Jiang Qinian looked out the car window—straight into a man's cold, hostile gaze.
In theory, seeing your boss in a passionate embrace means looking away, pretending nothing happened.
But the woman's slender back reminded him of Jiang Zhi—his gaze locked, unable to tear away.
Panic churned in his chest.
Her long black hair fell over her face, hiding her features.
The window was half-down—no matter how hard he tried, her appearance stayed a mystery.
The man held her tight, kissing her fiercely—possessiveness oozing from every move.
Seconds later, the window rolled up, cutting off his view.
The car turned, vanishing.
Jiang Qinian pressed a hand to his racing heart, face pale.
Too similar.
He almost believed it was Jiang Zhi.
But Jiang Zhi and Shang Chi—worlds apart in status.
A tycoon like Shang Chi would never want a "criminal's daughter."
Besides—Jiang Zhi forgave him! She loved him deeply—no betrayal possible!
Frustration boiled in his chest. He reached for his phone to call her—only to remember: she still had him blocked.
He clenched his fists, taking a deep breath to calm down, forcing his usual gentle demeanor.
He turned to Xiao Ran. "Xiao Ran, please call Jiang Zhi—my phone died."
Xiao Ran hesitated, then dug out a power bank. "Brother Jiang, here—charger."
Jiang Qinian: "..."
He smiled politely. "Emergency—need to reach her."
Xiao Ran recalled: Jiang Zhi blocked him.
Reluctantly, she handed over her phone.
She hoped they'd never reunite—Jiang Qinian didn't deserve her.
Jiang Qinian dialed—met with a cold "power off" message.
Xiao Ran smirked inwardly at his darkening face.
She feigned innocence. "Brother Jiang, maybe her phone died? I'll call later—she'll have charged it by then."
No better option.
Jiang Qinian returned the phone, but his mind replayed the image: Shang Chi kissing the woman, possessive, fierce.
He had to convince himself: It wasn't Jiang Zhi.
On the other side, Jiang Zhi's lips were numb from kissing—Shang Chi finally let her go.
He'd given her breath, then stolen it again—never enough.
Lying in his arms, she listened to his strong heartbeat—so close, so foreign.
One hand rested on her waist, the other traced her lips.
As her mind cleared, she shifted to create distance—his grip tightened instantly.
"Stop moving." His low, impatient voice rumbled above her.
Jiang Zhi froze, trapped in his embrace.
He showed no sign of releasing her, hand still firm on her waist.
Sensing her tension, his bony fingers gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
He looked down, tone casual. "We've kissed twice—what's there to be nervous about?"
Jiang Zhi didn't know how to answer—nervousness had no logic, just instinct.
She glanced out the window, recognizing the scenery. "Why turn back?"
Shang Chi didn't look outside, eyes fixed on her. "Wrong turn, maybe."
Jiang Zhi murmured "oh," avoiding his gaze.
He wasn't letting it go. "Answer me—look at me."
Reluctantly, her fox-like eyes met his—deep, intense, burning with hidden emotion.
Her heart jolted.
She hesitated, then admitted, "I don't know."
His brow furrowed—dissatisfaction. But he quickly masked it, returning to his usual calm.
His tightening hand on her waist betrayed him.
He wasn't as indifferent as he seemed.
His palm's warmth seeped through her clothes, sending a tingling current.
Not her first time being held, but this felt… different.
Stickier, hotter—his palm burned, a heat trickling down her spine.
Jiang Zhi noticed—grabbed his hand (still on her chin), looking down at her waist.
Blood stained his palm—bright, shocking.
She clutched his injured hand. "What happened?"
Shang Chi released her, withdrawing to the other side of the backseat.
He dismissed the injury. "Bad glass—nothing serious."
His hand was untreated—palm a bloody mess, blood dripping onto the seat.
Stains spread like dark roses—ghastly.
Jiang Zhi moved closer, frowning. "Grandpa will worry—let's get this bandaged first."
He nodded. "Fine."
The driver headed to the nearest hospital.
A nurse bandaged him, Jiang Zhi by his side.
The nurse stared—they looked like a celestial couple, more beautiful than stars.
What luck to see such beauty!
But Shang Chi's aura intimidated her—a single glance made her hands shake.
Bandaging his hand, she fumbled, wrapping the gauze loosely.
Jiang Zhi, though cold in appearance, had a gentle demeanor—easier to approach.
The nurse's forehead glistened with sweat. Jiang Zhi stepped in. "Let me."
Shang Chi didn't protest, extending his hand. "Thanks."