Chapter 524: Director Su's Gift!

Inside the underground parking garage.

The Mercedes-Benz car was shaking violently.

The Mercedes-Benz's suspension really was of high quality.

Even while enduring such violent shaking.

the car could still hold up.

But, as time went on…

Suddenly.

"Bang!" With a sound! The rear wheel of the Mercedes-Benz actually exploded, and then the whole car tilted, the body visibly collapsing!

"Ah…" Inside the Mercedes-Benz, Su Monong's hair was disheveled, her stunning face flushed with embarrassment and panic.

That sudden loud noise startled her.

Lin Yuan, who was underneath, also visibly tensed.

"Can't you get up? Go down and see what happened." Su Monong slapped Lin Yuan with her jade hand and ordered.

"Ah… Su, Director Su, I'm not wearing pants…" Lin Yuan said embarrassedly.

"Or should I go? I don't have any clothes on either…" Su Monong glared at Lin Yuan with her beautiful eyes.

Lin Yuan glanced at Director Su, and then he couldn't help but have a nosebleed.

Director Su's figure is truly top-notch.

If women's figures had a rating scale,

scored from 0 to 100,

then Director Su's figure would be a perfect 100! Top score!

Director Su's figure is the kind that makes you get a nosebleed at a glance.

"Look at you… you can even get a nosebleed from this?" Su Monong angrily glared at him, yet still pulled out two tissues and handed them to Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan hastily took the tissues and wiped the blood from his nose.

Then Lin Yuan hastily put on his clothes, got out of the car, and checked.

Lin Yuan discovered that this time it wasn't the suspension that failed.

but the Mercedes-Benz's rear wheel couldn't bear the load and blew out…

"Director Su, it's nothing serious—just a blown tire." Lin Yuan stepped forward and said.

Su Monong breathed a sigh of relief.

She suddenly reached out with her jade hand and grabbed Lin Yuan.

Then Lin Yuan was pulled back into the car again.

"Since it's just a blown tire, let's continue… my punishment for you isn't over yet…"

All that night, the underground parking garage echoed with the shaking sounds of the Mercedes-Benz's suspension…

Only at 3 a. m. did Su Monong, her hair disheveled, finally get out of the car.

Lin Yuan also got out.

But when Lin Yuan got out, his lips were a little pale, his whole person stared with dark circles, obviously drained.

He looked utterly exhausted.

"Tonight I'm not going back; I'll stay at your place—help me upstairs." Su Monong's legs were weak, her steps a bit unsteady.

Lin Yuan could only support Director Su as they went upstairs.

But Lin Yuan wasn't much better off.

When he walked, he too felt unsteady…

……

After Su Monong entered Lin Yuan's bachelor apartment,

she wouldn't let Lin Yuan go, giving him another round of punishment…

Tonight, for Lin Yuan, it was as if the treasury doors were flung open, and he was ruthlessly looted clean by Su Monong, that Wu Zetian–like empress!

……

The two kept up the 'punishment' until 6 a. m.

Finally, Su Monong leaned into Lin Yuan's arms and fell into a deep sleep.

This woman is truly destined to overcome Lin Yuan.

She not only drained Lin Yuan, but also made him hold her while sleeping.

She completely drained and exploited him.

……

At ten in the morning, Su Monong and Lin Yuan finally woke up groggily.

They were so exhausted from last night that they both overslept today.

After Su Monong and Lin Yuan got up, both of their legs were a bit weak.

"Director Su, let me make you some breakfast." Lin Yuan said, starting to get up to prepare breakfast for Su Monong.

But Su Monong grabbed him.

"No need, breakfast—you've got it right on you." Su Monong said in a seductive voice.

Before Lin Yuan could react, Su Monong flung back the covers and slipped into the blankets…

……

After breakfast, Su Monong finally changed clothes and hurriedly went to the company with Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan, having slept not at all, now walked weakly into the laboratory.

He had just walked into the core lab when Shen Nan Zhi noticed his odd state: "Why do you look so weak? What's wrong? Are you sick?"

Lin Yuan's eyes flickered for a moment, and he quickly covered up: "I caught a slight chill last night, afraid of the wind."

Shen Nan Zhi didn't ask further, just handed him a cup of warm ginger tea: "I made this this morning; drink some to warm yourself. The experiment is important—don't fall ill."

