?
Upon hearing this, Yan Xin couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath, his brows furrowing slightly as he pondered the weight of her words.
He thought his last response might have been too harsh, hurting Fang Shiqing, so this time he tried to refuse her in a gentler way.
But little did he know, this approach would only deepen the misunderstanding between them.
Seeing Yan Xin bow his head in silence, Zhang Shanshan continued calmly, "President Yan, if you truly like someone, don't hide it or string them along. Playing with a girl's feelings is very unethical."
"Assistant Zhang."
Yan Xin called out to her flatly, about to say something, but ultimately swallowed his words.
"Hmm?"
Zhang Shanshan raised an eyebrow, silently watching him.
Yan Xin shook his head, then gave a faint smile. "I'll handle this myself. But about the proposal you submitted last time, are you sure you don't want the bonus?"
"It was just a small effort on my part."
Zhang Shanshan smiled, her eyes clear and pure.
Yan Xin was momentarily stunned, his impression of this assistant growing even more favorable.
They exchanged a few casual remarks about company collaboration topics before Zhang Shanshan withdrew from the office.
The moment she turned around, a chill crept into her eyes.
After Zhang Shanshan left, Yan Xin sat restlessly at his desk, his expression unreadable.
The next day, Fang Shiqing came as usual with homemade dishes for Yan Xin, her shy, girlish demeanor stirring an inexplicable emotion in him.
"President Yan, I made this especially for you today. Please try it."
Fang Shiqing's face was full of anticipation, her slight smile reflecting her good mood.
"Manager Fang, you really don't need to go to all this trouble. I actually have someone who brings me meals every day."
Yan Xin paused, then slowly continued, "I appreciate your kindness, but maybe I wasn't clear last time. The truth is... I already have someone I like."
At this, the smile on Fang Shiqing's face froze, her hand pausing mid-air in awkwardness.
"Manager Fang, to be honest, I didn't realize your feelings from the start. I thought you were just bringing these things as a gesture of ordinary friendship. But now I can't pretend not to know—it wouldn't be fair to you."
Yan Xin's eyes held a hint of apology.
Fang Shiqing forced a smile, putting on a magnanimous front. "President Yan, I understand completely. This is just a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it—you've helped me so much before."
"Manager Fang..."
"Since I've already made it, you can't expect me to throw it away, can you?"
Su Banxia said, half-joking and half-serious.
Yan Xin frowned slightly, then slowly nodded.
Fang Shiqing pushed the lunchbox toward him, ultimately saying nothing more before turning and leaving.
Watching her retreating figure, Yan Xin felt a pang of unease. Though he had been a seasoned player in romance before, those were always mutual exchanges. Someone like Fang Shiqing was new to him, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.
But he knew well the wisdom that a short pain is better than a long one.
Fang Shiqing practically ran out of Yan Xin's office, tears glistening in her eyes, her heart heavy with sorrow.
If the first rejection had still left her with the spirit to carry on, this one had utterly shattered her heart.
So Yan Xin already had someone he liked—what was she doing, fooling herself like this?
"Shiqing?"
Su Banxia returned from lunch and saw Fang Shiqing looking utterly dejected. She frowned. "What's wrong?"
"Banxia."
Fang Shiqing rushed forward and hugged Su Banxia tightly.
Su Banxia was taken aback, then patted her shoulder reassuringly.
"Banxia..."
Fang Shiqing's voice was thick with sobs, her heart full of grievance.
"Is it because of Yan Xin?"
Su Banxia ventured cautiously.
Fang Shiqing didn't answer, just held her close, an indescribable ache in her chest.
"Alright, it's okay. I'm here for you. No one can hurt you."
Su Banxia could guess the gist of it and gently rubbed her back.
Fang Shiqing clung to Su Banxia for a long time before finally letting go. Looking at the woman before her, she rubbed her eyes vigorously. "He said he has someone he likes."
"Hmm?"
Su Banxia's heart sank. "That doesn't make sense. I've never heard of it."
"Forget it."
Fang Shiqing wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, putting on a brave front. "I won't hold it against him. Besides, there are plenty of men in the world. If he doesn't like me, someone else will."
Hearing this, Su Banxia couldn't help but chuckle. "When did you become so open-minded?"
"Well, I can't just abandon everything just because of a rejection, can I?"
Fang Shiqing shrugged.
She liked Yan Xin, but she still had her pride and dignity.
Since he had made himself so clear, if she shamelessly threw herself at him, wouldn't that make her a complete joke?
As if reading Fang Shiqing's thoughts, Su Banxia sighed softly, comforted her a bit, and only left for her own office after confirming she was okay.
"Does a meal take that long?"
The moment she pushed open the office door, Pei Shaoze's voice suddenly rang in her ears.
Su Banxia followed the sound and quickly cleared her throat. "I ran into Shiqing on the way and chatted with her for a bit."
"How's the contract with the Song family that I asked you to negotiate?"
Pei Shaoze glanced at her sidelong, his gaze sharp.
"It's almost done."
Su Banxia nodded, reporting truthfully.
Pei Shaoze said nothing more, just lowered his head to continue reading the documents in his hand.
Watching his focused profile, Su Banxia steadied herself, gathered her courage, and slowly asked, "President Pei, I have a question for you."
"Go ahead."
Pei Shaoze's voice was cold.
Su Banxia couldn't help but shiver. After hesitating for a moment, she finally said, "Are you and Yan Xin close?"
"Hmm?"
Pei Shaoze looked at her, puzzled.
"I've heard President Yan mention that you two grew up together as close friends."
Su Banxia's voice trembled as she forced herself to stay calm. "So I wanted to ask."
Pei Shaoze nodded casually. "Yes, we're close. Why, are you jealous?"
"That's not it."
Su Banxia's mouth twitched slightly.