After the Strategy Mission Was Exposed, the Childhood Friend Became a Sinister Male Ghost - Chapter 15

“The apples are delicious, very crisp and sweet,” Lin Zhouci said, a hint of a smile appearing in his eyes.

“I think they are delicious too. They are very healthy. An apple a day keeps the doctor away until you are ninety-nine.”

“Mhm.” Lin Zhouci nodded. An apple a day was indeed necessary. “Is your mother in this hospital?”

“No, she is in the largest hospital in the capital. The medical equipment there is more advanced, and there are many experienced doctors.”

“Who is taking care of her?”

“I hired a professional caregiver.”

“Are there no other family members?”

Ling Luo fell silent. Lin Zhouci poked another piece of apple with his fork and lowered his voice. “I am sorry. I should not have asked.”

Ling Luo shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears. “It is fine. I only have my mother left as family. Many people have asked over the years, and I have long since grown used to it.”

Lin Zhouci’s fingers stiffened around the disposable fork. He slowly put the apple into his mouth. The woman before him wore a faint smile on her beautiful face, pretending to be strong as if she were wearing an exquisite mask.

Lin Zhouci lowered his eyelashes. They both had something in common. Beneath their polished masks lay souls hidden by insecurity.

Lin Zhouci’s Affection Level: 52.

A spark of light flashed deep within Ling Luo’s pupils. Against an insecure man, this move really works!

Ling Luo interlaced her fingers, her thumbs rubbing the back of her hand as she spoke hesitantly. “President Lin, I have arranged all the work for the next few days. There should be no other emergencies. I would like to request two days of leave to move.”

“Move?” Lin Zhouci was surprised.

“The housing prices in the Gaoya District are very high. My mother’s illness costs a lot of money, and I can no longer afford the mortgage. After selling the house, the pressure on my life will be eased.” Ling Luo let out a feigned sigh of melancholy.

“Alright, I will give you two days off.”

“Thank you, President Lin!”

“Are the days off for tomorrow and the day after?”

“Yes, exactly!”

“Do you have friends to help you move?”

“It is just me. I will pack everything myself and then call a moving service.”

“I see.”

Lin Zhouci’s Affection Level: 54.

The two of them left the hospital and returned to the company, where Lin Zhouci immediately threw himself back into work.

At ten o’clock that evening, Ling Luo rubbed her aching lower back. She told herself to endure it. Once she successfully captured the Male Lead, she would not have to work during her period. She could just lie down and enjoy life.

She took the last sip of ginger tea and put the apple-patterned thermos back into her bag. Ling Luo left her workstation and glanced back at the closed office door. She walked a few steps, thought for a moment, and then turned back.

She knocked twice and entered. “President Lin, you had a fever today. After taking your medicine, you should go home early to rest.”

Her voice stopped abruptly. Lin Zhouci was slumped over his desk, one hand clutching his stomach, his body trembling slightly. Ling Luo rushed forward to observe him and realized his stomach condition was acting up. She immediately poured a glass of hot water and brought it in.

“President Lin, drinking some hot water will make you feel better.” She also took out some acid-suppressing medication she had prepared in advance. “President Lin, take this.”

The sudden female voice sounded like heavenly music, turning into a gentle force that awakened his consciousness. Lin Zhouci’s face was pale, and he looked exhausted. After drinking the hot water and taking the medicine, the cramping in his stomach eased slightly, making him feel less miserable.

Lin Zhouci’s Affection Level: 55.

Lin Zhouci pursed his lips and forced his eyelids open, giving Ling Luo a weak smile. “You have helped me once again.”

“Usually, President Lin leaves the office by ten o’clock, but today it was past ten. I was worried about you since you had not come out, so I came in to remind you to head back early.”

“I am fine. Thank you for your concern.” Lin Zhouci’s gaze landed on the medication on the desk. “How did you have this medicine?”

“On my first day of employment, I made sure to understand everything about you, President Lin. I learned your height, weight, hobbies, and small health issues. As a qualified Executive Assistant, I must prepare these medications in advance to avoid a situation where you fall ill and cannot find any.” Ling Luo’s round eyes sparkled like starlight.

When she smiled, it was contagious, and she released a warm, comforting aura. Lin Zhouci’s eyes flickered. It was questionable if it was normal for a subordinate to pay this much attention to a superior.

“How many companies have you worked for before, Assistant Ling?”

“I have only worked at Xincheng. Why do you ask, President Lin?”

“I feel that you are very skilled and experienced.”

“President Lin, since I am so dedicated, will I get a raise?”

Lin Zhouci stood up and took his suit jacket from the hanger. “Your performance is excellent. I will give you a bonus and a raise.”

“President Lin, you are so approachable! You are simply an angel!” Ling Luo’s eyes lit up.

“Let us go.”

The two of them entered the elevator together. Ling Luo requested her two days of leave again.

The next morning, Di Yu arrived at Ling Luo’s doorstep.

Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong!

Ling Luo walked out while brushing her teeth, her mouth covered in white foam. She looked him up and down and asked indistinctly, “Why did you come without saying a word?”

Di Yu was dressed in a royal blue suit with a dark gold tie, looking cold and dignified. He was holding an exquisite black wooden lunch box.

“Are you dropping off breakfast on your way to work?” Ling Luo moved her electric toothbrush from the left side of her mouth to the right.

This was the first time she had shown such an unpolished side of herself in front of him. Di Yu only thought she was adorable. Ling Luo’s main goal right now was to make Di Yu loathe her so they could break up for good.

Ling Luo moved aside. “Come in.” She continued walking inside.

Di Yu familiarly took out a pair of white slippers from the shoe cabinet. When Ling Luo emerged from the bathroom, her face was still damp. Her bare face looked as fresh as a lotus flower, and she exuded a harmless aura. Her white silk nightgown clung to her graceful figure, and her satin-like black hair draped over her shoulders, covering her exposed skin. She walked a few steps and sat on a chair, resting her chin on her hand.

She glanced at the black wooden lunch box on the table and spoke with an impatient tone. “How can you bring breakfast made by your own servants? A home-cooked meal made by your own hands shows much more sincerity.”

After a pause, she added slowly, “A wealthy crown prince like you, who has never lifted a finger for chores, could never possibly cook for an ordinary woman.”

In the past, her personality was charming, her voice was gentle, and her smile was bright. Now, it was as if she had been possessed, acting extremely caustic toward him.

Yet, Di Yu liked her temper. He felt he was getting to know her better. Perhaps this was the truest version of her beneath the mask. His gaze swept over the red four-leaf clover bracelet on her pale wrist before moving slowly to her fair, rosy face.

“It is true that I did not make this breakfast. I will give you a surprise next time.”

“What surprise?”

“It would not be a surprise if I told you now. Just look forward to it, Luo Luo.”

“I am not looking forward to it.”

“Does your stomach still hurt today?” Di Yu changed the subject.