C12 Dinner

Finally finishing a document, Shu Ann let out a satisfied sigh and stretched, proud to have completed a whole book! Just as she was basking in her accomplishment, a colleague who often worked with Chairman Lih tapped her on the shoulder.

"What's up? Does the boss have any instructions? I'm in the middle of organizing these files."

"No, the boss just wanted me to check on your progress, Miss Ann. He needs these documents for tomorrow's meeting, so they all have to be organized today. He also mentioned that they need to be thoroughly prepared because he'll be explaining them in detail. Sorry for the extra work, Miss Ann."

Hearing this, Shu Ann frowned. She had spent the entire morning just finishing one document, and now she learned that Chairman Lih needed several more ready for the meeting. How could she possibly organize all of them in one day? She had only managed a basic understanding of the files she had worked on, and now she was expected to prepare them in detail. Her initial satisfaction was shattered by the colleague's message, like a hammer smashing her good mood to pieces.

Frowning, Shu Ann suddenly turned to the colleague and asked, "Is Chairman Lih in his office right now?"

The colleague nodded, and Shu Ann breathed a sigh of relief. She remembered Chairman Lih saying that if she had any questions, she could ask him. With so many uncertainties, why not take advantage of that offer? Feeling a bit more at ease, Shu Ann gathered the thick stack of files and stood up, ready to seek clarification, as the colleague watched her with a puzzled expression.

"Let's go. I happen to have something to discuss with our Chairman Lih."

Turning to look at Lih Jingyan, our esteemed chairman was sitting restlessly behind his desk. He had deliberately given Shu Ann the most challenging documents, knowing she wouldn't be able to understand them on her own. It was his way of teasing her. Why hadn't she come to him yet? Had she forgotten he said she could ask for help? Maybe he should go check on her.

Just as Lih Jingyan was about to stand, Shu Ann's voice came from the doorway.

"Chairman, are you there?"

She's here! Lih Jingyan felt a surge of joy but kept a straight face.

"Yes, come in."

Shu Ann entered, placing the files gently on the desk. She opened one and pointed to a section she'd highlighted. "Chairman, I don't quite understand this part."

Though pleased inside, Lih Jingyan couldn't resist a sarcastic remark. "You can't understand this? Are you a fool? It's not that hard."

Despite his words, he patiently explained the details to her.

Time passed with Shu Ann asking questions and Lih Jingyan providing answers. During this morning spent alone with him, Shu Ann gained a new perspective on Lih Jingyan.

She had always thought of him as stern and cold, like an ice block, always wearing a scowl. Even when not working, he seemed unapproachable, which made everyone wary of him. People avoided interacting with him outside of work, and perhaps because of his lack of social skills, he rarely attended employee gatherings. This distance only grew over time. As a result, whenever Lih Jingyan was around, everyone felt uneasy. Even female employees who might admire him for his good looks and wealth kept their distance, intimidated by his stern demeanor.

At first, she thought Lih Jingyan was a cold, unapproachable person, even a bit unpleasant. But now...

Shu Ann glanced up secretly at Lih Jingyan, who was explaining something she didn't understand. On closer inspection, Chairman Lih's skin was remarkably good, probably because he spent so much time in the office. His complexion wasn't too dark or too pale, just right. She'd never noticed up close before, but his eyelashes were long, and his facial features were sharply defined. What once seemed cold and harsh now appeared softer as he quietly explained things to her. His lips were thin, and people often say that thin lips mean a cold heart and shallow feelings. She wondered if that was true for Lih Jingyan.

Looking further down, his posture was impeccable, likely due to his upbringing. Even while sitting, he maintained a straight back, his suit fitting perfectly, giving him an air of meticulousness. He seemed lean but not frail; she knew that beneath that suit was a well-built physique. She couldn't help but wonder if it felt as good as it looked, and the thought made her chuckle.

Lih Jingyan, who had been earnestly explaining the documents to Shu Ann, heard her laugh. He frowned and looked up, noticing her staring at his shoulder with a silly smile. His expression darkened.

"Shu Ann, Shu Ann! Shu Ann!!"

"Ah, ah!!!" Shu Ann was lost in her daydreams when she heard someone calling her. She snapped back to reality, realizing who it was. Startled, she looked up to see Chairman Lih glaring at her with a stern face.

Shu Ann couldn't help but feel frustrated with herself. What was going on? She found herself zoning out while looking at Lih Jingyan, something she never usually did. She really messed up this time.

She stole another glance at Lih Jingyan. Just a moment ago, his expression had been soft, but now it was back to its usual sternness. He often looked angry, and she preferred his softer side. Now that he was so serious, she felt a bit lost, even though she knew she was the one at fault. She was supposed to be listening to him explain the documents, but instead, she had spaced out. Now she had made him upset.

“What’s so funny? Is what I’m saying amusing to you? If these complicated documents make you laugh, I assume you can organize them with a smile too. It shouldn’t take a whole day, right? Maybe just an afternoon?” Lih Jingyan said coldly, his face stern.

Shu Ann was taken aback by his words and quickly waved her hands, speaking hurriedly, “No, no, Chairman, you’re explaining everything so well. Really, these documents are complicated, but you make them clear. I understood everything you said, honestly. Please believe me.”

Lih Jingyan raised an eyebrow and looked at her, asking, “Then what were you laughing at? Do I look funny to you?”

His brow furrowed deeply, and he glared at her as if daring her to say yes, ready to pounce if she did.

Seeing his fierce gaze, Shu Ann shrank back a little and meekly replied, “No, no, Chairman, you’re incredibly handsome, the most handsome man on earth! How could I laugh at you? I was thinking of something else, that’s all. I swear, I wasn’t laughing at you!”

Lih Jingyan looked at Shu Ann, who was earnestly raising her hand and making a promise. His anger subsided a bit as he spoke to her with a hint of resignation, "Alright, as long as you’re not laughing at me. Just make sure next time I explain a document to you, you pay attention and don’t zone out. You’re the one who has to organize these documents. If you’re going to be my secretary, there will be plenty more like this. I don’t mind teaching you once or twice, but what about later? Are you going to ask me every time you don’t understand something? Why would I hire a secretary if I still have to do the work myself? I could save that salary and handle it on my own. Plus, I don’t have extra time every day to answer your questions. Today I’m free, but what about tomorrow or the day after? As the CEO, I’m much busier than you think. I have my own responsibilities. So, if I take the time to explain these documents, it’s because I understand it’s your first time handling them. But I won’t always be available. I expect you to do your job well and not let me down."

Lih Jingyan spoke with a stern expression, his voice cold.