Chapter 114: Have You Ever Seen President Shen's "White Moonlight"?

The moment Song Qi Nian stepped into the office, the acrid smell of cigarette smoke assaulted her senses. Shen Chi Yan sat smoking, his face etched with visible irritation.

She walked in quietly, positioning herself in front of his desk. For the first time, she found solace in her inability to speak—all she needed to do was wait for Shen Chi Yan to break the silence.

In an instant, a bottle flew toward her. Reflexively, she caught it, her fingers barely grazing the container. A closer look revealed a scar-removal cream. Confusion flickered in her eyes as she looked up at Shen Chi Yan.

His already dark expression deepened. "What's the matter? You cherish the ointment Guan Ming Xu gave you like a precious gift, but when I offer you one, suddenly you're hesitant?"

Song Qi Nian quickly shook her head. She couldn't comprehend his motivation. Was this a genuine display of concern?

The glimmer of hope in her eyes only seemed to irritate Shen Chi Yan more. "Don't read too much into this," he snapped. "I broke your previous ointment, so I'm simply replacing it."

She lowered her gaze and turned to leave, but Shen Chi Yan's cold voice stopped her. "Wait!"

Song Qi Nian pivoted back.

"Aren't you going to apply the ointment?"

[I'll do it during my lunch break—]

"Do it here," he cut her off sharply.

Apply ointment in the CEO's office during work hours? The thought alone made her freeze.

"Tch..."

Perhaps irritated by her hesitation, Shen Chi Yan abruptly stood up, pulled her to the sofa, and sat her down. He opened the ointment, scooped out a small amount with his fingertip, and began applying it to her finger.

His fingers were slightly cool, and when they touched Song Qi Nian's hand, she trembled subtly.

"Don't move!"

Though his expression remained unpleasant, his touch was surprisingly gentle.

Song Qi Nian watched him quietly. He looked exhausted, dark circles prominent beneath his eyes. Yet, he remained strikingly handsome.

How could someone look this good?

A rare sense of tranquility washed over her. If time could freeze in this moment, it would be perfect.

After finishing, Shen Chi Yan screwed the lid back on the ointment and tossed it to her. "Three times a day—don't skip."

She nodded obediently.

Today, she wore professional attire, her hair pulled back in a low ponytail. At twenty-three, her face still retained the softness of an eighteen-year-old.

Everything about her seemed delicate, especially her lips.

Shen Chi Yan's gaze lingered on those lips—so soft, so tempting to kiss. His eyes darkened.

Damn it, what was wrong with him?

Why was he feeling desire for Song Qi Nian?

He didn't like her at all!

Sensing the sudden shift in his mood, Song Qi Nian looked puzzled. Before she could react, he had already stood up and walked away, leaving her with his cold, distant back.

"Get out!"

Song Qi Nian: "…"

This man—his personality was splitting again.

Miao Zi was delighted to see Song Qi Nian and insisted on dragging her to the cafeteria for lunch as soon as noon arrived.

"Nian Nian, I've missed you! My treat today—we're having a feast!"

They went to a Thai restaurant. Mid-meal, Miao Ziai brought up Shen Yu Shu.

"Did you hear? Shen Yu Shu is getting married!"

Song Qi Nian paused. The last time she'd seen him, his grandmother had just died. How could he be marrying so quickly?

[When? And to whom?]

"I'm not sure of the details. I saw him at a mall with a woman dressed in designer brands. She wasn't attractive—pretty chubby, with a really arrogant attitude."

[He told me she's his fiancée.]

Song Qi Nian nodded, silent. Shen Yu Shu was just a distant memory now. Since they couldn't be friends, his life choices weren't her concern.

"It's ironic," Miao Ziai continued. "He was the most attractive guy in our department. I even had a crush on him briefly. Who'd have thought he'd marry someone like that in just months?"

Seeing Song Qi Nian quietly eating, Miao Ziai switched topics. "How are things with your husband?"

Song Qi Nian looked up, surprised by the sudden question.

"You're gorgeous, and our CEO is so handsome. Isn't your husband worried you might fall for him?"

She hesitated. Should she reveal Shen Chi Yan was her husband? No. Their marriage felt uncertain. What if he divorced her tomorrow? The potential humiliation stopped her.

[I love my husband,] she smiled. [I'd never cheat.]

"That's great! I'd love to meet him sometime!" Pausing, Miao Ziai added, "Don't misunderstand—I'm just curious. I want to see the man who's captured your heart."

Song Qi Nian smiled to herself. If Miao Ziai knew she saw her husband daily, what would she think?

"Oh, by the way, did you hear? Our CEO's 'white moonlight' has finally woken up."

Song Qi Nian's chopsticks paused mid-air.

"Our CEO is so devoted. Now that he's reunited with her, I wonder what our future president's wife looks like. Hey, you're the CEO's assistant. Have you seen his 'white moonlight'?"

Each word felt like a knife twisting in Song Qi Nian's heart. She pursed her lips and nodded slightly.

Really? Is she beautiful?"

Was Lin Qiu Tong beautiful?

Undoubtedly. Otherwise, Shen Chi Yan wouldn't have loved her for so long.

Miao Ziai laughed. "I knew it—our CEO must have great taste!"

Song Qi Nian remained silent, her chest constricting painfully.

"I hope the CEO gets married soon."

[Why?]

"The CEO's wedding would be a huge event for Dingsheng Group. He'd hand out big red envelopes to everyone. Once married, he'll be busy with his wife, and when he's happy, he won't bother us as much."

Song Qi Nian set down her chopsticks. [I'm full.]

Miao Ziai looked at the barely touched food. "Already? Okay, wait—I'll eat quickly."

Song Qi Nian nodded, gazing out the window at the dark, overcast sky. Lost. Sorrowful.

The day of Lin Feichi's death anniversary arrived.

A light drizzle had fallen since morning.

When Shen Chi Yan reached the Lin family home to pick up Lin Qiu Tong, grief permeated the atmosphere. Suffocatingly somber.

Ye Fanglin wept silently before Lin Feichi's photo. Lin Xing'an stood nearby, attempting to console her.

Seeing Shen Chi Yan, their expressions grew complicated, yet polite.

"President Shen, Qiu Tong is waiting in the art studio."

Shen Chi Yan nodded briefly. "My condolences," he murmured, following the servant.

At the studio door, he noticed it was slightly ajar.

Pushing it open, he stepped inside—and froze.