Can't afford to pay for the takeout? Stunning CEO: Then pay with your body!

In the metalworking training center, the phoenix cry that seemed to come from the ancient wilderness only echoed in Zhang Yan's mind for a moment before falling silent.

The phoenix pendant in his palm also lost all its unusual appearance, returning to its simple and warm appearance.

That striking red jadeite, shimmering with a profound light under the lamp, resembled a phoenix closing its eyes that once looked down upon all living beings, now quietly asleep.

Zhang Yan carefully placed this masterpiece, which had taken him a whole week to complete, into a velvet box that he had prepared beforehand.

After doing all this, he felt an overwhelming sense of exhaustion wash over him like a tidal wave.

……

A week passed quietly.

September 28th, Friday.

Today is an extremely special day for the upper class of Jinghai City.

It's Nie Qingcheng's birthday, the queen of the Qingcheng Group.

From early morning, the phone lines at the headquarters of Qingcheng Group were practically ringing off the hook.

Countless self-proclaimed important figures used all sorts of connections and tried every possible means to deliver a carefully prepared gift to the queen.

This is not just a congratulation, but also a statement, an attempt to curry favor, and a survival instinct to compete for sunlight and rain in the power jungle of Beijing.

Outside the CEO's office, Linda was handling everything methodically.

"Mr. Wang, we are very sorry, Mr. Nie is not receiving guests today. We appreciate your kind offer."

"Uncle Chen, yes, I know you watched President Nie grow up, but she really has a very important arrangement today. I'll pass on your painting to her, but I really can't accept it."

"Director Li, you're too kind. President Nie said he won't accept any gifts today, please understand."

Linda hung up one phone call after another, maintaining a professional smile on her face, but inside she was in turmoil.

She had been by Nie Qingcheng's side for so many years and had never seen her so "abnormal".

In previous years, although Nie Qingcheng never held extravagant birthday parties, she would at least host a small internal reception to receive congratulations from some core partners and family friends.

This year, however, she turned down all of them, leaving none behind.

Even yesterday afternoon, she informed the entire board of directors in an uncompromising tone that she would be taking a day off today.

The entire Qingcheng Group fell into an eerie silence because of this decision.

Everyone knows that there is only one person in the world who can make that workaholic queen put aside her multi-billion dollar business empire just to celebrate an ordinary birthday.

Four o'clock in the afternoon.

Nie Qingcheng closed the last document in front of her right on time. She glanced at her watch, and a hint of urgent tenderness, which she herself did not realize, appeared on her cold and beautiful face.

She stood up, picked up her trench coat from the sofa, and walked out of the office without looking back.

"President Nie..."

"After I leave, the company's internet will be cut off, and no one is allowed to work overtime. If there are any urgent matters, we'll talk about them when I get back tomorrow."

Leaving behind these words that left all the executives speechless, she disappeared into the private elevator in her high heels.

……

Genting Manor.

When Nie Qingcheng pushed open the heavy, carved wooden door, she was greeted not by the usual empty silence, but by a rich, complex, and warm aroma of food.

The aroma forcefully entered her nostrils, instantly arousing her appetite.

She took off her high heels, walked barefoot on the soft carpet, and followed the aroma, step by step, toward the kitchen.

In the kitchen, that familiar figure was wearing a SpongeBob SquarePants apron she had bought, her back to her, intently preparing the ingredients in her hands.

His movements were fluid and graceful, his knife skills were as exquisite as those of a top artist, and every chop and stir-fry was accompanied by a pleasing rhythm.

Nie Qingcheng leaned quietly against the door frame, watching his back and the afterglow of the setting sun, which cast a warm golden hue on him through the window.

Her heart, which was ruthless and hard as iron in the business world, softened completely at this moment.

She didn't make a sound to disturb them, but quietly turned around and went upstairs.

After half an hour.

As Zhang Yan carefully placed the last dish, "Boiled Cabbage in Clear Broth," on the table, a soft footstep sound came from the stairs.

He subconsciously looked up.

In that instant, he felt his breath catch in his throat.

Nie Qingcheng came down.

She changed into a wine-red backless gown; the silky satin fabric, like flowing liquid, perfectly outlined her breathtaking S-shaped curves.

