Workplace Sexual Coercion

For the first time in his life, Lu Yan learned what it meant to feel daggers at his back—and what it meant to march bravely to his death.

Before Skinflint Chen could expose him, Lu Yan steeled himself, pulled out his chair, and rose to his feet. "I'm Lu Yan. May I ask what the chairman wants with me?"

This was Eva's first time meeting Lu Yan, and she hadn't expected him to be such a tall, slender, handsome man. Everyone else in the office wore the same standard shirt and tie, while he alone had thrown on a loose white T-shirt. His hair was a mess, and he still looked half asleep.

But his face was undeniably attractive. There was something sickly about his faded, decadent beauty, a distinctive air that would make him stand out in any crowd.

Eva offered him a professional smile and shook her head. "Sorry, I'm not quite sure. I imagine you'll find out once you get there."

With that, she turned and led the way, her eight-centimeter black heels striking the floor with a steady, rhythmic click-clack.

Lu Yan followed her into the elevator and upstairs, eventually arriving at Jiang Boyun's private office. Eva stopped at just the right moment. "Mr. Lu, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to go in, so I'll leave you here."

Without giving Lu Yan a chance to reconsider, she pressed the doorbell and turned to leave.

The adjoining room beside the office was normally Eva's workspace, but perhaps Jiang Boyun had given her instructions in advance, because she went straight downstairs. Not a soul remained in the vast corridor. It was so quiet Lu Yan could hear his own heartbeat.

Not long after the bell rang, the black office door popped open automatically with a click, leaving a narrow gap. Lu Yan deliberated for a long moment before finally gripping the handle—

Jiang Boyun wasn't as unhinged as Yu Zechuan. He should make it out alive... right?

That thought settled Lu Yan's nerves considerably. One pervert was more than enough; he couldn't handle a whole collection of them. He entered the office and left the door slightly ajar behind him. A huge desk stood before the bright floor-to-ceiling windows, and Jiang Boyun sat behind a computer, wearing the same polished, respectable facade as ever.

Lu Yan stopped in front of the desk, his voice so normal that anyone would think there had been no conflict between them a few days ago. "Chairman, you wanted to see me?"

Jiang Boyun hadn't seen Lu Yan in some time. In his memory, Lu Yan had always been timid and cringing, showing astonishing passion only when money was involved. Yet the Lu Yan before him now had his eyes half lowered and an easy composure, as though nothing in the world could hold his interest.

Jiang Boyun's eyes darkened. For the first time, he gave Lu Yan a truly careful appraisal. He had always coveted what he couldn't have, and the longer he looked at this particular "object," the more he liked it. Barely suppressing the restless itch inside him, Jiang Boyun asked in a grave voice, "Lu Yan, there have been rumors about you and Xue Jin going around the company lately. What exactly is going on?"

Lu Yan knew at once that the man had summoned him here to make trouble. He and Xue Jin were both grown men. The company wouldn't exactly spread "romantic rumors" about them; at most, people might suspect that Lu Yan was some distant relative of Xue Jin's who had managed to ride his coattails. And even if, hypothetically, there were rumors, what the hell did they have to do with Jiang Boyun?

Lu Yan gave him a mild jab. "I didn't realize you had time for gossip when you're so busy managing the company, Chairman. But I've been at home recovering recently, so I don't know what happened. Why don't you ask Mr. Xue?"

Seeing him play dumb, Jiang Boyun pushed back his chair, rose, and walked over to Lu Yan. His deep voice came from behind, making Lu Yan's heart lurch. "Lu Yan, that man in a mask who was shopping with you that day..."

Lu Yan's heart skipped a beat. Damn it. Had Jiang Boyun discovered something?

After a pause, Jiang Boyun continued, "That was Xue Jin, wasn't it?"

Lu Yan stared. "Huh?"

Where the hell had that come from?

The change in Lu Yan's expression only made Jiang Boyun more certain of his theory. He sneered. "You're getting better at seducing men. You even managed to hook him."

Lu Yan tried to explain. "You've misunderstood. This has nothing to do with him..."

But Jiang Boyun didn't believe him and assumed he was making excuses. "Lu Yan, I promoted Xue Jin myself. It would take me no more than a minute to bring him crashing down. If you're going to cling to someone's coattails, shouldn't you pick someone with a firmer footing?"

It would never occur to Jiang Boyun that the man who had gone shopping with Lu Yan that day was Yu Zechuan. After all, the two of them were both romantic rivals and bitter enemies. Once he heard the company rumors, he had instinctively compared Xue Jin's build to that of the man in black and concluded that their height and stature were more or less the same.

As for why the man had worn a hat and mask to hide his face that day, naturally it was because he was afraid Jiang Boyun would recognize him.

Jiang Boyun was convinced he was ninety-nine percent of the way to the truth.

