Chapter 121

Chi Wanzhao said she was going to inspect the employees, and she really did. Kong Xiyan watched her instruct Assistant Zhou to bring along some items, but at first, she couldn't tell what they were. Only when Assistant Zhou walked over with a stack of documents did she ask, puzzled, "Assistant Zhou, what's that?"

Assistant Zhou lowered his head with a smile. "Madam, these are Jingyan's Employee Onboarding Handbooks."

Kong Xiyan turned to Chi Wanzhao, frowning. "Xiaowan, why bring those?"

Chi Wanzhao looked up from behind her desk, her lips curling into a smirk. "Since we're going to offer our condolences, it wouldn't be right to go empty-handed. Bringing a few 'gifts' is only proper."

Kong Xiyan: ...

The news that President Chi was coming to inspect Department Two of the Publicity Division had already spread throughout Jingyan half an hour earlier, and the internal group chats were buzzing.

—Inspection? This is the first time President Chi is inspecting any department.

—Inspection, my foot. I bet she's going to settle scores for Madam.

—Wouldn't you be furious? Imagine finding out your lover's employees were gossiping about an affair, calling your marriage a sham. How would you feel?

—Hell, I'd blow a fuse!

—Exactly, the thought alone makes my blood boil!

—Not her, though. Madam is so composed she didn't even lose her cool.

—I heard she even greeted Assistant Zhou with a smile. Tsk, tsk, such grace.

—If that's the case, President Chi must know everything. Department Two is doomed!

Poor Department Two, now the talk of the office, was scrambling. Team Leader Zhang had been shocked when he learned Chi Wanzhao was coming. He immediately called off the scolding meeting he was holding and ordered everyone to tidy up. Within minutes, Chi Wanzhao, followed by Kong Xiyan and two assistants, walked through the corridor into Department Two.

The moment they stepped in, employees from other departments craned their necks, straining to eavesdrop.

Standing beside Team Leader Zhang were the head of the Publicity Division and two deputy heads. The entire Department Two was dead silent; no one made a sound. Chi Wanzhao hadn't spoken yet, and no one dared breathe too loud.

Kong Xiyan recognized the few people standing in front of her as those who had been in the elevator with her at noon. Their faces were pale, heads bowed, and two girls nervously twisted the hems of their clothes.

The office atmosphere had grown heavy. Chi Wanzhao, her face stern, lips pressed, fixed a cold glare on the group before her, her gaze sharp as a blade, making them lower their heads even further.

After a long moment, Chi Wanzhao finally spoke. "Zhou Sheng, what do you think of Department Two?"

Zhou Sheng bowed his head. "President Chi, Department Two's performance has always been outstanding."

Chi Wanzhao nodded. "I've heard that too. The employees here are all eloquent, with sharp tongues. Especially Team Leader Zhang, whose work ability is particularly excellent."

Though it sounded like praise, it sent chills down everyone's spines. Their faces grew paler, and Team Leader Zhang's legs began to tremble. Only with the support of the deputy head beside him could he remain standing.

Zhou Sheng glanced at everyone's expressions, then looked at Chi Wanzhao. "President Chi is right."

Chi Wanzhao retracted her imposing demeanor, hesitated for a moment, then said, "Such talent shouldn't go to waste. How about this—I recall we're heading to Feidu for a promotional company next month. Zhou Sheng, make the arrangements."

Zhou Sheng understood. "Very well, President Chi."

Department Two's faces, already pale, now took on a look of despair, especially Team Leader Zhang, who hung his head in defeat.

Seeing this, Zhou Sheng turned to Chi Wanzhao and asked, "President Chi, shall we inspect the other departments as well?"

Chi Wanzhao turned to Kong Xiyan and said gently, "What do you think, Madam?"

Her voice was a complete contrast to moments ago. Some employees gathered the courage to look up, and out of the corner of their eyes, they saw Chi Wanzhao's brows soften with tenderness. Their gazes shifted to Kong Xiyan, and their expressions changed slightly before they quickly averted their eyes. Kong Xiyan's voice was light and clear. "No need."

Zhou Sheng seized the opportunity. "President Chi, what about these?" He gestured to the handbooks in his hand.

Chi Wanzhao glanced at the stack, then at Zhou Sheng. "You handle that."

With that, she led Kong Xiyan and strode out of Department Two. Everyone held their breath as Chi Wanzhao spoke to Kong Xiyan, and faint voices could still be heard.

Unlike the chilling tone she had used with them, her voice now was gentle with Kong Xiyan, noticeable even from a distance.

Had they really been so bold as to think the two had a sham marriage??

Who the hell had spread that rumor!

The employees of Department Two were secretly kicking themselves. Team Leader Zhang breathed a huge sigh of relief after Chi Wanzhao left, then looked at Zhou Sheng. "Assistant Zhou, any further instructions?"

Zhou Sheng placed the stack of handbooks on the table. "President Chi's gift for all of you."

Everyone: ...

Zhou Sheng pushed up his glasses and smiled coolly. "Each of you will copy it by hand ten times and submit it to me."

