Chapter 7

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Warm breath mixed with her unique scent washed over Qiao Ziman, making her ears flush and her heartbeat quicken uncontrollably.

Danger!

At this moment, Qiao Ziman’s only thought was to stay away from this dangerous woman. She quickly took a step back, but due to the wide motion, her balance faltered, and her body uncontrollably fell backward. Behind her was the hard corner of a desk.

“Be careful.”

At the critical moment, her wrist was tightened, and Qiao Ziman solidly crashed into Chi Yin’s soft embrace. Her hands were still gripping Chi Yin’s chest.

So big

Qiao Ziman pinched again.

So soft

“Have you had enough touching?”

Qiao Ziman awkwardly withdrew her hand and quickly stepped away from Chi Yin’s embrace, keeping a meter of distance. “Sorry…,” she said, shifting her gaze uncomfortably and adding, “Thank you.”

Chi Yin: “Hmm?”

What am I even saying! Qiao Ziman was speechless.

“Chi Yin, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be going now,” Qiao Ziman paused, “I have the right to refuse matters unrelated to work. Bye.”

She absolutely couldn’t let this woman know that she had discovered her secret. Otherwise, she’d be in big trouble. Qiao Ziman quickly scurried out of Chi Yin’s office like a rabbit.

Chi Yin looked at her retreating figure in confusion, slowly raising her lips into a smile.

Qiao Ziman, awkwardly fleeing back to her workstation, stared at the extra BMW key in her hand, deep in thought. She had intended to go and tell Chi Yin that she couldn’t serve her, so why had she inexplicably ended up with a different car?

She silently replayed the events in her mind, glancing out of the corner of her eye as Chi Yin left the office and returned with the black bag a few minutes later. She quickly grabbed a stack of materials and followed her.

“Qiao Qiao, wait for me, I need to tell you something,” Tang Xiaoxiao said excitedly, blocking Qiao Ziman.

Qiao Ziman looked towards Chi Yin’s office with an urgent expression. “If it’s not important, say it later.”

“Cheng Peng came looking for you this morning. When he didn’t find you, he asked me to check if you’re free tonight. He wants to see you,” Tang Xiaoxiao teased. “A date, huh?”

Qiao Ziman: “No.”

Tang Xiaoxiao grabbed her again. “Qiao Qiao, you’re turning down a ready-made choice and constantly going on blind dates. What are you thinking? Cheng Peng might be a bit below your standard, but he’s not unattractive and he’s reliable. Why not give it a try?”

Why did Tang Xiaoxiao sound just like He Cuizhen? Suspicious, Qiao Ziman cast a sharp look at her. “Did my mom buy you off?”

“Do I look like a traitor?” Tang Xiaoxiao said indignantly. “I’m just looking out for your future.”

True, He Cuizhen probably didn’t have the ability to infiltrate the company. Qiao Ziman relaxed her guard, patting Tang Xiaoxiao on the shoulder. “I don’t date colleagues; it’s a principle of mine. And,” she pointed towards Chi Yin’s office, “do you think I have time for this right now?”

“So what should I tell Cheng Peng?”

Qiao Ziman paused. “I’ll find a time to explain it to him myself.”

After dismissing Tang Xiaoxiao, Qiao Ziman went to Chi Yin’s office.

“Chi Yin,” Qiao Ziman slowly surveyed the room, her gaze settling on a file cabinet with a new lock under the desk, thinking: This person hides things in a strange way.

Alright, she at least knew that keeping such small toys in the office was inappropriate.

“What are you looking at?”

Qiao Ziman calmly withdrew her gaze and placed a stack of documents on the desk. “Chi Yin, I’ll send the design drafts for the client to your email later. We discussed with the project manager there last night and made some changes to the key character costumes and scene designs. Also, this is the quarterly work summary for each department, organized by date with labels. I’ve also prepared the electronic version if you need it; I can send that to your email as well. Feel free to call me for any work-related instructions; I’m available 24/7. It’s inconvenient to contact me through other means. I hope we can have a pleasant time working together.”

