Secrets And Seduction

He abruptly reached around her waist, pulling her close with a firm grip, so there was no space between them.

Si Zhenxuan's deep voice filled Gu Antong's ears, almost making her legs feel weak, as he inquired, "Why are you wearing this dress?"

Blushing with embarrassment, Gu An Tong was at a loss for words. How could she admit she was trying to seduce Si Zhenxuan? That was out of the question.

In desperation, she closed her eyes tightly, attempting to avoid Si Zhen Xuan's advances, but her hands pushed against his chest, attempting to change the subject, "I'm not sure, well, you've always disliked using public property for private purposes, haven't you? This isn't your workplace. Shouldn't we discuss business...?"

Si Zhen Xu interrupted her, firmly stating, "This is my private elevator. You're in my territory."

As a lion asserts his dominance over his territory.

"Well, Zhen Xuan, I didn't realize that, uh..." Her lips uttered a few words before they were suddenly claimed by his, drowning her in a passionate kiss.

Si Zhenxuan didn't pause; his desire grew stronger, and his next move left Gu Antong breathless.

His cold hand slowly traced her long, pale legs, slipping under her skirt, creating a world of sensation.

Gu Antong's eyes widened in shock. Wasn't he supposed to start this here?

His hand ventured deeper, sending shivers through her entire body.

Startled by the sudden gasp she let out, Gu An Tong bit her lower lip to stifle the sound, tears brimming in her eyes.

He moved with both intensity and gentleness, almost as if he had a plan to drive her mad. His touches were far from scratching, but they stirred something wild within her. Someone who had always been compared to "the man atop an iceberg, the bird over the beast" like Lu Yulin had hardly held back, and he devoured her.

His fiery hands roamed, slowly erasing any trace of reason from her mind.

Suddenly, he took a few steps with her, exerting gravity on her, causing a sharp pain in Gu Antong's back. Si Zhenxuan pressed her against the elevator wall.

Gu An Tong clung to his neck, her eyes filled with longing.

Just as the fiery intensity escalated and Gu An Tong was about to make a sound to stop it, a sound suddenly rang out.

"Ding Dong..."

The elevator came to a halt, and the doors were about to open. Gu Antong's heart raced with anxiety. Without knowing where she found the strength, she leaped down from Si Zhenxuan.

"Ah!" As she landed, Gu Antong's legs turned to jelly, and she nearly collapsed to the floor. Just in time, Si Zhenxuan reached out, clasping her waist, and with a gentle effort, set her beside him.

Gu Antong felt like she was falling into Si Zhenxuan's arms. They were practically inseparable.

"Zhenxuan?" A familiar voice called out, and Gu Antong looked up, surprised to see it was Meng Mei.

Reflexively, Gu Antong extended her arms and clung to Si Zhenxuan's arm, nestling close to him as if she possessed it.

Meng Mei's eyes swept over their close proximity, and anyone experienced could see what had transpired in the elevator.

Jealousy flickered briefly in her eyes, too fast for anyone to notice.

"Are you ready?" Si Zhenxuan's voice remained calm, but Gu Antong detected a subtle difference. It was distinct from how he interacted with strangers, and she couldn't ignore it. But she didn't want to dwell on it, for in all the time they had spent together, she had learned that he was not one to indulge in sentimental matters. If there was something more between him and Meng Mei, he wouldn't expose her to it.

As for their past... Thinking of this, Gu Antong felt a twinge in her heart. But she quelled it.

She cared not about what had occurred between him and Meng Mei in the past. It was all history. What mattered was that Gu Antong was his wife now, and that was enough.

"Well, it's confirmed that we'll be officially joining the project team, and the paperwork is sorted. Zhenxuan, are you free tonight? I need to discuss something with you," Meng Mei chirped, offering a pretty smile. She didn't acknowledge Gu Antong's presence, seemingly ignoring her and her identity as Si Zhenxuan's wife.

Gu Antong held onto Si Zhenxuan's arm tightly, and Si Zhenxuan's reply had her heart pounding even harder.

"What's the matter?" Si Zhenxuan's response increased Gu Antong's unease.

"I think, um... it's better to discuss it another time," Meng Mei replied, her gaze shifting to Gu Antong, a hint of provocation in her eyes. She then returned to her usual smile when she glanced at Si Zhenxuan. "I'll call you after work. We'll head to the project team and get started."

Gu Antong's heart felt clogged. She was at a loss for words, hugging Si Zhenxuan's arm tightly. Her grip grew tighter without her realizing it.

