Mistaken ‘O’ is a Crazy Gorgeous Boss - Chapter 49

Golden specks shimmered alongside a radiant glow, drawing the attention of everyone in the venue toward the lucky winner. Some sighed in admiration, some gazed with envy, while others were eager to extend an olive branch.

But Qu Zhen had no mind to deal with any of it.

She hurriedly replied to a message from her mentor, who had recognized her talent, then glanced around as if searching for where her mysterious teacher might be.

[Teacher! Are you at the auction too?]

[Thank you! But this gift is truly too extravagant, I can’t accept it.]

Just then, someone approached Qu Zhen to hand her a business card, a woman who had been seated at a round table on the right side of the first level. Dressed elegantly with meticulous makeup and waist-length wavy hair, she looked as though she had stepped out of a formal evening gala.

“Hello,” she said, “here’s my card. Which company do you work for?”

Qu Zhen responded politely but distantly, “Hello, I work at Shengcan Venture Capital. I’m sorry, but I have something urgent to attend to right now. Excuse me.”

With that, she picked up her backpack nearby and followed a server who had come to fetch her. As she reached the end of the corridor, her phone vibrated.

[I’m not there in person. A friend sent me photos, and I noticed you were in them.]

[Over the summer, you sent me a picture of a sky-blue glazed teacup, saying how beautiful it was and how much you liked it. So, I asked my friend to bid on it and arranged for it to be given to you in a surprising way.]

[Please accept it, Xiao Zhen. Items purchased at the auction cannot be returned, and I don’t have space for it anyway. Consider it my wedding gift to you in advance.]

Since she often took many photos during her archaeological fieldwork, some of which included herself, it wasn’t strange that her teacher had recognized her. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the gift was far too lavish. Sixty million was an astronomical sum to her, and she felt uneasy accepting it.

As if anticipating her continued reluctance, her mysterious teacher whose profile picture was an award-winning photograph, sent another message.

[Xiao Zhen, you know how it is. My health isn’t good, and you’re my only student, as well as one of the few friends I have as an invalid. I hope you’ll accept every gift I give you.]

Qu Zhen had a soft heart. Hearing her teacher speak like this made it difficult for her to insist on refusing.

After wavering and weighing her options, she lowered her gaze and replied.

[Teacher, thank you. I’ll accept it. When I hold my wedding next year, you must come.]

[How have you been lately? I’ve been diligently studying the course materials you sent me and expect to finish by early next month.]

At the end of the corridor was a reception room decorated in a distinct style, quite different from the classical theme of the ninth floor, leaning more toward an old-fashioned Nanyang aesthetic.

The auctioneer, who had been all smiles on the podium, invited her to sit and enjoy some tea. Only after Qu Zhen had sampled the exclusive Golden Melon Tribute Tea from the third floor did the server present her with the packaged auction item.

The eight-figure teacup was nestled in a sandalwood box lined with satin. Qu Zhen accepted it carefully and thanked the server in a low voice.

“You’re welcome,” the beta server replied with a smile. “It’s our pleasure to assist you.”

Clutching the box, Qu Zhen was about to take her leave when the female auctioneer spoke up. “Ms. Qu, Xinghai has arranged a car to take you home. Please follow me.”

The fragrance of tea lingered in the air. Qu Zhen froze for a moment, then nodded and followed the female auctioneer into the private elevator. Before parting, she took one last glance at the now-empty auction hall, her gaze sweeping over the six golden palace lanterns on the third floor.

Inside the elevator hung a golden silk peace knot.

Qu Zhen asked softly, “Miss Anni, may I ask you something?”

Anni nodded cheerfully. “Of course, it’s my duty to assist you.”

Before coming here, Qu Zhen had only heard Jiang Cheng mention the Xinghai Club. She knew it was the most extravagant entertainment venue in Haicheng but was completely unaware of some of its rules.

“If this question violates the club’s rules, you don’t have to answer,” Qu Zhen said, unable to suppress her curiosity. “The winning bidder for the sky-blue glazed teacup was on the third floor. May I ask who she is?”

By the rules, this was indeed not to be disclosed, but Anni had received prior instructions. Without hiding anything, she smiled and replied.

“It’s our boss, Yan Shuang.”

…

On the way back to Xinyu Garden by private car, Qu Zhen had already looked up who Yan Shuang was.

The current CEO of the Yan Group, the sole heir of the Yan family in Haicheng, an S-class alpha raised in extreme wealth, and the only close friend of Shen Yunxi, the head of the Shen family.

