Shen Qi stared at He Yining, enunciating each word: "President He, narcissism is a sickness—it needs treatment."
Before He Yining could react, the servants nearby silently turned away. This was the first time anyone had called their CEO narcissistic. Though, to be fair, their CEO did have the capital to be narcissistic.
He Yining's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly as he was about to speak. Shen Qi continued, "If you're worried I'm approaching you with ulterior motives, then fine. I'll write you an IOU and pay off all my debts before the end of the year. I promise I'll never appear in front of you again!"
Inwardly, Shen Qi added: Hopefully never again!
But He Yining suddenly leaned in close to Shen Qi, his fingers brushing against her collarbone as he murmured, "Is that so? But I hear you're penniless right now. What if you default on the debt and sneak away?"
With that, he lowered himself to meet her gaze directly. "You won't repay me in other ways, and you won't be my personal stylist. Why shouldn't I be suspicious? Hmm? Give me an explanation."
Shen Qi gritted her teeth, then steeled herself and lifted her head. "I'm already married! So, President He, you can rest assured!"
"Married?" He Yining was visibly taken aback by her answer, then laughed. "Interesting."
"Yes! I'm married! I'll definitely pay back what I owe you, but I also have my own freedom!" Shen Qi continued through clenched teeth. "If you don't trust me, I can leave my certification with you as collateral. If I run, I'll never work as a stylist again. Two million—no, one point five million in debt—it's a lot, but it's also not that much. I wouldn't risk my entire career over such a small amount, would I?"
He Yining straightened up immediately, his expression unreadable as he looked at Shen Qi.
He remembered clearly. Three months ago, this woman had cried hysterically in the rain, saying Zhan Bo was dead and would never come back. In her delirium, she'd kept calling Zhan Bo's name. Clearly, this Zhan Bo was the man she loved. How could a dead man get married?
He Yining twitched the corner of his mouth, too lazy to call her out on it, and turned to leave. "Fine, I'll allow you to stay for now. Oh, and remember to leave your professional credentials with the butler. You said yourself you'd pawn them to me."
Watching He Yining's retreating figure, Shen Qi was furious. He did that on purpose, didn't he? Definitely on purpose!
Shen Qi hitched a ride on the estate's supply truck as she left. He Yining stood by the third-floor window, watching her retreating figure, his narrow phoenix eyes narrowing slightly. He was a bit confused himself. He usually hated any woman's touch, yet he didn't mind her proximity—even though she seemed to be avoiding him at every turn.
Just then, his phone rang. He Yining answered casually: "Hello? Ah... yeah, I got married in my brother's place... What? Want me to have a child with her? Grandma, don't be ridiculous... Alright, I have things to do now. I'll call you back. Bye!"
Hanging up, He Yining let out a soft scoff. The Shen family, who owed the He family a huge sum of money, had sold their daughter to settle the debt. What right did they have to bear his child? Besides, he had no interest in that arrogant eldest Miss Shen. If there was one woman in the world worthy of bearing his child... it was only her.