C18 A Lively Youth

"Director Zhan is currently with a guest and doesn't have time," the receptionist informed Xiong Miao.

Understandably, Zhan Yeling was a man who managed countless affairs, his stature lofty. His schedule was incredibly tight, and one couldn't simply meet with him without an appointment.

Xiong Miao turned away, her spirits dampened.

"Manager Xiong, what brings you here?"

Hearing the familiar voice, Xiong Miao turned back to see Gu Yi approaching. She indicated the computer she was holding. "I was hoping to present my design to Director Zhan, but he's tied up at the moment."

Gu Yi noted that she was holding the computer in her left hand and a USB drive in her right, clearly prepared.

This was fortuitous; he hadn't yet figured out how to assist Director Zhan, but now he had a solution.

"Come with me; I'll take you to see Director Zhan," Gu Yi offered.

"But..." Xiong Miao hesitated, worried about showing up unannounced and possibly upsetting Zhan Yeling.

"Don't worry, Director Zhan is available now."

Since Gu Yi had said as much, and considering her proposal was indeed urgent, Xiong Miao no longer hesitated and followed him to the elevator.

"Ding!" The elevator came to a halt at the top floor.

Gu Yi led the way with Xiong Miao in tow.

In the office at that moment, Zhan Yeling sat at his desk, frowning at the documents before him.

Meanwhile, Ling Xiaoxiao, persistent and trying to ingratiate herself, sought every opportunity to draw near him.

"Yeling, you've been working non-stop for two hours. Have some coffee to perk up," Ling Xiaoxiao suggested, bringing over the coffee prepared by the secretary. She leaned in, ostensibly to offer the coffee, but in reality, she lowered her neckline to catch his eye and stir his desire.

Yet the man ignored her completely, not sparing her even a glance.

Ling Xiaoxiao's smile stiffened, a sense of defeat washing over her.

But in an instant, she pushed down her frustration and maintained her gentle demeanor. She lifted the coffee cup from the tray and brought it to Zhan Yeling's lips. "Yeling, since you're busy, allow me to feed you."

As she spoke, she leaned in close, her red lips nearly brushing against Zhan Yeling's face. A sharp scent of perfume mixed with the unpleasant odor of rouge and lipstick invaded Zhan Yeling's nostrils like a flood, filling him with disgust and irritation.

"Get away!"

"Ah!" Ling Xiaoxiao stumbled backward, falling to the ground as her coffee spilled over her, staining her pristine white dress with unsightly coffee blotches.

Xiong Miao, following Gu Yi into the office, witnessed the moment Ling Xiaoxiao nearly kissed Zhan Yeling, only to be unceremoniously pushed away.

"Director Zhan, is this a bad time? We can come back later," Gu Yi said, standing in the office with no real intention of leaving, his words clearly directed at Ling Xiaoxiao.

"There's no need. What's the matter?" Zhan Yeling's voice was steady and authoritative.

"Manager Xiong from the Design Department is here to present the design proposal to you," Gu Yi explained, emphasizing 'Manager Xiong' a bit louder due to Zhan Yeling's face blindness, ensuring he recognized who was present.

Xiong Miao stood quietly to the side, not daring to speak. She hadn't anticipated encountering such a scene in Zhan Yeling's office. In broad daylight, a woman was boldly attempting to kiss him. The ease with which this woman had entered Zhan Yeling's office and not been dismissed suggested her status was far from ordinary. It seemed likely that only Zhan Yeling's rumored fiancée, Ling Xiaoxiao, could claim such a privilege. Xiong Miao quickly pieced together the woman's identity.

Ling Xiaoxiao picked herself up from the floor, her high heels at odds with the flat surface, nearly causing her to topple over again. She steadied herself by clutching the edge of a desk. Her makeup, once meticulous, was now smeared, and her silky, wavy hair had become disheveled. Anger flickered across her cheeks, which she struggled to contain, distorting her features.

Her chest rose and fell with fury. Had it been anyone else who had treated her in such a manner, she would have already erupted in a roar, lashed out in a frenzy, and engaged in a physical altercation. But the man before her was none other than Zhan Yeling.

That individual was not one to be taken lightly or endured.

Ling Xiaoxiao managed to suppress all her resentment and fury, shaking with anger yet managing to squeeze out a smile. "Yeling, since you're busy with work, I'll leave you to it."

She struggled to appear empathetic in front of Zhan Yeling, which was quite laughable.

She was determined to make Zhan Yeling accept her and marry her! That was her ultimate goal!

Ling Xiaoxiao's gait was unsteady as she hobbled forward. As she passed by Xiong Miao, she abruptly stopped and scrutinized her face.

Upon seeing her, Ling Xiaoxiao's facade crumbled, revealing a twisted grimace. Was this not the same woman who had been in the video with Zhan Yeling last time?

Though previously injured, the woman's face was now unscathed.

But Ling Xiaoxiao's character would not allow her to tolerate a rival in love; she had etched the woman's visage into her memory.

She was the one involved in the rumors with Zhan Yeling!

What was she doing here?

Reporting to Zhan Yeling about the design?

So, she had always been part of the Rich Corporation's inner circle!

Zhan Yeling had actually kept her close by!

With this realization, Ling Xiaoxiao's face, meticulously made up, contorted with rage. Her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms.

Xiong Miao sensed the intense glare directed at her. Looking up, she was met with Ling Xiaoxiao's terrifying stare.

She stepped back, thinking she had inadvertently blocked Ling Xiaoxiao's way, causing the displeasure.

But Ling Xiaoxiao showed no signs of forgiving her, her eyes seeming to wish they could shred her to pieces.

Xiong Miao, thinking she had upset her by not acknowledging her, forced a smile and mustered the courage to say, "Hello."

"Ah, so you're the Design Department manager. Zhan Yeling's right-hand...," she said with emphasis, clearly insinuating something.

With that, Ling Xiaoxiao, despite the pain in her feet, strode away in her high heels with an air of arrogance.

Xiong Miao was left bewildered, not understanding Ling Xiaoxiao's behavior or the implications of her words.

"Manager Xiong, don't just stand there. Start your presentation," Gu Yi prompted, snapping Xiong Miao back to reality just in time.

She powered up her computer and inserted the USB drive. As she was about to place the computer on the desk, she caught herself—this immaculate desk belonged to Director Zhan. She dared not encroach upon it.

Instead, she balanced the computer on her left forearm, holding it up for Zhan Yeling to see, while her other hand navigated the cursor.

Her proximity meant that the subtle fragrance of magnolia from her wafted towards Zhan Yeling, cleansing his senses of the overpowering perfume that lingered earlier. It noticeably improved his mood.

Before beginning, Xiong Miao stole a quick glance at the man. Noting his relaxed demeanor and no sign of irritation, she confidently launched the PowerPoint and started her explanation: "Youth is vibrant, and the soul is pure and clean. Everyone harbors a wound deep within, nestled in a sacred space they hesitate to reveal, lending youth its gravity. I've chosen black to symbolize this gravity, white to convey purity, and I've accented it with a red Chinese knot to infuse a spirited passion into the solemnity."