Chapter 06

Xin Xia, feeling warm and lazy, walked ahead into Chuangmei Company. At the elevator entrance, she encountered several secretaries from the president's office. Manni enthusiastically started a conversation, "Oh, you all look really beautiful today."

"What a coincidence, he just gave me his phone number before he left yesterday." Xin Mu took out her phone and handed it to her. Xin Xia Nuan immediately called the number without considering whether it was appropriate.

What about you? At this time, shouldn't you be at the office?

Xin Xia's warm heart also came to a halt, completely suffocated

Xin Xia warmed her head and got on the elevator. At this moment, the one who cared for her was still her close friend, Manni. She drove Manni's BMW to Kai Tai Department Store, taking about ten minutes. She pulled open the sticky note to see what was needed, and after reading it once, she nearly spat blood.

Lu Ziang stood in the middle, smiling slightly: "The ladies in the president's office are all very beautiful." He turned his head to Bi Fang and said: "You are truly fortunate."

"I am waiting for your seduction." Lu Ziang ambiguously blinked twice at her and directly said to the Minister of Human Resources beside him, "Let this young lady serve as the president's secretary." Lu Ziang pointed at Xin Xianuan

Xin Xia warm curled her lips, walked to her desk, picked up her bag and prepared to go out, asking her neighbor Yao Xiaotao: "Are you going out now? The president will be here soon."

Oh, is this an attempt to get close? Why does Xin Xia Nuan have a bad feeling? The weasel is not here to wish the chicken well! Sure enough, Zhen Yin stated her purpose, and at some point, a sticky note appeared in her hand, which she handed over: "There are some things on this, can you help me buy them? You see, the president is coming soon, and I can't leave for a moment; it would be bad to miss the welcoming ceremony."

Oh? Lu Ziang raised an eyebrow, holding a piece of bread on his fork near his mouth. "You just came out like this, not afraid of missing your chance with your CEO? I remember you were planning to seduce him."

She looked weakly at herself in the mirror before her, her hair disheveled. Even though she had a pair of large eyes, they were now squinted into a narrow line. The buttons of her pajamas were not fastened properly, appearing uneven.

Xin Xia's lips curled slightly, "My mother."

Standing next to Yao Xiaotao is the secretary director Zhen Yin, one of the secretaries in the president's office, and the direct superior of Xin Xianuan. She is a woman in her thirties, but does not appear to be in her thirties. Dressed in bright colors, with large wavy curls and bright red lipstick, her demeanor is sometimes quite inappropriate, often flirting with male colleagues, and she exhibits mild paranoia, always muttering to herself that these men are secretly in love with her. She has a very poor reputation in the president's office, and her colleagues privately refer to her as an old virgin. Perhaps it is because she has not been dealt with at the age of thirty, leading to her delusions.

Whenever Xin Xia Nuan thought of Lu Zi Ang, her anger flared up, almost singeing her hair. She exclaimed, "Do not mention that man; he has ruined my happiness for the rest of my life." Remembering the joy of leisurely driving to work, she felt the urge to weep bitterly.

Xin Xia rinsed her mouth with water, feeling that her mouth was clean before saying: "I am perfectly intact"

Zhen Yin also handed her a card, "Just swipe this card, the password is 528888"

Xin Xiangnuan walked to the pantry, picked up the cup designated by Zhenyin, poured instant coffee into it by the cabinet, and then walked over to the water dispenser. Yao Xiaotao followed her in, naturally preparing coffee for her own superior as well. Upon seeing Xin Xiangnuan, she smiled and said: "Sister Xiangnuan, you are truly unfortunate to have such a superior."

Her spirit began to wane throughout the day. Especially when reflecting on the anxious feeling of glancing at her watch while waiting for the bus, then squeezing onto the bus as if being pressed into a sandwich, and the urgency of having to run to the company after getting off the bus

What else could happen? You said you went to the bar to drink with friends, and he was worried, waiting at the door the whole time. Then he saw you come out completely drunk with a group of people, and he immediately took you back.

