TPLTMOE – Chapter 38

Stealthily carrying the packaged suit jacket, Ling Ran felt like a thief. Just as he pressed the elevator button, someone lightly tapped his shoulder from behind.

Startled, Ling Ran turned to see Yang Jia smiling at him: "Ling Ran, I just applied to transfer to your team. Didn't I say last time that we'd be working together soon?"

Ling Ran subtly hid the suit behind his back: "You're joining our team?"

"Yeah, you must have heard about what happened in our group this morning. Headquarters will soon announce the disciplinary action against Director Yin—his position will likely be revoked. It's unclear whether News Exclusive will even return to air. So, I requested a transfer to Focus Vision."

Ling Ran nodded understandingly: "Director Ning is great too. Everyone will welcome you to our team."

Yang Jia looked at him intently: "What about you? Do you welcome me too?"

Ling Ran replied warmly: "Of course."

Yang Jia was one of the most capable newcomers, and even in Focus Vision, his talents wouldn't go unnoticed. But Ling Ran never saw him as a rival—they were just colleagues who could coexist peacefully.

The elevator soon arrived at the 20th floor. Seeing Yang Jia showed no sign of leaving, Ling Ran hesitated, reluctant to go up.

Yang Jia stepped into the elevator first and, noticing Ling Ran still standing there, held the door open. "Aren't you coming?"

Ling Ran forced a smile: "I pressed the wrong button. I meant to go down. You go ahead."

Yang Jia, unsuspecting, nodded: "Alright, see you later."

Once the doors closed, Ling Ran quickly pressed the up button again.

This time, taking advantage of the empty elevator, he swiftly selected the top floor.

The CEO's office was on the 101st floor, at the pinnacle of the skyscraper, piercing the clouds.

When the elevator stopped, Ling Ran cautiously stepped out.

No one usually dared to disturb the hundredth floor, so the surroundings were eerily quiet. The entire perimeter was lined with 360-degree floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering a panoramic view of the misty landscape outside, as if standing in a celestial realm.

Ling Ran had just reached the office door when the secretary immediately stood up and came forward to greet him.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Ling. President Jiang's meeting is expected to wrap up in about ten minutes. You may wait inside in the meantime." The secretary smiled warmly as she took the coat from Ling Ran's hands and guided him into the office.

Ling Ran quickly said, "Actually, I'm just here to pick up my phone. If you could just tell me where it is, I'll grab it and head back down. No need to bother President Jiang."

The secretary replied, "My apologies, Mr. Ling. President Jiang didn't leave your phone with me. He only instructed that you wait inside—perhaps he intends to return it to you personally. Please don't hesitate. President Jiang has set aside about an hour for you afterward. That should be enough time, right?"

She had already pushed open the office door and turned to look at Ling Ran, awaiting his response.

Ling Ran was slightly bewildered. "An hour? I suppose... that should be enough?"

It was just a matter of returning a phone—what else was there to do? An hour was more than enough.

The secretary said nothing further. After entering the office, she opened a concealed door, hung up the suit jacket inside, and then left, but not before pouring Ling Ran a cup of hot cocoa.

Ling Ran sat on the plush, spacious sofa to wait.

The CEO's office was minimally decorated, yet every detail exuded luxury. The expansive desk was as wide as a bed, and the floor-to-ceiling windows in front of the sofa offered a sweeping view of the winding Puyu River far below.

Ling Ran stood by the window for a while, scanning the distance until he finally located the residential complex where Qin Chengyue lived. After studying the angle, he realized his earlier assumption had been wrong—from his own apartment window, there was no way he could have seen this office.

He silently memorized the sightline that led here, though he wasn't sure why. Maybe it was just something to pass the time.

Only ten minutes—why did it feel so unbearably long?

Ling Ran had just finished half his hot cocoa when he heard the secretary's voice outside.

Thinking Jiang Zhiyu had returned, he immediately hurried back to the sofa and stood obediently, turning his gaze toward the door.

But as the footsteps drew nearer, something felt off.

The secretary seemed to be raising her voice in warning. "President Sheng Yi—President Sheng Yi, you can't go in! President Jiang isn't back yet, and no one is allowed in his office without permission. If you barge in now, he'll be furious when he returns!"

"I'm also surnamed Jiang. How dare you stop me from entering my own uncle's office? There's no such rule! Besides, I have urgent business with him. After his meeting, he'll definitely see me first. If you keep blocking me, watch out—I might have you fired first!"

The secretary remained composed and unyielding. "I'm sorry, President Sheng Yi, but you likely don't have the authority to fire me. If you insist on barging in today, I will report the matter truthfully to President Jiang."

"Fine, report whatever you want."

With that, the office door was abruptly pushed open from the outside.

Jiang Shengyi scanned the spacious office, then shot a disdainful glance at the nervous secretary behind him. "There's no one inside. Why couldn't I come in?"

