The Marriage Harbor CH24
Chapter 24: A Scoundrel In Sheep's Clothing
Tang Zhisong chuckled to himself, rubbing his forehead. He wasn't truly bothered by a few internet comments, but his dominant nature wouldn't allow Jiang Bin to retreat. He instructed Assistant Li to pack his laptop, headed down to the car, and told the driver, "The Jiang Group headquarters."
After buckling his seatbelt, he sent Jiang Bin a text: [I’m coming to pick you up.]
Jiang Bin’s lips curved as she read the message. Her phone was buzzing incessantly. A certain President Chen, who was passing through the area, had brought her some local specialties and insisted on dropping them off. She met him in the reception room.
"President Jiang, this is a small token of gratitude for your help. My father insisted I bring you some specialties from our hometown. Please, give them a try." Three large red gift boxes sat by the sofa. Jiang Bin accepted them and had her administrative assistant pour some tea.
"How is Elder Chen’s recovery going?" she asked.
President Chen smiled broadly.
"Excellent! Dr. Lu’s skills are truly remarkable. He spoke very highly of you while I was staying at the hospital. I didn't realize Dr. Lu was your stepfather until then."
Jiang Bin folded her hands over her knees. "Uncle Lu treats me like his own daughter. I respect him deeply."
President Chen hadn't come just to drop off snacks, he owed Jiang Bin a massive favor. His tone softened.
"President Jiang... have you still not secured a seat on the Group’s Board of Directors?"
Without equity, she couldn't truly counter her father, Jiang Chengxiao. Jiang Bin’s smile faded slightly. Her grandfather had intended for her to be his successor, bypassing his son entirely. But he had died suddenly without a formal will. As the only son, Jiang Chengxiao inherited the vast majority of the shares. While Jiang Bin received real estate, estates, and stock investments, she held no actual stake in the Group itself.
She had clawed her way up from the bottom based on merit, supported by the core board members like Elder Qiu. But without shares, the Board remained out of reach. A branch president was not on the same level as a group shareholder. Her father could have her removed at any time through a board vote.
"I’m working on it," she said simply.
President Chen fell silent. Jiang Group shares were valuable. Shareholders wouldn't part with them unless forced.
"In any case, if you need me for anything, just say the word." That was his true purpose, to declare his allegiance.
* * *
A few minutes later, her assistant informed her, "President Tang has arrived. He’s in your office."
"How long has he been there?" Jiang Bin asked, startled. "About ten minutes."
Jiang Bin hurried to the 50th floor. As she rounded a sandalwood-carved screen, she saw Tang Zhisong standing by the glass curtain wall. He wore a light blazer and dark trousers, looking exceptionally refined and "gentle." He hadn't entered her private office, they still respected each other's boundaries.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." This was their first meeting since the night before. Jiang Bin tapped a file against her leg as she approached in her stilettos, her usual professional smile back in place.
Tang Zhisong watched her, noting the healthy glow on her face.
"Done with work?"
"Almost."
Since it was his first time picking her up, she felt obligated to play the host. She gestured for him to enter.
Her office was simple and warm, a contrast to his sharp modernism. He noticed the bouquet of Juliet roses he’d sent her—though withered, she had carefully wrapped them and kept them on a flower stand. He made a mental note to send fresh ones.
"Drink?"
"Whatever you have."
"I'm out of coffee. Tea? Pu'er, Tieguanyin, Jasmine, or Mulberry Black Tea?" She emphasized the last one. Mulberry Black Tea was famously known in the Chinese medicine for "tonifying the kidneys."
Tang Zhisong met her gaze steadily. Instead of being flustered, he leaned into her playful tone. "Black tea, then."
Jiang Bin turned away, biting her lips to stop herself from laughing, and brewed him a cup. When she brought it over, he remained standing. He looked down at the cup. It was Green Tea. He suspected she was making fun of him. He took a sip anyway, watching her pack her laptop. He realized for the first time that she had a mischievous streak.
