President Lin, you truly have a knack for burning bridges once you’ve crossed them. Are you aware of that?

"Of course," Yiyang lifted his handsome face, "With my good looks, getting in anywhere is never a problem."
When they arrived at the Research Department, the staff inside insisted that no one could enter without proper identification.
Yiyang was left embarrassed, his pride bruised.
Suddenly he thought, "Xiyang, why don't you ask my brother?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qi felt a prickling pain at the back of her neck. "Do you think your brother would let me in?"
Yiyang pondered for three seconds and concluded, "No."
The Research Department operated under strict confidentiality. Aside from his brother, only the staff inside were allowed access.
Even if Xiyang was someone his brother liked, he would never bend the rules.
"What do we do? You can't get in either."
Yiyang glanced at the fingerprint scanner by the wall.
He snapped his fingers.
"Xiyang," he whispered close to her ear.
Xiao Qi was a bit uneasy. "If your brother finds out, will he punish both of us?"
"…"
"You really want to retrieve your important item?"
Xiao Qi was resolute, "Yes."
Without her signal device, she couldn't return.
"Yiyang, thank you!" Xiao Qi felt a bit sentimental. "Once I get my device back, I must…"
The door opened automatically, cutting her off mid-sentence. A female employee stepped out, greeted Yiyang, "Second Young Master, what brings you here?"
"I'm just checking in. Carry on with your work."
"Oh!" The woman glanced at Xiao Qi.
Isn't that the delivery girl? How is she with the Second Young Master?
Suddenly, a sharp pain struck her back, and her vision went black.
Yiyang grabbed the woman's hand and pressed it against the fingerprint scanner.
The inner door opened.
"Xiao Qi, hurry inside."
"What about her..."
"Don't worry about it, just get your stuff."
"Okay!"
She slipped inside without alerting anyone within.
Everyone was engrossed in their work.
Xiao Qi hid behind a piece of equipment.
Her wide eyes scanned the room.
If only she could use her superpowers.
Suddenly, her fingertip brushed something. Looking down, she saw a miniature red button beneath her finger.
What was this thing?
Suddenly, an alarm blared.
Xiao Qi was so startled she nearly screamed.
"Why is the alarm sounding?" The supervisor frowned, "Xiao Liu, go check it out."
"Yes, sir!"
She was doomed—they were coming.
If she ran out, she'd be discovered instantly.
No time to hesitate—the best plan was to run.
A figure darted toward the door.
"Why has the delivery girl come in again?"
The doors were sensor-activated; anyone approaching would trigger them to open.
Seeing Xiao Qi bolt out so quickly, Yiyang was curious, "Xiyang, did you get your stuff?"
"No, hurry..."
Her words halted abruptly.
Damn it, how is he always so punctual?
This time, Xiao Qi quickly hid behind Yiyang, "Yiyang, protect me."
Yiyang was helpless, "Xiao Qi, honestly, my brother is trained in black belt. I was hoping you'd protect me, since he can't bear to punish you."
"…"
"Step forward," Yichen ordered coldly.
Xiao Qi looked up and sighed, adopting a reckless attitude, "Since you've caught me again, let's get it over with. Do what you must—I’m not afraid."
"…"
At that moment, the woman who had been knocked out rushed over, "President Lin, Second Young Master just knocked me out, he…"
"Go back to work."
"Yes, sir!"
Yichen, with his habitual gesture, grabbed Xiao Qi by the neck and strode toward his office.
This time, Xiao Qi was docile, not struggling at all, like a kitten caught by the scruff.
Yiyang rubbed his nose—he couldn’t let Xiyang face punishment alone.
He obediently followed his brother.
About a dozen people were curious.
What was the relationship between this delivery girl and President Lin? Why did it seem he was so lenient with her?
This department was strictly off-limits, yet this delivery girl kept entering, and President Lin never called the police. He seemed to tolerate her presence.
Could it be that President Lin liked her?
But it seemed impossible.
How could President Lin possibly be interested in a delivery girl?

Two anxious souls sat on the sofa, awaiting interrogation from the man before them, who seemed as intimidating as the King of Hell.
Yichen stood by his desk, tapping his long fingers against the surface.
