Chapter Twenty-Six: Temptation

Silence!

Zhang Ye couldn’t bear Wang Mengzi’s inexplicable, direct gaze any longer. He hurriedly coughed, lowered his head, and said, “Aunt Wang, I was just joking.” He had thought there’d been progress, but things had returned to square one. Zhang Ye couldn’t be more disappointed.

“Of course I know you’re joking, but jokes like that are best kept to a minimum. If your father heard you, he’d beat you within an inch of your life.” As she spoke, Wang Mengzi tapped Zhang Ye on the head and asked, “Are you hungry? I can make you something to eat.” Her tone was exceptionally gentle.

“I’m not hungry, I’ve already eaten.” Then, unable to resist, he added, “Ate with a friend.”

“Don’t try to fool me—have you been following me all day?” Wang Mengzi asked.

Zhang Ye’s expression grew flustered. He waved his hands quickly and said, “No… no, I haven’t!” His heart pounded anxiously—had he been found out?

“No? I saw you on the old street this morning. At first, I thought it was just someone wearing the same clothes, but then at lunch, I saw you wandering around the restaurant and you thought I didn’t notice? And as for this—how do you explain it?” As she spoke, Wang Mengzi triumphantly produced the deadly evidence she’d been holding in her hand.

A small object, resembling a button.

“What a pretty button! Aunt Wang, where did you buy it?” Zhang Ye exclaimed, reaching out to snatch it.

Wang Mengzi dodged, laughing, and tapped his head again. “Do you take me for a fool? That’s not so easy.”

Zhang Ye scratched his head, helplessly explaining, “It’s just that I saw you with that scoundrel. I was worried about you, so I followed. Good thing I did, otherwise you’d have been at a disadvantage.”

But seeing Wang Mengzi’s expression grow somber, Zhang Ye hastily tried to explain, “I swear I didn’t mean to bring him up. Why would I? Please don’t be mad, don’t be mad.” He wanted to pat her on the shoulder, but hesitated, not knowing if she’d allow it, so he bent over awkwardly, looking thoroughly embarrassed.

A peal of laughter escaped Wang Mengzi’s lips. Supporting herself on Zhang Ye, she said, “Alright, I’m not angry. I forgive you, alright? But there can’t be a next time. I don’t like being followed, understand? If I catch you doing it again, I’ll twist your ear off.” She blew on her hand, as if dispersing the smoke after firing a gun.

“I won’t follow you, never again. Next time, I’ll be with you openly and aboveboard. Really, I only did it because I felt so upset seeing you with another man. But you have to promise, if you ever decide to date someone, you’ll tell me. Let me vet him for you, alright?” Zhang Ye’s motives were anything but pure—once he had information on the man, he’d do anything to sabotage it. No way was anyone going to steal Aunt Wang’s attention from him.

Wang Mengzi felt a sweetness in her heart. She nodded and said, “Alright, if I ever want to date, I’ll let you know. Satisfied?” Ruffling Zhang Ye’s hair, her mood brightened, dispelling all the gloom.

“It’s settled then!” Zhang Ye nodded vigorously, his joy clear for all to see.

“Well, since you’ve already eaten, just watch some TV here. I’m going to take a shower and then write. No disturbing me, understand?” Every evening was her precious creative time—a habit she’d kept for years. No matter what had happened today, she wasn’t about to change that.

“I won’t disturb you—I’ve got writing to do, too.” With that, he hurried toward home.

These days, he’d started writing as well, and the thought of working alongside Wang Mengzi made him excited.

Wang Mengzi was a little surprised, only then recalling the bet she’d made with Zhang Ye earlier—whether he could write a story. If it had been before, she wouldn’t have cared, but after reading his news article yesterday, she found herself looking forward to it.

Soon, Zhang Ye returned with pen and paper. On the way, he ran into his mother and explained he’d already eaten and planned to sleep at Wang Mengzi’s tonight.

Liu Meiju didn’t object to Zhang Ye sleeping here. In her eyes, Wang Mengzi was an elder, and it was nothing for a youngster to spend the night at an elder’s home. Besides, with Wang Mengzi’s door broken, having a young man around was a good thing for her safety.

Wang Mengzi’s study was inside her bedroom. To experience what it was like to write alongside her, Zhang Ye followed her into the room, brought over a chair, and sat facing her.

“What are you writing?” Wang Mengzi asked, curious, before starting her own work.

Zhang Ye smiled slightly, picked up his manuscript, then quickly covered it. “Not telling.”

He grinned smugly. “I’ll show you when it’s done. There’s barely anything now—it’s not interesting yet.” Then he asked, “By the way, is your book an office drama? When will you finish it?”

Zhang Ye remembered that this book of Wang Mengzi’s would soon be a nationwide bestseller, selling a million copies and making her famous overnight.

“Yes, it’s an office drama, nearly finished. Should be done in three to five days. Then I can relax for a month or two, take a trip, recharge my inspiration for the next book.” She’d planned this from the start. Writing was mentally exhausting—she needed to get out, refresh herself, and gather ideas for her next work.

“Oh, I haven’t told you—today I got promoted. Isn’t that something to celebrate? Do you know why?” Wang Mengzi laughed. She was particularly talkative tonight.

“Why?” Zhang Ye gazed at her delicate, fair face, a hint of infatuation flickering in his eyes.

A flush rose on Wang Mengzi’s cheeks. She flicked Zhang Ye’s forehead and said, “It was because of your article. If it hadn’t been published under my name, the promotion wouldn’t have been mine—apparently, the county secretary praised it by name.”

“Shouldn’t you show your gratitude, then?” Zhang Ye replied, his tone turning playful, his gaze lingering shamelessly on her alluring figure.

“And what would you like as thanks?” Wang Mengzi laughed, her charm in full bloom. She rose and struck a few poses, showing off her shapely figure—curves that enticed beyond measure.

Temptation, pure and unfiltered… Zhang Ye’s nose nearly bled; he could barely withstand Wang Mengzi’s sudden display of seduction.

“No good—if I can’t handle even this, what future do I have? Fine, if you want to tempt me, I’ll play along…” Zhang Ye’s heart stirred. He stood up too, smiling as he walked over, circled her slender waist with his arm, and said, “So, what kind of gratitude will you show me?”

With that, he leaned in and blew a breath softly against Wang Mengzi’s ear.