Chapter 56: A Body Untainted

All the filming tasks were wrapped up in a single morning!
Yet, the lunch that followed stretched on for half the afternoon!
Especially for He Tian, who found himself relentlessly pestered by that photographer, Lin.
If not for the knowledge that tomorrow’s TV commercial wasn’t with this company—and that he wouldn’t have to see Lin again—He Tian might truly have been tempted to make a run for it!
Still, during that long meal, He Tian was introduced to the three powerful women who supported Wang Xinmeng.
He was deeply impressed by both their beauty and their intellect!
There was Cao Xiaomin, Executive Vice President of Mengrou Apparel Group; Shi Yongrong, Director of Marketing; and Zhu Liman, Chief Designer and Lead Creative of the company.
Their presence, combined with Wang Xinmeng’s, created an aura—four beautiful women united—that truly made one marvel at the wonders of creation.
After returning from lunch, He Tian was ready to take his leave.
Wang Xinmeng agreed, intending to meet with Cao Xiaomin and Shi Yongrong to discuss specifics regarding the ad campaign’s launch.
But Zhu Liman wouldn’t allow it. She insisted on dragging the less-than-willing He Tian to her office.
“Director Zhu… this isn’t right! If someone sees us, they’ll think you’re up to something!” He Tian could only joke, hoping Zhu Liman would relent.
She ignored his banter, instead scrutinizing him from head to toe as if he were a work of art, her gaze intent, clearly deep in thought.
“I know I’m handsome and charming, but if you keep staring, I’ll get shy!” He Tian quipped, feeling uneasy under her intense observation. In today’s world, with so many stunning women around, was it possible Zhu Liman might try to take advantage of him?
Zhu Liman exuded a mature air, wrapped in that unique focus belonging to designers.
She was beautiful, no doubt.
Though clearly older than Wang Xinmeng—He Tian guessed twenty-seven or twenty-eight—one wouldn’t notice unless looking closely.
A woman like her was the epitome of urban sophistication, the kind countless men pursued.
But…
He Tian was certain that if Zhu Liman tried anything inappropriate, he would definitely resist. His virtue would not be compromised!
“Perfect! Absolutely perfect!” Zhu Liman muttered, oblivious to He Tian’s discomfort.
He Tian’s nerves were on edge. Had she lost her mind?
She’d barely spoken during lunch, lost in thought, and now she’d brought him here only to study him so intently.
He Tian’s anxiety grew.
“Director Zhu!” He Tian finally marched up to her desk, meeting her gaze directly.
But Zhu Liman had already lowered her head and swiftly pulled out a sheet of paper, sketching rapidly.
As He Tian watched curiously, a design for men’s underwear quickly took shape.
He had to admit, Zhu Liman’s skills were extraordinary—the lines, the proportions, everything spoke of a master’s touch.
The drawing was not only artistic but also brimming with commercial appeal.

