Yue Linze gently embraced her waist, their lips brushing softly before the kiss deepened. They moved from standing to embracing on the sofa.

Just as the atmosphere grew heated, Yue Linze felt a cool sensation on his wrist, followed by a sharp click that broke the spell.

He looked down at his wrist, a smile playing on his lips. “You’re getting bolder.”

“You said you liked it,” Tao Yu blinked innocently, lacing their cuffed hands together. “Since it’s such a lovely accessory, how could I be so selfish as to keep it to myself?”

Unless he unlocked her, she would wear it all day. Let’s see how he liked explaining that to everyone.

Yue Linze looked at their joined hands, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Perhaps I should throw away the key.”

Tao Yu froze, remembering that he wasn't entirely sane, that his thought processes differed from normal people. “On second thought, maybe you should unlock yourself. I’ll wear it alone,” she said quickly.

He was mentally resilient and unafraid of consequences. She, on the other hand, couldn't handle the embarrassment.

Yue Linze, seeing her quick retreat, was about to tease her when a knock came at the door. “Mr. Yue, the accounts have been recalculated.”

It was the employee from the morning meeting.

Yue Linze raised an eyebrow, about to tell him to enter, when Tao Yu swiftly covered his mouth. She frantically gestured for the key. Yue Linze remained unmoved. With a groan, Tao Yu pulled him towards his desk.

Pushing him into his chair, she dove under the desk, grateful for the modesty panel that shielded her from view.

Yue Linze looked down at her with a smile, then called for the employee to enter.

Tao Yu settled on the floor, finding a comfortable position and resting her head on his lap, listening to the employee’s report.

The employee, having made a significant error earlier, seized the opportunity for a one-on-one with the CEO, elaborating on project details in an attempt to redeem himself.

Tao Yu grew bored and began toying with Yue Linze’s fingers. Playfully, she pinched him. Yue Linze’s brow twitched. He retaliated by pinching her cheek.

Tao Yu pinched him back. Yue Linze continued listening to the employee, their silent battle continuing beneath the desk.

Despite having the use of both hands and feet, Tao Yu was no match for Yue Linze’s strength. She lost every round, her cheeks flushed, eyes glistening.

After another defeat, Yue Linze captured both her hands in one of his, refusing to let go.

Frustrated, Tao Yu bit his leg. She misjudged the distance and sank her teeth into his thigh muscle. Realizing the suggestive nature of her action, she quickly released him, leaving a damp mark on his trousers.

The moment she bit him, Yue Linze’s eyes narrowed. The employee felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere, a palpable tension. “Mr. Yue, have I made another mistake?” he asked anxiously.

“You can leave,” Yue Linze said flatly.

The employee hesitated, then nodded nervously and left.

The moment the door closed, Yue Linze dragged Tao Yu out from under the desk. His voice was low. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Tao Yu gave a weak smile, instinctively reaching for her pocket, only to find it empty. “I… I was going to offer you a candy. But I seem to have forgotten them,” she stammered.

“That’s three times,” Yue Linze said, his expression impassive. “I told you, no third time.”

Tao Yu’s smile froze. She was reminded of the story of the couple and the donkey.