Chapter 45: Address Him as President Shang

In the final days of the summit, those familiar with Shang Yiming began to notice that he was no longer so attentive to Liang Jinshang. Moreover, the scene at the hot spring center that night—when Liang Jinshang was carried out in his arms—had been witnessed by quite a few people. Rumors began to circulate: after having his fun with Liang Jinshang, Shang Yiming had cast her aside.

Even though the rumor painted Liang Jinshang as the victim, it was always the woman who bore the brunt of scandalous gossip. Worse still, this was only the beginning, limited to a small circle for now. Once back at the company, she knew the story would become even more outrageous.

Liang Jinshang stopped Shang Yiming in his tracks.

Upon seeing her, Shang Yiming immediately said, "Liang Jinshang, those rumors weren't spread by me."

"I'm not here to ask about that," she replied calmly. "But the words, 'Liang Jinshang has been used up, I wouldn't take her even if she were free'—those were yours, weren't they?"

Shang Yiming looked embarrassed—not just because he'd been caught, but also because the crude remark he'd drunkenly uttered was now repeated verbatim by a young woman, who showed no sign of discomfort. He had once thought she was naive and easily manipulated; clearly, he’d misjudged her.

He had blurted out those words after drinking with colleagues, his emotions running high. They had essentially reflected his true feelings at the time. But facing Liang Jinshang now, he could only apologize, "Sorry, I misspoke while drunk."

"I'm not looking for an apology," she told him uprightly. "We'll be working together in the future. I'm certain that I don't want, and will never want, any association with you. These rumors are a nuisance to me. I hope that when we return to the company, I won't hear anything further related to you."

With that, she walked away, and Shang Yiming watched her leave. It was the summit’s last day; she wore a professional suit. Though most women present were dressed similarly, her posture was graceful and upright, making her figure more alluring than the rest.

Shang Yiming recalled the feeling of holding her that day...

When he thought she was a virtuous woman, he wanted to pursue her; now, knowing she was no such thing, he only wanted to sleep with her.

...

After the summit ended, Liang Jinshang quickly returned to her routine: company, rented apartment, hospital—a triangle she traveled without deviation.

But trouble seemed to be brewing. She discovered Shang Yiming was following her.

At work, he often watched her covertly, which she could tolerate. But several times after work, she noticed him trailing her from a distance, not even bothering to hide, unconcerned if she saw.

Shang Yiming was a designer at Lehai, considered highly educated and well-paid—a member of the professional elite. Unable to fathom his behavior, she cornered him in the break room, "What exactly are you trying to do?"

Shang Yiming replied, "I'm just curious—who was the man in your room that night? I've followed you for days, but can't figure out who he is... Did he leave you?"

Liang Jinshang’s expression was taut. She considered the consequences of an intern assaulting a full-time employee, then restrained herself. "What business is it of yours?"

"If you're single now, why not give me a chance? I promise my 'hardware' won't disappoint you."

"Excuse me," a male voice interrupted coolly, "Which office is Yuan Xi's?"

The two facing off turned together and saw Shang Yucheng standing outside.

Rumors about him and Yuan Xi had been swirling lately. Shang Yiming reacted quickly, "Director Yuan is at the site, President Shang, let me take you to her office!"

Liang Jinshang lowered her head to make tea for herself. Shang Yiming ordered, "Xiao Liang, make a cup of coffee for President Shang and bring it over."

He spoke with a familiarity and entitlement, as if commanding his own woman rather than a subordinate.

Liang Jinshang looked up; Shang Yiming had already left, respectfully guiding Shang Yucheng.

She simply carried the tea she’d brewed for herself over.

Shang Yiming frowned, "I asked for coffee. Can't you even handle that?"

She saw no need to explain to him that the coffee beans he considered high-end were worthless to Shang Yucheng. Like her, Shang Yucheng disliked coffee.

Liang Jinshang was silent, but Shang Yucheng spoke, "Since she can't manage this little task, why don't you do it yourself?"

Shang Yiming hurried, "Oh, please wait!"

Liang Jinshang set the tea on the table and was about to leave, when Shang Yucheng grabbed her wrist. A few drops of hot tea splashed onto her skin.

He gestured toward her cup, "So eager to let everyone know how familiar you are with me?"

"Coffee takes time; tea is ready," she replied, looking only at the red marks on her wrist. "I just didn't want to neglect an honored guest."

Since their separation that night in the small town, they hadn't been alone together.

But Liang Jinshang had seen Shang Yucheng more than once outside the company—driving different cars.

The person he picked up was always the same.

Yuan Xi.

Yuan Xi was already a legendary figure within Lehai—smart and beautiful. Her ambiguous relationship with Shang Yucheng lately had made her even more of a focus wherever she went.

Although Shang Yucheng's engagement to Gong Xueyuan had not been called off, those who knew guessed he was delaying only to extract the benefits the Gong family had ceded.

Yuan Xi was likely his next candidate for marriage.

His standards for a spouse were consistent: Si Rong, Gong Xueyuan, Yuan Xi—all strikingly beautiful, bold, and radiant women.

Their personalities weren't identical, but at least they differed greatly from Liang Jinshang.

She felt herself to be an accident in Shang Yucheng's life.

They hadn't truly dated, merely two adults colliding in a haze of hormones.

Desire was honest and emotions intense—what Shang Yucheng brought was a breathtaking impact.

As a woman, her physiology meant that a man who entered her body could easily enter her heart, making her believe she had fallen in love.

Her feelings put a filter over Shang Yucheng, mistaking his fascination for her body as love.

But filters can’t withstand repeated shattering.

Liang Jinshang set down the tea cup, intending to leave, but Shang Yucheng twisted her wrist, pinning her against the desk.

Her lower back struck the edge; worried about knocking over the tea, she lost her chance to escape, and was completely trapped by him.

She spoke in a low voice, "President Shang, Engineer Shang will be back soon."

She used to call him Yucheng, playing coy and charming—her specialty.

Later, she called him Mr. Shang, feigning reserve and intentional allure.

Now, she called him President Shang, strictly business.

Shang Yucheng’s expression didn’t change; he raised an eyebrow. "So afraid he’ll see? He claims he’s quite the catch—are you planning to take him seriously?"

He must have overheard their entire conversation.

He was mocking her for being promiscuous.

Liang Jinshang nodded, "There's no harm in trying."

"If you're planning to try him, honesty is all the more important." Shang Yucheng leaned closer, so close she had to turn her head to avoid his lips. "He’s curious about who was with you that night—why not just..."

"Knock knock knock!" came Shang Yiming’s voice. "The coffee’s ready, may I come in?"

Shang Yucheng looked at Liang Jinshang’s suddenly tense face and replied easily, "Come in."