Chapter Twenty-Nine: In Vain Did I Enter the Mortal World

Bai Bing’s face burned with pain. Seeing the despicable, shameless man before her, she knew she could no longer endure. Her delicate cheeks flushed crimson in an instant, the muscles twitching beneath her skin, the veins at her temples bulging. Dark clouds seemed to gather across her features, her large eyes robbed of their usual radiance, now seething with fury.

Just as she was about to erupt, Wang Zheng abruptly released her face, the hateful expression vanishing, replaced by a gentle look. Leaning back against the car door, he gazed at Bai Bing and said calmly, “Are you angry? Do you want to beat me up? Honestly, I feel the same about you. But anger isn’t a performance—I don’t reveal it every moment, that’s all. Maybe you’re outstanding, but you’re still too inexperienced in front of me.”

“If you say I’m inexperienced, then I’ll stay by your side and learn,” Bai Bing retorted, rubbing her aching cheek repeatedly.

Wang Zheng chuckled. “You’ve always been treated like a goddess in the organization. Failing a mission and returning—are you embarrassed?”

His words struck Bai Bing to the core. Embarrassment was indeed one reason, but more than that, she had never abandoned anything halfway. This was her principle.

“Clinging to pride only brings suffering.”

“Who’s clinging to pride? You’re the one obsessed with it!” Bai Bing argued loudly, stubbornness in her expression, like a bull determined to charge forward, unstoppable.

“The first time I met you, you gave me a completely different impression. I can see now—your icy arrogance was just a mask. This is the real you. Do you really want to keep living behind a mask? Wear it too long, and it becomes part of your face. Tearing it off would mean ripping flesh and bone. I’m no savior, and you’re no angel. If you were gone, there’d be countless others to take your place. China’s greatest asset is its people. Do you think without me, the organization would collapse? That bastard captain only wants me to stay to make use of my influence in Africa. And you’re just one of his tools. How pitiful—you’re being used, yet you think you’re noble. It’s time to wake up.” Wang Zheng sneered, recalling how he too had once been used as a tool.

“Are you stirring up trouble between us?” Bai Bing eyed him suspiciously.

“Trouble? I already said you’re too inexperienced. Remember my words—one day, you’ll be tired of all this.”

At that moment, Su Xue and Chu Jun emerged from the television station. Wang Zheng realized it was already five in the afternoon.

“How was it? Did that Cheng guy bother you today?” Wang Zheng asked Su Xue, setting Bai Bing’s problems aside for now. He was prepared for a prolonged entanglement and didn’t expect the other party to leave so easily. Some things must be experienced firsthand before one changes their mind—the old saying goes, one doesn’t turn back until hitting a wall.

“Ha, not today. After last night’s lesson, he’ll probably behave for a few days! Brother, you were amazing—I’m still entranced by your calm face in front of those idiots,” Su Xue replied, her delight as radiant as a blossom in spring.

“Don’t include people like that in my list of battles—I’d feel ashamed,” Wang Zheng said, not out of arrogance, but because those fools were beneath his expectations.

“But the ninety-nine roses haven’t stopped coming,” Chu Jun commented quietly.

“I gave them all to someone else. As long as I don’t see him, I’m happy!” Su Xue said, satisfied. “By the way, brother, let’s have dinner at your place tonight—I still don’t know where you live!”

“Ah? Sure, come over then.”

Su Xue had wanted to visit last night, but Bai Bing had been knocked out by Wang Zheng, and he’d deflected her to preserve his own image. Today was different. After the recent face-pinching, Bai Bing surely wouldn’t let matters rest—she would act. Yet with Su Xue and Chu Jun visiting, Bai Bing’s plans would naturally fall through.

No one knew how skilled Su Xue was in the kitchen, but she had bought heaps of groceries and boasted that Wang Zheng would crave another meal after tasting her cooking—one meal would make him want two, two would make him want three. Watching her show off, Wang Zheng doubted her claims. When Su Xue wasn’t looking, he nudged Chu Jun with his elbow and gave her a questioning look, hoping for an answer.

Chu Jun was startled, then nodded, before shaking her head, her complicated response leaving Wang Zheng dizzy. Was it delicious or not? Edible or not?

“Brother, do you live here?” As they arrived outside the Huamei Residence, Su Xue asked Wang Zheng in surprise.

“Yes, why?” Wang Zheng was puzzled. Why was she so surprised? Was this place hell?

After Wang Zheng’s reply, Su Xue squinted at him, scrutinizing his face, a mischievous smile appearing.

“Brother, from what I know, Huamei Residence is one of the most famous upscale communities in Jinghua City. Seventy percent of its residents are single, unmarried women—most are employees from the nearby commercial district and television station. They’re well-educated, cultured, competent, and it’s the city’s renowned beauty residence. I have several colleagues living here. Why did you choose this place?”

“The environment’s nice, so I bought it,” Wang Zheng replied nonchalantly, inwardly admiring the foreign developer’s skill. He hadn’t expected Su Xue to know so much about the place—a residence for beautiful women? It was true; there were plenty of beauties living here.

“By environment, you mean the beauty environment, right?” Su Xue looked at him skeptically, making Wang Zheng feel as if raiding an ant nest as a child was a grievous crime.

“For so many years in the mortal world, I’ve never brought a woman home. I’m not young anymore—it’s time to solve my personal issues,” Wang Zheng said, walking ahead.

“If you’re looking for a girlfriend, you can choose me!” Su Xue said suddenly.

“Hm?” At her words, Wang Zheng, Bai Bing, and Chu Jun all stopped, staring at Su Xue with perplexed expressions.

“Don’t misunderstand—I mean I can introduce you to girlfriends. I know lots of beauties; the television station is full of them. Chu Jun is one of the best. What do you think of Chu Chu?”

“Xue, you’re teasing me again!” Chu Jun stamped her foot, blushing.

“I’m serious! My brother doesn’t have a girlfriend, and Chu Chu doesn’t have a boyfriend—they’re a perfect match! I’ll play matchmaker for you… Ah—!”

Before Su Xue could finish, Chu Jun had set down her shopping bag and reached for Su Xue’s waist, tickling her. The two women dissolved into laughter, their voices crisp and pleasant, echoing in the air.