Stealing The Wind But Not The Moon [Completed]

35. Secretary Chu Is A No-show.

Chu Zhichen slowly regained consciousness, as his dreams dissipated and reality crept in. Opening his eyes, he found himself lying on a spacious and unfamiliar double bed.

The room itself struck him as peculiar, resembling the floor-to-ceiling windows design of the CEO's office. A lingering warmth beside him indicated the presence of another person who had shared the bed.

Attempting to recollect his fragmented memories, Chu Zhichen's mind felt muddled and disoriented. He recalled drinking with Xiang Mingzhang, becoming intoxicated in the office, and then...

Abruptly, the door swung open.

Xiang Mingzhang entered with heavy steps, a button on his shirt undone, exposing his neck, while clutching the shoes Chu Zhichen had left in the office.

This room, Chu Zhichen realized, was Xiang Mingzhang's private lounge, situated on the building's top floor. Given his impressive physical prowess, Xiang Mingzhang seldom bothered to ascend to this level, reserving it solely for brief moments of respite after working through the night.

Coming to a halt near the bed, Xiang Mingzhang gently placed his leather shoes down. He took a moment to admire the sight of Chu Zhichen, lying there with his jet-black hair tousled and his complexion drained of the previous night's alcohol-induced flush.

Xiang Mingzhang felt a surge of desire, but he also felt a twinge of guilt. He had been so rough with Chu Zhichen the night before, and he knew that Chu Zhichen was feeling the effects of it today. He appeared both cold and fragile, exuding an air of weariness.

They locked eyes for a fleeting moment, before Xiang Mingzhang broke the silence, his voice carrying a hint of concern, "Are you awake?"

Chu Zhichen attempted to prop himself up, but was immediately overcome by intense fatigue. The blanket slipped down from his shoulders, revealing that he was barely dressed, albeit poorly disheveled.

Images from the previous night surged forth, and Chu Zhichen closed his eyes and let the memories wash over him. He could still feel Xiang Mingzhang's lips on his, the heat of their bodies pressed together, the feel of the desk beneath them, entwined upon the desk...

Discomfort welled within Chu Zhichen as he tried to push away those thoughts. The room was scattered with clothing, so he picked up his crumpled shirt, methodically fastening each button from bottom to top.

The scenery imprinted upon his memory from the prior night remained concealed within his garments, while Xiang Mingzhang's gaze meandered to Chu Zhichen's face. He drew back sluggishly, striving to maintain his composure, yet his expression betrayed a blend of shame and anxiety.

Xiang Mingzhang spoke, "I have a spare coat, although it may not fit perfectly."

Chu Zhichen declined with a gravelly voice, "No need."

He diligently donned his attire, feeling a surge of gratitude that it was Sunday and no one required their presence at work. To be caught in such an awkward state by a third party was something he couldn't bear to contemplate.

With measured steps, Xiang Mingzhang approached the head of the bed, and Chu Zhichen recoiled like a startled bird, imploring, "Please, don't come any closer."

Xiang Mingzhang paused, his heart sinking.

Chu Zhichen swiftly slipped into his trousers and rose from the bed, his feet coming into contact with the chill of the marble floor. He endeavored to stand tall, so as not to appear too disheveled.

Time hung heavy during a prolonged silence that lasted a dozen seconds or more. Finally, Chu Zhichen spoke, his voice exuding an unmistakable resolve, "Mr. Xiang, what transpired last night was an accident. Let us pretend it never happened."