* * *
They decided to walk home since Emerald Heights was so close. The autumn night was cool, and the city lights blurred as they reached the crosswalk. With three seconds left on the green light, Tang Zhisong suddenly reached out his hand.
Jiang Bin hesitated. Does he really think I need help crossing the street?
But she reached back anyway. The last people to hold her hand across a street were her grandparents.
He didn't let go as they reached the other side. They walked through the city park in silence, their long shadows overlapping on the pavement. For the first time, being "cared for" in this way gave her a real taste of what marriage could feel like.
Once they reached the apartment, they headed straight for their respective routines. Jiang Bin stayed in the bath until nearly 11:00 PM. She was in the middle of applying a lip mask when the door creaked open.
Tang Zhisong stood there in navy loungewear, looking relaxed yet possessing a gaze full of dark possessive hunger.
"Not done yet?" he asked.
"You can go to sleep first," Jiang Bin replied, her voice a bit shaky as she looked at him through the mirror.
In the next heartbeat, he was inside. He gripped her elbow, and pulled her into him. The half-applied lip mask was promptly "eaten". This time, he wasn't exploring. He was the sovereign of the territory. He took control immediately, and Jiang Bin had no defense. As the kiss deepened, he reached into her heart and gave her everything.
He pulled her onto the leather-padded vanity bench. Unlike the slow build of the previous night, tonight was an all-out conquest. Jiang Bin’s toes curled. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, her body trembling under the intensity. This time, he wouldn't let her hide. He tilted her face up, forcing her to look at him—and her own reflection in the mirror behind him. Her dark hair disheveled, her face flushed, completely trapped by him. And there he was, still dressed, looking every bit the noble gentleman while engaged in such scandalous acts.
"A scoundrel in sheep's clothing!" she mentally cursed at him, before winding her arms around his neck to kiss him back, refusing to let him have all the fun.
By the time it was over, they were both breathless. They held each other for a long time before finally letting go to clean up.
Jiang Bin emerged first, wearing a simple slip dress. After what they'd just done, she didn't feel the need to be modest. Tang Zhisong sat up with his laptop, looking like a "virtuous scholar" once again. If she hadn't just felt his hands on her in the bathroom, she’d be fooled by his "ascetic" exterior.
She drank the glass of water he’d left for her and climbed into bed, keeping a small distance between them. Tang Zhizhong closed his laptop and looked at her. Her long hair was draped over her shoulder, obscuring half her face, but he could see the pale glow of her skin in the dark.
Tang Zhisong noticed her silk slip dress but suppressed the urge for more. "Sleep early. We both have meetings tomorrow."
After the lights went out, the silence of the room brought back the morning's confusion.
"I sliced steak for you this morning," he said into the dark. "Why didn't you eat any?"
Jiang Bin blinked. "You did? I was in such a rush, I didn't even see it."
Tang Zhizhong realized he’d misinterpreted her silence that morning. "In the future, at least say goodbye before you leave." He stopped himself from saying, I was worried.
"You were in a meeting..." she explained.
"The door was open," he countered. "My door is never closed to you."
Jiang Bin’s heart skipped a beat.
"Okay," she whispered.
"And were you really working overtime tonight?" he asked, his voice low.
Jiang Bin felt a bit guilty. She couldn't exactly tell him she was "setting a hook for the fish" to see if he'd bite and chase her.
"President Chen came by for a surprise visit," she lied smoothly.
Tang Zhizhong was sharp, but he let it slide. He wondered if he needed to be "better" to her so she’d open up. "Tell me whenever you're working late. I’ll pick you up."
Jiang Bin smiled in the dark and shifted slightly closer to him. Most people fall in love and then get intimate. They were doing it the other way around.
Translator Notes:
Tang Zhisong chuckled to himself, rubbing his forehead. He wasn't truly bothered by a few internet comments, but his dominant nature wouldn't allow Jiang Bin to retreat. He instructed Assistant Li to pack his laptop, headed down to the car, and told the driver, "The Jiang Group headquarters."
