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

Lin Zheng picked her up and carried her into the storage room next to the kitchen, then gently closed the door.

The storage room was small and filled with clutter, barely big enough for two people to stand in.

Lin Xiaoyu leaned against the wall, hooked her arms around Lin Zheng's neck, and stood on tiptoe to kiss his lips.

Their lips met, their warm breaths mingling.

Lin Xiaoyu's kiss was very light and gentle, with a cautious and tentative touch.

Lin Zheng responded to her, putting one arm around her waist and slipping the other hand under her skirt.

Lin Xiaoyu trembled and let out a soft groan.

"Lin Zheng... I... I miss you so much..."

She whispered in Lin Zheng's ear, her voice trembling with tears.

Lin Zheng didn't say anything, but kissed him even harder.

Lin Xiaoyu closed her eyes, letting his hands roam over her body.

The storage room was dark, with only a sliver of light coming through the crack in the door.

The two embraced, suppressing their breaths, and touched each other carefully.

"Xiaoyu, are the vegetables chopped?"

Zhang Wanquan's voice suddenly came from the living room.

Lin Xiaoyu froze and abruptly pushed Lin Zheng away.

"Almost...almost done..."

She answered loudly, her voice tinged with panic.

"Then hurry up."

"understood."

Lin Xiaoyu breathed a sigh of relief, looking at Lin Zheng with lingering fear in her eyes.

"Get out of here quickly, don't arouse Old Zhang's suspicion."

Lin Zheng nodded, straightened his clothes, and walked out of the storage room.

In the living room, Zhang Wanquan remained the same, not even raising his head.

Lin Zheng went to the kitchen, picked up a cleaver, and continued chopping vegetables.

Lin Xiaoyu followed behind him, took a deep breath, and calmed herself down.

Neither of them spoke, but when their eyes met, they both saw the longing in each other's eyes.

Dinner was quickly prepared, consisting of four dishes and a soup, all of which looked and smelled delicious.

Lin Xiaoyu is a very good cook. Her braised pork ribs are bright red, her steamed sea bass is tender, her garlic broccoli is crisp and refreshing, and she also has a pot of old hen soup.

Zhang Wanquan sat in the main seat, Lin Zheng sat to his right, and Lin Xiaoyu sat to his left.

"Lin Zheng, try Xiaoyu's cooking. She's an absolute culinary genius," Zhang Wanquan said with a smile.

Lin Zheng picked up a piece of pork rib, took a bite, and said, "It's delicious, even better than what you get in restaurants."

"Eat more if you like it." Lin Xiaoyu picked up a piece of food for him with her chopsticks, her movements natural.

Without thinking much, Zhang Wanquan picked up his glass and said, "Come on, let's have a drink."

The three clinked glasses and each took a sip.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became lively.

Zhang Wanquan put down his chopsticks and looked at Lin Zheng: "How's the project going?"

Lin Zheng sighed: "It's not going too smoothly."

"Ma Cuihua set a trap for me. She said that if the money wasn't in place within a month, the road construction wouldn't start, and she would have to let me go."

Zhang Wanquan frowned: "A month? Isn't that making things difficult for people?"

"Yes, but I had no choice."

"If I don't agree, she can make me leave right now."

"I've agreed, there's at least one more month."

Zhang Wanquan was silent for a moment: "Ma Cuihua is a cunning person."

"She has been operating in the group for so many years and has a very deep foundation."

"Moreover, she has a good relationship with Liu Kaishan, so it won't be easy for you to turn the tables on her."

Lin Zheng nodded: "I know, so I want to start with the people around her."

Do you know her assistant, Zhou Hailong?

Zhang Wanquan thought for a moment: "I know him. That kid is smart and cautious. You want to find something on him?"

Lin Zheng nodded: "I heard he's a gambler and has a lot of gambling debts."

Zhang Wanquan glanced at him: "Since we know he has this weakness, let's make good use of it."

"What Mr. Zhang means is..."

"Let him lose even more, owe even more, and then even if you don't look for him, he'll come looking for you."

Lin Zheng's eyes lit up: "President Zhang is brilliant."

Zhang Wanquan waved his hand: "Don't flatter me. I'm just pointing you in the right direction. How you actually do it is up to you."

"and......"

"I won't get involved in this, and don't drag me into it."

Lin Zheng understood the meaning behind Zhang Wanquan's words.

