C27 Call Him Boss!
Chi Xin knew exactly what kind of person Hei Lei was.
In Lan City, Hei Lei's reputation as a notorious bully was well-known. His visit today could only mean that Su Rann had somehow managed to anger him.
Chi Xin seemed eager to witness the drama unfold. Now that Su Rann had provoked Hei Lei, it seemed she was on a path to self-destruction.
As Hei Lei approached Su Rann, Jiang Zhehan quickly stepped in front of her.
"Ms. Rann, of all people, why did you have to offend Hei Lei?" Jiang Zhehan lacked the confidence that he could take down this formidable bully.
Hei Lei's menacing presence deterred anyone from getting too close.
"I'm going to grab a glass of water," Su Rann casually mentioned to Jiang Zhehan, seemingly unfazed.
"Su Rann, you're in the mood for water now? Haven't you noticed Hei Lei is here for you?" Chi Xin asked, her hands clasped and a smirk playing on her lips.
"Ms. Rann, don't worry. I won't let Hei Lei push you around," Jiang Zhehan assured her, steadfastly remaining by her side.
He had previously seen Su Rann handle a few thugs, but Hei Lei was a different caliber of bully—one who could take on ten men single-handedly.
Su Rann's delicate frame was no match for Hei Lei, or so he thought.
He had convinced himself that Hei Lei was here to seek revenge for those thugs.
"Young Master Jiang, you'd be wise to keep your distance from this woman. She's managed to infuriate Hei Lei. Don't get burned," Chi Xin warned from the sidelines.
A cold glance from Hei Lei silenced Chi Xin instantly.
He strode to the tea room and returned with a cup of water, offering it to Su Rann.
"Boss, are you thirsty?"
As Hei Lei spoke, a hush fell over the room, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
What? Hei Lei was calling Su Rann boss?
Liu Jiatong's anxiety finally subsided.
Jiang Zhehan was still reeling from the surprise.
He took another look at Su Rann, who remained composed, and then at Hei Lei.
He couldn't believe his eyes.
"Follow me," Su Rann instructed Hei Lei. He obediently trailed behind her, as compliant as a foot soldier.
Everyone was shocked! What in the world was happening?!
Chi Xin's expression was one of utter disbelief. Su Rann actually knew Hei Lei, and what's more, Hei Lei was calling her "boss"?
Chi Xin had been eagerly anticipating the moment Su Rann would be put in her place by Hei Lei. The stark contrast between her expectations and reality caused her face to flush with a mix of embarrassment and anger.
"Why are you here?" Su Rann's voice was laced with irritation.
"Boss, I just wanted to see when you'd be free to grab a meal together," Hei Lei said with a smirk.
"No time," she replied, her voice as chilly as a frosty spring morning.
Hei Lei, noting her impatience, handed her his business card.
"Boss, if you ever need anything, just let me know. I'll be at your beck and call."
She had the commanding presence of a true leader; she wasn't one to concern herself with someone of his minor stature.
Hei Lei caught a glimpse of her ring, which seemed to pulse like blood under the sunlight.
He understood that the deeper the red of the ring, the higher the rank. She was undoubtedly a top-tier figure.
"Don't come looking for me here again," Su Rann said curtly, her gaze icy.
She casually pocketed the business card and walked away with a resolute air.
Hei Lei felt a surge of excitement as he watched her accept the card.
With a click, a snapshot of the two was taken.
"Ms. Rann, what's all this about? Why is Hei Lei calling you 'boss'?" Jiang Zhehan pressed for answers as he trailed behind her upon her return.
Su Rann settled into her seat, her elegant brows framing her cool, detached eyes.
"You should be asking Hei Lei that. He's an idiot; are you one too?"
Su Rann pulled out a stack of papers, her detachment from this world evident.
She had lived a solitary life for years, viewing the hustle and bustle of existence as nothing more than a fleeting shadow.
Resting her cheek in her hand, her expression was one of displeasure.
"Young Master Jiang, there's trouble," Zhao rushed in, breathless.
Jiang Zhehan, annoyed by his frantic approach, gave him a swift kick.
"What's the problem? I'm perfectly fine!" he snapped, taking out his frustration on Zhao.
"Young Master Jiang, take a look at this," Zhao said, handing over his phone.
Upon seeing the message related to Su Rann, Jiang Zhehan stood up abruptly.
Everyone in the company is now aware that Miss Su and Hei Lei have become quite close. Jiang Zhehan glanced at the forum post titled "Company Insider Fraternizes with Street Thugs, Tarnishing Our Image," which was accompanied by a photo of Su Rann and Hei Lei. I never would have guessed it was her. From the start, I had my suspicions about her methods. Hei Lei, the street thug, refers to her as 'boss.' Could it be that she has a powerful backer?
Su Rann is indeed capable, but who could she be relying on? It's got to be someone influential. Despite her cold exterior, she might be quite the flirt.
Numerous anonymous comments were left in response to the post. Jiang Zhehan's grip tightened as he ordered, "Take down this post immediately. I don't want anyone else to see it!" Even though he was unsure of the exact nature of Su Rann's relationship with Hei Lei, deep down he couldn't help but trust her.
Just then, Chi Xin approached him. "Young Master Jiang, have you seen the recent online post? It's surprising how much commotion Su Rann's situation has caused within the company. Many are speculating that she's backed by some big shot. What's your take on this?"
A smirk played on Chi Xin's lips. "I'll get to the bottom of this," Jiang Zhehan declared, his fists clenched and eyes filled with a chilling resolve. "I'll find out who's stirring up trouble and daring to target Ms Rann."
Chi Xin had intended to belittle Su Rann in front of Young Master Jiang. She hadn't anticipated his staunch support for Su Rann, who had only joined the company a few days ago and had already gained his trust.
Feeling somewhat uneasy, Chi Xin averted her gaze from Jiang Zhehan's penetrating stare. "Who knows? Today, quite a few people saw Hei Lei looking for Su Rann," she said dismissively before walking away.
The office was abuzz with gossip. When Liu Jiatong caught sight of the post, she cast a worried glance at Su Rann. Su Rann had only gotten involved to help her, and now she was the subject of office speculation.
Liu Jiatong stood up defiantly. "Stop spreading rumors. If Su Rann were truly involved with Hei Lei, do you think she would be working with us right now?"
Watching the crowd ridicule Su Rann, she felt a deep sense of unease in her heart.
Turning to Su Rann, she saw her examining the documents with a resolute expression, utterly dismissive of the scorn surrounding her.