Chapter 13: I Need A Secretary
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
The mother and daughter are frequent customers at "Yunji."
When Song Qingluo saw her mother accompanied by Secretary Yao and a few others walking not far away, she knew that Ms. Song Yulan had brought clients again for a meal.
Miscalculation. Miscalculation.
She bumped into her mom on the first date.
Although Ms. Song has never liked to meddle in her personal affairs and she's almost been left to her own devices growing up, she might unintentionally let something slip—
For example, the fact that she doesn’t go to work for “freedom” at all.
"Qing Luo," Song Yulan walked over with a smile, then noticed Wen Ruoxian next to her and was surprised, "President Wen? You two..."
Wen Ruoxian naturally saw Song Yulan.
She was stunned at first, then she skillfully put on a professional smile, speaking before the Young Miss, "President Song, what a coincidence. I brought Miss Song here for a meal."
As soon as he said these words, the grip on the arm became noticeably tighter.
She could feel the Young Miss gritting her teeth.
Song Yulan nodded, her gaze sweeping over the tightly linked arms of the two. Wen Ruoxian suddenly realized and wanted to pull away, but Song Qingluo held on tightly, as if afraid she might run away.
They looked like a couple in love and cuddling closely.
"I've never heard Qingluo mention President Wen before. We should have a proper introduction."
Only the mother and daughter can understand the message in their eyes.
When did you meet? Do you like her? I knew something was going on...
"It's not too late."
Song Qingluo blinked nervously and glanced at the person beside her, and her gaze became as sweet as honey again, "Wen Ruoxian, my... friend."
In her imagination, she should have formally introduced Wen Ruoxian to her mother as her girlfriend. Otherwise, simply saying her name would be no different from handing over her business card.
That day will come.
Wen Ruoxian then said, "Miss Song works in our company."
"..."
Song Qingluo's smile froze at the corners of her lips.
Pedant.
Holding back the bad news and deliberately complaining.
"Works?" Song Yulan was greatly surprised, glanced at her daughter, and then exchanged a look with the secretary.
Secretary Yao felt very guilty.
The Young Miss going to work at Yisheng was something she knew about but was asked to keep it a secret.
"Mm."
Only Wen Ruoxian was calm.
Growing up to this extent, Song Qingluo rarely stepped into the building of their own company, let alone working there. She was inherently rebellious, disliking strict rules. Making her sit obediently in the office to work would be harder than stopping the Earth from spinning.
After thinking carefully, Song Yulan quickly understood that her daughter was probably going for Wen Ruoxian.
She still remembers that day when she asked for her business card in the car.
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Though they held hands, appearing close, Wen Ruoxian just addressed her as 'Miss Song' a moment ago, displaying a slightly restrained gaze and expression. This led her to surmise that her daughter was unilaterally like Wen Ruoxian but hadn't yet expressed her feelings.
No one understands a daughter better than her mother.
So…
Should she ignore or help?
"Mom," concerned about potential complications, Song Qingluo hastily excused herself, "We have work in the afternoon, and aren't you also busy?"
"Go ahead. President Wen and I need to talk," Song Yulan saw through her daughter's cautious intentions with a single glance.
“About what?"
Song Qingluo's heart skipped a beat, "If it's something, just tell me directly."
"It's work-related."
"..."
She didn't believe it.
She held onto Wen Ruoxian's arm even tighter.
Song Yulan looked at her protecting the calf, glanced at Wen Ruoxian, as if to tell her that she was being ridiculous, and said helplessly: "Will I eat your friend?"
“Fine," Song Qingluo slowly let go, "I'll wait for you on the sofa. Don't go too far or leave my sight."
She watched as Wen Ruoxian turned and walked alongside Ms. Song towards the lounge area, not taking a seat but continuing to talk while walking. From her understanding of her mother's habits, if they didn't sit down for the conversation, it probably wouldn't last very long.
She only told Shi Chuning what happened six years ago. Ms. Song didn't know about it, so she didn't have to worry about it leaking from her mouth.
Her mother should understand her.
Perhaps it was just work-related after all.
Song Qingluo thought calmly, her eyes never leaving the two figures behind.
Although they were within sight, they were far enough that no sound could be heard, so it was unknown what they were talking about.
"I didn't expect President Wen would get along with her…
After just a few sentences about work matters, Song Yulan's intentions were not merely about work. Deliberating carefully, she decided to assist her daughter, "That child, Qingluo, has her own ideas. Usually, I wouldn't intervene, but I am a bit worried about this matter."
Wen Ruoxian thought she was concerned about her daughter being bullied, "I'll try my best to take care of Miss Song and not let her suffer."
"That's not what I mean," Song Yulan smiled and shook her head, "Qingluo has been spoiled by me since childhood and is quite straightforward. I'm concerned she might not handle hardships well or might cause trouble for you. After all, running a company isn't playing house, she shouldn't be left alone.”
Wen Ruoxian casually heard the modest words, "She hasn't caused me trouble. She learns things very quickly, gets along well with colleagues, and is good in every aspect."
