Chapter 74 What He Cannot Tolerate Most Is Betrayal

"Alright, Director Tang, I understand," Linglan wiped the sweat from her brow—these days had taxed her mind to the limit.

Jiang Min glanced sideways, casting a look first at Ye Linglan, then at Tang Pei. When a man pays special attention to a woman, his gaze reveals more than words ever could. Jiang Min was sensitive to such things; Ye Linglan was a cunning one, and Tang Pei’s instructions made it clear—this evening’s banquet arrangements would be guided by Ye Linglan’s opinions. Any clever person could hear the implication, and even Xiao Zhou knew how to navigate and adapt. Yet Jiang Min was unwilling, unable to voice her discontent in Tang Pei’s presence. Her face masked a faint displeasure, but plans began to stir in her heart.

Ye Linglan, after much effort, finally contacted a flower grower. She personally visited their fields and managed to find the coveted lilies of the valley. Because of their specific growing conditions and blooming season, they were rare in Nanjiang and difficult to procure. In the warm greenhouse, surrounded by a sea of white, Linglan was delighted. Lilies of the valley are truly beautiful—delicate, fragrant, shaped like tiny bells, also known as "valley lilies."

Night fell.

The banquet hall was empty except for her. She surveyed the room; the purple and white hues formed the backdrop, shimmering tassels expressed a romantic elegance. Her gaze settled on the host table, where the word "City" had been shaped from lilies of the valley. Linglan approached, bent down, and caressed the blossoms. Dew had gathered on the petals, clear and luminous.

Suddenly, with a sharp sound, the crystal chandelier flickered to life. Linglan turned hastily, and through the dazzling light, she saw the vague silhouette of a man. She squinted, not yet accustomed to the brightness, and heard him ask, "Why aren't you home yet?"

"Director Tang?" she called softly. Through his voice, she immediately recognized him.

"I saw the hall door wasn’t fully closed, a faint light leaking out. I thought someone had carelessly left the lights on and the door unlocked, so I came to check. Didn't expect to find you still here," Tang Pei entered the hall, leaving the door slightly ajar.

Linglan stood, smiling at him, "Heh, come look at the flowers I chose." She beckoned him over. Tang Pei stopped beside her, following her gaze, "What are these?"

"You've never seen them, have you?" she smiled, tilting her head.

"Indeed, they're not common." Tang Pei glanced at her, noticing the faint shadows under her eyes. She looked exhausted, yet still managed a resilient smile. "What are these flowers?"

Linglan sat beside the floral word, patting the spot next to her. Tang Pei sat down, listening as she explained, "Lilies of the valley—aren't they lovely? They also have a beautiful name: valley lilies."

"Valley lilies? That suits you."

Linglan lowered her head, stroking the small bouquet. "Have you ever heard their legend?" Tang Pei nodded for her to go on.

"In the month of May, on the land where the sacred forest guardian Leonard passed away, pure and fragrant lilies of the valley bloom. They spread across the land... Each tiny flower is like a bell summoning happiness, releasing a scent that soothes the heart. These flowers may seem delicate, but they harbor a strength beyond measure, embodying a deep desire to 'grasp happiness.' Their meaning is the arrival of joy and fulfillment."

Tang Pei looked at the clusters of white blossoms forming the word "City," murmuring, "President Mo will like this."

"Will he?" she laughed. "You say so, but he's notoriously picky!"

"Don’t be fooled by President Mo’s glamorous exterior; to outsiders, he’s a billionaire gentleman. But what he truly wants is..." Tang Pei paused, as if uncertain, not finishing his sentence. Linglan, curious, pressed him, "What is it that he truly wants?"

Tang Pei gazed at her, hesitating—a mystery lingered behind Mo Zhicheng’s facade. At last, he spoke quietly, "Perhaps it's the simplest happiness that everyone takes for granted. For President Mo, it was once a luxury." She was startled; the words carried profound meaning.

Jiang Min, peering through the door’s crack, watched the pair seated at the host table. She had been about to leave the office, but paused at the sight. Squinting, she turned away, pressing the elevator button.

Ding—

The elevator doors slid open. Only then did Jiang Min realize she had summoned Mo Zhicheng’s private elevator, but it was too late. Raising her eyes, she saw the man standing inside. "President Mo!" His cold, stern expression left her flustered; she hurriedly apologized, "President Mo."

Mo Zhicheng nodded. As the doors began to close, Jiang Min quickly reached out, stopping the elevator. Amid the rush, she heard him ask, "What’s wrong? Is there something else?"

Jiang Min looked up, "President Mo, the other elevator’s broken." Her heart raced, anxiety rising as she watched Mo Zhicheng—a man who haunted many women’s dreams. Gathering her courage, she asked, "May I ride down with you?"

Mo Zhicheng said nothing until the doors opened. Jiang Min stepped in, keeping a cautious distance, "President Mo, you’re working late too?" Her voice was soft; the elevator felt tense.

