Chapter 5 - An Unexpected Kiss

Snapping out of his thoughts, he squinted his eyes at Stephanie Ruan.

In Javier Zhong's opinion, this woman in front of him is obviously not trustable at all!

Who knows what's the real reason for her coming so close to him?

But if she could be trusted to handle this difficult business deal and yet at the same time be able to help him please his grandmother for the time being, then he does not see why he shouldn't make full use of her?

After all, she is the one who came knocking on his door first!

"State your terms and conditions." Javier Zhong threw out these few cold words.

He had learned since young that the number one business rule is to wait for the other party to state their conditions first so that he would not lose out unnecessarily.

However, Stephanie Ruan is also well-educated on this rule. But someone has to start first, right?

So with this thought, she decided to play the game differently. "Relax, I'm not after any of your properties or money. All I need is a fiancé for one year and we..."

"Three months." He rudely interrupted her.

Stephanie Ruan let out a light smirk, "Six months it is."

She had long expected that he would bargain the terms in such a cut-throat manner and so she threw out a longer time frame on purpose.

And she got what she wanted!

Similarly, for Javier Zhong, six months is also the maximum duration that he could accept for this deal.

After all, who does not know that he could not stand having a woman sticking around him all day?

This is indeed the biggest compromise that he has ever given to anyone in this lifetime.

"Happy cooperation, Chairman Zhong." Stephanie Ruan stood up and put her hand out, intending to shake his hand but as expected of him...

Not only did he refuse to throw a glance at her hand, but he had completely ignored her words as well!

Unsurprised by his aloof behaviour, Stephanie Ruan chuckled as she withdrew her awkward hand.

"In that case, Chairman Zhong, I shall take my leave. See you in a few days." Stephanie Ruan then proceeded to exit the room with Mia Xue.

The minute the door is closed, Javier Zhong's cold voice resounded in the quiet room. 

"I want to know everything about her and don't miss out on any piece of information!"

"Yes, Chairman Zhong." Isaac Wen replied promptly and immediately ordered his subordinates to proceed with the investigation.

...

Mia Xue quickly spotted a small concierge stationed right outside the entrance of the clubhouse.

"Director Ruan, I will be heading off from here to get the keys from the real estate agent. Should I get the staff to call a cab for you and send you back..."

Stephanie Ruan shook her head lightly with a gentle smile. "It's okay, Mia. Go get busy. I can handle this on my own."

Since Stephanie Ruan knows that she would be staying in Country C for some time, she has decided to purchase a new and large sea-view penthouse, with its good location strongly recommended by her best friend, Daniel Yan.

As such, Mia Xue would be busy handling the administrative duties on her behalf and also expediting their move-in process.

Soon, Stephanie Ruan is left all alone at the entrance.

It is not that she does not know how to approach the staff to call for a cab, but that she does not know where to go.

Hence, she looked around and found a seating area nearby.

As soon as she settled down, Stephanie Ruan took out her phone and searched for 'popular shopping malls' in the city.

Since the event is only a few days away, she better start looking for an evening gown to wear on that day.

As she was scrolling through the list, she could not help but notice a car that has stopped right in front of her.

Curious, she looked up and immediately saw someone stepping out of the black limited edition Rolls Royce car.

"Director Ruan, this way please."

Isaac Wen stretched out his arm in a polite manner and invited her to sit at the back of the car together with Javier Zhong.

This is a very unusual situation as Javier Zhong would not even allow any woman to touch the handle of his car, let alone sit next to him.

But Isaac Wen had only dared to do so today as it is a special order given by his young master!

On the other hand, Stephanie Ruan would usually reject such offers without any second thoughts.

But because she only has 6 months to get close to Javier Zhong, she decided to seize every opportunity!

However, as soon as she got into the car, she saw that Javier Zhong's eyes are closed.

Is he asleep??...

"Director Ruan, where are you heading to?"

Stephanie Ruan quickly placed a finger on her lips to signal him to not speak. If Javier Zhong has already fallen asleep, he must have been drained from work.

As a boss herself, she empathise with him and know the importance of these short naps so she did not want to disturb his rest.

She took out her phone and typed a message for Isaac Wen to read instead.

[I am unfamiliar with this city. I would like to go shopping. Could I trouble you to drop me at a mall that you would recommend?]

Although she used to live in Country C, the cities here have become more developed over the years, with many new attractions and high-rise buildings dominating the once empty plots of land.

As such, it is only natural for Stephanie Ruan to feel like a foreigner in her homeland. After all, it has been many years since she has returned to her country.

Looking at her message, Isaac Wen immediately understood and gave her a nod. He then whispered a location to the driver next to him, before ordering him to drive off.

At the same time, he could not help but think to himself, "Since when did Chairman Zhong ever take a nap in the car?..."

"He is usually very efficient and would even sieve through some documents while travelling from place to place... This is really odd..."

But Isaac Wen got to admit that he is truly impressed with Stephanie Ruan's polite and considerate action.

He is in complete disbelief that she is the same lady who had successfully struck a deal with his boss just now!

And he has a strong gut feeling that she isn't a mean person at all...

In fact, he is starting to have a good impression of her and could not help but wonder how suitable she would be for his young master...

Yes... perfect match!!

"!!..."

Upon realising what he was dreaming about, Isaac Wen quickly shook off those thoughts in his mind and pulled himself back to reality!

He would totally be slaughtered and thrown into the sea if Javier Zhong ever finds out what he is thinking about!!

...

Over at the back, Javier Zhong was indeed not sleeping. He opened his eyes slowly, only to catch Stephanie Ruan staring out of the window quietly.

Despite his subordinates having a silent conversation with her in the car, he is completely aware of what is going on.

In fact, he had closed his eyes on purpose to test Stephanie Ruan's intention for getting close to him.

But it has already been 15 minutes into the ride and not only did she not make a move on him, her thoughtful act had surprised him a little.

Having said this, Javier Zhong still did not believe that she is one of good character, judging from how she had schemed her way to the point of becoming his 'fiancé', all in one day!

Such a despicable woman!!... He is definitely going to tear her mask apart today! Just wait for it!

With a smirk, he placed his hand on her waist and pulled her towards him.

Stephanie Ruan, who is totally caught off guard with his sudden action, could only helplessly fall on his body.

"!!!..."

Unbelievable!!

Knowing that Javier Zhong had done this on purpose, she immediately turned her head and was ready to confront him.

"You!!..."

Just then, the car suddenly screeched to a halt! With widened eyes, Javier Zhong uncontrollably leaned forward and...

-Kiss-

"??!!..."