Although he was somewhat disappointed, he could understand.

Zhang Wanquan was able to reach this position because of his caution.

If he rashly helps himself, and something goes wrong, he will also be implicated.

"Don't worry, Mr. Zhang, I know what to do," Lin Zheng nodded.

Lin Xiaoyu listened silently, only occasionally pouring drinks and serving food to the two of them.

She was wearing a loungewear dress with a slightly low neckline, revealing a glimpse of snow-white skin when she bent over.

Lin Zheng's gaze swept over the area, and his heart raced.

Lin Xiaoyu seemed to notice his gaze, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly. She deliberately slowed down her movements, making her collar open even wider.

Her snow-white skin shone under the light, and the edges of the black lace were faintly visible.

Lin Zheng's throat went dry, so he quickly picked up his wine glass and took a sip.

Lin Xiaoyu sat up straight, glanced at him, and looked at him with a hint of smugness in her eyes.

This woman did it on purpose.

Zhang Wanquan didn't notice the interaction between the two and continued drinking and eating by himself.

After a few drinks, Lin Zheng brought up Liu Shanhai's matter, hoping to learn some experience from Zhang Wanquan.

After listening, Zhang Wanquan didn't offer an opinion, but instead asked, "What do you plan to do?"

"Let's try diplomacy first, then force him. If he knows what's good for him, he shouldn't mess with me."

"If he doesn't know what's good for him, I have plenty of ways to deal with him."

Zhang Wanquan nodded in satisfaction and smiled, "Young man, you have guts."

"However, I must remind you to leave yourself an out in the future, so you can meet again someday."

"Don't push people too far, otherwise they'll become desperate and do something drastic, which will benefit no one."

Lin Zheng nodded: "President Zhang's advice is correct, I've kept it in mind."

The three chatted for a while longer, then Zhang Wanquan glanced at his watch and said, "It's getting late. I have a meeting tomorrow, so I'm going to rest now."

He stood up and looked at Lin Zheng: "Take your time eating. Let Xiaoyu keep you company."

"Mr. Zhang, please get some rest."

Zhang Wanquan nodded and turned to walk towards the bedroom.

Lin Xiaoyu escorted him to the bedroom door and closed the living room door behind her when she returned.

Only Lin Zheng and Lin Xiaoyu remained in the living room.

The lighting was dim, and the atmosphere was ambiguous.

Lin Xiaoyu walked over and sat down next to Lin Zheng, gently leaning against him.

"Lin Zheng, you didn't have enough fun in the kitchen just now, did you?"

Lin Zheng laughed: "Xiaoyu, how did you know?"

Lin Xiaoyu blushed: "I...I didn't get enough enjoyment either."

Lin Zheng grabbed Lin Xiaoyu's hand: "Shall we continue?"

"Did you wear this outfit today just for me? Are you trying to seduce me?"

Lin Xiaoyu blushed and patted his chest.

"Nonsense, I was wearing a loungewear dress, how was that seductive?"

"A lounge dress?"

Lin Zheng's gaze fell on her neckline. "With such a low neckline and such a short skirt, what else could it be but seduction?"

"You..." Lin Xiaoyu bit her lip, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"and......"

Lin Zheng leaned close to her ear and lowered his voice.

"Do you think I don't know what you're wearing underneath?"

Lin Xiaoyu trembled, feeling so ashamed that she wanted to disappear, and buried her head in his chest.

"You're so bad..."

Lin Zheng put his arm around her waist and gently stroked it.

"Xiaoyu, you look so beautiful tonight."

Lin Xiaoyu looked up at him, her eyes glazed over: "Really?"

"Really." Lin Zheng lowered his head and kissed her lips.

Lin Xiaoyu did not dodge, but instead responded proactively.

The two kissed, their warm breaths mingling, and an ambiguous atmosphere filled the entire living room.

Lin Xiaoyu reached her hand to Lin Zheng's waist and unbuckled his belt.

Lin Zheng gasped and grabbed her hand.

"Here? Old Zhang isn't asleep yet."

"He's in the bedroom, he won't come out."

As Lin Xiaoyu spoke, her hands continued to move, as nimbly as a snake.

Lin Zheng's mind went blank for a moment, and the last thread of his rationality snapped.

He picked up Lin Xiaoyu and placed her on the sofa, then pressed his entire body against hers.