C13 Discussed

Standing across from him, Shu Ann remained silent, her head bowed as she listened to Lih Jingyan's reprimand. Though she felt a bit wronged, she knew she was at fault for zoning out when the CEO handed her the documents. Jingyan's anger was understandable, and his words, though harsh, were justified. She had no reason to feel sorry for herself.

"Yes," Shu Ann replied softly, keeping her head down.

Jingyan looked at Shu Ann, who seemed deflated, and sighed slowly. "Alright, we've been at this all morning. Go have some lunch."

Shu Ann glanced up, noticing Jingyan's expression had softened slightly. She nodded and was about to head out.

"Wait a moment," Jingyan said.

Shu Ann stopped and turned back, looking at Jingyan with curiosity.

"While you're out for lunch, could you grab something for me too? I still have some files to sort through."

Shu Ann nodded and dashed out of the office.

As she exited the CEO's office, she spotted a familiar figure approaching. A closer look confirmed it was Fu Xiaoya. Knowing Jingyan wasn't keen on seeing Xiaoya, Shu Ann quickly approached her.

"Miss Fu, what brings you to our company today?"

"Oh, Miss Shu! I'm just here to see if Jingyan would like to grab lunch," Xiaoya replied with a smile.

Shu Ann thought to herself, as expected, she's here to see Jingyan. Quickly devising a plan, she put on a regretful expression and said, "Ah, what a shame, Miss Fu. Our CEO just stepped out to sign a contract. You just missed him."

Xiaoya frowned slightly but then seemed to have a thought that made her smile again. She looked at Shu Ann and said cheerfully, "No worries. Since Jingyan's out, do you have time to join me for lunch?"

Shu Ann paused for a moment, unsure why Xiaoya suddenly wanted to invite her to lunch. However, feeling a bit guilty for having just deceived Xiaoya, she thought it might be a good idea to accept the invitation since she didn't have any other plans for lunch. Plus, it would be a way to make up for her earlier dishonesty.

With this in mind, Shu Ann smiled at Xiaoya and said, "Of course, no problem at all. It's my pleasure to have lunch with you, Miss Fu. Just give me a moment to wrap up a few things, and we can head out."

Xiaoya nodded, and Shu Ann quickly found Special Assistant Zhou to pass on the task of delivering lunch to Lih Jingyan. After that, she and Xiaoya left together.

Inside the restaurant, the elegant lighting cast a warm glow over the diners' tables, enhancing the appetite. A violinist played a concerto in G minor, adding to the sophisticated yet slightly formal atmosphere.

Shu Ann and Xiaoya arrived at the restaurant. Shu Ann knew that Xiaoya's invitation wasn't just about the meal; it was about Lih Jingyan.

"Good afternoon, ladies. What can I get for you?" the waiter asked, approaching with the menu.

Xiaoya took the menu and handed it to Shu Ann. "Shu Ann, see if there's anything you'd like?"

Shu Ann glanced through the menu. "I'll have the pan-fried goose liver," she decided. Not a fan of beef and not a frequent visitor to Western restaurants, the goose liver was her go-to choice. However, she did enjoy a good glass of red wine, as it fit her idea of a refined persona.

"And a glass of Bordeaux red wine, please. Thank you," Shu Ann added.

"And for you, Miss?" the waiter asked Xiaoya.

"I'll have the same," Xiaoya replied.

"Two orders of pan-fried goose liver and two glasses of Bordeaux red wine. Would you like any dessert, ladies?" the waiter inquired.

Xiaoya glanced at Shu Ann, who shook her head. Seeing this, Xiaoya said, "No, thank you."

"Alright, ladies, please wait a moment." The waiter picked up the menu and left.

Xiaoya looked at Shu Ann and asked, "Shu Ann, have you been to this restaurant before?"

Shu Ann was puzzled by the question. "Miss Xiaoya, this is my first time here," she replied.

"Shu Ann, no need to be so formal. Just call me Xiaoya."

"Do you really like Western food, Shu Ann?" Xiaoya asked.

"Xiaoya, I don't particularly like Western food. Why do you ask?" Shu Ann inquired.

"Oh, I just noticed you ordered the most expensive wine here, so I thought you might be a fan of Western cuisine," Xiaoya explained.

At that moment, the waiter returned with the wine. "Ladies, two glasses of Bordeaux. Enjoy."

After placing the wine on the table, the waiter left. Shu Ann picked up a glass, took a sip, and said, "Xiaoya, I just really enjoy wine. I think it adds a nice touch to the atmosphere." She wouldn't admit that she drank wine just to appear more sophisticated.

"Then why don't you like Western food, Shu Ann?" Xiaoya was curious, finding it odd that someone who enjoyed wine wouldn't like Western cuisine.

"Well, I don't like beef, and many Western restaurants focus on steak. Plus, I find Western dining a bit too formal. I prefer Chinese restaurants; they're more relaxed," Shu Ann explained.

