An Ruo adjusted her mindset and returned to work. As long as she kept busy, she could temporarily set aside all those worries.
Zhou Mingyue played around for a few days before heading back to Lanzhen. Calling it "coming to work" was more like experiencing life, with a side trip to corner Gu Chao. The planning department secretly mocked Zhou Mingyue for always warming a cold seat, and some even compiled her exploits into a book titled *The Zhou Heiress's Pursuit of a Husband*.
Back when An Ruo kept her company, it was bearable, but now that she had transformed into Gu Chao's super assistant, Zhou Mingyue grew increasingly irritated. Add to that the gossipy women in the planning department whispering in her ear, and she began to suspect something murky between Gu Chao and An Ruo.
With a meeting imminent, An Ruo gathered the documents needed for later and knocked on the president's office door. She entered to remind him, "President, the meeting about next quarter is about to start."
Gu Chao nodded, closed the file he hadn't finished reading, and followed her to the conference room.
Along the way, An Ruo dutifully briefed him on the meeting's main agenda and briefly listed the department heads attending.
A commotion came from around the corner.
Secretary Fang hurried over, looking troubled. "Miss Zhou, you can't go in..."
Zhou Mingyue ignored his阻拦, crossed her arms, and barged in directly.
"The president is in a meeting. Whatever it is, let's wait until he's done..."
"Move aside!"
An Ruo's report came to an abrupt halt. Both of them looked up to see Zhou Mingyue striding over arrogantly, followed by Secretary Fang and two security guards.
Seeing the two of them, Zhou Mingyue quickened her pace, her voice syrupy as she clung to Gu Chao. Beside him, An Ruo coughed lightly and stepped back a few paces.
"President, Miss Zhou forced her way in. We really couldn't stop her..."
Gu Chao waved his hand. Secretary Fang nodded and immediately led the others away.
Zhou Mingyue looped her arm through his, pouting. "A Chao, you're avoiding me again. You say you're busy in meetings, but you're just lying to me!"
Gu Chao pulled his arm free. "I'm about to head to a meeting. With all these people around, can you not make a scene?"
"You promised you'd take me skiing these two days. Why haven't I heard anything about it?"
"There's a project that needs urgent progress. Let me finish this, and then I'll take you out to play." Gu Chao looked exasperated, soothing her with words to get her to leave first.
Zhou Mingyue glanced at An Ruo. "She was doing fine in the planning department. Why did you promote her to be your assistant?"
"Because she's competent at her job. What else could it be?" Gu Chao cut her off bluntly, giving her a cold look. "Don't tell me you think I like her?"
Behind him, An Ruo let out a slow breath. Gu Chao's words both praised her work ability and clearly explained that their relationship was nothing more than boss and subordinate.
Zhou Mingyue had known Gu Chao for a while. She believed this man wouldn't easily fall for someone like An Ruo.
But women are inherently suspicious creatures, especially when it comes to the person they love. They always think every other woman has ulterior motives!
"Go touch up your makeup. Your foundation is caking."
Zhou Mingyue was obsessed with her appearance. Hearing this, she immediately pulled out her phone to check her face. Gu Chao seized the chance to slip into the conference room.
Just as An Ruo was about to leave, Zhou Mingyue grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
"I don't care if Gu Chao truly values your talent or has other motives." Zhou Mingyue declared her territory with force. "One thing I need to make clear: he's mine. Don't think that just because I've been nice to you, you can take him from me!"
"I don't like him." An Ruo feared she might misunderstand their relationship. "I remember all the kindness you've shown me. I treasure you as a friend, so I would never do anything to undermine you."
Zhou Mingyue met her sincere gaze, quickly looked away, and her tone lost some of its earlier aggression.
"You might not have designs on him, but that doesn't mean he doesn't. Besides, just because you say it with your own mouth, should I believe you?"
"I have a husband."
Zhou Mingyue froze, her eyes filled with disbelief.
She was married so young? Who would believe that!
"So rest assured. If I had any feelings for him, it would be cheating. Not just you—my husband wouldn't let me off either."
Zhou Mingyue was still processing the news of her marriage, nodding blankly. "Alright then. You... do your job well. When I'm not around, help me keep an eye on him."
An Ruo seemed to remember something, her eyes narrowing into a smile that deepened her dimples. She whispered in Zhou Mingyue's ear, "Next Friday, the president is going to a cocktail party at Orton."
The two exchanged a knowing look. Zhou Mingyue raised a gentle eyebrow—it seemed befriending her wasn't so bad after all.
Days passed one by one. Since marrying Shen Xiaoxing, An Ruo felt like her life had been on a roll, overcoming every obstacle.
Not only had An Che's surgery gone smoothly, but she also had a brand-new life. She had received a generous scholarship early in her studies. At work, she was recognized by the big boss and promoted to his personal assistant, earning a monthly salary in the tens of thousands, with an annual income that made her laugh in her dreams.
An Ruo was full of energy every day, motivated at work, learning the ins and outs of business trade-offs from Gu Chao, and growing closer to Zhou Mingyue in their relationship.
Though Zhou Mingyue had a bit of a spoiled temperament, she was truly loyal. Her words were sharp, but she wasn't someone who would bow for a dime.