Over the years of their acquaintance, Qu Zhen had long known that her teacher came from a very wealthy family, but she hadn’t realized the gap was so vast. If not for that lecture, she might never have had the chance to meet her, let alone become her student.

The sleepless city glittered with colorful lights under the night sky, and the distant streetlights converged into a brilliant river of stars.

Qu Zhen got out of the car at the north gate of Xinyu Garden, politely thanked the driver, and as she passed the shelter by the side path, instinctively glanced to see if the grandmother selling roasted sweet potatoes had set up her stall.

By late October, the temperature in Haicheng had dropped significantly, with a large difference between day and night. Perhaps the weather was too harsh today, as the grandmother hadn’t come out.

Qu Zhen withdrew her gaze, opened her umbrella, and walked inside. Arriving at the apartment building, she closed her umbrella and received a reply from her teacher.

[I’ve been doing well lately.]

[Internships are always busy at the beginning. No rush, take your time.]

[Winter is approaching, and flu season is here. Stay warm and take care.]

Qu Zhen’s eyes curved into a smile, a small dimple appearing on her right cheek.

[I know! You too, please stay warm and take care.]

She paused, then without hiding anything, typed into the chat box again.

[Teacher, before I left, I asked the auctioneer who the bidder was that won the item for you. I didn’t mean to pry into your privacy, I just wanted to express my gratitude to her. If you feel I overstepped, I apologize.]

The reply came quickly, almost instantly.

[It’s fine, no need to apologize.]

[She doesn’t mind such things. I’ll convey your thanks to her later.]

[I’m going to rest now. You should sleep early too. Good night.]

[Goodbye, Teacher. Good night. [moon.jpg]]

The Xinghai Club was far from Xinyu Garden, and by the time she returned to the north gate, it was already ten o’clock. Qu Zhen had assumed Shen Zhikou would already be asleep. But when she pushed the door open, she found Shen Zhikou standing by the dining table, where a freshly boiled pot of small pear soup sat.

“Sister!”

Like an overexcited large dog, Qu Zhen changed her shoes and dashed over to Shen Zhikou, eagerly seeking a hug.

Their eyes met, but Shen Zhikou remained still. “Hmm?”

Qu Zhen worried that her body, chilled from the cold, might make Shen Zhikou uncomfortable. After setting down her backpack and taking off her coat, she returned to her original spot, wrapping her arms tightly around Shen Zhikou. She even rested her head on Shen Zhikou’s shoulder, her voice muffled as she spoke.

“This is the second hug of the day.”

Shen Zhikou encircled her waist and gently patted her head. “Attorney Xiao Zhen has been working overtime and must be exhausted. This is freshly brewed pear soup, drink a bowl while it’s hot.”

Pear soup is known to soothe the lungs, relieve coughs, and replenish nutrients.

Over the past two days, Qu Zhen had been working late into the night, and since waking up that morning, she had been coughing intermittently. Apart from that, she felt no other discomfort. With her robust constitution, she hadn’t paid it much mind. But someone observant had noticed and prepared her favorite pear soup for her return late at night.

“After drinking it, take some medicine,” Shen Zhikou said calmly. “The medicine is a bit bitter, so I’ve prepared some candied fruit for you.”

A warm current flowed through Qu Zhen’s heart. Holding Shen Zhikou seemed more effective than the pear soup, she no longer felt like coughing at all. She wanted to kiss Shen Zhikou, to press their lips together, but she was afraid of passing on her cough. Instead, she nuzzled against Shen Zhikou’s shoulder and neck, then reached for her hand.

“Sister.”

“Hmm?”

Unable to contain her affection, Qu Zhen lifted her head to look at her. “I like Sister.”

In her heart, she thought sweetly,

She is my sister, my wife, my beloved, my Omega. I truly adore her. Meeting Shen Zhikou is the greatest luck of my life.

Feeling that one sentence wasn’t enough, Qu Zhen added softly, “I like Sister.”

Shen Zhikou gazed at her for a long time.

Only when the sound of a message notification broke the silence did she look away. Guiding the little alpha to sit at the dining table and filling a bowl with soup for her, she said quietly, “I need to handle some work matters first. I’ll check on you anytime after I’m done.”

Qu Zhen obediently replied, “I’ll finish the soup and medicine, and save the candied fruit for sister.”

“I’ve already tried one.”

“Then I’ll wait for Sister to eat together.”

