As a jewelry designer, Lin Chaochao was actually quite particular about her outfits.
Today she wore a pure white V-neck long dress, her dark hair tied up in a low bun, her collarbones subtly and alluringly visible. Around her neck hung a pearl necklace—small yet exquisite. Though simple, her look was indeed eye-catching.
She spent the entire morning listening to her colleagues’ gossip.
Apparently, rumors were spreading like wildfire through the company that President Huo was going to select a secretary from within the company to replace Linda’s position.
Many single women in the company were actively competing for this position, because once selected, they would have more opportunities to interact with the president. Who knows—maybe love could grow over time? And even if they couldn’t become the president’s wife, becoming his mistress would be fine too…
“Sister Chaochao, let’s go eat together.” Haili came over to call her again. Through their interactions over the past few days, Chaochao felt that Haili had a really nice personality.
The two of them went together to a restaurant near the company.
“Here, this one’s on me.” Lin Chaochao handed her a drink.
Seeing this, Haili quickly took it and took a big gulp. “Thanks, Sister Chaochao. Honestly, I could tell from the very first glance that you’d definitely make it into Huo’s company.”
“You’re not bad yourself. I’ve seen your designs—they’re very delicate.” Lin Chaochao genuinely admired her as well.
In fact, Haili had real talent. She had originally wanted to go abroad for further studies, but her family’s financial situation didn’t allow it, so she had given up on that dream.
The two chatted while eating. “Sister Chaochao, do you have a boyfriend?” Haili asked.
“No, are you going to set me up with someone?” Lin Chaochao asked her jokingly.
“Then what do you think of our president?” Haili asked with a grin.
Lin Chaochao’s hand holding the spoon paused for a moment, as if she were thinking. After a while, she said, “President Huo is great and all, but he seems too cold—not easy to get close to. I’d better keep my distance. I’m afraid I’d freeze to death.” She even shrugged her shoulders after saying it.
Haili burst out laughing at that. Gossiping about the boss together was way too much fun.
But just as Lin Chaochao finished speaking, she really did feel a chill. She casually turned her head to look and nearly dropped her spoon in shock.
She had just been badmouthing the boss, and now the boss was right beside her. She had no idea how much of it the man had actually heard.
Haili had also caught sight of the boss by now and managed to stammer out a greeting: “Hello, President Huo.”
At that moment, Lin Chaochao wished she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into. Keeping her head down, she didn’t dare look the man in the eye: “Hello, President Huo.”
Huo Nanting’s expression was unreadable—it was hard to tell whether he was angry or not. He only let out an “Mm” before walking away.
Leaving Lin Chaochao and Haili behind, regretting their words.
When she returned to the office that afternoon, Amy came over to tell her, “Chaochao, Alice wants you to go see her.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Chaochao went right away.
“President Gill’s youngest daughter from America has invited you to fly over and meet with her. It might be about the design drafts—she wants to discuss them with you in more detail. You’ll depart tomorrow. The company has arranged everything. The details will be sent to your phone.” Alice said.
“Actually, we could just communicate via video call,” Lin Chaochao suggested.
“I don’t know the specifics either. All I know is that President Gill’s youngest daughter has extended a warm invitation, and it concerns the company’s development. I think it’s better for you to go.”
“Alright, Director, I promise to get the job done.” Lin Chaochao really hadn’t expected to be going back so soon. She immediately shared the news with her good friend He Miao in the States.
That evening, as Lin Chaochao packed her luggage, she figured the trip would be quick, so she didn’t bring much.
Afterwards, she called her parents to let them know she’d be on a business trip to the States for a few days, then went to bed early.
The next day, she arrived at the airport alone and checked in, surprised to find that the company had booked her a first-class ticket.
As she boarded the plane, stowed her things, and settled into her seat, she heard a voice say, “Lin Chaochao.”
She turned around and saw Huo Nanting.
Alice hadn’t told her she’d be traveling with Huo Nanting on this business trip. Lin Chaochao felt a bit flustered—ever since that kiss, she’d been deliberately avoiding him.
