* * *
Well Done!
Cheng Susu silently gave Zhong Ce a thumbs-up in her heart, then quickly reacted. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around Zhong Ce’s waist. It was the first time she had hugged her own waist in this manner—well, technically his waist. The unfamiliarity made her a bit uneasy, causing her to grip tighter than intended. Accidentally, she squeezed Zhong Ce’s soft waist, her actions unintentionally taking on an ambiguous undertone.
She swore on her life that it wasn’t intentional!
Before she could defend herself, Zhong Ce had already played along with exaggerated coyness. His face flushed red as he buried his head into her chest again. After a long pause, he slowly raised his head, biting his lower lip with pearly teeth. He shot her a coquettish glance, stomped his foot in mock embarrassment, and whispered, “There are so many people watching.”
Cheng Susu: “…”
Should she respond indulgently with a “What’s there to be afraid of”?
But seriously, Zhong Ce, are you deliberately ruining my image?
I’m not this kind of person, you jerk!
She felt a strong urge to curse.
Stay calm. Keep smiling.
She narrowed her eyes slightly, staring ahead. The next moment, noticing the sly and amused gazes of the reporters, Cheng Susu followed their line of sight downward.
And then, internally, she let out a silent scream of frustration.
To preserve Zhong Ce’s dignity, she had covered the handprint on her face with concealer. But she had forgotten about the kiss mark Zhong Ce had left on her neck because he had refused to wear makeup.
Now, Zhong Ce stood proudly, his head tilted upward.
And there it was, a striking red mark on his elegant, swan-like neck—utterly captivating.
Cheng Susu discreetly raised her hand, trying to shield it from view.
That small action made everyone quickly avert their gaze, not daring to glance again.
Zhong Ce blinked in confusion, then tightened his hold on her even more. With impeccable acting skills, he put on an utterly moved expression, exclaiming, “You’re the best, hubby!”
Cheng Susu: “…”
Please, for the love of everything, just stop talking!
Taking a deep breath, she clenched her jaw and resisted the urge to punch Zhong Ce on the spot. Instead, she focused on addressing the reporters’ questions. With her lips pressed into a straight line, her expression turned serious and indifferent.
“It’s all nonsense.”
“The paparazzi have impressive photography skills. Last night, there was a whole group of people present, yet somehow, the photo only captured me and Miss Zhu. Quite the storytelling ability, I must say.”
The sarcasm in “Zhong Ce’s” voice was unmistakable.
Clearly, the trending gossip that dragged him into the mess had thoroughly angered the second young master of the Zhong family.
But now, the reporters were no longer focused on that.
Their attention repeatedly shifted to the woman beside Zhong Ce, who claimed to be “Mrs. Zhong.” Obviously, the news of Zhong Ce’s marriage held far greater value than some manufactured scandal.
Of course, the headline “Zhong Ce Personally Shuts Down Rising Star Zhu Linyun” was still tantalizing and sensational enough.
After some hesitation, they pointed their cameras at “Zhong Ce.”
On camera, Cheng Susu smiled faintly. “All accounts involved in spreading false rumors about this so-called ‘late-night rendezvous’ should prepare to receive legal notices.”
Since she was now Zhong Ce, she might as well use his influence to settle some scores for herself. Thinking of this, her smile deepened.
“Including Miss Zhu.”
Her light comment carried a heavy implication. Everyone present understood that Zhu Linyun’s access to resources at Orange Entertainment had just been cut off. It would be nearly impossible for her to continue thriving in the entertainment industry.
Oh wow, not a bad approach!
Zhong Ce smirked, whistling silently in his mind.
The warm sunlight spread across the city’s corners.
Cheng Susu composed herself, raised a hand to affectionately ruffle Zhong Ce’s hair, leaned down slightly, and with a gentle glint in her eyes, said softly, “After all, they made my wife so worried.”
The reporters: “…”
Never in their wildest dreams did they expect this counterattack.
Zhong Ce: “…”
After dismissing the reporters, Cheng Susu and Zhong Ce entered the company together. By then, word of what had happened at the entrance had already spread among the employees. They had seen the boss wearing a wedding ring and speculated about his marital status before, but this was the first time it had been confirmed. Now, seeing their boss bring his wife to the company, they were all abuzz with excitement, eagerly anticipating her appearance.
Unfortunately, Zhong Ce and Cheng Susu headed straight to the top-floor office.
After waiting in vain, the employees shifted from excitement to disappointment, finally shaking their heads and lamenting: “The boss’s wife is bold, huh? Comes to the company but doesn’t even show her face to establish her authority.”
Assistant Xiao Gao followed closely behind the couple, still in a state of shock and disbelief. It wasn’t until they neared the office that he snapped out of it and hurriedly opened the door.
But Zhong Ce suddenly stopped, casting Xiao Gao a cold, meaningful glance. The pressure was palpable, and sweat beaded on Xiao Gao’s forehead as Zhong Ce slowly said, “Don’t linger here. Go send Miss Zhu a lawyer’s letter.”
Xiao Gao instinctively glanced at his boss, “Zhong Ce.”
When it came to work, he followed the orders of whoever paid his salary.
But his boss seemed momentarily distracted. Xiao Gao blinked and turned his gaze to the boss’s wife, who curved her lips into a smile.
“You’ll need to make amends.”
Otherwise, loyalty and diligence alone won’t guarantee your promotion.
“…”
Xiao Gao stuck out his butt, quickly tucked his tail between his legs, and fled.
* * *