#22: Don’t Flirt with Me! (400 Pearl Bonus Chapter)

Lin Xingzi and Zhan Yan had known each other for about the same amount of time as Jiang Yan and Ji Qiuchi—over twenty years.

They had shared the same bed in kindergarten, been classmates through elementary, middle, and high school. Of course, this wasn’t a coincidence. Chairman Zhan was a prominent entrepreneur in Haishi, practically treated like royalty by the school board. By the time Lin Xingzi entered her first year of high school and realized her deskmate was still Zhan Yan, she had already started referring to him with the phrase “shameless jerk.”

The Zhans didn’t just bring father and son; including secretaries and assistants, there were fifteen people in total. Seating arrangements at such gatherings were always carefully planned. After exchanging greetings with everyone, Lin Xingzi was seated to the right of the host. The empty seat next to her clearly indicated who it was reserved for.

The dishes were almost all served when Zhan Yan finally arrived late.

Chairman Zhan introduced his youngest son, who had just returned from abroad, to everyone. After forcing a polite smile, Lin Xingzi retreated behind Li Yao. That shameless jerk put on an act, but when no one was looking, he flirtatiously raised an eyebrow and winked at her.

Lin Xingzi: Ugh, let me vomit first as a gesture of respect.

Ji Qiuchi acted as if she didn’t know Lin Xingzi. Unlike her previous modest housewife-like appearance, today Ji Qiuchi dressed provocatively—red lips, big curls, a deep-V floral dress. When she leaned over to pour wine for Chairman Zhan, the deep cleavage was hard to miss. Her makeup was heavy, and sitting directly across from her, Lin Xingzi noticed that when Ji Qiuchi wiped away a wine stain with a napkin, it smudged the thick concealer on her chin, revealing a bruise near the corner of her mouth. However, after a trip to the restroom to reapply her makeup, the mark was no longer visible.

“It’s a bit of a blow to one’s self-esteem,” a lazy, casual male voice whispered in her ear.

He deliberately exhaled alcohol-laden breath onto Lin Xingzi’s neck. She frowned in disgust, but he, oblivious to her irritation, leaned closer, propping himself up on his elbow. “What are you avoiding? Is that woman more attractive than me? You’ve been staring at her all night. I called your name several times, but you didn’t hear me.”

Lin Xingzi turned her gaze back, “I heard you, but I don’t want to drink with you.”

Zhan Yan set down his glass, his peach-blossom eyes twinkling mischievously. “If this deal goes through, we’ll have to see each other every day. Your attitude… do you still have feelings for me?”

Lin Xingzi: “Don’t make me slap you.”

Those 48 hours of negotiation with him were one of the greatest humiliations of her life, second only to the embarrassing incident of “fake pregnancy scam marriage” involving Jiang Yan. But if given the chance to erase a memory, she would delete Zhan Yan without hesitation.

“Come on, don’t embarrass me in front of everyone. When no one’s around, you can slap me all you want. If one face isn’t enough, I’ll even let you play with my butt.”

Lin Xingzi: Damn shameless jerk, stop flirting with me!

“Uncle, I’m going out to take a call,” Lin Xingzi said to Li Yao before calmly getting up and leaving the private room.

________________________________________

Police Station, Special Narcotics Task Force Office of the Haishi Public Security Bureau

“Uncle Zhou, why did you transfer him back to Haishi!”

“He applied many times. I really had no valid reason to stop him. Moreover, when he first started working, he was involved in investigating this case. He knows a lot about it… You understand, I couldn’t stop him. Your father passed away because of drugs, and you… Calm down! I didn’t tell him. He still doesn’t know.”

“I told you before, don’t let him become a police officer. Even if you couldn’t stop him, at least don’t let him be a narcotics officer. Uncle Zhou, you promised me.”

A knock sounded on the door. Zhou Feng was startled and quickly hung up the phone, composing himself. “Come in… Oh, Jiang Yan, it’s so late. Why haven’t you left yet?”

“I’m about to leave,” Jiang Yan replied seriously. “Master, they have a lead. Tomorrow, when the search warrant comes through, we’re going to find the witness. I’m going too.”

Zhou Feng hesitated for a moment, sipped his tea, and said, “You’ve just returned. Get familiar with the environment first. For now, don’t participate in this mission.”