Li Feng was unaware of the undercurrents swirling outside due to his attack. At this moment, he was sizing up Xu Qing as she entered the hospital room.
She wore a black knee-length dress paired with a stylish vest and high heels, complemented by a round-neck long blouse. The dress, slightly flared at the hem, extended between her thighs and knees, cinching inward to accentuate the rounded curves of her hips. The tight skirt hugged her slender, straight calves, paired with black mid-heeled shoes that revealed the delicate arches of her feet, exuding a subtle, natural allure.
Her silky black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a sharply defined oval face. Her lively eyes sparkled with charm, radiating an enchanting glow. Her full, moist red lips carried a seductive allure, and the deep neckline of her outfit highlighted her mature, glamorous, and captivating presence.
Xu Qing’s gaze flickered, her captivating eyes a mix of playful reproach and delight, her sensual lips gleaming with an inviting luster.
Every gesture she made was filled with charm, her entire being radiating an intellectual allure.
Li Feng couldn’t help but be momentarily stunned by Xu Qing’s entrance.
Initially, he hadn’t paid her much attention, but after that moment in Hu Yuanyuan’s office when the thought of pursuing her crossed his mind, things changed. Now, seeing her, he couldn’t help but appraise her from head to toe.
Being Li Feng, unlike other men, his gaze didn’t betray any lecherous intent unless he deliberately showed it. His eyes remained calm and composed.
“President Li, how are you feeling?” Xu Qing asked with concern, carrying a fruit basket as she approached. She was unaware of the thoughts running through Li Feng’s mind. If she knew he was sizing her up with such intentions, she might have fled in panic.
“Assistant Xu, what brings you here?” Li Feng asked curiously. Though he was nominally the vice president of the Fengyuan Group, he felt his role was largely symbolic. As Hu Yuanyuan’s assistant, Xu Qing should be at the company working.
“President Li, I’m here on behalf of the company to visit you,” Xu Qing said with a smile, placing the fruit basket by the bedside.
“How’s the situation with that batch of machines?” Li Feng asked, curious about how Zheng Haoyuan would make his move.
“Zheng Haoyuan caused a scene at the company,” Xu Qing said, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “I don’t even know what to say about him. He insisted the machines were his without any proof. Manager Lu told him that without the original Sun Group receipts, the machine parts couldn’t be handed over. He actually said he’d find someone to summon Sun Xipeng’s soul and have Manager Lu ask the ghost if it was true.”
“Summon a soul? He came up with that?” Li Feng chuckled, but inwardly, he grew wary. To Xu Qing, soul-summoning was a joke, but Li Feng knew it was real—a technique of Maoshan Taoists.
In his previous life, ghost cultivators weren’t unheard of, especially in ancient tombs where they often lurked. Li Feng had encountered them. However, not everyone could become a ghost cultivator. After death, a soul typically dissipates within three days unless sustained by extreme yin or cold energy. Since Sun Xipeng had been dead for so long, summoning his soul would be nearly impossible, so Li Feng wasn’t overly concerned.
“Who’d have thought? A grown man believing in such superstitious nonsense,” Xu Qing said with a laugh. “I bet he’s desperate. Otherwise, why say something like that? I even wonder if he’s the one who wants those machines.”
“What do you mean?” Li Feng asked, intrigued.
“He couldn’t even name the machines correctly. If he really wanted them, how could he not know their names?” Xu Qing replied.
Li Feng fell silent for a moment before saying, “So, the machines might not be for him?”
“If not him, then who? Why would Zheng Haoyuan show up otherwise? Is he just bored?” Xu Qing looked at Li Feng, puzzled.
“Maybe the real buyer is someone else, and Zheng Haoyuan’s just a front,” Li Feng said, his expression turning serious. If his suspicion was correct, this was more than just a matter of the machines—it tied into the Tianhai Customs Inspector Xu’s frame-up.
“President Li, you mean…” Xu Qing’s expression shifted, confused. “Why go through all that trouble? If they want to buy something, why not come forward themselves?”
