The doctor's voice trailed off, caught between hesitation and fear. "Miss Lin's condition is stable, but we can't predict exactly when she'll wake up. It could be one month, two months, or even—" He stopped abruptly, silenced by Shen Chi Yan's dark, intimidating expression.
"Take good care of Qiuqiu. Contact me immediately if anything changes," Shen Chi Yan said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Understood," Yi Ming replied meekly.
Song Qi Nian knew better than to leave without Shen Chi Yan's permission. Her hope of getting her father medical parole still hung on his goodwill. When Shen Chi Yan descended the stairs, he found her slumped in a chair, looking exhausted.
Her frame seemed smaller than ever, fragile and worn. For a moment, she looked almost pitiful.
Almost.
Shen Chi Yan quickly dismissed the thought. Pitiful? Song Qi Nian? The woman was far too calculating for sympathy.
As if sensing his presence, Song Qi Nian snapped to attention. Her eyes met his, and she straightened up like a student caught off-guard by a strict teacher. Shen Chi Yan's handsome features creased in a frown. Was he really that intimidating?
A sardonic thought crossed his mind. She hadn't seemed so timid when she'd climbed into his bed last night.
"I'm meeting a business partner," he announced curtly. "You're coming with me."
Song Qi Nian blinked in surprise. Since their marriage, her grandmother had maneuvered her into the position of Shen Chi Yan's personal secretary. A role that, ironically, only seemed to increase his irritation with her.
Being a personal secretary was less about professional duties and more about managing every aspect of his life—his clothes, meals, travel arrangements. Yet, Shen Chi Yan rarely took her to business meetings. His motivations remained a mystery.
Once in the car, Shen Chi Yan immediately immersed himself in work. As a CEO who practically controlled Jinghua City's economic lifeline, he was constantly busy.
After a while, he turned his attention to Song Qi Nian. Taking in her outfit—a simple short-sleeved shirt and casual pants—he frowned. "Are you that short on money? You're dressed like you're about to clean the house."
Song Qi Nian started to respond, but Shen Chi Yan had already looked away, as if even glancing at her for too long was beneath him.
She dropped her eyes, silent. Everyone believed she had married into wealth, imagining her drowning in luxury—designer clothes, endless shopping, living the dream. The reality couldn't be more different. Her only income came from her modest company salary, which was stretched thin between her own expenses and supporting her family.
Each month, she sent money to Liu Xiaohan and her brother Song Jia Shu, who was in high school. Between review materials and tutoring classes, the expenses added up quickly.
Expensive clothes? That was a luxury she couldn't afford.
Shen Chi Yan was rarely home and knew nothing of her struggles. And she'd never tell him. Why would she? He clearly despised her, so what was the point of dressing up?
At the hotel entrance, as they exited the car, Li Nanxun was waiting with a carefully selected outfit. Shen Chi Yan's chief secretary was the polar opposite of Song Qi Nian—managing work matters with the same precision she managed her immaculate appearance. Dressed in a crisp black professional outfit, her hair pulled back in a severe ponytail, she embodied efficiency.
"Secretary Song," Li Nanxun said without a hint of warmth, "you'll be assisting President Shen today."
Song Qi Nian glanced quickly at Shen Chi Yan. His impatient expression was all the motivation she needed. She grabbed the clothes and hurried to the bathroom to change.
When she emerged, Shen Chi Yan gave her a dismissive once-over. The pale yellow dress Li Nanxun had chosen transformed her. Against the soft color, even her typically cold demeanor seemed to soften, almost glowing.
The hickeys on her neck—passionate marks from their encounter last night—were still visible.
Song Qi Nian's face burned red with embarrassment. Without makeup, she borrowed Li Nanxun's concealer, desperately trying to cover the marks. Even then, faint traces remained visible.
Shen Chi Yan's dark eyes flickered momentarily before he looked away. "Let's go."
They entered the private room, already filled with people. Song Qi Nian, unfamiliar with everyone, quietly followed Shen Chi Yan's lead.
"President Shen, we've been waiting," a man called out enthusiastically. He noticed Shen Chi Yan's gloved handshake, which made President Liang briefly uncomfortable. This Shen was becoming increasingly obsessed with cleanliness.
Then his eyes landed on Song Qi Nian. "Oh, who is this lovely girl beside President Shen?"
President Liang from the Liang Group couldn't take his eyes off her. Used to seeing provocative women, he found Song Qi Nian's sweet, obedient demeanor even more appealing.
Song Qi Nian felt uncomfortable under his invasive gaze and instinctively moved closer to Shen Chi Yan. He responded with a lazy, distant laugh, "My secretary, Song."
"Secretary Song, this is President Liang," Shen Chi Yan introduced her with a smile.
Song Qi Nian nodded politely.
Noticing her minimal response, President Liang's mood soured. "Secretary Song, are you ignoring me? Why aren't you talking?"
Song Qi Nian bit her lip. She wanted to gesture but feared he wouldn't understand.
Shen Chi Yan intervened, "My apologies, President Liang. Secretary Song is mute and cannot speak."
His defense warmed her heart. She knew she couldn't speak or navigate social situations well. Shen Chi Yan had clearly brought her to an important meeting. She couldn't appear difficult or embarrass him.
As a mute person, her only communication was through smiles.
When Song Qi Nian smiled, her eyes crinkled, adorable dimples appearing on her cheeks. Her white, neat teeth and genuine expression were disarming.
President Liang's reaction surprised her. "Mute? Mute is good! Mute is good!"
An inexplicable anger surged in Shen Chi Yan as he watched her smile.
Song Qi Nian was seated next to President Liang, with Shen Chi Yan across the room. She felt exposed and vulnerable, especially with President Liang beside her.
Initially seeming gentlemanly, President Liang's behavior quickly changed. Noticing Shen Chi Yan's apparent indifference, his hands began to wander.
Always watching Shen Chi Yan, Song Qi Nian was startled when President Liang's hand suddenly touched her leg. She jumped up instantly!
0 Comments