Chapter 16 With just one word from Jiang Shan, he would…
Xu Qing, who was slumped in his seat acting like a big shot just a second ago, suddenly jumped up when he saw Zhu Meng in person, reaching out to shake Zhu Meng's hand and bowing and scraping as he called out "President Zhu".
Zhu Meng pursed his lips and, before Xu Qing's hand could touch him, swiftly withdrew it.
Xu Qingyin's eager hand missed its target.
Jiang Shan felt dizzy and disoriented. She had been lacking sleep for the past few months, and her threshold for laughter involuntarily lowered. She bit her lip hard to suppress a cold laugh.
This is what they mean by "flattering someone only to end up hurting them," right?
Xu Qing, however, remained calm and chuckled, showing off his bright white teeth: "President Zhu, I, Xu, have been waiting here for over ten hours, just for you! I've been eagerly anticipating your arrival!"
Zhu Meng didn't say a word, turned around and walked towards the conference room, not even sparing him a second glance.
"Jiang Shan," Zhao Yi saw that Jiang Shan was still sitting in the chair, struggling to keep his eyelids open. She subconsciously wanted to pat Jiang Shan's shoulder to wake him up, but remembering that Zhu Meng had told her not to touch Jiang Shan, she could only force out a sentence from her throat, "Let's go."
Jiang Shan nodded, indicating that she understood. Unfortunately, she had just woken up from a deep sleep and was not only dizzy but also had weak legs.
Seeing everyone moving towards the conference room, she tried to stand up by holding onto the handrail, but unfortunately, she couldn't get any strength in her hands, and none of her body parts could be supported. Before long, Jiangshan was like a fallen leaf in the bleak autumn wind, trembling in mid-air.
Zhu Meng may have left gracefully, but his eyes never left the country.
Noticing Jiang Shan's predicament, he subconsciously stopped in his tracks, turned around and reached out to help, but remembering the strict separation between men and women, he stopped himself, only slightly frowning and giving Zhao Yi a wink.
Zhao Yi quickly accepted the order and helped Jiang Shan up to head to the conference room: "Be careful, don't fall."
Perhaps because the conference room wasn't air-conditioned and the heat was trapped inside, Zhu Meng took off his suit jacket as soon as he entered the room, and adjusted the cuffs on his white shirt, pulling the sleeves up a bit.
As the president's number one secretary, Gao Ming immediately realized that Zhu Meng was hot, so he picked up the remote control to turn on the air conditioner, but Zhu Meng raised his hand to stop him.
Gao Ming awkwardly put down the air conditioner remote and secretly glanced at Jiang Shan.
How could he forget that President Zhu didn't intend to rely solely on opening windows for ventilation and cooling in temperatures over 20 degrees Celsius, but rather that Miss Jiang was very sensitive to the cold, which is why President Zhu was unwilling to turn on the air conditioning.
It's rare to see President Zhu care so much about a girl. As his secretary, it's really not very competent of him not to keep that in mind at all times!
However, Miss Jiang's complexion is really pale. She took two days off, but her condition is worse than before her vacation. That's really strange.
Zhu Meng calmly took her seat at the head of the conference room, resting her fair elbows on the mahogany conference table, her hands folded, her chin propped on her fingertips, and her gaze on the troublemaker as sharp as a hawk.
"Xu Qing, explain your purpose in one minute."
With Zhao Yi's help, Jiang Shan gently sat down in the seat closest to the door. She pinched the soft flesh on the inside of her arm hard, trying to cheer herself up despite her exhaustion.
Despite being a busy CEO, Zhu Meng rushed over here for such a trivial matter.
She had heard Zhao Yi mention that Zhu Meng was on a business trip in France. After a 10-hour international flight, his eyes were bloodshot, clearly indicating that he hadn't rested well.
With the boss taking such good care of her, how could she, as an employee at the center of public attention, not treat him well?
"Ahem." Perhaps due to the performative personality developed from more than 20 years of life experience, Xu Qing cleared his throat during this crucial minute.
"President Zhu, today I, Xu Qing, am going to accuse Jiang Shan of bribing Zhao Yi, who, by using her position as the head of the technology department, is helping Jiang Shan with his promotion... Of course, I won't say anything reckless in front of you; I have evidence to back up my story!"
He paused for two seconds, blinking his bright eyes and staring expectantly at Zhu Meng, like a dog throwing a tantrum and begging for its master's approval.