“President Huo, you’re on a business trip too?” It was obvious, of course, but Lin Chaochao couldn’t think of a better way to greet him.
The flight was direct, arriving in the States in the evening. After choking down the unappetizing airplane meal, Lin Chaochao was about to cover herself with the small blanket and get some sleep, but she still felt a bit cold and couldn’t settle down. Seeing this, Huo Nanting took off his jacket and draped it over her as well. Lin Chaochao quickly declined: “Thank you, President Huo, but that’s not necessary. I’m fine.”
“If you catch a cold, it’ll delay the work.” Huo Nanting used work as his excuse.
Lin Chaochao had no choice but to accept. Wrapped in the warmth, she slowly drifted off to sleep.
Beside her, Huo Nanting watched her peaceful sleeping form, feeling quite pleased.
Could this be what it felt like to have one’s heart stirred?
At the airport, they landed.
The driver had been waiting for a while. Lin Chaochao followed Huo Nanting into the car, though she chose to sit in the front seat.
Soon, they arrived at the hotel to check in. Lin Chaochao’s room was arranged directly across from the man’s.
After a brief, polite goodnight to Huo Nanting, Lin Chaochao returned to her own room without giving him a chance to say anything more.
Watching her hurry away, a slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Lin Chaochao curled up in bed and video-called her good friend He Miao. Since this was a work trip, she probably wouldn’t have much free time, and the two of them lived quite far apart, so they decided not to meet up.
Traveling with the CEO really had its perks—first-class seats, a large suite, a private car, and even free meals.
Having only eaten that awful airplane food, Lin Chaochao was starving now. She wanted to go out and grab something to eat, but should she invite Huo Nanting? It wouldn’t be polite not to, so she decided to. She got up and went to knock on his door.
At that moment, the man had just finished showering. He was wearing a loose bathrobe, water droplets still dripping from his hair, his chest exposed, with his pectorals and abs faintly visible. Lin Chaochao shyly turned around quickly. “President Huo, would you like to get something to eat?”
The man felt a little pleased by Lin Chaochao’s initiative.
“I’ll take you somewhere in a bit.” Huo Nanting didn’t close the door, and Lin Chaochao stood outside with her back to him, listening to the sound of him getting dressed, her face growing hot.
“Let’s go,” the man said.
Lin Chaochao followed behind, carefully sizing him up. She estimated he was about 1.9 meters tall, dressed in a casual outfit with a coat draped over it. Tall and well-built, he was truly a walking clothes hanger.
Before long, Huo Nanting brought Lin Chaochao to a well-known restaurant in the area.
The two sat facing each other. Lin Chaochao was now somewhat regretting asking him out to dinner. It was unbearably awkward.
The man raised his hand and took a sip of juice, then said, “Miss Lin, am I a very cold person?”
“No, no, President Huo, you’re not cold at all.” Lin Chaochao shook her head, then continued looking down at cutting her steak. She thought to herself, not cold—frozen solid, an iceberg.
Hearing this, the man couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.
It was winter in America.
Today, Lin Chaochao wore a white down jacket, forming a stark contrast with Huo Nanting’s black coat.
After dinner,
the two rode back to the hotel in the car. Just as Lin Chaochao was about to enter her room, Huo Nanting grabbed her arm and said, “Miss Lin, have you been avoiding me lately?”
“No, I haven’t.” She quickly turned around to dodge the man’s touch.
“Good, as long as that’s not the case. If that kiss made you feel uncomfortable, then I apologize.” Huo Nanting withdrew his arm with a hint of disappointment.
Lin Chaochao felt that it would have been better not to mention that kiss—bringing it up only stirred her emotions. She said, “President Huo, I’ve already forgotten about the past…”
“Have you really forgotten, Miss Lin? Do you need me to help you recall?” Huo Nanting saw that she was trying to play dumb and wanted to tease her on purpose.
Hearing what the man said, Lin Chaochao felt her ears burning. She thought she might as well play dumb once more.
“President Huo, I’m really sleepy right now. I still have to attend the banquet tomorrow, so I need to get my beauty sleep. Goodbye, President Huo.”
With that, she closed the door and locked it.