"Consider it your gift to President Chi and Madam."

Everyone: ...

After Zhou Sheng finished his instructions and left, they exchanged glances, and after a long silence, the office let out a collective sigh.

This gift was too heavy to bear!!!

Regardless of whether they could bear it, Department Two's "gift" had already spread throughout Jingyan, causing another uproar across the whole company.

—Did you hear? Department Two's gift: ten handwritten copies of the new employee handbook, hahaha!!! Dying laughing!

—That's nothing. Haven't you heard about Department Two's business trip to Feidu?

—Huh? What's wrong with a business trip?

—Tsk, looks like you've never been to Feidu. Let me tell you, the lifestyle there is completely different. They eat meat that's still half-raw. Last time Team Leader Li went for half a month and came back thirty pounds lighter. Scary, right? His whole body changed.

—That terrifying?

—Of course. Earlier, when the division heads had to go, no one volunteered, so they drew lots. Now, it's Department Two's turn directly.

—Oh, my poor Department Two, hahaha!

—Why are you all only talking about Department Two? Hasn't anyone noticed that Kong Xiyan's clothes are President Chi's? Now that's the real story!!

—Really? Really? I missed that!

—Yes, I can confirm. I'm from Department Two.

Then her message was followed by a string of exclamation marks in the group chat.

She changed clothes in broad daylight!

And into President Chi's clothes!

For anyone else, it wouldn't be strange, but this was President Chi, who had three years without a single scandal or girlfriend—that was earth-shattering news!

So that afternoon, the sensational rumor that had everyone buzzing shifted from Department Two's trip to Feidu to Madam wearing President Chi's clothes. The buzz rose steadily within Jingyan, and by the time the workday ended, no one was unaware.

After returning from Department Two, Kong Xiyan had been cooped up in the lounge, unable to sleep. She could only hug Yanyan to pass the time. Chi Wanzhao had gone to a meeting, leaving Kong Xiyan alone in the office.

Yanyan squirmed restlessly in her arms, meowing continuously. It might be hungry. At noon, Chi Wanzhao had deliberately made Yanyan eat less, so now the cat was meowing nonstop.

Kong Xiyan touched her own stomach.

She was hungry too.

She remembered that the break room always had tea snacks. Kong Xiyan put Yanyan down and patted its head. "Wait here; I'll see if there's something to eat."

Yanyan raised its head and let out a compliant meow.

Kong Xiyan walked out of the office and into the break room.

While she was picking out pastries from the innermost shelf, she heard two girls' voices at the door.

One said, "Did you see Madam wearing President Chi's clothes?"

The other replied, "I saw it. But that's nothing—did you see President Chi's expression when she talked to Madam?"

"—I saw it, I saw it! So tender!"

"—Check if my face is swollen?"

"—Huh?"

"—I used to say President Chi would never know what gentleness means. Now my face hurts."

Kong Xiyan found it amusing. The two girls each took a cup of tea and left. She emerged from behind the partition, holding a plate of pastries, and after a moment's thought, she smiled and left the break room.

Chi Wanzhao still hadn't returned. When Yanyan saw her open the door, it padded over, raised its head, and stared at her with round, shiny eyes, utterly adorable.

Kong Xiyan placed the small plate on the coffee table. Yanyan hopped up and started eating happily.

As it ate, it wagged its tail, and its long fur brushed past Kong Xiyan's eyes, stirring a slight breeze.

Kong Xiyan looked down at the clothes she was wearing, thinking of the two girls' earlier words.

"—Did you see Madam wearing President Chi's clothes?"

So these clothes belonged to Chi Wanzhao?

She lowered her head, pinched the collar, and sniffed it.

It was indeed a familiar scent.

When Chi Wanzhao returned to the office, she saw her in that pose. She walked over to Kong Xiyan and asked softly, "What's wrong?"

Hearing the voice, Kong Xiyan turned her head. Her lips brushed against Chi Wanzhao's cheek, and she said in a soft voice, "Xiaowan, thank you."

The clothes were intentional; the visit to Department Two was intentional. She always did everything silently and then pretended it was coincidence, just to spare Kong Xiyan from feeling burdened.

But Kong Xiyan knew.

She knew Chi Wanzhao's kindness.

Chi Wanzhao's bright eyes flickered. Taking advantage of her turned head, Kong Xiyan offered her lips, a brief touch, and kissed Chi Wanzhao's perfectly painted red lips.

Chi Wanzhao reached out to hold Kong Xiyan's shoulders, just about to lower her head when the door suddenly swung open, followed by Assistant Zhou's voice.

"President Chi, this is..."

Seeing the scene, he instinctively stepped back and said, "Sorry, President Chi. I'll step out first."

Without daring to look at Chi Wanzhao's expression, he retreated from the office. Standing at the door, he took a deep breath. Jiang Yuan, on his way into the office, saw him standing at the president's office door and, puzzled, stepped forward to ask, "What's wrong?"

Zhou Sheng looked at him and sighed.

"Assistant Jiang, cherish the time we have together."

Jiang Yuan: ...