C6 Subsequent

"This comment is so harsh!"

"She didn't even last four years; she started interning in her junior year, so it's been barely three years!"

Shu Ann silently protested her boss's behavior, quietly indicating her dissatisfaction. She wore her emotions on her sleeve. If she didn't always have that stern look, who would trust her, a hacker, with those secrets? And if she wasn't kept close, no one would know her true nature was actually quite naive.

Still, being the only one who knew this about her felt pretty good.

The Chairman was in a better mood.

Shu Ann dared to look up. But before she could catch a glimpse, the Chairman raised his head, and she quickly looked down again, pretending to be deep in reflection.

Was he really that intimidating?

"Alright, learn from this and head out. This isn't a daycare for clueless kids. Remember that next time."

Shu Ann immediately agreed and hurried out of the office.

Was he too harsh? Jingyan pondered. Maybe he should be gentler next time. His subordinates might cry if they heard this!

Shu Ann sat back in her office chair, relieved. She was used to a more relaxed pace, and this intense workload was a bit overwhelming.

The phone rang, and it took Shu Ann a moment to realize it was hers.

"Hello?"

"Ann, where are you? I'll come pick you up. Something's happened."

The familiar voice, tinged with urgency, snapped Shu Ann to attention. Something was definitely wrong.

"No need, I'll come to you. Are we meeting at the usual spot?"

Without worrying about who should go where, Mooh Yang quickly agreed, "Yes, hurry."

She hung up and got ready to leave, but the unfamiliar layout of the office reminded Shu Ann that she couldn't just do as she pleased.

Hmm, it wasn't quitting time yet. Leaving early during an internship wouldn't get her fired, would it? Better ask for leave first.

"Shu Ann, come in."

Her hand was raised to knock on Zhou Yang's door when her name was called from the largest office on the 23rd floor.

Lih Jingyan? Someone from the Lih family? That rang a bell.

Lack of sleep is just not an option.

Shu Ann moved her feet slowly, trying to stall until the man forgot about her. It was clear he was unhappy with the long wait. The man across from her wore a serious expression. Uneasy, Shu Ann called out to the CEO, who grabbed her wrist and led her into the elevator.

"Come with me."

With her low emotional intelligence, Shu Ann wondered if leaving work with the CEO counted as leaving early.

Lih Jingyan drove steadily, and even Shu Ann realized he was taking her home, meaning he knew everything. She sneaked a glance at his profile. His sharp features made him seem unapproachable, but his natural authority suited a leader. With his skills and intelligence, he probably wouldn't spread rumors about her side job. He seemed reliable, but what if he wasn't?

Shu Ann was torn as she looked at his profile.

Being stared at so intently, even a fool would know someone was watching him. Lih Jingyan quietly enjoyed her gaze, pleased to see her so captivated. Her work skills might not be great, but her taste was.

Once the internship is over, she should stay on, Lih Jingyan thought happily.

Clearly, they weren't on the same page about this.

As the car pulled into the old estate, Shu Ann realized Zhou Yang was waiting. How would she explain them arriving together? She didn't want Zhou Yang involved in her personal matters.

Lih Jingyan closed the car door, nodded politely at Zhou Yang, and walked into the estate first. Shu Ann followed, avoiding Zhou Yang's questions. Zhou Yang was left fuming.

The old master sat waiting for them, with the butler, Gu, respectfully by his side. Shu Ann felt like she had traveled back in time.

"Hello, Old Master Lih." It felt like meeting an emperor.

"Young one, I'm going to trouble you again this time."

"Not at all. Last time, I didn't clean up properly. This time, I'll make sure it's spotless."

With a sinister smile unlike any other, an aura of destruction emanated from her, and in Shu Ann's pride, being outmaneuvered felt like a slap in the face. Normally so unassuming, she almost faded into the background. But what if she were elevated to new heights, standing by his side, in his world?

Lih Jingyan allowed a small smile to surface, quickly masking his emotions. Watching this unfold, Zhou Yang felt a pang in his chest, as if something that was rightfully his had been taken away. No, he couldn't lose his composure before understanding this girl.

Something subtle had shifted, an undercurrent in the air. Focused on the chaotic code before her, Shu Ann didn't notice any of it. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Something was wrong, terribly wrong! This technique wasn't typical of an ordinary hacker; it bore a resemblance to her own!

The more she spiraled into anxious thoughts, the more defeat loomed. Inside, something screamed not to give in. Her demeanor was off.

Lih Jingyan was the first to notice. No one had ever pushed "The Assassin" to such a point, yet here it was, right before him, someone matching her skill for skill. A firm hand steadied her shoulder, warmth radiating through. Shu Ann felt a sense of calm, her earlier panic slowly dissipating.

"Stay calm." The man's voice was deep and resonant, like the hum of a cello, captivating those around.

Shu Ann closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, the confident "Assassin" who ruled her domain was back. Lih Jingyan's smile widened, unwilling to hide it this time.

