Chapter 8, Encounters and Encounters
I have nurtured you for three years, transforming you from a naive novice in the workplace into an outstanding and sophisticated white-collar professional. Now that you have gained your wings and are eager to take flight, tell me, how can I possibly swallow this pride?
Ning Meng vaguely sensed why Lu Jiming wanted to call her, and what kind of attitude he would adopt to say something after calling her.
Thus, Ning Meng thought that Lu Jiming was waiting to see Qiu Junlin force her into a corner, compelling her to return and work as his secretary, all while adopting a mindset of aiding the oppressor
Looking at this beautiful silhouette, Ning Meng recalled a few days ago when Yang Xiaoyang took advantage of the lunch break to give her a rather significant divination.
She asked Youqi: "When are you coming back? More than a month has passed in a blur, yet you are still abroad. You are deceiving my feelings! If you don't come back soon, the lease on the apartment I rented will expire. I tell you, if you don't show up when I move, I will throw away all the junk I sent you back!"
Lu Jiming happened to catch a glimpse of her and pointed at her imperiously, saying: "You there, yes, you, Ning Meng, come here!"
Lu Jiming furrowed his brow, gazing at her intently, his eyes sharp as lightning.
Ning Meng was as resolute as a martyr: "Jump off the building!"
However, there was also something that was beyond Ning Meng's expectations
It is not surprising that a secretary clings to a wealthy boss; however, what is the situation when the boss clings to the secretary instead... Could it be that he is a fool!
Throughout the morning, Mr. Lu passed by my workstation several times, either to go to the restroom or coincidentally calling someone over to ask questions when he happened to walk by. His inquiries were often distracted, leaving the person being questioned somewhat perplexed. I was the most unfortunate; every time he walked past my workstation, I felt as if my bile was about to rise. I was terrified that he would glance down and, in a moment of enthusiasm, decide to transfer me to fill the vacancy of a secretary, which would force me to resign by tomorrow.
Ning Meng recounted the recent situation in Project Department Two to You Qi in great detail. Upon hearing this, You Qi, in a moment of excitement, unconsciously shaped her hands into the form of the Nine Yin White Bone Claw, with her meticulously manicured nails appearing somewhat sharp under this intense atmosphere
Ning Meng appeared to be in a state of distress, nodding her head to the point that her hair fell in disarray.
The kind of sarcasm that implies you cannot do it, and I am just waiting to see you fail, is extremely MAX.
You, Qi: "Which one do you choose?"
Everyone says that these two are so closely attached to each other, it seems they must really be together. Some say that Lu Jiming is doing well in his investments, but he has yet to settle down with women, and Xu Sitian definitely cannot hold onto him. You see, he enjoys playing around, indulging in all the hobbies of a single wanderer without any intention of settling down. Others say, well, who cares about that for the wealthy? As long as they know how to go home after having their fun, that's all that matters. You see, he enjoys playing around, indulging in all the hobbies of a single wanderer without any intention of settling down. Others say, well, who cares about that for the wealthy? As long as they know how to go home after having their fun, that's all that matters.
It is a mocking smile
He believes that she can hardly hold on any longer, which means that he is aware of the difficulties she is facing in the second project department
Ning Meng pushed her glasses again, and after adjusting them, the slight tremor hidden in her fingertips completely calmed down
Lu Jiming responded with utmost reason: "I can see that you are troubled"
Ning Meng felt a surge of determination, straightened her back and lifted her head, like an unyielding young pine, and replied: "I can hold on, President Qiu is training me, this is quite good!"
She waited silently for the elevator
"Ning Meng," Lu Jiming called out her name, his tone seemingly a bit different from how he used to call her before, as if there was a touch more focus. "Being stubborn is useless; if you can't hold on, hurry back and be my secretary! No one else is as capable as you!"
Ning Meng was angry: "Why is it that someone clings to me as if I am foolish? Is it not possible that I possess great personal charm?" After saying this, she looked in the mirror and immediately calmed down, saying, "Forget it, forget it, he must be a fool."
You Qi was momentarily stunned
As Ning Meng turned out of the office area of Project Department 2, she happened to encounter Lu Jiming, who was passing by.
Ning Meng reflected on these words. After reflection, she found them somewhat amusing yet perplexing
Ning Meng informed You Qi that Lu Ji Ming had also spoken to her, coercing and enticing her to return as his secretary
Ning Meng pushed her messy hair behind her ears and said: "Hurry up and ask me, which one would I choose, jumping off a building or turning back to be Lu Jiming's secretary!"
Her mind raced quickly, and from the simple phrase "Can't hold on much longer, can you?" she analyzed many complex scenarios.