How innocent he sounds, just teasing her father? Is her father the kind of person who can handle being teased? Xin Xiaonuan was almost in tears. Yet, Lu Zi'ang went on to say: "I'm afraid I can't take you to work this morning, I drank too much last night and I'm feeling a bit dizzy, you should take the bus."

Manny was taken aback for a moment, then smiled awkwardly, saying, "That is because Auntie is unaware of your market value; ignorance is no crime."

She and Xia Nuan are indeed not from the same world, but how could they become good friends? Complementary? If her father were to hear this, he would surely be furious and punish her severely. For her conservative father, premarital sexual relations are an unforgivable sin

As she rushed to work, a white BMW that sped past her came to a stop, and Manny's head popped out, "Get in, quickly."

I apologize, I originally intended to just tease Uncle Lu, but seeing him so angry, I felt too embarrassed to cover up this lie, so I can only make amends as a way of atonement

Ding. The elevator has arrived, and the waiting people swarm in like a hive of bees. Chuangmei Company has a total of 23 floors, each with different departments. The higher the floor, the higher the position. The president's office is located on the 23rd floor

Xin Xia was taken aback; she truly did not expect that a woman as sensitive as Zhen Yin would care so much about her position. However, what made her feel a greater sense of urgency was that she was not preparing to seduce the president in order to obtain the position of the president's secretary through improper means. Suddenly, she realized that today, the women in the office were all dressed to the nines, looking several times more glamorous than usual. Even Zhen Yin, who was originally the type to dress flamboyantly, had outdone herself today.

Xinxia Nuan suddenly felt speechless

Xin Xia felt her face flush slightly, and she coughed lightly a couple of times, saying, "Flirting is a skill; one must send subtle signals while also keeping one's job, right?"

Xin Xia Nuan's hand holding the phone stiffened for a moment. She raised her head to glance at the restaurant across the street, which was only the width of one street away. Lu Zi Ang was also holding his phone, looking in her direction.

Lu Ziang! Xin Xia raised her voice suddenly, no longer calling him brother.

Xin Xia Nuan was stirring her coffee, and she smiled: "It's nothing, aside from being a bit eccentric, Sister Zhen is quite a decent person."

As the elevator reached the 23rd floor, a swarm of women in high heels hurried to their respective positions, ready to begin their work. The so-called secretarial assistants were essentially just doing miscellaneous tasks, and the first assignment of Xin Xia Nuan's day at work was to brew coffee for her immediate superior

Xin Xia softly coughed and said, "Don't always tease me about men; I know I don't have any man wanting me."

What? Xin Xia Nuan immediately looked up in shock at her mother and asked, "Did my dad confiscate my car?"

Xin Xia felt a strange sensation in her heart as she listened to Lu Zi'ang encouraging her to seduce the new president. She forced a smile, her expression not quite matching her words, and stood up, saying, "Alright, after I succeed, I will treat you to a grand meal to thank you for your encouragement." After finishing her sentence, she immediately prepared to leave. However, Lu Zi'ang grabbed her, slightly lifting his eyelids, and said, "No need for a grand meal, just give me some autumn spinach instead."

No way. Originally, Yao Xiaotao, who was full of anticipation, now looked completely frustrated

Where is your car? It wouldn't have been damaged again, would it?

Lu Ziang is having breakfast. He is eating very little, just a cup of juice, a serving of strawberry mousse, and a few small pieces of bread

Xinxia was left speechless.

Mom, do you know Lu Zi'ang's phone number? At this moment, Xin Xiaonuan was already furious

Suddenly, the person in front took the lead in applauding, shouting, "They have arrived, they have arrived."

"Warm." That was Lu Ziang's voice. Xin Xia Nuan was somewhat taken aback, unsure why he was calling her. Lu Ziang asked, "What are you doing standing in front of Kai Tai Department Store? What time is it now? Aren't you supposed to be at work?"

