Chapter 109 - Guilt and Schemes

Chapter 109 - Guilt and Schemes

"What do you mean you are not returning?" Jing Lihua couldn't believe it.

The white cat was playing with a furball on the floor engrossed into its own world.

"I told you I couldn't find a satisfactory place to stay." Li Zhiqiang shrugged. "I'm here to handle a business scheme proposed by President Jing so it is understandable that she should be the one responsible for my stay and convenience. You wouldn't want to do an unfinished job that would leave a bad mark on your reputation." Li Zhiqiang was smart with words.

"And how are you going to find any convenience at my apartment?" Jing Lihua wouldn't lose to him.

Li Zhiqiang pretended to look around. "Your apartment looks fine. Better than all those other places we have checked so far."

"I have only one bedroom." Jing Lihua's lips curled up. Her eyes flashed with mischief. She knew what he wanted.

"We could always share—"

Jing Lihua threw a couch cushion at him. "Or you could just sleep on the couch. I'm sure it would be convenient for you. Let me grab a blanket for you." Jing Lihua picked up the white cat and walked into her bedroom while laughing. The cat looked confused and dissatisfied with being stolen away from its newfound toy.

When Jing Lihua brought him the blanket, unlike she had expected he persisted and stayed there. Jing Lihua puffed. "Are you really planning to sleep here?"

"Were you, perhaps, expecting me to give up?" Li Zhiqiang looked very comfortable on the couch and that irked Jing Lihua.

"Suits yourself." She unceremoniously threw the blanket on him and went back into her bedroom. All the lights in the apartment were turned off. She hugged the white cat and tried to fall asleep but she couldn't. It was a cold night and she knew how uncomfortable Li Zhiqiang would be outside.

"Damn it! Maybe he went back?" Thinking about that, she got up and went outside. But he was still there. Having his head on the sidearm of the couch and resting his forearm on his forehead, his breathings were even and he seemed to be asleep.

She tiptoed to him noiselessly, cautious with each step. It was late at night and they were only him and her in the apartment, not counting the white cat. It was not like the cat could do anything anyway. She definitely wouldn't want him to wake up.

"So was this your scheme from the beginning? To make me feel guilty towards you?" Jing Lihua leaned in and grabbed the blanket. She pulled it up and tried to cover it but stopped momentarily looking at him.

When her eyes fell on his face, she was mesmerized. During the day, afraid of being caught, she had never been able to get a good look at his face. But right now under the dim light, she could look at him without any fear. His beautiful features made her heart skip a beat. With his looks alone, he could drown the careers of thousands of idols and actors.

"If you continue to stare any longer, I might start thinking you have naughty things in your mind" Li Zhiqiang's lips curled up slowly.

Jing Lihua froze. "You!" She let go of the blanket and immediately wanted to take a couple of steps back and create some distance from him. But she was caught red-handed.

In the next moment, Li Zhiqiang was up and grabbed her wrist refusing to give her leeway. "Are you planning to run now. I wouldn't let you after you took advantage of me while I had my guard down."

Jing Lihua. "..." She didn't know what to do with him. She just didn't know.

While she was, unsure what to say or how to react, he tugged her, pulling her into his lap. Jing Lihua was stunned. She was very mindful of her situation. She was an alone late at night in the lap of that man, that crafty devil that was able to make her, the calm collected President Jing, lose her control. He leaned in and whispered into her ear. "I have been thinking about that night in the car."

Jing Lihua looked away. She didn't push him away or tried to get free from his embrace. She knew if she tried to get away, he wouldn't let her. She could only use other methods. "What about that night?" She acted innocent.

"We left some unfinished business." He very gently caressed her hair. His arm around her waist never showed any signs of weakening its hold. Like he had guessed her intentions to run away.

Jing Lihua smiled very sweetly. "Unfinished business?" She pouted.

"Don't do that." Li Zhiqiang warned. She had kissed him on the cheek twice. It was already enough temptation. That pout of her made him want to kiss her right then. And he didn't know that he would be able to stop if started right now.

"Why? Does that annoy you?" Jing Lihua continued the innocent act.

"You are very playful today." Li Zhiqiang laughed and pulled her closer.

Jing Lihua's breath caught in her throat. Dangerous. He was dangerous. One wrong step and it would all go into an unredeemable direction.

She glided her hand up and brought it to his face. Her fingers caressed his soft skin. Dammit! Even his skin was so soft! Why did he have to be so handsome? That was so unfair! Unfair to all the humans in the world. Even Jing Lihua was feeling slightly jealous.

She mentally slapped herself to keep her thoughts on track. She prepared her next words. "I'm just happy today. You brought me such a nice gift. Or maybe, I-I want to repay you in some way you like." Jing Lihua blushed as if being embarrassed and dropped her face low.

Li Zhiqiang was silent for a moment. His hold over her waist loosened a bit. He grabbed her chin and made her face up, making her look into her eyes. "How are you going to repay me?" His voice was deep.

The eagerness and sincerity in his eyes almost made her feel guilty for what she was about to do next.