Chapter 80: Laying the Plan

An hour later, Zhong Yun stood at the main entrance of the Pearl Tower, dressed in a pristine white suit and cradling a bouquet of flowers in his arms.

People came and went in a steady stream, and though Zhong Yun caught the eye of many, the focus of their attention was not him but the bouquet he held—a cluster of “Blue Grace,” pure as sapphire crystal.

It was not the season for “Blue Grace” to bloom, so seeing such a large bouquet at this time was a rare treat. There must have been at least a hundred stems; this young man was clearly willing to spend. “Blue Grace” resembled the red roses of Earth, commonly given by men to women they admired.

Zhong Yun chose them for no special reason other than their classic appeal. However, their price was anything but ordinary. One hundred and one blooms had cost him a full twenty thousand credits—enough for a month’s salary for a typical office worker.

As the agreed hour drew to a close, Qin Qun appeared amidst the crowd, approaching him with graceful poise in a crimson spaghetti-strap gown.

Qin Qun was the flight attendant who had flirted with him on the chartered flight and given him her card.

She clearly valued this date, having dressed meticulously; a touch of makeup accentuated her features, and the backless gown highlighted her tall, sculpted figure, exuding the allure of a mature woman.

Her arrival instantly drew the gaze of every passerby—men and women alike—unable to resist a second glance.

Zhong Yun smiled, stepping forward and offering the bouquet. “For you.”

A hint of delight flashed in Qin Qun’s eyes as she accepted the flowers. “Thank you.” Then his voice sounded softly in her ear, “You look beautiful today.”

Her cheeks warmed, but her heart was thrilled, thinking her half-hour of preparation had not been wasted.

“Let me carry these for you,” Zhong Yun offered gently, seeing she struggled with the large bouquet. He took it from her and extended his arm; she obediently slipped hers through, and together they walked inside.

Their backs, as they moved forward, seemed perfectly matched.

Many at the entrance noticed this scene, watching them with envy—men admiring Zhong Yun for his dazzling girlfriend, women envying Qin Qun for her wealthy, generous, and considerate companion.

Inside, Zhong Yun waved to one of the security guards at the door, who hurried over with respectful deference. “Sir, how may I assist you?”

“Please call your manager,” Zhong Yun said quietly.

“Certainly, sir,” the guard replied, uncertain of his identity, and hurried off through a nearby passage.

Zhong Yun and Qin Qun waited patiently.

Qin Qun felt a touch of nervousness. She was not a careless girl, and this was her first time initiating contact with a man, which gave her a slight sense of guilt. The attention from onlookers left her uneasy.

She watched Zhong Yun closely, and when she saw his calm demeanor, her heart settled. Sensing her gaze, Zhong Yun turned and offered her a reassuring smile.

Warmth flooded Qin Qun’s heart, and she unconsciously tightened her hold on Zhong Yun’s arm.

A moment later, the guard returned with a man in his thirties—the badge on his chest read “Lobby Manager.”

“Mr. Zhong,” the manager recognized him from afar; every manager in the Pearl Tower held a list of four-star members or above, complete with photos. If a high-level member was neglected, it counted as serious misconduct.

Zhong Yun wasted no words. “We’d like to purchase some things. Please arrange a personal shopper.”

The request was simple enough; the manager promptly summoned a smartly dressed female staff member.

With a radiant beauty on his arm and a uniformed attendant following behind, Zhong Yun drew considerable attention in the Pearl Tower.

They shopped for more than half an hour, purchasing a heap of items, after which Zhong Yun lost interest and dismissed the attendant. He led Qin Qun to a lounge on the third floor and ordered two drinks for a brief rest.

Now, Qin Qun had cast aside her previous worries, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Moments ago, Zhong Yun had bought her many brand-name clothes and shoes she had longed for but could never afford.

Moreover, the sales staff had grown unusually respectful the instant he produced his card, and the admiring glances from others deeply satisfied her vanity.

If she had harbored doubts about Zhong Yun at first, now she was utterly at ease. Where else could one find a man so wealthy, generous, distinguished, and thoughtful?

Zhong Yun drank quietly, calculating the time in his mind, thinking it should be soon. Right then, his pocket vibrated faintly.

He calmly set down his glass and stood up. “Let’s go.”

Qin Qun nodded with reserved grace, rising to take his arm. She felt a strong hand slip around her waist, blushed, and leaned her head gently on his shoulder.

“I’ll take you somewhere quiet, where we can talk,” Zhong Yun whispered in her ear.

His warm breath and ambiguous tone sent a shiver through her body.

Zhong Yun tightened his embrace and strode out of the lounge in high spirits.

Beside the Pearl Tower stood the city’s most luxurious hotel: the Pearl Hotel. Zhong Yun had already booked a room there, and now he led Qin Qun upstairs.

When she realized he was taking her to a hotel, Qin Qun’s heart raced. Was it too soon? She struggled with herself for a moment, but quickly surrendered to Zhong Yun’s determination.

He just wants to talk, she told herself weakly, allowing him to guide her into the elevator, down a carpeted hallway, and through a door into a room.

The room was bathed in a soft pink hue, the lighting deliberately dimmed, casting a veil of rose-colored mist over everything.

As the door closed, a faint melody drifted through the room. Listening closely, it seemed as though there was no sound at all. Qin Qun asked, “What is that?”

Zhong Yun smiled and said nothing, snapping his fingers lightly. In the center of the room, a man and woman appeared, dancing gracefully.

Qin Qun recognized it as a panoramic video, and curiosity relieved her tension—at least he hadn’t rushed at her.

As the video played, the dancers’ movements grew ever more intimate, their clothes gradually disappearing. Qin Qun blushed, finally understanding what it was.

Perhaps influenced by the video, a longing began to stir within her, growing stronger and spreading like wildfire until it consumed her entirely.

In a haze, she heard Zhong Yun speaking to her, then felt herself lifted onto the soft bed, something heavy pressing down upon her.

It’s happening! she thought, as waves of pleasure washed over her.

Just then, the door opened and closed silently.

Throughout the entire process, not a soul was seen.

(Two hundred thousand words so far, please vote for recommendations.)