SCHS - Chapter 44
Chapter 44
Wen Shixue, completely unaware, continued helping Qin Zhen choose. Soon, she spotted a deep blue gemstone necklace, the color perfectly matching the suit Qin Zhen was wearing today.
Full of enthusiasm, she carefully picked up the necklace, held it in her palm, and silently examined it for a moment. Her gaze then slowly fell on Qin Zhen's unadorned neck. The skin, enveloped by the dark suit, appeared exceptionally fair, like cold white snow in winter.
A thought, almost wicked, suddenly popped into her head—she really wanted to bite it, to see what it would look like flushed pale red, and what kind of allure it would possess.
…Allure.
She lifted her gaze, her eyes tracing up along Qin Zhen's slender neck, stopping before those slightly flickering eyes, and finally settling on the tear mole nestled beneath the corner of her eye.
From their very first meeting, Qin Zhen had always seemed calm and composed in her impression. The only thing about her entire being that could possibly relate to allure was probably this tear mole. It rested quietly beneath those eyes, exuding a tempting aura in its silence, adding the finishing touch to her face. Sometimes, it could even lend a touch of unconscious allure to Qin Zhen's overly calm gaze.
Beautiful and dangerous.
But Qin Zhen's allure might not be limited to just this tear mole; perhaps there were other places, places Wen Shixue didn't know about or couldn't see.
A sudden impulse surged from the depths of her heart, carrying an almost frantic idea, charging recklessly through her mind. It made her desperately want to act on it, to quell the feverish impulse within.
—She wanted to bite Qin Zhen, or kiss her, either was fine.
Qin Zhen lowered her eyes slightly and saw the young woman standing motionless before her, a necklace in her palm. For some reason, her gaze gradually grew heated, as if she were plotting some mischief again.
Wen Shixue blinked her innocent and lovely almond eyes, looking at her eagerly. Then, she curved her lips into a smile, unconsciously drawing closer, lowering her voice, and asking in the most guileless tone, "If I bite you, will you be angry with me?" She even thoughtfully raised her hand and gently, softly tapped Qin Zhen's neck. "Bite here."
Her fingertips were slightly cool. When they suddenly touched Qin Zhen's skin, near yet far, it felt like a feather, tickling one's heart with an ambiguous itch. A sense of shame surged up.
Qin Zhen flinched, almost without thinking grabbing Wen Shixue's restless finger. Her long hair, falling silently, perfectly concealed her ears, which had turned a faint red without a sound, generously helping her escape exposure and salvaging her image in front of the little devil.
"No mischief," she said, restrained and serious. "Everything's fine, why would you have such an idea?"
Standing here calmly, helping her pick out jewelry after she had proposed the compensation theory, was already pushing her limits. If she were to be bitten, resulting in more skin-to-skin contact… she feared she might give her very life.
Only today did she realize how terrible the person she had fallen for was. Not only did she love hitting on her directly, but because of her straightforward nature, she always managed to blurt out things that were utterly fatal to her.
Everything was fine, why suddenly want to bite her? If this continued, she would start doubting her sexual orientation…
Wen Shixue had been spoiled by her; there was nothing she didn't dare say to her. However, she wouldn't act rashly without her consent. Daring to speak frankly and daring to make her angry were two different things. So, she withdrew her hand, obediently helped her put on the necklace, and said innocently, "Because our Lao Qin is fair and beautiful, so I just wanted to bite, just once."
Qin Zhen: "…"
How did she manage to say such terrible things in such an innocent tone? Was she truly the little devil who did whatever she pleased?
Wen Shixue fastened the necklace for her and shamelessly said, "Besides, it's no loss for you to let me kiss you. Lao Wen and Lao Meng made me so beautiful, people out there would pay just to have me kiss them!"
Wen Shixue: Me, absolutely gorgeous!
Was this a question of loss or gain? Qin Zhen felt this little devil clearly hadn't grasped the crux of the matter. Helplessly, she lightly patted her arm and said sternly, "No more talking about this nonsense, or snacks and cola will be confiscated."
Little Squirrel Wen's heart skipped a beat. Under someone else's roof, one had to bow their head. To protect her snacks and cola, she immediately acted as if nothing had happened, praising how good the necklace looked on her, trying hard to change the subject: "Mm, this necklace suits you perfectly. We'll put it away for you to take back later. Come, let's look at something else. Ah, that bracelet looks good too…"
Little Squirrel Wen: As long as I change the subject fast enough, Qin Zhen won't catch up to my cola!!!
Qin Zhen was suddenly amused by her instantly cowed appearance. Her eyes softened, finding her incredibly cute. Unable to resist, she reached out and patted her head: "Good girl."
Lin Jiayu, as the primary audience with the best vantage point, had watched the entire interaction between the two. An intrigued expression spread across her face—Wen Shixue wasn't right, no, neither of them was right!
