Meng Xiyue always arrived at the company fifteen minutes early. Everyone at NS knew about this habit of hers.
Since the BOSS came in so early, the entire NS staff didn’t dare slack off and had to get up early too. Especially now that it was early winter, coming to work early was quite a challenge for them.
But today, what did they see? The usually asexual president had a wound on the corner of her lips.
It was obvious that it was from some intense activity, bitten, and her lips were still a bit swollen.
The employees, who had just gotten a big piece of gossip early in the morning, were suddenly wide awake, staring intently at Meng Xiyue.
They tried to find any trace of ambiguity on her, to uncover the identity of that little vixen.
Her clothes were impeccably ironed, her hair neatly draped behind her, her eyes calm and serene, and she carried an air of elegance and nobility as she walked.
There was no change from her usual self.
There was no sign of a romantic relationship on her at all, which only made them more curious, but none of them had the guts to ask her directly.
They could only secretly exchange messages in the company group chat.
Secretary Gao, who was always on the front line of gossip, was late today because his car broke down. When he arrived at the company, he found a flood of @ mentions in the group chat.
He adjusted his glasses, scrolled through the 99+ messages, then put his phone away and headed to the top floor.
Assistant Li was very busy. Yesterday was his girlfriend’s birthday, so he had come to work early, half an hour ahead of time. As soon as he arrived, he was busy writing plans and arranging tasks, so he hadn’t seen President Meng. When he finally finished his work, there was a knock on his office door.
Secretary Gao said, “Here are the documents you requested.”
Assistant Li took them, puzzled, “Why did you bring them over?”
“I happened to be passing by, so I brought them,” Secretary Gao said casually, his eyes behind his glasses fixed on him.
Assistant Li didn’t notice anything unusual. He flipped through the documents, ready to continue working, and seeing that Secretary Gao was still standing there, he asked, “Is there something else?”
Secretary Gao adjusted his glasses, “Well, there’s a rumor going around the company that the president is in a relationship.”
Assistant Li was stunned and immediately said, “Impossible, it’s just a rumor. Secretary Gao, you’ve been by the president’s side for so long, you know better than anyone that she doesn’t have time for a relationship.”
Secretary Gao smiled, “Yes, I find it hard to believe too. But the rumor is spreading like wildfire, and they say the president came to work with a bite mark on her lip.”
Assistant Li thought about it for a moment but couldn’t imagine it at all. “This is too much, even the president is being gossiped about.”
Secretary Gao said, “Yes, but now all the employees are distracted and restless.”
Assistant Li was even more furious. As Meng Xiyue’s number one admirer, he always looked up to Meng Xiyue and was completely focused during work hours. “It seems they have too little work. If we give them more tasks, they won’t have time to be idle.”
Secretary Gao glanced at him, “It’s already very busy lately. If there’s more work, you might get beaten up. Just clarify this matter, and they’ll settle down.”
Assistant Li remembered the recent overtime work, where the NS building felt like it was filled with a bunch of zombies, lifeless and sluggish. He shivered, “Alright, I’ll go ask the president. An official statement would be more convincing.”
In his opinion, the company staff were overthinking things, making a mountain out of a molehill.
Secretary Gao nodded, “Okay.”
There happened to be a document that needed the BOSS’s signature, so he took it and went.
“Knock knock.”
Assistant Li pushed the door open. President Meng was still diligently working as usual. He thought, still as cool and composed as ever, showing no signs of being in a relationship.
He had a girlfriend himself and knew exactly what reactions to expect when in love.
He would issue a notice to clarify soon.
“President, this is…”
Halfway through his sentence, his throat got stuck. No wonder, he saw the bite mark on the corner of the lips mentioned in the rumors. Although it had faded, as an experienced person, he fully understood what it meant.
Meng Xiyue took the document and noticed Assistant Li had stopped. She looked up, and his expression was quite dramatic.
“Assistant Li.”
Assistant Li quickly snapped back to reality and stammered through the work report.
Meng Xiyue, holding a cold steel pen, signed the document with fluid movements. About three seconds later, the ink dried, and she closed it, handed it back to Assistant Li, and continued working.
