"Sir? Sir?"
Qian Li came back to his senses, his eyes still dazed as he replied, "What's up?"
Aunt Yang beamed with a smile, "Are you smitten with that girl just now?"
His face flushed scarlet in an instant. "That's not true!"
"Still denying it? Your soul has already followed her away."
"Aunt Yang, you're just teasing me. You know I only know how to follow the Second Master's orders. I'm clueless about other things."
Aunt Yang patted his arm. "The Second Young Master never said you have to remain unmarried for life, nor did he restrict your personal freedom. Since you've got this chance right in front of you, why not give it a try?"
"A girl like that doesn't come along every day. She's good - looking, has a nice figure and strong working ability. There might be a long queue of suitors. Aren't you afraid she'll be snatched away by other outstanding men?"
Qian Li blurted out without a second thought, "That's definitely not okay!"
Aunt Yang was taken aback for a moment and then covered her mouth to snicker.
He also blushed in embarrassment, scratching the back of his head as he explained, "Ruo Chi and I both came from the elite troops. To protect the Second Young Master's safety, we're in danger at any time."
"I don't want, nor am I willing to let her share my worries. All I can do now is stay by her side, protect her when she's in danger and help her when she's in trouble. That's all."
Qian Li was well - aware of his own situation and knew he wasn't good enough for Xue Xiaoqi.
He didn't dare to hope that they could pour out their hearts to each other or have a mutual affection. All he could do was stand far away and wish her well.
"Aunt Yang, you should rest early."
Watching him hurry back to the guest room, Aunt Yang sighed with pity.
Whether it was the Eldest Young Master, the Second Young Master or Qian Li and others.
As long as they were in the Bo family, they couldn't simply be with the ones they loved. The master and the mistress were the only couple in this family who had enjoyed a brief period of happiness.
After Ahairui's autumn new products were launched, as the spokesperson, Xiao Shujing's popularity reached an all - time high.
Apart from the media blocking the entrance of Su's Entertainment every day, eager for an interview, many big - name companies also sent offers for cooperation.
"You must be exhausted. Have some water quickly!"
Xiao Yang said with a beaming smile as she handed the water bottle to the person who had just come out of the photo studio. Then she started to massage her shoulders and tidy her hair.
"You could let the newbies do these things. Why do you do them yourself? You've been promoted to a top - level assistant. Mind your image."
Xiao Shujing took it from her with a faint smile.
"Yes~ Teacher Xiao is absolutely right!"
"Where's Ming Han?"
Xiao Yang shook her head looking around. "I haven't seen him since this morning. He should be in a meeting. There are countless companies looking for you to cooperate with recently. President Su must be busy signing contracts."
"He would come to the set to see me even when he was extremely busy in the past."
Xiao Shujing looked a bit unhappy and her face fell immediately.
At this moment, the photographer came over with a big smile, bowing slightly as he asked, "Teacher Xiao, it's almost time. We need to continue shooting."
"Can't you see I'm tired?" Her mood got even worse.
"Um... but you said you wanted to finish shooting as soon as possible."
He looked utterly confused and even a bit baffled.
"I'm tired now! Don't make me repeat myself."
Xiao Shujing rolled her eyes and simply ignored the man in front of her.
"… Brother Chen, how about taking a little longer break?"
Xiao Yang couldn't stand it any longer and forced a smile to smooth things over.
The photographer didn't dare to insist further and had no choice but to nod reluctantly and leave.
Back in the studio, the photography team gathered in a circle and whispered their disgust.
"Have you noticed that Xiao Shujing has been acting like a diva recently?"
"Noticed it long ago. She's so delicate. When I was doing her makeup just now, she said she didn't like that color. We had to change it several times before she was satisfied. She's really a handful!"
The photographer shrugged helplessly. "What else can we do? She's a popular star now. The overseas branches are all inviting her to do promotions. Tolerance is the key. Endure it!"
"Humph, she's popular only because of President Su! Without President Su, she's nothing. She has no right to act like a princess with us."
Xiao Shujing heard the whispers and frowned. "What are they whispering about in there? Are they secretly gossiping about me?"
Xiao Yang quickly waved her hand. "How could that be? You're overthinking it."
At this time, Su Shan was walking over carrying a pile of new - product clothes.
"Sister Shan! Long time no see."
Xiao Yang greeted her with a smile. "Do you need my help?"
"No, I can manage." She clearly didn't want to stay long, especially when seeing Xiao Shujing acting like a rich lady.
"Are you free tonight? We haven't had a meal together for ages. I remember the last time we went out was half a year ago."
Su Shan smiled politely. "I'm still busy. Let's talk later."
"Ah... okay."
Xiao Yang returned to her post dejectedly.
"What do you have to talk to her about?" Xiao Shujing squinted at her.
"Sister Shan taught me a lot. She's like half of my teacher. I've always admired and respected her. Is there something wrong?"
She felt quite uncomfortable.
It was as if her subordinate had taken off the armor and defected to the enemy.
"I'm still your boss. Why haven't I seen you showing respect to me?"
Xiao Yang was completely confused and stood there stunned. "I... I respect you too."
Xiao Shujing sneered and threw the water bottle on the ground.
"What, do you think the treatment on Tian Danni's side is better than mine? Well, if you want to go, just let me know in advance!"
"When did I ever say the treatment there was better? I..."
She stood up abruptly, threw off the coat on her body and walked straight into the photo studio, glaring fiercely at the people in the photography team.
"What are you looking at! Weren't you urging me to shoot? Shoot now!"
Xiao Yang looked at Xiao Shujing's aggressive manner and couldn't help but feel repulsed.
She was like a child who had done something wrong, her eyes gradually turning red as she murmured.
"Shujing wasn't like this before. What on earth has happened?"
Standing not far away, Su Ming Han had his hand in his pocket and a gloomy face.
"President Su, it's almost time for the board meeting."
Assistant Jiang came to remind him.
He nodded sullenly. "You go and prepare the materials. I'll be right there."
"Sir... You'd better come with me. Director Su said he wants to talk to you alone before the meeting. He's already waiting for you in the office."
Su Ming Han rubbed his nose bridge irritably and followed him away.
"Father, you wanted to see me."
He pushed the door open seriously and strode in.
"I'm leaving for abroad this afternoon. I'm just telling you before I go."
"This afternoon?" He looked a bit shocked.
Su Hao nodded. "I came back to China this time just to check on the development of the domestic company. Now that you're running it so well, there's no need for me to stay here and waste time."
"How can it be a waste of time? You can stay for a lifetime if you want!"
After more than a month of getting along, Su Ming Han had gotten used to the atmosphere at home with him. Suddenly going back to being alone again, he couldn't help but feel empty.