As she passed by the alpha, Shen Zhikou smiled. “Acting spoiled again.”

Only after Shen Zhikou had walked away and the sound of the bedroom door closing echoed did Qu Zhen, her ears flushed pink, snap back to reality and lower her head to drink the soup. The pear soup was sweet with a lingering aftertaste, and the snow pear had been stewed until soft and tender. She took a small bite, unable to suppress the smile that tugged at the corners of her lips.

Following the sage advice from the book, she had already planned out the entire weekend in advance.

However, when Shen Zhikou finished her work and came out to check on her, her plans were once again foiled. Sitting beside her and sharing the candied fruit, Shen Zhikou listened as Qu Zhen recounted the teacup her teacher had gifted her, then proceeded to inform her that she would be going on a business trip over the weekend, and it would last a whole week.

Qu Zhen blinked, hiding her disappointment well. “Sister, are you going on a business trip over the weekend?”

“Yes, this project change is different from before. The company values it highly and is offering generous overtime pay.” Shen Zhikou apologized softly, “I’m sorry, little kitten won’t be able to accompany Zhenzhen this weekend.”

She expressed her sincerity by leaning in and kissing Qu Zhen’s dimple. “Can Zhenzhen forgive little kitten?”

Qu Zhen, having been kissed, shook her head seriously. “I’m not angry. There’s no need to apologize.”

“Does little puppy lie too?”

Qu Zhen fell silent.

Shen Zhikou looked into her eyes. “Your grievances are showing in your eyes.”

Unable to kiss, Qu Zhen could only hold her, conveying her reluctance: “It’s not about feeling wronged or angry, it’s just that I can’t bear to be apart from you, sis. Not seeing you for a full week, I’ll miss you so, so much.”

“Attorney Xiao Zhen is so good with words.” Shen Zhikou’s gaze softened slightly. “Then, shall we kiss?”

Qu Zhen frowned slightly. “Kissing might pass my cough to you.”

Shen Zhikou looked at her. “It’s okay if it passes to me.”

“No.”

Qu Zhen had many considerations and refused firmly. “Sis, I’ll work hard to get better as soon as possible.”

After saying this, she leaned in to kiss Shen Zhikou’s forehead, the corners of her eyes, the tip of her nose, her cheeks, chin, and earlobes, only avoiding her soft, rosy lips.

“We have to video call every day,” she said.

“Okay.”

“Can I make one more request?” Qu Zhen held her hand. “Sis.”

“As many as you want.”

The Omega beside her was always so tolerant of her, like a moon that shone only for her, making Qu Zhen fall even more deeply in love.

“I want you to take the initiative to message me,” she added. “Just proactively tell me what you had for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Because you’re so far away, I can’t take care of you, and I’ll worry about whether you’re eating and resting on time.”

“Is that the only small request?”

“Mm.”

Shen Zhikou leaned close to her ear and whispered something. Qu Zhen’s face instantly burned hot, and she shyly covered Shen Zhikou’s lips.

“Let’s go rest, sis.”

Shen Zhikou, with half her face covered, revealed only a pair of beautiful eyes. She blinked, expressing her agreement.

After washing up in the bathroom, the two went to bed as usual. Shen Zhikou, held in Qu Zhen’s embrace, played with her other hand, stroking it from fingertip to knuckle, all the way to the wrist bone, not missing a single spot.

Finally, she kissed her fingertip.

“I left a letter in the second drawer of the cabinet. It’s my reply to you,” Shen Zhikou said. “Read it after work on Thursday. Don’t open it early.”

Qu Zhen, who had already sent three love letters, was overjoyed. “Okay, I understand. I won’t peek.”

“Mm, I believe you, Zhenzhen.”

Qu Zhen teased, “What if I peek early?”

“There will be punishment.”

Qu Zhen kissed her cheek. “Sis is so strict.”

Shen Zhikou neither confirmed nor denied it. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

…

The next morning at nine, Qu Zhen saw Shen Zhikou off at the airport. They hugged goodbye, but in the end, still did not share a kiss.

Over the following week, Qu Zhen received messages from Shen Zhikou every day, along with her videos and calls. Sometimes, they even fell asleep while on the phone. During the second week of her internship, the overtime situation improved after Tuesday, at least ensuring she wouldn’t have to work past 9:30 p.m. before heading home.

The weather gradually cleared up, and finally, the long-awaited Thursday arrived. Qu Zhen was incredibly eager to finish work on time and rush home to open Shen Zhikou’s reply letter.

