Chapter 9 My Secret

• He left in a hurry. I didn't ask nor did I have the thought of tagging along to visit.
• With Lin Luoluo as the filial daughter-in-law, I would only be making a fool out of myself if I followed. Thus, I went home to study the documents Jian Yang had given me on the collaborative project.
• My uncle and I were in a tough spot to begin with. But since the company needed me to negotiate with the government on this collaboration, our position shouldn't be jeopardized as of now. Even so, I had to think of a way to gain a foothold in the company.
• I'd been researching on the project for two days before I was informed by Feng Shi to go to the office.
• My demands were met. I became the person-in-charge for this project and was given the title of vice president. Jian Yang had also given me an assistant, Zhao Qingya.
• I had my lunch in the office and at two o' clock, Zhao Qingya accompanied me to the government's side.
• This time, our company bid for less than a quarter of the government's overall development. Originally, I thought our project was affected due to the government; but who knew after the talk, I came to know that the problem lied in the contract of the other company who bid for the remaining part.
• “JK Group?”
• Looking at the name, I was puzzled as to why the other party would find fault with Feng Shi's project.
• Not only was JK Group one of the top enterprises in Xun City, their fame was not to be frowned upon in the country.
• The Ye family had never collaborated with JK Group. First reason was that the other party was developing in a different direction; and the second was because of our inadequate qualification.
• With the number the officials had given me, I made an appointment with JK Group for a meet up, but who would have known that they asked me to go now.
• I briefly explained the situation to Jian Yang, then went over to JK's company in Xun City with Zhao Qingya. Upon arrival, a smartly dressed secretary ushered me to the lounge.
• After waiting for about half an hour, the secretary brought me to meet the person-in-charge of this project alone.
• Pushing open a heavy black door, the secretary said to the man who was on the phone with his back facing us, “President Qin, the project leader from Ansheng is here.”
• The chair swiveled and I got a good look of the man who seemed to be in his thirty or so. He was very handsome, as handsome as those celebrities seen on TV. Coupled with a tailored suit, he was the kind of man whom woman would be infatuated with.
• Qin Xingye, it was a name that I was familiar with.
• I heard from my father that this doted son of the Qin family who studied abroad was impudent, frivolous, and liked to fool around a lot. If he were to inherit the Qin family, I'm afraid the company would eventually collapse within a few years.
• “You may leave first.”
• Qin Xingye hung up the phone, rose from his seat, and walked toward me while extending his hand. “Hello, Ms. Ye.”
• I hesitated for a while before returning the handshake. “Hello, President Qin. I'm sorry for the abrupt visit.”
• His fingers were slender and strong. I wondered if I was imagining things when I felt his thumb rubbing against the back of my hand when we were shaking hands.
• “Is there anything I can do for you, Ms. Ye?” Qin Xingye raised his brows at me, looking confused.
• I was raging inside. Clearly, they were the one who refused to collaborate two days ago, and now he's trying to play dumb?
• I cleared my throat and replied, “President Qin, it's an honor for Ansheng to undertake this government project with your esteem company. I would like to know how Ansheng should cooperate with JK.”
• “Cooperating is just a small matter. You need not worry.” Qin Xingye made an inviting gesture to me at the empty couch and handed me a cup of tea. “Since you're here, Ms. Ye, we can talk about something else instead.”
• I took a whiff of the elegant tea fragrance, feeling apprehensive as to what this man whom I basically had not met could have in mind for me.
• “Please go ahead, President Qin.”
• Qin Xingye flashed a smile at me. Suddenly leaning closer to my ear, he whispered, “I wonder if you're interested to become my woman?”
• I could feel his warm breath on the side of my neck, giving me goosebumps. I jerked back to pull away, but I lost grip on the hot tea in my hand, spilling it all over the floor and my chest.
• A shocking wave set off in my heart as I looked at Qin Xingye's frivolous gaze; his handsome face inching closer as if he was about to kiss me.
• His action had me sweating. I immediately stood up and staggered away from him, saying with a straight face, “Why would President Qin joke around with a married woman like me?”
• I placed the cup on the table and continued, “If it's inconvenient today, we can make another appointment some other time. I'll take my leave now.”
• As I turned to leave, the man took hold of my wrist.
• “Don't be angry, Ms. Ye.” Qin Xingye came forward and took off his outerwear, covering me directly. “Your clothes are wet. I'll send you home first.”
• “There's no need...”
• I didn't know what he was trying to do, but right now my mind was in chaos and I simply wanted to be alone.
• Qin Xingye released his hand and crossed his arms, saying softly, “Ms. Ye, if we can't even maintain such a simple relationship, how am I supposed to trust Ansheng in this collaboration?”
• Circumstances were more powerful than individuals. I couldn't contact that man, and my uncle and I needed this project to retain our status.
• I swallowed my pride and forced a smile, “I'll trouble you for that then, President Qin.”
• “It's no trouble at all. After all, I fell in love with you at first sight.”
• Hearing those words from his mouth, I couldn't help but smile bitterly as I walked out of his office with my head hung low.