Zhu Meng simply glanced down at Patek Philippe.
"You have twenty-one seconds left."
Xu Qing panicked immediately: "Hey, you're really timing this? I thought you were joking... Oh right, time is limited, get to the point. I not only have photographic evidence, but also video!"
He rushed to the stage in the conference room, plugged in the USB drive, and projected the video and photos he had carefully prepared onto the big screen.
Xu Qing flailed the mouse across the screen: "Is that Jiang Shan in the video? And the other person is Zhao Yi, right? I checked the cosmetics in the middle online, they cost four figures! Such expensive stuff, I don't think Jiang Shan usually uses it, so why would she buy it if she doesn't use it herself? Isn't it just to bribe Zhao Yi?"
"After all, Minister Zhao played a crucial role in this promotion, so how could Jiang Shan not express his gratitude?"
Zhu Meng let out a soft hum from his nose, leaned back, placed his hands on the armrests, and spread his legs naturally, adopting a relaxed posture that showed he was in complete control.
"According to you, colleagues in the company can't give each other gifts?"
Xu Qing seemed to have ADHD, shaking her head violently.
"President Zhu, that's not what I meant. I was just saying that Jiang Shan specifically chose this crucial moment of promotion to give his superior a gift, and he did it secretly, behind everyone's back, with such an expensive gift. This is more than just gratitude; it's bribery!"
Jiang Shan gently pressed his fingers on his aching lower abdomen, his face slightly flushed.
She bought the gift because she was furious with Xu Qing's subtle and overt social niceties, and she was imitating him out of revenge; she did indeed have that intention.
After performing well in her promotion report and earning the respect she deserved, she lost interest in the idea. As for handing the gift to Zhao Yi a few days ago as planned, it was purely to thank Zhao Yi for her meticulous care during her hospitalization.
After all, hiring a caregiver to take care of someone at the hospital for a day costs money, let alone Zhao Yi, who is her colleague with whom she will be spending every day in the future, so of course she has to show her appreciation.
She hates owing favors to others the most.
Xu Qing spoke urgently, and after he finished, he clutched his chest, panting heavily, like an honest man who had been bullied too much and finally couldn't bear it anymore, complaining to his superior.
Faced with Xu Qing's barrage of words and gestures, Zhu Meng remained completely unfazed, like an aircraft carrier steadily sailing through a raging storm.
He simply lowered his voice a little.
The ending sound was very soft, like a faint sigh.
"Why did she give it to me? Have you looked into it?"
Xu Qing was stunned: "...Huh?"
His face screamed, "Does bribing your boss need a reason?" Unfortunately, none of the other four people in the office cared.
Zhu Meng raised his hand, and Gao Ming immediately projected the prepared materials onto the big screen.
"See for yourself."
It is Jiangshan's medical record.
It clearly states that Jiang Shan had a high fever and was hospitalized a few days ago, how many days he stayed, and what medicine he was given.
Xu Qing stared in disbelief, while Jiang Shan vaguely sensed something was amiss.
Gao Ming took her to the hospital, and Zhao Yi took care of her there for a day. Why would Zhu Meng, who had no connection to the incident, know about it and even prepare her medical records in advance?
...Just like when Zhu Meng personally took her to the hospital and took care of her for a day.
But how is that possible?
Zhu Meng was extremely busy with official duties, and this was the only person in the company who stayed up late with her!
He can't possibly be that free, can he?
Besides, aren't medical records considered personal privacy? Shouldn't only someone related to her be able to access them? Although, to prove her innocence, she would probably grant authorization if Zhu Meng asked her for it.
Xu Qing paused, then raised his voice, a hint of obsequious flattery in his tone, like dry ice sublimating at room temperature on the sidelines of a stage, turning into wisps of white smoke: "President Zhu, I always thought you were a very fair person, how come even you are siding with Jiang Shan..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Zhu Meng stopped him with a gentle, forceful gesture of raising his hand.
Zhu Meng didn't look at him, his eyes quickly swept over Jiang Shan, and then fixed on Gao Ming as if avoiding suspicion: "Retrieve Jiang Shan's project results, and this guy surnamed Xu."
The project was implemented efficiently and effectively. The two project results were placed side by side on the big screen for comparison, and they were worlds apart.
The achievements of Jiangshan cannot be contained in three slides of a PowerPoint presentation; they are massive warships with five or six levels of activity space inside, filled with real guns and ammunition.