Lu Yan was convinced Jiang Boyun's brain was ninety-nine percent waterlogged. "Chairman, if that's all you called me here to say, I've already explained everything that needs explaining. I still have work to do, so I'll be going."

Lu Yan turned to leave, only for a powerful grip to seize his wrist without warning and shove him onto the sofa. Alarm shot through him. Holy shit, was this guy about to force himself on him?!

Lu Yan's voice turned strange. "Mr. Jiang, what are you doing?"

He was a top, for God's sake. Jiang Boyun had better not try anything. Once a top went berserk, there was no holding him back.

Jiang Boyun's gaze was dark as he clamped a hand around Lu Yan's wrist. "Lu Yan, what do you think I'm doing? You've made your scene and hurled your insults these past few weeks, and I've tolerated all of it. You'd better know when to stop. My patience has limits."

Lu Yan shook off his hand without showing any strain. "Mr. Jiang, I'm not making a scene. I just came to my senses. Being someone's kept lover is immoral."

Jiang Boyun gave a cold laugh. "Now you care about morality? When Yu Zechuan and I were together, you clung to me shamelessly. Why didn't you call it immoral then?"

Fuck. Jiang Boyun's mouth really was begging to be smashed in.

Lu Yan looked him up and down, then kindly reminded him, "But Mr. Jiang, aren't you the one clinging to me shamelessly now?"

Jiang Boyun flushed with rage. "You!"

Lu Yan had infuriated Jiang Boyun so badly his liver hurt. He shoved Lu Yan down hard against the sofa and finally dropped his respectable pretense. "Lu Yan, didn't you break up with me because you wanted an official relationship? Once the deal with Dingyou Group is finalized, I won't have to answer to those old fossils on the board anymore. Then I can be with you openly!"

Lu Yan thought Jiang Boyun was spouting bullshit again. Even the media knew he was about to get engaged to Lin Anni, the heiress to Dingyou Group. Only an idiot would believe him. "Chairman Jiang, we've already broken up. That's all in the past. Please stop interfering with my life."

If last month's salary hadn't still been unpaid, and if he hadn't just gotten a twenty-percent raise, Lu Yan would already have kicked him.

But Jiang Boyun had no intention of letting Lu Yan go. His gaze fixed on the collarbone exposed above Lu Yan's collar as his fingertips slid suggestively down to Lu Yan's waist. "It's been so long. Don't you want it?"

Lu Yan's brain crashed. "...Want what?"

Jiang Boyun raised a hand to loosen his tie. How had he never noticed how beautiful Lu Yan was? He was far better-looking than any of Jiang Boyun's former lovers, and the sight of him made Jiang Boyun itch with desire. Yet after all this time, he still hadn't gotten a taste. "I've already cleaned myself out. We can do it here in the office if you want. Anything you like today. What do you say?"

Lu Yan's eyes slowly widened, his entire worldview threatening to shatter. Holy shit, Jiang Boyun was a bottom?! Then what about Yu Zechuan? Was he a top? He didn't seem like one!

How the hell had these two bottoms ended up together?!

Although Lu Yan had the original host's memories, perhaps for censorship reasons, the System had automatically filtered out all the "inappropriate" content. As a result, he had always assumed Jiang Boyun was a top.

Lu Yan fought to keep his expression from cracking and shook his head with difficulty. "Chairman Jiang, I already have a boyfriend. I think it would be best if we kept our distance."

Lu Yan was perfectly happy to hit on other people, but he didn't like other people hitting on him. Yes, he was just that much of a hypocrite.

Jiang Boyun didn't consider Xue Jin a threat. Breathing heavily, he said, "You're certainly devoted to Xue Jin, Lu Yan. Unfortunately, I'm the one in charge of Yinchuan Group now. One word from me can make him; another can break him. You'd better not defy me."

As he spoke, he lifted the hem of Lu Yan's shirt. Before he could slip a hand underneath and take advantage, however, a burst of agony exploded across his cheek.

"Bam!"

Lu Yan hadn't held back in the slightest. One punch left Jiang Boyun unable even to drag himself up from the floor. Lu Yan rose from the sofa and briskly dusted off his clothes. Without the faintest trace of sincerity, he said, "Sorry, Chairman Jiang. I've never liked being forced in my life. I hit you a little too hard just now. I hope you won't mind."

Offending Jiang Boyun hadn't been his original intention, but preserving his virtue was more important.

Jiang Boyun looked refined and scholarly, so naturally fighting wasn't among his talents. Lu Yan's punch had left him seeing stars. It took him a long while to climb to his feet, clutching his cheek in shock. "Lu Yan! How dare you hit me?!"

Lu Yan thought, I'm not just going to hit you. I'm going to kick you too. He raised his foot and landed a perfect blow to Jiang Boyun's abdomen, folding him up like a shrimp. It wasn't enough to end the Jiang family line, but it certainly couldn't have felt good.