Wen Ruoxian casually heard the modest words, "She hasn't caused me trouble. She learns things very quickly, gets along well with colleagues, and is good in every aspect."
"Oh, what position is it?"
"Administrative department clerk."
Song Yulan nodded gently.
She is even more certain that her daughter is trying to get close to Wen Ruoxian. She knows her baby very well and will not give up until there is no result.
She smiled, appearing somewhat surprised: "Regardless of the position, settling down for experience is good. If she can be around President Wen more, I'll feel even more relieved. Let her learn more from you and be more steady."
Wen Ruoxian suddenly understood something.
It turned out that the day Song Qingluo praised her for being "down-to-earth" in front of her colleagues was a comment she got from her mother... At that time, she wondered for a while why the Young Miss thought she was down-to-earth and reliable since the two of them had never interacted before.
It is a good thing to be recognized by clients.
She also remembers when Song Qingluo was bullied by Manager Cao, she felt guilty and just wanted to exchange pleasantries and leave. However, Song Yulan insisted on handling her daughter's salary, doubling it as a tuition fee. It took some refusal before Wen Ruoxian accepted.
She had to ponder deeper.
The Song family and the industry she worked in were not in competition; on the contrary, they had a very close cooperation. Thus, she discarded her dark concerns and deepened their connections, which would benefit the company's future large projects.
Considering everything from a beneficial perspective, it wasn't that difficult to accept.
….
On the way back, Song Qingluo pestered Wen Ruoxian and kept asking questions.
"What on earth were you talking about? I don't believe it didn't involve me." She sat sideways. If Wen Ruoxian hadn't been driving, she would have pounced on her.
There was a smile on Wen Ruoxian's lips: "Mr. Song was worried that you wouldn't be able to adapt to working and would cause trouble for me. I said you weren't, and she also hopes you exercise a bit more, be a bit more steady."
She only spoke in general terms.
Song Qingluo frowned in thought, about to speak, when her phone received a message from her mother—
Revealing all the conversation details to her.
[President Wen is a decent person. I trust my judgment, so I'm also at ease letting you interact with her. However, don't get lost in romantic thoughts. Human nature is complex. If you feel uncomfortable anywhere, don't wrong yourself. Come back home.]
Song Qingluo suddenly felt delighted and replied excitedly: "[Mwah mwah mwah, I knew Mom understands me the best, love you!]
"What's making you so happy?" Wen Ruoxian wondered as she glanced at her, seeing her holding the phone, eyes squinted with laughter, revealing a row of neat, small white teeth between her lips.
Involuntarily, Wen Ruoxian was infected by her joy and started smiling too.
Song Qingluo raised her eyebrows, her gaze firmly fixed on her.
Just like a wild beast eyeing its prey.
"I won't tell you." Back at the company, there was time for a nap. Wen Ruoxian lay down on the sofa for a short while, and had a brief dream filled with Song Qingluo's predatory gaze, she woke up in a panic.
There was a weekly meeting at three o'clock.
While she was looking through relevant files, she downloaded the audio in her mailbox.
Song Qingluo named this original music "Breath".
The more she listened, the more breathless she felt.
The earphones had good sound quality, but the effect couldn't match the live performance.
Wen Ruoxian was immersed in the world of music, intoxicated with herself, recalling the stunning visual and auditory effects that night. Once absorbed, she forgot about time.
Until Xu Man came in to remind her of the meeting.
Five minutes before three o'clock, Wen Ruoxian approached the meeting room. As she was about to push the door, she overheard scolding from inside:
"Didn't I tell you to start the projector in advance? What were you doing?"
"What happened to the water on the table?"
"Have you been sleepwalking all day?"
It’s Manager Cao.
She had a premonition and opened the door──
Sure enough, Song Qingluo stood at the long table with her head lowered while being scolded, like a frost-beaten eggplant, aggrieved and pitiful. She didn't say a word in defense, and just listened silently.
Lost her pride.
Lifeless
The image of her on the stage appeared in front of her eyes and felt a pang of regret in her heart. It was like overturning the spice box, spreading a complex taste.
Wen Ruoxian frowned and stepped forward: "What's going on?"
“Ah, President Wen…” Manager Cao paused for a moment, then immediately changed her tone, “The new recruit in our department has been here for a month and still can't handle such simple tasks, ai.”
Wen Ruoxian looked at Song Qingluo.
Song Qingluo also looked at her.
That look in her eyes was clearly asking for help.
Suddenly, Wen Ruoxian remembered what she had said──
[It would be nice if you were my boss.]
And President Song’s instructions.
Her mind instantly buzzed, occupied by various emotions.
At that moment, several department managers entered the meeting room. Wen Ruoxian, with a cold expression, glanced toward the administrative department manager and calmly said, "Manager Hu, my office is short of a secretary. After the meeting, please transfer someone directly from your administrative department."
Then, she pointed at Song Qingluo.
“Get her."
Author's Note:
Wen-jiejie: Only by keeping your wife by your side can you protect her.jpg
Xiao Qingluo: (I won’t say that the pedant has been fooled again)
