Chapter 20: Will You Be My Lover?

Zhou Ming was caught off guard by Zhao Lin's unexpected question. From the moment she arrived, Zhou Ming had been trying to figure out how to resolve the situation and had never denied it. 

In Zhou Ming's view, there was no need to deny it. Should he tell Zhao Lin that this was arranged by Lin Muqing and that she should take her grievances up with Lin Muqing rather than him? Zhou Ming found such avoidance behavior despicable. Despite not being his doing, as a man, it was his responsibility to handle the situation.

Yet, Zhou Ming did not anticipate that Zhao Lin would see through his intentions.

Zhao Lin said, "Mr. Zhou, don't lie to me. I know this must be arranged by Director Lin, and it has nothing to do with you."

"Why do you think that?" Zhou Ming asked. He didn't directly answer because if Zhao Lin was already convinced of the facts, a direct answer might only solidify her belief. It was better to inquire first and address her response later, staying in line with his calm demeanor.

"Intuition!" Zhao Lin replied. "Although I haven't interacted with you much, from these two encounters, I can sense that Mr. Zhou is a very magnanimous person. A person like you wouldn't be bothered by someone like me, right?"

Zhou Ming nodded and asked in return, "Your reasoning seems sound, but does that mean you suspect Director Lin would be so petty with you? Or is it that you haven't interacted with her enough to understand her character?"

Zhao Lin was silent for a moment before saying, "You make a valid point. I admit that Director Lin is also a very magnanimous and strong woman, but she still pales in comparison to you, Mr. Zhou. Moreover, Director Lin is a woman, and sometimes her actions can't be judged by common sense."

Upon hearing Zhao Lin's response, Zhou Ming didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He had hoped to be seen as a good person, but it seemed he wasn't even succeeding at that. It felt like a failure.

If his personality and excellence had such a revealing effect, Zhou Ming might have been better off admitting the truth from the start to at least confuse her.

"Why do I even bother pretending?" Zhou Ming muttered to himself inwardly, then shook his head and asked Zhao Lin, "Don't you think it's unfair to Director Lin? Perhaps it really was my doing?"

This time, Zhao Lin didn't respond immediately. Instead, she stared at Zhou Ming's eyes, and after a long pause, she said something that puzzled Zhou Ming: "I really envy Ms. Lin Muqing!"

"Envy what?" Zhou Ming asked, taken aback.

"Envy that she can be close to Mr. Zhou, and more importantly, that Mr. Zhou is a real man who can shield and care for her. It's something many women dream of," Zhao Lin explained.

"I don't deny that. Every woman hopes to find a man who truly cares for her, prioritizes her, and is always there to comfort her when she's sick or upset," Zhou Ming said. "But the real issue is, when a woman meets such a man, will she truly cherish him? Perhaps most women need a man who can make them happy, satisfy their needs, and ignite their passion."

Zhao Lin was stunned. Her keen sensitivity made her detect the sadness and bitterness behind Zhou Ming's words. She wondered why he felt this way. Had he faced many failed relationships?

This question seemed absurd to Zhao Lin. Considering Zhou Ming's current success at such a young age, he should have plenty of women around him. Why would he have such sentiments? Could it be related to Lin Muqing? Yet, Zhao Lin could see that Lin Muqing had feelings for Zhou Ming, and with Zhou Ming's boldness, their relationship could easily progress.

What was the situation then?

Zhao Lin couldn't understand, and realistically, she couldn't. Zhou Ming was referring to his past life, and even though Zhao Lin had been reborn, Zhou Ming remained the same person. Some deep-seated traits remained unchanged.

In his previous life, Zhou Ming was a kind and gentle man, lacking the skills to woo women or understand their psychology. He simply treated women well, resulting in a series of failed relationships until he settled for a divorced woman in his forties.

If women truly cared about such a man and valued his kindness, why would Zhou Ming have been so lonely in his past life? Or were the women he met not genuinely looking for a sincere relationship?

