Xiao Ting had been poring over reports on her system for hours, completely engrossed in her work. Meanwhile, Chase sat comfortably across the room, live-streaming on social media as if he had no care in the world.
"There's this new restaurant downtown everyone's raving about, Chase," a stunning girl who looked like a literal model said on the stream.
"Oh, really?" Chase responded, sipping his drink casually.
"Do you want to try it out with me?" she asked shamelessly, her tone dripping with flirtation.
Xiao Ting's grip on the pencil tightened until it nearly snapped in two. She tried to focus on the file in front of her but found her attention wavering.
"No, I'm not single, ladies," Chase said with an amused chuckle, causing Xiao Ting to blush.
She quickly shook off the reaction, scolding herself internally. Why on earth am I blushing? It doesn't matter if he's single or not. I'm not interested.
"Chase, wanna come to my pool party? You can bring your girlfriend. It's next week. We miss you at the parties," the model said with an exaggerated pout.
Chase shrugged. "I'll ask my lady."
The chat exploded with reactions.
"Aww, what a gentleman!"
"She's so lucky! He's handsome, rich, and respectful. I hope she can fight!"
"Okay, that's it for now, guys," Chase said, logging off with a smirk. "We'll check out the restaurant and keep you updated."
He strolled over to Xiao Ting, who was still deeply buried in her files, trying her best to ignore him.
"Aren't you hungry?" he asked, leaning against her desk.
She didn't even glance up. "Tired of entertaining your 'girlfriends' already?" she snapped before catching herself. Her cheeks flushed as she stammered, "I-I mean, no…" She quickly returned her attention to her file, pretending to be unbothered.
Chase grinned smugly. "Ting, I didn't know you were the jealous type."
Her head shot up, and she glared at him. "Who do you think you are to imagine I'd be jealous of you?" she retorted, swatting at him with a file.
Chase dodged, laughing. "Then why are you so worked up?"
"Because you're noisy!" she fumed adorably. "Now leave me alone!"
"Ting, you need to eat. Come on, let's go grab some food," he coaxed, his tone softer.
"I'm not going. You can't force me," she snapped, resolutely turning back to her work.
Chase straightened to his full height, his expression shifting to one of mischief. "You really think I can't?"
Before she could react, he swept her off her chair in one swift movement.
"Chase! Put me down!" she shrieked, flailing in his arms.
"I'm starting to think you enjoy being carried by me," he teased, grabbing her high heels from the floor with ease.
"Put me down, or I'll slap you!" she threatened, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Chase smirked, leaning slightly closer. "Slap me, and I'll kiss you," he challenged, his voice low and deliberate.
Xiao Ting froze, her mind reeling.
"Go on," he said with a wink. "Try me."