Limited-Time Attachment - Chapter 32

Song Ming’s apartment was hollow and empty. In the spacious bedroom, dominated by a palette of black, white, and gray, the duvet was tangled in a messy heap on the bed. The sound of running water drifted from the bathroom, drowning out the persistent notification pings from the phone sitting on the bedside table.

A moment later, the water stopped.

A slender hand grabbed a sweatshirt hanging to the side. As the hem of the garment brushed over clearly defined abdominal muscles, the mirror reflected Song Ming’s tall and graceful silhouette.

The notifications continued to chime. Song Ming stepped out of the bathroom in slippers.

Among the chaotic mix of messages, ranging from ambiguous flirtations to blatant flattery, was an ex-lover attempting to strike up a spark again. Song Ming simply smiled and ignored it.

It was currently 1:30 PM. Based on the timing, Zhou Jibai would have already reappeared in the Jiaxin offices.

Song Ming understood all of Zhou Jibai’s habits. Because her memory was too good, those details remained crystal clear even after two years. So, the moment Zhou Jibai uttered the word “cooperation,” Song Ming could guess she was facing trouble, even without having the latest intel on the Zhong family’s current situation.

Information regarding the Zhong family was actually easy to come by. After all, with a clan that large, any slight disturbance could be picked up through indirect inquiries.

Zhong Xingzhou paraded around Jiaxin every day, which cars he drove, his license plate numbers, and his most frequent after work haunts had all been thoroughly investigated. Song Ming had even dug up the marriage partner Zhong Zhengcheng had selected for Zhou Jibai.

Looking at the photo of the reasonably decent-looking man on her phone, Song Ming lit a cigarette and dialed her “partner’s” number.

“Hello, President Zhou. Do you have some time lately?” Song Ming teased languidly.

The other side was silent for a moment before a cold, detached voice answered: “Does President Song have business?”

“I do,” Song Ming smiled, speaking nonchalantly. “Didn’t we agree to cooperate? Why hasn’t there been a single word for so many days?”

“Aren’t you familiar with the contract signing process, President Song? What ‘words’ are you looking for?” the voice replied with complete professionalism.

Song Ming curled her lips, exhaling a cloud of smoke. “You promised me more than just funding back then.”

“…You want to see the designer?” Zhou Jibai asked.

“That’s right,” Song Ming answered casually. In truth, whether she saw the designer didn’t matter, if it wasn’t this, she would have found another excuse.

“Fine,” unexpectedly, Zhou Jibai agreed immediately. “I’ll take you this afternoon.”

Hmm? Being this easy to talk to? Song Ming tilted her head slightly. “Alright then.”

Autumn in A-City arrived quickly. Though the tail end of summer hadn’t quite slipped away yet, the evenings were already carrying a chill.

A high-chassis, oversized off-road vehicle, exuding an aura of raw aggression, was parked in the plaza. Song Ming wore a thin trench coat over her clothes and a pair of sunglasses, smoking a cigarette as she waited for Zhou Jibai.

Tall and long-legged, she stood beside the off-road vehicle without being overshadowed, instead, the car complemented the arrogant vibe she projected.

As the cigarette burned to its nub, a slender and elegant figure finally appeared in her field of vision.

Zhou Jibai was rarely seen in a deep red silk shirt. Hints of white skin peeked through the collar, and a wide belt accentuated her narrow waist, creating a stunning silhouette.

Her coat was draped over her arm, and she walked steadily in high heels, moving with an enchanting sway as she approached from a distance.

Song Ming crossed her arms and waited for Zhou Jibai to stop in front of her. Zhou Jibai tilted her head slightly to meet her gaze, her beautiful face wearing a cold, business-like expression.

Damn, I want to kiss her. I want to… Tsk. Song Ming inconspicuously rubbed her fingers together, uncrossed her arms, and turned to open the car door for Zhou Jibai. “President Zhou is very beautiful today as well.”

Hearing this, Zhou Jibai stood still and didn’t move.

Song Ming didn’t rush her. The car door remained wide open as the two stood there, locked in a silent confrontation.

“President Song is in quite a mood today,” Zhou Jibai said, looking at her. “Finding the leisure to praise an ex.”

Song Ming’s fingers tapped against the car door. Recalling the photo of the man on her phone, she swallowed the barbed words she had prepared. “President Zhou, there isn’t actually that much of a feud between us, is there? It’s just…”

“Correct,” Zhou Jibai suddenly interrupted. She took a step forward, standing face to face with Song Ming. They were so close that Song Ming only had to lower her head slightly to kiss her.

“We just slept together. What ‘feud’ could there be?”

Zhou Jibai climbed into the car and pulled the door shut behind her.

Song Ming’s hand was left hanging in empty air. She stood there, slowly clenching her palm into a fist.

Whatever. Be the bigger person. Don’t get angry.