Addicted after marriage - Chapter 20:
You’re in a good mood today.
Just as Luo Shu reached her desk, Ye Li came over,
her eyes sparkling as she took in Luo Shu’s flushed complexion,
which made her look healthier, almost radiant.
Really? That obvious, she thought with a soft smile.
Or could it be that she had been roughed up?
A few days ago, Ye Li had spotted Qin Heng waiting outside the office with flowers.
Was that a proposal? The question hit her like a curveball.
Qin Heng was not worthy, Luo Shu said firmly,
recounting the entire sordid affair between Qin Heng and Liao Xian.
Ye Li’s shock was palpable. Wolves and tigers,
they were a matching pair, and not in a good way.
Where are you living now? Ye Li asked, tidying her sketches.
She couldn’t very well say she lived with her boss.
Just staying at a friend’s place for now. I’ll tell you once my residence is confirmed,
Luo Shu replied, keeping the recent marriage a secret.
Fashion week in S Country is coming up soon. Are you ready?
Ye Li reminded her. Luo Shu’s mind went blank, she had completely forgotten.
Fashion week drew top designers from everywhere.
Making connections here could be a goldmine.
At that moment, Nan Huai approached, holding a stack of files.
Let’s go, President Yu wants to discuss fashion week plans.
Now?
Yes.
Luo Shu followed him up to the 30th floor, feeling a flutter of nerves.
Don’t worry. President Yu may look hard to approach, but he’s gentle and easy to talk to.
Unless you make a huge mistake, he won’t be harsh, Nan Huai reassured her.
Gentle? Luo Shu thought bitterly. That night, she had seen nothing but a wild beast,
not an ounce of softness. She forced a small nod.
Knock, knock, knock.
Come in.
Yu Zhan was seated on the sofa, his frameless glasses sliding lazily
down the high bridge of his nose. Multiple files were spread on the coffee table.
He frowned deeply, pen in hand, seemingly stuck on some tricky problem.
Sit.
Nan Huai and Luo Shu took seats opposite him. Shen Yan handed them two files each.
Luo Shu skimmed hers. Nothing unusual stood out,
except for one word that caught her eye: Fool.
Yu Zhan looked up suddenly, their eyes met briefly, and for a heartbeat,
they were strangers.
This Fool? she asked hesitantly.
The outfits for fashion week are all from famous designers,
Yu Zhan explained, only this Fool submitted anonymously.
Everyone else redirected their entries, but I want her information.
I want her as a freelance designer for next year.
He pushed another stack of files toward them.
Nan Huai and Luo Shu whispered among themselves, seemingly normal,
but Yu Zhan’s cold gaze fell sharply on Luo Shu.
Luo Shu instinctively moved back, his eyes piercing like a blade,
the chill reaching her even without a word. Nan Huai seemed unfazed.
Shen Yan opened a designer database. This person is unknown,
and contact details are impossible to find.
Luo Shu recognized the familiar avatar and sketches uploaded online,
awkwardly smiling before quickly putting her phone down.
Our designers are capable, but finding someone for fashion week is tricky,
Shen Yan explained. Famous designers are unavailable, unknown ones aren’t reliable.
This Fool is unpredictable, releasing work when she feels like it,
and the versions get bought immediately.
We can only approach her personally, increasing our chances.
Your early morning flight is the day after tomorrow.
Don’t come to the office tomorrow, prepare at home.
It’s cold in S Country. Bring extra clothes.
Itinerary and previous design drafts are ready, Yu Zhan instructed.
Luo Shu’s teeth chattered. She had done nothing.
She had been handling that messy affair and completely forgotten about this.
Am I scary? Yu Zhan asked suddenly.
Luo Shu pressed her lips together, shaking her head. Shen Yan suppressed a laugh.
Yu Zhan dismissed them with a hand gesture.
Luo Shu hastily packed up and followed Nan Huai out of the office.
Check in before lunch, he messaged immediately.
Good, she replied, unsure how to address him in the office,
keeping things professional. He stared at her response,
noting in WeChat that his wife had replied formally with President Yu.
At lunch, while everyone went to the cafeteria, she slipped into the elevator.
Shen Yan had set up facial recognition for her, a thoughtful touch she hadn’t expected.
I’m going to lunch, he said with a teasing smile, leaving a flushed Luo Shu behind.
She tugged at her shirt-dress, feeling awkward. Knock, knock. Come in.
The scent of food hit her as she entered the office.
President Yu, you wanted to see me? The secretary crouched nearby,
preparing disposable tableware.
Yu Zhan rose and took her hand, guiding her to the sofa.
The secretary left quietly, closing the door behind her.
No need to be nervous, you don’t have to call me President Yu when no one is around.
Easier said than done, Luo Shu thought, eating quietly,
reminding herself they were married and there was no reason to be afraid.
The more she tried, the more her heart raced.
Only when he placed a bowl of soup in front of her did she manage to say thank you.
Did I make you feel pressured? he asked, tilting his head slightly.
No, she whispered.
That’s unlike you, he murmured, sipping his soup.
Just days ago, she had been fierce and demanding at work.
Now, after the marriage, she was timid, words tripping
over themselves like a little white rabbit.