charme félin

Chapitre 6

"What do you mean you don't know? You must have already thought it through, otherwise you wouldn't have come out to dinner with me, right?" Xiao Lin said as if he could see right through me.

I smiled but didn't answer his question. However, I didn't forget my original intention.

"Xiao Lin, I've thought about what I told you before. I have to get close to Wang Zhengming so I won't keep being haunted by that nightmare. Partly for Mei Zi, but mostly for myself, because I'm on the verge of a breakdown. Your investigation won't get any results." I was getting anxious because of the recurring nightmares and what happened this morning. I couldn't believe it was just my own mindset that was causing the problem.

"You had another nightmare?" Xiao Lin asked me seriously, his previous playful expression completely gone.

"Yes, maybe it was a dream, but it felt so real, too real." I told Xiao Lin about what happened this morning, and he looked down, twirling his Coke cup in his hand.

"But Mi'er, you need to understand that doing this will not do you any good, and you may even be in danger. Have you thought about that?"

“I’ve thought about it. I know Meizi has always told me not to touch her man. If I do this, she’ll kill me sooner or later. But at least I’ll be prepared. Although I’m a coward, I’m not afraid of these things anymore. I think I can prevent some things from happening, okay? And you’re here too. I can tell you about my situation anytime. If it’s really dangerous, you might be able to help me and also help you solve the case. The case has dragged on for too long. Don’t you think this is also good for you?” I tried to persuade him. I saw that he didn’t object, so maybe there was hope.

"But I really can't put you in danger just so we can solve the case, can I?"

"I said, maybe for my own peace of mind, I really don't want to continue like this, living in fear every day."

"But if we do that, wouldn't that mean the guy surnamed Wang won't get any advantage?"

"No, I know how to protect myself." I said it without any confidence, because I had no idea whether I could guarantee that I would be able to get out of this situation unscathed.

"Okay, but promise me, no matter what you do, remember I'm here for you." After a long pause, Xiao Lin seemed to have made a huge decision before finally agreeing. I understood that there was a hidden meaning in his words. I knew that no man would allow his woman to be touched by another man. Although our relationship had just begun, it was already facing a great test.

Afterwards, we discussed what to do, and for a full hour and a half, the atmosphere between us was very heavy. After leaving McDonald's, he walked me to the company entrance, and as we parted, he grabbed my arm and asked, "Mi'er, when do you plan to start?"

"Today, we get paid, so let's treat him to dinner and implement the first step of our plan." I felt a bit like I was ready to die for him.

"Okay, but remember, you must protect yourself. Call me every day to report on your situation, understand?" Xiao Lin was a little helpless, but he had no way to deal with my determination.

"Okay, I got it. I'm going up now. I'll call you anytime." After saying that, I patted his hand, which was still holding my arm, and turned to go into the lobby.

As soon as she sat down, Ouyang ran over and asked with a mischievous grin, "Xiao Zi, are you in a relationship?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? There's nothing to it." Since I'm going to get close to Wang Zhengming, I can't let anyone in the company know about my relationship with Xiao Lin.

"Still not admitting it? Wasn't that handsome guy your boyfriend? I saw it all." Ouyang had an expression that said she wouldn't give up until she got some answers.

"No, he's just a friend. Don't you remember him? He's the policeman in charge of Mei Zi's case." This needs to be explained clearly.

"Huh? Really? Has he found some new clues?" Ouyang seemed very surprised, as if I had something to do with the case.

"I'm not sure. I just ran into him when I went downstairs to eat and we ate together."

"Oh, is that so? Haha, I thought it was your boyfriend." Ouyang seemed a little disappointed as she walked back to her seat.

Because I had something on my mind, the afternoon felt incredibly long. At 4:30, Sister Huo came over and told me that my salary for this month had been deposited into my bank account. She asked me to check it and to contact the finance department if there were any problems.

