The elevator doors slowly slid open to either side.
Xiao Yaqin took a deep breath and stepped out of the car on stiff legs.
Thick, soft Persian carpets lined both sides of the corridor, swallowing the sound of her heels completely.
The presidential suite floor on the hundredth level was so quiet that she could hear only her own pounding heartbeat.
Under the waiter's respectful guidance, she stopped before the heavy dark-gold double doors of Room 1083.
Xiao Yaqin clenched the worn, peeling old leather handbag in her hand.
A fine layer of cold sweat had long since seeped into her palm.
She raised her slender fingers, hovering them over the doorbell button as her fingertips trembled uncontrollably.
Pressing that button meant stepping into an unknown abyss...
But for Xiaodong, she had no way back.
Xiao Yaqin bit her red lips, closed her eyes, and pressed the doorbell hard.
Ding-dong!
The crisp chime shattered the silence of the luxurious hall.
Jiang Che reclined against the leather sofa, lifting his eyes slightly.
He unhurriedly set down the still-bubbling glass of Romanée-Conti in his hand and rose to his feet.
With lazy steps, Jiang Che crossed the expensive hardwood floor and made his way to the door.
His distinct-knuckled fingers settled on the metal handle.
He pressed down lightly.
With a crisp click, the heavy doors opened.
As the door swung wide—
A faint scent of ambergris mixed with the rich aroma of alcohol washed over her.
Xiao Yaqin opened her eyes, and a tall figure filled her vision.
He was an absurdly young man.
He was around six foot one, and even in heels, Xiao Yaqin, who was nearly five foot seven, still had to look up slightly at him.
He wore nothing but a deep-black silk robe.
Its collar hung