Chapter 34 Soul Exchange

The transaction between angels and demons is the exchange of souls.

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Xue Zui Ning was startled, turning her head to see a gentle and elegant man before her, around thirty years old.

She forced a smile. “I’m sorry. Please forgive me for embarrassing myself.”

She did not accept the handkerchief he offered, instead taking one from her own bag to wipe away her tears. The traces of makeup on the fine cloth made her pause, and she involuntarily glanced in Lu Huai Ning’s direction.

The man sized her up discreetly; seeing the flicker in her eyes, he narrowed his gaze, quickly pressing the faint smile at the corner of his lips into composure. He spoke calmly, “Miss Xue is indeed unusual. It’s the first time I’ve seen a woman by Lu’s side so uneasy.”

She was taken aback. He smiled. “Miss Xue, don’t you remember? Lu just introduced us. My surname is Zhang.” As he spoke, he handed her an exquisitely crafted business card. “I wonder if I might be worthy of your consideration?”

Xue Zui Ning’s mind had been elsewhere earlier, but his words brought back a vague recollection. She smiled apologetically, accepting the card, about to find an excuse to leave when Zhang Qi Kun spoke again, “At yesterday’s birthday banquet, the Lu family tacitly agreed to a marriage alliance with the secretary of the provincial committee’s daughter. Yet today, they brazenly place you in the limelight. It’s clear you find your current situation difficult. Let’s not beat around the bush—have you ever thought about escaping this life?”

Xue Zui Ning swallowed the word “of course” before it could escape her lips. After a moment, she struggled to appear calm and replied, “I don’t understand what you mean, Mr. Zhang.”

He smiled. “No need for subtlety with me. I know perfectly well the nature of your relationship with Mr. Lu. Believe me, I can find a way to free you from this predicament.”

A glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes, but suspicion and caution quickly overshadowed it.

“Miss Xue is clever. I won’t insult you with claims of pity or chivalrous motives. For businessmen, profit is paramount. You must have access to Lu Huai Ning’s most confidential files. I offer you freedom in exchange, and I’ll arrange your future, including your mother’s.”

Xue Zui Ning’s face suddenly went pale, her makeup seeming to float on her skin like smoke, making her appear even more exhausted.

“Yes, it’s abrupt to discuss such matters at our first meeting. Take your time to consider. And do touch up your makeup,” Zhang Qi Kun raised an eyebrow in Lu Huai Ning’s direction. “I’ll contact you again. Don’t worry, I’ll be discreet. I trust you won’t tell him about this.”

He turned and walked away. Xue Zui Ning stood for a while before realizing a sheen of cold sweat had formed on her skin.

Freedom. At this moment, it was unbearably alluring. The humiliations of the afternoon replayed before her eyes, making even breathing feel painful.

She hurried to the lounge to fix her makeup, then approached the buffet table. The dazzling array of food did nothing to stir her appetite. In her mind, the phrase echoed: “Give me what I want, and I’ll trade you freedom.” She couldn’t help but clench her fists, sneaking a glance at Zhang Qi Kun, who was laughing and drinking with others not far away. He happened to look back at her, their eyes meeting briefly. His gaze was laden with meaning, making her afraid to look longer; she quickly turned away.

Lu Huai Ning’s voice sounded behind her, deep and resonant. “I was looking for you just now. Where did you go?”

She was still lost in the fantasy of exchanging secrets for freedom. His sudden voice caught her off guard, making her jump and utter a small cry, which drew curious looks from those nearby. Turning, she saw Lu Huai Ning’s expression was calm. Even when angry, he remained indifferent, which only made her feel colder. She stammered, “Lu… Lu Huai Ning, you startled me, I…”

“What, am I so frightening?”

“No… you know, I, I…” The more she searched for an excuse, the more her mind went blank. Some of the fashionable women around her began to smirk, having seen her earlier on the arm of the young and handsome Lu Huai Ning. The guests, though all accomplished, were older; jealousy had already burned in their hearts, and now they finally felt vindicated. This woman was nothing but a decorative vase, unworthy of the stage.

Lu Huai Ning narrowed his eyes. Her face flushed red as she stared at her hands crossed before her, mind racing. After a moment, she gritted her teeth and said, “I… I just went to touch up my makeup. You know I don’t like these occasions. You startled me when you called me from behind, I…”

She knew how dangerous the man before her was. Her lowered lashes hid her confusion; her slight bow made her appear gentle and pure. Lu Huai Ning’s gaze softened a little. He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Such a small thing, and you’re so flustered. What will you do when real trouble comes?”

Xue Zui Ning was speechless, but her heart eased a little. She looked up at him, then dropped her gaze again.

Seeing there was nothing more to watch, the crowd returned to their conversations. Lu Huai Ning took her hand; their palms touched, the scarred texture causing him to frown slightly. His voice was low, tightening her nerves that had just relaxed. “You barely ate earlier. No appetite in front of me?”

Xue Zui Ning shook her head. “No… I just don’t like raw food.”

He sneered, his indifferent gaze sweeping over the assortment of sashimi nearby. “Others can’t even dream of tasting this, and you’re picky. Seems I’ve spoiled you.” With that, he fetched a cup of sour cherry panna cotta from the dessert table and handed it to her. “You can’t object to this, can you? It’s even better than your favorite Christine’s panna cotta.”

Xue Zui Ning was slightly surprised; he actually knew her secret fondness for Christine’s desserts. In her university days, she and Chen Sang had once enjoyed sweet dates on summer evenings, though the milk tea they drank was cheap. Now, all that belonged irrevocably to the past. She forced herself to pull back her thoughts, took a deep breath, and scooped a spoonful of panna cotta, tasting a hint of bitterness.

Lu Huai Ning watched her finish, then made her eat a small piece of blueberry cake before leading her into the crowd. As he was conversing with an economics professor from A University, Zhang Qi Kun approached.

When the two men’s eyes met, it was as if sparks flew in the air. Xue Zui Ning’s heart raced with fear. They exchanged polite smiles, pleasantries, mutual compliments. She recalled Zhang Qi Kun’s earlier words, her heart soaked in icy water, aching with cold. Both men schemed against each other, yet on the surface appeared as close as friends. These people were truly terrifying.