Mo Zhicheng glanced at his watch, "You as well. It’s been hard on all of you lately."

He spoke, and Jiang Min’s spirits lifted—she knew what he was referring to. She replied, "Not at all. Ye has worked the hardest on this banquet. When I left, she and Director Tang were still busy in the hall." She lowered her voice.

Mo Zhicheng withdrew his gaze, turning to her. Jiang Min continued, "Ye is the youngest among the three of us, but Director Tang always takes good care of her. We’re all a little envious—so young, already favored by Director Tang. We tease Ye that they should just pair up." She smiled, "President Mo, you see, it’s late and they’re both together, so I figured I’d leave."

Mo Zhicheng said little, simply adjusting his watch, "Seems you all get along well outside of work. That’s good," he murmured.

Jiang Min was taken aback. Next moment, the elevator doors opened.

—————

In the banquet hall, under the radiant crystal lights, a lone figure sat hugging her knees.

Ye Linglan and Tang Pei chatted leisurely, "So the meaning of this 'City' is obvious." Tang Pei glanced at the floral word.

"It’s tied to his name, but also symbolizes 'Heavenly City,' conquering to become king," Linglan followed his gaze, adding, "So this character encompasses even more. Plus," she pointed nearby, "that night, a champagne tower will be built from nine hundred ninety goblets here."

Tang Pei nodded, "You’ve put a lot of thought into this," he said softly.

Linglan smiled, touching her lips, "It’s more like I killed off a great number of brain cells."

Her occasional dry humor seemed a way to amuse herself after exhaustion. Tang Pei watched her—like the lilies of the valley, delicate yet possessing a strength unseen. There exists a kind of woman who appears ordinary at first glance, but the more you know her, the more you’re drawn in by her innate charisma, unable to resist searching deeper.

Tang Pei smiled along with her.

—As if to ask, have you ever felt anything for me?

Suddenly, her phone rang. Linglan snapped back to reality, hastily rummaging through her bag—it was Mo Zhicheng calling. She froze, her expression darkening. Tang Pei noticed, "What’s wrong?"

Linglan pressed her finger to her lips, "Shh," she whispered, standing and lowering her gaze as she answered, "Hello—"

"What are you doing?"

The abrupt question from the other end startled her. She glanced at Tang Pei, mindful that it was Mo Zhicheng’s birthday banquet and wanting to give him an unexpected surprise, she hesitated and replied lightly, "Nothing much."

"Where are you?"

"Me?" she faltered, "It’s so late—I’m at home, of course. President Mo, it’s after hours." Linglan didn’t notice the figure outside the door, only that her heart was pounding with unease.

"Really? At home?"

"Mm," she replied softly.

—— Silence lingered on the line.

"President Mo?" she prompted.

"Then rest well."

Linglan gripped her phone, and even after hanging up, her thoughts drifted.

"What’s wrong? Was it President Mo?" Only when Tang Pei spoke did she return to herself.

Linglan managed a smile. Tang Pei stood, patting her shoulder, "Why didn’t you tell President Mo the truth?"

"I want the banquet arrangement to be a surprise for him, so I didn’t mention being here."

"But remember, President Mo hates dishonesty most." He spoke with weight.

"What?" she was startled. Tang Pei’s words sounded more like a warning. Linglan’s eyes flickered with confusion; she covered it with a smile, "Oh, so what I just did—does it count?" Deep down, she knew her true deception was her hidden identity. She joked, "What would he do?"

Tang Pei could say nothing more about Mo Zhicheng. Few knew that the glamorous man had endured untold suffering.

"He would destroy the other party," Tang Pei said plainly, but with seriousness.

Linglan was momentarily stunned, her palms breaking into a cold sweat. Was it guilt? She breathed quietly, then smiled, "Brother Tang, you’re so dramatic. It’s getting late—I should head home." She hastily packed her bag, but the memory of that office argument with Mo Zhicheng lingered, making her uneasy.

——————

On the day of the birthday banquet,

Ye Linglan made her final inspection. Around the floral word, a circle of pink bouquets had been placed. Curious, she approached, bent down, and called to Jiang Min, "Sister Min, didn’t we agree to use purple hyacinths around the lilies of the valley? What’s this?"

Jiang Min folded her arms, casting a proud glance at her, "These came from the supplier—apparently hyacinths were out of stock, so they substituted."

"Apparently?" Linglan frowned, "Sister Min, changing flowers at the last minute shouldn’t be 'apparently.' At least find out the reason." Her tone was urgent; she quickly reached for the supplier’s number, but Jiang Min intercepted her. Linglan was puzzled—she wanted clarity, needing certainty in her heart. For some reason, as the banquet drew near, her unease only grew.

Jiang Min withdrew her phone, "Just hours left before the banquet starts—shouldn’t you hurry and get ready?"

Linglan lowered her gaze to her attire.

Lilies of the valley.