The CEO and Her Gentle Director - Chapter 8

“Oh my god, I almost didn’t recognize her. Is that seriously the little assistant from back then?”

“Lin Su, is she truly Ye Tong?”

Before moving abroad, Xie Wansu used to run over to LT’s Executive Suite the moment she caught a free slot in her schedule. To foster a deeper emotional bond with Lin Su and stay updated on her daily itinerary, she had deliberately tried to cozy up to the small assistant by the CEO’s side. After all these years apart, the girl who used to have naive, bashful features whenever she smiled had unexpectedly transformed both in appearance and presence to a caliber that stood shoulder to shoulder with Lin Su.

Lin Su’s striking beauty did not merely rely on the perfection of her features; rather, it stemmed from an exceptionally mature, elegant allure. What people admired and adored most was her pristine, magnetic presence refined by the passage of time one laced with a subtle, chilling aloofness that carried a distinct touch of asceticism.

Ye Tong, by nature, possessed stunning looks, but during those early years spent by Lin Su’s side daily, her brilliance had been completely overshadowed, leaving her like a raw, unpolished gemstone. Now, enriched by a wealth of experience and seasoned by the years, she naturally radiated her own brilliant, dazzling light.

Faced with Xie Wansu’s barrage of questions, Lin Su offered absolutely zero response, stepping right past her to walk out. Xie Wansu grew anxious, hurriedly chasing after her. “Lin Su, where are you going?”

Lin Su’s brows drew together sharply as she abruptly halted her stride. Caught entirely off guard, Xie Wansu nearly collided flush against her back. Just as she stabilized her stance and prepared to voice a volley of complaints, she caught Lin Su turning around to fix her with a sharp, commanding glare, instantly scaring her into absolute silence.

“This is a corporation, not a beauty salon managed by your family,” Lin Su’s voice dropped a few degrees colder. “We are currently operating under professional shift hours. Should you have matters to discuss, wait until after we clock out. Do not disrupt my work.”

“But your brother explicitly stated that you should accompany “

Before Xie Wansu could even finalize her sentence, Xiao Ziyu materialized out of thin air. Noticing that Lin Su’s expression had turned dangerously dark, she swiftly grasped Xie Wansu’s forearm, urgently cutting her off: “Boss, please proceed with your tasks. Leave Miss Xie to my reception.”

With the persistent tagalong handed over to Xiao Ziyu’s management, Lin Su offered a brief nod, turned on her heel into the Director’s Office, and slammed the door shut with a sharp thud.

Xie Wansu puffed her cheeks in sheer frustration, yet she lacked the courage to pursue her further. Xiao Ziyu coaxed and wheedled, “My dear lady, could we please refrain from staging a scene? You understand perfectly well that the Boss despises external disruptions to her corporate focus above all else. Surely you don’t genuinely wish to provoke her wrath?”

Ever since their very first introduction, Lin Su had never granted her a shred of warmth. Pressing a hot face against a frozen stone wall was an outcome Xie Wansu had long anticipated, yet her eyes still widened into perfect circles as she dragged Xiao Ziyu along to vent furiously: “Lin Su is a textbook workaholic! Completely devoid of romantic sentiment, utterly ruthless, lacking even a fraction of tenderness toward women! Tell me, doesn’t she completely deserve to remain single even past thirty, unwanted by anyone?!”

Xiao Ziyu thought it over, concluding that Xie Wansu’s critique was actually reasonably accurate. Yet, tracking the young lady’s dramatic, thrashing gestures, she couldn’t help but feel vastly amused. Did Miss Xie genuinely harbor that brand of affection for the Boss?

However, given the young lady’s stubborn, chaotic temperament, her employer would find it entirely impossible to handle. The Boss would undoubtedly favor remaining single for the rest of her days over locking down a partner like her.

Inside the Director’s Office:

Lin Su sat with an elegant poise upon the sofa, her eyes fixed onto the woman seated directly opposite her, tracking the smooth, unruffled serenity detailing Ye Tong’s features. Although Ye Tong projected a perfectly calm demeanor, Lin Su still chose to offer a concise explanation.

“Do not misinterpret the scene just now. Xie Wansu shares a robust relationship with my family, so my relatives explicitly requested that I look after her.”

“Director Ye wouldn’t happen to mind, correct?”

“Naturally not,” Ye Tong replied with a light chuckle. “President Lin’s private affairs require zero explanation to me.”

We share no personal bond, so why on earth should I mind? Ye Tong retrieved her teacup, taking an elegant sip of the clear brew. Raising her eyes, she caught Lin Su staring back with furrowed brows. Remaining perfectly unbothered, her eyes crinkled into a soft, shallow smile directed at the CEO. Assuming Ye Tong genuinely didn’t care, Lin Su dropped the topic entirely.

“Did you seek me out for a specific matter?”

“Review this portfolio first.” Ye Tong extended a document across the space, her voice mild and measured. “The General Manager of the HJ Group phoned me directly. He initiated a prompt to deliberate on a collaborative textile fabric venture for our apparel line.”

