Luo Yaling’s mood plummeted. Upon arrival, the driver brought her back to reality. She paid and got out, spotting a tall figure at the factory entrance, occasionally exhaling wisps of white smoke.
He looked cool, and she found herself wondering what he would look like when laughing. But now wasn’t the time for such thoughts. Why had Shen Yixuan called her here?
What could be so important that he had to meet her at his magazine’s printing factory? Luo Yaling had a bad premonition, feeling Shen Yixuan’s murderous aura.
Chapter Eighteen: “Surprise”
Nervously, she walked towards Shen Yixuan. Just as she approached, he suddenly threw something in front of her. With a “bang,” dust rose.
Startled, she quickly withdrew her foot as Shen Yixuan was about to step in the same spot. Looking down at what he had thrown, she was horrified to see their magazine, published by their company. This was what Sister Qing had meant by a surprise that would keep her awake at night.
Luo Yaling could hardly bear the thought of her embarrassing state being published. The cover featured Shen Yixuan, whose menacing presence made her skin crawl, with a photo of them looking like they were about to kiss.
And oh, her eyes were wide open, perfectly captured. No wonder everyone was looking at her strangely. When Sister Qing exposed her purple eyes, people started whispering and exchanging glances. So it really was her!
Oh my God! What a mess! Now, even if she jumped into the Yellow River, she couldn’t wash herself clean. Where was the editorial office?
Suddenly, Luo Yaling remembered what she had said to Shen Yixuan that day. No way! Was she now his slave? Oh no! She didn’t want that!
Even if she kowtowed to apologize, it would be useless. Someone like him would surely be heartless. She was a girl! A pure maiden! Why was he looking at her with such a murderous gaze? Woo… how pitiful she was! Crying without tears! Who would save her? What should she do now?
Luo Yaling wanted to tear that person to pieces. Who could be so despicable? However, she remembered what Wang Qing had said about thanking her. Could this be it? No way! Wouldn’t this make things even more complicated? Did he know who took the photo? If he knew, she’d be at a loss for words.
“Do you have anything else to say?” Shen Yixuan looked at the dumbfounded Luo Yaling, already knowing she was behind this. There was nothing more to discuss.
“Would you believe anything I say now?” Luo Yaling was pulled back to her thoughts, wanting to grasp any tiny chance she had.
Luo Yaling wondered if Shen Yixuan would believe her now. Probably not, but she wanted to try. He was the person she least wanted to misunderstand her, though she didn’t know why.
“What do you say, Miss Luo?” Shen Yixuan looked at her contemptuously.
“I know you won’t believe me. If I were you, I wouldn’t believe me either,” Luo Yaling mumbled, unsure if she was speaking to him or herself.
“At least you’re self-aware,” Shen Yixuan replied, scoffing.
Luo Yaling raised her head, determined. “I must clarify some things. I just found out that my colleague was secretly photographed last night. I had no idea our magazine took the photos or that they would be published so quickly. If I had known, I wouldn’t have let it happen.”
Besides, people are just waking up now,” the last part was whispered softly, like a mosquito’s buzz.
“Is this your explanation?” Had he not disciplined someone for too long? Were they no longer afraid of him? Had they even dared to bully him?
“Believe it or not, it’s up to you,” Luo Yaling rolled her eyes and turned away, frustrated. How could he be so unreasonable? She had already stated it wasn’t her. Did he think she wanted to report to him? She didn’t care!
“Hmph!” He should have just left it to his subordinates. This was too troublesome.
Suddenly, Luo Yaling felt a dark aura swirling around her and turned to look at Shen Yixuan’s black eyes, which emanated sharp, cold light. She couldn’t help but shrink back.
What was he going to do? Would he hit her or silence her? Luo Yaling’s face turned bitter as she took a step back, wondering if she could win against him. She had escaped to enjoy her youth and didn’t want to die like this. Shen Yixuan looked too strong, and she doubted ten of her could defeat him. Nervously, she swallowed.
Then, she stammered, “Shen… President Shen, can you give me a chance to make amends?” Luo Yaling thought to avoid the worst if possible.
“Make amends?” Shen Yixuan narrowed his eyes, looking at Luo Yaling sharply.
He let out a cold laugh.
“Isn’t it just getting the higher-ups to recall it? Recall all copies of this issue and reprint?” Luo Yaling said, answering Shen Yixuan’s implied question unfriendly.
I really don’t know if Luo Yaling is unpredictable or just foolish. She doesn’t seem to grasp the current situation. Just moments ago, she was thinking about how to avoid this, and now she speaks in this tone, causing more misunderstandings. Maybe she’s been angered into foolishness or feels underestimated.
Luo Yaling regretted her words immediately. The condescending look from Shen Yixuan made her upset; her anger clouded her judgment. She worried this would make him think she doesn’t care about being published and is overly eager.
“Do you think you can do this?” Shen Yixuan regarded her with disdain.
Fortunately, he caught the issue in time and destroyed it before publication. If she were in charge, she might believe she could dictate compliance.
Hmph! Overestimating herself.
Her current tone must reflect her frustration over the magazines being destroyed, after all, she had worked hard to devise a plan to get close to him.
Chapter 19: Unlucky
“I…
Luo Yaling hesitated, saying to Shen Yixuan, “I’ll try my best.” She didn’t want to rely on another force, fearing it would lead her into a trap. She wasn’t ready to lose her freedom; being protected and followed every day was too much—even having someone watch outside the restroom was embarrassing.
“Get in the car,” Shen Yixuan suddenly said.
“Huh? What?” Luo Yaling was confused. She didn’t need him to drive her, and wondered what his intentions were.
“What? Afraid I’ll harm you?” Shen Yixuan asked, amusement flickering in his eyes.
“I… what do I have to be afraid of,” Luo Yaling replied, quickly getting into the car.
As they drove, a heavy, suffocating atmosphere settled in. Luo Yaling turned to look out the window, hiding her discomfort as she wondered where they were headed.
Suddenly, a ringtone broke the silence, bringing her relief. It was Shen Yixuan’s phone when he answered it. She felt a small joy upon realizing they had the same ringtone.
How strange, why was she happy? It was just the same ringtone! Recently, she found herself feeling odd. Hearing Shen Yixuan’s gentle phone manner, with a hint of indulgence, shocked her.
Wow! That cold-faced Shen Yixuan could be like this? Who was on the other end? She was in awe and wanted to know who could melt this iceberg a little. But why did she feel a bit unhappy?
After the call, Shen Yixuan returned to his icy demeanor, as if what she’d seen was an illusion.
“Get out,” Shen Yixuan coldly ordered Luo Yaling.
“Get out?” Luo Yaling was stunned. “Do I need to open the door for you?” he added, his face darkening.
“Fine, I’ll get out,” she said defiantly, grabbing her bag and slamming the door behind her.
Shen Yixuan quickly drove away after she exited.
A furious Luo Yaling stood behind, steam almost coming out of her head, wiping her mouth and throwing a stone in the direction Shen Yixuan had left. It hit his car, but he didn’t notice, lost in thought. She was so angry.
“Huh! Where is this place?” she wondered, realizing there wasn’t a single house around, just grass and trees.
No people in sight. Luo Yaling looked around.