Ah, the vigor of youth, thought Old Master Lih with a knowing smile. He wasn't some old relic stuck in the past. He understood the ways of the young.

Zhou Yang, however, wasn't as pleased. He had always been the one standing by Shu Ann's side, fighting alongside her, while Lih Jingyan was nowhere to be found.

"No, until we figure this out, Shu Ann can only be part of our team!"

If Shu Ann wasn't so focused on the task, Zhou Yang thought, he would have pulled her close to keep that filthy person from touching her. This unfamiliar emotion was terrifying.

Time slipped away unnoticed, and the elderly were the first to falter. The old man waved off the young people's help, straightened his back, and went to rest in the bedroom with the old butler.

Lih Jingyan remained by Shu Ann's side, the code on the computer screen dizzying. Shu Ann was relentlessly cracking it, the mental and physical pressure making her pale. It was her first time. Both of them noticed.

Shu Ann was immersed in the world of code, the thrill of cracking it proving her capability. No one could stop her. If she could leave, she wouldn't return.

Late at night, Shu Ann hit the last key and exhaled deeply. "Brother, I won." She couldn't help but smile, though it was a strained one.

"You're exhausted. Go rest; the guest room is ready for you," the man's deep voice sounded in her ear. Shu Ann, weary, agreed. She was very tired.

Lih Jingyan smiled, ignoring the man sitting on the sofa, and led Shu Ann to the guest room. Zhou Yang sat stiffly, unmoving.

Opening the door, Lih Jingyan let Shu Ann sit while he ran the bathwater. Even with her nerves, Shu Ann was still a girl, and her sensitivity remained.

"Mr. Chairman, no, no, I can do it myself. It's late; you should rest," Shu Ann declined.

"Alright."

Surprised at how agreeable he was, she hadn't yet relaxed when he added, "Tomorrow, take a day off, then explain everything to me, my proud little secretary."

Finally, he said it. Shu Ann felt it was inevitable.

The man left the room, and Shu Ann took a quick shower. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the bed. Before falling asleep, she wondered how she should face her boss tomorrow, or if she might lose her first job.

Shu Ann fell asleep before she could think any further. The moonlight was just right.

After leaving Shu Ann's room, Jingyan noticed Zhou Yang still sitting there. Unconcerned, he returned to his room, catching the faint words from the man's mouth, "You lost."

At the very beginning, before anything had taken off, he always knew what he wanted and got it quickly.

This wasn't a sleepless night.

When Shu Ann woke up, her head ached a bit, but hunger was what really roused her. She had slept until noon.

It felt great, like a holiday where you could sleep as long as you wanted. Wait, something was off. Shu Ann's eyes widened. Today wasn't a holiday; she had work. Oh no, she was late.

She hurriedly put on her shoes and got out of bed, only to realize this wasn't her cozy little apartment.

She was still groggy.

Rubbing her temples, Shu Ann lay back down.

Someone knocked on the door. "Miss Shu, are you up?"

"I'm up. I'll be down in a minute."

"Alright, lunch is set in the dining room as per the young master's instructions. You can go eat directly."

The servant's reminder made Shu Ann realize how hungry she was. She quickly got herself ready and went downstairs to eat.

Her hunger made her forget everything else, so when the man appeared in front of her, she was momentarily stunned before her memory returned.

Why not just leave!

Shu Ann's headache worsened. She forced a strained smile. "Good morning, boss."

"It's already noon," the man kindly informed her, then sat across from her.

Shu Ann suddenly lost her appetite.

Anyone would feel uncomfortable being watched while eating.

"Um, sir..."

"Eat first, we'll talk after," the man interrupted. "No rush."

Who's rushing! Shu Ann felt like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, ready to pounce on Jingyan.

It was quite amusing.

For the sake of his little secretary's stomach, Jingyan stayed silent, waiting for her to finish eating.

"Alright, now let's talk. What else are you hiding from me?"

Lih Jingyan was curious about what else he didn't know regarding Shu Ann. It was time to investigate.

"Boss, hacking is just a side gig for me. My main job is working for you," Shu Ann said, her eyes practically pleading, "Trust me."

Lih Jingyan almost couldn't hold back a laugh.

"And what else?"

What else? What was he getting at?

Shu Ann looked at him, puzzled.

Lih Jingyan remained silent, waiting for her to continue. He suspected she had more secrets, but after ten minutes, he realized she wasn't going to share them.

Feeling a strange sensation in his chest, he stood up and looked down at her. In that glance, Shu Ann thought she saw a hint of anger.

Since when could she read minds?

Shu Ann couldn't figure it out and didn't want to dwell on it. She called Zhou Yang, but his phone was off. Maybe he had gone back already.

In the living room, she saw the butler and declined the offer to have dinner there, deciding to leave instead.

What Shu Ann didn't expect was that Zhou Yang hadn't left. He was waiting for her not far from the house.

She sighed, realizing her perceptive partner had sensed something. It seemed she couldn't keep it a secret any longer.