Take everything off immediately.

During the days Ji Shen was away on his business trip, he kept sending Wen Shuang messages without pause. The man's words were always explicit and flirtatious, making Wen Shuang blush and her heart race even through the screen, leaving her at a loss for how to respond.

Sometimes, when she sent a message, Ji Shen would often take a long time to reply. Wen Shuang guessed his tasks kept him busy, so after reaching out a few times, she rarely initiated contact.

One day, she made a point to visit the flower and bird market, buying a large bouquet of fresh flowers along with a vase to decorate the home. Ji Shen had told her that if she found the interior decor too oppressive, she was free to change it. Sure enough, after setting fresh flowers in the living and dining rooms, the place felt much more vibrant.

Wen Shuang played music and danced freely in the living room. In her spare time, she even taught Chen Manli how to dance. With Wen Shuang's patient guidance, Chen Manli finally mastered an entire dance routine and was so thrilled she treated Wen Shuang to dinner.

After more than a dozen lessons together, Chen Manli had come to see Wen Shuang as a close friend, confiding about how wonderful her motorcycle-riding boyfriend was. Now, her only worry was how to break the news to her parents.

Wen Shuang found it unrealistic. In a family like Chen Manli’s, her parents would never want their daughter to marry a boy whose only skill was riding a motorcycle. Dating was one thing—marriage was another matter entirely.

“I think it’s better not to say anything for now,” Wen Shuang said, tucking her hair behind her ear. “If your parents disapprove, they might cut things off completely.”

Chen Manli’s face fell. “Exactly! I get the feeling my mom absolutely won’t agree. Every time I go home, she keeps asking how things are going with Officer Ji, wishing I’d just marry him on the spot!”

Wen Shuang smiled faintly. With Ji Shen’s looks and family background, he was certainly the ideal son-in-law in the eyes of many society ladies.

“But don’t worry, Shuang, I have no interest in Officer Ji! Maybe I was attracted at first sight, but after sharing a meal and learning about the nature of his work, any budding feelings vanished. Besides, he’s not interested in my type anyway,” Chen Manli said, ever straightforward. “How are things between you and Officer Ji lately? With someone as alluring as you, he must be having a hard time controlling himself!”

Not just Ji Shen—Wen Shuang herself sometimes found it hard to keep her composure around such a handsome man. As for who was taking advantage of whom, it was hard to say.

“It’s complicated,” Wen Shuang replied, glossing over the subject.

After dinner, her phone lit up with a message from Ji Shen: “Miss Wen, are you at home or out?”

He was acting like a boyfriend checking up on her. Wen Shuang replied that she’d just had dinner with his matchmaking candidate.

Then Ji Shen called. “Did you enjoy the meal? No fights broke out, I hope?”

Wen Shuang rolled her eyes. “It was quite the brawl. I’m already at the police station.”

Ji Shen chuckled, low and deep. “Did the beautiful Miss Wen’s face suffer any scratches?”

“It’s ruined,” Wen Shuang replied dryly.

His quiet laughter came through the line. He knew Chen Manli was a good-natured heiress, which was why he’d introduced her to Wen Shuang with no worry.

Wen Shuang opened her door and stepped inside.

Ji Shen’s voice took on a mischievous tone. “With me away lately, have you been lonely at night, Miss Wen?”

“Oh yes, I’m so lonely, empty, and cold. So, when does Officer Ji plan to come soothe my aching body?” Wen Shuang teased, emboldened by the distance.

Ji Shen was immediately intrigued. “If you want, I wouldn’t mind a video call right now.”

“Oh? Are you suggesting a little video fun?” As soon as the words left her mouth, a video request popped up.

Ji Shen appeared in uniform, the hotel room visible in the background.

Wen Shuang switched on a small lamp in the living room, settling elegantly on the sofa, her demeanor sultry and inviting.

Ji Shen’s gaze grew dark and intense. “That blue dress looks wonderful on you tonight, Miss Wen. But I have a feeling it would look even better off.”

With slender fingers, she hooked her delicate strap and let it snap.

“If Officer Ji wants a show, perhaps you should start by taking something off yourself.”

Ji Shen shrugged off his jacket.

“Your turn.”

Obliging, Wen Shuang bared her snowy shoulders, but mischievously stopped the dress just at the brink, making the already alluring display even more tantalizing. The suggestion of what lay beneath was far more lethal than a full reveal.

Ji Shen’s eyes practically blazed. “Be good, Miss Wen.”

She arched an eyebrow, lowering her dress bit by bit.

His voice grew deeper. “Be obedient, sweetheart.”

Wen Shuang’s lips curled in a red, teasing smile.

Lower.

Suddenly, she hung up the video call with a snap!

She pulled her dress back up. “Trying to tempt me? Not a chance!”

Ji Shen called several more times, but Wen Shuang ignored every single one. Tossing her hair, she rose and headed for the shower.

She wanted him to look, but not touch! Let him pay for teasing her so mercilessly before. Hmph!

Ji Shen was left restless and frustrated. He’d been hoping for a feast for the eyes, but instead, that wicked woman had left him hanging halfway—clearly tormenting him on purpose. He vowed to make her pay once he returned.

With that thought, Ji Shen headed to the bathroom for a cold shower.

...

Wen Shuang, thoroughly pleased with her little prank, noticed over a dozen missed calls from Ji Shen before bed.

And a message: “Just wait until I get back.”

On impulse, she replied: “Bring it on!”

It was strange, really. She’d said before that she wanted to keep her distance, but the more they talked each day, the more ambiguous things became. She found herself missing him more and more.

You’re done for, Wen Shuang. You’re starting to fall in love.

Qin You hadn’t bothered her for a while now. Wen Shuang felt a great relief; he’d finally given up.

Meanwhile, her old boss from the institution reached out, asking her to return to teach. Since Wen Shuang left, many of the children had been clamoring for Miss Wen’s classes, asking when she would come back.

With no creditors knocking at her door anymore, Wen Shuang was happy to return.

It felt as if everything was finally getting back on track.

When she came back, the children were overjoyed, piling into her arms for hugs during class until Wen Shuang’s heart was utterly melted. All her previous efforts and energy felt worthwhile.

Seeing how much the children adored her, the parents were reassured as well. Nothing was more important than their children’s happiness, so they put all past grievances aside.

One day during class, Wen Shuang forgot to put her phone on silent; it wouldn’t stop ringing. She hung up, but it rang again.

Answering at last, she heard Aunt Chun’s voice: “Wen Shuang, you unfilial girl! It’s been two months since you sent any money home. Yao Yao and I are about to starve out here!”