There was once a jest within the company that to rise from the grassroots to the 23rd floor, one would need to ascend one floor each year, taking a total of 23 years. However, there is only one position that allows for a leap directly to the 23rd floor, soaring to become a phoenix. That position is in the President's Office. The reason it is referred to as a phoenix rather than a dragon is that all the secretarial roles in the President's Office are held by women

Manny rushed out of her office, caught up with Xinxia Nuan, and pulled her arm back, saying, "Are you crazy? The new president has taken office, and you are not attending the welcoming ceremony? This new official is starting with a bang, and you are not giving the new president any face"

Manny also looked conflicted, raising her wrist to check the time; there was still an hour and a half left! She wondered if they could finish it quickly. Manny patted her on the shoulder, asking her to wait a moment, then rushed into her office and quickly came out, handing her the car keys. "You drive; it will be faster. Try to come back as soon as possible. The items that the old maid wants are all favored by the new president. You should go to the nearest Kaitai Department Store; they have everything there."

"Like a cactus." Xin Xia warmly replied with indifference

Xin Xia, panting and out of breath, said: "Don't talk to me about cars; whenever cars are mentioned, I get worked up."

Manny displayed a look of surprise, "Who says you have no men wanting you? Whoever dares to say you have no men wanting you, I will immediately slap them a few times."

This statement undoubtedly made Xin Xiaonuan the target of everyone's criticism. Xin Xiaonuan stood frozen in place, not even daring to breathe.

Xin Xia warmly sat down opposite him, "You are indeed quite leisurely, sitting here having breakfast. What time is it already?"

Manny glanced at Xinnuan and, seeing that she was still so "youthful," couldn't help but ask, "Xinnuan, I think you should practice yoga; it can help shape your figure. Men all like women with substance."

Xin Xia Nuan was combing her hair while listening to her mother, Xin Mu, nagging her. After tying her hair into a ponytail, she left the bathroom. Xin Mu followed her, continuing to speak: "Fortunately, you met Zi Ang and he brought you back. Otherwise, I would have definitely had to post a missing person notice tomorrow."

"How did you get so drunk yesterday? Do you know that your father almost picked up the whip to beat you to death?" Xin's mother chatted with her while stroking her Chihuahua

Even Manny, who had only met Lu Ziang once, nearly screamed, desperately covering her almost uncontrollable mouth

Lu Ziang lightly uttered an "mm" once again, and after a long pause, he began to speak in a low voice: "Uncle Xin has impounded your car, so during this period, I will pick you up and drop you off for work."

The other party calmly responded with a "mm" and did not continue the conversation, as if already anticipating that Xin Xianuan would call to vent her anger. In contrast, Xin Xianuan lost the momentum she had from her earlier shout; her voice slowed down as she asked, "Why are you distorting the facts? Don't you realize that this could ruin me?"

Hello, President. Everyone bows in unison

"With your disposition, who would want you?" In the mirror, someone approached her from behind; it was Xin Xiangnuan's mother, Xin Mu. She was holding her beloved pet Chihuahua and was dressed in sportswear, presumably returning from a morning exercise and dog walk.

Finally, the time has come. Xin Xia Nuan watched as Bi Fang Shi and another vice president went out to greet someone. The staff in the president's office had already taken their positions, ready to welcome the guests. Manni stood next to Xin Xia Nuan, and while they were still waiting for the arrival, she leaned in to whisper to Xin Xia Nuan, "What do you think our new president looks like?"

Xin Xia Nuan returned before the new president arrived. She did not bring back the cactus, which left Zhen Yin quite dissatisfied, but there was nothing she could say. Seeing that there was still time, Zhen Yin went to tidy up the president's office.

Xin Xia Nuan was originally sitting at the dining table eating bread, listening to her mother ramble on, but the more she listened, the stranger it became. She quickly asked, "What exactly did my brother say to you yesterday?"

Xin Xia forced a warm smile. In truth, she did not care much about whether she could make it to the welcoming ceremony. Although she desired to be in a position of unspoken rules, it was merely a thought; she has always been someone who thinks about doing things but never actually does them, which is why she remains so unsuccessful to this day

How do you know I am in front of Tai Bai Department Store

"Come here," Lu Ziang said these two words and directly hung up the phone, not waiting for her to express her willingness or unwillingness

Yao Xiaotao chimed in, "Sister Xiaonuan has a taste that appeals to the masses, unlike Sister Zhen who has such refined taste." This was a veiled insult that anyone could hear. Zhen Yin, instead of getting angry, laughed and said, "Be careful that your fake eyelashes don't fall off and scare our new president."

