After they finished eating, it was still early. They had to wait until evening to go to Boundless.
They changed their plans on the spot, found an upscale foot spa, and booked a room for two, planning to get massages and then catch up on a few hours of sleep.
The therapist had barely started when Wei Zijin's head tilted to one side and she went quiet.
Her breathing was steady. She was out cold.
Wang Xiaoliang didn't disturb her. He carefully reached over for her phone, put it on silent, and set it beside him.
The screen kept lighting up.
Messages came one after another, and the calls never stopped either. He scrolled through a few. They were all invitations: meals, collaborations, attempts to get friendly.
He answered them one by one.
He gave every invitation the same response-"I'm her assistant. She's busy right now."
When someone opened with something like "Would you do me the honor?" he shot back, "She's been too busy lately. I'm afraid she won't have time."
He really wanted to add "ever" to that.
His fingers flew across the screen. The more he did this sort of brush-off work, the easier it got. Like eating, it didn't require any thought.
As he was replying, an incoming call popped up on the screen.
Director Jiang.
Wang Xiaoliang's hand stopped.
This wasn't one he could decline for her.
He hesitated for two seconds, then reached over and patted Wei Zijin's shoulder.
"Wake up. Director Jiang's calling."
Wei Zijin's mouth moved before her eyes opened. "Hmm?"
"Director Jiang. On the phone. Wake up before you answer."
Those words worked better than an alarm. Wei Zijin sat bolt upright, rubbed her face, and took the phone. She paused for another second, then cleared her throat.
"Hello, Director Jiang..."