Xu Qing's journey ended after only one-third of it, on a dilapidated little fishing boat that could only accommodate two people.
It's obvious at a glance which is better or worse.
Zhu Meng maintained an icy expression and spoke at length, which was quite unusual for him.
"You keep talking about fair competition, but in the past three months, you haven't made any progress at work, yet you've been very diligent in giving gifts. Don't you feel ashamed when you use the word 'equality'?"
Xu Qing's face paled slightly, and he stammered, still trying to argue.
"President Zhu, are you mistaken? I'm here today to report Jiangshan for giving gifts. Even if it's a misunderstanding, it's just that I'm overthinking it. The main thing is, I didn't give any gifts..."
Zhu Meng did not argue with him, but simply beckoned with his finger, indicating to Gao Ming to play the video he had prepared beforehand.
The setting is this conference room, the main characters are Xu Qing and Zhao Yi, and the time is exactly three days before their official appointments.
The familiar scene repeats itself: "Look at the cat..." "You're here, no need to bring a gift..."
Not only Zhao Yi and Xu Qing, but Jiang Shan was also stunned.
The incident happened so suddenly that even though she was feeling relatively comfortable and her mind was still sharp, she forgot to take out her phone to record it.
Or rather, she considered writing it down, but dared not offend Zhao Yi, so she swallowed her pride and suffered in silence.
Who would have thought that this video would resurface, especially in such an awkward situation?
The five people present were all intelligent and needed no further explanation.
Zhu Meng leaned forward slightly and, facing Xu Qing's wide-eyed stare, uttered his final verdict in a cold voice, each word deliberate and slow, as if slowly releasing the pent-up anger within him.
"In what way can you compare to the empire?"
Xu Qing's face drained of color, and Zhao Yi's face also flushed red and then turned pale.
When the city gate catches fire, the fish in the moat suffer. If she had known that there was such a powerful figure behind Jiang Shan, she wouldn't have dared to secretly make things difficult for him!
After all, President Zhu is right. Jiangshan completely crushes Xu Qing in every way. In a fair competition, Jiangshan will definitely be the one to stay.
Xu Qing is such a troublemaker; President Zhu could have just sent his secretary to deal with him. Why bother flying back from France to hold this meeting? Isn't it all to seek justice for Jiang Shan and vent his anger?
Sigh, how could Jiang Shan's relationship be hidden so deeply? How could she have been so confused back then?
Zhao Yi glanced at Zhu Meng's expression and cautiously said, "President Zhu, I was blinded by greed and accepted his gift. Please forgive my rudeness..."
Zhu Meng didn't seem surprised by her sliding knee apology.
His eyes remained calm, and he simply waved his hand slightly.
“Zhao Yi, you are a long-time employee of the company. Considering that although you accepted Xu Qing’s gift, the only convenience you provided to Xu Qing was to approve leave. Whether Xu Qing is present or not has little impact on the project and has not caused any loss to the company… You will be deducted three months’ performance bonus. This is a one-time exception.”
"Yes, yes!" Zhao Yi's delicate makeup was about to be soaked by the cold sweat beading on her forehead. She wished she could imitate the ancients and raise her finger to swear to the heavens, "I will never do this again!"
Zhao Yi retreated to the side of Jiang Shan, keeping the furthest distance between herself and Xu Qing in the conference room.
Xu Qingren stood there dumbfounded, frozen in place.
He stared intently at Jiang Shan, his eyes filled with astonishment, dissatisfaction, and even more grief and indignation, like a dog driven to the brink of despair, determined to tear a piece of flesh from her alive.
Zhu Meng cracked his knuckles a couple of times.
This guy surnamed Xu is really a scoundrel. He took credit for other people's project results, and being late and leaving early is one thing, but as a man, how can he stare at women like that... He's really lewd and disgusting. If he keeps looking, I'll gouge his eyes out.
"Xu Qing, what are you still standing here for?"
Silently reminding himself that this was a society governed by law, and that it was inconvenient to punch him in public, Zhu Meng let out a faint smile, like an angel among devils whispering to a criminal full of sin.
"Don't want to stay in this industry anymore? Then I can lend you a hand."
Xu Qing's eyes widened suddenly, as if he had just woken up from a dream. His knees suddenly bent, as if he had been punched by an invisible fist in the air. They felt soft and boneless. He forced himself to stand by supporting himself on the table, almost kneeling down.
