"I've always remembered." Rong Xiu said very softly, softer and lighter than the light penetrating through the glass window. If it weren't for the cold expression on her face and her consistently emotionless eyes, one might have thought they heard a tender, passionate love confession.
"I didn't recognize you at the interview site because I was afraid outsiders would think you got in through nepotism." The education of a noble family's young master kept her back straight throughout, as upright as a green mountain, just like her famous uncompromising and decisive style in the industry.
"Senior is always so thoughtful." Fan Xia said, her voice filled with laughter.
"CEO, your coffee." Zhuang Nian came in with the coffee.
Rong Xiu glanced casually at the coffee on the table and said indifferently: "Leave it there, go back to work."
"Yes, then we'll take our leave." Zhuang Nian retreated with relief, taking Fan Xia along, and thoughtfully closed the door.
The heavy door closed, and the office returned to an enclosed space. With its predominantly black decor, it looked gloomy even during the day, like a quiet, thick night.
In this silent, dim night, suddenly a satisfied sigh was heard.
Rong Xiu's back, as straight as a green mountain, slumped down, sinking into the black leather office chair. Her long, beautiful fingers rested on the Windsor knot at her collar, violently loosening the tie. The meticulously neat collar was wrinkled in several places, revealing the tightly constrained Adam's apple.
"Fan Xia..." Rong Xiu leaned her head back on the chair, silently mouthing her name. The rimless glasses were casually tossed aside, her sleeves covering her narrow, cold eyes, revealing a perfect, delicate jawline. Her Adam's apple, no longer suppressed and restrained, moved up and down freely. Beneath the ascetic, cold exterior, her palms were already damp with a thin layer of sweat: "I've finally waited for you."
"Executive Assistant Fan, the company has an employee cafeteria with good food. You can try it at lunch." As lunchtime approached, Zhuang Nian said to Fan Xia while playing with his phone.
"Xia Xia, how's your first day at work? Let's have lunch together, I'll wait for you in the employee cafeteria." A message came through on the phone, with Temperature Lan Sheng attaching a cute, pleading emoji.
Fan Xia paused her work and calmly replied: "It's fine, see you at the cafeteria."
At the same time, she responded to Zhuang Nian's kindness: "Secretary Zhuang, aren't you going?"
"I'm on a diet, I made a low-fat meal at home."
"What about the CEO?" Fan Xia asked.
Zhuang Nian waved his phone: "I'm ordering for her right now. The young master from a noble family is picky about food and basically never eats in the employee cafeteria. Every day I have to order dishes she likes from her favorite restaurants."
Just as he finished speaking, the door of the CEO's office opened, and Rong Xiu walked out adjusting her suit cuffs.
"CEO." As soon as he saw Rong Xiu, Zhuang Nian's body stiffened: "What would you like to eat today? I'll order for you."
"No need, I'll eat at the employee cafeteria." Rong Xiu's eyes were distant.
"This, aren't you...?" Zhuang Nian said somewhat confusedly.
Rong Xiu finished adjusting her suit cuffs, her narrow eyes sweeping over him.
Zhuang Nian immediately shut his mouth.
"What are you having for lunch?" Rong Xiu looked at Fan Xia, his previously cold tone towards Zhuang Nian suddenly becoming gentle.
Fan Xia answered truthfully: "Going to the employee cafeteria."
"Together?" His pale eyes held a questioning look.
Being able to have lunch with the top boss would be beneficial for future work.
Fan Xia nodded: "Sure."
The two entered the elevator together, leaving behind a bewildered Zhuang Nian.
"Today is really strange, why is the CEO acting so abnormally?" Zhuang Nian muttered softly.
Taking advantage of the moment, Fan Xia sent a message to Wen Lan Sheng: 'I can't have lunch with you today, sorry, I'll make it up to you when I get home.'
Wen Lan Sheng replied instantly: 'Okay, I understand you have a lot to handle on your first day of work. I'll make you something delicious when you get home.' Along with a sad emoji.
"Chatting with your boyfriend?" Rong Xiu's tone was characteristically cold, devoid of emotion.
Fan Xia put down her phone and looked at Rong Xiu. He was leaning lightly against one side of the elevator, his legs long and strong. The light from the top of the elevator shone on his lowered brows and eyes, casting a shallow shadow beneath his eyes, exuding an air of coldness.
Time seemed to return to seven years ago, to when she first saw him.
"Still Wen Lan Sheng?" Rong Xiu asked again.
Fan Xia was slightly surprised: "Senior, you know him?" She didn't recall ever mentioning Wen Lan Sheng to him.
Rong Xiu's voice was deep and indifferent: "Many people know him."
Back in school, as many people who secretly loved Fan Xia, that many knew Wen Lan Sheng and had been humiliated by him.
Ding dong! The elevator arrived at the 15th floor employee cafeteria.