SDS: Chapter 44

 "Tang Keyi’s in Trouble"

Tang Keyi's hostility was too blatant, and Ning Muxi couldn't be bothered to keep up pretenses either. She replied with thinly veiled sarcasm, "Assistant Tang, sometimes it's better not to celebrate too early. Misreading signals could lead to disappointment later."

Tang Keyi only ever backed down in front of Qin Zhiyan—with everyone else, he didn’t hold back.

"Since Director Ning is so kind," Tang Keyi emphasized the last two words, "I also have a suggestion for you: mind your own business."

Ning Muxi’s expression darkened, and she dropped all pretense. "Assistant Tang, do you really think President Qin would be interested in someone like you—just a pretty face? Have you no self-awareness? Other than your family background, what about you is worthy of President Qin?"

Ning Muxi prided herself on her academic achievements and professional competence. In her eyes, she was the only one who deserved Qin Zhiyan.

Her words had zero effect on Tang Keyi. He was well aware that plenty of people called him a good-for-nothing behind his back—though Ning Muxi was the first to say it to his face.

Tang Keyi flashed a bright smile. "At least I’m easy on the eyes. Unlike you—your ugliness is truly one-of-a-kind."

"You—!"

Though not a stunning beauty, Ning Muxi had an elegant demeanor and was considered quite attractive. Having been fawned over her whole life, she’d never been insulted like this. Furious, she raised her hand to slap Tang Keyi.

But Tang Keyi was still a grown man. He caught her wrist effortlessly. "Try laying a finger on me. I’m no gentleman—I don’t have any qualms about hitting women."

Seeing Tang Keyi’s cold glare, Ning Muxi refused to back down verbally. "Tang Keyi, if it weren’t for the Tang family’s influence, do you really think you could’ve gotten close to President Qin? Without the Tangs, you’re nothing!"

Ning Muxi was proud. Her parents were university professors—not wealthy, but she’d excelled academically through sheer effort.

She looked down on Tang Keyi from the bottom of her heart. He’d been born into privilege, never needing to lift a finger, and now even the man she’d admired for years treated him differently! How unfair!

Tang Keyi flung her hand away in disgust. "You’re right. Without the Tang family, I wouldn’t even exist—of course I’d be nothing. My ancestors worked hard so their descendants could thrive. I’m a Tang—what’s wrong with benefiting from my family’s legacy? Haven’t you ever relied on your family’s support? Maybe President Qin only keeps me around because of the Tangs, but do you really think he’d treat me specially just for that? Aren’t you insulting him by implying that?"

Ning Muxi’s face paled, then flushed. "Fine. Then let’s compete fairly. I won’t just hand over someone I like."

Tang Keyi burst out laughing as if he’d heard the funniest joke, rolling his eyes. "Oh, please. ‘Fair competition’? ‘Hand over’?"

His expression turned icy as he pointed at her. "Qin Zhiyan is mine now. Stay the hell away from him. I don’t need you to ‘hand him over’—we’re mutual. If you try any underhanded tricks to steal him, I swear, you won’t last in this city. Got it?"

Raised in luxury, Tang Keyi had an innate arrogance that was impossible to ignore. When he turned serious, most people couldn’t handle it.

Ning Muxi was already at a disadvantage. She shook her head vehemently. "Impossible! President Qin would never like you!"

"Believe what you want." Just as Tang Keyi was about to retort, his office phone rang—Finance needed him to collect some documents.

Without so much as a glance at Ning Muxi, Tang Keyi strode past her toward the elevator like a victor.

Ning Muxi forced herself to stay composed. After one last look at the closed CEO office door, she turned and left.

A regular elevator opened in front of them. Just as Tang Keyi stepped forward, the private CEO elevator arrived beside it.

Without hesitation, Tang Keyi swerved into Qin Zhiyan’s private elevator, leaving Ning Muxi alone in the standard one.

The doors slid shut, and the elevator began its descent.

Then—

The floor indicator above flickered.

And went dark.

---

"Based on what you’ve described, the patient clearly suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. However, since I haven’t examined him personally and lack details about his medical history, I can’t provide treatment recommendations. That said, if needed, I can advise on how to soothe the patient during episodes."

...

Qin Zhiyan sat in the car, the psychologist’s words replaying in his mind—until Cong Qiao suddenly turned from the passenger seat, his tone grave.

"President Qin, one of the company elevators malfunctioned."

Irritated, Qin Zhiyan massaged his temples. "Then call maintenance—"

"Young Master Tang is trapped inside."

Qin Zhiyan stiffened. "What? Explain."

"I saw the group chat mention elevator repairs, so I called to check. Director Ning and Young Master Tang were each stuck in separate elevators. Maintenance prioritized rescuing Director Ning since she’s a woman—she’s already safe..."

Qin Zhiyan’s face drained of color. "...How long?"

"Over an hour..."

"Drive faster!"

The raw fear, worry, and fury in Qin Zhiyan’s voice made the driver slam the accelerator.

---

Qin Zhiyan rushed to the company, climbing over a dozen floors to reach the malfunctioning elevator.

Maintenance crews were struggling to pry open the doors where Tang Keyi was trapped.

Qin Zhiyan didn’t speak, but the chilling, violent aura around him made everyone present shudder.

No one dared make a sound.

It was obvious Qin Zhiyan was on the verge of exploding. Under that pressure, the repair team worked even faster, straining to force the doors open.

No sound came from inside.

Logically, Qin Zhiyan knew he should be able to hear Tang Keyi within five meters—but he still edged closer, desperate.

Still nothing.

Tang Keyi had been trapped for two hours.

He must be terrified.

Qin Zhiyan’s eyes were locked on the narrow gap in the elevator doors, his heart burning with agony as each second stretched unbearably.

Ning Muxi, still shaken from her own ordeal, emerged from the break room. Seeing Qin Zhiyan’s tense, anxious stance, she approached softly.

"President Qin, don’t worry. Assistant Tang will be fine."

---

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