The Marriage Harbor CH25
Chapter 25: The Emperor Misses Morning Court
On Monday morning, Tang Zhisong’s car dropped Jiang Bin at the entrance of the Jiang Group building before heading west, merging onto the river-crossing bridge toward Ningsheng Technology.
Jiang Bin clutched the documents she’d prepared the night before and headed to the top-floor conference room. This morning, the branch presidents were scheduled to report to the Board of Directors. When she entered, she found someone had arrived even earlier than her.
"Second Sister, you’re early today."
The meeting wasn't due to start for another fifteen minutes. In the past, Jiang Yao always timed her entrance to walk in right behind Jiang Chengxiao. Today was an anomaly.
Jiang Yao, sketching a mind map with a pen, glanced up. Seeing Jiang Bin looking radiant and refreshed, she felt a pang of resentment she couldn't quite voice. "I haven't found any good film scripts lately," she muttered. "It's nearly the end of the year, and my performance metrics are worrying."
She didn't tell Jiang Bin that, thanks to Tang Zhisong, she was finding it nearly impossible to negotiate projects outside, and even her internal staff were becoming difficult to manage. However, having issued a public statement that she would no longer oppose Jiang Bin, she had to keep her word, or she’d lose what little credibility she had left.
Jiang Bin had heard rumors of her sister’s struggling department. "If you can't keep it going, you could always consider merging your branch into mine."
Jiang Yao rolled her eyes, biting back a retort. "How are things with you and Tang Zhisong?" she asked with forced calm.
"Quite well." Jiang Bin replied without a second's hesitation.
Jiang Yao found the answer hilarious. "Really? He doesn't strike me as a man who’s easily... tamed."
A beast in a suit, Jiang Yao thought. After seeing Tang’s true colors, she actually felt a flicker of sympathy for Jiang Bin. Living with a man like that, so high and mighty, so intolerant of anyone touching his "reverse scales", it must be exhausting.
"Why would I need to 'tame' him?" Jiang Bin countered.
"You’re comfortable not having your man on a leash?" Jiang Yao asked, as if it were common sense.
Jiang Bin: "......"
The mental image of her putting Tang Zhizhong on a leash was so surreal she didn't even want to contemplate it.
Seeing Jiang Bin’s blank expression, Jiang Yao knew her sister hadn't even considered it.
"Otherwise, it’ll end in divorce sooner or later." Aside from this jab, she had no other way to needle Jiang Bin.
Jiang Bin laughed in spite of herself. "So, Second Sister, you broke up with your last boyfriend because you didn't 'tame' him well enough?"
There had been a period when Jiang Yao couldn't reach Tang Zhisong and had impulsively dated a suitor for a few months, only to be forced into a breakup by Jiang Chengxiao. On this subject, Jiang Yao was confident she was leagues ahead of Jiang Bin. "I’m not bragging, but men usually act like lapdogs in front of me."
"......"
The door pushed open as several veteran directors entered. Jiang Bin gave Jiang Yao a look of mock defeat and shifted her focus to business.
The meeting lasted until 11:00 AM. Back in her office, she held a brief meeting with her department directors. At noon sharp, Tang Zhisong’s private chef delivered lunch. Li Yang helped bring it in, and the team gathered in Jiang Bin’s office to eat.
Jiang Bin tapped the head of her assistant, Tao Xing. "I didn't see a single reply from you in the work chat all day yesterday. What were you doing?"
Tao Xing looked miserable. "Boss, it was Sunday!"
"I didn't ask you to come in, but you didn't even have time to reply to a message?" Several emergencies had cropped up yesterday requiring Tao Xing’s files so Li Yang had eventually stepped in. No matter how kind Jiang Bin was in private, it didn't change the fact that she was a "Devil Boss" at work.
Tao Xing looked ready to cry. Li Yang, eating a piece of Bobo Chicken, chimed in, "Yeah, what were you doing?"
"I was on a date," Tao Xing whispered, turning red.
Jiang Bin narrowed her eyes with a smirk. "For the whole day?"
Noticing the teasing look in her boss's eyes, Tao Xing’s face turned bright red.
