Mr. Zhang leaned in close to my ear and said, "I'm giving you this jewelry box. Tonight, you're responsible for keeping Xiao Fei company."
I immediately jumped up, "Mr. Zhang, how can we do something like this?"
He replied, "Xiao Zhao, I know this puts you in a tough spot, but if you pull this off, I'll make sure to give you a nice bonus."
He emphasized the word "nice" like it was a magic spell.
It was clear that Mr. Zhang wanted to get rid of Xiao Fei for good.
I thought about it—Xiao Fei had been with him for nearly five years. Just like that, he wanted to cut ties?
I hesitated and said, "Mr. Zhang, I have a wife. If she finds out, it won't be good for me!"
He waved his hand dismissively. "Xiao Zhao, your thinking is so outdated. We're living in a different time now. Besides, can you really guarantee that your wife is completely loyal to you?"
Hearing that made me feel deflated, like a balloon losing air.
Mr. Zhang continued to persuade me, "Come on, Xiao Zhao, don't be so rigid. In this day and age, you have to enjoy life. Even the ancients thought that way. And look at our society now—it's all about indulgence!"
I had to admit, what he said was tempting. Plus, aside from my wife, I hadn't been with any other woman!
If I turned down this opportunity, I'd be a fool.
After thinking it over, I finally made up my mind. "Okay, Mr. Zhang, I'll do it, but just this once."
Mr. Zhang laughed, "Once is all it takes. Once I'm done with that woman, I won't forget to reward you." With that, he pushed the jewelry box closer to me.
I stared at the box, still unsure of what he meant.
"Since you're trying to win her over, you need to show some sincerity…" He didn't finish his sentence, but I understood what he was getting at.
As I walked out of Mr. Zhang's office with the jewelry box in hand, my emotions were all over the place.
Liu Jing noticed my strange expression and asked, "What did Mr. Zhang say to you?"
Women love to pry, and Liu Jing was no exception.
"Nothing much, just told me to head home early," I replied.
Mr. Zhang had always trusted my discretion, which is why I had been with him for so long.
Honestly, I didn't doubt Liu Jing's intelligence; she definitely wouldn't believe my story.
Calling me into his office just to tell me to go home? Anyone could see that wasn't the case.
But Liu Jing didn't press further, saying only, "Well, you should get going then!"
As I drove Mr. Zhang's car down the road, my mind was racing.
I've always had deep feelings for my wife, Lu Wan.
Deep down, I held onto the belief that I couldn't betray her.
In fact, I had never even thought about cheating.
But that scene in front of the bank this morning hit me hard.
The light rain blurred my vision, but that figure, that outfit—it looked so much like my wife.
I remembered how much she cherished that red cape.
Even now, I subconsciously believed I had mistaken someone else for her, that my wife was still at school teaching.
If she really did betray me, it would be a thorn in my heart that I could never remove.
Initially, I didn't want to agree to Mr. Zhang's proposal, but thinking about my wife's possible betrayal made me waver.
Besides, she wouldn't be home until late anyway. If she dared to do something wrong, why couldn't I?
Plus, Mr. Zhang's mistress, Xiao Fei, was a real stunner.
Before long, I arrived at a high-end apartment complex where Mr. Zhang had rented a place for Xiao Fei.
I was familiar with this place since I often drove Mr. Zhang here for their secret meetings.
I parked Mr. Zhang's BMW in the garage and headed upstairs.
Xiao Fei lived on the seventeenth floor, and the elevator ride was quick.
As I knocked on her door, I felt a twinge of nerves.
The door opened quickly, and Xiao Fei greeted me with a bright smile.
She was twenty-eight, and I'd heard she had put her life on hold because of Mr. Zhang.
But Xiao Fei was undeniably beautiful—round face, high nose—she made you want to kiss her just by looking at her.
When she saw me, she paused for a moment and asked, "Where's Mr. Zhang?"
I frowned, unsure of how to respond.
Xiao Fei looked like she had just come out of the shower; I could smell a luxurious fragrance from her even at a distance.
Seeing me silent, she asked again, "Where is Mr. Zhang?"
I cleared my throat and said, "Mr. Zhang had something come up, so he sent me instead…"
Before I could finish, Xiao Fei's expression soured, but she still said, "Come in and sit down."
I sat on the couch, my mind racing as I thought about the task Mr. Zhang had given me. I didn't know how to start.
Xiao Fei then asked, "Do you want some water?"
I shook my head. "No, thanks."
She stepped closer and said, "So what did Mr. Zhang want you to tell me?"
I hesitated for a moment, but finally made up my mind.
"Xiao Fei, actually, Mr. Zhang didn't send me here for that," I said, looking her in the eyes sincerely.
Now it was her turn to be surprised. "Then why are you here?"
"I… I…" I stumbled over my words, unable to find the right way to say it.
"What's going on?" Xiao Fei asked, looking even more curious.
I pulled out the jewelry box Mr. Zhang had given me and pushed it toward her. "Xiao Fei, I really like you."
As soon as I said that, I felt like slapping myself.
Xiao Fei was taken aback, clearly shocked by my sudden confession.
She never expected I'd come to confess my feelings today.
After saying that, I lowered my head, unable to meet her gaze.
"Zhao Jian, I remember Mr. Zhang mentioning you have a wife, right?" she suddenly asked.
"Not at all! Mr. Zhang must have been mistaken. You can call him and ask," I replied confidently, knowing that Mr. Zhang had sent me.
"You're twenty-eight and still not married?" Xiao Fei pressed.
I sighed exaggeratedly and said, "I haven't found the right person. I've always thought you're a perfect match, Xiao Fei. You're beautiful and have such great qualities. It's a shame you're with Mr. Zhang."
Xiao Fei didn't expect me to be so smooth. She opened the jewelry box and found a stunning platinum necklace inside.
Her face lit up with joy. "Zhao Jian, your salary isn't that high, yet you bought me such an expensive gift?"
I felt a pang in my heart as I replied, "For you, Xiao Fei, I'd spend whatever it takes."
She beamed even more. "You really know how to sweet-talk! But if you truly like me, I need to see some sincerity."
I felt a rush of excitement; I was reeling her in.
"What kind of sincerity do you want, Xiao Fei?"
My heart soared as I asked her that.
In my mind, I thought since she had been with Mr. Zhang for so long, she must be an open-minded woman. Tonight should be easy.
But then Xiao Fei suddenly stiffened, saying, "I don't think your sincerity is enough. Please leave now!"
I couldn't believe the turn of events.
Was my act not convincing enough? Did I misjudge Xiao Fei?
Before I could say anything, she had already pushed me out the door.
At that moment, I wanted to scream a thousand curses.
Defeated, I drove Mr. Zhang's car back to my cold home.
Sitting on the couch, I watched as the sky darkened outside.
Thinking about my wife possibly being in someone else's arms made me feel completely out of control.
I rushed to the closet, searching for that red cape of hers.
But as I rummaged through the closet, my heart sank when I realized she had indeed worn that red cape out today.