Ji Niandong quickly broke free from Lu Beichen's grasp as they walked away, her hurried footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.
Lu Beichen slid one hand into his pocket, smiling leisurely, "You seem to be quite afraid of me?"
His eyes appeared to see through people's hearts, and Ji Niandong avoided his gaze, looking elsewhere, explaining somewhat reluctantly, "I hardly know President Lu, you're so eager to help me, I'm not quite used to it!"
Her voice was low and gentle, unsure where her gaze should settle, still like a little stray cat that hadn't grown up!
Lu Beichen's gaze carried a hint of teasing, and as he walked toward her, she instinctively stepped back, suddenly pinned against the corridor wall, encircled by his stretched arm, unable to move.
The man's face was clearly just centimeters in front of her, Ji Niandong clutched tightly at the hem of her skirt, not knowing whether it was fear or nervousness, pursing her lips and turning her face away, unable to speak.
"Your heartbeat is quite fast now. If it's not fear of me, should I assume you like me?" His tone carried a touch of playful amusement.
"How could that be?" Ji Niandong attempted to push him away, only to be pressed back into his embrace; facing this man, she had no leverage whatsoever, nor did she dare to harbor any thoughts of resistance.
In the past, women either passionately clung to him, pretended to be coy and reserved, or were simply infatuated, seldom was there a woman who dared not even glance at him.
Just, so afraid of him?
Lu Beichen increasingly wanted to tease her, lifting a hand to gently trace her cheek, the petite woman in his embrace noticeably shivered.
Lu Beichen stifled a chuckle, his voice deep and low, "The future Mrs. Lu, you can't be so timid and avoid your husband ."
"Please... please don't joke with me!" Ji Niandong retorted with closed eyes, then hunched her shoulders, looking at Lu Beichen with fear, intermittently averting her gaze, "Mr. Lu, I know you're saying this to help me. After all, the entertainment industry is , you should be aware. Linda wasn't wrong; her humiliation of me is nothing, and I wouldn't dwell on it originally."
All she wanted was the money for her father's surgery. Even if her dignity was trampled by Linda, as long as she could secure the surgery funds, she would have to greet it with a smile.
"But what if I mind?" The man's features became serious, his gaze on her grew more earnest, "Do you also think that my public announcement of you being the future Mrs. Lu was just a joke?"
Wasn't it? Ji Niandong stared at him blankly, "If it wasn't a joke, I really can't imagine what qualifications I have to be Mrs. Lu."
"Because I like you, that's qualification enough!" He curved his lips, the features exuding an enchanting aura; words spoken by such a man would undoubtedly captivate any woman!
Ji Niandong crouched down, wriggled out of his embrace, and took a deep breath, "Even though I don't mind Linda's jokes, I'm not someone who would easily demean myself. Besides, someone like Mr. Lu would surely have no shortage of women around!"
Lu Beichen straightened up and looked at her, "I want you to be Mrs. Lu, not Lu Beichen's lover. Is even being the honorable Mrs. Lu considered demeaning for you?!"