C40 He Had Seen Her Face Clearly!

Xiong Miao turned toward the voice and saw Zhan Yeling speaking.

Was he trying to comfort her?

She couldn't help but recall his naturally icy, unsmiling face and how he had nearly choked her to death the night before.

How could she possibly accept his comfort or trust his words now?

"Director Zhan, if I lose, I'll resign," she declared. Her determination was fueled by a desire to prove herself to her colleagues in the Design Department and the need to make a living. If she failed, she was ready to pack her bags and move on. After all, she could make money anywhere; staying here wasn't a necessity.

Xiong Miao had made up her mind.

Hearing her bold statement, Gu Yi couldn't help but worry for her. She was taking a huge risk.

Resignation was the least of her problems if she lost. Director Zhan's position was at stake, and losing the family power struggle could have severe consequences.

Gu Yi was about to offer some advice when he was suddenly silenced by the overwhelming presence of Zhan Yeling.

"Don't worry, we're not going to lose. Just give it your all and don't lose heart," Zhan Yeling reassured her as he walked over to her.

His towering presence loomed over her, casting a shadow that seemed to envelop her in a chilling aura. Xiong Miao shivered and instinctively stepped back. "Director Zhan, I understand..."

Geez, can't you keep your distance when you talk?

What are you trying to do?

Are you planning to throttle me again, out of the blue?

The memory of the previous night's incident cast a long shadow over Xiong Miao's heart, and she was now deeply wary of Zhan Yeling getting too close.

Zhan Yeling appeared not to notice her discomfort. As she retreated, he continued to advance.

Gu Yi, ever perceptive of the mood, saw the intimacy between Zhan Yeling and Xiong Miao and discreetly exited the office, quietly shutting the door behind him.

It's well-known that Xiong Miao once shared a bed with Director Zhan and even made headlines because of it.

The video, however, was swiftly censored by Zhan Yeling.

But Gu Yi witnessed it firsthand: Director Zhan, a man seemingly above worldly concerns, had a look of sheer pleasure when he and Xiong Miao were in bed together.

"I'm sorry about last night..."

"Achoo!"

Zhan Yeling leaned in close, his deep voice saying something just as Xiong Miao sneezed and missed it.

"What did you say?"

Xiong Miao stared at him, a mix of curiosity and anxiety in her gaze, worried she might miss an important assignment from him.

They were so close that her sneeze ended up spraying saliva on Zhan Yeling's face, the delicate fragrance of magnolias becoming more pronounced.

He looked at the petite woman before him, inhaling the unique magnolia scent that was hers alone.

Suddenly, Zhan Yeling's vision began to sharpen.

Before him was a woman with a finely crafted face, her cherry lips slightly pursed, tempting as ripe, juicy cherries begging for a kiss.

Her large, expressive eyes were like clear springs, her pupils darting about, fixated on him with nervous intensity.

Zhan Yeling couldn't believe it; despite his face blindness, he was able to clearly see a person's face for once!

Her face was as radiant and enchanting as an angel's.

Yet, this angel appeared terrified of him.

Her eyes, vast and deep, were filled with fear of him.

Zhan Yeling then realized the extent of the psychological shadow he had cast over her.

Perhaps it was because he had been so angry the previous night, punishing her by pinching her, that he had frightened her so profoundly.