Rationally, he knew he should leave, but emotionally, Assistant Li’s feet wouldn’t move.
In his mind, Meng Xiyue’s elegant and aloof nature, usually exuding an air of abstinence and indifference, made it seem impossible for her to have any romantic inclinations.
Meng Xiyue looked up, “Anything else?”
Assistant Li, holding a stack of documents, cautiously asked, “President, are you in a relationship?”
Meng Xiyue was taken aback. She hadn’t expected such a personal question, but she didn’t hide it, “Yes.”
Assistant Li: “……???!!!” Then, he awkwardly walked out, and as he closed the door, he saw the president, who he always thought was unapproachable, gently touching her lips with a smile in her eyes.
A light, fragmented, warm, and soft smile.
He closed the door in a daze.
His mind was filled with one thought: Oh my, the president is really in a relationship.
“Assistant Li.”
Startled by the sudden voice, Assistant Li jumped, but relaxed when he saw it was Secretary Gao. He immediately began sharing his shock, “Secretary Gao, the president admitted it herself, she’s in a relationship.”
Secretary Gao adjusted his glasses, the lenses catching the sunlight, “Oh, I see.”
Assistant Li was surprised, “Aren’t you shocked?”
Secretary Gao remained calm, “Yes, very shocked.”
Assistant Li: “……”
When Assistant Li returned to his office, Secretary Gao took out his phone and sent a shocking message in the company group chat.
Secretary Gao: Confirmed, the president is in a relationship.
A flood of wails followed, with everyone asking who the president’s significant other was.
Secretary Gao smirked and put away his phone without replying.
He knocked on the president’s office door, entered with documents, and when his gaze fell on her lips, despite being prepared, he couldn’t hide his shock.
As he left, he thought.
That Miss Xia is really passionate.
…
＊
Xia Yuan finally arrived in Yunnan and then took another nearly two-hour car ride to reach the Miao village where the filming was to take place.
This place had a strong ethnic flavor, with wooden houses and traditional Miao clothing. The girls and boys wore special Miao outfits adorned with silver jewelry that jingled with every movement. The air was filled with the rich scent of grass and wood, making it feel like a paradise isolated from modern life.
It hadn’t snowed here yet, and the wind was slightly chilly. Overall, it was a great place for tourism.
Xia Yuan, feeling uncomfortable from the long journey, was refreshed by the breeze.
The director was busy chatting with the village chief, while Xia Yuan looked around and thought to herself.
Next time, I can bring Meng Xiyue here for a visit.
Before long, someone led them to their accommodations. Xia Yuan glanced at the simple place and raised an eyebrow.
Zhong Le quickly said, “Sister Xia, the locals said they specially cleaned this room for us, and even the quilts are new.”
It was a small attic. Xia Yuan stood by the window, watching the Miao girls chatting and laughing outside, and a few elderly people doing handicrafts. She glanced at Zhong Le and said, “Why are you explaining? It’s not like I won’t stay here.”
Zhong Le smiled ingratiatingly.
Lin Qi and Zhong Le hurriedly organized Xia Yuan’s luggage. Xia Yuan took out her phone, snapped a selfie, and then took some pictures of the Miao village scenery to send to Meng Xiyue.
Before she could get a reply from Meng Xiyue, she was called over to learn some authentic Miao dialect, which she needed to speak during the sacrificial ceremony as a Miao priestess.
Xia Yuan was beautiful, with a radiant and blessed appearance. The elderly lady teaching her was particularly fond of her, often praising her for learning quickly and being smart.
After floating through the lesson, Xia Yuan thought to herself.
This place is nice; I could come here often.
By the time they arrived, it was already afternoon, and it got dark quickly. After filming the male lead’s scenes, the director called for a break. Xia Yuan’s scenes were scheduled for the next couple of days.
After enjoying an authentic Miao meal, Xia Yuan took several pictures and sent them to Meng Xiyue.
Meng Xiyue immediately called her back.
As soon as she received the call, Xia Yuan went up to the attic, closed the door, and spoke into the phone with a joyful voice, “Meng Xiyue, did you miss me?”
Meng Xiyue stood in front of the office’s floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the colorful neon lights under the night sky, her expression softening slightly, “Mm.”