"No, no! It's not what you think! I just... I went with him to Ningsheng Tech at 10:00 AM while he worked overtime, then we went to a movie at 4:00 PM. That's all!"
Jiang Bin looked at her with 'disappointment in her eyes'.
"See? He has a career and knows he needs to work late, yet you’re the one eagerly accompanying him? You weren't like this before, you can't lower your stance too much."
Li Yang teased, "Love truly is a distraction from work."
Jiang Bin sighed. "And to think, who was it that swore they would stay by my side and build a 'great empire'?"
Tao Xing was blushing furiously now. "Fine! Next time I'll bring my laptop too and we'll work together!" Then, her eyes lit up with a realization. "Wait, Boss! You could go to Ningsheng Technology and accompany President Tang while he works late!"
Jiang Bin shot her a sharp look. "Do you think I'm as spineless as you?" If anyone was doing the accompanying, it would be Tang Zhisong accompanying her, though she knew that was unlikely.
"Boss, don't set a 'flag'!"
Jiang Bin gave her a playful flick.
* * *
Tang Zhisong had talked a big game about picking Jiang Bin up, but his own overtime hours ended up being even later than hers. Between a massive project in Western Europe and the headquarters in San Francisco, there were too many decisions that required his final say.
From Monday to Wednesday, the couple barely spoke. Often, by the time Tang Zhisong returned, Jiang Bin was already asleep. She woke up so early that by the time he opened his eyes, she was usually out the door.
On Thursday night, a torrential rain began to fall. The claps of thunder echoing across the sky made Jiang Bin burrow deep into the covers. The apartment had a climate-control system, but the sudden temperature drop outside still bled through. Feeling the chill, she habitually shuffled toward his side in her sleep.
The movement woke Tang Zhisong. Seeing her curled up like a kitten, he naturally pulled her into his arms. Jiang Bin found the heat source and pressed her back against him, finally falling into a deep sleep.
Tang Zhizhong, however, was now wide awake.
It was the first time he’d seen her so vulnerable. Usually so sharp and professional, she was now tucked under his arm, her soft skin brushing against his. He wasn't a man who made many exceptions, but he felt his heart softening.
The position was... dangerous. But Tang Zhisong didn't push it, he never touched her without cause, knowing she still wasn't fully relaxed around him.
Not wanting to upset her, he wasn't sure where to put his hands. Finally, he tucked her legs against his own to warm them and fell asleep with a bit of space between their upper bodies.
The storm lasted through the night, making for a late, dim sunrise. Jiang Bin woke up as usual. Seeing the pale light, she assumed it was still early and moved to get up, only to realize she was touching something.
She froze. Tang Zhisong’s eyes slowly opened, staring directly at her. Jiang Bin realized they were pressed tightly together, his chest behind her was like a scorching furnace. She glanced back, his face inches away. In the dim light, his lashes looked thick and his gaze unusually soft.
Hormones woke up faster than logic. Jiang Bin could tell his "state" was... compromised. Looking around, she realized she was the one who had invaded his territory.
"Morning," she said, feeling awkward.
Tang Zhisong didn't say a word. Seeing no reaction, she prepared to climb out of bed, but he quickly grabbed her, pinned her down, and covered her in a rain of kisses.
Jiang Bin wanted to remind him that they had to work, but she surrendered under the relentless assault of his lips and tongue. It's still early, she thought. There should be time... It had been a few days, after all. She wasn't exactly unwilling.
By the time they finished, the sky was fully bright—looking like it was around 7:00 AM. Her hair was damp with sweat. She grabbed some clothes to dry herself and reached for her phone. The screen flashed 8:45 AM.
Jiang Bin’s heart sank. "Oh god, I'm late!"
Ignoring Tang Zhisong’s reaction, she threw on a robe and sprinted for the bathroom. Aside from business trips, she was never late. She held herself to the same strict standards she demanded of others. This was her first 'failure'.
As she changed, the phrase "Beauty is a distraction" flashed through her mind. She was out and ready in under twenty minutes. Tang Zhisong, seeing her rush, didn't even bother showering. In his loungewear, he headed to the dining room to prepare her breakfast.
Jiang Bin emerged with her laptop bag. Seeing his relaxed posture, she couldn't help herself. "It’s already this late, why are you still here?"
