#31: Wife (600 Pearl Bonus Chapter)

After Zhan Yan returned to the country, Zhan Tianxiong handed over the ongoing collaboration with Lin Xingzi to him. Zhan Yan had always pushed boundaries, which forced Lin Xingzi to work overtime every day under immense pressure. In certain situations, she still had to put on a polite smile and address him as “President Zhan.”

With old grievances and new frustrations combined, just seeing his face irritated Lin Xingzi. “You better leave before I call the police.”

“Tsk,” Zhan Yan smirked lazily. “Lin Xingzi, is this how you treat your business partner?”

Lin Xingzi remained expressionless. “I’ve already said it—business matters can be discussed. The company has designated personnel available 24/7 to negotiate with you. Unless it’s contract signing, don’t come to me for anything else.”

“I’ve also said—I’ll only talk to you,” he replied in that same laid-back tone, taking advantage of his height to glance down her bathrobe neckline. “Were you showering just now?”

Lin Xingzi couldn’t overpower him physically, nor could she outdo him in shamelessness. With a cold face, she walked to the sofa, picked up her phone, and dialed a number.

“Dad.”

“Oh, Jiang Jiang? I’m discussing something with Jiang Yan. Is there something you need?”

“...”

“No worries then,” Lin Xingzi grabbed a handful of her hair. “I just missed Dad. Well… Dad’s busy, so bye!”

Meanwhile, Zhan Yan, who acted like he owned the place, had already circled the living room. Turning around, he met Lin Xingzi’s icy glare and instantly grinned. “Don’t be mad, I was just teasing. What kind of work would I discuss with you at this hour? I’ve moved in across from you. Old Qian forgot to ask for the door lock password, and I can’t get in. The previous owner is abroad and unreachable for now. I can’t just wait outside forever. We’ve been friends for twenty years—you offering me a glass of water isn’t too much, is it?”

Lin Xingzi thought she misheard. “You... live across from me?!”

“I can’t possibly stay at home, and my previous places were all temporary,” he explained. “This neighborhood is quiet, and the feng shui is good, so I bought a place here.”

Many celebrities lived in this community, and its security and privacy protection were top-notch.

“You lie without even thinking,” Lin Xingzi sneered, pointing at her own head. “Do you think there’s something wrong with me too?”

Zhan Yan paused for a few seconds, his peach-blossom eyes fixed on her as the corners of his mouth curled wildly upward.

“Alright, fine. I admit it—I love you. I want to clear up the misunderstanding from two years ago. It wasn’t what you saw that day.”

Back then, she had slapped him and immediately returned to the country after completing her graduation procedures.

He was young, used to being pampered, and full of arrogance. That slap left him with no mood to explain.

Looking back now, it was truly self-inflicted suffering.

Her personality wouldn’t allow her to soften.

Moreover, she never had any real feelings for him in the first place.

“We were together for only two days. How could I possibly...”

“Don’t mention those two days again! I feel so awkward I want to jump off a building. A game is just a game—it ended early. Bringing it up repeatedly is annoying. Take your hand off me, don’t touch me. And besides, you said you love me? Sorry, but there are plenty of men who love me. You’re not even on the list. Loving me is like karma—consider it a trial for your next life.”

Zhan Yan chuckled, not particularly offended, but his words carried hidden meaning. “Xingzi, have you ever wondered if that cop is after you for your money, your father’s power, or simply because of who you are?”

Lin Xingzi’s expression remained calm, utterly unruffled.

For money?

Fortunately, she had more than enough of that.

For her father’s power?

Bullshit.

For her?

Hahahaha!

“What do you care what he wants? I happen to like men who don’t love me. Someone like you, begging for insults, is truly beneath me.”

“Is that so?” Zhan Yan smiled. “Then we’re a perfect match.”

“There’s water on the dining table. Drink it and leave quickly.” Lin Xingzi went into the bedroom to change.

Rich kids cared about appearances. She assumed Zhan Yan would leave once she dried her hair, but unexpectedly, that shameless jerk made himself a cup of tea.

“This looks good. The bathrobe makes me fantasize too much.”

Lin Xingzi: I didn’t wear this for your viewing pleasure.

“Zhan Yan, it’s very late. You’re making me uncomfortable. I’m marri—”

“Beep beep —” The sound of the password lock unlocking came from the entrance.

Lin Xingzi’s heart skipped a beat. The word “married” got stuck in her throat before she could finish.

Jiang Yan stepped inside, locking eyes with Zhan Yan, who sat on the couch like the master of the house. His gaze was provocative yet apologetic as he explained, “Officer Jiang, don’t misunderstand. There’s an issue with my door lock. Xingzi is an old classmate of mine. She’s letting me stay here for a few minutes.”

“It’s fine. Fixing the password lock can be troublesome. Mr. Zhan can stay longer,” Jiang Yan responded casually, his gaze shifting to Lin Xingzi’s face. “Wife, where did I put my slippers?”