Shen Yixuan furrowed his brow while drinking tea, somewhat regretting his visit. It was reassuring to see them so spirited after years apart, but his ears were close to giving in. Deciding it was better to return to the company, he quietly left, unnoticed by his nagging parents. Shen Yiming shook his head helplessly and retreated from the elders’ sphere.
Wu Ma, upon receiving the young master’s call, prepared a rich breakfast and headed to Luo Yaling’s home, where she was still sound asleep.
Chapter Sixty-Three: Misunderstanding
“Knock! Knock! Knock!” The sound awakened the deeply sleeping Luo Yaling.
“Ugh… it must be someone sent by that annoying person with food. I’m not opening the door!” she mumbled, continuing to sleep.
Wu Ma, seeing no one answer, assumed no one was home and took out her key to open the door, wondering why the young master asked her to bring breakfast if no one was home.
Luo Yaling was startled awake by the sound of footsteps. Momentarily suspicious, she wondered if a thief would target her modest home. Despite this, she got out of bed to investigate, clenching her fist and preparing to fight. When the figure approached, she jumped out from the doorway and threw a punch, only to freeze upon recognition.
“Wu Ma?” she exclaimed in disbelief.
Realizing it was Wu Ma, Luo Yaling quickly shifted gears. “Let’s go! We can have breakfast together!” she urged, pulling Wu Ma along. Despite her own fatigue from a restless night, she felt it was best to settle the morning with Wu Ma.
After finishing breakfast together, Luo Yaling waved goodbye and turned her attention to the table laden with instant noodle cups.
“Wow! I’m starting!” she said, ready to enjoy her lunch.
Four days had passed since that night, and the physical pain she experienced was gone. The severe marks on her body had nearly faded. She reflected on the intensity of that encounter, noting that to avoid suspicion, she had taken leave under the pretense of attending a friend’s wedding.
So, she took a week’s leave, not expecting it to be approved—how lucky!
The meals sent by the scoundrel were returned. She told them, “Tell Mr. Wang that I’m tired of these things, so send them back! Don’t send them again.” She didn’t want to give him any reason to think she would be his wife just for eating his food. It’s strange he hasn’t come looking for her.
She probably didn’t accidentally meet him while searching for the little guy that day; all these coincidences were probably his design. Speaking of the little guy, she hasn’t seen his messages in a long time, which is annoying! But she can’t blame him; she scared him away. She misses his cooking. He’s probably at home now!
“Knock! Knock! Knock!” A knock interrupted Luo Yaling’s thoughts and her instant noodles.
Who could it be at this time? Shen Yixuan? Probably not. Wu Ma? Impossible, she was here this morning. Ah! Could it be…
Imagining the possibility, Luo Yaling made herself look terrible. She messed up her hair and dressed like a beggar, thinking it would kill his appetite. Haha! She secretly laughed to herself, muttering, “Luo Yaling will definitely defeat that scoundrel.”
She took a few deep breaths, put on an extremely cold expression, and walked to open the door.
Luo Yaling suddenly opened the door and was shocked by who she saw.
Chapter Sixty-Four: How Could It Be Him?
“I knew you didn’t go to any friend’s wedding or travel,” Chen Lei said gently, with a ‘caught you’ expression. Luo Yaling was caught completely off guard. How could it be the General Manager? She never expected Chen Lei would actually come to her home. Moreover, she looked so messy right now!
“Ah! Sorry. Please sit down, General Manager.” Luo Yaling moved some clothes on the sofa and invited Chen Lei to sit. She took the instant noodle cup to the kitchen, poured a glass of boiled water, and said: “Water for the General Manager, please. Sorry, I don’t have a proper cup, only this chipped one.”
“No problem.” Chen Lei looked at the glass on the table, which was not just chipped but had multiple flaws. Despite his thoughts, he picked it up and pretended to take a few sips.
Luo Yaling almost laughed out loud. The cup had been untouched for years and was likely crawled over by cockroaches.
That’s why it was so dark; it was almost a cockroach’s residence. She had no choice but to use the cup she discovered, as she had no other options. Too lazy to wash it properly, she just rinsed it quickly and poured hot water for him, feeling obligated to fulfill his request for water. To her surprise, he actually drank from it. Wasn’t he afraid of cutting his lips?
“Don’t worry, I’m not here to blame you. I’m just concerned if something happened to you,” Chen Lei said, putting down the cup and adopting a worried expression.
“Sorry to worry the General Manager. I just feel too tired recently and want to rest for a while.” She felt flustered, mainly thinking about the cup he had used.
“Xiao Ling, I heard Wang came to our company to find you. Is he your boyfriend?”
“No, no. How could he be my boyfriend! General Manager misunderstood.” She had never acknowledged a boyfriend, and even if he offered her that scumbag’s title, she wouldn’t want it.
“That’s good,” Chen Lei mumbled.
“What?” she asked, confused.
“Nothing. Oh, right. Xiao Ling, are you still angry about me publishing you and President Shen?”
“Ah! No, how could I?” If he hadn’t mentioned it, she would have forgotten. They had already moved on, so what more could be said?
Saying more would be pointless; what’s done is done.
“Xiao Ling, thank you for your understanding. But has President Shen Yixuan caused you any trouble?” Chen Lei asked Luo Yaling with concern.
“General Manager, don’t worry. If I encounter any problems, I will definitely tell you.” Chen Lei seemed to always bring up old stories, but she would never share her matters with him.
“That’s good. Xiao Ling, it’s already noon. Have lunch with me!” Chen Lei said, standing up.
“This… Having lunch with the General Manager is fine, but I’m not feeling well and don’t want to go far to eat…”
“No problem. There’s a noodle shop downstairs from your place. Shall we eat there?” Chen Lei suggested earnestly.
“Oh! Okay then!” Despite her reluctance, she agreed out of politeness.
Chapter Sixty-Five: Dispute
“These few-dollar ramen are quite delicious,” Chen Lei said.
“Mm!” Luo Yaling, lacking appetite, managed a weak smile.
“Xiao Ling, why aren’t you eating more? Are you afraid of getting fat?” Chen Lei inquired, noticing her nearly untouched noodles.
“I…” She struggled to respond; it wasn’t about fear of gaining weight, but simply her lack of appetite.
“Xiao Ling, you don’t need to worry. You’ve gotten thinner since we last met. Boss, another bowl!”
Chen Lei looked at Luo Yaling.
“General Manager, no need. I really can’t eat anymore,” she hurriedly refused. Recently, she had actually gained quite a bit of weight.
“No, Xiao Ling must finish all the ramen on the table,” Chen Lei insisted.
“But I…” She didn’t want to eat now!
As they argued over the bowl of ramen, a small car parked across the street had occupants watching their every move.
“General Manager, I…” Why was he so persistent? She had said she was full.
“Didn’t I say last time to just call me by my name?” Chen Lei pretended to be displeased.
“This…” Luo Yaling regarded him with a somewhat unpleasant expression. Why did this sound familiar? Why was he suddenly so nice? Was he up to something or had she done something to earn his kindness?
She couldn’t figure it out.
“Xiao Ling, actually, I want to tell you…” Just as he was about to confess, his phone rang, interrupting him. He could only apologize to her before answering the call.