Lin Yuan took the ginger tea; the warmth from the fingertips made his heart feel a pang of sourness, and he whispered: "Thank you."

The two of them focused on the experiment.

Until around eleven in the morning, Lin Yuan's phone suddenly vibrated—a WeChat message from Su Monong Fa.

The message was blunt: "【Tonight I'm treating, I've reserved a spot at Longjing Caotang; invite Shen Nan Zhi to come along, I'll help you two cultivate some feelings.】"

Lin Yuan looked at the four words 'cultivate feelings,' and his brow instantly knotted.

His finger hovered over the screen for a while before he replied: "【Director Su, must it be like this?】"

Su Monong's reply came almost instantly: "【Yes, I must. And it's necessary. If you can't make a move, I'll help you. Didn't you forget last night's lesson? Believe it or not, I'll keep teaching you a lesson.】"

Lin Yuan thought of last night, Su Monong's crazy domineering nature.

He couldn't help but feel his legs go weak.

Lin Yuan replied: "【Alright.】"

Su Monong quickly sent a message: "【Stupid little brother, this is obedient. This is the good little brother sister likes. Sister will reward you afterwards, sister's rear carriage, next time I'll also give you 'open'.】"

After Su Monong Fa sent the message, she also attached a location.

It was the dinner restaurant address: Longjing Caotang Clubhouse.

Su Monong added another sentence: "【Be there sharp at six tonight, don't be late~】"

Lin Yuan looked at his phone screen and let out a long sigh.

He knew Su Monong was dead set on making this happen this time, leaving him no room to refuse.

During the lunch break, Lin Yuan found a solitary opportunity and walked over to Shen Nan Zhi's side.

Lin Yuan spoke with a slightly unnatural tone: "Shen Nan Zhi sister, Director Su said tonight he's treating, inviting us to dinner—please let me convey that to you."

Shen Nan Zhi was organizing experimental data; hearing this, her hand motion paused.

She was visibly startled for a moment: "Director Su is inviting us to dinner? Is there something important?"

"It should be about the follow‑up arrangements for the X Project," Lin Yuan said vaguely, not daring to meet her eyes, "She said it's just the three of us, perfect for chatting about work."

Shen Nan Zhi didn't think much of it.

After all, as the group's chief executive officer, Su Monong caring about the core project's progress and treating the person in charge to a meal is quite normal.

Shen Nan Zhi nodded: "All right, then after work we'll get ready and head over."

Lin Yuan gave an 'uh' and turned, walking away quickly.

Lin Yuan's sense of guilt deepened another layer.

Once again, he deceived Shen Nan Zhi about this matter.

The afternoon experiment proceeded unusually quietly.

Lin Yuan several times wanted to explain something to Shen Nan Zhi, but the words rose to his lips and he swallowed them back.

Shen Nan Zhi seemed to sense his abnormality, but merely thought he was still feeling unwell from this morning's cold.

Therefore, Shen Nan Zhi deliberately slowed the experiment's pace so he wouldn't be overtaxed.

Evening.

After work, Shen Nan Zhi tidied up on time, walked to Lin Yuan's side, and said: "Can we go now?"

"Yeah, the car's downstairs; I'll give you a ride." Lin Yuan picked up his jacket and led the way out of the lab.

……

After work in the evening, Lin Yuan drove the car, taking Shen Nan Zhi to the restaurant Su Director had reserved.

Longjing Caotang is a famous Michelin private restaurant in Jiangnan.

As soon as the car stopped, a waiter in traditional Chinese robes stepped forward to guide them.

Lin Yuan and Shen Nan Zhi stepped onto the bluestone path and walked inside.

Along the way were trickling water and scattered pavilions, the air filled with a faint tea fragrance.

Here it is tranquil, utterly different from the city's hustle and bustle.

"I never expected Director Su to choose this place." Shen Nan Zhi looked at the surrounding antiquated, fragrant setting.

She sighed softly: "This is a Michelin restaurant; I heard reservations here… have to be booked half a month in advance."

Lin Yuan smiled but didn't respond; he felt a bit guilty.

Su Monong, in order to 'matchmake' them, had obviously put in a lot of effort.

The waiter led the two to a private room named 'Listening Bamboo'.