As a seasoned veteran in romance, Lin Jiayu felt the intimacy in their natural interaction definitely couldn't have developed in just one day, especially Wen Shixue's affectionate little actions that disregarded onlookers. She would believe it if someone told her they were a couple deep in the throes of passionate love!
But if that were really the case… then how dare Wen Shixue try to set her up with this Vice President Qin just a few days ago?! Wasn't she afraid Vice President Qin would get angry with her?
Lin Jiayu was certain something was up between them, yet she couldn't figure out Wen Shixue's behavior from that day. However, she wasn't in a rush to demand answers now; interrupting someone's budding romance wasn't her style. Then, remembering something, she abruptly turned her head towards Wen Shixue and said, "Leave some for me!"
All the products here were currently one-of-a-kind. With Wen Shixue's attitude, practically wanting to buy everything for Qin Zhen, wouldn't she have come here just to watch?!
Lin Jiayu: Give me a chance to spend money!
…
Lin Jiayu left loaded with purchases. Wen Shixue personally saw her out the main entrance of Chenfeng, had the staff place the selected jewelry in her car, and even gifted her two extra sets, just as a friendly gesture to cheer her up.
Lin Jiayu's mood genuinely improved significantly from this visit. She opened her arms and hugged Wen Shixue tightly, saying, "I'm very happy today, thank you."
Wen Shixue patted her back lightly: "Between friends, why be so polite?"
Lin Jiayu smiled contentedly: "Then we'll see each other again at the birthday banquet."
Wen Shixue nodded gently.
Lin Jiayu added: "Don't worry, I'll help you find more major clients when I get back. Such fine jewelry deserves to be seen by more people."
Wen Shixue couldn't ask for more. With gratitude in her eyes, she clasped Lin Jiayu's hand and watched her leave.
Halfway down the road, Lin Jiayu, sitting in the back seat, suddenly frowned. She felt like she had forgotten to ask something, but couldn't recall what it was. After pondering for a long while without success, she finally gave up.
Forget it, it probably wasn't anything important.
…
Wen Shixue sat on Qin Zhen's bed, hugging the rabbit, watching Qin Zhen pack her luggage. Occasionally, she lent a hand, helping to fold clothes.
Tomorrow, Qin Zhen would be leaving on a business trip, and she would have to return to the Wen family home, resuming a life where she couldn't sleep in. Her only regret was that there wasn't an empty apartment in this complex yet; otherwise, she would definitely grow old together with her bed!
Qin Zhen placed the selected clothes on the bed, organizing them while reminding her, "The weather is getting colder, you need to keep warm. Don't drink too much cola, and don't eat too many snacks before meals. During my business trip, Secretary General Bai Jing will take my place to help you with work. If you encounter anything you don't understand, you can ask her."
Hearing the last sentence, Wen Shixue couldn't help but ask, "Can't I call and ask you? I'm used to you teaching me."
Qin Zhen's hands paused. Being away for a week meant she wouldn't see Wen Shixue for that entire week. If she could hear her voice over the phone, why wouldn't she want to?
"You can," she thought for a moment, then added seriously, "I'm just afraid I won't be able to explain clearly over the phone."
The dedicated and serious Vice President Qin, although wanting to hear the voice of the person she liked, didn't want to mislead her protégé.
Wen Shixue patted her shoulder generously: "Be confident, you can do it!"
Qin Zhen smiled lightly, taking it as agreement.
Wen Shixue added: "Thanks for your hard work. When you come back, I'll definitely reward you properly."
Qin Zhen initially wanted to say it wasn't necessary, but facing the young woman's excitement, the refusal got stuck in her throat, unwilling to come out. So she nodded and said gently, "Okay."
"President Wen calls the shots."
The next day, Wen Shixue looked at Secretary General Bai Jing, who had taken over Qin Zhen's duties. Bai Jing had neat, ear-length short hair, wore tidy clothes, and had delicate features, though not half as striking as Qin Zhen's.
Wen Shixue felt increasingly uncomfortable looking at her. After all, ever since joining the company, Qin Zhen had always acted as her secretary, staying by her side, offering advice, and clearing up her doubts.
Bai Jing also felt a bit awkward, but this was her job, and she had to do it. Vice President Qin was only filling in temporarily; she wouldn't do it forever.
Wen Shixue quickly recovered from her awkwardness and said calmly, "Secretary Bai, tomorrow's birthday banquet, you'll accompany me. There shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Before she could recognize all the influential figures from various circles, attending such a major event required someone by her side to remind her who was who. Originally, that person was Qin Zhen, but since Qin Zhen was away, Bai Jing had to step in. Fortunately, Bai Jing was also experienced and perfectly capable of handling such matters.
Bai Jing nodded: "President Wen, please rest assured."
