111. An Expert, Huh?

He was steady, much more so than Ada. At least when facing Susan Chen, over the past decade, Nathan Bai had never once crossed the line. If not for that one night when he was caught off guard, he would have always maintained control. Of course, once you’ve tasted the thrill, it’s a different matter altogether—Teddy then acted purely on instinct.

Jia Li, clearly too excited to sleep, sat by the sofa chatting with Nathan Bai, even pulling out her phone to ask him to take a picture of her. This time, Nathan resisted the request for a selfie. Eventually, unable to hold back, he jumped into the bathroom to shower, then casually wrapped a towel around his waist and came out, his presence enough to startle the flushed Jia Li back to the bedroom. Yet, it was obvious she was reluctant to remove her makeup that night.

Early the next morning, Nathan was still groggy when Ada’s barking roused him. Opening his eyes, he saw Jia Li, wrapped in a bathrobe, tiptoeing stealthily as if trying to sneak out. Nathan shook his head to clear his vision and remarked, “There’s eyeshadow and foundation—some of your makeup is smudged!”

Jia Li looked a bit flustered and said, “I washed up but bumped into something. I wanted to get some stuff to touch it up.”

Nathan sighed and sat up. “That’s all cheap stuff from the supermarket I let you try. Someone as sophisticated as you should be using high-end products at a classy place…”

Jia Li was too distracted by the sight of his bare upper body to focus. He didn’t have the overly lean, chiseled muscles of a bodybuilder but a streamlined, naturally athletic physique. Every muscle on his waist and abdomen practically dazzled her eyes. The lower abdomen was flushed red, and the loosely tied towel looked like it might slip off at any moment, leaving nothing to the imagination. She had to stare hard at the ceiling but couldn’t help stealing glances with the corners of her eyes. “I want you to do my makeup!”

Nathan lowered his head, feeling like he was tempting her, then pulled her toward the bathroom and closed the door. His voice faded softly, “Enough. Since you’ve tasted the benefits of professional fitness and now makeup, you should see what the pros can really do.”

Outside, Jia Li wondered if she was missing something. She secretly peeked down inside her bathrobe and decided she needed a bit more confidence first. “Then you have to come with me!”

No problem. After enjoying the fitness breakfast Nathan had prepared, he drove the bright yellow Hummer from the hotel garage onto the street. Last night, it had already felt unusually eye-catching, but now it was undoubtedly the center of attention. Passengers on the nearby bus were even taking photos with their phones from a parallel angle. Jia Li relished this perspective, realizing it was much safer. She didn’t feel luxury so much as reassurance. “First, take me to get my makeup done, then to the company. My dad said the police still want to take a statement this morning.”

Nathan, feeling like he had a sturdy backing, said, “Just makeup? Aren’t you going to get some clothes and shoes to match the new look? How about a new hairstyle to make it perfect?”

Jia Li was tempted but still different from most girls. “Step by step. Let’s just get some clothes for now. I think my hair is fine.” Mainly, she wanted to keep her distinctive hairstyle a bit longer.

Nathan was about to scoff when his phone, just turned on this morning, rang. It was about scheduling players. Even driving a luxury SUV worth over a million, Nathan never neglected his clients. After confirming the location and the team, he chatted a bit to figure out who to send and arranged the time. When asked whether he and his men would visit any companies today, Nathan replied that the matter was settled. The other side sounded a bit disappointed at losing a business opportunity, but Nathan laughed and said there were plenty more chances.

While Jia Li was being pampered in a high-end cosmetic store at the mall, their phones kept ringing incessantly. This was the third week Nathan had been handling these matters, and the popularity he’d built up made the calls for players very frequent. Some people even complained they couldn’t reach him last night. Eventually, Qian Niu was overwhelmed, and Nathan said he would go help in the afternoon.

Jia Li was officially on business calls, speaking softly in dialect through an earpiece, but her eyes stayed fixed on the makeup mirror. Whenever someone asked her for preferences, her first reaction was to look at Nathan. When he finally judged her ready, he helped pick out a high-waisted skirt and blouse from the clothing store next door. Jia Li nervously came to ask if her makeup looked good, but Nathan had already sent her into the fitting room.

Unlike most husbands or boyfriends who hate shopping with their women, Nathan genuinely enjoyed it. Sitting outside waiting for Jia Li to emerge gave him a sense of accomplishment, like progressing in a nurturing game.

Of course, this wasn’t the intense kind of game he played with Elsa. He missed those moments a little but forced himself to let them go. A libertine clinging to the past simply couldn’t survive.

The wait was worth it. Twenty minutes later, Jia Li came out transformed, her nervousness replaced by surprise. Yet her gaze and attention remained fixed on Nathan, seeking his reaction.

Previously lacking confidence in her appearance, Jia Li had worn loose clothes that hid her figure, mistakenly thinking it made her look smaller. But young women in dull attire were slowly killing their own self-esteem, looking worse and growing more insecure, spiraling into neglect and weight gain.

Now, however, her fitness was paying off. Unlike weight loss methods that focus on scale numbers, Nathan cared about body fat percentage. Only by burning fat could the body be rebuilt and maintained. Some flab still clung to her legs and tummy, and her arms showed what’s colloquially called “bat wings.” But Nathan, experienced with countless people and now unconcerned with money, had chosen clothes to address these flaws.

The deep blue, high-waisted A-line skirt reached her knees, toning down sexiness while hiding her thighs and subtly elongating her legs by raising the waistline. The off-shoulder blouse had puffed sleeves that concealed her arms, and a slightly intricate wide belt covered her tummy. Stepping out, Jia Li hardly recognized herself.

The saleswoman swarmed to praise her choices. “Your husband really knows how to pick! This subtle A-line skirt adds a youthful touch, and the blouse flatters your bust. You look like a model, and the makeup matches perfectly!”

