C19 She Could Not Act in front of Him

Black and white are timeless classics, and when combined with the traditional Chinese knot, this design transcends the changing eras. It's destined to become a legacy piece, cherished through the ages.

The fusion of serenity and transcendence evokes a profound and melancholic aura.

Take Zhan Yeling, for instance. His strength and enigma command respect, and no one dares to dishonor him. Even fewer seek to understand the depths of his soul.

Yet, isn't it true that the treasures of the soul are the most valuable?

Indeed, it was Zhan Yeling who inspired this design.

Naturally, this is something Xiong Miao could never reveal to him.

As Zhan Yeling scrutinized the innovative and elegantly styled designs on the computer screen, his discerning eyes narrowed slightly. Xiong Miao's profound design expertise was evident, even in the painted models.

Without a word, Zhan Yeling continued to study the images before him.

Mistaking his silence for dissatisfaction, Xiong Miao hastily apologized, "I'm sorry, Director Zhan. I sketched these overnight in a rush. They're a bit rough, but rest assured, I'll refine them later."

"You completed all these in one day?" Gu Yi, who had been observing alongside, was incredulous, his eyes wide with amazement.

To finish so many designs in a single night!

Was she a genius?

No, she was beyond a genius; she was a marvel!

"Yes, I know we can't delay the new product launch," Xiong Miao replied, her thoughts with the company.

Clearly, Zhan Yeling was impressed with both the designs and Xiong Miao's efforts that day. "Hmm, not bad," he said in a low, even tone that was less about praise and more a reflection of his professional demeanor.

Yet, those simple words sent waves of elation through Xiong Miao. Her designs had earned Director Zhan's approval!

Her all-nighter had paid off!

She hadn't anticipated the sheer joy that Zhan Yeling's acknowledgment would bring her. Her heart was practically leaping from her chest.

"Director Zhan, shall we proceed to the next step and start the pattern making and production?" Xiong Miao asked, her excitement causing her words to tumble out clumsily.

"Alright, let's get to it." Zhan Yeling leaned back in his chair, stretching his long legs onto the desk, and casually crossed his arms over his chest. Despite his relaxed demeanor, his presence remained commanding.

Xiong Miao, still with one hand on her computer, couldn't help but gulp at the sight of Zhan Yeling's languid pose. She had been concerned that her laptop might sully his impeccably organized desk. Yet there he was, nonchalantly resting his feet on it. She decided not to make a fuss – after all, she was just an employee.

"Anything else?" Zhan Yeling's voice, smooth and magnetic, flowed from his lips.

"No, that's all," Xiong Miao quickly replied, closing her laptop. "I'll leave you to it then, Mr. CEO. I'll be on my way."

As she turned to leave, a sudden dizziness overtook her. Stars danced before her eyes, her legs buckled, and she collapsed, her computer clattering to the floor with a thud.

Instead of hitting the ground, Xiong Miao found herself atop Zhan Yeling's outstretched legs, which had inadvertently formed a makeshift bed. She had fainted backwards, landing perfectly on his legs, unconscious.

Xiong Miao's faint was so sudden that Gu Yi, who was about to step forward to assist her, could only watch as she heavily slumped onto Zhan Yeling's 'leg bed.'

Gu Yi hesitated, torn between intervening and maintaining his position. Approaching now seemed intrusive, especially since she was Zhan Yeling's woman. Any unwarranted contact might provoke the CEO's ire.

Seeking guidance, Gu Yi glanced at Zhan Yeling, only to be met with an icy stare and a scowl that could have been carved from stone. Clearly, Director Zhan was irritated, but the reason was lost on Gu Yi.

Quickly reassessing the situation, Gu Yi retracted his would-be helpful steps, turned on his heel, and discreetly exited the office.

Zhan Yeling clenched his jaw, his eyes dark and swirling with silent fury.

Well, Gu Yi has the nerve to start neglecting his responsibilities now!

He must have a death wish!

And this woman, does she faint at every opportunity just to catch his attention?

She's clueless about the ways of the world!

"Hey, get up!" Zhan Yeling nudged his long legs, his face clouded with annoyance.

The woman's body merely rocked slightly with his motion, showing no sign of consciousness.

Her full weight bore down on his leg, and if he pulled away, she would crash to the ground and break like that computer.

It didn't look like she was pretending.

Zhan Yeling straightened up, propping Xiong Miao's shoulder with one hand while he steadied her with the other, pinching her philtrum.

"Ouch, that hurts!" Xiong Miao winced, waking up in pain.

"Who's doing that? You're using so much force. Are you trying to kill me?" Even when pinching someone, can't you be gentler? Xiong Miao instinctively snapped back.

Turning her head, she locked eyes with Zhan Yeling's stern and icy gaze, which silenced her immediately.

"Playing the same old game, huh?" Zhan Yeling's voice, though pleasant, carried a note of displeasure.

In that moment, she was in his arms, her body pressed against his. His cool body temperature seeped through the fabric onto her skin. His robust masculine scent enveloped her.

The intimacy of their proximity stirred memories from a hotel encounter four years prior.

A blush swiftly spread across Xiong Miao's pale face. She hurried to stand, but still weak, she stumbled. Grasping for the nearest object to steady herself and avoid another fall, she inadvertently clutched something warm, followed by a faint sound of pain.

Her eyes, wide with alarm, met Zhan Yeling's furrowed brow and his stern, handsome features.

"I'm sorry..." she stammered, not meaning to grab his leg.

The man remained silent, his gaze piercing her as if it could bore a hole straight through.

Xiong Miao's heart raced with fear that he might think she was trying to draw his attention on purpose. She quickly explained, "I have low blood sugar. I didn't have breakfast this morning, which is why I passed out..."

After giving birth, she found herself without anyone to care for her during her postpartum month. The meals were subpar, and she was left to tend to her six little ones all on her own. This ordeal led to her developing an issue with low blood sugar.

She had been up all night, and in the rush of the morning, she managed to prepare breakfast for the children and get them fed. Amidst the chaos, she didn't get a chance to eat anything herself.

That's why she ended up fainting involuntarily.

*Knock knock.* At that moment, the office door was rapped on.

"Come in," Zhan Yeling said, his face an icy mask.

"President, your coffee." The secretary would bring in a cup of coffee every so often.

Sensing that Director Zhan's mood was off, the secretary quickly set down the coffee and scurried out of the office, fearing becoming collateral damage to Director Zhan's wrath.

Xiong Miao was well aware that she had once again provoked Zhan Yeling. "Director Zhan, I—I'll get back to work now..." She couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze.

"Wait," came the commanding voice from behind her.

Xiong Miao froze, her heart thumping wildly.

She knew he wouldn't let her off easily. What form of humiliation was he going to subject her to this time?

"Drink the coffee," he instructed.