Reborn as the Harem King-Chapter 96 The Seduction of a Subordinate

Jiang Ruolan's rented apartment was not far from Huanyu, which made commuting convenient for her daily work routine.

Zhou Yi had also indulged in alcohol tonight.

It seemed their only option now was to hail a taxi by the roadside.

As they stepped out of the restaurant, Jiang Ruolan felt her legs weaken, forcing her to lean on Zhou Yi just to keep walking.

Her soft curves pressed against his arm, prompting Zhou Yi to wonder—was she wearing a D-cup?

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He glanced down subtly, catching sight of milky white skin framed perfectly beneath the dim streetlights. It was unmistakably round and inviting.

Jiang Ruolan's figure was one that could make any woman envious and any man fall head over heels.

She had an hourglass silhouette with a slender waist and curvaceous hips—a perfect balance of allure and elegance.

Her hair swayed gently in the wind, brushing against Zhou Yi's face, carrying a pleasant scent.

Alongside it came the fragrance of her perfume—not the light, floral notes typical of young women but something richer, reminiscent of YSL Black Opium. The aroma wasn't overpowering; instead, it carried a sultry undertone that lingered enticingly.

Zhou Yi's gaze darkened slightly as he processed the moment.

Once inside the taxi, Jiang Ruolan tried her best to maintain composure.

She gripped the handle overhead, but when the driver took a sharp turn, she tumbled into Zhou Yi's arms.

"Nice assist, old man," Zhou Yi thought silently.

Leaning in close, he whispered softly into her ear, "It's alright. Just rest here for a while. You're drunk—I know you didn't mean to."

His voice was low and velvety, laced with an unconscious allure.

Jiang Ruolan felt a tingling sensation run through her body as his warm breath grazed her earlobe. Her heartbeat quickened inexplicably.

She was too exhausted to resist, so she let herself sink further into his embrace.

Unconsciously, her black stockings brushed against Zhou Yi's leg, and her hand slowly draped around his neck. Turning her face toward his ear, her lips hovered dangerously close to his earlobe.

"Boss Zhou... If only you weren't my boss..." she murmured, the words slipping out without thought.

Then, shaking her head faintly, she added, "No... No, if you hadn't become my boss, I wouldn't have discovered your charm..."

Drunken Jiang Ruolan appeared unusually endearing, her words flowing freely despite their lack of coherence.

Looking up at Zhou Yi, her usually composed features softened, revealing a radiant vulnerability.

Her eyes, always captivating, became even more enchanting without her usual aloof demeanor.

They were naturally seductive, drawing him in effortlessly.

Though tempted to act on his desires, Zhou Yi knew this wasn't the right time.

Given Jiang Ruolan's personality, she wouldn't appreciate a man taking advantage of her vulnerable state.

Still, playful banter wouldn't hurt.

By the time she recalled this conversation tomorrow, their relationship would no longer be confined to mere professionalism—it would carry an unspoken tension, layered with ambiguity.

In the throes of attraction, women were often most susceptible.

This phase, filled with hormonal intensity, pushed them to do things they might not otherwise consider.

Their actions during this period were driven less by logic and more by emotion—a phenomenon often referred to as "love-struck behavior."

Zhou Yi gently stroked her hair, coaxing her softly, "If I weren't your boss, what would you do?"

Without hesitation, Jiang Ruolan replied, "Perhaps... I'd pursue you."

Zhou Yi raised an eyebrow. So, she was the proactive type?

It made sense. She was decisive in her work and bold in private, far from the timid demeanor some women adopted.

Brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, he asked, "Why wouldn't you pursue me if I were your boss?"

Resting her head on his shoulder, Jiang Ruolan mumbled hesitantly, "I'm afraid... Afraid you'd think I had ulterior motives."

Her concern was understandable. A secretary pursuing her boss would undoubtedly invite judgment from outsiders.

She had always maintained a strictly professional relationship with previous employers, showing nothing but loyalty and dedication.

But Zhou Yi was different. Most of the traits he displayed weren't those of a typical boss—they aligned more closely with qualities she admired in a potential partner.

She wasn't heartless; quite the contrary, she had always been lonely. Having spent years abroad, how could she not yearn for companionship?

However, she found herself drawn to men from her homeland—those who valued family, responsibility, and meaningful connection.

Foreign men, in her experience, treated relationships casually, with marriages dissolving as quickly as they formed. Infidelity was rampant, and she had little interest in such superficial bonds.

Zhou Yi sighed softly. Even the strongest individuals harbored vulnerabilities.

She, too, feared judgment and cared about others' opinions.

Gently caressing her smooth cheek, he spoke tenderly, "I wouldn't think that. I don't know if you'll remember this tomorrow, but I want to say it anyway..."

"Ruolan, sometimes my heart aches for you. You don't always have to be so strong. Your armor is too heavy—it keeps others at bay."

Jiang Ruolan's eyes widened slightly, and tears welled up almost instantly.

She didn't have the luxury of weakness. Her aging parents depended on her, and her younger siblings were still in school. Life's relentless demands left her no room to falter.

As the eldest child, she had been raised to be independent and resilient. Her parents had sacrificed much to send her abroad for education—how could she afford to slack off?

Her siblings weren't yet capable of supporting the family, leaving her to shoulder the burden alone.

Yet, her struggles and grievances were hers to bear silently, hidden from her loved ones to spare them worry.

Zhou Yi's words struck a chord deep within her.

Who wouldn't want to be delicate and protected?

But some paths in life were inherently harder than others.

Jiang Ruolan's sudden silence prompted Zhou Yi to wonder if he had touched a sensitive nerve.

[Jiang Ruolan's Affection Level +10]

Relieved that he hadn't crossed a line, he patted her shoulder gently. "Sleep now. I'll wake you when we arrive."

The car pulled up to her apartment building.

Carrying her upstairs, Zhou Yi noticed how peacefully she slept in his arms, completely at ease.

It wasn't until they reached her door that he gently roused her.

"Ruolan, we're home. Where are your keys?"

Groggily opening her eyes, Jiang Ruolan lifted her bag. Understanding her intention, Zhou Yi retrieved the keys and unlocked the door.

Her apartment was immaculate, almost devoid of personal belongings. The table held only her work laptop and files.

He set her down on the sofa, but Jiang Ruolan clung to him, unwilling to let go.

Sitting beside her, Zhou Yi gently patted her back. "Sleep now. I'll stay with you."

Half-asleep, Jiang Ruolan pointed to a black nightgown nearby.

"You want to change?"

"Mhm, it's uncomfortable," she murmured.

Her elegant purple dress, while stylish, paled in comparison to the comfort of her nightwear.

Fetching the garment, Zhou Yi handed it to her before turning his back politely.

Jiang Ruolan's lips curled into a faint smile.

Zhou Yi truly was a gentleman.

[Jiang Ruolan's Affection Level +5]

"Done," she said softly.

Only then did Zhou Yi turn around.

On the sofa, Jiang Ruolan reclined in a black velvet slip dress, cinched at the waist with a matching belt that accentuated her slender frame. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded down her back, and her fair skin glowed under the bright lights.

She bent her knees slightly, causing the hem of her dress to rise, revealing shapely legs that added to her allure.

With her crimson lips and smoldering gaze, she lay there—a vision of beauty impossible to ignore.

"Boss Zhou, it's late. Why don't you stay the night?"

Zhou Yi's sharp mind began analyzing her words. Was she sincere, or merely testing him?