“Who knows? Maybe they have secrets they don’t want exposed. It’s not our concern, but since it’s tied to the Tianhai Customs frame-up, I’m not letting it slide. Hmph, thinking the Fengyuan Group is an easy target? Not a chance,” Li Feng said with a cold laugh.
He hated being played, especially since this had angered Hu Yuanyuan twice and interrupted his moments with her—unforgivable in his book. If someone wanted to hide in the shadows, he’d drag them into the light.
Xu Qing didn’t know Li Feng’s thoughts, but as vice president, his decisions represented the company. Besides, she also felt giving the machines to Zheng Haoyuan would be a loss, especially recalling his arrogant attitude at the company, which irritated her.
“Assistant Xu, have a seat. I have more questions,” Li Feng said with a smile.
Xu Qing didn’t refuse, sitting gracefully by the bed. Li Feng handed her a banana. “Try it, it’s sweet.”
“No thanks, President Li,” Xu Qing declined with a shake of her head.
“What, not giving me face?” Li Feng said, feigning displeasure.
Only then did Xu Qing take the banana, peel it, and take a delicate bite with her alluring lips.
Watching her sensual lips and the way she ate the banana, Li Feng’s mind conjured an inappropriate image, a slight smile tugging at his lips.
“President Li, what’s so funny?” Xu Qing asked, confused.
“I just realized Assistant Xu is a rare beauty,” Li Feng said with a grin.
Xu Qing blushed. “President Li, you’re joking.”
“I’m serious. I envy your boyfriend, landing a beauty like you,” Li Feng said earnestly.
“I don’t have a boyfriend,” Xu Qing replied.
“No way! A beauty like you, Assistant Xu? Your suitors must stretch from Tianhai to Yanjing. You’re not pulling my leg, are you?” Li Feng said, exaggerating.
Inwardly, he was thrilled. No boyfriend meant his chances were high. Even if she had one or was married, he was confident he could win her over, but this made it easier.
“I’m not lying,” Xu Qing said.
“Are all those men blind? Ignoring a beauty like you?” Li Feng feigned shock.
“If we’re talking beauty, President Hu is the real stunner. I’m nowhere near her,” Xu Qing replied.
“You each have your own charm,” Li Feng said, giving her a surprised glance. He wasn’t sure if her words were a subtle reminder or unintentional, but he wouldn’t let his guard down. Until he won her over, he’d tread carefully.
Li Feng smiled faintly, dropping the topic. Pushing further might annoy her, which would be counterproductive. He shifted to asking about company matters.
He didn’t know much about the company, so his questions were basic, but Xu Qing answered thoroughly. Unbeknownst to him, a few casual suggestions he made lit up her eyes.
It made sense. As someone from centuries in the future, Li Feng’s knowledge was distilled from historical lessons—commonplace to him but profound wisdom to Xu Qing.
As a result, Xu Qing grew to admire him more, finding him increasingly enigmatic. Having served as Hu Yuanyuan’s assistant and met many high-society figures, none had Li Feng’s vision. To her, he was an extraordinary man.
At that moment, Li Feng stood, preparing to get out of bed.
Xu Qing gasped, alarmed. “President Li, what are you doing?”
“I have something to take care of,” Li Feng said.
“Let me help. You’re injured—you can’t move,” Xu Qing said urgently.
Li Feng glanced at her. “I’m afraid you can’t help with this.”
Xu Qing huffed, displeased. “President Li, are you looking down on me? Tell me what it is. There’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“You sure you want me to say it?” Li Feng asked, eyeing her.
“Yes,” Xu Qing nodded.
Li Feng stared at her for a moment before saying, “Maybe not. Assistant Xu, just call the nurse for me.”
“President Li, anything a nurse can do, I can do. Just tell me,” Xu Qing insisted.
“I need to use the bathroom,” Li Feng said. With his current condition, he could take down a tiger, let alone handle something trivial. But with Xu Qing here, his words carried deeper intent.
“…” Xu Qing’s face flushed red. She hadn’t expected *that*. Embarrassed, she froze, unsure what to do.
Help Li Feng with *that*? She was a woman without even a boyfriend—how could she? But she’d already boasted she could handle anything.
Caught in a dilemma, Xu Qing hesitated, torn between staying and fleeing.