The secretary looked around, confirming that Ling Ran was nowhere in sight, and finally relaxed. "Because President Jiang's office contains confidential documents that outsiders aren't allowed to see. If President Sheng Yi is thinking of stealing trade secrets, you should also be aware—there are eight surveillance cameras here."

After pointing them out to Jiang Shengyi, the secretary smiled politely. "I'll inform President Jiang now that you're waiting for him in his office."

Jiang Shengyi was seething with anger. The Southeast Asia deal had already gone south, earning him a scolding from the family patriarch. Now, Jiang Zhou's project had turned into a massive mess, and several companies under the second branch were struggling with stalled projects. On top of that, he had just learned that Ling Ran had a new alpha-—one with a seemingly impressive background, yet he couldn't uncover any details about him.

While the second branch was in shambles, Jiang Zhiyu had smoothly secured the Southeast Asia partnership. The West Harbor project was in the evaluation phase, and rumors said he had even collaborated with the Shang Group on a new energy vehicle R&D project. Everything was going his way, propelling him further ahead.

How could Jiang Shengyi not burn with envy?

He plopped onto the sofa like a spoiled brat, propping his long legs on the table. His main reason for coming today was to deal with Yin Chu. After their unpleasant encounter at the hospital, he had stubbornly ignored Yin Chu, only to realize it wasn't as unbearable as he'd imagined.

Instead, what gnawed at him was the memory of Ling Ran climbing into another man's car right in front of him that afternoon.

Jiang Shengyi shifted his gaze and noticed a half-drunk cup of hot cocoa on the table.

A faint, damp lip mark lingered on the rim—whoever had been here must have left not long ago.

For some inexplicable reason, his mind suddenly fixated on the cup. Narrowing his eyes, he stared at it.

He vaguely remembered... Ling Ran really liked this kind of drink.

Ling Ran hid behind the door, not daring to breathe.

This seemed to be a hidden resting area, but it was surprisingly spacious—a large double bed draped in velvet, a thick plush rug on the floor beside it, and a bay window extension covered in the same luxurious fabric. It must be beautiful to lie there at night and gaze at the city lights.

Ling Ran didn't dare touch anything inside, as this was clearly Mr. Jiang's private lounge. The secretary had just put the suit jacket into the wardrobe, so it was likely Mr. Jiang occasionally slept here as well.

Ling Ran was relieved he had reacted quickly. If Jiang Shengyi had seen him, he would undoubtedly have made a fuss and caused trouble. Fortunately, no one else knew about the hidden door in the office, so hiding inside gave him some peace.

Less than two minutes later, it seemed someone else had entered outside. Faint voices could be heard, but the lounge's soundproofing was good, making it hard to discern clearly.

As soon as Jiang Zhiyu stepped inside, he spotted the person sitting on the sofa. His gaze flicked toward the solid wood paneling behind the desk, but he said nothing as he walked in.

Jiang Shengyi didn't stand up, immediately asking, "Uncle, do you know who in Haicheng just bought a Bugatti Divo?"

Jiang Zhiyu walked over to the sofa without a change in expression, bending slightly to pick up the cup of hot cocoa.

"Just a sports car. Why investigate?"

Jiang Shengyi abruptly straightened. "Just a sports car? That's a limited-edition Bugatti released for the centennial celebration—only five in the world! Who else in Haicheng could possibly get their hands on one?"

Jiang Zhiyu had already taken his seat behind the desk, his slender fingers lightly gripping the cup, the ceramic surface transmitting a subtle warmth.

He looked at Jiang Shengyi, his expression faintly amused. "What exactly are you asking?"

Jiang Shengyi strode to the desk. "I just want to know if you're aware of the buyer. I've got some history with them—nothing major, but I'll dig them up even if I have to turn the city upside down!"

After speaking, Jiang Shengyi suddenly dropped into the chair opposite, his gaze locked onto the languid man. "Uncle... it wasn't you who bought it, was it?"

Jiang Zhiyu lifted the cup of hot cocoa, taking a slow sip along the rim.

The rich, velvety flavor instantly filled his mouth, carrying a hint of sweet creaminess.

The enigma's brow furrowed slightly—how had that little Omega managed to drink most of this?

Jiang Shengyi, seeing his silence, grew even more restless.

No matter how dire the situation, Jiang Zhiyu always remained unflappable. Even if Jiang Shengyi were on the verge of murderous rage, if Jiang Zhiyu didn't want to speak, not a single word could be pried from him.

Jiang Shengyi called out again, "Uncle?"

Jiang Zhiyu set the cup down, his voice low. "Too sweet."

Jiang Shengyi shot to his feet. "You're avoiding the question?! Was it you or not?!"

The man across from him lifted his eyelids, his dark eyes chilling. Though he was looking up at Jiang Shengyi, it felt like a condescending gaze from above.

