HBWMA -Chapter 318 A State of Misery

South Bay.

As night fell, the harbor city lit up like a sea of countless stars.

“So Shen Guiling has been staying here all this time?”

The residence Shen Qian arranged for Shen Guiling was a 300-square-meter panoramic high-rise apartment right by the harbor. It had excellent lighting and an unbeatable view—standing by the window, one could take in the entire port and cityscape at a glance.

Jiang Huashan stood by the window, lost in thought.

Mo Ran handed her a glass of warm water respectfully. “Yes. It’s close to the government building, convenient for commuting.”

Jiang Huashan turned to look at Mo Ran. “I saw you at the South Bay banquet that night… You’re the assistant by my aunt-in-law’s side, right?”

Mo Ran, still unsure of Jiang Huashan’s temperament but aware she was highly favored in the Shen family, chose her words carefully. “Madam has been unwell and is resting. Sir was worried that Young Master might not be used to South Bay after arriving, so he asked me to take care of things here temporarily.”

“Oh~”

So she was Shen Qian’s informant. Jiang Huashan understood instantly and accepted the water with a smile.

Mo Ran, unable to tell what the girl was thinking, checked the time. “Miss Jiang, Young Master Ling is still in a meeting and likely won’t be able to have dinner with you. Your room has already been prepared. Why don’t you take a shower first? I can go prepare dinner.”

“You can cook too?” Jiang Huashan asked curiously.

“A little. Is there anything you particularly want to eat?”

Jiang Huashan shook her head.

“How about Western food?”

She nodded, then leaned slightly toward the bedroom.

No one could resist a soft, fragrant “flower girl.”

Take a shower?

Her eyes lit up. She decisively headed toward the room.

Mo Ran immediately followed.

Although it was a temporary setup, it was clearly done with care—even the bedding was the same embroidered style from the Shen residence.

Jiang Huashan ran her hand over it in surprise. Even the camellia pattern was identical.

Mo Ran explained with a smile, “Young Master ordered it. He was worried you might not be used to it. Also, the toiletries have been replaced with your usual brand, and your clothes have all been freshly washed and ironed. You can use them without worry.”

“……”

So the rumored “99% heart-melting effect” might actually be real.

Jiang Huashan felt complicated emotions and nodded. “Got it. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Miss Jiang. I’ll go prepare dinner now.”

Mo Ran left politely, closing the door behind her.

Jiang Huashan stood for a moment, then went into the bathroom with a towel.

After a comfortable hot shower, she began executing her plan.

In the wardrobe were several styles of sleepwear. After careful comparison, she chose a black camisole nightdress.

Even though it came with a jacket, it didn’t matter—she could “accidentally” reveal her shoulder. Subtle seduction was the highest form of charm!

While Shen Guiling hadn’t seen much of the world yet, she had to strike fast. That remaining 1% would be hers easily.

The more she thought about it, the more confident she became. Excited, she took out the nightdress.

Just as she was about to remove her bathrobe—

She suddenly noticed the camellia-embroidered silk bedding.

“……”

—

South Bay harbor area. The winter night was cold and damp, while the room’s heating was on full blast. A thin layer of frost fog covered the glass.

Mo Ran checked the time again, her expression turning serious. It was already this late—why hadn’t Young Master Ling returned yet?

Just as she hesitated about calling him, the door lock sounded.

Before she could react, a flash of pink shot past her and the door was yanked open.

A very rude voice shouted:

“Why are you only coming back now?! If you were any later, I would’ve fallen asleep!!”

Shen Guiling paused.

In front of him stood a girl in a pink pig onesie. Except for her face, her entire body—including her neck—was wrapped up in it.

Even her feet wore tiny socks.

“You’re cold?” he asked.

Jiang Huashan’s face was red like a boiled shrimp. “Yes! Freezing!”

Shen Guiling stepped inside and handed a fruit basket to Mo Ran.

Mo Ran accepted it and quickly passed him a towel. “Young Master, have you eaten?”

“Mm.” He took off his slightly damp coat. “Mo assistant, move the printer to the living room. Also, turn the heating up.”

Higher?

Mo Ran glanced at Jiang Huashan and silently raised it by five degrees.

Jiang Huashan: “……”

Shen Guiling pointed at the sofa. “Today’s meeting ran late. Everything is ready. Sit there and wait. I’ll take a quick shower.”

Jiang Huashan nodded stiffly. “Hurry up!”

She had just lost to her conscience. Since seduction had failed, she had to get information about Bai Zheng instead.

“Alright.”

He went into his room.

Mo Ran quietly observed Jiang Huashan, then went to the kitchen, brought out washed strawberries, and placed them on the table.

“Miss Jiang, try these. They’re new white jade strawberries from the South Bay base—very sweet.”

Jiang Huashan, still regretting not wearing the black nightdress, responded absentmindedly.

Mo Ran then assembled the printer and tested the connection before saying, “Miss Jiang, I’ll be leaving now.”

“Huh? Leaving? You don’t stay here?”

Mo Ran smiled. “I’m just an assistant. The young master is my boss—I can’t stay here.”

With that, she left.

“Wait—”

Jiang Huashan froze.

So tonight… it was just her and Shen Guiling?!

Ah!

She felt like she was burning up. She should have worn the black dress! Why did she care about face?! What a wasted opportunity!

She turned to go change—but stopped dead.

Shen Guiling was standing at the hallway, arms crossed, leaning against the wall. He had clearly been there for a while.

“You’re hot?” he asked again.

“I’m not! I’m freezing so badly I’m shaking, can’t you see?!”

He nodded—and pulled out a remote from nowhere.

Beep—

The temperature rose another five degrees.

Jiang Huashan: “……”