With a quarter of an hour left, I grabbed my bag, intending to go upstairs to find Wang Zhengming. Sister Huo saw me leaving and asked, "Xiao Zi hasn't gotten off work yet, where are you going?"

"Oh, Sister Huo, I'll go upstairs to see President Wang." After saying that, not wanting to be asked too many questions, she turned and left.

Chapter Eleven

When I got to Wang Zhengming's office door, I hesitated. To be honest, I was a little worried, but thinking about Meizi's death and my own nightmares, I still reached out and knocked on the door.

"Come in." Wang Zhengming's voice came from inside. I opened the door and went in. Wang Zhengming was sitting in front of the computer. He looked very busy. His brows were tightly furrowed.

"Mr. Wang, am I disturbing you?" I asked politely, even though I knew this was his busiest time.

"Ah? Oh, Xiao Zi, what's the matter? It was about Mei Yu before. After her accident, we didn't have time to find someone else, so I had to do it myself." Wang Zhengming smiled with a hint of helplessness.

"Oh, hehe, then hurry up and find someone to replace Meizi's job."

"Where would you find someone so suitable? Someone as capable as Meizi is hard to find. By the way, what did you want to talk to me about? Is there a problem with your salary? You can go to the finance department."

"No, no, I just wanted to say that I got paid today. I'm so grateful to you for keeping me so busy these past few months and for giving me so many cases. So I wanted to treat you to a meal to express my gratitude. I wonder if you have time?" After saying that, I took a deep breath.

"Oh? Haha, so you mean I should think you're going to hand in your resignation tomorrow?" Wang Zhengming's laugh was a bit puzzling.

"No, Mr. Wang, please don't misunderstand. I just wanted to invite you to dinner. For someone like me, a recent graduate who hasn't been in this city long, to be able to earn this much income is inseparable from your help. So..."

"Haha, okay, just kidding. But it might be a little late because I have some things to take care of. If you're not in a hurry, sit down and wait for me." I already knew that Wang Zhengming wouldn't refuse my invitation.

"Okay, I'll wait for you."

Waiting for someone is indeed a very boring thing. Just when I was about to fall asleep, he finally stood up. He shut down his laptop and put it in his bag. "We can go now. Were you getting impatient?" I stood up, shook my head, and although I was very annoyed, I still gave him what I thought was a charming smile.

We went downstairs together. He went to get his car, and I waited for him at the company entrance. Just then, my phone rang, and I knew it was Xiao Lin calling. "Mi'er, I'll always be there to protect you, don't worry." I could hear the worry in his voice. I didn't say anything and hung up.

Wang Zhengming's BMW pulled up at that moment. He got out and opened the door for me. I got in and felt a pang of sadness at the unfairness of the world. Some people can make a fortune just by using their brains, while others use both their brains and their physical strength, yet their lives remain ordinary and uneventful.

We arrived at an Italian restaurant, and my heart sank. "No way? This meal is going to cost me a month's salary? That's outrageous!" But there was nothing I could do; I'd said I'd treat him. So I just had to accept my bad luck.

During the meal, he kept asking me about small details of my life. To achieve my goal, I answered him earnestly, but only I know the truth of my questions. I also deliberately hinted to him that I wanted to seduce him. He's smart enough to understand what I meant.

After a pleasant dinner, it was already 9 o'clock, and of course, he paid the bill. He then suggested going to a bar, and I agreed. This time was completely different; he was the one talking about his past relationships, while I just listened quietly. Since we had just drunk red wine at dinner and were now drinking beer, he seemed a little drunk and became more talkative, but he didn't mention Mei Zi at all.

Looking at the art clock on the wall, the hour hand had already pointed to 12 o'clock. I said I had to go home, and he suddenly grabbed my hand. "Xiao Zi, do you know that of all the women I've loved, Mei Zi is the one I love the most? But she's gone, taking my unborn child with her. I really want to catch the murderer with my own hands and avenge them. Why? Why have all the women around me gone like this?"