After buckling his seatbelt, he sent Jiang Bin a text: [I’m coming to pick you up.]
Jiang Bin’s lips curved as she read the message. Her phone was buzzing incessantly. A certain President Chen, who was passing through the area, had brought her some local specialties and insisted on dropping them off. She met him in the reception room.
"President Jiang, this is a small token of gratitude for your help. My father insisted I bring you some specialties from our hometown. Please, give them a try." Three large red gift boxes sat by the sofa. Jiang Bin accepted them and had her administrative assistant pour some tea.
"How is Elder Chen’s recovery going?" she asked.
President Chen smiled broadly.
"Excellent! Dr. Lu’s skills are truly remarkable. He spoke very highly of you while I was staying at the hospital. I didn't realize Dr. Lu was your stepfather until then."
Jiang Bin folded her hands over her knees. "Uncle Lu treats me like his own daughter. I respect him deeply."
President Chen hadn't come just to drop off snacks, he owed Jiang Bin a massive favor. His tone softened.
"President Jiang... have you still not secured a seat on the Group’s Board of Directors?"
Without equity, she couldn't truly counter her father, Jiang Chengxiao. Jiang Bin’s smile faded slightly. Her grandfather had intended for her to be his successor, bypassing his son entirely. But he had died suddenly without a formal will. As the only son, Jiang Chengxiao inherited the vast majority of the shares. While Jiang Bin received real estate, estates, and stock investments, she held no actual stake in the Group itself.
She had clawed her way up from the bottom based on merit, supported by the core board members like Elder Qiu. But without shares, the Board remained out of reach. A branch president was not on the same level as a group shareholder. Her father could have her removed at any time through a board vote.
"I’m working on it," she said simply.
President Chen fell silent. Jiang Group shares were valuable. Shareholders wouldn't part with them unless forced.
"In any case, if you need me for anything, just say the word." That was his true purpose, to declare his allegiance.
* * *
A few minutes later, her assistant informed her, "President Tang has arrived. He’s in your office."
"How long has he been there?" Jiang Bin asked, startled. "About ten minutes."
Jiang Bin hurried to the 50th floor. As she rounded a sandalwood-carved screen, she saw Tang Zhisong standing by the glass curtain wall. He wore a light blazer and dark trousers, looking exceptionally refined and "gentle." He hadn't entered her private office, they still respected each other's boundaries.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." This was their first meeting since the night before. Jiang Bin tapped a file against her leg as she approached in her stilettos, her usual professional smile back in place.
Tang Zhisong watched her, noting the healthy glow on her face.
"Done with work?"
"Almost."
Since it was his first time picking her up, she felt obligated to play the host. She gestured for him to enter.
Her office was simple and warm, a contrast to his sharp modernism. He noticed the bouquet of Juliet roses he’d sent her—though withered, she had carefully wrapped them and kept them on a flower stand. He made a mental note to send fresh ones.
"Drink?"
"Whatever you have."
"I'm out of coffee. Tea? Pu'er, Tieguanyin, Jasmine, or Mulberry Black Tea?" She emphasized the last one. Mulberry Black Tea was famously known in the Chinese medicine for "tonifying the kidneys."
Tang Zhisong met her gaze steadily. Instead of being flustered, he leaned into her playful tone. "Black tea, then."
Jiang Bin turned away, biting her lips to stop herself from laughing, and brewed him a cup. When she brought it over, he remained standing. He looked down at the cup. It was Green Tea. He suspected she was making fun of him. He took a sip anyway, watching her pack her laptop. He realized for the first time that she had a mischievous streak.
* * *
They decided to walk home since Emerald Heights was so close. The autumn night was cool, and the city lights blurred as they reached the crosswalk. With three seconds left on the green light, Tang Zhisong suddenly reached out his hand.
Jiang Bin hesitated. Does he really think I need help crossing the street?
But she reached back anyway. The last people to hold her hand across a street were her grandparents.