The breakfast spread included sliced fish, cheese, canelés, and ham. Tang Zhisong plated them with an expressionless face.
"I am the boss."
"......" Those four words defeated her.
In the Jiang Group, no one dared question Jiang Chengxiao. Tang Zhisong was different—he traveled globally and wasn't in the office every day, no one thought it strange whenever he showed up.
Jiang Bin’s phone was ringing off the hook. "Alright, have your breakfast. I need to get to the office." Tang Zhisong frowned.
"Jiang Bin," he called out.
She paused and looked back. Hearing her full name spoken without emotion made her feel a bit hollow. In bed just a few minutes ago, he hadn't been like this. He was dominant while doing it, but incredibly gentle when kissing her, and his tone was soft when coaxing her to continue.
But then she realized she couldn't bring herself to call him "Husband" or "Zhisong" or "A-Song" either. For her, it still felt awkward and overly cheesy. Perhaps they were just bound by marital duties, responsibilities, and the release of desire.
"There's food at the office," she explained, trying to stay calm. "Or I'll take something to go."
"You're already late anyway," Tang Zhisong said. "Eating will only take a few minutes. If you push yourself this hard, your body will eventually give out." In the past, he never interfered with other people's decisions. He hated meddling. But Jiang Bin was different. She was his wife and he felt responsible for her.
Persuaded, Jiang Bin set her bag at the entryway and sat down. The table was spread with seven or eight different dishes, yet her attention was anchored by the phone in her hand. It kept buzzing with persistent, demanding vibrations, and she focused every ounce of her willpower on ignoring the urge to check the screen.
She stared fixedly at the plate in front of her, her mind already occupied by unresolved work matters, which left her completely oblivious to the steak Tang Zhisong had just thoughtfully sliced for her.
Tang Zhisong watched her, sensing the distracted weight of her mood.
"I apologize...for this morning," he said, his voice finally breaking through her preoccupation.
If it weren't for his 'momentary greed for pleasure', she wouldn't be late. While a minor delay meant little to him, he was well aware of her uncompromising work ethics. He knew she placed a high value on following the rules and leading her team by example.
Jiang Bin paused and looked up. She could sense he wasn't entirely sincere with the apology, which she found both complicated and slightly funny. "Do I look like someone who can't take responsibility for her own choices?"
What’s done was done. Besides... she had enjoyed herself too. If she was in a bad mood, it wasn't because of the sex.
Tang Zhisong looked at her clear, spirited eyes and laughed to himself. He loved her brisk, straightforward nature. He pushed the sliced steak toward her. "A person has to be good to themselves first. Eat, then go to work."
She found it impossible to argue with that. The man standing before her had visible wrinkles in his clothes and unusually messy hair. For someone so obsessed with cleanliness to skip a shower just to make her breakfast... what was there to complain about?
As for the lack of intimate names between them, she decided it really didn't matter. So what if they didn't use endearments for each other? She wouldn't demand from others what she couldn't do herself anyway.
"Thank you," she said, pulling the steak toward her and eating it in one go.
Tang Zhisong let out a sigh of relief. After all that effort, she had finally eaten the steak. After seeing her out, he finally headed for the shower.
* * *
Indeed, Jiang Bin being an hour late had sent Li Yang and the others into a panic. They thought something had happened, as she was never unreachable. Usually, the first hour of her day was spent in meetings or workflow request approvals. Even Jiang Chengxiao had sent a message: [Binbin, where are you?]
Her schedule was always transparent. For her to vanish for an hour without warning was unprecedented. Yet, when she stepped out of the elevator, she was as cool and unruffled as ever.
"President Jiang, the Chairman called. He wants you in his office..."
"The Northwest branch needs the project funds settled today, it's the contract deadline..."
Emergency after emergency was thrust upon her, but no one dared ask where she had been. Jiang Bin felt a twinge of guilt. "Apologies, I was delayed by a small matter. I'll head to the Chairman's office first."
Inside the Chairman's office, she heard laughter. "Good, good. It's your birthday next month, Daddy will buy it for you."
Jiang Bin knocked and entered.
