Su Ning entered her room, letting the door close softly behind her, the faint click resonating through the quiet mansion. The earlier intensity with Qi Xiyue still lingered in her mind, and she needed a moment to calm herself.
Without hesitation, she walked into the bathroom, a space designed like a private spa, with soft ambient lights reflecting off the marble walls and the polished golden faucets glinting in the warm glow.
She pressed a button, and the grand jacuzzi began to fill with warm water, steam rising slowly in gentle tendrils. She selected her favorite bath oils: a blend of lavender, chamomile, and a hint of sandalwood, adding a few drops along with a bath bomb infused with rose essence and white jasmine.
The scent immediately filled the room, soothing her mind and body.
From her space, she retrieved a small pill bottle. Her fingers deftly unscrewed the cap, and she dropped a shimmering Qi pill into the water. It fizzled softly, releasing a faint glow that rippled across the surface.
She watched, mesmerized, as the water shimmered in response to the Qi energy spreading outward. Slowly, she removed her clothes, letting them pool on the marble floor, and stepped into the warm bath.
The water embraced her like a gentle caress, seeping over her skin, warming her from the inside out. She sighed in comfort, feeling the Qi energy flow into her veins, invigorating her senses, filling her with strength and tranquility.
She moaned softly, the sound lost amidst the gentle bubbling of the water.
Her mind drifted back to Qi Xiyue, and the memory caused her pulse to quicken, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. She almost cursed herself for the way her body reacted, the heat of her own thoughts overwhelming her calm for just a moment.
Suddenly, the system sounded.
'Ding!'
'New Mission issued'
'Task: Establish MELANIN product line in two weeks and dominate the country's cosmetics and pharmaceutical market.
Reward: Phoenix Crest Automobile Company, London Coastline.
Seraphim Thunderbike G20, fully customized with anti-gravity stabilizers and twin-hyper turbines.
700 million yuan
Level 5 Biker skill
A Heaven grade poison technique manual.
Time limits: Two weeks
Penalty for failure: Total body paralysis.'
Su Ning sat up in disbelief. "Two weeks? That's too soon, how do you expect Melanin to hit the shelves in two weeks? Even if the products were ready today, do you know how long it would take to get it registered?"
"And total body paralysis? Seriously?"
Although she couldn't see the system, she could feel it getting smug.
She wished the system had a body, she would have given it a good beating.
"Host is capable! I believe in host." the system sounded again.
She scoffed. "I can feel you gloating, no need to pretend." She replied but the corner of her lips was slightly lifted in amusement.
She had decided to bring forward the launching of Melanin closer, so with or without the system's mission, she would have done it still.
The water had cooled, and she finally rose from the jacuzzi, letting droplets trail down her skin. Wrapping herself in a soft, oversized towel, she walked into her space, arriving instantly in her bedroom.
Her closet shimmered with organization; the clothes she had bought recently had been automatically arranged, shoes paired with care, accessories lined up neatly.
She smiled faintly and selected a white ultra-soft bamboo cotton oversized tee that draped over her shoulders elegantly, paired with tailored black lounge shorts that had subtle pleats, giving her a casual yet stylish air.
A single pearl drop necklace rested lightly on her collarbone, a delicate ear stud gleamed in one ear, and a pair of fluffy white slippers completed the look. Her hair she braided casually into a loose fishtail braid that fell over one shoulder, soft tendrils framing her face.
Satisfied with her appearance, she descended the stairs gracefully, the marble floor reflecting the warm glow of the chandeliers. Her stomach rumbled, and the aroma of freshly prepared food led her directly to the dining area.
There, Xia Lin was meticulously laying out dishes across the long mahogany table. The sight of the food, rich in color and aroma, made her eyes gleam with appreciation.
"Good morning, Xia Lin," she greeted warmly.
He bowed slightly, a soft smile on his face. "Good morning, Miss Su Ning. I hope the meal meets your expectations."
She chuckled softly. "It smells amazing. Did you make all this yourself?"
"I only did what I could for everything you've done for me," he replied humbly, gesturing toward the meal. "It's the least I could do."
Su Ning smiled warmly at him, the sound of her laughter blending with the morning light. "You didn't have too but thanks."
She sat down, picking up the utensils, savoring the simple yet delicious flavors. The food was satisfying, though she knew nothing could compare to the perfection of her puppet chef.
Once they finished, she asked casually, "Where are Ah Mei and Ah Ting?"
"They're outside," Xia Lin replied, his brow furrowed slightly. "They've been sitting cross-legged for hours with their eyes closed. It's such… a strange way to rest."
Su Ning laughed quietly to herself, understanding exactly that they must have been cultivating but choosing not to correct him. She retrieved a bank card from her space and slid it across to him.
"This contains a hundred million yuan," she said softly. "Get David to change it into pounds. Use it for the production of Melanin. Also, make sure you get a villa, a car, and anything else you need to settle comfortably. Let me know if you need more."