A light laugh reached her ears, tickling and tingling slightly. Meng Xiyue switched the phone to the other ear, “Are you getting used to it?”
Xia Yuan eagerly recounted everything that happened today in great detail, especially emphasizing several times how an old lady had praised her.
“I’ll learn more and tell you all about it when I get back.”
Meng Xiyue could almost imagine the other person’s proud and sparkling expression, her voice gentle, “Okay.”
They chatted for almost half an hour, and if it weren’t for the knock on the office door, the call might have continued.
Assistant Li came in with some documents. Seeing Meng Xiyue hang up the phone, he noticed a distinct difference from her usual indifferent demeanor. Suppressing his curiosity, he began to report on work.
“President, we have already acquired 19% of Tianyu’s stocks. Several companies have already made their moves on the stocks circulating in the market.”
A starved camel is still bigger than a horse.
The remaining value of Tianyu was enough to tempt them.
NS acquired more than expected. Meng Xiyue pondered, “Continue to release the news.”
The Li family still held 40% of the shares, which was too much.
Assistant Li nodded, “Understood.” Before leaving, he noticed the takeout on the desk that hadn’t been opened yet, which had been delivered half an hour ago.
“President, do you need the takeout to be reheated?”
Meng Xiyue replied, “No need, I’m not hungry yet.” After speaking, she continued working.
Assistant Li swallowed back the words about her health. This situation had become the norm whenever work got busy.
…
At the Li family residence.
Li Ting couldn’t help but stand up, “Dad, selling another 10% of the stocks is unacceptable.”
Li Zhuo sighed, “There’s no other way. This is the only way to fill the company’s gap.”
The Li family originally held 60% of the shares. After Li Ting took control of the company, Li Zhuo gave him 40%. Recently, he sold his own 20%, and now the remaining 10% needs to come from Li Ting.
Li Ting walked a few steps in frustration, his hawk-like eyes looking as if they could devour someone. “Dad, are you sure about this? We can’t hold down the board of directors anymore.”
Li Zhuo replied, “With 30%, the Li family still holds the majority, which is enough for us to maintain control.” The previous 20% of the shares were sold off in small portions to prevent anyone from harming the Li family.
Li Ting pondered, “Alright.”
Yan Jing, standing to the side, said unwillingly, “If the Xia family had agreed to the marriage alliance earlier, we wouldn’t be in this situation now.”
“Who knows, maybe the Xia family saw our decline and wanted to distance themselves from us to avoid being dragged down.”
She still remembered the cold reception she received the last time she visited the Xia family.
Li Zhuo said, “Say no more.”
Yan Jing moved her lips but said nothing more.
However, Li Ting pounded the sofa forcefully, “The Xia family will pay for this sooner or later.”
Father Li did not oppose this statement, “Let’s get through this crisis first.”
…
When Ding Yaoyao passed through security, she sent a message to Meng Xiyue.
“Miss Meng, goodbye.”
Then, she pulled out her SIM card and threw it into the trash can. She touched her belly, grabbed her suitcase, and walked away without looking back.
＊
Xia Yuan’s scenes were originally scheduled to be shot over three days. However, by noon on the third day, her scenes were already completed.
When the director called “cut,” Xia Yuan, who was playing dead on the ground, immediately got up. Her face was still covered in makeup to look like poison-induced red spots. Her character ultimately died from being bitten by the poisonous insects she had raised.
All thanks to post-production effects.
However, she particularly liked the clothes she was wearing and bought them, along with several sets of silver jewelry.
Meng Xiyue had praised her for looking beautiful in this outfit, and she wanted to show it to Meng Xiyue.
Photos could never compare to seeing someone in person.
She was finally going to see Meng Xiyue. She hadn’t slept well these past few days, always feeling cold at night.
The signal in the mountains was poor, and it took a long time to send a photo, making video calls impossible. She hadn’t seen Meng Xiyue in a long time.
Just hearing her voice wasn’t enough.
Sitting on the plane, Xia Yuan held the Miao ethnic dress in her arms.
Holding hands, hugging, kissing.
She and Meng Xiyue had done all of these, only the last step remained.
