He Di Xi Huang embodies the title “Lonely Emperor,” given by Hong Kong media. His heart belongs only to himself, remaining unmoved even by his closest kin. Aloof and heartless, he stands high like a monarch, making it difficult for ordinary people to approach. The term “Lonely” signifies his solitude, while “Emperor” highlights the desolation that comes with elevated status.
Suddenly, a string in her heart resonated with Di Xi Huang’s loneliness. She was surprised to understand his solitude, mirroring the coldness and loneliness she often felt.
At that moment, Di Xi Huang sensed her gaze. His cold eyes warmed slightly as he returned her look, and he gently encircled her slender waist, pulling her into his embrace. His sudden intimacy left her momentarily stunned.
His lips curved in a smile as he leaned close to her ear, his cool breath brushing against her flushed cheek. “You were watching me,” he murmured, creating an air of ambiguity between them.
Ou Xue Man finally responded without pushing him away, saying, “Yes, I’m wondering when I’ll give you an over-the-shoulder throw in front of everyone that would be more shocking.”
“Haha…,” Di Xi Huang laughed heartily, his laughter filled with genuine joy, “You’re truly special.”
Their intimate behavior, as if no one else was present, caused shock, anger, jealousy, and hurt among those present. Tian Mu Xiang Hui, forgetting her usual dignity and etiquette, rushed forward to pull them apart.
“You shameless fox spirit!” she shouted, raising her hand to slap Ou Xue Man.
Suddenly torn away, Ou Xue Man felt a burning pain strike her cheek. As she regained her senses, she saw Tian Mu Xiang Hui’s other hand about to strike again, but Di Xi Huang intercepted it, his handsome face filled with cruel coldness. “Tian Mu Xiang Hui,” he growled.
“Well done, this shameless seductress deserves it,” Di Ying said gleefully.
Tian Mu Xiang Hui, unable to be as arrogant as Di Ying, timidly held her reddened hand. Huang Tian Li, extremely angry, stepped forward intending to slap her.
In that moment, Ou Xue Man swiftly stepped forward and caught Huang Tian Li’s hand, shocking everyone.
“Xue Man, how can you help her after she bullied you?” Huang Tian Li asked angrily.
Ou Xue Man smiled coldly. “Help her? You’re wrong,” she replied, then slapped Tian Mu Xiang Hui, adding, “I just wanted to retrieve this slap.”
While two fingers propped against his cheek, the man in the high position appeared lazy yet extraordinary, exuding powerful charisma. His black shirt was unbuttoned at two points, revealing his unrestrained nature. Stray hair strands cascaded, partially obscuring his eyes that sparkled like black crystals, hinting at a smile within. The silhouette reflected in his eyes was remarkably clear.
Her bored demeanor intensified the laughter in his eyes. Seeing her whispering closely with Owen, he furrowed his brows, confusing the department manager who was reporting.
The two remained unaware of his gaze. What puzzled Di Xihuang most was Huang Tianli. Given her typically jealous nature, she would normally defend her love fiercely if any woman got so close to Owen. Yet after her outburst at Xueman’s home, she not only refrained from reacting to their intimacy but treated Xueman like a sister. He hated feeling excluded from her world.
To avoid Di Xihuang’s gaze, she shrank into her chair, though it seemed in vain. Owen sensed her discomfort and leaned close to comfort her, “Just endure a bit more. The meeting will end soon.”
Ou Xueman gently closed her eyes, her voice soft. “What’s unbearable isn’t this tedious meeting.” Her eyebrows arched like a crescent moon. “Didn’t you say you’re responsible for Asian affairs? That guy won’t stay in Hong Kong long, right? But he’s been here for almost a month with no signs of leaving.”
Owen looked helpless. “I don’t know what’s wrong with him. He usually stays for a week, but this time…” He gave Ou Xueman a meaningful glance.
Ou Xueman rubbed her temples and waved her slender fingers. “Forget it. I just hope Chen Zhensheng finishes his leave and comes to replace me.”
“Enough.” A voice laden with anger intensified the atmosphere, causing everyone to shudder.
Even the most obtuse person sensed the boss was in a terrible mood. “Meeting adjourned. Owen, come to my office.” He strode out.
Ou Xueman slapped her forehead, thinking, “Here we go again.”
The others, as if granted amnesty, quickly exited the meeting room, casting sympathetic glances. Even Huang Tianli warned her, “He might be entering early menopause. Be careful.”
Ou Xueman was stunned.
Even Huang Tianli, who feared nothing, was wary of Di Xihuang in his rage. Owen patted her shoulder, “It’s okay. I’ll go with you.”
Suddenly, she hugged Owen, “Brother, you’re the best.” At that moment, Di Xihuang returned to the meeting room, catching their embrace. His deep eyes filled with a chilling aura.
“Ou Xueman.” His voice roared, anger pervading the space.
Ou Xueman rubbed her ear, responding, “Coming.” She grabbed her coat, muttering, “I’m not deaf. Why are you shouting?”
He couldn’t hear her mumbling but could guess she was complaining. Arms crossed, he leaned against the door, “Speak up.”
Ou Xueman shrugged, “Nothing. Let’s go.” She smiled at Owen, who signaled he would follow.
This smile seemed to further fuel Di Xihuang’s anger. “Ou Xueman.” His voice was grinding with rage.
“What?” She twirled her hair, responding nonchalantly.
Her calm disregard left him feeling powerless. He grabbed her hand and pulled her towards his office.
Forcing Ou Xueman to half-run to keep up, she tried to break free. “Hey, what are you doing, pulling me like this?”
They proceeded, causing passersby to whisper and lower their heads. With a bang, the wooden door of his office trembled as he threw her onto the sofa.
When he could see clearly again, his face was close to hers.
His rough approach enraged Ou Xueman. “Di Xihuang, you bastard. I’m not one of your women to be ordered around.”
Surprisingly, he dodged her thrown object skillfully, leaving her stunned. With nothing left to throw, she had turned his office into a mess.
“Done throwing?” she panted while he remained calm.
“Hmph.” Ou Xueman turned away, hoping her wild behavior would end their contract.
His handsome face drew close. “Didn’t you say you’re not interested in married men?” His voice carried a hint of jealousy.
Ou Xueman looked bewildered. “Yes, with which eye did you see me seducing a married man?”
“Then why were you flirting and hugging Owen?” he accused.
“He is my…,” she stopped herself just in time, “What’s wrong with me treating him like that? We’re both willing participants.” She thought to herself that he must be inexplicably sensitive.
Her admission made him want to strangle her. “You’re still saying you didn’t seduce a married man. Owen belongs to Huang Tianli; this is a well-known fact.”
“
”Hey, please pay attention, Mr. Di. They haven’t officially registered their marriage yet. Until then, Owen is not a married man. Tianli has no objections, so why are you standing up for her? How ridiculous,” Ou Xueman pointed at Di Xiyuan, “And you’re the married man, please don’t come close to me. I don’t want to be called a mistress.”
”You…” Di Xiyuan was furious. Just then, the intercom rang. He pressed the button harshly, shouting, “Speak.”
”Liu Qiusi wants to see you,” Huang Tianli replied calmly.
Liu Qiusi? Ou Xueman instinctively looked towards the door.
After a moment, Di Xiyuan coldly said, “Let her come in.”
[Not Wanting to Say I Love You: Chapter Thirty-Seven – Liu Qiusi’s Decline]