Power and Wealth-Chapter 1725

Afternoon...

It was just before three o'clock.

At the Discipline Inspection Commission Family Compound.

Under the watchful eye of the saluting security guard, Dong Xuebing drove the Land Rover in and parked it under a building. As the car door opened, Dong Xuebing and Chen Ying exited and went upstairs.

Upstairs.

Inside the house.

Dong Xuebing used the key to open the door. "Please come in."

"This is your unit's dormitory?" Chen Ying looked around.

"Yeah," Dong Xuebing nodded. "It's a bit basic, but it's manageable."

"It's still better than the place I'm renting," Chen Ying said. She couldn't afford to buy a house with her fame not yet at its peak and not earning much. "Where's your spouse? Do you live alone?"

Chen Ying bent down and took off her high heels, slipping her feet, clad in sheer stockings, into a pair of pink cotton slippers on the shoe rack. She also took off her windbreaker and hung it aside. Chen Ying had never been a gorgeous female star, but her current popularity was undoubtedly related to her appearance. Although her face wasn't stunning, her overall demeanor and attitude were comfortable and pleasing. Dong Xuebing might not fully understand it, but he felt this way. He knew that Chen Ying was not conventionally beautiful. Yet, there was a distinct charm about her, especially with her well-proportioned figure—perky chest, shapely hips—revealed under the sweater, which emitted an alluring fragrance, especially her slender waist beneath that sweater.

Dong Xuebing glanced at her, swallowed hard, and said, "My spouse works in the South. I live alone." He quickly averted his gaze, feeling disrespectful.

Chen Ying just nodded and looked at him deeply, her expression unreadable.

Not minding her reaction, Dong Xuebing took off his shoes and coat. The room had heating, much warmer than outside. "Please sit anywhere. Would you like some tea?"

"Just herbal tea," Chen Ying replied.

"Herbal tea? I don't have any good ones here," Dong Xuebing said. "But any will do. I don't know much about them. Just something to drink and quench your thirst."

"That's fine. I'll heat some water. Please wait," Dong Xuebing went to the kitchen and busied himself with the water.

Chen Ying said, "Let's have dinner here tonight."

"Sure," Dong Xuebing agreed.

Dong Xuebing reached for a tea box, sprinkled some tea leaves, and said, "By the way, from what you just said, the company with the surname Zhou has always treated you well."

Chen Ying nodded. "They've been very supportive of me. They invited me to film my first drama, even as the lead actress. As an ordinary college graduate, I never dared to dream of such an opportunity. Thanks to CEO Zhou and Hongye Corporation's help, they've continued to offer me many roles. My current fame is all thanks to CEO Zhou's support. Without him, Chen Ying wouldn't be where she is today. I've always been grateful to him."

"I see," Dong Xuebing nodded.

Chen Ying continued, "You may have misunderstood CEO Zhou, so..."

"Don't worry. It's just a misunderstanding," Dong Xuebing assured her. "I don't know how you see things, but from what I've seen of that company, there are serious issues from top to bottom. Chen Ying, we're old classmates. I know you're here to speak on their behalf, but you didn't see how they treated my friend. It's beyond words—arrogant and disdainful. You should know I have a good temper, but I couldn't tolerate their attitude. Imagine what kind of people they are. Even if they were more low-key, I wouldn't have sabotaged their films and TV shows."

Chen Ying paused, "I'm the lead actress in that movie."

Dong Xuebing was momentarily stunned. He glanced towards the living room but didn't see anyone. Nevertheless, he continued speaking outward, "You're the lead actress? I was wondering why you're here."

A woman's voice replied, "I need your help this time, Xuebing. Otherwise, let's forget about it. Just consider it a favor to this old classmate of mine."

Xuebing responded, "I'll do it for your sake, but this time, their handling of the matter was inadequate. It was too much. If not for you coming forward, I wouldn't have dealt with them like this. Maybe you don't know the whole story, but their behavior was appalling. And this is their company, yet they dared to harass women openly. How can they deny such a serious matter in the end? It's beyond tolerable."

Chen Ying's voice came from the kitchen, "It's that, Mr. Wu, right?"

"Yes, it's him," Dong Xuebing confirmed.

"This is like a small mistake causing a big problem. Mr. Zhou is a good person. They've also apologized to you," Chen Ying interjected on their behalf, "Can you..."

Dong Xuebing understood her implication. He had always understood but hesitated in his reply, still feeling aggrieved, "Let's discuss it later."

"Xuebing," Chen Ying called out.

"Tea's ready," Dong Xuebing said.

"Okay, great," Chen Ying replied.

Dong Xuebing changed the subject, avoiding further discussion. He still hadn't calmed down, so he couldn't respond to his old classmate.

The hot water was ready five minutes later, and the tea was brewed. Dong Xuebing didn't drink any himself; it was all prepared for Chen Ying. He carefully held the steaming teacup with both hands, blowing on it softly a few times. His hands were too hot, so he hurriedly walked to the living room, "Chen Ying, here you go. Have some tea while it's hot. Where did you go?"

The living room was empty. No one was there.

Dong Xuebing was puzzled, "Chen Ying?"

"Yeah," her voice unexpectedly came from the bedroom, "I'm here."

Dong Xuebing didn't think much of it. "Oh, why did you go to the bedroom? I'll bring it over."

"Okay," Chen Ying replied. The door was slightly ajar, revealing a narrow gap.

Dong Xuebing didn't think of anything else and cheerfully kicked the door open with his foot, stepping into the bedroom. But this time, as soon as he saw what was inside, he almost tripped and fell. His eyes went black for a moment.

"Oh my god, what's going on here?"

Chen Ying stood in the room. Strangely, she had taken off all her clothes. If it were just the outerwear, it would have been one thing, but she had even removed her inner garments, leaving her completely naked. Her pink bra and other items were all thrown onto the bed. It was a shocking sight that caught Dong Xuebing completely off guard. He almost dropped the tea he was holding.

Chen Ying looked directly at him with confidence, "Come here."

Dong Xuebing was stunned, nearly stumbling over his own feet. "What the hell are you doing, taking off your clothes in the dead of winter? What's gotten into you?"