Si Zhenxuan glanced at Gu Antong, his thoughts inscrutable. "You're about to break my hand."

His words jolted Gu Antong, and she quickly released his hand, her voice filled with anxiety. "I'm sorry, I didn't notice. Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

In response, Si Zhenxuan gently brushed her cheek and said, "Don't overthink it. Everything's fine."

His fingers were icy, but suddenly Gu An Tong swatted his hand away. "Don't touch my face."

Zhen Xuan's eyes revealed a puzzled look, and she bashfully lowered her gaze. "I just touched there..."

"Cough." Si Zhenxuan clenched his fist and covered his mouth, attempting to hide his momentary embarrassment. "If you have anything, just send me a text, and I'll respond as soon as I can."

His tone was gentle. Gu An Tong slowly lowered her head, suppressing her inner sadness. She looked up and smiled, "Alright, I'll head out now."

She didn't know if "don't think too much" was an explanation, but it was certainly an improvement from their previous encounter in Chengdu.

Gu An Tong didn't ask for much; even small steps were better than nothing.

"I'm leaving," Gu An Tong said with a sweet smile. She felt a hint of reluctance but remembered her work. She turned and entered the staff elevator.

A minute later, as the elevator ascended, Gu An Tong's mind was racing. Wait, did Si Zhenxuan ask her to visit his office because he wanted to discuss something?

Was it just for work?

The thought left Gu An Tong feeling unsure, a mix of embarrassment and nervousness.

She wondered if she would face more complex issues when she returned in the evening.

As she entered the project team's area for the last time, Gu An Tong's mind was consumed with the idea that she needed to dispose of those winning items once she got back. She couldn't risk Si Zhenxuan discovering them; the embarrassment would be unbearable.

Gu An Tong had just arrived at the project team when she noticed Meng Mei surrounded by her colleagues. The classic beauty in her cheongsam seemed approachable and friendly, especially when she smiled.

She was truly a socialite in Chengdu.

Meng Mei noticed Gu An Tong and did something unexpected; she got up and approached her.

"Miss Gu, we're going to work together from now on. Please offer your guidance in the future," said Meng Mei.

Gu An Tong, though puzzled by Meng Mei's friendliness, replied politely, realizing that Meng Mei was the project team leader. "Miss Bai is too kind. I look forward to your guidance in the future."

The team members exchanged glances, bewildered by the apparent familiarity between their new project leader and this external hire. Not only had their team leader and director changed suddenly, but now someone from a collaborating company had joined them, and it seemed they all knew each other.

Just as Gu An Tong was being courteous, Jiang Nuan walked in. She noticed Meng Mei and Gu An Tong sharing a smile. A sly smirk crept onto her face, and she thought, "Your troubles are just beginning."

Jiang Nuan approached Meng Mei and made a public announcement. "I'm sure you're all aware of Miss Meng Mei. Let me reintroduce her. Miss Meng Mei is from our collaborating company and will be leading our project."

"Chief?!" This word echoed, catching everyone's attention, and their gazes coincidentally landed on Gu An Tong. What could this mean? Wasn't there already a group leader in place?

Even Gu An Tong herself appeared taken aback, her brow furrowed as she asked, "Director, could you clarify what this means?"

Meng Mei was the designated group leader, so what was going on? Why hadn't Zhenxuan informed them?

"Obviously, it means exactly what it says. Gu An Tong, do you really not comprehend that?" Jiang Nuan retorted with a mocking tone, seemingly unconcerned about the onlookers, including the project team and Meng Mei.

She wasn't incapable of concealing her feelings, but she had no intention of doing so. Her disdain for Gu An Tong had been growing steadily since their college days when they pretended to be friends. After graduating and encountering someone from the Si family, her hatred for Gu An Tong had deepened, and she no longer felt the need to hide it.

In fact, she wanted the entire world to be aware of her intense aversion to Gu An Tong.

Gu An Tong's eyes narrowed, and her voice turned cold as she inquired, "Director Jiang, whose decision is this?"

If this decision had been made by Si Yueyun, it essentially amounted to Jiang Nuan's decision. But what did that signify? Hadn't Xie Jianchen also visited Si Yueyun's office? Initially, he had appointed her to participate, so what had changed?

Jiang Nuan couldn't help but smirk arrogantly as she tilted her head toward Gu An Tong. "This decision was reached after negotiation. It came about as a result of discussions between the Secretary and Second Master Xie. Do you understand now, Gu An Tong?"