Though Wen Ying had shed her dignity and principles the day she became Huo Xingzhou’s canary, seeing Liang Zhiyi standing before her now, so radiant and dazzling, was like looking into a merciless mirror that reflected all her own ugliness back at her. She hesitated for a couple of seconds before speaking. “Ms. Liang, I…” Liang Zhiyi said, “Actually, I'm here to find a translator for my fiancé. He’s in talks with a Spanish company right now. He’s so busy with work, and I didn’t want him to have to worry about a small thing like this. I’m sure you’ll do an excellent job, Ms. Wen. I know you won't let us down.” Wen Ying pressed her lips together. “Ms. Liang, I'm terribly sorry, but I'm not feeling well. I'll call my agency right now and have them send a replacement over as soon as possible.” Liang Zhiyi looked surprised, then concerned. “But… the client’s representative is arriving in ten minutes. Without a translator, things could get very awkward.” Wen Ying’s grip tightened on her purse, leaving her speechless. Liang Zhiyi pressed on. “Could you possibly push through, Ms. Wen? As soon as this is over, I’ll have someone take you to the hospital immediately. I'll cover all your medical expenses.” Wen Ying had always been a consummate professional—both in and out of the bedroom. But the job in the bedroom had ended last night. What mattered now was the job right in front of her. If word got out that she’d bailed on a client at the last minute, leaving them in the lurch without a translator, her career in the industry would be over. Wen Ying nodded. “Alright. Let’s go.” As they walked, she apologized. “I'm sorry to have troubled you, Ms. Liang.” Liang Zhiyi gave her a warm smile. “Don't worry about it. We’re both women; I get it.” Wen Ying lowered her gaze, saying nothing. It seemed Liang Zhiyi assumed she was just having period cramps. From this brief encounter, though, it was clear that Liang Zhiyi was gentle and beautiful, without any of the airs of a pampered heiress. She truly was perfect wife material. Wen Ying followed Liang Zhiyi a few steps before realizing they were at the back entrance of the Huo Corporation building. The Huo Corporation employees seemed to know her, stopping to greet her. “Good afternoon, Ms. Liang.” Liang Zhiyi smiled and nodded at each one, leading Wen Ying into the president's private elevator. As the floors climbed, Liang Zhiyi turned to her. “My fiancé is very meticulous when it comes to work. He doesn't tolerate even the slightest mistake, so I hope you’ll be patient with him.” Wen Ying nodded. “Of course.” The higher the elevator ascended, the more her palms sweat. The physical ache in her body seemed to magnify with every passing floor. Wen Ying took a deep breath, telling herself to stay calm. She had to believe that Huo Xingzhou would do the same. Soon, the elevator stopped. Liang Zhiyi stepped out first. Wen Ying followed slowly behind. They had only taken a few steps when two men appeared ahead of them. Liang Zhiyi’s smile widened as she quickened her pace, linking her arm with one of the men. “Xingzhou.” Huo Xingzhou handed a file to the assistant beside him, his tone flat. “What are you doing here?” “I brought the translator for you,” Liang Zhiyi said, turning back to introduce her. “This is Ms. Wen. Isn't she beautiful?” The news had only announced their engagement with their respective photos; Huo Xingzhou’s had just been a shot of his back. Seeing them up close like this, Wen Ying had to admit they looked perfect together. Huo Xingzhou’s gaze followed Liang Zhiyi’s, his dark eyes showing not a single ripple of emotion, as if he were looking at a complete stranger. Wen Ying had already steeled herself. Meeting his eyes, she managed a small smile. “Hello, Mr. Huo. My name is Wen Ying.” The same answer she had given him three years ago, when he’d first asked for her name. Huo Xingzhou showed no reaction, simply turning his gaze back to Liang Zhiyi. “You should head back.” Liang Zhiyi pouted. “I’ll wait for you in your office. Ms. Wen isn’t feeling well, and I need to take her to the hospital after this is over.” “Suit yourself.” With those two words, Huo Xingzhou strode forward, brushing past Wen Ying without a second glance. Liang Zhiyi gave Wen Ying an encouraging thumbs-up and whispered, “It’s all on you now, Ms. Wen.” Wen Ying gave a slight nod, clutched her purse tighter, and turned to follow Huo Xingzhou’s steps. The conference room was on a different floor. Wen Ying was the last one into the elevator. She stood in the corner, head down, trying to make herself invisible. Suddenly, a man’s voice broke the silence. “Here are the materials for the meeting, Ms. Wen. You can look them over.” It was Huo Xingzhou’s assistant, Chen Yue. Wen Ying took the folder. “Thank you.” Chen Yue gave her a slight nod. The man standing in front of them remained a cold, imposing silhouette. Wen Ying averted her eyes and began to seriously review the documents, preparing for the translation ahead. A few moments later, the elevator doors opened. The representative from the Spanish company was already waiting in the conference room. He stood up the moment he saw Huo Xingzhou, greeting him warmly. Wen Ying stood by their side, translating. In stark contrast to the Spaniard’s enthusiasm, Huo Xingzhou was considerably colder. Or rather, outside of the bedroom, he was always this coolly detached, keeping everyone at arm’s length. To Wen Ying, he was the textbook definition of a man who was stoic on the surface and passionate in private. After the initial pleasantries, the meeting officially began. Wen Ying had already reviewed the materials, so she had a firm grasp of the content, calmly relaying each party’s terms and requests. For the most part, however, the Spaniard was on the defensive. The power in the room remained firmly in Huo Xingzhou’s hands. Seated not far from him, Wen Ying could feel the oppressive authority of a man accustomed to being in command. Two hours later, the meeting concluded. The Spaniard stood up, a broad smile on his face, clearly satisfied with the discussion. Wen Ying continued to translate his words. Until the man looked directly at her, his smile taking on a deeper meaning as he said, “Mr. Huo’s translator is very beautiful. I like her very much.” She didn't translate that sentence. Huo Xingzhou’s cool, impassive gaze fell on her. Wen Ying’s expression didn’t flicker. “He says he is very pleased with you, Mr. Huo, and is confident that this will be a very pleasant partnership.” Huo Xingzhou rose and left the conference room without another word. Chen Yue escorted the Spaniard out. Wen Ying remained seated, organizing the translation notes. She still had to write up a summary and email the document later. From their conversation, Wen Ying had gathered that the Spaniard would be in town for another month. She would ask her agency to send a replacement for the rest of his stay. After packing her things, Wen Ying stood to leave, but the pen in her hand slipped and fell under the conference table. She placed her bag back on the table and bent down to retrieve it.