Zhou Ming sighed, realizing that dwelling on his past life was futile. It was a dream that had ended.

When Zhou Ming looked at Zhao Lin again, he saw her staring at him. He smiled and said, "Sorry, Zhao Lin, I was just feeling nostalgic. Let's focus on the real issue. Don't make a scene here. I can tell you that the arrangement regarding you was made by me. I had the company go to great lengths to bring you over for future business development. You are a talented actress, and no one can put you away."

Zhao Lin wanted to say more, but Zhou Ming asked her, "Think carefully. Have I treated you poorly since you were transferred from your previous agency?"

"Could it really be Mr. Zhou…?"

Zhao Lin stared at Zhou Ming with uncertainty, clearly having her doubts shaken.

Zhou Ming relaxed, "So you understand now? But don't worry. I assure you, if I say I have an arrangement for you, there definitely is. I promise that once I finish my current tasks, I will arrange things for you."

Zhou Ming added, "Regarding the movies, I will focus on stories from our Lingnan circle. Just make sure to keep yourself in the best condition."

Grateful for Zhou Ming's assurance, Zhao Lin stood up and said, "Thank you very much, Mr. Zhou. I understand now. I will adjust myself and ensure I'm always in top shape!"

"I believe in you. You are a great actress," Zhou Ming smiled and said.

"Then I'm very sorry, Mr. Zhou, for disturbing you tonight. I shouldn't have doubted or blamed you. I apologize!"

Zhao Lin bowed and exited the room, with Zhou Ming sighing in relief. He had made it through this challenge. However, he didn't anticipate that just as Zhao Lin was about to leave, she turned back and asked an unexpected question: "Mr. Zhou, can I be your lover?"

This question left Zhou Ming shocked. He had no idea what his former goddess was implying.

Zhao Lin smiled, "I don't mean anything else. I've been living in this extravagant circle my whole life, surrounded by hypocrisy and deceit. I've always hoped for a real man to love me. When I met you today, I realized I found my true soulmate. I know I'm not worthy of you, but I just hope to be your lover. If you could share a bit of your love with me, I would be grateful."

Zhao Lin bowed seriously before quickly fleeing the room like a rabbit. It was understandable that such a beautiful woman would need great courage to say such things, and her hasty retreat was only natural.

For Zhou Ming, it didn't matter whether she stayed or left. He was completely taken aback.

Was this a confession from a woman? And not just any woman, but the goddess he had always admired, Zhao Lin, the most beautiful woman in Hong Kong? It felt like a dream, too incredible to be true!

But thinking about it, his life since rebirth had seemed like a series of dreams.

In the end, Zhou Ming could only shake his head in resignation, letting things be. However, he was concerned about whether Lin Muqing knew since Zhao Lin had his phone number and found his room.

The answer came the next morning when Lin Muqing did not deliver breakfast but arrived near noon and rang Zhou Ming's doorbell.

When Zhou Ming opened the door, Lin Muqing glanced at ***, who tactfully returned to his room. Lin Muqing sighed in relief but still asked Zhou Ming, "Did Zhao Lin come by last night?"

It was a simple question, but it clarified all of Zhou Ming's doubts. He was certain that his guess was correct: Zhao Lin's visit was arranged by Lin Muqing.

Seeing that Zhou Ming didn't respond immediately, Lin Muqing anxiously said, "Zhou Ming, I didn't mean to hide it from you. Last time you mentioned that you liked her, so I bought her over. I didn't know how to tell you, so she stayed with the company. I didn't expect her to come find you."

Lin Muqing was stumbling over her words, losing her previous elegant demeanor and sounding more like a nervous girl afraid of upsetting her partner.

Zhou Ming reassured her, "It's alright, Muqing. I'm not blaming you, and I've already handled the situation with her."

"Is that true?" Lin Muqing asked, not quite believing it.

"Of course it's true," Zhou Ming said seriously. "At least for now, I have more important things to focus on. Look at this."

Zhou Ming handed Lin Muqing a newspaper.