"Dad." She greeted.
Jiang Yao was clinging to Jiang Chengxiao's arm. Their expressions sharpened when they saw her. "Come in."
Jiang Bin handed over the file he wanted. "What did you need me for?"
"As you know," Jiang Chengxiao began, "the annual Shanghai Charity Gala is our Group’s turn to host. Your grandfather started it thirty years ago, and now the hosting rights are back with us. I want to make it a grand affair—not just Shanghai socialites, but the titans of the Chinese real estate industry. I want you to assist Yao Yao with the organization."
Assist Jiang Yao? Meaning Jiang Yao gets the glory while Jiang Bin does the grunt work.
"I'm busy," Jiang Bin refused flatly. "With how 'capable' Second Sister is, surely she can handle a simple charity gala."
Jiang Chengxiao was furious. "Don't you understand why I'm asking you? You know exactly what Tang Zhisong did last time!"
He wanted to use this gala to restore his daughter’s reputation. Jiang Bin had broader connections and with Tang Zhisong's backing now, she could easily secure high-profile and distinguished guests.
Jiang Bin scoffed. She couldn't believe the audacity of this father-daughter duo. "Dad, I'm a businesswoman, not a philanthropist."
Jiang Chengxiao was so angry he began to cough violently. Jiang Yao smoothed his chest, glaring at Jiang Bin. "Fine! If you don't want to, then don't. At this rate you're gonna give Dad a stroke."
"Alright. I'm heading back then," Jiang Bin said easily. Then, looking at her father with a serious face: "Dad, if you're sick, you should see a doctor."
* * *
Back in her office, Cheng Ying brought her a draft. "The report on last Saturday’s gathering is out. Want to see?"
Jiang Bin didn't look up from her screen. "Has the department reviewed it? Have you?"
"The planning team approved it, and I’ve seen it. It’s good. Just want your final check on the layout and colors."
"If you’ve seen it, it's fine. Just make sure there are no common-sense errors."
As Cheng Ying turned to leave, her eyes landed on Jiang Bin’s collar. She leaned over the desk, catching a glimpse of a red mark inside the collar of the shirt. Cheng Ying blinked, turned back to close the office door, and returned.
"What is it?" Jiang Bin asked, noticing the strange behavior. Cheng Ying stood with her arms crossed, a knowing smirk on her face. "Where were you this morning?"
Jiang Bin coughed and looked back at her computer.
"Nowhere!"
"Tsk, tsk. Hiding it from me? You might want to check a mirror and see what’s on your neck."
Jiang Bin’s face heated up. She quickly pulled her collar higher.
"Is... it visible?" She was always meticulous about her professional image.
Cheng Ying laughed. "To make our Emperor Jiang skip morning court... General Tang’s 'skills' must be quite formidable."
Jiang Bin: "......"
She threw the draft back at her friend. "Get back to work!"
Cheng Ying left, laughing loudly. Once alone, Jiang Bin rubbed her forehead, found a silk scarf to cover the strawberry marks, and got back to work.
At Ningsheng Technology, Tang Zhisong didn't arrive until nearly 10:00 AM. No one looked for him. It wasn't that there was no work, but rather that no one dared to rush him. If a document wasn't signed, the managers would reflect on whether their document had an issue, rather than worry about the deadline. That was the difference between an owner and a manager.
However, they did dare to rush Assistant Li.
Fifteen minutes later, Assistant Li brought in a stack of files. Tang Zhisong signed them one by one, never one to lose focus. But today, perhaps because of the exhilarating morning, Jiang Bin’s face kept flashing in his mind. He wanted to know what she was doing.
He checked his phone—it was only a little past ten. He glanced toward the Jiang Group building across the river. At this hour, she must be busy.
Translator Notes:
On Monday morning, Tang Zhisong’s car dropped Jiang Bin at the entrance of the Jiang Group building before heading west, merging onto the river-crossing bridge toward Ningsheng Technology.
Jiang Bin clutched the documents she’d prepared the night before and headed to the top-floor conference room. This morning, the branch presidents were scheduled to report to the Board of Directors. When she entered, she found someone had arrived even earlier than her.
"Second Sister, you’re early today."
