Please, mature women, have some self-respect. I just want a raise and a promotion.

"Manager Lin, what do you think?"

Wang Lin's voice was soft and seductive, her body almost pressed against Lin Zheng's, her warm breath spraying on his neck.

She slowly unbuttoned the second button of her shirt, her fair skin glowing alluringly under the light, the edges of the black lace peeking out from beneath the fabric.

Lin Zheng's heart raced, and his blood rushed to his head.

This woman is too clever; everything is linked together.

First, they tempted him with benefits, then they seduced him with their bodies; it was clear they wanted to drag him down with them.

But he knew in his heart that this million was a hot potato; once he took it, he would never be able to clear his name.

Seeing that he didn't move, Wang Lin became bolder, reached out and touched his chest, her fingertips gently drawing circles.

"Manager Lin, don't worry, this matter is between you, me, and heaven, and no third person will know."

"Since Mr. Li sent me to talk to you, it means he sincerely wants to cooperate with you."

"You just need to nod, and a million will be in your account immediately, I..."

As she spoke, she brought her lips close to Lin Zheng's ear and gently licked his earlobe with the tip of her tongue.

Lin Zheng trembled and suddenly grabbed her hand.

"Secretary Wang, please have some self-respect."

Wang Lin's expression changed; she hadn't expected Lin Zheng to refuse.

"Manager Lin, what's wrong...?"

"I said, this money must be paid back."

Lin Zheng pushed her away, stood up, and straightened his clothes.

"If Mr. Li doesn't want to pay, then we'll take legal action."

"As for what you just said, I'll pretend I didn't hear it."

That's all for today, goodbye.

After finishing his sentence, Lin Zheng walked out of the reception room without looking back.

Wang Lin stood there, stunned, her expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.

She hadn't expected that this young man could resist temptation.

A million plus her body—anyone else would have readily agreed.

Deng Hong and Chen Li were waiting downstairs. When they saw Lin Zheng come out, they quickly went to greet him.

"How is it?" Deng Hong asked.

"We couldn't reach an agreement, let's go."

Lin Zheng didn't say much.

In the car, Chen Li couldn't help but ask, "Are they trying to bribe you?"

Lin Zheng nodded: "One million."

Deng Hong gasped, "One million? You agreed?"

"no."

Lin Zheng lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.

"We can't take this money. If we do, we'll be on their ship and never be able to get off."

Deng Hong breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good. I was really worried that you wouldn't be able to resist the temptation."

Lin Zheng smiled but did not reply.

He almost lost control just now; Wang Lin is such a smooth talker.

That kind of elusive touch is so alluring and unbearable.

But reason told him he couldn't touch it.

Once he touched it, he would never be able to stand still in Dianhai Town again.

Meanwhile, at Tianlong Engineering Company, in the General Manager's Office.

Li Ting leaned back in the boss's chair, a cigar between his fingers, his gaze gloomy.

Wang Lin stood in front of him, head down, not daring to look him in the eye.

"He refused?" Li Ting asked.

Wang Lin nodded: "He refused. He didn't even take a million plus me."

Li Ting frowned and exhaled a puff of smoke.

"Interesting, Tenghua Group has such a tough nut to crack."

"Mr. Li, what should we do now?" Wang Lin asked.

"If he really takes legal action, we're not afraid, but it will be very troublesome."

Li Ting waved his hand: "No rush, let's see what his next move is."

"Have someone keep an eye on him, and tell me immediately if anything happens."

"Also, give Wang Jianguo a call and ask him to think of a solution as well."

"A mere brat, you think he can escape my grasp?"

Wang Lin nodded and turned to leave.

As she reached the door, Li Ting suddenly called out to her.

"What kind of person do you think Lin Zheng is?"

Wang Lin thought for a moment: "She's not easy to deal with; she's intelligent and can control herself."

Li Ting laughed: "A man who can control himself is indeed difficult to deal with."

"Continue to contact him and find an opportunity to test the waters again."

Wang Lin nodded and walked out of the office.

She returned to her seat, her mind filled with images of Lin Zheng.

This man piqued her interest.

Lin Zheng returned to the hotel, took a shower, and lay in bed tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

When I close my eyes, all I see is Wang Lin's alluring face, and the feeling of her fingertips tracing across my chest.

He lit a cigarette, forcing himself to calm down.

Now is not the time to think about these things; the most urgent task is to get that money back.

Without money, the project couldn't proceed, and he couldn't stay in Dianhai Town any longer.

But Li Ting was unyielding, and going through legal procedures was too slow; he couldn't afford to wait.

After thinking it over, Lin Zheng thought of someone.

Qiu Xiuqin.

Yang Wanshan's wife has extensive connections in Dianhai Town; perhaps she can be of help.

Lin Zheng picked up his phone and checked the time: 10 p.m.

Is it too late to make a call at this hour?

After hesitating for a moment, he dialed the number anyway.

The phone rang a few times, and Qiu Xiuqin's lazy voice came from the other end.

"Hello, who is this?"

"Sister-in-law, it's me, Lin Zheng."

"Manager Lin? It's so late, is there something you need?"

Qiu Xiuqin's voice became more clear-headed, tinged with surprise.

"Sister-in-law, there's something I'd like to ask you for help with. I was wondering if you'd have time tomorrow?"

"What is it? Tell me."

"It's not convenient to talk over the phone; I'd like to talk to you in person."

Qiu Xiuqin was silent for a few seconds: "Okay, tomorrow at noon, Wangjiang Tower, I'll treat you to lunch."

"Okay, see you tomorrow."

Lin Zheng breathed a sigh of relief after hanging up the phone.

He hoped Qiu Xiuqin could help, otherwise he really didn't know what to do.