Volume One, Chapter 16: I Believe in My Husband's Character

While caring for Grandma Rong at the old residence, Sang Haining’s thoughts lingered on the situation the secretary had described to her. She was the granddaughter-in-law of the Rong family, married to Rong Shaoqin—a genuine partner in both name and interest. If this calamity proved insurmountable, she would suffer alongside him.

An idea to resolve the problem formed in Sang Haining’s mind, and she planned to discuss it with Rong Shaoqin. However, the secretary said that Rong Shaoqin was too busy, resting at the company at night and not returning to the old residence. If Sang Haining had anything important, the secretary could relay it for her.

Grandma Rong overheard Sang Haining’s phone conversation with the secretary. Once Sang Haining hung up, Grandma Rong said, “Shaoqin is probably so busy he’s forgotten to eat dinner. Luckily, there are some leftovers in the kitchen. You might as well pack some up and take them to him.”

They say adversity reveals true feelings. At this moment, the more she tried to bring them together, the less she believed that rascal Shaoqin wouldn’t be moved.

But Sang Haining couldn’t quite understand. She had considered bringing food to the company, yet compared to Shaoqin, she worried more about her grandmother and maternal grandmother’s health. After all, Shaoqin had a secretary; if he was hungry, the secretary could order food—he wouldn’t starve.

Still, Grandma Rong insisted she go. To reassure Sang Haining, Grandma Rong even demonstrated a hundred-meter sprint in the old residence’s living room, frightening both Sang Haining and the servants.

With a smile, Grandma Rong said, “I’m feeling much better now. Haining, I entrust Shaoqin to you.”

With no choice, Sang Haining followed Grandma Rong’s wishes. Carrying the packed food, she boarded the car arranged by the old residence and quietly went to the company.

As Rong Shaoqin’s wife, Sang Haining had never appeared in public. She wore a hat, mask, and sunglasses, covering herself thoroughly. Unexpectedly, reporters swarmed her downstairs.

When Sang Haining stepped out of the car, a dark pole suddenly pushed her back. She clutched her throbbing head, tears welling in her eyes, and glanced around. By then, a crowd of reporters had gathered, wielding long lenses and flashing lights so bright she could barely keep her eyes open.

She tried to close the car door, but it was blocked. The entire vehicle was surrounded, leaving no way to escape.

“Are you Mrs. Rong? What is your opinion on the Rong family causing a death in their land development project for profit?”

“There are many online denouncements of Mr. Rong, but opposition voices are dwindling. Is this due to Mr. Rong’s orders to suppress trending topics and buy favorable coverage to whitewash the scandal?”

“Mrs. Rong, please say a few words...”

Sang Haining knew she couldn’t leave anytime soon.

But she remained calm. She stepped out confidently and stood before the reporters. Her silent composure gradually quieted the noisy crowd. Only countless cameras and microphones remained focused on her.

At one moment, Sang Haining said, “I believe in my husband’s character. He would never commit such heinous acts for money.”

“There are rumors online that the real mastermind behind this is Director Rong, and Mr. Rong is merely an accomplice. Mrs. Rong, what is your response?”

Director Rong was Rong Shaoqin’s second uncle, a powerful figure in the Housing and Urban Development Bureau.

Sang Haining was tired of these reporters stirring up trouble just for spectacle. Maintaining her composure, she said, “I believe the truth will come to light. Please don’t be misled by those with ulterior motives. For all official information, please refer to the company’s announcements.”

This sudden interview was being broadcast live.

At that moment, Rong Shaoqin had already instructed his secretary to send security downstairs to escort Sang Haining. Before him lay a tablet displaying her unwavering, dignified demeanor as she declared, “I believe in my husband’s character...”

The phrase repeated in Rong Shaoqin’s mind, and the corners of his lips involuntarily curled.

Minutes later, Sang Haining was escorted into the office by the secretary. She placed the food containers before Rong Shaoqin, removed her disguise, and sighed, “Those reporters are really persistent. I just came to deliver food, yet they blocked me right at the entrance.”

Rong Shaoqin’s lips, just smoothed into a straight line, twitched again.

He tried to keep a serious face. “No need to bring food in person from now on. The secretary can order for me.”

That had been Sang Haining’s intention as well, but Grandma Rong refused to listen and insisted she deliver it herself.

Well, it was a good opportunity to discuss serious matters with Rong Shaoqin.

She laid out each food container before him and handed him the chopsticks.

Rong Shaoqin was picky and difficult to please.

Sang Haining didn’t dare tell him these were reheated leftovers. Naturally, with his discerning palate, he could tell something was off.

She explained, “Grandma wanted soft food, so it was all cooked together. The heat was a bit too high.”

Rong Shaoqin grunted in acknowledgment and ate everything silently.

After the meal, while rinsing his mouth, Sang Haining tidied the table and said, “There’s something strange I want to mention.”

Rong Shaoqin looked up. “What is it?”

“I’ve never appeared in public before, and only people at the old residence knew I was coming here. How did the reporters manage to recognize me and block me right at the company gate? It’s quite a coincidence,” she said, leaving it at that.

Rong Shaoqin’s expression darkened. He immediately made a call, ordering an investigation into the servants at the old residence to see if they were trustworthy.

Troubles piled up, and Rong Shaoqin felt as if his head would split open.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, furrowing his brow tightly.

Sang Haining stepped behind him and massaged his forehead.

The intoxicating scent of fresh flowers surrounded them, inexplicably lifting Rong Shaoqin’s weariness.

His long fingers slid onto the back of her pale hand.

The man’s palm was large, his knuckles slightly curled, enveloping her slender hand.

A dry warmth spread between them.

Sang Haining, lost in thought, was suddenly pulled down by a force and found herself sitting sideways on Rong Shaoqin’s lap.

Her delicate shoulder pressed against his chest, firm and unyielding like a fortress.

His fresh woody scent mixed with a faint tobacco aroma, weaving a net that enclosed her in a small, private space.

Instinctively, Sang Haining lifted her gaze, locking eyes with Rong Shaoqin.

His fingertip traced along her jawline, drifting down to her chin.

Forced to tilt her head upward, his lips met hers.

In that instant, Sang Haining felt a confusing surge of emotion.

After a moment’s pause, she wrapped her arms around Rong Shaoqin’s neck, returning his kiss.

Her collar loosened.

His palm was warm, roughened by calluses.

While overwhelmed, Sang Haining couldn’t help but think how carefree Rong Shaoqin was—to have the heart for such matters amid such a dire situation.

In truth, Rong Shaoqin had wanted to do this for some time. Since their bodies first touched, his desire had only grown.

He had once resisted such intimacy with Sang Haining, but now he was addicted.

Though he had never truly claimed her, he was falling deeper and deeper.

Yet Rong Shaoqin did not dislike the feeling; on the contrary, it excited him.

This thrill reached deep into his bones, especially here in the office—a place where anyone could knock at any moment—heightening every sensation.

Even Sang Haining felt it.

As they tangled, reluctant to part, the second secretary suddenly knocked on the door. “President Rong, Miss Luo is here.”