The meeting wasn't due to start for another fifteen minutes. In the past, Jiang Yao always timed her entrance to walk in right behind Jiang Chengxiao. Today was an anomaly.
Jiang Yao, sketching a mind map with a pen, glanced up. Seeing Jiang Bin looking radiant and refreshed, she felt a pang of resentment she couldn't quite voice. "I haven't found any good film scripts lately," she muttered. "It's nearly the end of the year, and my performance metrics are worrying."
She didn't tell Jiang Bin that, thanks to Tang Zhisong, she was finding it nearly impossible to negotiate projects outside, and even her internal staff were becoming difficult to manage. However, having issued a public statement that she would no longer oppose Jiang Bin, she had to keep her word, or she’d lose what little credibility she had left.
Jiang Bin had heard rumors of her sister’s struggling department. "If you can't keep it going, you could always consider merging your branch into mine."
Jiang Yao rolled her eyes, biting back a retort. "How are things with you and Tang Zhisong?" she asked with forced calm.
"Quite well." Jiang Bin replied without a second's hesitation.
Jiang Yao found the answer hilarious. "Really? He doesn't strike me as a man who’s easily... tamed."
A beast in a suit, Jiang Yao thought. After seeing Tang’s true colors, she actually felt a flicker of sympathy for Jiang Bin. Living with a man like that, so high and mighty, so intolerant of anyone touching his "reverse scales", it must be exhausting.
"Why would I need to 'tame' him?" Jiang Bin countered.
"You’re comfortable not having your man on a leash?" Jiang Yao asked, as if it were common sense.
Jiang Bin: "......"
The mental image of her putting Tang Zhizhong on a leash was so surreal she didn't even want to contemplate it.
Seeing Jiang Bin’s blank expression, Jiang Yao knew her sister hadn't even considered it.
"Otherwise, it’ll end in divorce sooner or later." Aside from this jab, she had no other way to needle Jiang Bin.
Jiang Bin laughed in spite of herself. "So, Second Sister, you broke up with your last boyfriend because you didn't 'tame' him well enough?"
There had been a period when Jiang Yao couldn't reach Tang Zhisong and had impulsively dated a suitor for a few months, only to be forced into a breakup by Jiang Chengxiao. On this subject, Jiang Yao was confident she was leagues ahead of Jiang Bin. "I’m not bragging, but men usually act like lapdogs in front of me."
"......"
The door pushed open as several veteran directors entered. Jiang Bin gave Jiang Yao a look of mock defeat and shifted her focus to business.
The meeting lasted until 11:00 AM. Back in her office, she held a brief meeting with her department directors. At noon sharp, Tang Zhisong’s private chef delivered lunch. Li Yang helped bring it in, and the team gathered in Jiang Bin’s office to eat.
Jiang Bin tapped the head of her assistant, Tao Xing. "I didn't see a single reply from you in the work chat all day yesterday. What were you doing?"
Tao Xing looked miserable. "Boss, it was Sunday!"
"I didn't ask you to come in, but you didn't even have time to reply to a message?" Several emergencies had cropped up yesterday requiring Tao Xing’s files so Li Yang had eventually stepped in. No matter how kind Jiang Bin was in private, it didn't change the fact that she was a "Devil Boss" at work.
Tao Xing looked ready to cry. Li Yang, eating a piece of Bobo Chicken, chimed in, "Yeah, what were you doing?"
"I was on a date," Tao Xing whispered, turning red.
Jiang Bin narrowed her eyes with a smirk. "For the whole day?"
Noticing the teasing look in her boss's eyes, Tao Xing’s face turned bright red.
"No, no! It's not what you think! I just... I went with him to Ningsheng Tech at 10:00 AM while he worked overtime, then we went to a movie at 4:00 PM. That's all!"
Jiang Bin looked at her with 'disappointment in her eyes'.
"See? He has a career and knows he needs to work late, yet you’re the one eagerly accompanying him? You weren't like this before, you can't lower your stance too much."
Li Yang teased, "Love truly is a distraction from work."
Jiang Bin sighed. "And to think, who was it that swore they would stay by my side and build a 'great empire'?"