Xia Lin blinked, stunned. He understood the gravity of the task regarding production, but the thought of using the money for himself made him hesitant. He opened his mouth to protest.
Su Ning's eyes met his. "Don't think of rejecting it. As an executive in my company, you need to look the part," she said firmly yet gently, ensuring he understood.
Emotion welled up in Xia Lin's eyes. He bowed repeatedly, his gratitude overwhelming, while Su Ning only smiled softly, nodding for him to sit.
Before delving into business, Su Ning decided it was necessary to establish the system contract with him, although she knew he was loyal, she also knew man was unpredictable, she couldn't afford any unforseen circumstances.
She instructed the system.
"System, initiate the 'Master and Subordinate' Contract now."
"Yes Host."
Immediately, the ethereal lines of energy representing the contract enveloped them. To any observer, nothing seemed to change, but she could now feel the connection strengthen, Xia Lin's loyalty and reverence deepening subtly, binding him professionally and personally to her commands.
While Xia Lin focused on something else, Su Ning discreetly produced a small bottle containing three mystical pearls from her space.
Sliding it over to him carefully, she explained, "These are powerful mystical pearls. They can enhance the body, stimulate growth, and unlock potential. They are undetectable and untraceable. I want you to integrate them into our cosmetics and pharmaceutical production. Keep it a secret. No one else can know that it exists."
Xia Lin took the bottle with cautious reverence, his eyes shining with determination. "I promise it'll be of utmost confidentiality. I'll make sure they're used properly."
Su Ning nodded approvingly. "And Melanin must be ready in two weeks. Can you manage that?"
He straightened, his gaze fierce and unwavering. "Less than two weeks. I will see to it personally."
A while later, although he looked calm on the outside, she could feel through her connection with him that he had something to say but was hesitating.
"Just say it." She said suddenly, looking at him with a small smile.
He was stunned at how she knew he had something to say. He then cautiously told her, that he wanted to bring his sister over to London, that she would be staying with him for two weeks.
She smiled. "Xia Lin, you can do whatever it is you want, you don't have to tell me."
"Really? thank you Miss Su." His face lit up with relief and gratitude. He bowed deeply, expressing his thanks before finally leaving to head to the company, his mind consumed with plans for the production.
Su Ning, now alone, settled into a plush armchair with a glass of red wine. The moment of quiet was short-lived as her phone rang. Seeing Qi Xiyue's name, she answered immediately.
"Come to the marina," his voice sounded softly over the line, calm but firm.
"The marina? Why?" She asked.
"You'll see."
Curiosity and excitement mingled in her chest as she left immediately. Outside, the luxurious white yacht gleamed under the morning sun slowly docking, the size of it almost overwhelming.
"Young lady." Two of Qi Xiyue's men stepped forward, bowing deeply as they handed her the keys and all documents to the yacht. They nodded respectfully before heading back to a sleek speedboat that cut across the water at high speed, disappearing into the distance.
Su Ning stood stunned for a moment, her fingers tightening slightly around the keys.
"Do you like it?" Qi Xiyue asked over the phone, his voice gentle.
She gasped happily, her eyes sparkling. "Yes, Xiyue. I love it. Thank you so much."
"You didn't need to say that," he replied softly, the warmth in his voice was calming, a rare lightness she cherished.
A comfortable silence stretched between them. She finally asked, "Where are you now?"
"In Egypt," he said matter-of-factly, "but I'll be back by night."
Su Ning smiled softly in understanding. "Be careful."
"Mm."
She carefully pocketed her phone as the call ended and climbed onto the yacht, letting her hands trace the smooth, polished rails.
The deck stretched far ahead, white marble flooring glinting under the sun, the cushioned lounge areas pristine, decorated with gold accents.
The interior was lavish—plush sofas, polished wood tables, ambient lighting that shifted with the time of day, a dining table capable of seating twelve, and even a private media room equipped with a curved, floor-to-ceiling screen. Every detail exuded power, wealth, and elegance.
She wandered through the yacht, marveling at the craftsmanship. The cabins were spacious, soft beds with silk sheets, floor-to-ceiling windows providing a breathtaking view of the ocean, and a personal gym filled with the latest equipment.
The kitchen gleamed with polished steel and carefully arranged utensils, while the lounge smelled faintly of sandalwood and leather.
Finally, she leaned against the deck railing, the wind brushing against her face. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the smell of saltwater mix with the subtle perfume lingering from her bath. Her mind wandered to Xiyue, thinking about how seamlessly he combined cold precision with rare warmth.
The yacht was luxurious, a gift, but in her heart, it was the reminder of his care, his attention to her, even when thousands of miles away, he still thought of her.
For a moment, she felt completely at ease. Alone on the deck, with the sun warming her face and the vast ocean stretching endlessly before her, she allowed herself a rare, soft smile.