C12 Suspicious of Zhong Ling's Father's Identity

When Zhong Ling mentioned she had something important to discuss, my heart skipped a beat. No sooner had I contemplated asking for that million dollars than Zhong Ling was on the phone.

I couldn't shake the thought that the person involved was someone both Zhong Ling and I knew. Could he have dangled a carrot before me only to turn around and use it to drive a wedge between Zhong Ling and me?

Lost in these thoughts, I was jolted back to reality by Zhong Ling's voice on the other end, "Hey, security guy, are you even listening?"

Snapping out of my reverie, I replied, "I'm all ears, Zhong Ling. What's so important?"

Her voice was tinged with urgency, a clear sign of the matter's significance, which inexplicably made me anxious.

"Security guy, I brought up relocating the grave with my dad again tonight, and he just chewed me out."

Her words instantly soothed my frazzled nerves. It wasn't the issue I feared, and I felt a weight lift off my chest.

Yet, for some reason, hearing Zhong Ling's voice filled me with an unexpected guilt.

After a moment's reflection, I advised her, "Zhong Ling, you don't need to keep bringing this up with your dad. Why don't you ask him who the geomancy master was that consulted on your grandfather's grave?"

She simply acknowledged and we said our goodbyes.

We exchanged a few more pleasantries before ending the call. Lying in bed, sleep eluded me. Staring at the ceiling, my mind was a tumult of emotions.

It took what felt like an eternity before I finally drifted off. The next morning, as I got ready for work, I noticed an unread text on my phone. Without even reading the contents, I knew who it was from.

I hesitated for a few seconds before opening it. The message was concise, yet it sent a shiver down my spine.

"Zhang Lia, don't forget we have a meeting after work."

My gaze lingered on the text as my heartbeat quickened.

He actually knew I was going to work today? The message made it even clearer to me that he was aware of me, that I existed. The thought made me involuntarily take a deep, cool breath.

I didn't rush to reply. I slung my bag over my shoulder, stepped out the door, and caught the bus. Throughout the ride, I was distracted, my eyes returning again and again to the text message.

I was preoccupied with the thought that once I got to the company, I'd likely come face-to-face with the sender.

I work as a security guard there, and I'm pretty familiar with everyone. But pinpointing the person behind the message? That was a real challenge.

The sender's words had an air of certainty, as if he knew for sure we'd meet tonight. After a forty-minute bus ride, I arrived at work.

I donned my security uniform and took up my post at the company entrance, scrutinizing each person who walked by for any sign of suspicion. Despite my vigilance, no one stood out.

Just then, a voice caught my attention, "Hey, security guard, what are you looking at?"

I glanced up to find Zhong Ling speaking to me. Today, she was dressed in a sharp office outfit, complete with red stockings that highlighted her striking appearance.

As she entered the lobby, she immediately drew the eyes of numerous male colleagues.

Their gazes lingered on Zhong Ling, appraising her.

"No, nothing, Zhong Ling. I wasn't looking at anything," I replied, feeling somewhat sheepish.

With a flirtatious smile, Zhong Ling said, "Join me for lunch later?" and with that, she walked off. It wouldn't be appropriate for her to chat more with me at the company.

Unexpectedly, her invitation caused a wave of envious glares from the other men. Some warned me I was a dead man for daring to encroach on the general manager's woman.

Others inquired how I'd gotten so close to Zhong Ling so quickly and begged for my secret. A few even brazenly asked if something had happened between us and prodded for details about her figure.

I ignored the barrage of questions from these ravenous wolves, paying them no mind.

I'm just a security guard, and all Zhong Ling did was exchange a few words with me at the entrance, yet it sparked such a buzz.

After hours, people went out of their way to inquire about Zhong Ling, prompting me to reflect on her extraordinary allure. If I had to sum her up in four words, she'd be the epitome of a femme fatale.

It wasn't until around ten in the morning that I spotted the general manager arriving at the office.

He was in his forties, a graduate of a prestigious university, with a decent height and good looks. Despite the whispers of his marital status, there were whispers that he'd pursued Zhong Ling within the company walls.

Rumors swirled about them dining together multiple times, leading to speculation that Zhong Ling was being kept by the general manager.

But given Zhong Ling's stunning beauty, it's no wonder the rumors took flight. I mean, what man wouldn't be swayed by her? Who could resist such an exceptional woman?

Thankfully, the rest of the morning passed without incident. At lunchtime, Zhong Ling approached me, utterly indifferent to our colleagues' stares, and flashed me a flirtatious wink.

Her sultry demeanor sent a tingling through me, especially those long, fair legs sheathed in red stockings—utterly captivating.

Regaining my composure, I responded, drawing the gaze of the male colleague who had come down with Zhong Ling. They probably couldn't fathom how a simple security guard like me could catch the eye of a stunner like her.

Once in the car, Zhong Ling didn't opt for the nearby company restaurant; instead, she drove us to a more distant eatery.

On the way, she said, "Security guard big brother, I asked about that thing you mentioned last night."

"And?" I glanced at Zhong Ling, prompting her to continue.

"My dad said I should stay out of it and keep my distance from you."

I was at a loss for words.

With that, the air between us grew thick with awkwardness.

Luckily, Zhong Ling quickly clarified, "Don't take it to heart, security guard. My dad can be quite stubborn, but rest assured, despite what he says, I still choose to trust you."

Once Zhong Ling had parked at the restaurant, we made our way inside and settled into a nice spot. She promptly picked up the menu and began browsing through the options.

As for me, I found myself gazing out the window, lost in thought.

I couldn't shake the feeling that Zhong Ling's dad was adamantly opposed to relocating the grave, and it made me wonder if there might be something amiss with him.