Volume 1, Chapter 31: Kindling and Flame

After a brief, bitter smile, Susan looked at Jiang Ming and spoke softly:

"Why? You didn't return it to me, yet you helped me cover it up."

Jiang Ming crouched down as well, meeting Susan’s eyes. He hesitated for a moment, but ultimately chose to be candid.

"I’ve read it, so I understand your persistence. I helped you because I didn't want you to get hurt in your pursuit of truth and justice. I didn't return it because I don't believe using stolen recordings as evidence is the best approach. How would that be any different from a paparazzo? You are a journalist; when you produce a story, not only must the news itself have value, but the source and the method of obtaining it must also be robust. Of course, I cannot deny that I have my own selfish motives."

Jiang Ming’s frankness caught Susan off guard, but it warmed her heart. His voice was low, yet it carried more weight than a shout. It made Susan realize that while her intentions weren't wrong, her approach was indeed not the optimal solution. As for his candid admission of selfish motives, Susan quickly caught his drift.

"Are you worried about the National Championships? No, given your perspective, you’re worried about the World Championships, aren't you?"

"Setting aside his personal issues, once this is exposed, it will shake the entire sports world, especially affecting the swimming team’s preparation. Just looking at the butterfly stroke—the title of 'Butterfly King' is not just hype or a hollow slogan. His three gold medals at the last World Championships are the best proof. He is currently in excellent form, and no one domestically can surpass him. Without him, our country would lose at least three individual gold medal prospects at this year's World Championships."

Jiang Ming had covered both the abstract principles and the practical realities.

Susan agreed completely. It wasn't that she hadn't considered the impact of a public exposé, but during the investigative phase, she had been so single-mindedly focused on uncovering the truth that she had plunged ahead without a second thought. As for when and how to report it, that was indeed something that required further deliberation.

Seeming to have made up her mind, Susan suddenly stood up and said solemnly:

"Thank you for giving it back to me. This means... you still trust me, right?"

"Yes. I’ve said what I needed to say; how you use it is up to you. I believe you will become a mature journalist."

It sounded almost like praise meant to set her up for a fall, yet coming from Jiang Ming, it felt incredibly sincere—a form of encouragement that made one want to strive to reach that standard and do the job well.

"Okay, I won't let you down."

Susan nodded firmly, and with that, she turned to leave. But she had only taken one step when Jiang Ming pulled her back.

"You can't leave just yet."

Susan was startled. Seeing the firm look in Jiang Ming’s eyes and then looking at herself, she abruptly shook off his hand and instinctively covered her chest.

"You—don't you dare try anything."

Susan had been soaked for a while; her clothes clung to her body, outlining her figure in a way that was quite alluring. But because the two had been focused on their discussion, she hadn't paid it any mind. Now that they had spoken their piece and she had her materials back, Jiang Ming’s sudden refusal to let her go, combined with his hesitant expression, made it hard not to be suspicious.

Seeing this, Jiang Ming shook his head helplessly. He walked over, pinned Susan against the floor-to-ceiling window, held her shoulders, turned slightly to the side, and then beckoned her to lean closer.

"Don't move. Look out the window with your left eye, and see for yourself."

His long, slender fingers were distracting, but when she actually followed his lead, leaned in close, and glanced toward the entrance of the residential complex, her wits returned instantly, accompanied by a sharp alarm bell.

"Yan Lai?"

"Yes."

"Has he been following us this whole time?"

"He has no intention of leaving."

"Damn it, Lin Tingyuan is just too cautious! Even after everything you said, he still wants to verify it."

"So, we have no choice but to keep acting."

As he spoke, Jiang Ming wrapped one arm around Susan’s waist and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, leaning in to whisper against her ear.

Thus, Yan Lai, who had been keeping a close watch on Jiang Ming’s window, witnessed two figures entangled in an endless, intimate embrace.

Jiang Ming’s gentle breath hit the sensitive skin behind Susan’s ear, serving as a different kind of test and torment. Her body tensed, and she clenched her fists, wishing she could recite a mantra to calm her racing heart.

A minute later, Susan surrendered; she couldn't take it anymore. She felt that if this continued, she would either die of a nosebleed or perish from tachycardia.

"Are we... going to keep standing here? Big brother, you have superhuman stamina, but I’m just a weak woman."

Susan rarely showed weakness, which drew a light chuckle from Jiang Ming.

"Tired?" The single word, with its rising intonation, was devastatingly charming.

Susan turned her head, putting some distance between them. She was afraid that if the acting continued, she would really fall for it and turn the charade into reality.

"Xiao Ai, close the curtains."

"Understood."

Jiang Ming’s voice, when speaking to the AI, was surprisingly gentle. At his command, the curtains slid shut. With that, Susan moved a few steps away and let out a long breath.

"Am I that scary?" Jiang Ming frowned slightly. He didn't look like some starving, lecherous man, did he?

"No, I’m the scary one," Susan remarked sincerely, but she didn't dare delve into it. She immediately changed the subject, probing, "Can I go now?"

"No. There’s only one exit, and he’s still out there."

"Then... what about me..."

Susan wanted to say that she was truly suffering. Being soaked was uncomfortable enough, and now she was trapped in a room with a man, forced to stage scenes of burning passion for an outsider. She didn't know if his restraint was just incredibly strong, or if he had too much confidence in her, assuming everyone was as calm and composed as he was.

The conflict on Susan’s face amused Jiang Ming. He also let out a long sigh of relief and gestured toward the bathroom.

"Go take a shower first. I don't have women's clothing, but if you don't mind, you can make do with mine for the emergency."

"No... that’s not necessary... I can just borrow a hairdryer and dry off..."

"Trust me, if you don't shower, you're going to be very uncomfortable."

Jiang Ming replied with a straight face, devoid of any desire, yet Susan still hesitated. She wanted to say that using a "god-tier" man's bathroom would make her even more uncomfortable.

"I..."

Susan stammered. Jiang Ming finally realized something, and his face flushed slightly. He rubbed his forehead and laughed helplessly. Was he really that dangerous? This woman wasn't afraid to go undercover against Lin Tingyuan or jump into a swimming pool, yet she was afraid of him?

"Don't worry, I won't do anything to you."

"No, it's not that..." Susan’s face burned. She had never been a bashful person, but at this moment, she felt incredibly awkward, unable to even speak properly.

Seeing this, Jiang Ming found it amusing, though he feigned confusion. He raised an eyebrow and continued:

"Could it be... that you're afraid you’ll do something to me? Don't worry, with my strength, I can protect myself."

Jiang Ming’s provocation was far from subtle, but it was highly effective on Susan.

"That's not it! I wouldn't do anything to you either! I’ll shower, fine! Who’s afraid of who! Just leave the clothes at the door. It’s not like it’s the first time I’ve worn your clothes anyway, hmph!"

With that, Susan stomped off toward the bathroom Jiang Ming had pointed out, slammed the door, and locked it.

The way she had instantly flared up and scrambled away was truly adorable, and Jiang Ming couldn't help but laugh out loud.

The sound of his laughter reached Susan’s ears, leaving her feeling a cocktail of emotions. She knew that from start to finish, all of Jiang Ming’s actions were just a performance, so why was her heart pounding? Why could his words and emotions affect her so deeply? Was she really single for too long, and her romantic stars were beginning to stir?

No, it must have been related to falling into the water. Whenever she got near a swimming pool, she couldn't seem to keep her wits about her.

Susan patted her face, forcing herself to sober up.