The next day, Shangshi Group.
Ying arrived early. The lobby on the first floor was still mostly empty when the elevator doors opened in front of her, revealing a man in a black silk shirt.
Seeing Shang Shenyan so suddenly, Ying’s first instinct was to check the elevator button.
No mistake—it really was the employee elevator.
“Get in,” he said as the doors were about to close, his long fingers pressing against the door frame.
The image from last night flashed through her mind again. Ying felt a chill run down her spine and stepped in stiffly.
“Good morning, Mr. Shang,” she greeted softly, inching quietly into a corner.
Shang Shenyan saw her movement reflected in the polished elevator doors. His expression remained faintly smiling, but his fingers curled slightly at his side, slowly rubbing together.
So last night really did scare her.
Liu Yong deserved to die.
“Did you not sleep well last night?” Shang Shenyan asked sideways with a smile. “You look a bit pale. Do you need to go back and rest?”
“No need,” Ying quickly explained. “I just didn’t sleep well… I got a little carsick on the way here.”
He gave a faint “mm,” then pressed his temple. “I didn’t sleep well either.”
“I had someone send him to the police station last night and gave a statement for a long time.”
Ying paused before realizing who he meant.
“Oh…” she murmured, staring at her shoes. “Will they hold you responsible for hitting him?”
Hearing her innocent question, Shang Shenyan smiled silently. “Maybe. If he files a counterclaim. Looks like I can’t be so impulsive in the future.”
Ying looked up immediately. “He would actually sue you back? That’s so shameless.”
If it were her, after losing a month’s salary to a scam, she would also want to hit someone.
Thinking this way, she even felt that Shang Shenyan hitting him was already merciful.
Seeing her changing expressions, Shang Shenyan curved his lips slightly.
The elevator “ding”ed open.
Ying followed behind him. As they stepped out, she saw Jiang Wen coming out of the office.
“Secretary Jiang? You’re back?”
Ying brightened instantly. With Jiang Wen back, she wouldn’t have to stay in the CEO office all the time anymore.
Jiang Wen stiffened. “I… I just came back to get some documents, I’ll leave right away.”
Shang Shenyan said nothing, but his eyes were clearly cold.
Jiang Wen scratched his head awkwardly. “I… I’m going to be stationed at the branch office. I just came to grab some files.”
Under Shang Shenyan’s oppressive gaze, he quickly fled, shouting as he left: “Miss Ying, please continue covering my duties!”
Ying: “……”
Shang Shenyan was satisfied.
“Come in,” he said, tugging his shirt collar and walking in first.
Ying spent another boring morning in the office. She was so idle she nearly went numb, only playing some simple games on the computer.
Sunlight streamed in, warm and sleepy.
Her head slowly nodded forward until she nearly fell off the desk—
A large hand caught her face.
Shang Shenyan gently supported her head, placing a cushion on the desk so she could rest comfortably.
She was asleep now.
Which meant he could look at her without restraint.
His gaze darkened, fixed on her as if he could never look enough.
All the emotions he had accumulated over five years surged up, making him want to pull her into his arms immediately.
He wanted to possess her.
The sunlight fell on her face. Her eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings.
He lifted his hand to block the light.
Then, without control, his fingers brushed her cheek, lingering on her soft lips.
In this moment, only one thought remained in his mind.
He wanted to kiss her.
He wanted to touch her, caress her, love her.
He forced himself to restrain the emotions churning inside him, until even his bones felt like they were aching.
Just then, his phone rang.
It was Aunt Zhang.
During the day, she was taking care of Shen Nian. Unless something urgent happened, she wouldn’t call.
He picked up.
After listening, he glanced at Ying.
Then said, “Bring her here.”
Ying woke up.
The moment she opened her eyes, she was met with a pair of bright, round eyes staring right at her.
She startled and sat up quickly.
“Nian Nian?”
Rubbing her eyes, she almost thought she was dreaming.
She looked around. The office door was closed, and there was a small cushion where she had been sleeping. Shang Shenyan’s chair was empty.
Shen Nian stood in front of her, tugging her sleeve.
“You came with Mr. Shang?” Ying asked.
Shen Nian nodded.
“Where is he?”
She pointed at the closed door.
Before Ying could react, the door opened.
Shang Shenyan walked in.
Ying immediately stood up, nervous and stiff, remembering she had actually fallen asleep.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Shang… I won’t do it again,” she said quickly.
Shang Shenyan placed his teacup down and looked at her gently.
“I won’t punish you. It’s normal to feel sleepy when you’ve just started work.”
Ying suddenly felt that he wasn’t as cold and strict as people said.
“The housekeeper is on leave. I brought Nian Nian here. Help me take care of her.”
“Okay,” Ying nodded quickly.
“No one in the company knows about her. I don’t want my daughter exposed to the public.”
“I understand. I’ll say she’s my niece if anyone asks.”
Shang Shenyan nodded.
“I still have a meeting. It’s almost noon—take her out to eat something downstairs.”
He checked his phone.
Then Ying saw a large transfer notification pop up.
One zero… two zeros… three zeros… four zeros…
Ying looked up in shock. “Mr. Shang?”
Shang Shenyan patted Shen Nian’s head, smiling gently.
“This is for taking care of her. You shouldn’t have to spend your own money.”