"I was wrong, Mr. Zhu! I don't dare ask for your forgiveness, I only beg you not to blacklist me! I can leave Ansen, but I still want to work in this industry!"
Jiang Shan was stunned for a moment.
What do you mean by "ban"? Doesn't that only exist in the entertainment industry?
Xu Qing howled and pounced on Zhu Meng, his entrepreneurial journey cut short. He was caught by Gao Ming on the way, his arms swinging wildly in the air like a bird bound by ropes, only able to flap its wings.
"It's no use begging me; go beg for the throne instead."
Taking advantage of the moment when the topic of Jiangshan came up, Zhu Meng naturally turned his gaze to the girl. He noticed that the stray hairs on her forehead were soaked with cold sweat, and strands of them clung to her pale face. He pursed his lips almost imperceptibly and said, "The one you maliciously signed your name on is her proposal."
Xu Qing roared and turned to pounce on Jiang Shan.
However, Gao Ming, as the president's top secretary, had trained his physical strength. How could Xu Qing, a little chick who only knew how to eat, drink, and have fun, possibly break free from his grasp?
Xu Qing remained in the awkward position of having his collar pulled up, and clasped his hands together to apologize to Jiang Shan: "Jiang Shan, I now know that you are under President Zhu's protection. I offended the wrong person. Please be lenient and let President Zhu forgive me!"
Jiang Shan sat in the conference room without air conditioning. In the nearly 30-degree weather, the other four people were sweating profusely, but she was sweating profusely.
Despite her discomfort, she spoke with remarkable composure, much like her mother lecturing in a gentle and methodical manner.
"Xu Qing, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want. You say that President Zhu is my backer, but what President Zhu said is true. What does that have to do with whether he protects me or not?"
The light that had shone in Zhu Meng's eyes vanished instantly.
The burning, itchy sensation on the skin was like a tiny flame touching firewood, burning ever brighter.
An indescribable discomfort took root in his heart and body, growing wildly with each word Jiang Shan uttered. He felt a tightness in his chest, a bit breathless, and forcefully pulled his suit tie down.
Is Jiang Shan trying to distance himself from him?
Although... they weren't really related to each other.
This is an undeniable fact, but why did it make Jiang Shan feel so uncomfortable, with his chest throbbing and his eyes stinging, when he said it so truthfully? Even more strangely, there was also a vague, indescribable sour feeling.
Good heavens, he was actually a little excited after being "scolded" by Jiang Shan.
Whenever Jiang Shan uttered his name, even if it was just the respectful title employees use for their superior, "General Manager Zhu," he felt a shiver run down his spine.
Even more terrifying is that his soul is still screaming.
He wanted Jiangshan to call his name again and again, in a weak, feeble voice, or with a strong, clear voice... it didn't matter what the voice was, as long as it was Jiangshan calling his name.
If there are other titles... "brother," "uncle"?
It doesn't matter anymore. As long as Jiang Shan says one word, no, just one word, he will surrender.
Jiang Shan's voice faintly reached her ears, seemingly both far away and close at hand, and Zhu Meng's eyes unconsciously followed it.
Her lips always curled up when she spoke, and her eyes shone brightly behind her black-rimmed glasses, giving her a cunning look like someone just entering society... She was simply a beautiful fox, clever and agile.
Zhu Meng's eyes were filled with the image of the empire on his lips, and his mind went completely blank.
He swallowed hard, barely managing to come to his senses, before realizing how crazy his idea was.
Is he crazy?
He actually wanted Jiang Shan to give him a formal title and to be as close to him as Jiang Shan was, without giving anything in return and with only a superior-subordinate relationship with him...
Jiang Shan is a young, beautiful girl with her own opinions and strong work ability; her future is limitless.
And he's already over thirty.
He's old and past his prime, a single man in his late thirties.
It would be strange if the world didn't mind his age.
But he doesn't have the power to turn back time...
Xu Qing had his back to Zhu Meng and was completely unaware of the dimness in Zhu Meng's eyes. Gao Ming was holding him tightly by the collar, his arm still refusing to let go, scratching at the air like a dog that had lost its master's discipline, howling wildly at Jiang Shan.
"Alright, alright, Jiang Shan, you're right! You and President Zhu have nothing to do with each other. I misunderstood again. I apologize and beg you to let me go!"
"I...let you go?"
Jiang Shan let out a cold laugh through his nose.
Xu Qing has a really thick skin.
