A bowl of perfectly cooked noodles with sauce was placed in front of Lin Yue. She shyly thanked Aunt Qian.
“No problem. The master really likes this low-fat sauce noodle I make. The tomatoes are from my family’s farm in the countryside, diced small and cooked into a sauce. The sauce is sweet and sour, perfect for summer.”
Lin Yue lowered her head and tasted a bite, then looked up in delight and gave Aunt Qian a thumbs-up.
“Delicious.”
Aunt Qian happily said, “If you like it, finish it all.”
“Okay.”
Since He Yuan wasn’t there, Lin Yue felt much more relaxed. She even chatted with Aunt Qian about small things.
After finishing, when Lin Yue started clearing the dishes, Aunt Qian quickly took them away.
In the worker rooms also lived Aunt Luo and her husband. They greeted Lin Yue politely but weren’t as warm as Aunt Qian.
Aunt Qian helped bandage Lin Yue’s arm and applied a waterproof patch.
“Remove it after your shower.”
Lin Yue thanked her again.
“If you need anything, call me. I’m right next door.”
Lin Yue nodded, “Okay.”
When Aunt Luo saw Aunt Qian, she grabbed her and started asking questions. “I wasn’t around the past couple of days. Who’s this? A new maid?”
“No, she’s the master’s secretary.”
“Secretary? A secretary living here?”
“Why do you care? Don’t ask what’s not yours. The master has his reasons.”
Aunt Luo pouted, “Just asking casually.”
“Alright, go rest.”
After Aunt Luo went to her room, Aunt Qian knocked on the study door.
“Come in.”
She entered and respectfully said, “Sir, Miss Lin has gone to rest.”
He Yuan finally lifted his gaze from the computer screen. “How is her injury?”
“It’s treated. Not too serious.”
He Yuan nodded. “Aunt Luo always brings up her overseas-returned niece. I know her meaning, but the company has its own rules. Remind her: if this happens again, deduct three months’ salary and let her go.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Okay, go rest.”
“You should also rest early, sir.”
He Yuan nodded. After Aunt Qian left, he leaned back in his chair, tilting his neck slightly, but his mind was on Lin Yue’s tear-stained eyes.
Stubborn little lamb.
He Yuan rubbed his forehead a few times before standing and heading to his bedroom.
Meanwhile, Lin Yue had finished her shower. She had just removed the waterproof patch from her arm when her phone rang. She tilted her head slightly and saw the caller ID: it was Qin Yan.
She must have found out.
Lin Yue answered.
“Hello, Qin Yan…”
“Lin Yue! Where have you gone? I just got back and learned that Qing Jing kicked you out. I was just out having dinner with colleagues. How could she do this? I even called the landlord. Do you know what he said? He said he already paid you compensation! I’m so angry! Even if compensated, how could you find a place so late at night? I was freaking out!”
Lin Yue felt a warmth in her heart and laughed softly. “It’s okay, Yan, I’m at He Yuan’s place. I planned to call you after my shower, but you beat me to it.”
“Ah?”
Qin Yan was confused. “You went to his house? Does this mean your boss…”
“Don’t overthink,” Lin Yue abruptly interrupted. “I called Assistant Zhou, and he happened to be nearby and drunk, so He Yuan came along. He said tomorrow he’ll arrange for my company apartment—a single room.”
Qin Yan visibly relaxed, but—
“Wait, didn’t you say you weren’t qualified for a single room yet?”
“He Yuan said it’s due to the special nature of my work. Makes sense, really. I don’t have a fixed schedule; when he works, I work. When he travels, I travel. Sharing a place with others would disturb them. The rent is a bit higher than before, but I’d rather pay extra than face another Qing Jing.”
Qin Yan: “Exactly. I understand your classmate now—such a small-minded person. I wouldn’t dare stay either. If I were in your situation, I’d never have a handsome boss to save me.”
“What are you saying?” Lin Yue felt a little embarrassed.
Though nothing had happened, Qin Yan’s comment made her feel guilty.
They chatted a little longer. Once Qin Yan knew Lin Yue was fine, she finally hung up.
The next morning.
Lin Yue woke up early, but He Yuan was even earlier. She knew from Assistant Zhou that He Yuan woke up at five every day.
Aunt Qian brought breakfast and smiled, “Exercise, otherwise sitting in the office all day will wear you out.”
After He Yuan came out of the shower, Lin Yue waited to pick his clothes but he refused.
“Your hand is injured. I’ll do it myself.”
Lin Yue obediently stood aside.
After breakfast, they went straight to the company.
The underground garage connects directly to the executive elevator. Because of Lin Yue’s special work arrangement, no one paid attention to them taking the same elevator.
Everything is work.
Before leaving each day, Lin Yue confirmed the next day’s schedule with He Yuan. Each morning, they reconfirmed today’s schedule in the office.
“9:00 AM: Annual plan meeting at the listed subsidiary; lunch break 1 hour; 1:00–1:30 PM: Center Square project signing ceremony; 2:00–3:30 PM: Assistant Zhou’s work report…”
He Yuan signed documents while listening, never stopping his motion.
“For the Center Square signing, you don’t need to come. I’ll have Wei Jia come to handle your accommodation paperwork today,” he said.
Lin Yue nodded, “Yes, thank you, He Yuan.”
“Go to work.”
No sooner had she sat down than she received a reservation call.
Hengxing Group was transforming. He Yuan wanted to invest in different industries, including entertainment. Vice President Zheng Yu handled that sector.
This also meant various female celebrity invitations. These calls were usually routed to Vice President Zheng, but this was the first directly for He Yuan.
“Hello, this is the Secretary Office of Hengxing Group. How may I help you?”
“I’m Su Ying. Tonight at 8 PM, I’ll be at Yunxing Hotel waiting for your He Yuan. Just tell him.”
Before Lin Yue could speak, the caller hung up.
She stood frozen. Su Ying? Waiting for He Yuan? At a Hengxing-affiliated hotel?
Unconsciously, Lin Yue recalled seeing Su Ying before at Yuelan Yunting, in the same building as He Yuan.
Her mouth slightly opened. She felt like she had caught her boss’s gossip firsthand.