Keep work and personal matters separate, and avoid crossing boundaries!!!

Qiao Ziman felt she had made herself clear. If this woman still didn’t understand, she’d keep playing along and refuse to be manipulated any longer.

Chi Yin responded with a satisfied “mm,” and Qiao Ziman couldn’t figure out her thoughts at all. Did she understand or not?

“Thank you for your hard work. Inform the management of all departments that there will be a meeting in Conference Room 1 in five minutes. Remember to bring a notebook for minutes. Also,” Chi Yin handed Qiao Ziman a thermos from her bag, “please get me a cup of water, thanks.”

Qiao Ziman: “Alright.”

Five minutes later, Qiao Ziman arrived at the meeting room first and immediately saw the senior manager and Liu Dahai standing at the door.

The senior manager, in her forties, was well-maintained and still had a certain charm. She was ambitious, the type who would seize any opportunity to climb higher. As soon as Ji Yun left, she aimed to promote Liu Dahai to pave the way for herself. She leaned against the door with a flirtatious gaze, smiling brightly. “Dahai, make sure to perform well later, and leave the rest to me.”

“Got it, sis. I’ve booked a restaurant for lunch,” Liu Dahai said, leaning in close and whispering something in the senior manager’s ear. Her cheeks turned slightly red, and her smile grew more pronounced.

Qiao Ziman squinted, thinking that their close proximity looked more like flirting.

Liu Dahai suddenly noticed Qiao Ziman not far away. After a moment of surprise, he quickly distanced himself from the senior manager and greeted her casually, “Little Qiao, you’re here. Where’s Chi Yin?”

“How would I know!” Qiao Ziman said, dismissing them. She didn’t care what they were up to as long as they didn’t bother her.

“Little Qiao, didn’t you get promoted to Chi Yin’s assistant? How come you don’t know anything? Your work isn’t up to par,” Liu Dahai said, emphasizing the word “assistant” with a hint of sarcasm.

Qiao Ziman walked past him without giving him a glance. “Yes, yes, I should learn from you. You’re so skilled, always sticking close to the senior manager. Anyone would think you’re her assistant. Maybe I should suggest to Chi Yin that she transfers you to a different department?”

“Little Qiao, what’s your meaning?” The senior manager’s face stiffened, and she said angrily, “I advise you not to talk nonsense.”

“Tsk, I meant it literally. What else could it mean?”

Both were taken aback. Qiao Ziman glanced at them with amusement and then turned to enter the meeting room. Inside, the heads of various departments took their seats, and Qiao Ziman prepared the PPT that Chi Yin would need.

She faintly heard Chi Yin’s voice from outside the door and moved closer, straining to listen.

The senior manager said, “Chi Yin, this is Liu Dahai from the Art Department. After Supervisor Ji Yun’s transfer, he has temporarily taken over the department. So, I suggest he participates in this high-level meeting to give a report on the department.”

Qiao Ziman thought, Pah.

There was a brief silence inside, then Chi Yin replied, “No need. Qiao Ziman will handle it.”

“Is Qiao Ziman up to it? I think her personality is too unstable, and her work ability needs improvement.”

Chi Yin: “Are you questioning my judgment? If there’s any important notice, I’ll have her distribute it.”

Qiao Ziman slowly curled her lips into a smile.

“Of course, that’s not what I meant. Chi Yin, I’ve arranged for Liu Dahai to book a restaurant for lunch. After the meeting, I’ll take you there.”

Chi Yin: “No need. Qiao Ziman has arranged everything here.”

Qiao Ziman: “?” What do you mean, I’m handling everything? Am I her nanny? But it felt pretty good that this woman was actually on her side.

The meeting room door was suddenly pushed open. Before Qiao Ziman’s smile could fade, she was caught off guard.