“An active invitation that is an excellent progression.” Lin Su leisurely flipped through the pages. Over these past few days, every instance of Ye Tong seeking her out centered strictly on corporate matters; anything that drove her to march straight into her office was bound to be far from simple.

Sure enough, Ye Tong smoothly pivoted her tone. “However, being well aware of the partnership between XM and LT, he stipulates that we must personally travel to Z City to execute the negotiations.”

Lin Su captured the core keyword texturing Ye Tong’s phrasing immediately. She looked up. “We?”

“Yes.” Ye Tong nodded firmly. “General Manager Huang requires the joint presence of the project’s lead directors. Meaning, you must make the trip as well, President Lin.”

Lin Su scanned the pages in silence. Ye Tong softly added, “Given that this project is a joint venture launched by our two conglomerates, the stipulation isn’t entirely beyond reason.”

“Mhm. It is indeed reasonable.”

To her, this was nothing short of a prime opportunity. If it meant smoothing over the profound fractures lingering in Ye Tong’s heart, she was willing to accommodate any condition. Lin Su’s eyes scanned the specific parameters of the appointment before closing the file onto the table. Her slender index and middle fingers resumed their alternate, rhythmic tapping on the cover.

Ye Tong lowered her eyes, tracking the specific gesture Lin Su always executed whenever she fell into deep thought. Setting her teacup aside, she inquired softly, “Is President Lin clear the day after tomorrow?”

“The day after tomorrow?” Lin Su intentionally allowed a conflicted expression to texture her face. Watching Ye Tong’s brows knit together slightly, the corners of her lips curved upward as she inquired in an even tone, “If my schedule happens to be packed, would you wish for me to accompany you?”

Ye Tong was well aware that Lin Su’s executive schedule was punishingly tight. Yet, catching the subtle implication behind her words, the smile anchored onto her face stiffened for a fraction of a second, a sudden ripple of emotion stirring in her chest. She replied with absolute calm, “President Lin, this is strictly business. Should you lack the availability, we can simply coordinate with General Manager Huang to reschedule for a future date.”

Lin Su countered mildly, “The initial apparel blueprints are already finalized is the fabric supply chain not urgent?”

“Whether it is urgent or not, President Lin is merely asking a question she already knows the answer to,” Ye Tong stated with level composure. “If you lack the time, let us drop the matter. I shall resolve the fabric logistics independently.”

“And what of the stipulations raised by the other party?”

“I will handle it.”

Even without Lin Su’s intervention, Ye Tong possessed absolute faith in her own capability to manage the bottleneck flawlessly. Project A was merely one venture among many; Lin Su could afford to remain perfectly unhurried, but as the active project lead, she couldn’t.

Tracking Ye Tong’s seamless serenity, an imperceptible smile surfaced at the edge of Lin Su’s lips. She had zero intention of making things difficult for the director; raising the prompt was merely her method of testing Ye Tong’s reflexes when encountering a sudden operational hurdle.

Seeing her remain so perfectly anchored, Lin Su lightly tapped her finger against the table, letting out a soft smile. “Expedite your preparations, Director Ye. We shall travel to Z City together the day after tomorrow.”

Ye Tong’s brows remained knit. “If you truly cannot carve out the slot, President Lin, there is no need to force—”

“Enough.” Rising to her feet, Lin Su smoothly cut across Ye Tong’s refusal. She retrieved the contract from the table, fixing her with a gentle, soft smile. “No matter how packed my itinerary is, nothing takes precedence over you. Furthermore, this falls squarely under my professional duties.”

“…”

Why on earth didn’t you mention professional duties just moments ago?

“Director Ye can coordinate the specific logistics of this Z City itinerary with Secretary Xiao. I still have executive matters to process, so I shall leave you to your work.” Reading the profound speechlessness written all over Ye Tong’s face, the curve of Lin Su’s smile deepened significantly.

The exact moment Lin Su exited the suite, Ye Tong completely stripped the manufactured corporate smile from her features. She massaged her aching cheeks, walked over to her executive chair, and unbuttoned the topmost button of her tailored shirt.

Clearing her mind of all corporate data, she sat in absolute silence for a long moment until her focus crystallized. Yet, the exact moment the image of Lin Su’s calm, detached countenance flashed through her mind especially the reality of their shared commute to Z City the day after tomorrow a wave of profound restlessness instantly flooded her chest.

The phone beside her hand vibrated a succession of times. Massaging her temples, she tapped the notifications open.

Ji Huaiqiu: Are you free?

Ji Huaiqiu: You’ve been hustling for days straight!

Ji Huaiqiu: Let’s grab dinner tonight!

Ever since Ye Tong had left her hanging on their previous appointment, Ji Huaiqiu had been grumbling about the rain check for days. Realizing she hadn’t caught a single opportunity to properly unwind since returning to S City, Ye Tong tapped out a response:

Ye Tong: Deal. Eight o’clock tonight our usual spot.

The evening shroud rapidly settled over the city. By the time six o’clock arrived, Ye Tong desisted from executing further overtime. Exiting her office, her eyes instinctively swept the adjacent suite, noting that the Executive Office doors were securely closed and completely dark.

Ye Tong genuinely didn’t care whether Lin Su had clocked out early today; the woman’s itinerary was entirely none of her business.

