It Seems I’m Not The Only One Who Reincarnated (Patreon)

Chapter 108: Vanity

By framing the situation as a clear contest of victory and defeat, Shi Hai managed to escape Tian Shui's fatal allure and conquer his own desires.

Now he could leave her home with his dignity intact and without compromising Tian Shui’s chastity.

However, Tian Shui didn’t seem ready to simply call it a night.

“Well, we’ve talked enough about love for now. Let’s move on to the topic of career.”

Tian Shui spoke with an unusually serious expression.

“Shi Hai, you already know that I plan to start a company.”

“Yes, and I imagine you’ll do it faster and better this time.”

Tian Shui’s life had already been like living in a cheat mode, and now, with the added bonus of being reborn, it was as if she had unlocked god-tier modifications.

With her past experiences and the "black tech" of her reborn, she could potentially achieve unimaginable feats this time around—perhaps even make history.

But instead of showing pride, Tian Shui let out a soft sigh from her perfectly shaped lips.

“Ugh… but this time, I just don’t feel like starting a company.”

“Could it be because you think it’s no longer a challenge?”

“Not exactly… it’s just that managing a large company is exhausting.”

But that excuse didn’t hold much weight.

When Tian Shui was CEO before, she wasn’t all that busy—mainly because she was just that capable.

It’s often said that women excel at multitasking, and Tian Shui was the perfect example. She could simultaneously handle three different tasks while listening to four people report in her ear, responding to each with precision.

She was like a multi-core processor in human form with extraordinary computational ability.

Moreover, she was a natural leader with unmatched charisma.

In the future, while there would be rumors that Tian Shui was merely a figurehead president, no one working at Tianshi Group would believe such claims. In fact, the vast majority of employees were her devoted supporters. After all, Tianshi Group’s benefits and compensation were the highest in the industry.

Who would say no to a well-paying and relatively easy job?

At the company’s inception, Tian Shui had meticulously prepared and recruited top-tier talent of her choosing, ensuring that even during periods of rapid expansion, there was no chaos in management.

Vision, negotiation, execution, management, leadership charisma, foresight—she was exceptional in every regard.

And, of course… she had an all-powerful mother.

Failure simply wasn’t a word in Tian Shui’s dictionary.

But it was precisely because she achieved extraordinary things so effortlessly that she quickly grew bored.

Afterward, whether it was appearing on various talk shows, exposing the hypocrisy of men, or provoking Shi Hai—it had all been entertainment, nothing more than her way of “finding fun.”

Now, however, Tian Shui saw herself as a “married woman,” so it didn’t feel appropriate to flaunt herself in the public eye.

What she wanted was someone to take over as the face of her ventures while she operated from behind the scenes.

And the most suitable candidate was, of course, Shi Hai.

She wanted Shi Hai to become a "successful man," allowing her to be the "woman behind the successful man."

A husband-and-wife duo conquering the world—how delightful.

Thus, in her quest to convince Shi Hai to step into the role of a boss, CEO Tian Shui began laying her linguistic traps.

“Besides, if I’m always busy with work, I won’t have time to flirt with you…”

“Ahaha…”

Shi Hai gave a wry smile, realizing she was pinning the blame on him.

And he couldn’t completely deny that Tian Shui starting her company had something to do with him.

After all, if Tian Shui truly didn’t want to start her company, she’d have to find alternate sources of funding and personnel to develop the reborn technology.

Sometimes, the success of a project hinges on finding the right people.

If she had to work with a different group, whether or not the technology could even be developed would be uncertain.

“So, are you really not planning to start a company, Senior?”

“Hmm, I really don’t feel like being the boss anymore…”

As she spoke, Tian Shui shot Shi Hai a meaningful glance.

"But if someone else is willing to take the role of the boss, I can still contribute behind the scenes, you know?"

"Senior, with all due respect, I really don't have what it takes," Shi Hai replied firmly, fully aware of his limitations.

Hearing his outright rejection, Tian Shui puffed up her cheeks in dissatisfaction and retorted, "How would you know if you don't try?"

She couldn't help but think to herself: You’re the one who ended up "usurping" my position, after all!

Although in their previous life, Tian Shui still remained the president managing Tianshi Group, and Shi Hai only worked under her.

However, in the topmost office of the company, their roles reversed completely—she would spend most of her working days on her knees, with Shi Hai holding the leash to her collar.

The reason Shi Hai didn’t overtly take control of the company wasn’t because he couldn’t; it was simply because he didn’t care about Tianshi Group at all. The only thing he cared about was Tian Shui herself.

Thinking about this, Tian Shui couldn't help but feel elated.

Meanwhile, Shi Hai spread his hands helplessly, completely uninterested in taking the bait.

"Senior, you know me. I’m the type who’s only driven by my interests. If it’s something I don’t care about, there’s no way I’ll do a good job at it."

"Alright, fine... I knew you’d refuse."

"Thanks for understanding."

"But I never said I wanted you to actually work, did I? I’m just asking you to lend your name."

"Even if it’s just lending my name, there’ll still be occasions where I need to show up, right?"

"Of course, there’ll be a few events where you need to make an appearance."

Those events, naturally, would be high-profile ones where she could flaunt their relationship.

On such occasions, Tian Shui could proudly hold his arm and attend important gatherings together, declaring her claim over him to the world: “Everyone take note—this man is my husband!”

And every woman there would look at them, thinking, Wow! I envy her for finding such an amazing man...

If it were just her alone, even such boastful events would feel dull.

But with Shi Hai by her side, and with all eyes on him, the feeling was exhilarating—something she could never tire of.

Even just imagining the scenario made Tian Shui feel a rush of delight.

Yes, this was her true motive: to show off her man in public and assert her ownership of him.

For Tian Shui, this was the ultimate indulgence in vanity.

In her previous life, she often felt that Shi Hai was far too low-key. He could’ve afforded to be a bit more flamboyant.

And just as she was thinking this, Shi Hai gave her a response that matched her thoughts.

"But a title like that has no meaning to me... If anything, it feels more like a shackle."

"It’s not like I’m really going to take away your freedom!"

This man— how annoying!

Can’t you just indulge my vanity for once?!

Here she was, practically offering him a future as the figurehead of a mega-corporation, asking for almost no effort on his part.

All he’d have to do is occasionally show up, put on a dazzling act, and bring her along.

In return, he’d get untold wealth—and her, a woman of unparalleled beauty.

Such a heavenly combination of goddess and riches falling straight into his lap—what man in his right mind could refuse?

Shi Hai could.

"If it’s about joining the company you’re starting, Senior, and working under your leadership, I’d be happy to. But being the boss? Count me out."

Tian Shui was at a loss.

This was just the kind of man Shi Hai was.

If he were like those ordinary, vulgar men, he would’ve fallen to his knees and worshipped her back on the rooftop.

In fact, she wouldn’t have even given such men a chance.

"Tell me, Shi Hai, don’t you have any ambition at all?"

"Of course I do. It’s just that my ambition isn’t in money or status."

"Oh? Then it’s in women, isn’t it?"

"Heh..."

Shi Hai let out a cold chuckle.

"If that were the case, do you think I’d give you the chance to argue with me? I’d have silenced you a long time ago."

"Mm!"

Tian Shui reflexively covered her mouth, gulping as if he had actually stuffed something in it.

Yes... this is it!

This unintentional dominance!

The hidden madness within this man named Shi Hai!