“I wasn’t eavesdropping. You were just speaking too loudly,” came the reply.

“Hmm, perfectly aboveboard,” Chi Yin said, walking back to her seat with an unmistakable smile in her eyes. She suddenly turned and, with her expression returning to normal, said, “Qiao Ziman, come sit next to me.”

Qiao Ziman, puzzled, pointed at herself. “Me?” This didn’t seem appropriate.

One of the vice presidents next to Chi Yin automatically moved his seat to the right, and Qiao Ziman, braving the gazes of everyone, sat down next to Chi Yin. Seeing the disgruntled look from the senior manager, Qiao Ziman raised an eyebrow, feeling quite pleased.

“Alright, let’s get to the main topic. Today’s meeting has three main points. First, our work plan for the second half of the year. After discussing with the shareholders yesterday, our company has decided to launch two new frameworks: overseas markets and IP transformation.”

While taking meeting minutes, Qiao Ziman occasionally stole glances at Chi Yin, who spoke confidently and eloquently. Confident and composed, Chi Yin exuded a charming charisma at work, naturally becoming the focus of attention, as if she radiated light. Qiao Ziman’s attention was involuntarily drawn to her, unable to snap out of it for a long time.

The meeting lasted nearly three hours. Afterward, Qiao Ziman was ravenously hungry.

Back at her desk, she hesitated about whether to take out the lunch she had prepared. She had originally planned to reconcile in the morning, but now, given the implicit meaning of keeping their distances, delivering the lunch would be like slapping herself in the face. But this woman seemed to be defending herself during the meeting. If she didn’t care, would it make her look petty?

After some consideration, Qiao Ziman took the two boxes of lunch to the tea room. After heating them in the microwave, Qiao Ziman went to Chi Yin’s office.

“Chi Yin.”

Chi Yin looked up from behind her desk. “What’s the matter?”

Qiao Ziman walked over slowly, placed the lunch boxes down, and took out new cutlery to set before her, succinctly saying, “Lunch.”

Chi Yin looked at her, puzzled. “Hmm?”

Still acting, she really deserves an Oscar. Qiao Ziman smiled. “Feel free to eat or not.”

“You made this specifically for me?”

Qiao Ziman: “.” Why was this person so annoying?

“By the way,” Chi Yin smiled. “I remember someone seemed eager to distance herself from me.”

Enough already. Qiao Ziman was certain that Chi Yin had clearly understood her earlier words. She turned to take the lunch back, but Chi Yin hurriedly grabbed her hand. “I’m just joking. Thank you.”

The warmth from her hand was incongruous with the hot weather. Qiao Ziman stared at their hands clasped together, feeling suspicious. Why is it so cold?

Chi Yin did not release her hand for a long time, even lightly rubbing it with her fingertips. Qiao Ziman was on the edge of exploding, yanking her hand away and frowning, “Have you had enough?”

Chi Yin smiled and pointed to her own chest. “We’re even now.”

Qiao Ziman suddenly remembered the accidental groping incident from the morning, and her gaze moved to that area, causing her ears to flush. She snorted coldly and turned to sit in the corner of the sofa, keeping a safe distance from Chi Yin. She almost forgot that this person held grudges.

Qiao Ziman, feeling frustrated, opened the lunchbox and stuffed rice into her mouth. Glancing out of the corner of her eye at Chi Yin, who was smiling with a satisfied expression, she was feeling a bit defeated. “The lunchboxes are new, and so are the utensils.”

Chi Yin asked, puzzled, “What do you mean?”

“Aren’t you a germaphobe?”

“How do you know?”

Qiao Ziman picked up a piece of stir-fried meat with her chopsticks and sneered, “The other day, when I fell asleep in the car and accidentally drooled, you should have seen your face. And the way you change outfits every day—if one didn’t know better, they’d think you were going to a fashion show. Also, you’d rather not eat than go to an outside restaurant.”