Xin Xia Nuan placed the coffee on Zhen Yin's desk. Just as she turned to leave, Zhen Yin, who was tidying up, entered the room. Upon seeing Xin Xia Nuan, her voice softened slightly, "Xia Nuan, for these past few years, you have been the one to brew coffee for me every morning. Among my subordinates, I favor you the most. Once I become the secretary to the president, I will recommend you to take my position."

I am in the restaurant across from you

How ruthless! Lu Ziang, you are indeed ruthless! Is this not a public announcement to the world that she, Xin Xianuan, is having an affair with this new president? Lu Ziang has given her a piece of candy while unexpectedly delivering a slap to her face!

The phone rang for a long time, and finally someone answered, responding slowly as if they had just woken up from sleep due to the ringing, "Hello, who is this?"

Xin Xia Nuan was awakened by the alarm clock. When she woke up, it was already the next morning. She let out a heavy yawn, trying to make herself more alert. She shuffled to the bathroom in her slippers to brush her teeth, her eyes still bleary, looking as if she had not fully woken up yet

Xin Xia was almost in tears from the heat difference, quickly got into the car, and sat in the passenger seat

She endured for three years, and just when she finally saw the light, another setback occurred. In fact, she had already mentally prepared herself to return to the way things were before; she never expected Lu Ziang to show any mercy by picking her up and dropping her off at work.

Lu Ziang furrowed his brow, seemingly displeased with Xin Xianuan's description of himself. Lu Ziang said, "Since the cactus cannot be found, then forget it. This way, you won't miss the opportunity and let the new president slip away from you."

Lu Ziang chuckled and said, "Have you finished buying your things?"

Bi Fang felt a bit embarrassed and smiled. Lu Zi'ang, while fastening the buttons on his wrist, walked into his office. Just as he was about to brush past Xin Xia Nuan, Lu Zi'ang's footsteps came to a halt.

I also think that with such good conditions, even if he is inexperienced, his skills must be top-notch; how could it be otherwise? When Manny said this, it was as natural as saying "the weather is nice today"

The makeup is really heavy! Xin Xia Nuan added quietly. Like Xin Xia Nuan, the secretary's assistant Yao Xiao Tao fluttered her long and thick false eyelashes, "Today is the new president's inauguration, we need to make a good impression"

Manny parked the car in the garage and stepped out in her 7-centimeter high heels, her professional skirt hugging her slender figure, truly a beautiful curve. Xinxia Nuan adjusted her appearance, well, she belonged to the petite version of Manny

"If it weren't for Ziang, do you think you could escape? And you shamelessly lie on someone else's back, sleeping soundly." Mother Xin scratched the Chihuahua in her arms and continued, "You clearly know that your father dislikes girls drinking at night, especially in the middle of the night. It's very easy for something to happen, do you understand?"

Xin Xia Nuan could only feel as if her teeth were about to shatter. She was far from calm, torn between the urge to scream and the necessity to endure, painfully gritting her teeth as she said: "Brother, you are giving me a slap and then offering me a piece of candy."

Xin Xia Nuan turned her head to look while brushing her teeth, then mechanically turned to face her reflection in the mirror and continued brushing her teeth

Indeed, if she misses the welcoming ceremony, the president will miss out as well, and the opportunity for unspoken rules will be given to someone else. The monthly salary of the president's secretary is more than three times that of the secretary director, and the year-end bonuses are incomparable. Such a lucrative position makes the unspoken rules worthwhile

The things mentioned earlier are relatively simple, but there is no Kaitaibaihuo (a department store) here. This street is a commercial street; how could there be a flower and bird market? Xin Xia Nuan stood at the entrance of Kaitaibaihuo, looking around, but could not discern which direction would lead her to buy a cactus.

Violet curtains! Rabbit fur sofa cushions! And a Qpad mouse pad? What on earth are these things? What made her even more exasperated was the presence of a small cactus! Xin Xia Nuan blinked her eyes; her assistant was truly lacking in ambition.