"I'm sorry, Shu Ann. I didn't know you didn't like Western food when I brought you here," Xiaoya said apologetically.

"It's alright, Xiaoya. You didn't know before. Besides, I do think the pan-fried goose liver is quite good."

Shu Ann didn't want to dampen Xiaoya's spirits.

"I'm relieved to hear that, Shu Ann. Honestly, I love Chinese food too, but I have so many business meetings that I often end up at Western restaurants. Over time, I've just gotten used to it and don't visit Chinese restaurants as much," Xiaoya said, a bit wistfully.

Shu Ann noticed Fu Xiaoya seemed a bit down.

"Xiaoya, whenever you have some free time, let me treat you. We can grab some skewers and beer, just to unwind," Shu Ann suggested.

Xiaoya brightened up at the idea. "Shu Ann, you promised! I'll definitely take you up on that when I'm free."

"Absolutely, no problem," Shu Ann replied.

Xiaoya enjoyed chatting with Shu Ann. Over the years, she hadn't had many chances to talk about everyday life with friends. As a career-driven woman, she was always buried in work, leaving no time to catch her breath. This meal with Shu Ann was the first time in ages she felt truly relaxed.

"How long have you been working at Jingtai, Shu Ann?" Xiaoya asked.

"I just started recently, less than a month ago," Shu Ann answered.

"Why did you choose to be a secretary?" Xiaoya asked curiously.

"Well, during the interview, they asked what position I wanted. I thought just getting into Jingtai would be great, so I didn't have any specific demands. I said I was open to anything, and they placed me as a secretary," Shu Ann explained, taking a sip of red wine.

Xiaoya thought to herself, so it wasn't her first choice. Shu Ann is really adaptable.

The waiter approached with a dish. "Ladies, here are your pan-fried goose livers. Enjoy your meal."

He placed the plates on the table and left.

"Shu Ann, you have to try this pan-fried goose liver. It's delicious," Xiaoya urged.

Following her suggestion, Shu Ann cut a piece and tasted it.

"Wow, this is really good. Xiaoya, you sure know how to pick a restaurant," Shu Ann savored the flavor.

"I've tried many places, and this restaurant has the best pan-fried goose liver. I was curious if you'd been here before because you ordered all the best dishes," Xiaoya explained.

"Ah, so that's how it is. I guess I do have a good eye," Shu Ann said, a bit self-satisfied.

It was 12:30 PM, and the restaurant was getting busier as more people came in for lunch.

Fu Xiaoya thought for a moment before finally asking, "Shu Ann, what do you think of Lih Jingyan?"

Shu Ann was surprised by the question but answered, "Lih Jingyan? He's a bit of a two-faced person, like a kid with a temper. His moods change like the weather in June. One moment, he's as friendly as a brother, and the next, he's got a temper like a tiger. Unfortunately, I've mostly seen the tiger side. He often overworks me, makes me stay late, and frequently scolds me. He's so demanding and stubborn. If I didn't need this job, I wouldn't put up with it." Shu Ann felt a sense of relief after venting about Lih Jingyan.

Hearing this, Fu Xiaoya felt disappointed because she knew Lih Jingyan had never shown those emotions towards her, only a cold demeanor.

After venting, Shu Ann cautioned Fu Xiaoya, "Xiaoya, please don't tell Lih Jingyan any of this, or he'll give me a hard time."

Noticing Fu Xiaoya's expression, Shu Ann asked, "Xiaoya, what's wrong? Did I go too far?"

"Shu Ann, you know, I actually envy you," Fu Xiaoya admitted.

"Envy me? Why?" Shu Ann asked, puzzled, wondering what she had that Xiaoya didn't.

"Shu Ann, my father worked under Lih Jingyan's grandfather for over a decade. After I graduated from college, the old man arranged for me to work at a branch of Jingtai Company. I wanted to honor his trust, so I worked hard and became a manager," Fu Xiaoya paused, took a sip of wine, and continued, "When the old man found out, he was pleased and told me, 'You're the granddaughter-in-law our family has chosen. Once Jingyan's work stabilizes, he'll marry you.' I was shocked when I first heard that because I never imagined marrying Lih Jingyan."

Shu Ann was surprised by what she heard, but unsure of what to say, she continued listening to Fu Xiaoya.

"The old man often sets up meetings between me and Lih Jingyan, trying to create opportunities for us. I have a good impression of Jingyan; maybe I think we're similar in some ways. We both love our work. But we're also different. I've met him no more than five times, and each time, his demeanor towards me is as cold as ice—emotionless and distant. We don't have much to talk about, except maybe work. I used to think he was like this with everyone until you mentioned otherwise.

So, I really envy you, Shu Ann. You've seen so many sides of him, while I've only encountered his icy demeanor," Fu Xiaoya said, letting out a sigh.