Volume One, Chapter Fifteen: Secretary Li Suffers from Paranoia

Shen Yubai stood tall, gazing down at Li Ruochu with a complex expression in his eyes. The air in the office seemed to freeze instantly—so quiet it felt suffocating.

After a long pause, Li Ruochu finally lifted her head, meeting Shen Yubai’s gaze. Her tone was tinged with irritation as she said, “I haven’t eaten yet. If you have something to say, spit it out already!”

“I know you blame Qiuying for the project, but this isn’t something I can decide on my own.” Shen Yubai frowned slightly, a trace of helplessness on his face. He leaned forward, trying to make his voice sound more sincere. “Next time, I’ll make sure to hand the company’s most important project to you.”

“No need,” Li Ruochu’s lips curled into a mocking smile. She propped her chin with one hand, tilting her head as she looked at Shen Yubai with a teasing glint in her eye. “If you’d hurry up and divorce me, I’d gladly let Gu Qiuying have all the projects.”

Shen Yubai’s face darkened at her words, anger flashing in his eyes. He took a hurried step forward, reaching out to grab Li Ruochu’s arm. “Li Ruochu, I told you not to mention divorce to me ever again. Don’t you understand? Or is it that you’ve got your eye on another man?”

As he spoke, he leaned closer, his breath quick and hot against Li Ruochu’s face, exuding a sense of pressure. The memory of Li Ruochu’s seemingly intimate interaction with Feng Yizhou in the office that morning made his gaze grow colder, jealousy blazing in his heart.

“Ha!” Li Ruochu couldn’t help but laugh, the sound brimming with ridicule and sorrow. She struggled fiercely, trying to break free from Shen Yubai’s grip, but failed. “Did you ever consider the consequences when you slept with Gu Qiuying?”

Shen Yubai’s grip loosened slightly at her words, his demeanor relaxing, an awkwardness flickering across his face. He looked away, explaining, “I’ve told you, the Gu family has done me a favor.”

“So you’re repaying their kindness with your body? Shen Yubai, I’m tired. I don’t want to be tangled up in your emotional mess anymore.” Li Ruochu bit her lip, speaking each word with deliberation.

With all her strength, she yanked herself free from Shen Yubai’s grasp. As she turned, the chair scraped harshly against the floor. She hurried out of her office without a backward glance, leaving Shen Yubai standing there alone, his eyes swirling with complicated emotions.

Downstairs, the street bustled with cars and people, lively and chaotic. Li Ruochu entered a restaurant and ordered lunch. She picked a corner seat, staring at her food, suddenly losing her appetite.

She lifted her chopsticks, mechanically picking up a bite and placing it in her mouth. After a few chews, tears spilled uncontrollably down her face. Sobbing, she muttered, “Damn, the chef’s skills are getting worse!”

“So, you didn’t get the project and came here to cry?” A familiar, teasing voice sounded from across the table.

Without looking up, Li Ruochu knew it was Feng Yizhou. Her heart tightened; she hurriedly wiped her tears with the back of her hand, then grabbed a tissue, scrubbing at the tear-streaks.

“I suppose I have you to thank for your ‘care’.” Li Ruochu looked up at Feng Yizhou, forcing a smile. She hadn’t expected to run into him even at lunch. If it weren’t for his power and influence in the industry, she would have…

But as the thought crossed her mind, she realized bitterly she was nothing more than a small, insignificant figure in this ruthless world—powerless to change anything.

“Secretary Li, stop smiling. That’s an awfully ugly smile.” Feng Yizhou crossed his arms, lips curled in a playful smirk, eyes full of mischief. Though his words were merciless, his actions were honest; he picked up a tissue and handed it to Li Ruochu.

“Jiang Mu told me everything,” Feng Yizhou leaned in, his face adorned with a faint, enigmatic smile, his tone laced with temptation. “Would you be interested in joining my company?”

“Mr. Feng, please don’t joke with me.” Li Ruochu was taken aback, a bitter smile appearing on her face.

Jiang Mu, always by Feng Yizhou’s side, was exceptionally capable—a pillar of the company, second only to the boss. As for herself, years of navigating the business world had made her formidable, too.

But Feng Yizhou’s sudden offer to poach her—was he planning for the two of them to split the power, or was he thinking of firing Jiang Mu and giving her the chief assistant’s position?

“Do I seem like I’m joking?” Feng Yizhou raised his brows.

“Doesn’t Mr. Feng dislike me?” Li Ruochu met his gaze, stubbornness in her eyes as she retorted.

“Seems I’ve been terribly wronged. When did I ever say I disliked you, Secretary Li?” Feng Yizhou spread his hands in a show of innocence, but a cunning glint flickered in his eyes.

“Didn’t you say in the CEO’s office that Gu Qiuying was much more capable than me?” Li Ruochu frowned, a hint of grievance on her face.

“Secretary Li, I think you’re suffering from paranoia!” Feng Yizhou burst out laughing, his eyes full of amusement. “Just because I said Gu Qiuying was capable doesn’t mean you aren’t. Your interpretation really makes me reconsider my invitation.”

Li Ruochu felt her cheeks burn at his words, smiling awkwardly, unsure how to respond. She lowered her head and resumed eating her lunch in silence.

Perhaps distracted, she suddenly realized the food that had seemed unpalatable moments ago wasn’t so bad after all.

Seeing Li Ruochu’s mood lighten, Feng Yizhou smiled in satisfaction. He stood up slowly, straightening his suit. “Rest assured, Secretary Li—Gu Qiuying won’t be able to handle this project!”

“Hm?” Li Ruochu looked up sharply, confusion in her eyes. Watching Feng Yizhou’s departing figure, her brows knitted in thought. What did he mean by that?

He was the one who decided the project’s candidate, and now he suddenly said this—had he changed his mind?

Back at the company, the office was a hive of activity. Colleagues worked diligently at their stations. Li Ruochu surveyed the scene, feeling a wave of disappointment.

She knew Feng Yizhou’s earlier words were just to cheer her up. Surely, he still resented her for showing up disheveled at their last meeting.

What a petty man!