He had previously taken advantage of her being a newcomer to the workforce, still carrying the innocent and naive air of a college student, and within two or three days of joining the company, he used various means to win over everyone in the department, giving her a hard time both openly and subtly.
He even went so far as to skip the formal report during his own promotion review, insisting on humiliating Zhu Meng in front of her, treating her like a pledge of loyalty.
If Zhu Meng hadn't been willing to condescend to intervene in the matter of becoming a permanent employee, it's hard to say who would have gotten the spot.
He thinks that if she's not feeling well and doesn't want to talk much, he can wipe the slate clean of all the debts she owes.
That's really underestimating her.
Throughout her twelve years from elementary school to high school, she never took a single day off due to illness.
It's not that she's been in particularly good health lately.
She had a fever of 38.7 degrees Celsius, and the school doctor called her parents to pick her up, but her parents insisted that she finish her classes for the day.
The next day, no matter how much she complained of feeling dizzy despite having a fever of 38 degrees Celsius, they still took her to school.
She broke down on the way to school, crying and asking why she couldn't have a day off, even just half a day.
Her parents first said with stern faces how crucial high school is, then shrugged and said that they themselves are teachers and what they hate most are students who ask for leave every day because they are troublesome and annoying. They told their daughter that as a student, she should cooperate with the teachers.
Yes, they can understand their colleagues, but they can't understand their daughters.
Thanks to their "careful guidance," she has developed the habit of finishing her work no matter how uncomfortable she feels.
Unless you suddenly faint and lose consciousness.
"Xu Qing, it seems like there's more to our relationship than just a debt."
Jiang Shan had a persistent, dull, cramping pain in his stomach, as if a sharp knife was twisting inside him. This was accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath. He would have to stop and catch his breath if he spoke too quickly.
Even in such a distressing state, she was determined to vent the anger she had swallowed, bit by bit.
Forced by her parents to focus on her studies, she had few friends, none of whom were close confidants. From childhood to adulthood, whether she was taken advantage of or bullied, no one ever spoke up for her.
She was once insecure and introverted.
One day, after school in the first year of junior high, she was taking the bus home when the stop bell on the bus broke down. She was too embarrassed to shout in front of everyone in the carriage to make the driver stop, so she missed nine stops. She had to take the bus back ten stops in tears and finally walked two kilometers home, where she was scolded by her parents.
She will no longer suffer in silence, unable to express her bitterness.
No one cares what she has suffered or what help she wants. If she doesn't fight for herself, who will help her out?
It's better to rely on yourself than to ask others for help; if you're upset, just let it go.
After all, she never wanted to see Xu Qing again.
"What about the emotional humiliation you inflicted on me before?"
The mere four words "mental humiliation" conjured up more than one image in Xu Qing's mind.
He has been bullying Jiangshan openly and secretly for so long that he has almost made it a habit, engraved in his daily routine.
Jiang Shan said he humiliated her, but when did he say which day and which time?
"Yes, yes, it's all my fault. I was blind to your greatness and offended you. I apologize to you, Jiangshan. I'm so sorry, so sorry, so sorry!"
"How come I didn't know that the three words 'I'm sorry' were so useful?"
Jiang Shan narrowed her eyes slightly. When she usually opens her eyes wide, they are round and tend to be obedient almond-shaped eyes. But now that she has narrowed her eyes, she has lost some of her restraint and gained a sense of pressure.
"I apologized to you for not being able to attend your birthday party due to a scheduling conflict, but you still turned around and said in front of everyone that I was impolite. How do you explain that?"
Xu Qing's face turned a deep purplish-red, like a strategist who had been so ashamed and indignant by Zhuge Liang's words, "I have never seen such a shameless person," that he wished he could bang his head against the ground, creating a long, thin crack so he could crawl into it like a cowardly worm and escape from this suffocating conference room.
"Yes, I was young and reckless, and I know I was wrong. What will it take for you to forgive me?"
Jiang Shan was quite frank about how to resolve the issue.
She shrugged lightly: "I don't know either. All I know is that after all that you just said, I still haven't gotten over it."
Such a casual yet abstract requirement is like a malicious client sending a heartless message: "The background must be a colorful black."
"Then, would slap me twice make you feel better?" Xu Qing hurriedly touched his face twice, wishing he could tear off his thick, long skin and lay it on the ground as a carpet for Jiang Shan to stomp on. "If not, three slaps will do!"
Jiang Shan remained unmoved, his head slightly lowered, one hand resting on his lower abdomen, the other on his chin, gently stroking as if deep in thought.
