master Gong rarely had scandals, and the only one seemed to be with a woman named Lin. Could it be that Gong You Qi and Secretary Lin had some complicated emotional entanglement?

But then she heard Guo Qiang's explanation: "She was originally a competent mistress, but unfortunately, after being the Vice Director's secretary for three months, she eventually fell for the Vice Director and tried to use improper means to seduce him. She was dismissed."

Yu Xi lowered her eyes in thought. So, she was a cautionary tale. Was she terminated for violating the "no falling in love with the benefactor" clause? Thinking of this, she leaned closer and whispered, "Assistant Guo, please be direct. Does our Vice Director... have any unusual preferences? For instance, his sexual orientation?" Is he gay, tell me clearly! So I don't waste my precious youth.

Guo Qiang looked at her strangely, but still answered, "The Vice Director is perfectly normal. Your question is very impolite."

Heh, how else should I ask? But it's good that he's normal. I wouldn't want to play this ambiguous game only to discover he has a gentle, flowing 'daughter's heart' just like mine.

Alright, then, she thought, now let me guess properly what interesting secret lies behind Young Master Gong's special clause.