Cheating CEO

Chapter 10 Harmonious Picture

Luminous eyes, cheeks tinged with a rosy blush, an exhilaration akin to one who had just discovered a new world—Zhuang Wentian had seen his share of adoring glances from women, but rarely had he encountered a gaze of such pure, unadulterated admiration and awe.

Though a newlywed, she lacked the practiced allure of a married woman—or, more accurately, the polished bearing of a mature one. Instead, she possessed an air of pristine, gentle grace, like a delicate blossom swaying in the morning spring light. It was a beauty and loveliness all its own, utterly devoid of the calculated pride and artifice of the high-society women he often encountered.

The impression she gave was wholly genuine and unassuming. Ling Yanhong certainly had excellent taste, Zhuang Wentian concluded in his silent appraisal of Gong Shichen.

Without undue coyness, he simply nodded, confirming his identity. Seeing the radiant bloom of her smile, Zhuang Wentian’s own expression softened. She gazed up at him; he inclined his head in response.

It was harmonious. The scene was so perfectly composed it could have been an illusion: the elegant and poised Zhuang Wentian with the vibrant and fresh Gong Shichen in his arms, like two figures straight out of a fairy tale.

“You’re truly remarkable, Senior. You’re the first Asian to be granted a royal British peerage. I heard the UK’s largest company, BNC, tried to recruit you with a fortune. They must not have known you’re already a magnate, did they?”

At the mention of "Earl Zhuang," a genuine spark of interest lit up in Gong Shichen. She delved into the topic with relish, her earlier reserve and shyness melting away. She looked so earnest and lovely, her entire being radiating a bright, sunny energy that was a pleasure to behold and instantly soothing to the soul.

Zhuang Wentian, forgoing any stiff formality, replied with a touch of humor.

“Indeed. The female CEO of BNC is quite a beauty. I nearly fell for her siren’s call.”

Gong Shichen hadn’t expected him to be so approachable and couldn't help but let out a small, delighted laugh, her eyes shining with even greater admiration. “Senior, I suspect your standards are simply too high. You must have found the BNC CEO less beautiful than the current Mrs. Zhuang—a wise choice, I must say.”

Zhuang Wentian chuckled, amused by her direct and frank words. He hadn’t expected her to hit so close to the truth. He had indeed found the BNC president wanting—not in appearance, but simply because he had no preference for Caucasian women.

“Mrs. Zhuang is very beautiful. And your husband is very handsome. Darling, come back to me.”

A deep male voice cut in abruptly. Before Gong Shichen could react, she was swept from Zhuang Wentian’s arms and into another, broader embrace. But Ling Yanhong’s embrace always felt suffocating. The man was far too domineering; he either ignored her completely or held her in a vice-like grip. He was, in truth, a rather disagreeable man.

Though they were both handsome, she found Zhuang Wentian infinitely more pleasing to the eye than Ling Yanhong.

“Darling, don’t you think Mrs. Ling is just adorable?” Luo Wenke said with a beautiful smile, though her eyes held a trace of dissatisfaction and a coquettish pout. She was clearly jealous. The moment she had turned her head and witnessed the easy rapport between Zhuang Wentian and Gong Shichen, her customary sense of superiority had been unexpectedly fractured, leaving a sour taste in her heart.

“She is adorable, but not as beautiful and captivating as Mrs. Zhuang,” Zhuang Wentian replied with his usual faint smile. His gaze flickered for a moment to Gong Shichen, who was now frowning unconsciously in Ling Yanhong’s arms, before he made the light, dismissive comparison. She was lovely, but couldn't compare to his own wife's beauty. Then again, a woman as exquisite as Luo Wenke was perhaps more difficult to manage.

“Darling, you’re not allowed to look at any other woman but me, you hear?” Luo Wenke murmured, pressing closer to Zhuang Wentian as they swayed on the dance floor, playfully lecturing him.

“Rest assured. Your husband’s reputation has always been impeccable,” Zhuang Wentian smiled. His confidence stemmed from his self-discipline and self-respect. His pristine public image, never sullied by gossip columns, was something the younger generation of elites, like Ling Yanhong, could never quite emulate.

“Of course. My judgment is never wrong,” Luo Wenke purred, leaning against him with confident affection. Inwardly, however, a small seed of unease had been planted. No one could know that the harmonious picture of Gong Shichen and Zhuang Wentian together had stirred something strange within her, compelling her to act out. She was actually worried her husband’s heart might stray.

Meanwhile, trapped in Ling Yanhong's arms, Gong Shichen’s brow was slightly furrowed. She felt like a doll being maneuvered against her will. Her gaze drifted to Luo Wenke, who wore a blissful smile in Zhuang Wentian's embrace, and a pang of envy struck her. That was what a truly happy woman looked like.

“My dear, you don’t seem to be paying attention.”

Ling Yanhong’s tone was laced with displeasure. The cold condensation in his eyes and his simmering anger made him look all the more diabolically charming and ruthless. Gong Shichen couldn't understand why he was so incensed. Annoyed, she retorted, “You seem very angry, husband. Have I done something to provoke you?”

Her voice was low, yet it carried a defiant challenge. Perhaps it was the sting of seeing Luo Wenke’s happiness, or the contrast between Zhuang Wentian’s refined grace and the man before her. This man, who had left such a deep impression on her childhood memories, was proving to be utterly insufferable.

“So cheerful chatting with another man, yet you give your own husband such a sour look?” he shot back, his words laced with gunpowder. He sounded like a jealous husband demanding an explanation, which only confused Gong Shichen more. He didn't even like her; most of the time, he acted as if a single glance at her was one too many. Why did he sound so full of vinegar now?

“If you treated me as your wife with any sincerity, I would greet you with a smile as well!” she countered, her words becoming surprisingly sharp. She didn't know what had gotten into her today; this was the third time she had openly defied Ling Yanhong.

“Oh? Are you suggesting I should come home and share your bed? I can certainly consider your proposal—”

Ling Yanhong leaned in, his face so close it nearly touched her nose. His presence was dangerous and overwhelming, his eyes flashing with a raw desire that promised to devour her whole. Gong Shichen had not anticipated this turn. The color drained from her face as she stammered, “I—I made no such suggestion!”

The deep blush staining her cheeks, the cornered panic in her eyes, and the way she looked as if she might bite her own tongue in embarrassment—as if he were the big bad wolf—stirred something new inside Ling Yanhong.

Their marital relationship? Perhaps it was time to make it one in fact, not just in name.