She wasn't in a hurry, but Zhu Meng sat there expressionless, though she was incredibly anxious inside.
No, that won't work!
How could Jiang Shan personally slap Xu Qing? He wouldn't agree! This wasn't punishment, it was a reward!
Jiang Shan's hands will ache, but his heart will ache even more.
He's never even gotten that close to the throne, so why is it that Xu Qing, who also has no official status, can get there first? Is it just because Xu Qing is young?
Despite his anxiety, Zhu Meng bit his lip until it bled, but he still didn't say anything to stop him.
Forget it, the one who suffered mental anguish from Xu Qing's stunt was Jiang Shan; he actually had no vested interests in the matter.
Everything should be decided by Jiang Shan.
If that's the case, and if the defendant Xu Qing can make the victim Jiang Shan feel relieved, then he... will accept it.
Even though she had mentally prepared herself beforehand, the moment she saw Jiang Shan's lips move, Zhu Meng's heart still jumped a hundred miles away, hanging in the air like she was on stilts.
Fortunately, Jiang Shan only blinked slowly.
"I'm too tired to slap you."
Zhu Meng breathed a sigh of relief, while Xu Qing wished he could kneel down and call the emperor his ancestors.
"How about I buy you cosmetics and a bag? What brand do you like?"
Just as Jiang Shan was about to continue her provocations, she suddenly felt a chill on her neck. Looking up, she saw Zhu Meng staring intently at her, his eyes meeting hers. He slightly looked away, but his gaze remained fixed on her.
It's like super glue, it just keeps sticking to her face.
Indeed, of the five people present, only she and Xu Qing were speaking. Since Xu Qing was not speaking, Zhu Meng, out of politeness, naturally looked to her, the spokesperson, for the initiative.
But it seems Zhu Meng has been watching her for more than just a short while.
Heavens, what is Zhu Meng going to do?
Would he deduct her performance bonus just because he saw her teasing Xu Qing, leaving him with the impression that "Jiang Shan is petty and can't get along with colleagues"?
Zhao Yi has a lot of performance bonuses, so you can deduct them as you please. She's just a junior employee, so you can't deduct them!
Anyway, I've vented my anger enough, so let's stop here.
Jiang Shan curled up his five fingers, pressed them to his lips, coughed lightly, and seized the fleeting moment of inspiration in his mind, quickly uttering a name tag.
Hermès.
It must be quite expensive. She saw it casually on a social media page before; a seemingly ordinary bag cost six figures.
May your face turn from cloudy to overcast.
Jiangshan... Oh, so you have a favorite gift, and even a specific brand.
It all comes down to a small bag, doesn't it? If Jiang Shan likes it, he can book the whole store.
Zhao Yi actually dared to lie to him, saying that Jiang Shan didn't love anything.
We need to deduct three more months' worth of Zhao Yi's performance bonus.
Xu Qing clasped his hands together. If Gao Ming hadn't been holding his collar and preventing him from kneeling, the obsequious look in Gao Ming's eyes would have made him kneel down and thank the emperor for his great favor.
"Okay, okay, I got it, I got it. Can you let me out first? I'll go to the store and pick one out for you later. If you want, two are fine too. I'll deliver them to your house myself. Oh, Jiangshan, give me an address..."
"You've bought it, give it to Gaoming, you don't need to worry about the rest."
Zhu Meng endured it all, but finally couldn't take it anymore. With a cold face, she interrupted Xu Qing's request for an address.
Xu Qing is up to no good; he might even be harboring lustful intentions. If he knew where Jiang Shan lived, who knows what kind of trouble he might cause with Jiang Shan.
The safest way is to keep it from him.
Xu Qing had become accustomed to Zhu Meng's tacit protection.
"Okay, okay, I understand. I'll hand the bag over to Secretary Gao as soon as I buy it. Thank you so much, Mr. Zhu, for your leniency and understanding!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he twisted his body and ran away like a nimble badger under the moonlight.
With the troublemaker Xu Qing gone, there was nothing else to do.
"Meeting adjourned," Zhu Meng said softly.
Jiang Shan had never thought his voice sounded so heavenly.
As someone who has been in the workforce for three months and is already considered a competent junior employee, she actually doesn't like meetings.
But Xu Qing was really annoying, like a piece of dog skin plaster, sticking to me and impossible to get rid of. He also specifically asked Zhu Meng to come before he would produce the relevant evidence.