After reviewing all the contracts in the morning, she went to the cafeteria with Xu Qingqing for lunch, still sitting at their usual spot by the window in the right corner.

It was a rare sunny day, bright and clear with endless blue skies. Qu Zhen gazed out the window at the bustling traffic and was about to message Shen Zhikou when the seat beside her was pulled out by Xiang Ting.

The seat next to Xu Qingqing was also taken by Tang Qian.

“Xiao Qu, is that tea bowl you drew last time kept at your home?” she asked.

Qu Zhen glanced sideways. “Mm.”

“Then this weekend, could we go to your place to see it?” Xiang Ting looked at her expectantly, a faint blush spreading across her pretty face. “I really want to see it again, please?”

Her tone was soft and gentle, almost coquettish.

Unfortunately, Qu Zhen remained completely unmoved. She was inherently clueless about such flirtatious advances and couldn’t grasp Xiang Ting’s hints at all. Moreover, her heart and mind were entirely occupied by Shen Zhikou, leaving her as indifferent to others as if she had renounced worldly desires.

“Sorry,” she said. “I’m going back to my hometown with my lover this weekend.”

“Ah?” Xiang Ting persisted, unwilling to give up. “How about today then? Tang Qian and I happen to be free after work today.”

Qu Zhen’s expression was placid, only a shade warmer than completely blank.

“Sorry, we’ve reserved a restaurant for tonight.”

She had initially wanted to say that neither of them liked being disturbed, but that would have been too blunt. They would still be colleagues for a long time to come, so she swallowed the words after they hovered on the tip of her tongue.

Despite being rejected twice in a row, Xiang Ting’s expression didn’t turn sour.

She even smiled apologetically. “I see. Then we won’t disturb you.”

“Mm.”

Qu Zhen finished her meal in silence and returned to her workstation before the other three.

Their workstations were close to Cao Yuan’s office. From her seat, she could even see the pen on Cao Yuan’s desk. After massaging her temples to relax a bit and feeling slightly less fatigued, Qu Zhen picked up her phone to message Shen Zhikou.

[Sis, what time is your flight tomorrow?]

[I had spare rib rice for lunch today! Cheap and tasty!]

[[puppy tugging at pants leg.jpg]]

While waiting for a reply, Cao Yuan emerged from her office and asked with a smile, “Back to work already?”

“Mm.” Qu Zhen didn’t want to elaborate.

“Young people sure have energy,” Cao Yuan said. “Keep it up.”

Qu Zhen: “I will. Thank you, Attorney Cao.”

As Cao Yuan’s tall figure receded into the distance, Qu Zhen turned on her computer and searched Cao Yuan’s name in the browser.

The first six pages were all about Cao Yuan’s past experiences, detailing her undefeated record as a top-tier lawyer. Qu Zhen yawned and randomly clicked on the twelfth page, where a headline caught her attention, immediately dispelling her drowsiness.

The renowned top lawyer is actually a molester behind the scenes. Where is justice in this world?

It was an anonymous personal post. The moment Qu Zhen clicked on it, the page turned blank, with a red circle indicating that the post had been banned.

Qu Zhen ‘s heart skipped a beat. She searched again using keywords but found no related information, as if the post had been an illusion, leaving only a trace in her mind.

She pressed her fingers to her brow, feeling vaguely that something was amiss.

But the ensuing work left her no room to dwell on it further. Shuttling between the conference room and her workstation, she was exhausted both mentally and physically by the time she finished work. Hearing the news about overtime, she felt utterly numb.

By seven in the evening, all the other colleagues in the department had left, leaving only the four interns and Cao Yuan in the office.

At 7:40 p.m., Cao Yuan ordered them late-night snacks for overtime work and asked Qu Zhen to go down to the eighth floor to pick them up. Xiang Ting volunteered to go with Qu Zhen, while Tang Qian went to the restroom due to stomach discomfort. Xu Qingqing initially wanted to accompany Qu Zhen as well, but Cao Yuan stopped her in her tracks.

She seemed somewhat afraid, but when she met Qu Zhen’s questioning gaze, she shook her head, indicating she was fine.

The entire office was left with only Cao Yuan and Xu Qingqing. A minute later, Xu Qingqing was called into Cao Yuan’s office.