At this moment, Ning Meng and Lu Jiming locked eyes with each other
Ning Meng's second chance encounter with Lu Jiming occurred in front of the elevator. This time, it was indeed a chance encounter. Almost a week had passed since the first "chance encounter." At that time, Lu Jiming was waiting for the elevator with Xu Sitian.
She pushed up her glasses, unwilling to hold back any longer, and replied to Lu Jiming: "Mr. Lu, you might as well not swallow that breath. Generally, if you swallow your breath, it means you are done for."
Ning Meng gazed at his silhouette, no longer restraining herself, allowing the trembling of her fingertips to be released, as she gritted her teeth in indignation
The metallic taste of blood in her mouth made it impossible for her to eat that meal.
Ning Meng sometimes gets so infuriated by Qiu Junlin that she seriously considers going back to continue being Lu Jiming's secretary, just to see if it would scare this eccentric man to death. However, such thoughts quickly pass.
Took a sip of water, rinsing the bloody taste from my mouth
Lu Jiming frowned, and his temper flared up
After finishing work in the evening and returning home, Ning Meng rubbed her sore neck while video chatting with You Qi
You look down on her, don't you? Since she is useful, she should be his maid for a lifetime, right? Well, thank you for underestimating her; she has never been as motivated as she is now. She is determined to achieve something to slap his face with!
He certainly holds her in high regard
How are you? Are you about to collapse?
Ning Meng, it seems I still do not understand you; you actually dare to speak to me like this!
Ning Meng was also stirred up by him and expressed her little emotions: "President Lu, I just don't understand, are you really that unable to part with me as your secretary? What is it about me that is so good?"
After a few seconds of silence, Lu Jiming let out a sneer and laughed
She waited with her guard up as Lu Jiming suddenly jumped up, erupting in a fit of rage
The tone of mockery is surprisingly not stronger than before, and this laughter seems to contain a hint of genuine amusement.
I really want to scratch that despicable person with the surname Qiu to death for bullying you like this
Quite tired
Upon seeing Xu Sitian, Ningmeng couldn't help but glance at her a few more times
"It has been quite fast; if it weren't for an unexpected situation, I would have returned earlier," Youqi told Ning Meng. "During the project handover, Lao He unexpectedly ran into an old friend, who is the owner of a large company in the country. Upon hearing that Lao He was returning to the country, he desperately tried to recruit him, even stating that he would cover the penalty for the breach of contract with the company Lao He had already signed with in the country. I estimate that once they finalize these matters, I will truly be able to return."
Lu Jiming's opening remarks were in line with Ning Meng's expectations in terms of tone, intonation, and overall mood
Youqi hurriedly assured, "It will be ready soon, it will be ready soon," which earned her a cold snort from Ning Meng, reminiscent of a pig's grunt.
Lu Jiming pressed the door button and did not let go. Relying on his height advantage, he looked down at Ning Meng with a condescending posture and coldly commanded, "You, go sit in the adjacent elevator"
Lu Jiming finished speaking and stood up, directly leaving the conference room. His proud demeanor as he pushed the door open and departed was akin to that of a peacock in need of a good beating
Ning Meng did not know whether she was truly afraid or not, and in the next moment, she wondered if Lu Jiming would suddenly become furious and charge at her. She had never communicated with Lu Jiming using such an authentic self. In the past, she always catered to his temper, speaking and acting in ways that would elicit a response from him, never having been as unruly as she was now.
Ning Meng was particularly moved. She remembered the last time You Qi had raised her paw so brightly, wanting to help her scratch someone, was when she had just become Lu Jiming's secretary. At that time, she was so overwhelmed by Lu Jiming's demands that she had to completely reevaluate her life. Later, she had no idea how she managed to endure under the immense pressure of Lu Jiming, who was like a big fire hose.
Thus, the elevator doors opened again behind Ning Meng
Mr. Lu, I am actually quite an irritable person. I have now revealed my true self, and with my current demeanor, if I were to return to be your secretary, it would truly infuriate you to the point of being unable to catch your breath
Ning Meng had no choice but to carry an empty cup and follow Lu Jiming into the small conference room
Standing behind two shining individuals, she always felt her height shrinking back insignificantly
Ning Meng suppressed the urge to adjust her glasses and tried to appear nonchalant as she stepped into the elevator. The moment the elevator doors closed, before Ning Meng could turn around to face outward, Lu Jiming had already reached over and forcefully pressed the door open button.
Indeed
On the path of progress, one must encounter a few challenges to temper their will; success does not come easily to anyone. Take, for instance, the journey of Sun Wukong accompanying Tang Seng to obtain the scriptures, where they faced numerous demons and monsters of various shapes and materials, not fewer than her own encounters.
It is unclear who first said that the boss is foolish for being so attached to her
However, he remained indifferent to this, refraining from condemning a narrow-minded department leader with the justice and morality expected of a human being, instead choosing to watch the drama unfold from a distance
Lu Jiming's state of wandering, which leads others to a state of collapse, coincidentally ends at the moment when Ning Meng comes out to pour water to drink
Youqi: "I feel sorry for you. So, do you regret it or not?"