I was completely stunned. I had been waiting for him to speak, but what he said made my heart ache. A man, facing the death of his loved one, yet powerless to do anything about it—is that tragic? Didn't he know that their deaths were all related to him?

“I’ve thought about it. I want Meizi to be happy for the rest of her life. I was planning to marry her, but she…” He muttered to himself. I didn’t know how to comfort him, and I didn’t want to, because maybe it was all because of him that Meizi died so tragically.

Looking at Wang Zhengming now, I saw that he had lost his former air of authority and was as helpless as a child. I really wanted to hold him in my arms and comfort him, but I also knew what my purpose was in approaching him. I turned my head to the side and saw a familiar figure—Sister Huo.

She saw us too, and walked over step by step with a smile on her face, but something seemed off, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

She glanced at Wang Zhengming, who was still slumped over the table talking to himself, shook her head helplessly, and then turned to me. "Xiao Zi, how did you two end up together?"

"Oh, I invited Mr. Wang to dinner today, but he said he was under too much pressure, so he came here instead."

"Oh, is that so? Well, I've been seeing Mr. Wang drinking too much here lately. He's really exhausted." She gave Wang Zhengming a meaningful look as she spoke.

"Then, Sister Huo, do you know where Mr. Wang lives?" Although I understood my purpose in approaching him, given the situation today, I decided to postpone my plans.

"Why are you asking this?" Sister Huo asked me warily.

"Oh, nothing else. I just wanted to trouble you to take Mr. Wang home. I've had quite a bit to drink, so I probably won't be able to drive." I suddenly understood why Sister Huo always gave me strange looks whenever I went to Mr. Wang's office.

"Oh, is that so? Okay, then be careful when you go home. I went to see Mr. Wang move once before, so you should remember." After saying that, she helped the limp Wang Zhengming up and led him outside.

Once I saw them walk away, I immediately took out my phone and dialed Xiao Lin's number. Less than three minutes later, Xiao Lin appeared at the bar. As soon as he sat down, I eagerly poured out all my questions to him.

"Xiao Lin, have you investigated Huo Yan before?"

"Huo Yan? Who is that?" Xiao Lin looked at me in confusion.

"She's our department manager. It seems you definitely didn't investigate her, otherwise how come you don't even know who she is?" I was starting to doubt the police's competence.

"No, Mi'er, did he do anything to you?"

"Oh, no, what could happen at a bar? I'm talking to you about something serious. I think Huo Yan is very suspicious. Do you guys want to investigate her?" I was a little proud of my discovery.

Why is it suspicious?

"It's hard to say. Anyway, she was acting strangely. I think she might have loved Wang Zhengming very much, but she could never get his love, so she killed all the women around Wang Zhengming to take revenge on him."

"Haha~ Your imagination is quite vivid, but what you said isn't impossible. Okay, I'll call the boss in a bit and investigate Huo Yan thoroughly. I'll take you home now~ You reek of alcohol."

"A little while? Aren't you going to disturb people's rest?" It's already past 1 a.m., I really don't understand if he's confused or what.

"It's alright, this is a very important clue, and I think the leader will be happy if I bother him." Xiao Lin said, pulling me up and walking outside.

Chapter Twelve

My head hurt a bit when I woke up this morning, from drinking alcohol. It's really bad. "Mi'er, are you up?"

"Wow, you go to bed so late every day and still get up so early, I really admire you." Looking at Luo Fei's busy figure, I really find it hard to imagine that she can be so energetic even though she only sleeps 5 hours a day. I can't do it, I feel like I don't get enough sleep even if I sleep 10 hours a day.

"Hehe, I'm pretty good, aren't I? By the way, were you drinking with Wang Zhengming yesterday?" Luo Fei asked me while busy with her work.

"Yes, what's wrong?"

“Mi’er, I think you shouldn’t do this. You’ve already called him a pervert. What if you lose your virginity?” Luo Fei put down what he was doing and said to me very seriously.

