NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Women Are Not as Good as Year-End Bonuses
Sang Zhe still had a fierce grin on his face.
But his ears were straining to catch the sounds from outside the jail.
As soon as the footsteps of Tang Yubbing and the others faded away, he finally sighed in relief and plopped back down in his chair.
“Phew… That was close.”
In front of him, Yan Rouwan’s eyes were already swollen from crying, her voice hoarse and worn-out, as she softly repeated her plea:
“Please… let Jiao Jiao go…”
“I can’t help it; I’m just doing my job.”
Sang Zhe muttered to the Communication Device, giving Zhang Xiaoying a couple of reminders, then turned back to Yan Rouwan with a smile: “If Fairy Yan surrendered early, wouldn’t everyone be happy?”
“I can’t… I really can’t betray my sect…”
“Don’t bully me…”
Suddenly, Yan Rouwan burst into tears again.
But this time, her cries were soft.
Not the heart-wrenching pain from before, more like a little girl who got bullied at school, with red eyes reporting to the teacher in a wronged manner.
She looked delicate and slender, her eyes red, even carrying a hint of cuteness in her discontent.
It made a man’s protective instincts spike involuntarily.
Sang Zhe shot her a sideways glance.
But he remained unaffected.
He directly ignored the tearful Yan Rouwan and continued to ask the system in his mind.
“System, what’s the progress now?”
【Yan Rouwan: Progress, twenty percent.】
… Slower than I imagined.
Sang Zhe sighed.
This might be the most difficult one he’s encountered so far.
I have to speed things up.
Otherwise, if today’s incident happens again, my fragile heart won’t handle it.
——
——
When quitting time rolled around in the evening, Sang Zhe didn’t rush home.
Instead, he went to the head office of the Punishment Department.
This was a message specifically left by Tang Yubbing for him to visit after work.
Upon entering the room, Tang Yubbing was sitting on the bed, delicately pulling up silky stockings from her ankle to her thigh.
Sang Zhe stared, watching her white, succulent legs wrapped in the stockings glimmer enticingly.
“Had enough of the show?”
Tang Yubbing’s teasing voice rang out from the side.
Sang Zhe chuckled, “Boss, you misunderstood; I didn’t mean to.”
“And what if you did?”
Tang Yubbing glanced at him flirtatiously, her long, enchanting lashes fluttering slightly, her voice soft and seductive: “Little brother performed so well today, giving your sister face in front of so many colleagues. Your sister should reward you!”
“Don’t say just watching… even if little brother just wanted to touch, what’s wrong with that?”
Saying this, she seemed to playfully tilt her chin, deliberately stretching her beautiful leg in front of him.
Sang Zhe swallowed silently, still wearing an awkward grin, “Boss overestimates me. It’s all thanks to you.”
“Bad little brother.”
Tang Yubbing chuckled behind her hand, and the next moment, a fragrant breeze wafted towards Sang Zhe’s ear, catching him off guard:
“Sister loves this look of yours, all desire but no guts~”
That sultry voice made Sang Zhe feel a bit weak in the knees.
“Now, tell me, what reward do you want?”
“Anything goes?” Sang Zhe couldn’t help but ask.
“Anything goes.”
Tang Yubbing’s fingertip brushed against Sang Zhe’s chest lightly, her breath grazing his collarbone: “You just want me…”
“… That’s not out of the question.”
Sang Zhe’s face lit up.
“Really?”
“Then can I request a doubled year-end bonus this year? Also count me in full attendance for performance reviews, and if possible… how about two months of paid leave and a company trip?”
Tang Yubbing’s smile froze for a moment.
The next moment, she gracefully turned around, leaning gently against the table, smiling at him: “Sister can give you some benefits upfront. Once Yan Rouwan completely submits, the real rewards will come.”
“As for the year-end bonus, I’ll take charge and double it for you.”
Sang Zhe jumped up joyfully, shouting that Yubbing was the best boss in the world.
Watching him so blissful, a hint of resentment flashed across Tang Yubbing’s face, and she pouted silently:
“Naive little brother.”
“Sometimes I can’t tell if you’re truly naive, or just pretending.”
“Just don’t celebrate too early.” She whimsically pinched a bit of flesh at his waist. “You better keep an eye on Yan Rouwan.”
“Sister has already talked big for you. If you fail the mission, you won’t look good either.”
Sang Zhe patted his chest confidently: “Don’t worry, I’ll get the job done.”
Tang Yubbing playfully poked his forehead.
After a moment, she added, “And be careful in the coming days. Try not to go out; just stay within the Demon Cult.”
“What’s up?”
“After all, Fairy Yan is one of the most valued disciples of the Water Moon Sect, quite significant in the sect. Having her captured, their lackeys won’t let it go easily.”
She spoke lazily, “Heard they’ve dispatched many capable hands to attack us lately. A lot of employees in the adjacent department have suffered.”
“You’re my precious, so don’t ever fall into the hands of the sect.”
Sang Zhe nodded cautiously.
“Alright, go home sooner after work.”
“Um, Yubbing, I have one more question.”
“What is it?”
“If I do get attacked… will that count as a workplace injury? Will the department cover my medical bills?”
