Chapter 9: She Got Jealous

“Manli, wait!”

Seeing Shen Manli about to leave, Lu Qiqi stepped forward and grabbed her wrist firmly, a deep apology evident on her beautiful face.

“I didn’t mean to leave you behind last time. I suddenly got an urgent call and had to leave in a hurry. I heard you got drenched and almost caught a cold—I feel terribly guilty. You’re not angry, are you?”

A flash of resentment flickered in Shen Manli’s eyes but left no trace on her face. She shook her head repeatedly, her voice timid. “No, it’s nothing. As your secretary, I should share your burdens. Besides, you were busy with important matters. I already feel guilty for not being of help. How could I be angry?”

The humiliation of being abandoned by the roadside, watching the car drive away, still made her grit her teeth in anger whenever she thought of it. But in front of Si Qinyu, she maintained her delicate image, appearing reasonable and understanding.

“You’re truly a considerate and kind-hearted girl,” Lu Qiqi said, releasing her hand. Her eyes swept over the now reddened wrist, and a smile curved her lips. She pulled a box from her bag. “I think this lipstick shade suits you better. Consider it a peace offering. Please, do accept it.”

With that, she slipped it into Shen Manli’s hand.

Shen Manli looked at the bright orange Barbie pink lipstick unsuited to her, barely able to keep her smile, and hurriedly nodded before leaving the office.

After disposing of the nearly expired lipstick she had impulsively bought before, Lu Qiqi was in high spirits. She crossed her arms and leaned against the office sofa, deliberately casting a slightly jealous glance at Si Qinyu. “What’s the matter? Not happy to see me?”

“Of course not, Qiqi. I’m delighted you came to see me. But why the sudden visit to the company today?” Si Qinyu approached, reaching out to embrace her, but Lu Qiqi subtly dodged.

She wore the shy, playful pout of a young wife, and Si Qinyu did not suspect a thing.

“I just missed you, that’s all. And not just today—I want to come more often.” Lu Qiqi tugged at his arm, half joking, half earnest. “Honey, starting tomorrow, why don’t I work here at the company?”

This was his private company, unrelated to Ling Wei, and Lu Qiqi was testing the waters.

Si Qinyu stiffened slightly, his gaze darkening as he looked at Lu Qiqi. He reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear and asked with a gentle smile, “Why the sudden urge? Ling Wei needs you over there, or do you find her boring? Staying home to recover and nurture yourself wouldn’t be bad either.”

His cold fingers brushed her ear like a chill snake flicking its tongue, sending a shiver down her spine.

Lu Qiqi’s smile brightened even more as she leaned on Si Qinyu’s shoulder, her soft voice infused with overwhelming love and jealousy. “We just got married—I want to see you every moment. You’re so good to me, I’m afraid you might change your heart and stop loving me.”

The smile slowly faded, replaced by an icy, mocking expression. Her eyes narrowed as they settled on the central seat in the office—this place, sooner or later, would be hers.

Si Qinyu, initially surprised and doubtful, sighed in relief after hearing her words. He rubbed her hair and frowned, disagreeing. “Honey, I honestly think you’re better off at home. Whether it’s here or with Ling Wei, I’m here.”

Knowing his thoughts, Lu Qiqi still pouted in grievance and pushed him away unhappily. “Why? Don’t you want to see me every day?”

“Nonsense!” Si Qinyu reached to pull her back, hastily explaining, “Work is exhausting. You’re my princess. I only want you to be happy every day. Besides, don’t you want to have a baby with me soon?”

“A baby?” Lu Qiqi’s fingers dug into her palm until they turned pale from the pressure.

“Yes, our little miracle. Then I and the child will both care for you. I want you to be the happiest woman in the world. Leave the work to me—I don’t want to see you staying up late and harming yourself.” His eyes shone with longing as he painted a beautiful dream.

If she hadn’t uncovered the unspeakable truths behind the facade, Lu Qiqi could hardly believe such a masterful hypocrite existed. A surge of nausea rose within her.

Who’s better at acting?

Blinking, her long lashes quickly glistened with tears, the corners of her eyes reddening, looking utterly pitiful.

“Si Qinyu, do you really not love me anymore? With so many women in the company, you must have been tempted. That’s why you don’t want me to come!”

Her innocent, doe-like eyes brimmed with tears, ready to spill over at any moment, stirring pity in anyone who saw.

“Hmph, if you don’t want me here, I’ll come anyway. I’ll keep a close eye on you! And since the Lu family has gone all in, investing so much money, there can be no mistakes. I’ll be watching Ling Wei too!”

Quickly wiping tears from her eyes, Lu Qiqi’s tone was stubborn and defiant. “If you stop me again, it means you’re hiding something. Then I won’t speak to you anymore!”

“Wife…”

“Don’t say another word—I’m not some helpless girl. My abilities are obvious! You actually want me to stay home as a caged canary? Dream on!”

Covering her ears, she acted like a spoiled child, adorably capricious.

Si Qinyu found her determination a headache.

Still, he didn’t doubt her intentions, thinking this was just a moment of jealousy.

After all, they had been together with Shen Manli in the office today, and since their marriage, Lu Qiqi seemed more prone to suspicion and jealousy.

Realizing this, Si Qinyu loosened his tie, quite entertained by her jealous, girlish demeanor.

But for now, he had to soothe her first.

He took her hand firmly, half indulgent, half resigned, “Alright, my dear wife, I promise.”

“Anything you say, just don’t doubt my feelings for you. I’ll come work at the company, but you must promise me not to overthink or overwork yourself, okay?”

“Really?” Lu Qiqi looked up at him, disbelief mingling with a hint of sobbing, her nose slightly red, appearing tender and lovable.

“Really,” Si Qinyu gently wiped her tears, cradling her face with affection. “Don’t cry—you’re breaking my heart.”

Their eyes locked in a tender, intimate moment. As Si Qinyu leaned closer, Lu Qiqi suddenly embraced him, using the hug to evade his kiss.

“Thank you, honey. You’re so good to me! I’ll take good care of the company, I promise!”

She bit down on the word “good” with sincere determination.