When Qu Zhen reached the eighth floor, she realized the delivery person hadn’t arrived yet. Xiang Ting remarked that it was normal at this hour and suggested they wait a little longer. But an uneasy feeling lingered in Qu Zhen’s heart. The potted plants outside stood still in the shifting light and shadows, and when she caught sight of the trash can beside them, the post from noon flashed through her mind.

Her expression changed, and she turned to leave, taking the elevator back to the Legal Department.

Xiang Ting found her behavior baffling and called out to her twice before eventually following her back.

The unease amplified in the silent corridor. Qu Zhen quickened her pace and ran back to the department. Noticing that Xu Qingqing’s seat was empty and Cao Yuan’s office door was tightly shut with the windows completely covered, she didn’t hesitate and immediately stepped forward to knock on the door.

“Attorney Cao, are you in there?”

No one answered the first time.

Qu Zhen raised her voice and continued pounding on the door. “Attorney Cao, are you inside?”

Tang Qian, who had just returned, and Xiang Ting, who had followed her, couldn’t understand what Qu Zhen was doing. Xiang Ting even whispered to Tang Qian, asking if Qu Zhen had lost her mind.

Just as Qu Zhen was about to knock for the third time, a sound of something falling came from the quiet office, followed by a very faint, almost inaudible sob.

Qu Zhen’s expression shifted dramatically. She lifted her foot, ready to kick the door open, but the door swung open from the inside.

Cao Yuan was still dressed in her expensive suit, her appearance immaculate, as if she had been diligently working inside.

She fixed her gaze on Qu Zhen. “Xiao Qu, what are you trying to do? I was discussing some work matters with Qingqing. What did you think was happening?”

Without waiting for a response, Cao Yuan declared expressionlessly, “Get back to work. I have something to attend to and will be leaving now.”

With that, she buttoned her suit jacket, shot a warning glance at Qu Zhen, and strode briskly out of the department.

The room fell into silence. Qu Zhen stepped into the office and looked at Xu Qingqing, who was hanging her head, her face hidden by her hair, the top button of her blouse undone. Qu Zhen’s gaze darkened, her fingers gradually clenched, and the dryness in her throat made it almost impossible for her to speak.

Xiang Ting and Tang Qian moved closer, and upon seeing the scene inside, instantly understood what had happened.

Outside the window, the wind began to pick up again. The first to react was Xiang Ting. Pretending as if nothing had happened, she pressed her lips together and returned to her workstation, making it clear she didn’t want to get involved.

Tang Qian, however, looked shocked and pushed the door open to step inside.

“Are you okay?”

Xu Qingqing didn’t answer, her face still lowered, her expression unreadable, her body trembling slightly.

The atmosphere grew eerie, and silence spread among the three of them.

“Let’s just pretend nothing happened,” Tang Qian said sympathetically. “Cao… Cao Yuan said as much, and she didn’t succeed. You weren’t actually harmed. She’s being transferred to the headquarters in a month. Just avoid her and endure a little longer, and it’ll be over. Since we caught her today, she’ll probably be more careful from now on.”

Qu Zhen retorted in a low voice, “Pretend nothing happened? What are you talking about?”

“Otherwise?” Tang Qian reasoned calmly, “What else do you want to do? Report her? Do you think your complaint letter would ever reach the higher-ups?”

She stood up and, without waiting for a reply, looked down condescendingly. “Don’t be naive. The reality is, it’s impossible for it to reach the higher-ups. The moment you send it, it’ll be intercepted the next minute, and you’ll be fired the second after. Oh, wait… terminated. A fresh graduate’s first job ending in termination, do I need to explain to you what kind of impact that would have?”

In the dim twilight, crowds of people flowed beneath the skyscrapers outside the window, each one like a pawn in a grand chessboard of the world.

“Yes, both of you graduated from reputable undergraduate institutions, but you need to understand, Haicheng is the only super-first-tier city in the country. Gold is scattered everywhere here. If you get fired today, countless others will line up to take your position tomorrow.” Tang Qian spoke with a detached tone. “And once you’re dismissed, which company in the industry would hire you? The kind of person who can enter the auction house at Xinghai Club, if she puts up even a little resistance, she could make it impossible for you to find work anywhere in Haicheng.”

“Moreover, I’ve heard she has connections through relatives in high places. So, why do you think she dares to act this way? Do you think this is the first time she’s done something like this? Do you think others in the department are unaware? They’ve all chosen to turn a blind eye. As an intern, someone with no money, no influence, and who has to rely on her goodwill to survive, what can you possibly do?”