He didn't let go as they reached the other side. They walked through the city park in silence, their long shadows overlapping on the pavement. For the first time, being "cared for" in this way gave her a real taste of what marriage could feel like.
Once they reached the apartment, they headed straight for their respective routines. Jiang Bin stayed in the bath until nearly 11:00 PM. She was in the middle of applying a lip mask when the door creaked open.
Tang Zhisong stood there in navy loungewear, looking relaxed yet possessing a gaze full of dark possessive hunger.
"Not done yet?" he asked.
"You can go to sleep first," Jiang Bin replied, her voice a bit shaky as she looked at him through the mirror.
In the next heartbeat, he was inside. He gripped her elbow, and pulled her into him. The half-applied lip mask was promptly "eaten". This time, he wasn't exploring. He was the sovereign of the territory. He took control immediately, and Jiang Bin had no defense. As the kiss deepened, he reached into her heart and gave her everything.
He pulled her onto the leather-padded vanity bench. Unlike the slow build of the previous night, tonight was an all-out conquest. Jiang Bin’s toes curled. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, her body trembling under the intensity. This time, he wouldn't let her hide. He tilted her face up, forcing her to look at him—and her own reflection in the mirror behind him. Her dark hair disheveled, her face flushed, completely trapped by him. And there he was, still dressed, looking every bit the noble gentleman while engaged in such scandalous acts.
"A scoundrel in sheep's clothing!" she mentally cursed at him, before winding her arms around his neck to kiss him back, refusing to let him have all the fun.
By the time it was over, they were both breathless. They held each other for a long time before finally letting go to clean up.
Jiang Bin emerged first, wearing a simple slip dress. After what they'd just done, she didn't feel the need to be modest. Tang Zhisong sat up with his laptop, looking like a "virtuous scholar" once again. If she hadn't just felt his hands on her in the bathroom, she’d be fooled by his "ascetic" exterior.
She drank the glass of water he’d left for her and climbed into bed, keeping a small distance between them. Tang Zhizhong closed his laptop and looked at her. Her long hair was draped over her shoulder, obscuring half her face, but he could see the pale glow of her skin in the dark.
Tang Zhisong noticed her silk slip dress but suppressed the urge for more. "Sleep early. We both have meetings tomorrow."
After the lights went out, the silence of the room brought back the morning's confusion.
"I sliced steak for you this morning," he said into the dark. "Why didn't you eat any?"
Jiang Bin blinked. "You did? I was in such a rush, I didn't even see it."
Tang Zhizhong realized he’d misinterpreted her silence that morning. "In the future, at least say goodbye before you leave." He stopped himself from saying, I was worried.
"You were in a meeting..." she explained.
"The door was open," he countered. "My door is never closed to you."
Jiang Bin’s heart skipped a beat.
"Okay," she whispered.
"And were you really working overtime tonight?" he asked, his voice low.
Jiang Bin felt a bit guilty. She couldn't exactly tell him she was "setting a hook for the fish" to see if he'd bite and chase her.
"President Chen came by for a surprise visit," she lied smoothly.
Tang Zhizhong was sharp, but he let it slide. He wondered if he needed to be "better" to her so she’d open up. "Tell me whenever you're working late. I’ll pick you up."
Jiang Bin smiled in the dark and shifted slightly closer to him. Most people fall in love and then get intimate. They were doing it the other way around.
Translator Notes:
- "Scoundrel in Sheep's clothing" (斯文败类 ): Literally translated as "Refined Scumbag". It refers to a man who looks refined, wears glasses, and acts like a perfect gentleman in public, but is possessive, intense, and "wild" in private.
- "Tonifying the Kidneys" (补肾): In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are linked to sexual vitality.
- "Green Tea" (绿茶): While "Green Tea Bitch" is a famous insult for a manipulative person, here Jiang Bin gives him green tea as a prank after he agreed to the "kidney tea." It’s a play on "Green Tea" being the "purest" tea.
- "setting a hook for the fish": Playing hard to get.
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