After the event, Gao Kunlun drove Song Qi Nian home, but Shen Chi Yan didn't return that night. Song Qi Nian spent the evening tossing and turning, wondering about the outcome of the negotiations. Her anxiety lasted until Sunday evening when a message from Li Nanxun lit up her phone.
Reading it, she nearly leaped off her seat—the Smiths had chosen to partner with Chi Yan. Her heart soared. This meant a hundred thousand yuan bonus and that coveted position in the Planning Department! But her excitement quickly gave way to a twinge of melancholy. No more pretending to be a couple, no more excuses to be close to Shen Chi Yan.
Pushing aside these thoughts, she opened WeChat and messaged Shen Ke Qin:
[Qinqin, are you free tomorrow morning? I'm planning to buy a vehicle and could use your help looking at options]
Shen Ke Qin agreed instantly. The next morning, she pulled up in her red Ferrari, dressed in a form-fitting red top and tiny shorts that showed off her legs.
Sister-in-law, what kind of car are you thinking about? Sports car? Sedan? SUV?"
She typed, [Actually…] she hesitated. [I'm just looking for an electric scooter.]
"An electric scooter?" Shen Ke Qin's perfectly shaped eyebrows shot up in disbelief.
Song Qi Nian explained about her new position at Dingsheng Group. Before, she'd only gone to the company when Shen Chi Yan needed her, and taking the occasional taxi hadn't been a burden. But daily commuting changed everything. Without a driver's license or the funds for a car, an electric scooter seemed perfect—practical and traffic-proof.
Shen Ke Qin shook her head. "Why bother with your own vehicle? You could just ride with my brother to work."
Song Qi Nian stood her ground, leaving Shen Ke Qin no choice but to drive her Ferrari to shop for an electric scooter.
Monday morning, Song Qi Nian arrived at the company on her new scooter. In the Planning Department, Manager Yang Hongbin presented her with an employment contract.
"Secretary Song, welcome to the Planning Department. The benefits structure here differs from the President's office. Please review it carefully."
Song Qi Nian's attention caught on the perfect attendance bonus. A few thousand yuan each month just for showing up on time - her new scooter would definitely help her claim that bonus.
[I understand. Thank you, Manager Yang.]
Yang Hongbin offered a gentle smile. "Your situation is unique. If you need anything, my door is always open."
Song Qi Nian knew he was referring to her inability to speak. While she appreciated his kindness, she didn't want special treatment. She simply smiled and nodded.
[Thank you, Manager Yang.]
Meanwhile, whispers circulated through the office.
"Did you hear? The President's mute assistant is joining our department."
"Seriously? She can't even speak - how's she supposed to work here? We can't all learn sign language."
"She used to act so entitled when she had the President's favor, barely showing up for work. What's this about?"
"Girls, you won't believe what I saw in the parking lot this morning!"
The group huddled closer. "Tell us!"
"She rode in on an electric scooter!"
"How embarrassing."
"Guess President Shen finally got tired of her. That's what happens when you rely on looks alone."
"Right? A mute person thinking she can make it in Planning? Keep dreaming!"
The group's demeanor shifted instantly when Song Qi Nian emerged from the manager's office. Suddenly, their faces bloomed with welcoming smiles as they rushed to introduce themselves.
Song Qi Nian spent the entire morning responding to their forced friendliness, her cheeks aching from maintaining her polite smile.
"Secretary Song, President Shen requests your presence in his office."
Li Nanxun's announcement came as a relief. Standing before the president's office, Song Qi Nian smoothed her clothes before knocking.
"Enter."
She opened the door to find Shen Chi Yan at his desk, dressed in a black shirt and gray tie. The gray suggested contentment, perhaps from securing the Smiths' partnership. Song Qi Nian felt upbeat herself, anticipating her bonus.
Shen Chi Yan glanced up, taking in her appearance - the black professional outfit, low ponytail, and subtle makeup that gave her a fresh, capable look. His jaw tightened. He hadn't been home in days, yet here she was, seemingly unbothered. Maybe she preferred his absence.
Noticing his prolonged stare, Song Qi Nian grew self-conscious. It was her first time in professional wear, and his scrutiny made her uncertain. She steadied herself and signed:
[President Shen, you needed something?]
"The Smiths are departing for Italy at 3 PM. Come with me to see them off."
Song Qi Nian nodded, her eyes bright with expectation.
"That's all. You may go."
Song Qi Nian's face fell. He'd called her in just for that?
What about the bonus? Had he forgotten, or was he trying to back out?
"Anything else?"
Song Qi Nian pulled out a card and placed it on his desk. [I haven't used any of the money. I'm returning it to you.]
"You didn't spend anything?"
She shook her head. She'd meant to treat Daphne and Lu Yuzhu to a meal, but Lu Yuzhu had insisted on covering all expenses that day, leaving Song Qi Nian no chance to spend.
"Quite impressive," Shen Chi Yan said with a slight snort. "Managing Daphne without spending a cent."
Taking his words as praise, Song Qi Nian pressed forward, signing: [Now that I've completed the task, when will I receive the hundred thousand yuan bonus you promised?]
His dark eyes studied her. "You don't want three million, but you're asking for a hundred thousand?"
Song Qi Nian froze. Was he offering her the full three million? No—this had to be a test. On her first day in her new position, she couldn't risk antagonizing the president.
[The three million was working capital you provided. Now that the task is done, it should be returned. The hundred thousand is my promised bonus for completing the work. That's all I'm asking for.]
Her expression was earnest and composed. Shen Chi Yan couldn't tell if she was an excellent actor or if his recent exhaustion was clouding his judgment, but this woman remained unreadable.
"The bonus will be included with your salary. Now get out!"
Song Qi Nian left, finally able to breathe easier. At two, Li Nanxun dropped off a clothes bag at her desk. After changing in the restroom, Song Qi Nianf slipped quietly into the elevator heading to the parking lot.
Watching her furtive behavior, Shen Chi Yan's brows knotted tightly.
Was he really that ashamed of her?
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