His gaze was icy, and he said nothing.
The two grew increasingly nervous.
The calmer it seemed, the worse the storm brewing beneath.
It was best to confess proactively.
Both raised their hands at the same time.
"I have something to say," Yiyang pulled down Xiao Qi's hand and continued, "It was me who wanted to go inside. I wanted to create a technology-inspired painting, so I asked Xiao Qi to scout for inspiration."
"You wanted to scout the research lab," Yichen glanced at Yiyang, then landed his cold gaze on Xiao Qi. "You went in and brought along this muddled hanger-on. The lab is for work, not for your amusement. Do you realize how serious this could be?"
"How serious?" Xiao Qi asked weakly.
Since he called her a muddled hanger-on >_ You’re all hanger-ons!
"How dare you ask how serious?" Yichen strode over and grabbed her, but she deftly hid behind Yiyang, adopting the demeanor of a well-behaved child, "I was wrong, I won’t dare again. Please, President Lin, be lenient."
"…"
Yiyang played along with her childlike act, "Brother, we were wrong, and we won’t do it again. As they say, to correct one’s mistakes is a great virtue. Please, forgive us just this once!"
"You’ve done this twice," Yichen was still furious, his eyes blazing as he glared at the person hiding behind Yiyang, "How dare you still hide? Come out here!"
"…"
Xiao Qi reluctantly poked her head out, speaking in mournful tones, "President Lin, punish me if you must, but don’t grab my neck. It’s so thin and tender, it can’t withstand your… large hands."
"…"
"This time, I’ll let it go," Yichen said quietly, "But there won’t be a next time. You may leave!"
Who was he telling to leave?
So…
Both stood up in perfect synchrony, but Xiao Qi’s neck was seized again, "I said this time is forgiven, not last time."
Xiao Qi: "…"
"You, leave!"
"Oh!"
"Yiyang, don’t leave me alone," Xiao Qi tugged at Yiyang’s sleeve.
Yiyang looked at her helplessly, "Hang in there, Xiao Qi."
"…"
Only two remained in the office.
Xiao Qi racked her brain for a way to get out of this situation.
She looked up, seriously studying his eyes.
Yichen couldn’t make sense of her odd behavior, but he didn’t speak first.
He wondered what trick the troublemaker would try next.
After a brief silence, Xiao Qi suddenly acted as if she’d discovered a new continent, "President Lin, you look a bit haggard, probably from lack of sleep. You must be exhausted for the company’s sake. Your dedication is truly moving and admirable. The staff should learn from you, and so should I. So now, I must go back and work hard for my aunt’s shop. President Lin, bye."
"…"
Yichen was torn between laughter and frustration, but his brow relaxed. He called out to the person running toward the door, "If you leave like this, next time I catch you, I’ll kiss you until you yield."
"…"
Damn, has he fully embraced the rogue route?
Xiao Qi realized something—this President Lin, the version she’d heard was that he was a young, talented, dashing man, decisive and cool, always aloof…
Was that version just made up?!
For today—or rather, for the future—to escape his clutches, she might as well sacrifice a little charm.
Xiao Qi returned with a smile, "President Lin, I’ve read lengthy reports about you online, filled with praise and ending in accolades, calling you a rare, outstanding young talent!"
Flatter him first, then sweeten him up—she’d be safe from then on.
Yichen raised an eyebrow, "What reports?"
"…"
Damn, she’d just called him a young talent, and he had to ask for specifics.
Xiao Qi made something up, "Reports about your life experience."
"Life experience" suddenly brought to mind the scene of his mother being struck by a car in his childhood.
His gaze darkened.
But his tone remained calm, "Xiyang, why did you break into the lab?"
Xiao Qi was caught off guard by the question.
But she certainly wouldn’t answer honestly.
Even though she hadn’t retrieved her signal device, she’d seen the equipment inside.
If she told the truth, she’d likely be locked up for research.
She wasn’t really Ye Xiyang, so he definitely wouldn’t hesitate to have her studied.
Since he asked, she’d have to sidestep, "I heard there were strange things in the lab, so I was curious and wanted to see for myself. Or you could just tell me—what strange things are in your research department?"
