Chapter 19: Just Give In, It’ll Be Good for Everyone...

For the first time, Xiao Sheng felt like he was being watched. Sitting across from Chen Shuyuan, he nervously tugged at his black suit jacket, trying to cover his chest muscles, which were no less impressive than Tong Tong's. With a flattering smile, he broke the awkward silence and said softly:

"Chairman Chen, although I'm strong, I'm not that kind of person..." Xiao Sheng's stammering words immediately made Chen Shuyuan burst into laughter. It wasn't exactly a full-blown laugh, but her beauty was undeniable. Her bright, autumn-like eyes lifted slightly, and she propped her chin on her hand, trying to suppress her smile. She wanted to be serious, but it was impossible as she asked:

"Did you really install surveillance in my office?"

"Guess?" Xiao Sheng's playful tone made Chen Shuyuan, who had been sitting upright, lean back slightly. Before she could "explode," Xiao Sheng continued:

"You have your privacy, and I respect that. If someone really tried to harm you under my watch, even if I filled this room with surveillance, it would only delay them by a few minutes. The outcome would still be the same. So, rest assured, I won't invade your privacy without your consent..."

"Thank you..."

"How many times is that today? How about something more tangible, like..." Just as Xiao Sheng was about to continue, he met her sharp gaze. Slowly standing up, he said with self-awareness:

"I'll get out. I understand. No need to say it—it hurts my pride..." With that, Xiao Sheng turned to leave. But just as he was about to step away, Chen Shuyuan spoke again:

"Thank you for today's intervention..." Chen Shuyuan knew why Xiao Sheng had stood up to Liu Hanming so forcefully. As the head of the massive Huaxin Group, her real troubles didn't come from the company's operations but from the scheming and infighting among the shareholders and executives.

Hearing this, Xiao Sheng turned back and placed his hands on Chen Shuyuan's desk, his expression serious as he said:

"Actually, Chairman Chen, there are some things I probably shouldn't say, but since our relationship has progressed so rapidly, and I hate to see you so stressed, I'll say a few words. You care about Huaxin, but don't they care too? Setting aside the honor and money Huaxin brings you, who has the stronger foundation once you step into society? I've seen your profile. Even if you hadn't taken over Huaxin from your mother, with your skills and education, you could still live a comfortable life as a white-collar professional. But what about them? Whether it's Liu Jiming or those old shareholders, what do they have besides their scheming? Be tougher. No matter what, you can afford to lose. I think your mother left you this vast fortune not to make you miserable and controlled but to let you live more freely than others. You can do it because you're Chen Shuyuan, one of a kind..." With that, Xiao Sheng gave her a confident smile and strode out of the office.

Xiao Sheng's words left Chen Shuyuan stunned. His blunt analysis was like a wake-up call, and she suddenly realized something. Watching Xiao Sheng's retreating figure, which seemed as confident as a boss, Chen Shuyuan felt for the first time that this guy wasn't so bad after all...

As for Liu Jiming's aggressive behavior during today's board meeting, Chen Shuyuan, who had been at a loss, now had a plan. As Xiao Sheng had said, the initiative was still in her hands, not Liu Jiming's. Regarding Liu Jiming's proposal to dismiss several key executives promoted by Chen Shuyuan, she had already made up her mind. She was the executive chairman of Huaxin, the real leader of the company.

Since Xiao Sheng took over Chen Shuyuan's security duties, even her lunch was subject to his scrutiny. Neither Chen Shuyuan nor Dai Muxue had any objections to this, as he only used a silver needle to test the food. After lunch, employees had an hour of rest. Chen Shuyuan, who maintained a strict schedule, would use this time to nap, preparing for late-night work sessions. Meanwhile, her assistant, Dai Muxue, would use this time to organize the afternoon's workflow to ensure Chen Shuyuan's efficiency.

Each department floor had a small kitchenette for employees who brought their own lunches or wanted to make tea or coffee. The 28th floor, where the top executives of Huaxin worked, had such a room in every office. After Chen Shuyuan fell into a light sleep, Dai Muxue, who had dark circles under her eyes, covered her with a blanket and headed to the kitchenette. Having stayed up all night, the woman with smooth skin and good looks was exhausted. She stood with her back to the door, grinding coffee beans...

As she stirred the milk in her cup, Dai Muxue, who was yawning repeatedly, was completely off guard. When she instinctively turned around with her coffee, she saw Xiao Sheng leaning against the doorframe, a rose clenched between his teeth, his expression full of suggestive charm...

Startled, Dai Muxue nervously patted her chest and glared at Xiao Sheng with a hint of reproach. Her eyes darted around as she said coldly:

"What's wrong with you? Can't you make some noise when you walk? What are you doing blocking the door?" Slowly pulling the rose from his mouth, Xiao Sheng licked the stem and said softly:

"I'm here to collect my winnings..." Hearing this, Dai Muxue's expression turned panicked. She stammered:

"What winnings? Move aside. A good dog doesn't block the way. I have a lot of work to do." As she spoke, she tried to sidestep Xiao Sheng, but he wasn't about to let her go. He pressed closer, his eyes glazed over as he said:

"A bet's a bet, darling. Have you forgotten the wager we made this morning?" Dai Muxue kept retreating until her back hit the kitchen counter. With nowhere else to go, she stopped and said nervously:

"You... you... how can you be so petty? It was just a joke. Why are you taking it so seriously?" As Dai Muxue spoke, Xiao Sheng's head slowly lowered. From this angle and position, he had a clear view inside her white blouse. Flustered, Dai Muxue put down her coffee and covered her collar with her hand, glaring at him as she made a last-ditch effort, raising her voice slightly:

"If you keep this up, I'll scream..."

"Go ahead. The louder you scream, the more excited I get. Sister Dai, have you forgotten my position? I'm not bound by Huaxin's rules. I hold the sword of authority given by Chairman Chen's father. What do I have to fear? Just give in. It'll be good for everyone..."