In fact, Xin Xia was unwilling a thousand times, but Zhen Yin had already put it this way, and out of consideration for their relationship, she felt embarrassed to refuse. Reluctantly, she took the sticky note in her hand

In Xin Xia Nuan's heart, there were countless raging alpacas roaring incessantly, and she was about to curse!

What about that handsome guy from yesterday? What happened next

Xin Xiangnuan raised her head, just like everyone else, eagerly anticipating the figure that would appear at the door. Dressed in a black casual suit, with the second button of his white shirt fastened, revealing a seductive collarbone, he had a tall and slender figure! Looking at his face, it turned out to be Lu Zi'ang? When Lu Zi'ang came into Xin Xiangnuan's view, she was completely stunned.

Xin Xia Nuan felt a surge of anger at the thought of her job, saying, "Don't even mention it. My boss, in an effort to curry favor with the new president, assigned me to purchase items for the president's new office."

Xin Xia twitched the corner of her mouth and said with a face full of black lines: "You are overthinking it."

"No chance." Xin Xia Nuan waved her hand, showing no interest as she walked out of the president's office to wait for the elevator at the elevator entrance

"What a load of nonsense, do you know? The position of the president's secretary is vacant, and she has been eyeing that position for a long time. We just took the same elevator with her; do you think she just started working? She has been here for a while, she just went downstairs to buy a bookshelf. Now she is diligently helping to tidy up in the president's office."

Xin Xia glanced at the time; there was still plenty of it left. That cactus was simply unmanageable. As she thought this, her feet had already begun to move, crossing the road and entering the restaurant.

Zhen Yin today is much like usual, still the same "vibrantly stunning" person, except that the earrings on her ears are several times larger than usual, very eye-catching. Zhen Yin cast a displeased glance at Xin Xia Nuan, "Don't you know today is an important day? Why do you look so shabby?"

Manny turned her head in shock, unable to believe it as she glanced at her a few more times, "Was she deflowered by him? Was his technique poor?"

After three years of taking the bus to work, she finally managed to acquire a small Hyundai. Just as she was getting comfortable with it, it was unfortunately impounded due to the trouble caused by Lu Zi'ang. She had barely begun to enjoy the pleasure of driving to work.

What can I do? Sister Zhen wants me to go, can I say no? She is my direct superior, if I go against her, I will have plenty of troubles in the future

Indeed, I am concerned that you might go out recklessly with the car. Zi Ang has volunteered to pick you up and drop you off from work in the future

How could the truth be so distorted? Xin Xiaonuan was almost about to roar; how could such an uninhibited woman be her, Xin Xiaonuan? If her father found out, it would be a wonder if he didn't beat her to death! Xin Xiaonuan recalled her mother's words from earlier and was momentarily dumbfounded. Her father must have wanted to hit her because he heard this lie, right? What on earth is Lu Zi'ang doing? Is he trying to ruin her or what? How could he spread such a lie that damages her reputation? Xin Xiaonuan recalled her mother's words from earlier and was momentarily dumbfounded. Her father must have wanted to hit her because he heard this lie, right? What on earth is Lu Zi'ang doing? Is he trying to ruin her or what? How could he spread such a lie that damages her reputation?

Not yet, we are just missing a cactus! This new president has such strange hobbies, he actually likes cacti! I bet he looks just like a cactus himself.

Suddenly, her phone rang. She glanced at the number; it was unfamiliar. After a moment's hesitation, she answered and held it to her ear, asking, "Hello?"

Xin Xia smiled and replied, "Personal tastes vary." If she were to dress like that, she might as well just crash into a wall.

What the heck, does everyone share the same thought as her? Do they want to rely on unspoken rules to get promoted? Xin Xia Nuan left the tea room with a sorrowful face after bidding farewell to Yao Xiao Tao, feeling quite dejected. She thought she was shameless, but it turned out that her shamelessness was far from being responsible! Indeed, there are always greater mountains beyond the mountains, and higher towers beyond the towers!

Xin Xia warmly returned to her original position, and Yao Xiaotao smiled and tilted her head towards her, "Sister Xia Nuan, your timing is really precise, there are still more than ten minutes left."