Seeing Bai Xiaodu slap one accusation after another onto her head, the gun-wielding bodyguard didn't dare say another word, quietly shrinking back to the side.
The sword-wielding bodyguard stood nearby, her face filled with awe.
She had normal aesthetic standards, of course, and knew Bai Xiaodu was incredibly handsome—the kind of person who would make passersby do a double-take.
Yet she didn't dare stare at his face, terrified that making eye contact might trigger a conversation and drag her into the vortex as well.
He's terrifying, this guy, she thought.
Seeing her companion looking utterly defeated and crestfallen like a beaten dog, she felt a lingering sense of dread. She quietly stole a glance at her employer.
Xin Hai'an seemed to have forgotten her earlier threat to punish him.
Instead, she was staring at the silver-white figure busy adjusting the gym equipment, a trace of appreciation flickering in the depths of her eyes.
Bai Xiaodu waved happily.
“Sister Xin Hai'an, let's start with the Smith incline bench press.”
She calmly complied.
Once the training began, Bai Xiaodu showed no intention of taking it easy on her.
Easing himself into his professional zone, he monitored the muscle feedback of Xin Hai'an's movements just as he had done last time, issuing commands without a moment's hesitation.
However, their positioning this time was a bit awkward.
Xin Hai'an lay semi-reclined on the bench, arms spread wide as her muscles tensed to push the heavy barbell up and down at a slow, controlled pace for maximum effect.
To ensure better breathability, she had deliberately worn a very thin, solid black shirt as her base layer.
Such thin fabric naturally did little to conceal her stunning physique, perfectly accentuating her exquisite, shapely front.
Moreover, Bai Xiaodu's earlier words hadn't been mere flattery.
Xin Hai'an was truly well-endowed.
As she focused on her workout, a fine sheen of sweat began to glisten on her beautiful face.
Bai Xiaodu blinked.
The peaks rose.
The peaks fell.
His head rose.
His head lowered.
Damn, no wonder personal trainers are such a cliché in infidelity stories, he thought.
Anyone who can resist reaching out for a touch must be a saint.
To make matters worse, Bai Xiaodu was standing extremely close. Xin Hai'an could have easily asked him to step back without affecting the workout.
But she didn't.
And Bai Xiaodu, worried about appearing rude or unprofessional, didn't dare step away either.
So, they remained in that awkward proximity.
After twenty minutes, the full routine was complete, and it was time to rest.
Panting softly, Xin Hai'an's damp shirt clung tightly to her skin, emphasizing her slender, beautiful waist.
One of her bodyguards eagerly stepped forward, intending to find a comfortable spot for her to sit,
only to see Bai Xiaodu materialize out of nowhere, holding a bottle of electrolyte water and a fresh, packaged disposable towel.
Xin Hai'an blinked in surprise.
She noticed a faint, boyish blush of embarrassment on Bai Xiaodu's face.
“Electrolyte water helps relieve muscle fatigue and replenish salt. I wasn't sure what kind you prefer, so I mixed a cup myself... And here, use this to wipe off your sweat. You might catch a cold if the breeze hits you.”
With that, Bai Xiaodu offered them to her.
Xin Hai'an naturally had her own specialized workout supplements. To her, even the most expensive commercial electrolyte drink was nothing more than a bottle of flavored water.
The sword-wielding bodyguard frowned, trying to think of a polite way to intervene.
But in the next second, her eyes widened in shock as Xin Hai'an reached out and took the items as if possessed.
She didn't drink it, though.
She merely turned the bottle over in her hand, inspecting it.
Only after a long silence did she speak.
“There's no need to do this next time.”
“Okay.”
Unfolding the disposable towel, she looked up at Bai Xiaodu's obedient, docile expression.
For some reason, Xin Hai'an felt a sudden pang of irritation.
Out of nowhere, she asked, “Your service is certainly attentive. Your boss mentioned you have excellent sales numbers. Do you usually treat all your clients like this? Isn't it exhausting?”
The pleasant, relaxed mood she had enjoyed after her workout was instantly soured.
At the thought of this adorable face showing the exact same warmth and care to other women, a subtle wave of displeasure washed over her.
The atmosphere in the gym suddenly turned icy.
Bai Xiaodu took a quiet, deep breath.
And there's the landmine question.
On Xin Hai'an's exquisite character portrait, her Affection level was currently sitting at 44.
This was already quite high.
They were right on the cusp. Once it hit 50, it would mark the transition into mutual appreciation and the genuine budding of romantic interest.
Through his interactions with Director-General Shen, Bai Xiaodu had come to realize the sheer importance of connections.
While the rewards for raising Affection were great, the status and assistance that came with a deep relationship were far more valuable.
Out of all the transcendents he could currently reach, Xin Hai'an was the one with the highest Affection.
Besides, he had a nagging feeling that Director-General Shen's favors would eventually come with a steep price.
After all, that woman's Affection was currently sitting at less than 30.
They were mere acquaintances, and at most, she simply found him somewhat amusing for reasons unknown.
The upcoming ritual carried a very real risk of death. Bai Xiaodu was not the type to be reckless or leave his survival to blind faith.
He preferred to quietly lay the groundwork and execute his plans with meticulous care.
To pull off his scheme, he would need allies.
He blinked, his mind instantly mapping out a strategy.
A look of genuine surprise washed over his face.
“Have you really not noticed? To me, you are entirely unique.”
“Whether it's your appearance, your figure, your strength, or your temperament... I have never met another client quite like you.”
He paused, gazing at her with eyes full of quiet admiration.
“To be honest, Sister Xin Hai'an, after your first day of training, as your instructor, I knew exactly how exhausting it was. I had actually packed my things and planned to give you a week to recover before our next session. After all, none of my previous clients—especially those who ordered the top-tier package—could ever handle the intensity. But then, my boss called me and told me to come back immediately.”
“The feeling I got... it was like a chef watching a patron eagerly devour a meal they poured their heart into. It filled me with an indescribable sense of pride.”
Seeing that he didn't seem to be lying, the irritation in Xin Hai'an's chest began to melt away.
The corners of her lips curved up in a faint smile.
She knew he was sweet-talking her, of course.
But he was so exceptionally good at it that it was impossible not to feel pleased.
Last night, while helping her apply her medicine, the sword-wielding bodyguard had taken the opportunity to tactfully warn her not to let herself be fooled by him.
Xin Hai'an had dismissed the warning entirely.
She was the head of a major department, a seasoned veteran who had seen and done it all. How could she possibly be manipulated by a mere fox?
It was just that his workout guidance was genuinely effective. It was just that he was exceptionally good-looking. It was just that he was incredibly attentive. It was just that his words were incredibly pleasing to the ear. It was just that his blushing face was undeniably cute. It was just that his fluffy tail looked like it would be incredibly soft to touch...
That was all.
That was all there was to it, right?
After all, her original intention had been to find someone interesting and attractive to keep her company and kill some time.
She had worked tirelessly running her potion business for so long; what was wrong with indulging herself a little?
As for who was loyal and who was a fraud, Xin Hai'an could easily tell for herself!
Rate on N.U.