The color of the dress was like the finest Burgundy red wine—noble, yet brimming with dangerous allure.

The most lethal thing was the vast expanse of unmasked white skin behind her.

From her slender neck to her delicate shoulder blades, and then to her pert lower back... every inch of her skin radiated a warm, ivory-like glow under the crystal chandelier.

She wore her hair in a loose bun, with a few stray strands playfully falling beside her ears. Her face, which always carried a hint of aloofness and coldness, now held a shy, expectant look, like that of a little girl.

She walked step by step to the dining table.

Looking at the table laden with dishes comparable to those served at a state banquet, at the red rosebud in the center of the table, at the two wine glasses already filled with red wine, and at the flickering candlelight.

Her eyes, without warning, reddened.

She has witnessed the world's most luxurious experiences, received priceless gifts, and attended countless extravagant banquets.

But never before had a scene made her feel so... at ease.

"What are you standing there for?"

Nie Qingcheng sniffed, forcibly suppressing the rising soreness, and a captivating smile bloomed on her face as she pulled out a chair for Zhang Yan.

"My personal chef, won't you sit down and join me, the birthday person, for a meal?"

Zhang Yan snapped out of his daze and sat down opposite her.

The candlelight flickered, casting long, long shadows of the two people.

"Try this."

Zhang Yan picked up a piece of Dongpo pork for her, which was braised in abalone sauce until it was soft, tender, and flavorful.

Nie Qingcheng ate in small bites, but her eyes were fixed on Zhang Yan, as if he were the most delicious dish.

"tasty."

"Try this soup again." Zhang Yan served her another bowl of clear, yet exceptionally delicious boiled cabbage soup.

"It tastes good."

Nie Qingcheng put down her spoon and suddenly grasped Zhang Yan's hand, which was resting on the table. Her fox-like eyes, which always had a hooked quality, were now misty, as if veiled by a thin fog.

"Zhang Yan".

"Um?"

"This is the happiest birthday I've had in twenty-four years." Her voice trembled with a barely perceptible, blissful tremor.

Zhang Yan took her soft hand in his palm and, without saying a word, gently stroked the back of her hand with his fingertips.

The meal was slowly finished in a warm and sweet atmosphere.

When Zhang Yan finished cleaning up the dishes and came out of the kitchen, he saw Nie Qingcheng lying on the sofa in front of the French windows, looking at the night view outside. Her graceful figure in the moonlight was like a beautiful painting.

He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and gently embraced her from behind.

"Close your eyes."

He whispered in her ear.

Nie Qingcheng obediently closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling slightly like two small fans.

She sensed that Zhang Yan took something out of his pocket.

Then, he personally placed a cool, warm object around her snow-white neck.

Zhang Yan stepped back half a step, looked at his masterpiece, and smiled with satisfaction.

The "Phoenix in Flight" pendant hung quietly between her collarbones. Its imperial green color contrasted sharply with her wine-red dress, creating a striking visual effect that was both noble and mysterious.

What's even more amazing is that the red jade, which serves as the phoenix eye, seems to sense its owner's presence and actually emits a faint, warm feeling.

"Alright, you can open your eyes now."

Nie Qingcheng slowly opened her eyes and lowered her head.

When she saw the exquisitely crafted phoenix on her chest, which seemed to possess a life of its own, she was completely stunned.

She reached out and gently touched the warm, smooth jade with her fingertips.

An indescribable feeling of peace instantly spread throughout her body.

"This...this is..."

She suddenly raised her head, her beautiful fox-like eyes fixed on Zhang Yan, her eyes filled with overwhelming shock and ecstasy.

Instead of answering directly, Zhang Yan took out the box containing scraps that he had prepared beforehand from under the sofa.

He opened the box, and inside was the piece of jadeite rough he had cut off, worth at least tens of millions.

He looked at Nie Qingcheng, a faint smile curving his lips. His voice was calm, yet it carried a tenderness that no woman could resist.

"We can't let the stones we bought for 30 million go to waste."

"So, I just made a little thing."

"Nie Qingcheng".

He stepped forward, cupped her breathtakingly beautiful face in his hands, and placed a deeply sincere kiss on her smooth forehead.

"Happy birthday."