Although the latter half of the meeting was subtly delayed by her desire to vent her anger.
Thankfully, the meeting wasn't long, otherwise she really wouldn't have been able to hold on.
"Boom..." After being sweltering like in a steamer for so long, the dark sky outside the window, as if erased by a 2B pencil, finally resounded with a muffled clap of thunder.
It's going to rain again.
Zhu Meng subtly scratched his collarbone, then tugged at the loosened tie to cover the faintly reddened skin.
"Jiangshan, it's hard to walk in the rain, I'll take you back."
"No, no need!" Although Jiang Shan was feeling unwell, he had used up all his remaining brain cells to argue with Xu Qing, so his mind was still relatively clear.
Who would hitch a ride with their boss for no reason?
She just hitches a ride with her colleagues, and she can't help but give them something in return.
Zhu Meng didn't speak. He got up and walked to her in one or two steps, bent his knees, and bent over slightly so that his eyes were at the same level as hers.
He then asked calmly, "Are you able to walk now?"
In front of Gao Ming and Zhao Yi, Jiang Shan's face burned with embarrassment, and he wished he could disappear into nowhere.
Why did Zhu Meng provoke her?
Or it was a public provocation.
Even if she can't walk, she can still move around.
Despite his dissatisfaction, Jiang Shan didn't dare say anything on the surface. He just argued with him with a pale face: "I'll sit for a while longer. I can walk. It's too much trouble for you to take me back."
Zhu Meng felt a mix of emotions, more intense than if his palette had been overturned.
She was clearly feeling very unwell, so why couldn't she ask someone for help?
Or is it that she simply doesn't want to accept his help?
Zhu Meng was born in Rome, a place many people spend their entire lives trying to reach. In his thirty-two years in this world, he got whatever he wanted, and with his handsome face, he was always the one being pampered, never the one pampering others.
When he encountered Jiangshan, this hedgehog with its sharp quills, he experienced for the first time what it meant to be helpless.
Her heart was made of iron; he couldn't open it.
Or rather, he had the ability to smash it open, but was unwilling to use force to break down the door.
A forced relationship will never be sweet.
Zhu Meng had never been humiliated before, and being rejected by Jiang Shan was quite unsettling. However, after gritting his teeth and processing it, he realized that being humiliated wasn't so difficult to accept.
The premise is the country.
His lips moved repeatedly, but looking at the girl's pale yet stubborn face, he knew he couldn't delay any longer. All his words boiled down to a curt "No trouble at all, it's on my way."
Jiangshan was completely out of options.
She doesn't want to bother others, but they insist that she do so. She gets angry if she doesn't want to bother them. What can she do?
"Thank you so much."
Gao Ming, who had been standing there like a statue with his whole body tense, breathed a sigh of relief when he heard that Jiang Shan and Zhu Meng's negotiations had ended and the result was in line with Zhu Meng's expectations. He then bowed and gave a gentlemanly greeting: "Miss Jiang, please."
Judging from that thunder just now, it looks like it's going to rain soon.
...With Miss Jiang around, nothing should go wrong?
If all else fails, there's always Fatty.
Although Jiang Shan was still a little unsteady on his feet, he could still walk with difficulty, even while hunched over. Zhao Yi received a look from Zhu Meng and knew that she was in the way, so she took off running.
Jiang Shan was escorted by Zhu Meng and Gao Ming, one in front and one behind, to an elevator he had never seen before.
With a "ding," the elevator doors opened, revealing an empty room.
Jiang Shan followed them inside, and when the elevator displayed -1 and the door opened to reveal the underground parking garage, no one came in.
She then realized what was going on.
So it turns out that Zhu Meng has always used this private elevator to go up and down the stairs. No wonder she has never run into him during her three months of work, even though they were both at headquarters.
"Miss Jiang, this way please."
Following Gao Ming's directions, Jiang Shan bypassed a large number of dazzling luxury cars and finally arrived in front of a black car.
She recognized the car; she often saw it in short videos of "successful people hosting their younger selves"—the famous Porsche Cayenne, incredibly expensive.
Gao Ming took a few quick steps to open the car door for Jiang Shan and Zhu Meng, but Zhu Meng stopped him by raising his hand.
He yanked open the car door, his long, slender, fair hand resting on the car frame, mimicking how Gao Ming usually opened the car door for him, skillfully providing Jiang Shan with a shield so he wouldn't bump his head.