Chi Yin was surprised that Qiao Ziman had observed so closely and was momentarily stunned. “So, do I look pretty when I dress up?”

Qiao Ziman: “???” This sudden change of topic caught her off guard. She answered honestly, “Yes, pretty.”

Chi Yin: “That’s good.”

Qiao Ziman: “.” Why was that strange feeling coming up again?

The silence spread invisibly between them. Qiao Ziman even felt Chi Yin’s gaze continuously on her, making her feel restless. She suddenly looked up and asked, “Aren’t you going to eat?”

“Yes,” Chi Yin said slowly, opening the lunchbox. Upon seeing the contents, she furrowed her brows.

What did that mean? Although her cooking skills weren’t perfect, it shouldn’t warrant such a look of disgust. This was her specialty: stir-fried meat and spicy diced chicken. Aside from some flaws in the knife work, it should be fine.

Qiao Ziman was fuming, though. “There’s no need to put yourself through this.”

Chi Yin’s face paled for a moment, but she hesitantly picked up a piece and chewed it slowly. “It’s good.”

Hmph, that’s quite insincere. Qiao Ziman ignored her, focusing on her meal, and after finishing, she tidied up by herself.

When she returned to the office, Chi Yin had already put down her chopsticks. The lunchbox on the desk was still full.

Hmph, if I cook for her again, I’m a dog! Qiao Ziman gritted her teeth in her mind, feeling frustrated as she huddled in the corner of the sofa, flipping through meeting notes.

At some point, Chi Yin had sat next to her, and they were very close.

“Is there anything you don’t understand?”

Qiao Ziman was startled and instinctively tried to pull away, but Chi Yin moved closer again.

Qiao Ziman awkwardly turned her head, “Some of the technical terms are unclear, and I didn’t catch some of the faster explanations.”

Chi Yin chuckled softly and began to review everything from the start with her.

Time passed, and the sun began to set.

“Chi Yin, is this data correct?”

The person next to her suddenly went still. As Qiao Ziman was puzzled, she felt a heavy weight on her shoulder. Warm breath was right by her neck, causing a shiver to run through her.

“What are you doing?”

Qiao Ziman turned her head and saw Chi Yin leaning on her shoulder, her face pale, her lips drained of color, her brows furrowed with beads of sweat on her forehead, clearly in pain. Qiao Ziman lost all her anger instantly and asked urgently, “Chi Yin, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Do you need to go to the hospital?”

“It’s nothing. Just let me lean here for a while.”

Her voice grew weak, and Qiao Ziman became even more anxious. “Then I’ll call 120!”

“Don’t,” Chi Yin grasped Qiao Ziman’s clothes, “It’s a stomach ache. There are stomach medicines in the drawer.”

“Got it,” Qiao Ziman gently helped her lean against the sofa cushion, got up to fetch the stomach medicine from the drawer, and poured a glass of warm water to help her take it.

After a while, seeing that Chi Yin’s complexion had returned to normal, Qiao Ziman finally relaxed.

“Chi Yin, if there’s nothing else at the company, I can take you home.”

Chi Yin thought for a moment and replied, “You drive yourself home today. I have something to do.”

Qiao Ziman instinctively asked, “What’s the matter?” As soon as she said it, she realized she might be overstepping, as Chi Yin didn’t need to explain to her.

“I have a meeting with a friend.”

Qiao Ziman: “.”

“Female.”

Qiao Ziman: “.” A meeting?

Suddenly, Qiao Ziman’s distant memories were triggered.

“A meeting?”

“Come to my place?”

Chi Yin’s earlier weak appearance almost made Qiao Ziman forget her usual frivolous demeanor. Her gaze darted towards the locked cabinet, “Alright, be careful on the road.”

She then added earnestly, “It’s best to exercise moderation today.” Don’t overindulge.

Chi Yin: “???”

===

Author’s note:

Moderation?

Chi Yin: My wife’s thought process is truly incomprehensible. But it seems quite exciting.