Shen Qi's expression shifted again.
This was the second time He Yining had asked this question.
Shen Qi knew there was no avoiding it today.
She took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and finally replied, "Someone very important to me. Someone who's gone to heaven and will never come back."
Hearing this, He Yining raised an eyebrow.
Why did a flicker of delight stir in his heart when he heard that person would never return?
Was he jealous of a dead man?
Impossible.
He just couldn't accept that there was someone in this world better-looking than him.
Yes, that was all.
When He Yining didn't press further, Shen Qi inexplicably felt relieved.
She truly didn't want to mention Zhan Bo to anyone else.
He was a pain she could never forget.
A scar she never wanted to touch again.
He Yining, satisfied, shifted the topic. "We're going to City C to secretly visit an elder. Given the sensitivity of our identities, we have to keep a low profile."
Shen Qi immediately nodded to show she understood.
City H was over three thousand kilometers from City C, so driving directly wasn't an option.
Thus, they headed to a small private airport and took a private jet to City C.
It was Shen Qi's first time on a private jet.
The moment she stepped inside, the opulence nearly dazzled her eyes.
She clearly remembered that the tablecloth was a handwoven piece from a national intangible cultural heritage.
This fabric had an annual output of less than a hundred meters.
Back when Shen Yinyin got a two-meter-wide piece, she treasured it like a gem, practically wanting to patch her entire outfit to flaunt her wealth and status.
Yet here, on this plane, it was just a tablecloth.
This showed just how immense the He family's wealth and luxury were.
Shen Qi sat properly on the sofa, with no intention of currying favor with her boss.
He Yining, however, curled his lips slightly and looked up at her. "Want a drink?"
Shen Qi was about to refuse, but then she thought: if she turned down her boss's offer, would she lose the chance to reduce her debt later?
So she nodded.
Sure enough, seeing her nod, a hint of amusement flickered in He Yining's eyes.
"Xiao Chun, bring the 1990 Romanée-Conti," He Yining instructed his chief assistant standing nearby.
"Yes, President." Xiao Chun immediately went to the wine rack to fetch it.
Though Shen Qi wasn't like Shen Yinyin, who often attended banquets, she knew some basic wine appreciation.
After all, aesthetics encompassed a wide range of knowledge.
Soon, Xiao Chun returned with white gloves, carrying the million-yuan bottle of red wine.
Shen Qi couldn't help saying, "This wine is too precious..."
He Yining raised an eyebrow. "So you know a bit about wine."
Shen Qi lowered her head sheepishly. "I've only heard of it."
He Yining pushed the glass toward her. "Try it."
Shen Qi looked at him nervously. "Are you sure I can?"
He Yining smiled without a word.
Summoning her courage, Shen Qi took the glass, gently swirled it. The wine coated the glass, its aroma rich and color clear.
No wonder this wine was so expensive on the market, with prices only climbing.
Even before tasting it, its color and fragrance alone marked it as top-tier.
She took a cautious sip, and instantly, the flavor lingered on her lips, leaving a long aftertaste.
Seeing the sparkle in Shen Qi's eyes, He Yining felt, for the first time, that this wine truly tasted good.
Just then, Xiao Xia hurried over, leaned down, and whispered in He Yining's ear, "President, there's only one room left at the Hilton."
Only one room?
He Yining's gaze quickly swept over Shen Qi, his eyes narrowing slightly. He said casually to Xiao Xia, "Oh, then we'll share the room."
Xiao Xia glanced at Shen Qi instinctively but said nothing and withdrew.
Arriving in City C, Shen Qi followed He Yining off the plane with flushed cheeks.
She patted her face, inwardly regretting it.
She knew the wine was good, but she hadn't expected to get hooked after just one sip, downing the whole glass.
She absolutely had to control her cravings from now on!
Muttering to herself, Shen Qi followed the convoy to the Hilton.
Standing in the hotel room, slightly tipsy, she finally realized: What? Only one room?
Her first thought was: You've got to be kidding!
How could they stay in one room?
She couldn't possibly share a room with He Yining.
Even if she didn't mind, He Yining would never agree, right?
Before she could finish her mental preparation, He Yining spoke up. "Oh, only one room left. Well, I don't like staying at my own hotels when I'm out; I prefer the Hilton."
Shen Qi's face stiffened. "I'll check other hotels for vacancies..."
"Other hotels aren't reimbursable," He Yining cut her off. "The hotels near the Hilton are all six-star, starting at six thousand per night."
What? Six thousand? Not reimbursable?
Shen Qi's face turned grim.
Even with a monthly salary of two hundred thousand, she couldn't bear to spend that kind of money!
She needed to save for her brother's treatment!
"The room isn't small. If you don't mind, you can rough it on the sofa," He Yining said casually.
Then he added, "We have to get up very early tomorrow to visit the elder. Any delay would be troublesome. The nearest hotel is about half an hour away."
Hearing this, Shen Qi immediately backed down.
Fine, the sofa it was.
After all, sharing a room with him—from a looks perspective—she wasn't the one losing out!
She gritted her teeth and said, "President He, don't worry. I sleep lightly and won't disturb you."
"Oh, really?" He Yining curved his lips slightly, unseen by others.
Afraid he might change his mind, Shen Qi quickly grabbed her things and headed to the living room.
Watching her retreating figure, He Yining finally couldn't help but chuckle.
Shen Qi ducked into the bathroom, video-called Shen Lu for a while, and managed to calm him down.
Letting out a sigh, she felt a wave of relief.
Her brother kept everyone else out of his world, but he opened the door wide for her.
A small but worthy victory, wasn't it?
With continued effort, her brother would surely recover!