He blinked innocently.
And then, he was playfully chased out by Tang Yubbing’s laughter and scolding.
——
——
Before going home, Sang Zhe wandered around the town again.
He bought a fish, a box of sweet cakes, and several boxes of cosmetics, only returning home under the cover of night.
When he entered, Zhang Xiaoying was already waiting, cuddling the plush cat, Jiao Jiao.
“Did my master also work overtime today?”
“Nope.” Sang Zhe handed her the items, “I bought you some small gifts. You did great today; you saved my life.”
Zhang Xiaoying paused, taking the oily paper bags.
“What’s this…?”
“You love eating fish, right? Just stew it; we’ll have fish soup tonight.”
Sang Zhe chatted while changing clothes: “The sweet cakes were on sale, so I bought some to keep at home and munch on when you’re bored.”
“I’m not too knowledgeable about cosmetics, but I got a few boxes for skincare. I noticed your hands were a bit dry these days.”
“I’ll go take a shower now; don’t forget to change Jiao Jiao’s litter.” He changed into his pajamas and went straight to the bathroom.
Zhang Xiaoying stood there, still dazed.
It wasn’t until Sang Zhe entered the bathroom that her delicate eyes finally drooped, the corners of her lips subtly curling up.
“Sang Zhe… master…”
With a face full of happiness, she clutched her gifts, muttering to herself dreamily.
In the bathroom, Sang Zhe plopped into the hot water tub, enjoying the warm comfort.
This was perhaps the most comfortable moment for an overworked office worker each day.
Coming home to a hot bath ready, soaking in it relieves all the day’s fatigue.
After bathing, the maid had also prepared dinner, and after eating to his heart’s content, he went to bed.
This life is something even immortals wouldn’t trade.
Yet at this moment, Sang Zhe remained unaware.
In the kitchen, Zhang Xiaoying had quickly stewed the soft-shelled turtle, finished the meal, and everything was ready.
Then, quietly, she arrived at the wooden panel next to the bathroom.
There was an inconspicuous small hole here.
Zhang Xiaoying squatted there, secretly watching Sang Zhe as he splashed water amidst the mist.
Her eyes were wide open, as if she wanted to see every inch of his skin through the steam.
Her cheeks carried a captivating blush.
At this moment every day, it was the most comfortable and satisfying time not just for Sang Zhe.
For Zhang Xiaoying, it felt the same.
Having not seen Sang Zhe all day, she finally had the chance to see his fit upper body naked.
Even if only for a few minutes, Zhang Xiaoying felt utterly satisfied.
So happy that she almost wanted to moan.
——
——
The night deepened.
Outside, countless lights shone, and the stars twinkled like a river.
Just as Sang Zhe hummed a tune while bathing,
And as Zhang Xiaoying was watching mesmerized, lost in her thoughts.
A breeze suddenly brushed against the window in the main hall.
The plush cat, Jiao Jiao, meowed softly.
Zhang Xiaoying, who was lost in thought, suddenly turned cold, and in the blink of an eye, vanished from her spot.
Meanwhile, in Sang Zhe’s yard,
A person in black robes, hooded and masked, was cautiously peeking inside through the window.
“Honored guest, what brings you here?”
Suddenly, a ghostly voice echoed behind the figure in black.
Almost reflexively, the black-clad figure spun around, a sharp dagger whistling through the air.
The murderous intent was strong, almost slicing the neck of the person behind.
But almost simultaneously, a dagger was also positioned against the neck of the black-clad figure.
Zhang Xiaoying’s expression remained calm, her eyes icy as she looked at the intruder: “Since you’re not an honored guest, you don’t come with good intentions.”
“Then allow me to send you to your death.”
The black-clad figure’s brow furrowed for a moment.
But the next second, upon seeing Zhang Xiaoying’s face, the person suddenly exclaimed in surprise, a clear and pure female voice:
“Zhang Xiaoying?! Why is it you?”
Zhang Xiaoying narrowed her eyes slightly: “I don’t know you.”
“You… ultimately couldn’t resist and submitted to the Demon Cult, right?”
The black-clad figure spoke with a hint of reluctance.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Zhang Xiaoying replied flatly, “I willingly serve my master.”
“After your meaningless chatter, are you ready to die?”
The black-clad figure slowly shook their head: “You can’t kill me.”
“Though I don’t know how you had such fortunate encounters to reach the peak of the Nascent Soul in just a year and a half…”
“It’s still not enough.”
“I don’t wish to lay hands on a former sect sister, yet you still cannot kill me.”
Zhang Xiaoying remained completely still.
It was as if she had already known the disparity in their strengths.
But her expression clearly showed she was ready to perish if it meant stopping the intruder.
Without a hint of hesitation about death,
The two faced off for a moment, and the black-clad figure was the first to lower the dagger, gazing at her with a complex look before disappearing.
Zhang Xiaoying silently watched the direction she left.
“Xiao Ying~ I’m done washing up, is dinner ready?” At that moment, Sang Zhe’s voice came from the bathroom door.
After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Xiaoying silently sheathed her dagger, redeploying her respectful demeanor.
“Master, just a moment. Your servant will bring dinner right away.”