As Hui Yin got out of the elevator on the top floor, several employees had spotted her and were whispering among themselves.
"Who's that?"
"Is she a new employee?"
"Maybe she knows someone here."
They continued working and gave Hui Yin a curious glance from time to time. However, they were surprised when Assistant Yan suddenly burst out of the boss' office and seemed to have recognized the unknown girl.
He greeted her with a polite smile as he accompanied her back towards the office.
"She's here to see the boss?!"
"She didn't look like an important client."
"If she's not an important client, why would Assistant Yan personally escort her?"
"Maybe she knows Assistant Yan!"
"Ah! That must be it."
Satisfied with that explanation, all of the employees didn't pay Hui Yin any more attention and focused on their work.
"I'm sorry, Miss Hui. Did the receptionist at the front desk give you any trouble? I forgot to tell her about your visit—please don't blame her, it's completely my fault. She must have given you a hard time...she's used to handling pesky visitors. There's just too many people who use different excuses just to see CEO Lu. They sometimes even camp outside the main doors for several days just to catch a glimpse of him. It's really troublesome."
Yan wiped his sweaty forehead with a handkerchief, feeling nervous.
If Miss Hui got angry at him, there's a huge possibility that the boss might fire him. Yan knew how much CEO Lu hated signs of incompetence in his employees, especially from those who were older and more experienced.
Hui Yin smiled.
"It's alright. I settled it on my own."
They entered Lu Shen's office, and despite having already seen it once before, Hui Yin still couldn't help widen her eyes in amazement.
Following a minimalistic design, a large glass display cabinet spanning an entire wall dominated her left, filled sparingly with D-ring binders. Furniture in white and gray tones made the office seem simple and sleek, while a black glass-top desk was set against a series of tall, frameless glass windows that overlooked the city.
And sitting on a swivel chair behind the desk was Lu Shen, his expression making the office seem more like the entrance to hell.
"I'll see you later, Miss Hui."
Sensing the danger, Yan immediately bolted.
Hui Yin dropped her purse on a nearby porcelain table and sat on the sofa.
"Stop glaring at me. Where's the contract?" she asked.
"You're late."
He said it like a malediction.
Hui Yin spotted a file on his desk and walked over to grab it, ignoring his ice-block of a face. "Is this it?"
He snatched her wrist, his dark eyes staring at her face.
"Why are you late?"
"I was busy. Let go of my hand."
He tugged at her wrist even harder, until her fingers released the contract. "Busy with what?"
"None of your business!" snapped Hui Yin.
She jerked her wrist out of his grip and massaged it. There were now faint pink and blue bruises on her fair skin.
Seeing the bruise, the cold light in Lu Shen's eyes softened.
"I'm sorry."
Hui Yin glared at him.
"If apologies could fix everything, then we wouldn't need the fucking police!"
Hearing her curse, Lu Shen knew that she was really mad. Sighing at his own inexplicable behavior, he picked up his phone and ordered Yan to bring an ice pack.
"Let me see."
Lu Shen moved closer to Hui Yin and tried to gently take her arm.
"Don't touch me." She stared at the expression of remorse on his face.
It was her first time seeing that kind of look from him.
As she took a step back, her eyes fell on her watch. It was almost time.
"If you really feel guilty about it, then..."
Without saying another word, Hui Yin pushed him down on the sofa.
Ignoring his confused look, she ran her fingers through his hair, loosened his tie, and pinched his cheeks.
Her movements were so quick that Lu Shen did not have the chance to stop her.
"What are you..." His voice trailed off as she put a finger on his lips.
In a low voice, she said, "I just wanted to mess you up."
Hui Yin smiled, and said loudly, "Sorry for being so rough, hubby."
Lu Shen froze. Hubby?
Smash!
The two of them simultaneously glanced at the office doorway, where Nian Zhen had just dropped a souvenir jade figurine on the floor.