At the very least, seeing that sketch, He Tian couldn’t help imagining how he’d look wearing it.
“Do you like it?” Zhu Liman’s voice sounded suddenly by his ear.
He looked up at her, his tone half-joking, half-serious: “You’re not planning to launch a men’s underwear line and have me model for it, are you?”
The thought made cold sweat bead at his brow…
Good heavens, the idea of exposing himself before so many people made him dizzy.
“What do you mean?” He looked at Zhu Liman.
“Our group is officially entering the menswear market. Right now, we’ve only designed one series, but we plan to gradually expand into other lines—men’s underwear is a huge market,” Zhu Liman explained with a smile.
“I’m not interested!” He Tian turned to leave.
“He Long, stop right there! You have to cooperate with the company—that’s your duty!” Zhu Liman was clearly annoyed at his reaction.
“Duty, my foot! I said I’m not interested, and that’s final! Don’t even think about it!” He Tian couldn’t help suspecting Zhu Liman just wanted an excuse to examine his body.
A spinster, no doubt!
He Tian could see it in her expression—she was definitely inexperienced—and he concluded his own charm must have overwhelmed her self-control.
Though, to be fair, her methods differed from others.
Still, the essence was the same.
He Tian slammed the door and stormed out. At that moment, he felt a surge of pride—he was a modern-day Liu Xiahui, able to resist temptation with stoic virtue!
Such moral character was rare indeed!
But He Tian didn’t leave right away. He went to find Wang Xinmeng.
He knew Zhu Liman would surely seek her out, so he needed to get there first—to make it clear he wouldn’t model underwear. Not happening!
“He Long, what’s the matter? Did Liman finish with you already?” Wang Xinmeng, in the midst of discussing plans with Cao Xiaomin and Shi Yongrong, was surprised by his sudden entrance.
“President Wang, President Cao, Director Shi—Director Zhu wants me to model underwear… I refuse!” He Tian stated his position immediately.
“Underwear? We haven’t developed a men’s line,” Wang Xinmeng said, confused.
“Xinmeng, haha, Liman must have been struck by inspiration and designed men’s underwear! I want to see it!” Cao Xiaomin laughed heartily, clearly excited.
“A new design from Liman? I can’t wait to see it!” Shi Yongrong beamed with anticipation.
Their reactions unsettled He Tian—he had a bad feeling about this.
Just then, Zhu Liman burst into Wang Xinmeng’s office, clearly impatient.
“Running here won’t help! Sisters, come look at my work!” She shot He Tian an annoyed glance and handed her sketches to Cao Xiaomin, then sat down with an air of satisfaction.
Wang Xinmeng closed the door and drew the curtains.
Cao Xiaomin and Shi Yongrong were already exclaiming over the designs, their voices full of surprise and delight.
He Tian’s heart sank further.
When Wang Xinmeng joined them and also gasped in admiration,

He Tian was on the verge of collapse.
Were these four women really going to launch a men’s underwear line? Was he truly expected to sacrifice his modesty?
No way! He would never agree!
“This is just one! I have ideas for many more designs, but I’ll need He Long’s cooperation. Mengrou, didn’t you make it clear in his contract that he must work with us?” Zhu Liman glanced at He Tian, a hint of reproach in her voice as she addressed Wang Xinmeng.
“Well… Liman, don’t be so hasty,” Wang Xinmeng said, glancing at He Tian. “Let me talk to him, then we’ll see.”
“Fine, fine,” Zhu Liman started to protest, but seeing Wang Xinmeng’s look, she relented.
“Come with me,” Wang Xinmeng said, leading He Tian into another office.
Once the door was closed, He Tian spoke up at once: “Xinmeng, I had no idea things would go this far! You never mentioned this before!”
“What exactly are you worried about?” Wang Xinmeng asked, smiling gently.
“I’m worried… Oh, never mind!” He Tian couldn’t very well admit he was anxious about his own modesty—that would sound ridiculous.
“He Tian, the way you’re acting now, I can hardly recognize you! You’re nothing like your old self—almost like a different person entirely. So, what’s there to be afraid of?” Wang Xinmeng smiled.
“But… underwear!” He Tian blinked, at a loss.
Wang Xinmeng burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” He Tian asked, a little deflated.
Though her laughter was captivating, there was an undertone that made him uneasy.
“Don’t misunderstand! I just didn’t expect you to be so… conservative,” Wang Xinmeng replied.
“Conservative…” He Tian was speechless at being described that way.
He wanted to protest that his heart was passionate!
But the words wouldn’t come.
He was sure Wang Xinrou’s feelings for him were obvious to her sister.
That was exactly why he was trying to keep his image ‘pure.’
Now, it seemed he had misjudged the situation completely.
“Isn’t it so? Liman is a designer—her main concern is her work. Your masculine charm inspired her; you should feel proud! Liman has never shown much interest in men,” Wang Xinmeng said with a smile.
“Must be because she’s been hurt before,” He Tian scoffed.
“You can tell? Just don’t say that in front of Liman! She’s the backbone of our company—the whole group depends on her,” Wang Xinmeng pleaded.
“My intention was to keep my distance from the rest of your company anyway! Besides, there are too many beautiful women here—especially your three lieutenants! If you throw me into the lion’s den, I can’t promise I’ll always behave myself!” He Tian said, his tone meaningful.
“If it comes to that, it’s only a testament to your own charm! Right now, you’re not He Tian—you’re He Long. Nothing to do with the other you,” Wang Xinmeng replied, her words leaving He Tian somewhat perplexed.
“Think it over. I’ll go talk to Liman and ask her to adjust her approach. I’ll call you in a bit,” Wang Xinmeng added, then left the office.