Chapter 11: Eastern International

The reporters stared in bewilderment at this man who had suddenly appeared.

"You're quite adept at handling journalists," Lin Peishan remarked as they walked.

"It's nothing. I have many talents you'll discover in time," Ye Chenghuan replied with a smile.

Lin Peishan scoffed slightly and turned away.

"Good morning, President!" echoed through the hall as employees greeted her. She offered occasional nods but maintained her usual composed demeanor. Being with such a woman inevitably inflated any man's pride.

"Who's that guy? He's rather handsome."

"Could he be President Lin's lover? They seem close."

"Impossible. We've never heard of such a thing. Since when would she need a lover?"

"Don't be absurd. With her status, finding someone would be easy—but who could ever match her?"

The elevator doors opened on the 21st floor, where a tall office lady in a gray woolen dress waited. Her hair was elegantly coiled, revealing a porcelain neck. Despite the heat, her long sleeves couldn't conceal her curves. Oversized frameless glasses dominated her delicately made-up face, while flesh-toned stockings accentuated her shapely legs. She adjusted her glasses, clutching a folder—a portrait of restrained intellectuality.

Ye Chenghuan's eyes drifted to her name tag: ‌Xia Ruyan, Senior Assistant‌.

Xia Ruyan—a name as exquisite as its owner.

"Everything prepared?" Lin Peishan asked coolly.

"All arrangements are complete per your instructions," Xia Ruyan replied, maintaining precise distance as they proceeded.

Following the secretary past glass-walled offices where immaculately dressed professionals typed urgently, Ye Chenghuan noted the plush carpets and ornate crystal chandeliers. This wasn't an office—it rivaled luxury clubs.

His gaze lingered on Xia Ruyan's narrow waist and stockinged legs as they traversed a flower-lined corridor to a silent area.

The imposing red oak doors bore golden engraving: ‌PRESIDENT'S OFFICE‌.

Xia Ruyan opened the doors with a gesture. Ye Chenghuan's smile met her impassive stare.

The basketball court-sized office featured floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. A stately oak desk stood before wall-spanning bookshelves carved with Western motifs. A lily bloomed quietly at the room's center.

By the window, Lin Peishan stood like the flower itself—composed and understated. Her white blouse strained slightly at the collar, while the navy pencil skirt emphasized her curves. Black stockings sheathed her toned calves flawlessly.

"Sit," she said without turning.

Compelled by some magnetism, Ye Chenghuan settled into the leather chair as the intercom buzzed. Xia Ruyan's voice announced, "President Lin, Wu Shi requests a report."

"Send him in."

The balding, paunchy man froze upon seeing Ye Chenghuan—their last encounter at Shangri-La Hotel flashed between them. Wu Shi glared but pasted on an obsequious smile. "President Lin, you look radiant today—"

"State your business," Lin Peishan interrupted, reviewing documents.

Wu Shi lowered his voice conspiratorially. "It's about Zhao Yalin... she's plotting to usurp power!"

Lin Peishan's pen paused. "Elaborate."

"She acts like this company belongs to her! Disregarding veteran employees, making unilateral decisions... Rumor says she's embezzling funds. I suggest auditing—"

"Your source?"

"Common knowledge in the company! Just check the accounts—"

"Noted," she dismissed, resuming work.

After Wu Shi's defeated exit, Xia Ruyan entered with new reports. "The Jiangdong Land King project is approved, but new district regulations prohibit construction on Zhongjie Avenue—"

Lin Peishan scanned the documents. "The policy appeared after Jianghai Realty completed their commercial zones?"

Xia Ruyan nodded.

"Then we build Zhongjie Avenue within 24 hours. Once finished, it becomes an existing project—no policy violation."

The assistant's eyes brightened at the loophole.

"Additionally, journalist Chu Wenxuan awaits your interview—"

Lin Peishan massaged her temples. "The board meeting—"

"This interview was scheduled. Chu Wenxuan's influence could counter recent negative press."

After a beat, Lin Peishan stood. "Come," she ordered Ye Chenghuan.

The meeting room revealed a woman more striking than her TV persona—chestnut waves, a sunflower-yellow top with plaid scarf, and pencil jeans radiating sunny confidence. Chu Wenxuan's smile widened as they entered.