"Get lost, you jinx! No way, I know how to protect myself, and besides, I have Xiao Lin to protect me."

“Mi’er, even if you don’t lose your virginity, do you think Mei’s ghost will let you go? She was already hysterical before you even got close to Wang Zhengming. What I’m really worried about is that your life is in danger.” Luo Fei gripped my arm tightly.

I know how worried she is about me. We grew up together, and after graduation, we came to this unfamiliar city to make a living. There's no one else in this city who cares about me like this. No, maybe Xiao Lin will be one of them in the future. Faced with Luo Fei's worry, I was speechless. I didn't want her to worry, but to live in constant fear like this, I'd rather take a risky step.

When I arrived at the company, I was a little surprised to see Sister Huo sitting in my seat. "Sister Huo, is something the matter?"

Sister Huo raised her head, a flash of hatred crossing her eyes, but it was quickly concealed by a smile on her face. But I'm sure I'm not mistaken.

"Oh, nothing. Is Mr. Wang pursuing you?" Although she asked me with a smile, I felt a chill run from the soles of my feet to my head.

"No, why would Sister Huo ask that?" Stay calm, you must stay calm.

"So what did you two talk about last night?" It seemed that Sister Huo wouldn't be satisfied until she got a satisfactory answer.

"I think I have my own private space after get off work. As for having dinner with Mr. Wang, we didn't talk about any business, so there's no need to report that to you, right?" I just wouldn't let her get away with it.

"You..." She was clearly angry, but I was happy. Although I hadn't had any major conflicts with her since joining the company, and she had been quite busy with me, the thought that Meizi's death might be related to her, and that I was having recurring nightmares with her as the culprit, made me somewhat angry. I even felt a little resentful towards her.

"Okay, Zimi, then you can get back to work!" Sister Huo left with a livid face, having gotten nothing in return.

Just as I was feeling smug, the phone on the table rang. I picked up the receiver and said "hello" several times, but there was only deathly silence on the other end. My heart started racing; this was the kind of nightmare that always started with a phone call like this. My hand holding the receiver began to tremble uncontrollably.

"Hello...who are you? Huo Yan, the police are already investigating you. You'd better stop playing pranks, or the consequences will be severe!" Completely breaking down, I shouted into the phone. My voice was so loud that everyone in the office turned to look at me. Ouyang rushed over and immediately covered my mouth. I struggled to break free. I was about to say something when a voice came from the other end of the line.

"Xiao Zi, what are you saying? I'm Wang Zhengming." I was stunned. I didn't know what to say, and I was even worried that my plans might be ruined because of these words.

"Huh? Mr. Wang, I, I, I'm sorry, I was talking nonsense. I was working on my novel and I was really engrossed in it when..." Damn, I think this excuse is rubbish.

"Oh, then what about Huo Yan?" He clearly didn't believe it, and rightly so, even he couldn't explain it himself.

"...Well, oh, it's like this, I just used Sister Huo's name, that's not what I meant. Hehe." That's rubbish.

"Hehe, it's best not to do anything outside of work hours, otherwise I, as your boss, won't be lenient and I won't hesitate to punish you." I secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"I understand, Mr. Wang. I just haven't had any work these past few days, so I thought I'd think of something. By the way, Mr. Wang, is there anything I can help you with?"

"It's nothing, it's just... I drank too much last night, I'm sorry."

"Hehe, it's nothing. Nobody's perfect, everyone has moments when they've had too much to drink." Luckily, he didn't ask any further questions, and couldn't help but make the sign of the cross on his chest.

I hung up the phone hastily. Turning around, I saw Ouyang still standing beside me. I smiled apologetically at her. "Hey Xiaozhi, you really need to be careful in the future, okay? If the people inside hear you, you're finished." Ouyang glanced at Huo Yan's office.

"Okay, thank you."