The waiter slowly pushed open the carved wooden door.

Su Monong was already seated inside.

Today she changed into a dark green cheongsam, her hair coiled into a bun, wearing a jade hairpin; she had less of her usual forcefulness and more of a gentle charm.

Lin Yuan was still seeing Su Monong in a cheongsam for the first time, truly a different kind of allure.

Lin Yuan couldn't help but glance at her a few more times.

This Director Su really looks good in anything she wears.

"Director Su." Shen Nan Zhi was the first to greet, her tone respectful.

"Nan Zhi has come, hurry and sit," Su Monong smiled, raising her hand to gesture, her gaze sweeping between her and Lin Yuan.

In Su Monong's eyes lay a subtle, hard‑to‑detect meaning: "Lin Yuan, sit too—don't stand."

The two sat down in turn.

The waiter soon brought over the menu.

Su Monong directly handed the menu to Shen Nan Zhi: "Nan Zhi, see what you like to eat, don't be polite, today I'm treating."

Shen Nan Zhi took the menu and flipped through a few pages……

She discovered that most of the dishes listed were the Jiangnan cuisine she usually liked.

Shen Nan Zhi's heart stirred slightly, she looked up at Su Monong: "Sister Mo Nong, how do you know I like these?"

"During the last group team-building, I remembered you only ate these light dishes," Su Monong said naturally, "Just keeping it in mind, I know. You work so hard for the company; as the Chief Executive Officer, I should show more care."

Lin Yuan sat to the side, watching Su Monong chat with Shen Nan Zhi with ease……

Lin Yuan secretly sighed.

That woman Su Monong is really meticulous in her actions.

Director Su is planning to start from the details to completely dispel Shen Nan Zhi's reservations.

Shen Nan Zhi ordered a few small dishes.

Su Monong then raised her hand to call the waiter: "Serve the dishes, and also warm up that bottle of 30-year-aged Daughter Red and bring it up."

The waiter respectfully complied.

Not long after, the waiter entered holding an antiquated wine jar.

The wine jar bore a red label reading 'Daughter Red', and the warm aroma of the wine drifted out from the mouth of the jar.

"We Jiangnan people don't like the strong taste of red wine, nor the harshness of white wine, so let's drink some local Jiangnan yellow wine." Su Monong personally poured a cup each for Shen Nan Zhi and Lin Yuan.

The amber liquid shone in the white porcelain cup: "This wine has been cellared for thirty years; it's smooth on the palate, with a sweet aftertaste—so fragrant."

She pushed the cups toward the two of them.

Su Monong's eyes held an irresistible enthusiasm: "Nan Zhi, Lin Yuan, come, try it, don't be reserved."

Shen Nan Zhi looked at the yellow wine in her cup and hesitated……

She rarely drinks alcohol, especially in work-related settings.

But since the Chief Executive Officer Su Monong had personally poured the wine, refusing seemed inappropriate.

Shen Nan Zhi lifted her wine cup and raised it toward Su Monong: "Thank you, Sister Mo Nong."

Lin Yuan felt his heart tighten; he vaguely guessed Su Monong's intentions.

But with Shen Nan Zhi already raising her cup, he could only follow suit and lift his own.

Lin Yuan's fingertip touched the warm cup wall, and his heart felt somewhat complicated.

Lin Yuan and Shen Nan Zhi exchanged a glance, then both downed the yellow wine in their cups.

The yellow wine was indeed smooth on the palate, carrying a grain fragrance, sliding down the throat, and instantly warming the stomach.

Su Monong watched their empty cups, her gorgeous lips subtly curling up an imperceptible arc.

A glint of calculation flashed in her eyes.

Finally, they had drunk the 'exchange cup wine'.

Su Monong did not immediately urge another drink, but took the opportunity when the dishes were served.

She began to talk about Shen Nan Zhi's past.

Su Monong asked with interest: "Nan Zhi, I remember that when you were studying abroad, you almost delayed your doctorate while conducting an experiment for an anticancer drug."

Shen Nan Zhi didn't expect Su Monong to know these details.

She hesitated a moment before nodding: "At that time the experiment reached a critical stage; I was truly stretched thin, but my advisor was understanding and gave me the chance to postpone my defense."

"That's the dedication of researchers," Su Monong sighed.