Tao Xing was blushing furiously now. "Fine! Next time I'll bring my laptop too and we'll work together!" Then, her eyes lit up with a realization. "Wait, Boss! You could go to Ningsheng Technology and accompany President Tang while he works late!"
Jiang Bin shot her a sharp look. "Do you think I'm as spineless as you?" If anyone was doing the accompanying, it would be Tang Zhisong accompanying her, though she knew that was unlikely.
"Boss, don't set a 'flag'!"
Jiang Bin gave her a playful flick.
* * *
Tang Zhisong had talked a big game about picking Jiang Bin up, but his own overtime hours ended up being even later than hers. Between a massive project in Western Europe and the headquarters in San Francisco, there were too many decisions that required his final say.
From Monday to Wednesday, the couple barely spoke. Often, by the time Tang Zhisong returned, Jiang Bin was already asleep. She woke up so early that by the time he opened his eyes, she was usually out the door.
On Thursday night, a torrential rain began to fall. The claps of thunder echoing across the sky made Jiang Bin burrow deep into the covers. The apartment had a climate-control system, but the sudden temperature drop outside still bled through. Feeling the chill, she habitually shuffled toward his side in her sleep.
The movement woke Tang Zhisong. Seeing her curled up like a kitten, he naturally pulled her into his arms. Jiang Bin found the heat source and pressed her back against him, finally falling into a deep sleep.
Tang Zhizhong, however, was now wide awake.
It was the first time he’d seen her so vulnerable. Usually so sharp and professional, she was now tucked under his arm, her soft skin brushing against his. He wasn't a man who made many exceptions, but he felt his heart softening.
The position was... dangerous. But Tang Zhisong didn't push it, he never touched her without cause, knowing she still wasn't fully relaxed around him.
Not wanting to upset her, he wasn't sure where to put his hands. Finally, he tucked her legs against his own to warm them and fell asleep with a bit of space between their upper bodies.
The storm lasted through the night, making for a late, dim sunrise. Jiang Bin woke up as usual. Seeing the pale light, she assumed it was still early and moved to get up, only to realize she was touching something.
She froze. Tang Zhisong’s eyes slowly opened, staring directly at her. Jiang Bin realized they were pressed tightly together, his chest behind her was like a scorching furnace. She glanced back, his face inches away. In the dim light, his lashes looked thick and his gaze unusually soft.
Hormones woke up faster than logic. Jiang Bin could tell his "state" was... compromised. Looking around, she realized she was the one who had invaded his territory.
"Morning," she said, feeling awkward.
Tang Zhisong didn't say a word. Seeing no reaction, she prepared to climb out of bed, but he quickly grabbed her, pinned her down, and covered her in a rain of kisses.
Jiang Bin wanted to remind him that they had to work, but she surrendered under the relentless assault of his lips and tongue. It's still early, she thought. There should be time... It had been a few days, after all. She wasn't exactly unwilling.
By the time they finished, the sky was fully bright—looking like it was around 7:00 AM. Her hair was damp with sweat. She grabbed some clothes to dry herself and reached for her phone. The screen flashed 8:45 AM.
Jiang Bin’s heart sank. "Oh god, I'm late!"
Ignoring Tang Zhisong’s reaction, she threw on a robe and sprinted for the bathroom. Aside from business trips, she was never late. She held herself to the same strict standards she demanded of others. This was her first 'failure'.
As she changed, the phrase "Beauty is a distraction" flashed through her mind. She was out and ready in under twenty minutes. Tang Zhisong, seeing her rush, didn't even bother showering. In his loungewear, he headed to the dining room to prepare her breakfast.
Jiang Bin emerged with her laptop bag. Seeing his relaxed posture, she couldn't help herself. "It’s already this late, why are you still here?"
The breakfast spread included sliced fish, cheese, canelés, and ham. Tang Zhisong plated them with an expressionless face.
"I am the boss."
"......" Those four words defeated her.
In the Jiang Group, no one dared question Jiang Chengxiao. Tang Zhisong was different—he traveled globally and wasn't in the office every day, no one thought it strange whenever he showed up.
Jiang Bin’s phone was ringing off the hook. "Alright, have your breakfast. I need to get to the office." Tang Zhisong frowned.