Indeed, the professional makeup artist’s skills far surpassed Nathan’s. Lash extensions, lip gloss, eyebrow pencils—the full range of expert tools were at her disposal. Looking at the somewhat heavy makeup style captured on Jia Li’s phone, the artist tailored everything to her features. Jia Li, who had rarely ventured into makeup before, began to explore. As her reflection grew more radiant, she practiced posing with pride, eyes full of emotion—a transformation that delighted her and made her hopeful for the future.

Nathan, lacking the brazen saleswoman’s shamelessness, picked out a pair of white high-heeled sandals for her and told her to pay for them herself. Jia Li, wanting the full treatment, insisted, “You buy them for me!”

Unexpectedly, Nathan didn’t hesitate, swiping his card with practiced ease.

When they left the boutique, even the cosmetics salesperson came out to compliment them: “Beautiful! Truly beautiful. Did your husband really pick this? Such great taste!”

Nathan, amused by the tall young woman, took off his sunglasses and flirted, “I can help you pick too…”

Jia Li was unlike any other girl Nathan had met. She neither coquettishly teased nor clung to him. Standing slightly behind him, she took a deep breath and cast a cold glance at the eager young salesperson. The domineering air she instantly exuded made the salesperson back off, especially after seeing the Birkin bag Jia Li carried—worth at least two hundred thousand, a true sign of wealth or nobility. It was no wonder the salesperson reluctantly withheld her nearly blurted-out phone number and professionally escorted them out.

Nathan was slightly puzzled as they left. Jia Li’s face was beaming with joy and a touch of fledgling confidence. Even her posture in heels needed adjustment, and the off-shoulder blouse felt a little too sexy for her, different from anything she’d worn before.

In the elevator, she slipped her arm through Nathan’s and said, “As a boyfriend or husband, you’re perfect—if only you weren’t a little flirtatious.”

Nathan chuckled. “Why do you think those two salespeople kept calling you ‘Mrs.’? It’s because your little bit of flab gives off the vibe of a married woman. Don’t you feel a little embarrassed? And this is just the beginning!”

Jia Li took a deep breath. “I’m happy like this now, but I know you’re pushing me to do better. I’m confident... now help me into the car!”

Taking the chance, Nathan offered another suggestion: “You should wear some nice stockings. They’d make your legs look even better, especially with your current shape.”

Jia Li finally caught on and threw him a coquettish eye-roll. “You only want that!” Then she slammed the door shut.

Because the car was so spacious, Ada now could lie across the armrest between the front seats. Seeing Jia Li come in, even the dog wondered if the car had a new owner.

Despite the eye-roll, on the way back to the company, Jia Li had Nathan stop to buy her a pair of stockings. She changed quietly in the driver’s seat, eager to present a flawless image at the company after the recent troubles. She didn’t know much about stockings—10 denier, 20 denier—so Nathan had to explain.

It was Saturday, so not many people were at work. Police were stationed in the lobby, replacing security guards, officially due to a sudden incident allowing easier investigation. Jia Li and Nathan gave joint statements in the office. The police were polite, not even checking Nathan’s ID, but did record the identity of Wang Jianguo.

A young detective couldn’t help but glance at Jia Li multiple times, likely stunned by the beauty of this young CEO.

Jia Li herself felt the perks of being beautiful. She lifted her chin haughtily, further enhancing her aura beyond mere looks.

After the police politely left, the supervisors called to an emergency meeting rushed to praise Jia Li’s stunning transformation. Nathan, playing the part of the cheeky husband, lounged on the sofa in the general manager’s office, legs crossed, fiddling with his sunglasses and phone. Naturally, he also received compliments.

The company had to immediately hire another security firm and property management to temporarily replace Lao Tan’s crew. Then, an external auditing firm would assist the police in reviewing the accounts left behind by Lao Tan and his men. The investment company couldn’t afford internal turmoil, especially with Chairman Yu still abroad. They had to resolve this quietly and steadily.

Back at her large executive desk, Jia Li resumed her role. But now, her commanding presence had sharpened, her figure, makeup, and attire lending her a cutting edge.

By midday, Jia Li’s affairs were settled. Carrying her bag with grace, she walked side by side with Nathan, garnering countless compliments from employees. Nathan guessed many had come upon hearing the news out of curiosity.

Once in the car, Jia Li sighed in relief and discreetly pumped her fist in celebration. “Amazing! This feeling is incredible!”

Nathan didn’t dwell on it. “Old Yu deliberately went abroad to avoid this mess?”

Jia Li admitted, “Yes. Lao Tan still had some old dirt. If it had blown up, it would have been bad. We had to be cautious.” She relaxed as she spoke. “But I just talked to Dad. The deal is almost done. He said luckily there’s someone like you stirring things up. The longer it dragged on, the more passive we’d be. Especially since some people got hurt, the police could have taken it more seriously.”

Nathan smiled. “See? No big benefit, your dad wouldn’t have let you be alone with me.”

Jia Li whispered, sounding nothing like the confident CEO from the office. “I asked for it.”

Nathan wasn’t fooled. “With your dad’s power, he could find someone to protect you. He was just waiting for Lao Tan to make a move to have an excuse to deal with him. And with you being so precious to him, letting me stay with you for a couple of days probably means he’s confident about the situation. I’m just a pawn for show.”

Jia Li didn’t want to argue. “Where to now? I can finally relax these two days. Let’s go on a trip—maybe to the seaside?” Being in a coastal province, the beach was just a couple of hundred kilometers away.

Nathan shook his head. “I have to go to the court…”

That made sense. Driving such a gorgeous car with such a stunning girl and not showing off at the court would be like a hidden treasure.