Stop There, Daddy

“Oh my God! Why would your mother do such a thing? Did she not know it would cause you to be ostracized by your colleagues? Besides, you don’t have that much money to compensate the company for such great losses. Surely she doesn’t want you to end up in jail?” After being told the ins and outs of what had happened, Lin Lin found it mind-boggling.

She had never seen a woman do such vicious things to her daughter before. She was positive that Wen Shuyue’s mother was the first one ever. After all, the price was too heavy.

Wen Shuyue, having a headache, kneaded her temples and said sullenly, “Then what should we do now? I don’t have a clue how to handle this issue. I don’t even know if I’ll be able to devise a new design before the deadline. I-”

“Why did you invite me here to drink coffee when you had so little time left? Are you crazy?” Lin Lin interrupted Wen Shuyue aloud before the latter could finish her sentence.

Wen Shuyue knew better than anybody how precious time was for her, but the president of the company refused to let her do it, and she had no way to continue, for many of the required materials were in the company, and collecting them was not something she could handle unaided.

That was what concerned her the most.

After Wen Shuyue explained the situation clearly to her, Lin Lin cottoned on and bobbed her head. Suddenly, as if having thought of something, she said earnestly, “You may seek help from He Siming. If he vouches for you, the whole board of MK would have to compromise as a personal favour to him. I’m positive they’ll give you a chance.”

Seemingly having anticipated that Lin Lin would make a suggestion like this, Wen Shuyue shook her head and said blandly, “I don’t want to put him into any more trouble. If I seek help from him every time I’m in trouble, it’d make me feel useless.”

Though he was a man she could rely on and she could get help from him when she was helpless, it did not mean that she should depend on him to solve all problems for her.

“I can’t believe you’re thinking of your pride even in these circumstances. Would you rather take full responsibility for the huge losses?” Lin Lin rolled her eyes at Wen Shuyue, confused as to what the latter was playing at.

Wen Shuyue lapsed into silence. Her unwillingness to be held responsible was the very reason why she was talking with Lin Lin and trying to find a solution, but Wen Shuyue really didn’t want to ask He Siming for help.

Both of them were deep in thought, and neither of them spoke again. When Wen Shuyue was not looking, Lin Lin secretly sent a text message, and she began to sneak occasional glances at Wen Shuyue.

“Forget it. I’ll just go back and intercede with the president again. I must get a second chance, whatever the cost might be.” After what felt like hours, Wen Shuyue finally summoned up the courage and collected her thoughts, intending to go back.

Lin Lin slid her a sidelong glance and said indifferently, “The way I see it, the stubborn president of your company won’t give his consent easily. I think he’ll find a way to fix this at the minimum cost.”

“I know what you mean, but I-”

“Hum!”

Before Wen Shuyue could finish speaking, her cellphone began to vibrate.

She looked at Lin Lin apologetically and answered her phone in Lin Lin’s presence.

“Ms. Wen, I got good news. President Gu has agreed to give you a chance to make up for it, and I heard President He vouched for you, so President Gu had no choice but to agree. You need to come back right now. We must not let President He down.” Lu’s voice came from the other end of the line, containing undisguised excitement and delight.

After hearing those words, Wen Shuyue felt both rapturous and faintly awkward. She had said that she wouldn’t put He Siming into any more trouble, but eventually, it was still him who intervened and handled the issue for her.

Wen Shuyue subconsciously glanced at Lin Lin. Seemingly having latched on to what she meant, Lin Lin promptly said with a shake of her head, “It wasn’t me. I’ve been here with you all along.”

Though Lin Lin sounded very sincere when explaining it, Wen Shuyue knew that Lin Lin was the only one who could’ve done that for her. She was very grateful to Lin Lin.

“Okay, I’ll be right back.” Wen Shuyue took a few moments to compose herself before she hung up, intending to return.

Before leaving, she especially tossed Lin Lin a glance and said smilingly in a low voice, “When this is over, I promise I’ll stand you a sumptuous meal. You may order whatever you want.”

“Okay, okay, remember your promise.” Lin Lin hurriedly nodded, but when she noticed that Wen Shuyue was staring unblinkingly at her, she realized that she was tricked.

She rolled her eyes and murmured, “So just now you were sounding me out. Wen Shuyue, you’re such a…”

Wen Shuyue smiled, wordless. In fact, she was very happy. Having a confidante like Lin Lin made her feel very content.

In order not to waste any time, Lin Lin drove Wen Shuyue back. After returning to the company, Wen Shuyue hurriedly gathered the employees and assigned tasks to them, determined to save the situation.

Since she had finished the design stolen by Lu Junhan and Qin Weiwei, she was confident that she could devise something better. Time was just a limit for them. Though she didn’t have much time left, she still had great confidence in her competence.

“There’s still some time left before tomorrow’s press conference. Don’t push yourself too hard.” Wen Shuyue was bustling around when He Siming walked over.

After hearing his voice, Wen Shuyue was a bit stunned. Then she involuntarily smiled, “There were a couple of occasions when I nearly mistook this for your company. You seem to be visiting this place a bit too often.”

“Yeah. It’s because you’re here.” He Siming nodded seriously, fixing her with an intent gaze.

His uttering such endearments in a public place made Lu and Vice-president Liang next to them feel rather embarrassed, but the two of them both had thinly disguised delight on their faces. They smilingly exchanged a glance. Clearly, they understood the bonding between Wen Shuyue and He Siming.

After hearing He Siming’s words, Wen Shuyue also subconsciously flicked a glance at them. Her dainty face blushed and she couldn’t help but say in a low voice, “You’re not supposed to talk about anything irrelevant to work in this place. You’re embarrassing me.”

“Why would you feel embarrassed? Seeing as how I’ve already stuck up for you, I think everybody here has come to know we’re more than just friends.” He Siming looked very unabashed. He didn’t feel that there was anything wrong with him saying those words.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

“…” Wen Shuyue was resigned, cursing inwardly. She was really at a loss with him.

During the rest of the day, Wen Shuyue kept working attentively. He Siming, though keeping her company, did not disturb her. Wen Shuyue looked very confident when working. The air of confidence and outstanding competence she was emanating struck him as quite attractive.

For some time He Siming was fascinated. In fact, it had been her self-confidence that had attracted him to her in the first place. This woman was indeed quite capable.

“I think I’ll be able to get the job done by working all night. You guys may go back now.”