Immediately afterward, Su Monong's conversation suddenly turned to Lin Yuan.

Su Monong asked: "Lin Yuan, you told me last time that Shen Nan Zhi helped you solve a problem in the experiment—the chemical transformation of traditional Chinese and Western medicinal materials…?"

Lin Yuan didn't react right away, nodding instinctively: "Yes, Sister Nan Zhi has rich experience in extracting Western drug components; a little guidance and I understood."

"You two have such great rapport," Su Monong laughed as she refilled their cups, "One understands Western medicine and has innovative thinking; the other has a solid foundation in traditional Chinese medicine. Combining Western and Chinese medicine, you two are practically a match made in heaven."

Shen Nan Zhi's cheeks flushed slightly from the alcohol.

Upon hearing the four words 'a match made in heaven,' she quickly lowered her head to eat, hiding her embarrassment.

Lin Yuan held his wine cup, unsure how to respond.

He knew Su Monong was deliberately creating an ambiguous atmosphere.

"Come, for this 'rapport' of yours, have another drink."

Su Monong raised her cup first, her gaze sweeping over both of them: "This time we should clink cups, wishing our X Project early success."

Shen Nan Zhi couldn't refuse anymore; she lifted her cup and lightly tapped it against Lin Yuan's.

The clear clink sounded especially distinct in the private room.

Lin Yuan could feel Shen Nan Zhi gradually showing signs of intoxication.

Lin Yuan knew Shen Nan Zhi was a bit drunk.

After two cups of wine, Shen Nan Zhi's gaze gradually grew a little hazy, and she spoke more than before.

Shen Nan Zhi began discussing with Su Monong her ideas for developing the X Vaccine.

Su Monong listened patiently, occasionally echoing a few words.

Su Monong's eyes remained thoughtful, as if deep in thought.

Obviously, at this moment Su Monong has been scheming.

She is usually gentle toward Lin Yuan.

But after all, she is a Chairwoman, a strong woman.

When it's time to scheme, she still does so.

However, Su Monong's scheming is mostly premised on not harming Lin Yuan.

This scheming of hers can both fulfill Lin Yuan and benefit herself.

Lin Yuan sat there, somewhat absent-minded.

Lin Yuan saw Shen Nan Zhi's cheeks growing redder and redder.

Her speech was also somewhat slurred.

Lin Yuan knew Shen Nan Zhi truly couldn't hold her liquor.

"Director Su, Director Shen seems a bit drunk." Lin Yuan couldn't help speaking up, wanting to shield Shen Nan Zhi from more drink, "Let me finish the rest for her."

"What's the rush," Su Monong waved her hand, then poured Shen Nan Zhi another half cup, "It's rare for Nan Zhi to relax like this, let's chat a bit more."

She turned to Shen Nan Zhi, her tone especially gentle: "Nan Zhi, what do you think of this kid Lin Yuan? He's capable, down-to-earth, and stands out among his peers."

Shen Nan Zhi, eyes hazy from drink, looked at Lin Yuan, corners of her mouth slightly lifting: "Lin Yuan... he's outstanding, far more capable than I was at his age, full of ideas and willing to endure hardship."

"Have you ever considered finding a partner like him? He could help at work and look after each other in life." Su Monong struck while the iron was hot, her tone carrying an obvious hint.

Shen Nan Zhi's cheeks flushed instantly, as if she didn't understand yet also as if she did.

She merely lowered her head to eat, saying nothing for a long while.

Lin Yuan sat aside, feeling as if sitting on pins and needles.

He wanted to speak up to interrupt, but Su Monong stopped him with a glance.

Su Monong watched Shen Nan Zhi's reaction, the smile at the corners of her mouth deepening...

She knew her plan had already succeeded halfway.

All that remained was the final step to fan the flames.

Su Monong raised her hand to signal the server over.

Su Monong said in a natural tone: "Please refill Deputy Director Lin's and Director Shen's cups; this wine tastes best when served warm."

The server hurried forward, picked up the wine jug, and carefully poured the amber liquid into their cups...

The warm aroma of the wine once again filled the air.

"Come on, Nan Zhi, Lin Yuan, don't stop," Su Monong lifted her empty cup and shook it, "Although I can't drink much more, you two should enjoy yourselves; this is a rare chance to relax."