Driving for thirty minutes to return to her apartment, she washed away the residual exhaustion of the day with a hot shower.

Stripping away the rigid constraints of her button-downs and slacks, she slipped into a casual, ivory-toned long-sleeve dress that highlighted her slender waist and elegant silhouette. The hem of the long skirt draped uniformly down to a point just above her ankles, beautifully shrouding her long, porcelain legs.

Facing the vanity mirror, she artfully applied a light layer of makeup ensuring it looked neither overly glamorous nor overly plain. Leaving her hair unfastened since she was off duty, her smooth, jet-black locks cascaded like a dark waterfall over her shoulders.

Completing her simple styling, Ye Tong ignited her vehicle and drove toward the established venue.

Ji Huaiqiu had arrived early to secure a private table, standing right by the main entrance to track Ye Tong’s arrival. The exact moment her sharp eyes caught Ye Tong’s vehicle pulling up to the curb, she hurriedly stepped forward to meet her.

Stepping onto the pavement, Ye Tong watched Ji Huaiqiu advance with immense excitement, letting out a laugh. “You arrived exceptionally early.”

“To secure a single date with you, I feel like I’ve been waiting for centuries,” Ji Huaiqiu huffed playfully, smoothly hooking her arm through Ye Tong’s as her eyes uniformly swept her from head to toe. “You look absolutely stunning today.”

Ye Tong teased, “Did you eat candy before coming out?”

“Get out of here.” Ji Huaiqiu swayed her slender waist slightly as they walked, playfully giving Ye Tong a gentle nudge. “I am praising you with absolute sincerity.”

Ye Tong rolled her eyes at her affectionately. “Your praise is actually giving me goosebumps. I am far more accustomed to you roasting me without a shred of decency.”

“Do you harbor a subconscious craving for self-inflicted grievance?”

“Please. I maintain an immaculate lifestyle,” Ye Tong laughed, prompting, “What are we ordering tonight?”

“Naturally, whatever captures our whimsy! We shall scan the menu and order every single item my treat!” Ji Huaiqiu declared magnanimously.

Hearing this, Ye Tong couldn’t rein in her laughter. “Could you please refrain from treating me like a prize sow? Feel free to reserve that standard for yourself.”

“Absolutely not. We shall navigate our culinary triumphs and tribulations together!”

Ji Huaiqiu guided Ye Tong toward a quiet, isolated corner table. The exact moment the two beautiful women stepped through the threshold, their striking appearance functioned like a breathtaking landscape, instantly capturing a multitude of looks inside the establishment. Yet, the two friends simply laughed and chatted, remaining completely oblivious to the attention.

Before they could even reach their designated table, Ye Tong’s stride rigidified instantly. The question gathering at the edge of Ji Huaiqiu’s lips froze solid as her eyes tracked the exact line of Ye Tong’s gaze leaving her completely choked.

The table she had meticulously reserved sat nestled in an isolated corner, perfectly designed to ensure zero external disruptions. Yet, who on earth was currently seated at the table directly adjacent to theirs if not that exact old fox!

Ji Huaiqiu’s eyes rolled dramatically. Shifting her grip on Ye Tong’s arm, her hand smoothly slid down to anchor firmly around Ye Tong’s waist. Firing a lethal, triumphant glare straight at Lin Su, she purposefully guided her friend toward their table.

Lin Su’s gaze locked squarely onto the hand Ji Huaiqiu had draped around Ye Tong’s waist, her brows knitting together sharply.

Seated right beside her, Xie Wansu scanned her surroundings without identifying the source of the friction. Noting that Lin Su was completely lost in a trance, she tapped her knuckles against the table, complaining unhappily, “It wasn’t easy to get you to accompany me for dinner, Lin Su. If you don’t start eating, the dishes will turn completely cold.”

Given the proximity of the two tables, while the partitions blocked direct visibility once they were seated, any spoken audio remained perfectly audible. Hearing Xie Wansu’s whiny, affectionate tone directed at Lin Su, Ji Huaiqiu felt a wave of profound aversion ripple across her skin.

“To think her taste profile could devolve to such a tragic caliber,” Ji Huaiqiu murmured, shaking her head as she watched Ye Tong calmly flip through the menu. Leaning her body across the table to close the distance to Ye Tong, she enunciated every single syllable with absolute gravity: “Steer clear of the old fox. Better safe than sorry, so you can live a peaceful life.”

Ye Tong raised her palm against Ji Huaiqiu’s forehead, firmly pushing her back a few inches. “Understood, I copy. You have already voiced that exact phrase no fewer than a hundred times.”

“Tongtong, look at the reality here,” Ji Huaiqiu grinned, leaning right back in. “Since the two of us have remained single for all these years and share a lifelong bond, why don’t we simply settle down and build a life together? I am speaking with absolute sincerity I have harbored an immense affection for you since our university days.”

The exact instant the declaration left her lips, a sudden, sharp clatter echoed out from the adjacent table. Within seconds, Xie Wansu’s anxious voice cut through the partition:

“Lin Su! Are you alright? Did the heat scald you?!”