He hadn't expected her to bring up what had happened on the business trip first.
Shen Yi deliberately left no room for a deeper conversation.
Yuan Chen had told him to just pretend he didn't remember, but that was easier said than done.
The lingering sweetness he had just swallowed instantly turned dry in his throat.
Even Secretary Pang's gaze seemed to see through everything. That scrutinizing look was genuinely difficult to handle.
Shen Yi leaned back gently against his chair and drew his lips into a warmer yet more distant smile.
"I'm fine. But I heard you worked hard, Secretary Pang. Thanks to you, we were able to finalize the contract without a hitch."
"..."
"Thank you for all your hard work."
He brought the subject to a clean, decisive close.
At his words, Secretary Pang's eyes involuntarily flickered away. It lasted only a moment, but her gaze had clearly gone toward Yuan Chen's office.
"You're really... all right?"
"Yes, perfectly fine."
"Why? Is something wrong?"
Rather than engage in pointless maneuvering, he might as well play ignorant.
When Shen Yi turned the question back on her, Secretary Pang hastily waved her hands.
"No, I'm just glad you're all right."
She hesitated for a moment before finally turning to leave. Only after watching her return to her seat did Shen Yi duck his face slightly behind his monitor.
His hand unconsciously rose to his chest. Through his thin shirt, he could feel his heart racing.
That was rough... Shen Yi murmured to himself, his expression solemn.
After lunch, Yuan Chen went to the conference room at Headquarters to give a report.
While he presented inside, Shen Yi waited outside as usual.
As he idly passed the time, a familiar face approached him with a smile.
"Secretary Shen, don't just