Chapter 399: Confrontation

Wan Caixuan and Ning Xi walked one after the other to a corner of the hall.

“Manager Ning, did you forget what I told you before I left?” Wan Caixuan crossed her arms, assuming an interrogative stance.

Ning Xi blinked innocently. “Miss, didn’t you tell me to work hard? I’ve been working really hard. I even sleep at the office. And hasn’t the company been doing pretty well?”

Seeing Ning Xi act like this, Wan Caixuan was instantly fuming. “Still pretending? You know exactly what I mean.”

Ning Xi shook her head firmly, a trace of slyness flashing deep in her eyes, but her face remained full of innocence. “Miss, I’m not pretending. I really don’t know what you mean. If you have something to say, just say it clearly.”

“Fine, I’ll be clear. While I was away, you and Lin Xiao seemed awfully close. Hugging in public and everything.”

Wan Caixuan emphasized the last four words, a little sourness welling in her heart. “You know Lin Xiao is my personal bodyguard. He’s in and out of the company regularly. Can’t you be a bit more mindful of appearances?”

Ning Xi acted as if she’d just realized something, clapping her hands lightly. “So you were talking about that little thing? I thought it was something serious. You scared me for a second.”

Wan Caixuan gritted her teeth and said coldly, “You call that a little thing?”

“Sure. Lin Xiao and I are both adults. We can do what we want, why care what others think? Miss, you’re overthinking it.” As she spoke, Ning Xi sneaked a glance at Wan Caixuan’s expression.

Wan Caixuan’s stunning face had grown colder, practically icy.

“Overthinking?” Wan Caixuan sneered. “Manager Ning, I think you should be more concerned about your future. I was considering promoting you to president, but now…”

She deliberately drew out her words, the threat obvious.

Ning Xi grabbed Wan Caixuan’s arm, speaking earnestly, “Miss, nothing happened between me and Lin Xiao. I promise!”

Though she said that, she added silently in her heart, ‘Except for that kiss.’

“Really?” Wan Caixuan looked suspiciously at Ning Xi for a long moment. “Then how do you explain what happened?”

“That day I twisted my ankle wearing heels, and Lin Xiao caught me.” Ning Xi lied without blinking, face completely sincere. “Lin Xiao’s younger than me. I see him more like a little brother. How could I possibly have feelings for him?”

And again, she added inwardly, ‘The more impossible it seems, the more likely it is.’

Wan Caixuan, sharp and clever as she was, knew little about romance. She was pure as a blank sheet in matters of the heart. Under Ning Xi’s glib tongue, she was unknowingly convinced.

Or perhaps, she simply chose to believe her.

“Seems I was being overly sensitive,” Wan Caixuan said lightly. “Manager Ning, let’s head out.”

“Miss, earlier you mentioned giving me the president position. Did you mean it?” Ning Xi asked cautiously, her eyes sparkling.

“Did I say that? You must’ve misheard.” A glint of amusement flashed in Wan Caixuan’s eyes. “You’re doing well as assistant to the president. I think you should stay in that role.”

Ning Xi suddenly stopped in her tracks, staring at Wan Caixuan’s graceful figure as she walked ahead. Grinding her teeth, she muttered, “She’s gotten sneakier during my absence. Looks like the battle will only get tougher from here.”

Back in the hall, Wan Caixuan waved at Lin Xiao.

Lin Xiao walked over, giving her a strange look, then glanced at the lagging Ning Xi. “President, what did you two talk about?”

Though he called her by name in private, Lin Xiao still addressed Wan Caixuan as “President” in public.

“Secret.” Wan Caixuan arched her brows slightly. Of course, she wouldn’t tell him the truth.

Just then, Ning Xi caught up, walking behind Wan Caixuan and beside Lin Xiao. Suddenly, she let out an “Ow!” as if she had tripped, and fell straight into Lin Xiao’s arms.

Lin Xiao reacted quickly, instinctively catching her. Her soft body pressed tightly against his chest, sending a wave through his heart.

“Sister Ning Xi, are you alright?”

He asked as he looked down, only to see Ning Xi winking and grinning mischievously.

“I’m fine, just tripped a little.”

Ning Xi hurried to get up and, whether intentionally or not, rubbed her body against Lin Xiao’s arm a few times in the process.

Lin Xiao found her behavior odd, but didn’t overthink it. He assumed she was just joking around.

But standing beside them, Wan Caixuan clearly saw that Ning Xi was doing it on purpose, likely to get back at her for the earlier teasing. Grinding her teeth, she spoke with icy calm, “Manager Ning, do be careful when walking. If you break a leg, it won’t be worth it. Now, come report on your recent work.”

“Got it, Miss.” Ning Xi threw Lin Xiao a flirty wink, then quickened her pace to walk beside Wan Caixuan. “Recently, our company’s new facial mask was approved for market release. Though it’s only been a few days, we’ve already received a large number of orders…”

When it came to business, both Wan Caixuan and Ning Xi became sharp and professional. They spoke quietly as they rode the private elevator toward the president’s office.

Lin Xiao followed behind, watching the two beautiful figures ahead. Whether it was Wan Caixuan or Ning Xi, their walking posture was elegant and graceful. Their swaying curves were immensely captivating.

Inside the president’s office, Wan Caixuan and Ning Xi continued discussing company matters, while Lin Xiao sat quietly on the sofa, eyes half-lowered, still as a sculpture.

More than half an hour passed before they finished their discussion. Wan Caixuan glanced at Lin Xiao on the sofa and suddenly said, “Manager Ning, have an assistant buy a suit and leather shoes. Charge it to the company account.”

Reminded by Wan Caixuan, Ning Xi finally noticed how out of place Lin Xiao’s clothes were. But in her eyes, no matter what he wore, he always looked the best.

“Is that really necessary? Everyone in the company knows Lin Xiao. It’s fine even if he’s dressed like this.” Ning Xi was always willing to give Lin Xiao the benefit of the doubt.

“It’s fine inside the company, but I’m attending a gathering hosted by several major families soon, and I need Lin Xiao to accompany me.”

Wan Caixuan picked up a document and flipped through it. “Do you really want those arrogant snobs to look down on him?”