"Aside from your peculiar brain, there’s nothing stranger than you," Yichen, out of habit, wanted to grab her neck, but she skillfully tucked it in.
"…"
She looked just like a turtle retreating into its shell.
The conversation dwindled.
Xiao Qi glanced at his expression, sensing he was still angry, and beneath that anger, perhaps some unexplained… loneliness.
Looks like she’d have to sacrifice a little more charm.
Suddenly, Xiao Qi jumped up, her cherry lips brushing his thin ones—a quick touch and gone.
"Alright, don’t be angry anymore. I have things to do. Bye."
Yichen froze, stunned for a long moment before realizing what had happened.
Did Xiyang just kiss him—on her own accord?!
His nose seemed filled with her scent.

Though he understood the meaning behind her kiss, it was her initiative.
Could this signal progress?!
Yichen summoned Fang Li, "Are there any TV dramas lately about CEO romances?"
"Huh?" Fang Li was confused, "President Lin, you…?"
"Never mind," Yichen thought watching TV dramas was childish, especially soap operas—a waste of time. "Go buy me some CEO romance novels."
He could read a whole book in one night.
Fang Li was a bit bewildered, "President Lin, are you sure you want to read that… genre?"
"What, do I need to repeat myself?"
Fang Li immediately shook his head, then suddenly thought of Ye Xiyang.
He understood at once.
Fang Li pushed his glasses, "President Lin, you already have a busy schedule. Instead of reading, I could just summarize for you."
Yichen knew that thirty-year-old Fang Li had had several relationships.
It wouldn’t hurt to listen.
He signaled him to go ahead.
Fang Li launched into his romantic expertise, "Women require time to be pursued. Even someone as wealthy, handsome, and perfect as yourself needs some tactics. For instance: buy clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetics…"
"Anything more practical?"
What he said was the same as what you’d find on Baidu.
Something practical?
Fang Li thought for a moment, then had an idea.
"President Lin, buy a big bouquet of roses for Miss Ye, then after your date, bring her back to your place, press her down on your two-meter-wide bed, look at her deeply and say, ‘Xiyang, you are destined to belong to me,’ then go all in, like a domineering hero."
"…"
What nonsense was this?
Seeing President Lin’s dark expression, Fang Li added fuel to the fire, "Don’t dismiss my advice. After work, buy her flowers and try it. Tonight, you’ll surely win Miss Ye over."
Was it reliable?
But if it would help him win Xiyang, it was worth a try.
Yichen beckoned to Fang Li.
Fang Li didn’t understand and walked over.
"Let’s rehearse first."
"Huh? We…?"
"What, not willing?" Yichen’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
He didn’t dare refuse.
"Alright, President Lin," Fang Li shut his eyes, "Go ahead!"
"…"
Yichen found it strange to rehearse with a man.
But he was afraid he’d mess up in front of Xiyang.
Really…
Yichen smiled wryly.
He’d never expected to be so racked with nerves because of Xiyang.
Facing Fang Li’s bespectacled face, it was nearly impossible to continue.
Yichen closed his eyes, imagining the person before him was Xiyang.
He slowly moved closer.
Fang Li felt the looming shadow getting nearer, and grew tense.
"P-President Lin, please be gentle."
"…"
His tightly shut eyes seemed to brace for death.
Suddenly, Yichen felt the whole exercise was childish.
He was acting even more childish than Xiyang.
"Go out."
"Huh?" Fang Li opened his eyes, bewildered.
Yichen gave him a cold look, "I can’t bring myself to kiss you. Out."
"…"
Give advice then kick me out—President Lin, you really are adept at burning bridges.
He left, muttering under his breath.
Buy roses and arrange a date…
Yichen raised an eyebrow.

Having failed to retrieve her signal device, Xiao Qi refused to give up.
So…
After leaving the CEO’s office, she lingered downstairs.
Damn, how unfortunate could she be?
She couldn’t use her superpowers inside.
What should she do?
"Miss Ye."
Upon hearing the voice, Xiao Qi looked aside.
Fang Li, seated in the driver’s seat, smiled at her, "Miss Ye, President Lin has asked me to take you home."
Go home? She still hadn’t retrieved the signal device.