Chapter 7: Crossed Wires

Seeing Lan Nian's stubbornness,Uncle Three tried to reason with her,appealing to her emotions.He said,"Nian Nian,you're grown up.You can't be so willful.At least give it a try for a while.If your mom knew,her health would surely suffer.And your dad,may he rest in peace,wouldn't be able to rest either."

"You don't know.Xiao Wen has had a hard life since birth,with one illness after another."

He's as strong as an ox,not a trace of a sickly person.

"Because of his family's wealth,he's always on edge,constantly worried about being threatened,kidnapped,or in danger."

He lives a life of luxury and arrogance,clearly asking for trouble.

This kid is really loyal in love.After falling head over heels for a girl three years ago,he can't bring himself to look at any other girls.

Please.

After satisfying his lust,he still wants to be known as loyal.He really deserves a good beating!

So,you must help him.You should at least try for two months.Or I'll tell your mom!

Uncle Three ended the session with a stern threat and slid over a contract.After a moment's thought,Lan Nian surprisingly signed it boldly and nodded earnestly,"Alright,I'll try it for two months."

"That's the spirit!"Uncle Three gathered up the contract,his face creased with delight as his eyebrows and nose scrunched together.He joyfully pressed an intercom button and said,"Escort Miss Lan to the CEO's office!"

Ha-ha!Mission accomplished!

Now Wen will have to teach me how to play games.

...

The handsome man inside,bent over and flipping through documents,wore a simple white shirt that perfectly showcased his sunny and elegant side.The warm sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows,casting a charming golden hue over the spacious office.

The background was lush trees and a sea of flowers.

The handsome guy,focused and serious,basked in the sunny,picturesque scenery...What a beautiful scene!For a moment,Lan Nian felt like she had stepped into a TV show.

A sudden whiff of cool mint drifted into Lan Nian's nostrils, jolting her back to reality. Taking a deep breath, she lazily rapped three times on the office door.

Three soft knocks echoed through the hallway, yet the office's occupant remained completely immersed in his work, eyes glued to the desk without so much as a flinch, as though unaware of the presence outside his door.

Rat-a-tat-tat, Lan Nian rapped louder, persistence echoing in her knuckles.

"For heaven's sake, my hearing works just fine. If you've knocked, you might as well enter—need me to roll out the red carpet?" Xin Wen finally drawled, still not bothering to look up. His voice rolled low and sensual, tinged with a hint of smugness that clung to the air like cigarette smoke.

"Is this your way of fishing for a compliment on your diligence?!" Lan Nian slid her left hand casually into her jeans pocket, striking a pose of deliberate nonchalance.

"Laaann—Nian..." Xin Wen intoned her name gravely, nodding once as he casually gestured to the documents on his desk. "Please deliver these to Director Chen."

A beat passed. Then another. Still, no movement.

Reluctantly setting aside his work, Xin Wen let out a deep breath, casually twirled his swivel chair halfway around, then quirked an eyebrow at Lan Nian in mock surprise: "Haven't caught wind of my words yet?"

"Excuse me?!" Xin Wen felt an urge to hurl something across the room.

"Then could you at least brew me a coffee? I'm drained from work and need a pick-me-up!" Gritting his teeth, he managed to tamp down the simmering rage in his chest.

Still, the person in question remained motionless.

"Now what? Another issue?"

"Actually, yes. I'm not your babysitter!" Lan Nian shot back. Complaining about being exhausted bright and early—how dare he? It was obvious he'd overexerted himself last night.

"Jesus Christ," Xin Wen nearly toppled out of his chair, righting himself with a sharp jerk. "Fine then. Let's see how long you little minx can keep this up."

"Oh, and you still haven't answered my asinine question," he added, propping his chin on one hand. Since he needed a break anyway, why not amuse himself with this little hellion?

Xin Wen crooned in a strange tone, eyes half-lidded with a mischievous glint as he casually lifted the water glass from his desk. Let's see you squirm out of this one, he thought.

"Um... Oh, that idiotic question about wet dreams versus daydreams?" Lan Nian racked her brain for a moment before replying primly, "Both, thank you for asking!"

"Ugh—Pfft!" Caught completely off guard, Xin Wen spat a mouthful of water straight out.

"Damn," he cursed under his breath. I thought she'd squirm and blush… Instead… "Fine. My poor documents," Xin Wen muttered, abandoning all pretense of dignity as he slapped at the waterlogged papers in frustration. If I don't get back at her for this, I might as well slit my throat right here and now.

Once he'd tidied up, Xin Wen turned with a steely edge, assuming the stance of someone delivering an ultimatum. "Make no mistake—I'm the boss, you're the employee. If you don't start cooperating, I'll fire you on the spot."

"Music to my ears," Lan Nian blurted out without hesitation.

"Hm? That eager?" Xin Wen blinked in surprise, then a crafty smirk danced across his dark eyes like shadows chasing moonlight.

"Ah, but don't forget—you just signed a two-month probation period. We have a written agreement," Xin Wen sneered. Trying to run off after pissing me off? he seethed inwardly. You think Xinzi Corp is a fleamarket where you stroll in and out as you please? That I'm some playdough CEO you can knead any way you like?

"Precisely, President Xin," Lan Nian smiled sweetly, deftly kicking the metaphorical ball back into his court. "I'm extending you a two-month probation period as well. Fail to meet my standards, and I'll terminate your employment on the spot."

"Wait, what?!" Xin Wen froze, his eyes widening slightly. Is my hearing failing me? he wondered, unable to suppress a wry chuckle. The world truly is full of surprises.

"Fine, let's play this game to the end," Xin Wen resolved, determined to see this little hellion blush, squirm with guilt, and finally throw in the towel. He deliberately lowered his voice, a dangerous mixture of intimacy and malice coloring his words. "All right, let's get down to business. As my personal bodyguard, your duties include being at my beck and call to soothe me when I'm tired. Whether it's with physical comfort or words, well, that depends on my mood at the time..."

"Sorry, I'm not your lover," Lan Nian cut straight to the point, nipping his lascivious thoughts in the bud.

"Be on standby to attend to me whenever I'm unwell. If necessary, you'll share the same quarters to ensure my well-being..." Xin Wen ignored her retort, pressing on with his offensive.

"Sorry, I'm not your bed warmer!" Lan Nian snapped, her tone laced with irritation. That shoe I threw yesterday clearly didn't pack enough punch—how is this man's skull still so thick?

"..." Xin Wen stared daggers into her eyes, silently vowing, One day, I'll make you wear every hat: secretary, babysitter, lover, bed warmer—all rolled into one.