Shen Nan Zhi, eyes hazy from drink, gazed at the wine in her cup, hesitating before lifting it...

At this moment, Shen Nan Zhi's body. Yet it involuntarily grew slightly warm.

Lin Yuan also held his wine cup, feeling that this drink's potency seemed noticeably stronger than before.

He had barely taken a few sips when he felt a surge of heat rush from his stomach straight to his head.

"Director Su, this wine..." Lin Yuan furrowed his brow, the words rising to his lips only to be swallowed back...

He simply couldn't directly question whether Su Monong's wine had a problem.

"What's wrong? Doesn't the wine suit your taste?" Su Monong raised an eyebrow, her eyes flashing with mischief, "Or are you worried you'll drink too much and fail to look after Nan Zhi?"

Lin Yuan's cheeks flushed instantly, not from alcohol but from Su Monong's blunt hint.

He could only grit his teeth and raise his wine cup toward Shen Nan Zhi: "Sister Nan Zhi, I'll toast you again, thanking you for your continual guidance."

Shen Nan Zhi bit her lower lip, then eventually lifted the cup and took a gentle sip.

Yet after that sip went down, the strange sensation in her body became ever more apparent.

Lin Yuan felt his blood racing through his entire body.

His feeling of heat all over... surged from his limbs, making even his breathing feel somewhat heavy.

He unconsciously undid the two buttons at his collar.

Lin Yuan lifted his head to look across at Shen Nan Zhi, discovering her condition was worse than his.

Shen Nan Zhi's pretty face reddened to the point of almost bleeding, her formerly clear eyes veiled with a mist.

Shen Nan Zhi's breathing grew rapid and warm, fine beads of fragrant sweat appearing on her forehead and sliding down her cheeks.

Her fragrant sweat dripped onto the ivory hem of her skirt, blooming into a small patch.

"I... I'm feeling hot."

Shen Nan Zhi said softly.

Her jade hand lightly lifted, brushing aside the strands of hair clinging to her cheeks.

Her breathing grew increasingly disordered.

Lin Yuan's face changed!

This wine definitely has a problem!

Lin Yuan lifted his head, looking doubtfully at Su Monong, his eyes full of questioning and disbelief.

Su Monong, however, seemed not to notice his gaze, elegantly wiping her mouth with a napkin.

Su Monong stood up and said: "Oh dear, maybe I just drank too much earlier; I'm going to the restroom, you two keep drinking at your leisure, no need to wait for me."

Saying that, she picked up her handbag and turned, heading out of the private room.

Lin Yuan wanted to speak up to detain her, but Su Monong paid him no heed.

The private room door was gently closed...

Immediately afterward, a faint "click" sound came from outside the door,

Shen Nan Zhi didn't hear it.

But Lin Yuan's hearing is keen; he heard it clearly.

That was the sound of the door lock falling into place.

Lin Yuan's face changed slightly.

He rose to his feet, intending to get up and open the door.

But Lin Yuan's body had become unusually heavy, his limbs somewhat unresponsive.

Just then, his phone vibrated in his pocket.

Lin Yuan laboriously pulled out his phone; the screen popped up a WeChat message from Su Monong Fa:

【Stinky little brother, this is a gift your sister arranged for you—enjoy this ambiguous feeling.】

Lin Yuan stared at this WeChat message, his brain went "buzz" and turned blank, his whole person dazed.

He finally reacted, his face utterly bewildered.

It's over, this is bad!

Director Su slipped an aphrodisiac into this wine!

Lin Yuan hastily turned his head……looking toward Shen Nan Zhi……

All that could be seen was that she could no longer support herself, her body swaying slightly.

She instinctively grabbed the edge of the table with both hands, her gaze hazy as she looked at Lin Yuan.

Shen Nan Zhi's lips moved, but she didn't utter a word.

The atmosphere in the private room became especially strange……

The warm wine aroma mingled with the faint perfume on Shen Nan Zhi's body, plus the two of them's hurried breathing, weaving together into a suffocating net.

Lin Yuan gritted his teeth, using all his strength to keep himself sober……

But at this moment, Shen Nan Zhi's consciousness was blurred; she slowly rose to her feet, uncontrollably walking toward Lin Yuan.

"Lin Yuan, I, I feel so awful……"