Wen Shixue nodded with satisfaction, dismissed her, and then wandered aimlessly around the office. Opening the refrigerator to grab a can of cola, Qin Zhen's face suddenly flashed in her mind, making her miss Qin Zhen intensely, without any reason.
She thought resentfully: Which dimwit sent my Lao Qin away on a business trip!
Then she realized—oh, it was the brilliant business genius, myself. Never mind then.
…
The birthday of Gu Menghan, the young lady of the Gu family, arrived in the blink of an eye. As night fell, Wen Shixue donned an expensive haute couture gown, adorned herself with specially designed jewelry, brought her gift, and sat in the back seat of Bai Jing's car. She then turned to look at the scenery outside the window, involuntarily starting to wonder what Qin Zhen was doing right now.
Has she eaten? Is work going smoothly? Is it cold over there?
The more she thought, the quieter she became.
Bai Jing glanced at her in the rearview mirror, her eyes instantly filled with astonishment.
Although they were used to seeing the boss wear haute couture to work daily, they had never seen her seriously dressed up in a formal gown.
Fluffy, soft long curls cascaded over her snow-white shoulders, her dewy red lips were tender and alluring. She wore a black off-the-shoulder tulle dress, a golden rose waist chain cinching her slender waist. The wide, flowing skirt was sprinkled with sparkling crushed diamonds, making it seem as if she wore a piece of the starry sky, so dazzling that one didn't know where to look.
Bai Jing felt that her boss at this moment looked very much like a runaway Disney princess.
They arrived punctually at the banquet venue. The place was crowded with guests, mostly prominent figures. Wen Shixue exited the car gracefully, met the astonished gazes of others, and walked in calmly. Bai Jing followed beside her, introducing the industry tycoons she could see one by one, so she could greet them.
This was Wen Shixue's first time attending such an event after starting work, and the exquisitely designed jewelry added to her charm, instantly attracting considerable attention. Several wealthy wives even approached her proactively to chat, complimenting the beauty of her jewelry.
Wen Shixue curved her lips into a smile; wasn't this exactly the effect she wanted? Since the opportunity had presented itself, she had no reason to refuse. She immediately engaged them in pleasant conversation, naturally introducing her company's products in a tone as casual as chatting about daily life. She didn't forget to praise their well-maintained appearances and elegant demeanor, flattering them until they were overjoyed, insisting they absolutely had to visit Chenfeng Jewelry.
"Thank you, sisters," said President Wen, focused on her career, sweet-mouthed and well-behaved.
The youngest of the wealthy wives could have been called 'Auntie' by her, but hearing such a heart-melting 'sister,' they were instantly delighted, all asking for her business card.
Bai Jing, who had seen Wen Shixue wielding the 'Convince by Virtue' bat, didn't dare make a sound.
Bai Jing: Sorry boss, I didn't know you could be this sweet…
Lin Jiayu waited until Wen Shixue finished her business before calling her over to meet Gu Menghan. Gu Menghan was entertaining friends of her own age in an inner room; the outer area was for business, handled by Chairman Gu and Mrs. Gu.
Wen Shixue tactfully asked Bai Jing to wait outside for her. As she turned, she saw a young girl with baby fat in a pink dress running enthusiastically from inside. She hugged Wen Shixue tightly and said with a sweet smile, "You're finally here! Look at our Miss Wen, beautiful as always today!" She turned to Lin Jiayu, puzzled, "So you two knew each other already? I was planning to introduce you during this opportunity."
"For what?" Wen Shixue asked.
Gu Menghan said generously, "To help you find clients! Jiayu loves jewelry, and you run a jewelry company, isn't it perfect?" Then she noticed their jewelry, paused, and said, "So beautiful, they suit you both very well!"
Wen Shixue smiled warmly upon hearing this: "Thank you, our Miss Gu. Here, this is your gift."
Lin Jiayu also presented her gift with a smile.
Gu Menghan wasn't in a hurry to open the gifts and ushered them inside first. Lin Jiayu linked arms with Wen Shixue, walking together behind Gu Menghan, and asked in a low voice, "Why isn't your Vice President accompanying you?"
Wen Shixue said, "She went on a business trip." Then asked puzzledly, "Why do you ask?"
Wen Shixue: Straight-girl Lin, you're not right!
Gu Menghan, afraid of neglecting the people inside, turned back and urged them to hurry up, then lifted her skirt and quickened her pace inwards. Lin Jiayu glanced at her back, smiled warmly, and continued walking unhurriedly with Wen Shixue.
Lin Jiayu said, "There was a question I forgot to ask you last time."
Wen Shixue looked puzzled: "What?"
Lin Jiayu put her arm around her shoulder and smiled slightly: "Actually, you…"
"You like that Vice President Qin, don't you?"
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