"Watch your tone."

Jiang Shengyi inexplicably faltered. Jiang Zhiyu's ambiguous attitude left him with too much uncertainty, but upon reflection, his own suspicions seemed laughably childish.

Impossible.

It must be that the question was so absurd Jiang Zhiyu couldn't even be bothered to answer. The fact that he hadn't thrown Jiang Shengyi out already was a courtesy.

Quickly coming to this conclusion, Jiang Shengyi sat back down.

"Forget it, pretend I didn't ask," Jiang Shengyi said. "I came to discuss Yin Chu's matter with you. Since things have already happened, we can only try to minimize the impact on Jiangzhou and the Jiang Corporation now. Have the PR department issue a public statement later, saying we'll deal severely with those responsible for the program team. For now, we'll remove Yin Chu from her director position. Whether the program resumes broadcasting will depend on public reaction after some time."

This was indeed the best solution available. The public was still being relatively rational, only attacking the News Exclusive program team and the two hosts from that day. Other programs under Jiangzhou hadn't suffered major repercussions yet. But if they delayed taking action, the situation could escalate beyond control.

Facing such public opinion, many companies might push new employees or contract workers forward as scapegoats. But this time, the public had anticipated Jiangzhou's possible moves and explicitly demanded severe punishment for the program's responsible parties. Only punishing Yin Chu would satisfy the public.

Jiang Shengyi could already imagine how Yin Chu would come crying to him again, so he decided to discuss it directly with Jiang Zhiyu. It would be best if the headquarters' PR department issued the announcement directly.

Jiang Zhiyu had no objections, only adding that Jiangzhou should immediately send representatives to visit and comfort the victims in hospital. Additionally, all medical expenses including compensation for emotional distress should be doubled and fully covered by Jiangzhou.

After Jiang Shengyi left, Jiang Zhiyu checked the time—he had already wasted half an hour.

He called his secretary in to arrange some matters.

The secretary looked surprised: "President Jiang, are you sure you didn't misspeak? Not a demotion, but... termination?"

Weren't the Yin and Jiang families on very good terms? To fire someone without prior notice seemed like excessively harsh punishment. Jiang Zhiyu countered: "Is there a problem?"

The secretary paled: "Of course, of course no problem. I'll make the arrangements immediately."

When the office was quiet again, Jiang Zhiyu stood up and opened the concealed door.

Ling Ran was sitting on the bay window, pressing his head against the glass to look down. Afraid of dirtying the pristine white velvet rug, he had folded up the edges and was sitting directly on the cold, hard stone tiles.

Hearing the door open, he froze in place before he could get up, his hands still pressed against the glass.

Jiang Zhiyu's gaze fell on that softly curved back, pausing momentarily before his eyebrows lifted slightly.

"Come down."

Ling Ran felt somewhat embarrassed, as if he'd been caught being unsophisticated. But he'd been genuinely curious about the view from up here and had just wanted to sneak a peek.

In that brief glance, he'd only seen swirling clouds and the low-rise buildings obscured by layers of mist, clustered like countless ants along the slender riverbanks.

Then he'd been caught.

Ling Ran hurried down, flustered as he bent to straighten the expensive velvet rug.

"Sorry, sorry! I didn't sit on the rug, I didn't get it dirty."

The man behind him had approached without notice, one hand pressing on his shoulder to turn him around, making him sit right on the freshly laid velvet blanket.

"It's okay to get it dirty," came the indulgent remark.

Ling Ran's eyes widened slightly as his gaze shifted sideways, landing only on the cold metallic gleam of the belt at the man's waist.

Further down were two long legs encased in tailored suit pants—Ling Ran had sat on them before and knew exactly what terrifying masculine enigma strength lay beneath.

He didn't dare look further, lowering his head as the tips of his fair ears turned faintly pink.

"I... I just came to get my phone..."

Jiang Zhiyu looked down from his height, noticing the obediently placed scent patch on that slender nape, detecting no trace of pheromones on him.

"Does your gland still hurt?"

Ling Ran's voice floated up from below: "It stopped hurting long ago."

A hand lifted his chin as Jiang Zhiyu leaned slightly forward, his gaze traveling from those eyes downward until settling on two moist, rosy lips.

"Here," murmured the man, his calloused thumb finally making contact again with those unforgettable soft lips without any barrier, "does this hurt?"

With just that gentle press, Ling Ran's eyes began shimmering with gathering moisture.

"N-no, it doesn't hurt anymore..."

After two days of rest, the swelling in his mouth had subsided—otherwise he wouldn't have been able to work.

"Hmm."

Despite the acknowledgment, Jiang Zhiyu didn't release the pressure on those lips, his thumb slowly moving to the corner as if preparing to part those pliant, warm petals.

"Your tongue," his voice dropped lower, "let me see it."

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