When she returned to City S, it was only three o’clock. She didn’t notify Meng Xiyue because she wanted to surprise her.
She hurried home, carrying the luggage Aunt Lin had prepared for her. She was moving to Meng Xiyue’s place today.
As it happened, she ran into Xia Ke, who had come back to get some documents.
Because the documents involved company secrets, he felt secure only if he fetched them himself.
He saw his sister, who had just finished filming, directing people to move her luggage out.
“Yuan’er? Where are you going?”
Xia Yuan was in a great mood: “I’m moving in with Meng Xiyue. I won’t be coming back.”
Xia Ke: “Yuan’er, this isn’t a good idea. Miss Meng is so busy, you…”
Xia Yuan’s face lit up with a bright smile: “Brother, Meng Xiyue asked me to move in.”
Xia Ke paused for a second, choosing his words carefully: “Miss Meng might not be convenient right now.”
“What’s inconvenient about it?” She had already made arrangements at Meng Xiyue’s place, planned where to put her things, and there would be no problem at all.
Xia Ke: “Miss Meng’s boyfriend is back.” To be precise, her ex-boyfriend.
When Xia Ke returned, he happened to see Meng Xiyue with her ex-boyfriend. He knew Duan Jing, Meng Xiyue’s ex, quite well.
He was aware of their breakup back then. When Duan Jing came back, he even messaged Xia Ke to ask about Meng Xiyue’s recent situation.
It seemed like he wanted to get back together.
Xia Yuan was furious, her eyes turning red with anger: “Since when did Meng Xiyue have a boyfriend? Why didn’t I know?”
Xia Ke looked at his about-to-explode sister: “You never asked.”
Xia Yuan gritted her teeth: “Brother, where did you see them?” Meng Xiyue liked her so much, there was no way she could be involved with someone else. It must be that shameless male vixen, even after breaking up, he still clings on. She would make sure to deal with him.
Xia Ke had seen this expression on Xia Yuan before. Whenever Li Ting got close to any female companion, his sister would react the same way.
No, this time it seemed even more intense.
Ruthless.
In the past, his sister would only be angry, but she would never show this kind of expression.
Xia Ke silently gave her an address and watched as Xia Yuan stormed off. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
…
Meng Xiyue looked at this unexpected ex-boyfriend and felt nothing but trouble. Duan Jing was a pianist, always carrying a melancholic air, known in the piano world as the ‘Melancholy Prince.’
Seeing Meng Xiyue in her professional attire, elegant yet aloof, Duan Jing felt a mix of emotions. He knew his girlfriend never liked these situations, but now she was enduring it. He felt deeply guilty for not being there during her toughest times.
“Xiyue, how have you been late?”
Meng Xiyue’s expression was cold, her gaze at him as indifferent as if he were a stranger: “Mr. Duan, please call me Miss Meng.”
The original owner’s feelings had nothing to do with her.
Duan Jing’s eyes showed hurt, his expression even more melancholic: “Xiyue, are you still blaming me?”
Back then, he had a piano competition in Country M and couldn’t come back. During that time, the other party always felt insecure, calling him at all hours and often crying. Duan Jing suggested they both needed some time to cool off, and afterward, he received a breakup text.
Meng Xiyue: “Mr. Duan, is there anything else? I have a meeting soon.”
Duan Jing looked at her eyes, which were now devoid of the affection they once held, and felt a pang in his heart. “Can we go back to how things were?”
Before Meng Xiyue could respond, a voice answered for her, “Impossible.”
Xia Yuan, who had run several red lights, sat down next to Meng Xiyue, pressing close to her. She lifted her chin slightly and gave him a once-over with a look that a legitimate partner would give to a mistress. “Be sensible and leave. Meng Xiyue is mine.”
Duan Jing recognized Xia Yuan; they had met a few times but never really talked. “Miss Xia…”
Xia Yuan was already on the verge of exploding, and his dawdling only made it worse. She was about to lash out when Meng Xiyue held her hand down. Xia Yuan looked at her with red eyes, disbelief written all over her face.
Meng Xiyue’s pupils contracted. “Yuan’er, calm down.” Then she turned to Duan Jing. “Mr. Duan, as you can see, I already have a girlfriend.”