"Jiang Bin," he called out.
She paused and looked back. Hearing her full name spoken without emotion made her feel a bit hollow. In bed just a few minutes ago, he hadn't been like this. He was dominant while doing it, but incredibly gentle when kissing her, and his tone was soft when coaxing her to continue.
But then she realized she couldn't bring herself to call him "Husband" or "Zhisong" or "A-Song" either. For her, it still felt awkward and overly cheesy. Perhaps they were just bound by marital duties, responsibilities, and the release of desire.
"There's food at the office," she explained, trying to stay calm. "Or I'll take something to go."
"You're already late anyway," Tang Zhisong said. "Eating will only take a few minutes. If you push yourself this hard, your body will eventually give out." In the past, he never interfered with other people's decisions. He hated meddling. But Jiang Bin was different. She was his wife and he felt responsible for her.
Persuaded, Jiang Bin set her bag at the entryway and sat down. The table was spread with seven or eight different dishes, yet her attention was anchored by the phone in her hand. It kept buzzing with persistent, demanding vibrations, and she focused every ounce of her willpower on ignoring the urge to check the screen.
She stared fixedly at the plate in front of her, her mind already occupied by unresolved work matters, which left her completely oblivious to the steak Tang Zhisong had just thoughtfully sliced for her.
Tang Zhisong watched her, sensing the distracted weight of her mood.
"I apologize...for this morning," he said, his voice finally breaking through her preoccupation.
If it weren't for his 'momentary greed for pleasure', she wouldn't be late. While a minor delay meant little to him, he was well aware of her uncompromising work ethics. He knew she placed a high value on following the rules and leading her team by example.
Jiang Bin paused and looked up. She could sense he wasn't entirely sincere with the apology, which she found both complicated and slightly funny. "Do I look like someone who can't take responsibility for her own choices?"
What’s done was done. Besides... she had enjoyed herself too. If she was in a bad mood, it wasn't because of the sex.
Tang Zhisong looked at her clear, spirited eyes and laughed to himself. He loved her brisk, straightforward nature. He pushed the sliced steak toward her. "A person has to be good to themselves first. Eat, then go to work."
She found it impossible to argue with that. The man standing before her had visible wrinkles in his clothes and unusually messy hair. For someone so obsessed with cleanliness to skip a shower just to make her breakfast... what was there to complain about?
As for the lack of intimate names between them, she decided it really didn't matter. So what if they didn't use endearments for each other? She wouldn't demand from others what she couldn't do herself anyway.
"Thank you," she said, pulling the steak toward her and eating it in one go.
Tang Zhisong let out a sigh of relief. After all that effort, she had finally eaten the steak. After seeing her out, he finally headed for the shower.
* * *
Indeed, Jiang Bin being an hour late had sent Li Yang and the others into a panic. They thought something had happened, as she was never unreachable. Usually, the first hour of her day was spent in meetings or workflow request approvals. Even Jiang Chengxiao had sent a message: [Binbin, where are you?]
Her schedule was always transparent. For her to vanish for an hour without warning was unprecedented. Yet, when she stepped out of the elevator, she was as cool and unruffled as ever.
"President Jiang, the Chairman called. He wants you in his office..."
"The Northwest branch needs the project funds settled today, it's the contract deadline..."
Emergency after emergency was thrust upon her, but no one dared ask where she had been. Jiang Bin felt a twinge of guilt. "Apologies, I was delayed by a small matter. I'll head to the Chairman's office first."
Inside the Chairman's office, she heard laughter. "Good, good. It's your birthday next month, Daddy will buy it for you."
Jiang Bin knocked and entered.
"Dad." She greeted.
Jiang Yao was clinging to Jiang Chengxiao's arm. Their expressions sharpened when they saw her. "Come in."
Jiang Bin handed over the file he wanted. "What did you need me for?"
"As you know," Jiang Chengxiao began, "the annual Shanghai Charity Gala is our Group’s turn to host. Your grandfather started it thirty years ago, and now the hosting rights are back with us. I want to make it a grand affair—not just Shanghai socialites, but the titans of the Chinese real estate industry. I want you to assist Yao Yao with the organization."