Lu Jiming leaned back in the leather chair near the door of the small conference room, crossing his legs. In that posture, when he was silent, he looked as handsome as the male lead in a romantic drama basking in the sunlight. However, the moment he broke the stillness around him, his slightly raised eyebrows, the corner of his mouth that curled up, and his chilling gaze instantly transformed him into a wicked villain
Ning Meng expressed her admiration for her heart's greatness
Ning Meng encountered Lu Jiming in the middle of her way to the water dispenser. She considered it an unnecessary encounter. However, afterward, a colleague near the aisle informed her that while the character "遇" in "偶遇" (chance encounter) was acceptable, the character "偶" was definitely open to discussion
Ning Meng : `` ... ... ''
However, Lu Jiming let out a sneer.
Truly beautiful, with a graceful silhouette, exquisite and lovely, exuding an air of elegance and sophistication. Standing together with Lu Jiming, they truly do not waste the creation of the term "a pair of perfect match".
Ning Meng rubbed her neck and asked, "What company is it?"
Ning Meng stood behind Lu Jiming and Xu Sitian, suppressing her breath to minimize her presence as much as possible; she wished she could become transparent and merge into the air
Ning Meng stood silently behind them
The elevator finally arrived. Lu Jiming and Xu Sitian stepped inside, turned around in unison, and stood facing the entrance of the elevator.
Youqi was displeased again: "Why just let it go? You are not lacking at all. With your hair styled and glasses off, you are quite a charming beauty! Why are you so lacking in confidence?"
Yang Xiaoyang is not convinced by this conclusion: "Hmph! What good is just looking good? Both of them have terrible tempers; won't they just end up having a tumultuous relationship in the future!" Taking a breath, Yang Xiaoyang sighed about Ning Meng, "Alas, those people are all wealthy and high above us; they are truly not from the same world as us working-class folks. This is modern society. In the past, weren't they just the lords and we the little servants?"
Ning Meng stood in front of Lu Jiming, receiving his scrutinizing gaze, which was slightly raised at the corners. Those eyes, which appeared frivolous and affectionate whenever they fixed on someone, were now focused on her.
Yuqin noticed Ningmeng constantly rubbing her neck and asked, "Ameng, is the project very tiring?"
Under his scrutiny, Ning Meng felt her fingertips trembling uncontrollably again. She restrained the urge to push up her glasses, forcing herself to maintain an air of calm as if nothing were amiss
Ning Meng asked casually, "Why?"
"Okay, okay! You think it's quite good, don't you? Then in the next two months, I will make you feel even better"
Lu Jiming tapped his fingers on the conference table and sneered
Xu Sitian assertively took hold of Lu Jiming's arm after standing firm
Later on, this gossip began to spread within the project department
A Meng A Meng, do you still remember that wealthy and beautiful Xu Sitian? Recently, she has been visiting President Lu every day, and even I, with my severe astigmatism, can see that she likes President Lu
Yuqin said: "I didn't ask in detail; it's just something related to securities, funds, and insurance."
Ning Meng nearly bit her cheek again upon hearing this
Since her "chance encounter" with Lu Jiming on the way to fetch water, Ning Meng has discovered that the small shoes Qiu Junlin prepared for her have become even more cramped. After various analyses, she has reason to believe that Lu Jiming hinted something to Qiu Junlin, leading Qiu Junlin to think that as long as he can quickly squeeze her out, he will be able to get promoted and receive a raise, thereby unifying several project departments and embarking on the pinnacle of his career.
Yang Xiaoyang is right; wealthy individuals and ordinary people truly inhabit different worlds
This remark made Ning Meng bite her cheek again. She was worried that if she continued to bite, she might end up biting through her own face
Ning Meng accidentally bit her cheek. Look, she has recently become thin due to exhaustion
He did not nurture her for three years; he tormented her for three years, alright
Furthermore, it can be said that Qiu Junlin, with his petty grudges, must be aware of the little troubles he has caused her
Lu Jiming's fingers, which were tapping on the table, suddenly came to a halt. The rhythmic sound of "thump, thump, thump" abruptly ceased. The small conference room fell into an instant silence, making the two interwoven breaths stand out as if they were two howling winds.
Ning Meng maintained an objective stance and said: "That girl is beautiful, has a good figure, and a high level of education. She speaks clearly and does not act coy. Moreover, she and President Lu have been childhood friends, and it is said that both of their fathers are big bosses of publicly listed companies, making their family backgrounds perfectly matched. As for their appearances, there is no need to elaborate; they are a perfect match from every angle. It is estimated that their children will be stunningly beautiful from the moment they are embryos."