“Hey—so all that gossip was for Miss Aiyue’s arrival?”
“Who started the rumor that the CEO got drunk at a bar trying to win back his ex-wife?”
“No idea who started it. We won’t finger anyone.”
“Whoever it was, in my mind the CEO’s a total jerk right now.”
“Heh, you sound so worked up. As if the CEO cares what you think of him.”
“Hey, am I not allowed to complain?”
“Have you noticed how he looks at Miss Aiyue? All soft and loving.”
“No way. Could he really be trying to cement his reputation as a cad?”
“First the wife, then Miss Bei—poor guy.”
They muttered and chuckled in low voices, mindful enough of working hours not to get too loud. After a few furtive exchanges they scattered back to their desks, but their glances toward Aiyue grew bolder, edged with contempt.
Yuan Meng felt the stares—who wouldn’t—but she moved as if oblivious, following Ling Qianchen into his office. She’d been there before, but today, wearing a different title, she feigned the wonder of a first-time visitor with a small, deliberate gasp.
“Yueyue, you can treat this place like your—” He caught himself and quickly changed pace, “don’t be formal. Make yourself at home.”
Yuan Meng clicked her tongue inwardly but smiled politely and nodded. “Thank you.”
Facing her, Ling suddenly seemed a little unsettled. His fingers fumbled, a rarity. “I—let me show you the file.”
She took a seat on the sofa, an eyebrow lifted at the unusual stammer. He composed himself, reappeared with the documents in hand, and the tension eased from his shoulders.
“Look this over, Yueyue.”
She accepted the folder and turned the pages quietly. It wasn’t the final draft, but the idea was fresh and intriguing. When it came to sparring in public, Ling and Jake could be childish, but when it was time to work, their chemistry clicked—efficient, almost instinctive.
“Not bad,” she said. “It’s got potential.”
She pointed out a few small flaws and suggested adjustments. Ling jotted everything down and explained his thinking, shifting angles where necessary. Her approving hums drew a small, pleased smile from him. Before either of them noticed, the morning had slipped away into an entire discussion session.
As the lunch hour approached, Ling straightened his blazer and rose.
Yuan Meng watched him, brow lifted; that look nearly distracted him again. “Yueyue, may I have the honor of inviting you to lunch?”
“No.” She refused with a quick laugh, no hesitation.
If it had been anyone else, Ling—ever the gentleman—wouldn’t press. But with Yuan Meng it was different.
“I’d just like to spend a little time with you, even half an hour. Please?”
His tone was almost abject, and she hesitated. She wasn’t truly eager to refuse. After all, she hadn’t grown tired of this game. A meal would cost her half an hour, maybe an hour. Nothing mortal.
But she did have plans. “Sorry, I promised my brother.”
He looked disappointed. He didn’t want to let slip any chance to be with her.
“How about tomorrow evening?”
She watched him for a beat, then smiled. “Does President Ling usually insist on getting his way?”
“No—I don’t mean that, Yueyue. I just want to—spend more time with you.”
“Relax. I’m teasing you.” She could see his shoulders relax a fraction. “So when are you free?”
“Really want to take me to dinner?” He nodded earnestly.
She played coy a moment longer, enjoying the way he fidgeted, then said, “Tomorrow night.”
His face lit up like a boy’s. Yuan Meng had to hide a laugh. Someone seeing him now would never guess he was the cold, composed CEO. He was a love-struck adolescent, awkward and unsure where to put his hands.
She found it amusing—too amusing.
Across town, at a quiet candlelit table, Yuan Yibai’s knife froze mid-cut as he looked at his sister and set down his fork with a smile. “What’s got you so happy?”
“Nothing—just thinking about something fun.” Yuan Meng took a sip of juice to cover her grin, not entirely convincingly. Yuan Yibai had already heard enough rumors; he wasn’t easily fooled.
“So what’s going on with you and Ling Qianchen?”
Her brother’s tone was casual, but his eyes were sharp. “Do you still have feelings for him?”
She shook her head. “No. I’m just enjoying it—playing along for fun.”
She wasn’t lying. Ling was different in public than in private; that contrast was endearing in a light, playful way. That was enough to make her spend time indulging the chase.
Yuan Yibai, who knew his sister better than anyone, didn’t pry. He was a man who doted on his sister but never tried to control her life. So long as she wasn’t hurt, he’d support whatever mischief she wanted to get into.
“As long as you’re happy, I’m with you. If things get tough, don’t try to handle it alone—call me.”
She knew her brother’s heart was huge and honest; he was ruthless with others but soft when it came to her. The age gap between them didn’t change that closeness.
“Okay,” she said, smiling.
Because she had just returned from abroad and was still jet-lagged, Yuan Yibai insisted on walking her to the car after dinner. They said a few more words before Yuan Meng watched his taillights disappear. Only then did she fold up the tired smile and go inside.
First thing at home she showered off the day and collapsed onto the bed with her tablet, idly scrolling the usual feed—celebrity gossip, mundane household chatter. Just as she was about to log off, a notification popped up: a private message.
It was from the casting team of a hot new reality show. Most shows followed celebrities’ daily lives, but this one had a twist: it centered on exes. Yuan Meng snorted. The producers sure knew how to spin a headline.
She’d already retired from the public sphere and had no interest in getting tangled in industry drama. Without a second thought, she declined the invitation.