Assist Jiang Yao? Meaning Jiang Yao gets the glory while Jiang Bin does the grunt work.
"I'm busy," Jiang Bin refused flatly. "With how 'capable' Second Sister is, surely she can handle a simple charity gala."
Jiang Chengxiao was furious. "Don't you understand why I'm asking you? You know exactly what Tang Zhisong did last time!"
He wanted to use this gala to restore his daughter’s reputation. Jiang Bin had broader connections and with Tang Zhisong's backing now, she could easily secure high-profile and distinguished guests.
Jiang Bin scoffed. She couldn't believe the audacity of this father-daughter duo. "Dad, I'm a businesswoman, not a philanthropist."
Jiang Chengxiao was so angry he began to cough violently. Jiang Yao smoothed his chest, glaring at Jiang Bin. "Fine! If you don't want to, then don't. At this rate you're gonna give Dad a stroke."
"Alright. I'm heading back then," Jiang Bin said easily. Then, looking at her father with a serious face: "Dad, if you're sick, you should see a doctor."
* * *
Back in her office, Cheng Ying brought her a draft. "The report on last Saturday’s gathering is out. Want to see?"
Jiang Bin didn't look up from her screen. "Has the department reviewed it? Have you?"
"The planning team approved it, and I’ve seen it. It’s good. Just want your final check on the layout and colors."
"If you’ve seen it, it's fine. Just make sure there are no common-sense errors."
As Cheng Ying turned to leave, her eyes landed on Jiang Bin’s collar. She leaned over the desk, catching a glimpse of a red mark inside the collar of the shirt. Cheng Ying blinked, turned back to close the office door, and returned.
"What is it?" Jiang Bin asked, noticing the strange behavior. Cheng Ying stood with her arms crossed, a knowing smirk on her face. "Where were you this morning?"
Jiang Bin coughed and looked back at her computer.
"Nowhere!"
"Tsk, tsk. Hiding it from me? You might want to check a mirror and see what’s on your neck."
Jiang Bin’s face heated up. She quickly pulled her collar higher.
"Is... it visible?" She was always meticulous about her professional image.
Cheng Ying laughed. "To make our Emperor Jiang skip morning court... General Tang’s 'skills' must be quite formidable."
Jiang Bin: "......"
She threw the draft back at her friend. "Get back to work!"
Cheng Ying left, laughing loudly. Once alone, Jiang Bin rubbed her forehead, found a silk scarf to cover the strawberry marks, and got back to work.
At Ningsheng Technology, Tang Zhisong didn't arrive until nearly 10:00 AM. No one looked for him. It wasn't that there was no work, but rather that no one dared to rush him. If a document wasn't signed, the managers would reflect on whether their document had an issue, rather than worry about the deadline. That was the difference between an owner and a manager.
However, they did dare to rush Assistant Li.
Fifteen minutes later, Assistant Li brought in a stack of files. Tang Zhisong signed them one by one, never one to lose focus. But today, perhaps because of the exhilarating morning, Jiang Bin’s face kept flashing in his mind. He wanted to know what she was doing.
He checked his phone—it was only a little past ten. He glanced toward the Jiang Group building across the river. At this hour, she must be busy.
Translator Notes:
- Beast in a Suit (衣冠禽兽): It is used to describe someone who is corrupt, hypocritical, or acts without human conscience despite their decent and refined appearance.
- "Reverse Scales" (逆鳞): In Chinese mythology, a dragon has one scale on its neck that grows in the opposite direction. If touched, the dragon will kill the offender. It refers to a person’s "absolute no-go" zone or extreme weakness.
- "Setting a Flag" (立flag): A common modern internet term in China. It refers to making a bold statement (e.g., "I'm not spineless like you") that is inevitably and ironically proven wrong later.
- "Beauty Is a Distraction" (美色误人): Literally "Beauty misleads people." Usually used to blame women for a man's downfall
- "The Emperor Misses Morning Court" (君王不早朝): This is a famous line from the poem Song of Everlasting Regret. It refers to an emperor so obsessed with a beautiful woman that he neglects his imperial duties.
- "strawberry marks" (种草莓): Chinese slang for hickies.
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