Lu Yan even went out of his way to explain, "Chairman Jiang, you know what they say: hitting and cursing are signs of love. Please don't misunderstand. This is just how I show you affection~"

Xue Jin had just finalized a project contract and was preparing to bring it to Jiang Boyun for review. Before he reached the office, however, he passed the Finance Department and overheard employees whispering inside. His steps slowed.

There were never any secrets in a crowd, especially when Eva had openly come looking for Lu Yan earlier. Anyone with eyes had seen her. Two employees getting water by the dispenser couldn't resist discussing it in hushed voices.

"Hey, why do you think Chairman Jiang wanted to see Lu Yan? Someone that high up would give any work instructions to Manager Chen, wouldn't he? Could Lu Yan be getting promoted?"

"Who knows? And it isn't just Chairman Jiang. Mr. Xue called in sick for him last time he was ill. Could Lu Yan be related to someone? He must have some serious backing."

"He's been at the company for so many years. If he really had family connections, would he still be stuck suffering in a job like this? I heard Chairman Jiang is gay. Could it be..."

"Ahem!"

Just as the employees' speculations were running wild, a stern cough sounded above her head. She looked up instinctively and found herself staring into Xue Jin's smiling but dangerous face. Frightened, she stumbled back two steps. "M-Mr. Xue..."

Xue Jin adjusted his glasses. His voice betrayed no emotion. "Does the company pay you to come to work and gossip?"

The two employees were too ashamed to speak. "S-sorry, Mr. Xue."

As though something had just occurred to him, Xue Jin asked, "What did you say just now? Chairman Jiang sent for Lu Yan?"

The employee nodded rapidly. "Just now. Eva came to get him personally. She asked for Lu Yan by name."

Xue Jin thought for a moment, then frowned. "Get back to work. Watch what you say on company time. Don't let me catch you doing this again."

With that, he glanced down at his watch and walked straight into the elevator. He knew perfectly well what kind of relationship Lu Yan and Jiang Boyun had. The two of them were probably fooling around in the office. Who knew whether Yu Zechuan had been taken in by Lu Yan's lies lately, but he had gone soft on the man time and time again.

Determined to show Yu Zechuan Lu Yan's true colors, Xue Jin had even started recording on his phone ahead of time. But just as he reached the door to Jiang Boyun's office, he heard a tremendous clatter from inside, as though someone were fighting.

Xue Jin's expression changed. Seeing that the door was unlocked, he shoved it open and rushed in.

"Chairman Jiang!"

The scene before him left Xue Jin dumbfounded. The coffee table beside the sofa was askew, the fruit platter for guests had crashed to the floor, and Jiang Boyun lay sprawled on the ground, clutching his stomach, his face twisted in agony. It looked exactly like the aftermath of a violent home invasion.

Lu Yan stood beside him with both hands in his pockets, staring at the ceiling as if none of this had anything to do with him.

Recovering from his shock, Xue Jin hurried forward without another thought and helped Jiang Boyun off the floor. "Chairman Jiang, are you all right?!"

Cold sweat streamed down Jiang Boyun's face from the pain. He laboriously raised a hand and pointed at Lu Yan. "Call... the police... Call the police..."

Lu Yan was completely insane. Every blow he had thrown had targeted a vital spot. Jiang Boyun even thought that if Xue Jin had arrived a little later, he might have died here today.

Xue Jin froze again. "The police?!"

Had Lu Yan done this to Jiang Boyun? Weren't these cheating bastards practically joined at the hip before? How had they suddenly turned on each other?

Jiang Boyun was almost beside himself with fury. "Can't you see what he did to me?! Hurry up and call the police!"

Xue Jin had long wanted to get rid of Lu Yan, but Yu Zechuan's interference had always prevented him from succeeding. At Jiang Boyun's words, he frowned, a dark glint passing through his eyes. This would be a fine opportunity to drive Lu Yan out of the company. He immediately barked, "Lu Yan, who gave you the nerve to assault the chairman?! If you don't want this job, then leave now. Plenty of people can replace you. Pack up your things and resign tomorrow!"

Xue Jin was constantly worried that Lu Yan might leak something if he remained at the company, so he wanted to eliminate the risk as soon as possible.

But Lu Yan, who had seemed so nonchalant moments ago, abruptly went pale when he heard Xue Jin. He stared at him in shock as though he had suffered a devastating blow. "Xue Jin, what did you just say?!"

Xue Jin went blank, unable to follow. "???"

What had he just said?

Lu Yan hadn't forgotten Xue Jin's attempt to assassinate him. Now that the perfect opportunity had presented itself, how could he possibly pass up the chance for payback? Covering his mouth, he retreated in disappointment and looked at Xue Jin as though he were scum. "You were the one who said you didn't like other people touching me! Jiang Boyun tried to take advantage of me just now, and I only hit him because I had no choice. How can you blame me for that?!"

Xue Jin's eyes slowly widened. "??!!!"

What the fuck was this asshole Lu Yan talking about?!!