Jiang Shan was so engrossed in marveling at how luxurious a car truly was that her eyes were glued to its exterior and interior, and she was full of praise for it. She didn't even notice who opened the door for her.
Unfortunately, the excitement only lasted a short while before she became drowsy from the pain in her body.
"If you're sleepy, take a nap."
Zhu Meng's Adam's apple bobbed, as if he had swallowed. Although it was daytime and the light in the carriage was quite sufficient, his eyes were dark and unclear: "I'll call you when we arrive."
Jiang Shan closed his eyes and started calculating in his mind.
Zhu Mengbi is richer than her, and her appearance is also superior.
In their relationship, it's fair to say that she's the one who benefits the most.
Zhu Meng is so rich, she can't possibly find some remote corner and have Gao Ming take her away and sell her, can she?
Perhaps it was because she had slept well in the conference room, or perhaps it was because she was sitting in Zhu Meng's car, separated by a partition and unable to see the driver, Gao Ming, in front of her, and the tension of being alone with a man and a woman made it difficult for Jiang Shan to fall asleep at first.
But the faint warm air coming from the air conditioner made her, whose body temperature was already low, feel drowsy.
In her half-awake state, she finally realized the true meaning of the line she and her classmates had recited without any emotion during morning reading in their student days: "The warm breeze makes the tourists drunk, and they mistake Hangzhou for Bianzhou" [Note].
The moment Zhu Meng closed his eyes in the Jiangshan, his gaze was irresistibly drawn to her.
Jiang Shan's eyelashes are a bit long and thick, clustered together naturally, like a small fan, rising and falling slightly with her breath.
A warm breeze carrying the scent of the land wafted over, and Zhu Meng, feeling so hot, unbuttoned the first button of his shirt and couldn't help but take a deep breath.
She smells so good.
It was thousands of times, even tens of thousands of times, more fragrant than any of the incense, spices, and perfumes he had smelled in the world over the past thirty-two years.
If I had to describe it, it smells like a plush toy that's been sun-dried.
It's warm and cozy, and it's intoxicating.
Zhu Meng initially told himself that he was only moving closer to Jiangshan to see his face more clearly, but unknowingly, he found himself becoming greedy.
Jiang Shan's lips were a little dry.
Theoretically speaking, drinking some water should provide relief.
But he wanted to do it himself...
no.
Taking advantage of someone in distress is extremely unethical.
Jiang Shan has never been in a relationship before. If he comes in so aggressively right away, Jiang Shan will be scared away.
People remember kindness for a short time, but they remember malice for a very long time.
This is why a wicked person who has lost all conscience is repeatedly praised by the world for doing a good deed, while a hero who stands on the moral high ground is smashed to pieces and despised by everyone for doing a small mistake.
He and Jiang Shan have only met a few times.
Just sit next to her, watch her, and smell her; that should be enough.
The rest will have to be dealt with gradually.
Zhu Meng thought that way, but his body betrayed him.
Maintaining a posture that leans towards Jiangshan, keeping a safe distance that is neither too close nor too far, occasionally sneaking closer and then gritting her teeth and pulling away again.
It wobbles and sways, like a carousel.
After a while, even Jiangshan, who was fast asleep, noticed that something was wrong.
What on earth was hovering around her, and even breathing on her face when it got close? This was so strange, could it be some kind of paranormal event?
Jiang Shan quietly squinted his eyes open a crack.
He met Zhu Meng's hazy eyes and slightly parted lips.
Like the misty rain of Jiangnan, it is so enchanting that it is almost dangerous.
Why is Zhu Meng making such an expression?
When Jiang Shan's gaze fell on the coat that Zhu Meng was tightly clutching, his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
What he was holding was the black coat that had mysteriously disappeared from her Rolls-Royce Phantom last time.
Even the white spots of toothpaste that fell onto her sleeves were clearly visible when she brushed her teeth in her rented room last month while feeling cold and wearing a coat!
Almost the instant Jiang Shan slightly widened his eyes, Zhu Meng turned his face around.
The slight smile on his lips froze instantly.
The two glared at each other until Jiang Shan spoke first, trying to ease the awkwardness.
"...Mr. Zhu, what's the meaning of you stealing my coat?"
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The author's note: [Note] The warm breeze intoxicates the travelers, making them mistake Hangzhou for Bianzhou. — Lin Sheng, Southern Song Dynasty, "Written at Lin'an Inn"
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