Chapter 14: You Belong to Me Now

Mr. He clutched his aching wrist with his other hand, sweat beading on his forehead. He shot a deep, searching glance at Shen Ling, who had already taken refuge behind Bo Jinhang, then offered Bo Jinhang a sycophantic smile.
“If I’d known she was your companion, I would never have been so presumptuous.”
Of course, he’d known all along—this was just an attempt to smooth things over after testing the waters, not wanting to offend Bo Jinhang so easily.
Shen Ling gradually composed herself. The steely nerves she’d honed in the business world allowed her to straighten her clothes and put on a radiant smile, even after narrowly escaping harassment.
“Mr. He, we can talk more another time if the opportunity arises.”
She didn’t want to miss this chance; with Bo Jinhang stepping in, things would be much easier. Perhaps Mr. He would give his consent to the project for Bo Jinhang’s sake.
At the same time, she stole a glance at Bo Jinhang out of the corner of her eye. He stood cool and aloof at her side, showing no intention of involving himself in the business at hand, which set her somewhat at ease.
Mr. He was momentarily stunned, as if he hadn’t expected there was still room for negotiation. His attitude shifted instantly, and just as he was about to agree, Bo Jinhang seized Shen Ling’s hand.
“Shen Ling, don’t forget you’re mine now.”
He pulled her into the center of the ballroom, striding swiftly. Shen Ling, in her high heels, could only do her best to keep pace, her skirts fluttering as she hurried along, like a butterfly weaving among flowers.
Bo Jinhang’s fervent hand encircled her slender waist, and he led her into the dance as the music swelled.
Watching this scene, Mr. He could only sigh and leave in dejection.
Shen Ling followed Bo Jinhang’s movements, her mind in turmoil. She lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes—deep and unfathomable as a lake.
This man was becoming more and more inscrutable to her.

A hint of mockery colored Bo Jinhang’s obsidian eyes, and his tone was laced with derision as he spoke.
“So you enjoy flirting with other men in public like this? Are you trying to humiliate me outright?”
Shen Ling’s steps faltered for just a moment, but she quickly recovered, her answer calm and flat as still water: “It’s just work. After all, I need to make a living.”
“Oh?” Bo Jinhang seemed dissatisfied with her reply, unwilling to let her off so easily. The corners of his mouth curved upward, but his smile never reached his eyes. His voice grew even more scornful: “So you’re just throwing yourself at him?”
His words were harsh, a silent dismissal of her.
Shen Ling lifted her eyes with a mocking smile, her retort sharp and unyielding: “Don’t you also juggle two women, playing both sides? Or is it that because I’ve taken your money, even my personal freedom should be restricted?”
Her gaze shifted meaningfully to Lin Qian, who had finished her conversation and was now standing alone by the dance floor. Shen Ling smiled sweetly: “Miss Ning came with you, didn’t she? No one’s invited her to dance yet—don’t let her feel neglected.”
At that moment, the music reached another crescendo. It was time for the partners to part and leave the floor. Shen Ling hoped to use the opportunity to distance herself from him, but to her surprise, Bo Jinhang tightened his grip on her waist.
Her slender form was firmly held in his large hand, pressed close with no chance of escape. As she looked up, she was enveloped by his aura—complex and dangerous.
His low voice sounded in her ear.
“Are you jealous?”
Shen Ling, taking advantage of the music, gracefully rested her delicate hand on his shoulder, rose lightly on tiptoe, and whispered in his ear with a gentle smile.
“If you need me to, I can play the part of the jealous girlfriend.”
A faint change flickered across Bo Jinhang’s face as he registered her words—a flash of anger passing swiftly.

“In that case, remember your place. You’re not even qualified to be jealous for me.”
Shen Ling paused for a moment, understanding his intent, then curled her lips in a sardonic smile. “All the better. Otherwise, I’d have thought you were rekindling old feelings for me.”
As the music ended, Shen Ling smoothly slipped away, lifting her skirts and smiling with effortless charm.
“You really are hard to please, Mr. Bo. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure to figure you out in time. Since the banquet’s almost over and you still have a lovely lady to escort, I won’t get in your way.”
If she lingered any longer, Ning Qian’s burning gaze might well incinerate her. Shen Ling had no wish to overstay her welcome; she tilted her head in a playful smile and turned to leave.
Bo Jinhang unconsciously took a step after her.
Suddenly, a petite figure stepped out to block his path.
It was Ning Qian, seizing the moment, her face radiant with gentle warmth. “Mr. Bo, the banquet is about to end. Shouldn’t you go say goodbye to the hosts?”
Bo Jinhang watched Shen Ling’s figure disappear through the doorway, then slowly withdrew his gaze, his expression icy cold.
“No need.”