In the elegantly appointed room, Zhou Yi and Zhao Qiushui got dressed and sat across from each other at a small square table. Both looked relaxed and at ease, speaking softly like old friends of many years.
Zhao Qiushui poured Zhou Yi a cup of tea with her slender, fair hands and asked gracefully, "I'm actually very curious, Director Zhou. Just what made you so wary of me?"
Zhou Yi smiled faintly. "As I said earlier, 'Autumn waters merge with the endless sky' is famous throughout Jiangnan. Everyone knows it. When such a beautiful, elegant lady of distinguished standing took the initiative to invite me, I was flattered, but I couldn't help thinking of all those cautionary tales about men brought down by beautiful women!"
Zhao Qiushui gave a little snort of laughter. "You're overthinking it, Director Zhou. I invited you mainly because I'd long heard of you and wanted to get acquainted. Besides, take right now, for instance. If I wanted to seduce you, are you confident you could resist?"
Director Zhou immediately adopted a solemn expression. "Of course. I'm not the kind of man you imagine!"
Zhao Qiushui glanced at him and sneered. "Your little friend doesn't seem to agree!"
Zhou Yi remained perfectly composed. "I won't deny my body's reaction. That's human instinct. But what separates humans from beasts is our ability to control our desires through reason. I think I do fairly well in that respect!"
Zhao Qiushui froze for a moment. She had expected a sanctimonious denial or an embarrassed attempt to bluff his way out of it, not such a frank admission.
She had to admit that this man played at a very high level.
"I have a question for you too, Ms. Zhao. Why did you say earlier that I came to Changtian