“Miss Xiao Ling, please go directly to the 36th floor to the CEO’s office. The president is waiting for you.” The receptionist, following orders from above, guided Luo Yaling to the VIP elevator.
Luo Yaling suppressed her laughter, quickly stepping into the elevator and pressing the button. As the door closed, she finally burst into laughter, looking as if she had lost her mind.
No, she couldn’t be too pleased with herself. What if there were cameras? It was best to calm down, Luo Yaling thought.
The elevator dinged and the doors opened. Luo Yaling took a deep breath, patted her chest for encouragement, and stepped out.
Xu Chu watched the scene, looking at her with a playful expression. As she exited, he also left the monitoring room.
When Luo Yaling stepped out of the elevator, she saw a handsome man waiting.
“Are you Xiao Ling… Miss Xiao?” he asked.
“Yes, that’s me. And you are?” she replied.
“I’m the CEO’s secretary – Xu Chu.” He looked at her with amusement and guided her on her path.
A male secretary? Aren’t they usually women? Why is his secretary a man? Can he be gay? Doesn’t like women? Hmm… maybe he’s special. Luo Yaling noted to herself as she walked alongside Xu.
She didn’t realize when Xu stopped and bumped into him.
“Ouch~~” she rubbed her nose.
“Miss Xiao, are you okay?” Xu asked.
“I’m fine, fine, hehe!” she replied. Not fine at all. Why didn’t he say something when he stopped? Ouch… it hurts.
“That’s good! The CEO is waiting for you inside. You’re not hurt. Please go in!”
Secretary Xu wanted to remind her of something but quickly changed his expression, shaking his head with a gleeful look of anticipation.
Luo Yaling felt an ominous premonition but pressed on and adjusted her emotions before mustering the courage to knock on the door.
Chapter Seven: Meeting
“Knock! Knock! Knock!”
“Come in.”
“Sit.” He didn’t look up, focused on his documents.
Upon entering, Luo Yaling saw a man absorbed in his files, unable to discern his appearance. Before she could speak, his commanding tone made her obediently sit and wait.
After over an hour of waiting for a chance to speak, Luo Yaling silently counted to three in her mind, took a deep breath, and looked up just as his gaze met hers, having risen from the documents.
In that instant, his black eyes sharpened, appearing ruthless and fierce, but in half a second, they returned to normal. Was she seeing things? Luo Yaling was sure of the change; it was too amazing!
Like a chameleon. Hehe! This was great, but that gaze was fierce and a bit scary.
“What is it?” Oh, it’s him! Still so cool. Now even speaking is so simple and concise. Hehe! But he’s not cute, though the old man is cuter, sometimes.
But now was not the time to think about that. Luo Yaling suddenly stood up hastily, knocking over the chair and losing her balance, falling backward.
She landed squarely on the floor, her mind going blank. She didn’t know how long she sat there until she heard a familiar laugh that made every nerve in her body tense, bringing her back to awareness.
Luo Yaling, what are you doing? You’re so stupid. So embarrassing! She wished she could dig a hole and hide.
Even trying to play composed, she could guarantee her expression was comical and probably the most awkward moment of her life. Legs in the air, glasses askew, her face burning; if not for her makeup, she’d look like a cooked duck.
“Your response?” Shen Yixuan scratched his interest, noticing her purple eyes.
Luo Yaling couldn’t interpret his meaning, which gave her immense pressure. Should she be glad there was no hint of mockery in his words? She was now somewhat worried.
His calm tone made her involuntarily swallow. What might be brewing behind this calmness? She shrank back, feeling timid.
Afterward, she lightly coughed to soothe her tense throat.
“Mr. Shen… you…” When her gaze met his cold, handsome face, her throat went dry again, and the words retreated. She silently cursed herself for her foolishness.
“I’m waiting for your response,” Shen Yixuan said, his tone deliberately restrained.
Luo Yaling took deep breaths, encouraging herself. She had seen his darker side, and he likely wanted to silence her before she could tell anyone. Still, he understood that using violence would bring attention, so he held back, staring at her with a cold gaze that made her shiver.
“What?” Shen Yixuan narrowed his eyes, surprised that this bold yet muddled girl would appear here. He almost lost control. His instinct told him she had approached him intentionally, like an annoying fly. However, after observing her actions, he dismissed those feelings.
This didn’t mean her performance would be to his liking, given her curious nature and self-righteous attitude. She might even try to blackmail him.
“President Shen, I’m surprised to see you here, but please don’t misunderstand. My mouth is very tight. I know what should be kept private, so please don’t do ‘that’ to me!” She spoke hurriedly, fearing he might harm her.
She swore she wasn’t trying to curry favor with him. If she were more cunning, deceitful, or despicable, she could threaten him with the knowledge of his underworld connections. Revealing that the president of Xuanling Group had such a background would jeopardize not only his group but his position as well. He could no longer maintain his cold demeanor.
But she knew she couldn’t act on that desire—at least, not yet.
Chapter Eight: Acquaintance
“What could I misunderstand? Oh, by the way, I don’t know your name?” Shen Yixuan suddenly remembered this detail.
“Oh, I haven’t introduced myself yet? I’m Xiao Ling. And you?”
“I’m sorry, I only know you as President Shen.” She laughed nervously. “I rarely interact with business people.”
“Shen Yixuan. What could I misunderstand, Miss Xiao?” His tone softened slightly, perhaps due to the shared character ‘Ling’ in her name.
He leaned back in his chair, interlocking his fingers, appearing to listen carefully to Luo Yaling’s insights.
Luo Yaling thought he had a strong presence, especially compared to that night. Now that she had safely passed through that experience, she felt no fear, as he showed no trace of dark energy.
“President Shen, let’s be direct. Although I didn’t see you carrying any dangerous items last time, I saw the others with bulging waists…”
Suddenly, she felt a jolt of realization. “Oh, Luo Yaling, by saying this, aren’t you confessing to him? How frustrating! How could I be so foolish?”
“Please continue,” Shen Yixuan said, offering a smile that wasn’t quite a smile.
“Hehe! Sorry, my memory isn’t great. If I’ve offended you, please forgive me. After all, this is our ‘first’ meeting.”
Luo Yaling realized her mistake and tried to smooth things over. She nearly revealed her trump card and hoped to salvage the situation.
“Is that so?” Shen Yixuan’s eyes flashed.
“Yes, yes, yes.” Luo Yaling nodded hurriedly, worried about her glasses falling off. She knew that if she didn’t fabricate a message now, her outcome would be miserable.
“It can’t be true, right?” Shen Yixuan chuckled lightly.
“Of course it is.” Luo Yaling shivered, reminding herself to stay calm. She scolded herself internally for nearly losing her composure.
“Actually, in our line of work, we hear some small news. Based on what I know, President Shen seems interested in a certain company…” Luo Yaling leaned forward, trying to speak mysteriously.
“Hmph!” Shen Yixuan responded with a dismissive sound.
This Shen Yixuan is so annoying! It’s a simple question, and he won’t even respond. So stingy.
